The popularity of Tenerife as a golf destination continues to go from strength to strength after one of its leading courses claimed a top accolade in a highly-respected new poll of Europe's best golf holes.

Golf del Sur's spectacular 211-yard par-three second hole won widespread praise after being named in Golf World magazine's latest list of its '100 Classic Golf Holes in the UK and Continental Europe.'

The collection was compiled by a panel of industry experts including golf legend Peter Alliss, top designers Martin Hawtree and David McLay Kidd and former Great Walker Cup captain Peter McEvoy, with holes being assessed on a number of categories including strategy and design, aesthetics and setting, memorability, conditioning, history and heritage and buzz factor.

Commenting on its inclusion in the list, the magazine states: “There are some great holes (at Golf del Sur) but the second is undoubtedly the best, where you play from an elevated tee to a large green with subtle borrows.

“There's a large bunker at the back of the green which, like all the traps here, is full of black, volcanic sand; to be avoided at all costs.”

Designed by Pepe Gancedo, Golf del Sur opened in 1987 and is a memorable experience for golfers, with the layout full of palm trees and giant cactus plans and players offered amazing views of Mount Teide – Spain's highest peak and the third tallest volcanic cone in the world.

Golf del Sur general manager, Asael Galindo, said: “To be included in such a prestigious list, and be named alongside some of the best courses in Europe, is a fantastic honour for us.

“The second hole is one that will live long in the memory of everyone who plays it and helps contribute to a wonderful golfing experience. It is wonderful news that a panel of some of the top figures in golf have recognised what we have to offer here, and the award can only help to raise the profile of playing golf in Tenerife.”

The accolade is the second significant boost that golf in Tenerife has received in as many months after the sunshine destination – the largest of Spain's Canary Islands – was unveiled as the host venue for the 2015 International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) for the first time in its history.

Blessed with average summer temperatures of 23⁰, more than 70km of beaches and a wide range of cultural highlights and activities both on and off the water, Tenerife offers the ideal location for a golf break.

The island features nine different and varied layouts: Buenavista in the west; Real Club de Golf de Tenerife in the north; and Golf Costa Adeje, Abama, Las Americas, Golf del Sur, Amarilla, and Los Palos in the south. Tecina Golf is a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland on the beautiful island of La Gomera.

For more information on Golf Del Sur, please visit www.golfdelsur.es. For further details on playing golf in Tenerife, go to www.webtenerife.com/golf; www.facebook.com/TenerifeGolf; or @TwiTenerifeGolf. There is also a new Tenerife Golf app available to download free.

ENDS

Information for journalists:

Press release written and distributed on behalf of Tenerife Tourism Corporation by the Azalea Group.
Tenerife Tourism Corporation
• The Tenerife Tourism Corporation is a membership led independent body, supported by the public and private sectors, which markets Tenerife overseas as a tourist destination.
• Tenerife Golf is one of its portfolio of specific brands.

ABOUT TENERIFE

FAST FACTS:

 Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, Spain, and shares capital status with the island of Gran Canaria.
 The total surface area is 2,057km2.
 Tenerife is located in the north east of the Atlantic Ocean, just over 300km off the west coast of Africa.
 It is set in a subtropical climate zone, with pleasant spring temperatures year round, and an average annual temperature of 23 degrees centigrade.
 The population is approximately 906,854.
 Tenerife boasts nearly 400km of coastline, 70 beaches and a variety of high-end resorts and boutique hotels, many of which offer leading facilities and spectacular sunset ocean views.

GOLF:

A great way to combine your stay on the Island with a rewarding activity is to enjoy some golf, whether you're an enthusiast or an expert. The spring climate of Tenerife enables you to play all year round, even in summer, when courses have special offers and the mild, pleasant climate makes this sport even more enjoyable.
Its nine original courses - including El Tecina on the nearby island of La Gomera - were all designed by renowned golf architects, making Tenerife a paradise for golfers. If you add in the vast range of supplementary attractions, including all manner of excellent golf establishments and facilities, combined with a wide variety of leisure activities, an unforgettable stay is guaranteed both on and off the green. For more details about golf in Tenerife, visit http://www.webtenerife.co.uk/tenerife-golf.htm 

GETTING THERE:

Within easy reach, Tenerife is barely a four-hour flight from the UK. Regular flights are available from many regional airports in the UK and Ireland.
Tenerife has two international airports; Reina Sofia Airport (south) and Los Rodeos Airport (north); as well as two ports, one in Santa Cruz and the other in Los Cristianos.
Visitors can plan their holiday with the help of www.webtenerife.co.uk. They can also continue their research on the ground through local tourist offices and hotels.

• High-resolution images of the golf courses in Tenerife may be downloaded for editorial purposes from
http://goo.gl/zvPZ8A 

For further information or pictures please contact Pete Simm on 01730 711920 or email petes@theazaleagroup.com.