Destination Golf Spain 2018 * | Page 12

Las Palmas Gran Canaria » El Cortijo El Cortijo Club de Campo was the venue for the 2002 Spanish Open, and for many other international championships such as the Peugeot Oki Tours, the Spanish Professional Seniors’ Championship, and the Spanish Professional Women’s Championship. This eighteen hole par 72 course, designed by Blake Stirling and Marco Martin, is one of the longest courses in Spain, with up to six tee-offs per hole, allowing for a range of difficulty and diversity. The greens are fast, the course has six lakes and has more than 600 palm trees, and has spectacular views of the sea that surround the island. Its quality has been recognised with a TUV certificate, and the ISO14001 for environmental management. Gran Canaria » Las Palmas There are three separate courses in and around Las Palmas city, the most famous of which is Spain’s oldest golf club, the Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, founded in 1891 is celebrating 125 years. The eighteen hole par 71 course, designed by Mackenzie Ross in 1956, is in Bandama. Alongside it is an extinct volcanic crater 800 metres in diameter and 200 metres deep, testimony to the volcanic origins of the Canary Islands, some 14 millions years ago. The course enjoys spectacular views of the top of the crater and of the sea, as well as striking ravines. It’s a relatively short course with narrow fairways, small greens and hazards throughout the course. Next to the first tee is the VIK Bandama Golf Hotel for those who wish to spend the night near the course, in which the facilities and service are first class. Gran Canaria » Salobre (New) The Salobre Golf & Resort (New Course) is a welcome addition to the Gran Canaria golf scene. This eighteen hole par 72 course has a style which also reflects the influence of North American courses. Winding through the hills and valleys of the resort, this course offers an authentic challenge to players who enjoy top quality golf whilst admiring impressive views and scenery. The resort also houses a five star Sheraton Hotel. 10 The course enjoys spectacular views of the top of the crater and of the sea, as well as striking ravines.