Golf in Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is an island of volcanic origin, almost circular in shape with the centre a mountainous massif crowned by Las Nieves peak. Its southern section is made up of sandy coastal flats, with the north more rugged, with cliffs that rise up to 1, 000 metres.

Along the seaside there are wide beaches boasting white sand, where tourists sit and sunbathe as they stare up to the mountain peaks covered with snow. Tourism is the biggest industry here so you can expect a hearty welcome wherever you go.

Accommodation is varied throughout the region and tour operators will be able to advise on the best places to stay in relation to the proximity of nearby courses. Golf is rapidly growing in popularity and its golf courses have hosted their fair share of tournaments down the line.

Although golf is generally considered to be a relatively new recreation in Gran Canaria, it actually enjoys the distinction of housing the oldest golf club in Spain. The Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas was inaugurated in 1891 on a site known as 'Lomo del Polvo', and was later transferred in 1956 to the plains of Bandama, situated close to an extinct volcano. As such, the course has wonderful views of spectacular, deep ravines and was designed by the famed course Mackenzie Ross.

There is a golf hotel sitting adjacent to the course for those who like to reside near the fairways, although if you like to plant yourself close to more 'happening' surroundings then Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital city, is just a few kilometres away. Nightlife is pretty good in these parts so you can expect to be entertained quite easily without too many complaints. You can choose from busy streets filled with locals and tourists, to quaint, hidden away dusty avenues with the odd sprinkling of restaurants and bars frequented by locals.

The choice, as they say, is yours. If you don't happen to hit the fairways during the day then you will not be short for things to see and do, as Las Palmas is buzzing with excitement. Museums, theatres, music and rich, diverse cuisine make up a wide and varied leisure product that is complemented by the chance to relax on the Las Canteras beach, in the very heart of the city.

Music, incidentally, plays a big part in the lives of Gran Canaria's people. Two of the most important musical events in Europe are held every year in the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium in Las Palmas and the Guimera Theatre in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. These festivals usually take place in the winter months. Camp de Golf Maspalomas is located on the Maspalomas Resort in an area surrounded by sand dunes and palm trees, a spot of spectacular beauty. The course, which enjoys a mild temperature in the winter months a searing heat in the summer, was designed by Mackenzie Ross and opened for play in 1968.

It is long and flat, always giving you the chance to practice all kinds of shots as you meander among stunning, Canary Island countryside. Maspalomas is also known for its fabulous beaches and desert-like dunes and virtually on the edge of the town is Costa Meloneras, a tranquil haven with a lovely sandy beach and a smattering of local restaurants and bars. Gran Canaria has something for everyone, from frantic nightlife to more peaceful settings.

The courses are beautiful and take full advantage of ideal year-round weather conditions. So, as far as sunshine golf holidays go, you simply can't go wrong.