Dave Thomas designed Abama in 2005, a masterpiece of a golf course on the west coast of Tenerife, set on a large hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with the island of La Gomera clearly visible across the bay. The coastal views are quite stunning throughout, and the course facilities are of a high order. Abama is the golf course for the easily distinguishable, garish red, Moorish-style hotel that is run by Ritz-Carlton in signature 5 star style.

The course starts quietly with an uphill par four and then another hole of similar length dominated by new development to the left. So near are these dwellings to the fairway that the back tees are in the process of being shifted right, because any pulled drive is in real danger of ending in a swimming pool! The proximity of the properties is unfortunate, and there is further development now happening alongside the par 5 third hole, a long dogleg with water to the left.

But after this the course comes to life with a run of magnificent golf holes. Hole 4 is a 200 yard par three over water to a raised green that requires a gentle draw from the tee, 5 is a short par four to an elevated green and the 6th a scenic downhill par five framed by palm trees and the distant ocean. After this a par three at 7 plays longer than is looks from the tee to a sharp two-tier green, and two long downhill par fours complete the front nine.

The course continues to plunge downwards with a picturesque dogleg at 10 around water and then a shorter beautiful par four at 11 where the fairway turns right for a short iron downhill approach shot. The quality of the holes remains strong with a tough finish from 15. This starts with two long par fours, and then 17 is a daunting mainly uphill par five and the 18th is a worthy finishing hole. It is a straight long par four that falls from a raised tee and then rises uphill to a well-protected green, behind which is the immaculate clubhouse, obscured by pine trees.

Raised tees are a classy feature, and the course is manicured to a very high standard, although perfection was not attained on three of the greens where the grass was just a little patchy. The putting areas are often severely undulating and provide some brilliant challenges.

In my view Abama is a slick and memorable golf course even with its weighty Visitor green fee of 270 euros (including essential buggy) that is twice the average in the island. To my mind, it is the best golf course in Tenerife and possibly Number One in the Canary Islands.