GolfKings visit to Gran Canaria

Generously sized rooms will have you never wanting to leave your chambers, though with an abundance of free activities and experiences, like yoga, aquafit, meditation, water aerobics, and of course golf! Breakfast is a delight, served buffet style, with endless options for choosing. The freshest fruit and pastries were hard to resist.

Currently 27 holes of championship golf are on offer at Salobre, with 18 at the original Old Course, and a selection of 9 holes from the New Course. This allows for different 18-hole combinations during your stay, with a great mix of holes to be found throughout. Buggies are mandatory on the New Course, with drastic changes in elevations and terrain that will test your driving off the tee and in the golf cart!

Another golf course played up in the valleys and through the volcanic ravines, made for some spectacular tee shots and approaches to the greens. A golf course that is a joy to play and has you hitting lots of different clubs from different yardages. Very undulating in places, so the compulsory buggy is appreciated. Definitely in the running for the best golf course in the Canary Islands. 

Probably the best presented golf course that I came across during my trip, Meloneras Golf was as fair a test, as it was enjoyable. Some tremendous short par 3’s to play over water and with some stunning backdrops down to the Atlantic Ocean too. The par 4s and 5s are not to be forgotten either, with some daunting tee shots over cliffs and ravines to find the fairways and the best angles into the greens. A definite must play for anyone looking to play golf in Gran Canaria.

The closest golf course to all the hotels that I visited in the area, Maspalomas Golf is a treat on the feet, played over a very level landscape, with few elevation changes. It can be walked, though opting for a buggy in the July heat was the smart move. Lots of tree lined fairways, that are still generous in size, though taper in as the holes progress, meaning anyone brave enough to hit driver needs to be accurate. I really enjoyed the round of golf here, it was a very relaxed atmosphere and the golf course offers up some great birdie chances.

Located about 1 hour from Maspalomas, you are treated to the jaw-dropping drive up to the golf course, and then you are treated to the views back down. Sometimes referred to as Bandama Golf, the name of the Volcano that it is perched on the edge of (Caldera de Bandama), it is the oldest golf course in Spain and it is very proud to name Rafa Carbrera-Belo is a member. The course is quirky in design, which lends itself to lots of fun shot making. 

Thank you

A huge thank you to my amazing hosts in Gran Canaria and generous suppliers for their incredible hospitality and treating me to a fantastic trip  - Rob.