Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife: course review
Located in the south-west portion, this extravagant layout is one of Tenerife's best
Tucked away in the south-west portion of Tenerife, the Ritz-Carlton Abama is chiseled into the natural volcanic landscape.
The 400-acre hotel is sheer luxury, boasting large, opulent rooms, with jaw-dropping views over the golf course. Or if you want to step up a level still, holiday makers can opt to rent one of the exquisite villas that line the fairways.
Whatever cuisine you require, they’ve got it. Whether you fancy burgers in the sports bar or sushi in the Michelin star restaurant, it's catered for. It's a feast for foodies.
From the airport, the hotel and golf course is roughly a 45-minute drive.
For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit www.monarch.co.uk
In the group of journalists on our trip, one said the Ritz-Carlton Abama is his favourite course on Tenerife, while another said they believed it was the worst course on the island.
Undoubtedly, it can polarise playing partners.
If blind shots and triple breaks aren’t your cup of tea, you’ll be scalding the layout through 18 holes.
However, if characterful courses are your bag, and fun trumps fairness for you, this course will act as a sweet shop stacked with treats.
The opening holes continue to climb the surrounding hills, seemingly forever, until you reach 315 metres above sea level, affording stunning views over the Canary Islands.
In fact, almost every hole offers tranquil panoramas, and most players will need to take a second to cool off and enjoy the view at some point, such is the test.
It’s not off the tee that most will struggle, but on the greens. Endless undulations require golfers to wield their irons with immense accuracy, if they wish to finish anywhere near the hole.
Run-off areas are often treacherously close to pins, and a flat putt is as rare as a rainy day on the island.
The contrast between green, lush fairways is in stark contrast with the dry, volcanic land.
Kept in immaculate condition, the course is lined with 25,000 palm trees and numerous waterfalls.
The back nine descends towards the clubhouse, and there are a number of plunging, blind shots into greens.
For first time players, these blind shots will require forensic planning in order to pick the right club. Shooting your handicap around this track on your virgin attempt is a fearsome feat.
After you’ve finished on the course, head to the beautiful clubhouse to enjoy stunning views over the fairways and coast.
Blind shots and undulating greens galore – the Ritz-Carlton Abama is dripping with character.
While some may bemoan the tough greens, others will enjoy this fun track, that will dissect even the best short game.
Boasting stunning vistas throughout, the course is kept in excellent condition and oozes luxury.
A tough but terrific Tenerife test that is among the best the island has to offer.
Head to the Ritz-Calrton website for more.
