THE sunshine island of Tenerife is a golfing paradise that is a mere hop, skip and a long putt away from the North East. A comparatively short flying time of four hours, and cheap flights from Newcastle, Durham Tees Valley and Leeds/Bradford airports, are tempting more and more golfers to head for the lush fairways and fast greens of this Canary Islands' gem.

Tenerife boasts nine top-class courses offering a real challenge to golfers of all abilities.

Golf North East recently tried out two of the best, Golf Costa Adeje and Golf Las Americas, within a few miles of each other near the popular resort of Playa de Las Americas in the south of the island and a short drive from Reina Sofia - or Tenerife South - airport.

Costa Adeje, opened in 1998, has already hosted the BMW Golf Cup International Final (1999), the Canaries Spanish Open (2003) and the Tenerife Ladies' Open (2005).

Indeed, Ashington's Kenneth Ferrie won his debut European Tour victory at Adeje almost five years ago with a remarkable 22 under par effort.

The par-72 Championship Course of 6,203 metres offers some spectacular holes sweeping down towards the sea, with great views of the La Gomera island.

The fairways are beautifully maintained so that the ball always sits up invitingly, the fast greens are wide and wavy, and every tree or plant on the course has its own irrigation system.

The course was expanded to 27 holes in 2001 with the nine-hole Los Lagos.

A little shorter than Adeje at 6,039 metres, but just as challenging, Golf Las Americas also opened in 1998 and has a splendid location with fine sea views, being protected from the wind by the nearby hills.

The course, impeccably presented, is watered by lakes which fall into cascades and streams, and the varied flora is attractive and colourful. Some of the holes are daunting, none more so than a par-3 of around 160 metres over an expanse of water that stretches from tee to green.

Golf in Tenerife is not inexpensive - expect to pay up to 60 euros for a round in summer and about 90 euros in winter - but the experience is worth it. The island has an average annual temperature of between 21c and 25c, with some 3,200 hours of sunshine, making it the perfect golfing destination.

It all means that Tenerife is an unbeatable year-round golf destination.

The statistics speak for themselves while this spectacular volcanic outcrop, dominated by the huge snow-capped edifice of Mount Teide, offers a highly developed tourist infrastructure.

All in all, Tenerife is a wonderful holiday destination. It's just as good for families as it is for golf breaks with your mates or, say, two couples where none-golf options are wide and varied.

The courses are certainly comparable and probably more spectacular than anything you'll find in southern Spain or the Algarve, while the hotels and natural surroundings are world-class.

And it's easy to get to - with guaranteed winter sun!

FACTFILE:

Golf Las Americas:

• Par 72 (36+36) at 6039 metres

• Golf school and practice area

• Buggies and trolleys available

• High season: Oct to April. Summer, May to Sep

• Tel: (34-22) 75 20 05

Golf Costa Adeje:

• Par 72 (36+36) plus nine-hole Los Lagos

• Three-level driving range

• Buggies and trolleys available

• Clubhouse and luxury restaurant

• Tel: (34) 922 71 00 00

(Taken from the article at Journal Live)

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