Abama Golf

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is the most prestigious resort on the Canary Island of Tenerife. The terracotta citadel, built in a Moorish-style, is absolutely enchanting. With Atlantic Ocean views across to the island of La Gomera and a thrilling collection of holes, Abama is a modern European course destined for success.

The golf course at Abama Golf was originally featured on this website as a gem following a nomination by Jim McCann back in 2005. Since then, the Dave Thomas-designed 6,271-metre Abama has moved directly into our Spanish rankings and is a serious contender for a Top 100 Continental European ranking position. Jim McCann wrote the following article:

I first came across this new Dave Thomas-designed course in May 2005 when it had just opened. You’ll part with a green fee that is around double what you would pay at other courses in Tenerife but believe me, it is worth every cent for a superior golfing experience.

Up until then, I had never used a buggy on a course before but such is the terrain, with substantial changes in elevation throughout, that Abama’s GPS buggies are an absolute necessity. It’s evident that some real resources have been spent on making the course look as if it has been there for a long time – from immaculate tee boxes to velvet like greens, from lush fairways to concreted cart paths, this place has class stamped on it throughout.

There are thousands of palm trees on the property and a couple of dozen lakes strategically placed to come into play – especially on the signature par 5 10th where the elevation changes dramatically from the elevated teeing areas downhill, past lakes and waterfalls on the left and bunkers on the right, to a green doglegged on the left – simply a stunning hole that will last in the memory for a long time.

The hotel was still being constructed when I first played but it has now been built to the same 5-star luxury standard as the massive clubhouse. One of the greens was under repair when I played because there was a professional event being held soon but when I replayed the course in 2010 all the greens were in pristine condition.

The Abama Open de Canarias European Tour event was the first professional competition hosted by Abama in October 2005 and England’s John Bickerton claimed first prize after carding a four round total of 274 to win by five shots. The following year, Rikka Hakkarainan from Finland clinched her maiden victory on the Ladies European Tour in the 5th Tenerife Ladies Open, holding off Spain's Tania Elosegui Mayor by two shots.

Visiting holidaymakers who love their golf should travel the extra few kilometres from the established golfing zone around Las Americas to play here, as it is a wonderful venue for the more discerning golfer.