Real Las Palmas

Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas is Spain’s oldest golf club, having been established by English traders back in 1891. The ever-expanding urban sprawl of Las Palmas forced the club to move to its present location in the mid-1950s, where Philip Mackenzie Ross set out the club’s new 18-hole course.

Situated alongside the Caldera de Bandama volcanic crater (which in strict geological terms, is actually a maar and not a caldera) the course boasts fabulous views of central Gran Canaria and the northwest coastline of the island.

It’s a relatively short track which is characterised by narrow fairways, deep ravines and small greens. A round here starts by skirting along and around the old crater before the fairways head into the hills to the west then return back down to the clubhouse for the closing stretch.

Many of the putting surfaces are raised and, whilst not overly protected by bunkers, they present a real challenge to golfers who must fly their approach shot high then try to hold the green. As for the driving range, it’s one of the quirkiest anywhere, with practice shots blasted down into the old crater!

David Williams developed a master plan for the club in 2018 which has yet to be implemented. It was rumoured that work was to start in 2022 with tree removal, bunker renovation, new forward tees and the introduction of a reservoir at the top of the architect’s wish list. We’ll keep a close eye on any developments.