Lady Tour Pro chooses Tenerife as winter training camp

Another Lady pro golfer that’s chosen Amarilla Golf Course as her practice course whilst here in Tenerife. The lady in question is Anna Dahlberg Soderstrom a young Member of the Swedish PGA 2011 and Nordea tour player who is heading to Q school this January …

She’s having great fun practicing and playing at Amarilla Golf Course in shorts and polo shirt and says it a wonderful place to be in October as the sun shines every day.

Anna says “ All the courses I have played here in Tenerife have been fantastic, its so nice to escape from the cold and rain and come to Tenerife and enjoy my sport in such wonderful conditions… I will defiantly be back and recommend Tenerife to anyone who wants to enjoy golf in the sun”.

We here at Golfing Tenerife wish this talented young golfer good luck at Q school and she promises to keep us all updated as her career evolves .

Golfers help raise 4000 Euro for Orobal in Tenerife

An incredible achievement by the Smith family , Bill , Muriel and Paul. who are the owners of the very successful Golf Shop you see from the TF1 motorway. They have been running their “Hole in One for a holiday competition “ at Amarilla Golf Course and Adeje Golf Courses for the the last nine months and in that time have given an amazing 4000 Euros to the charity group Orobal and its an ongoing commitment.

Orobal (founded 1990) are an association for the parents of physically and mentally disabled children based in Los Christianos, where they have their own fully equipped centre for the kids and parents. When I went along on the day Bill was presenting the cheque I was shown around the centre and seen a lot of the specialist soft area furnishings that the money raised went towards paying for

The Smiths run a Holiday for a Hole in One competition,which is based at the above courses, is a 10 Euro entry fee, of which 20% goes to the Orobal charity. Even if you hit the green you receive a quality prize such as a Taylormade hat, balls, socks or pitch mark repairer but if you get a hole in one you are awarded a voucher there and then for a holiday for 2 at the 5* Adeje Gran Hotel in Costa Adeje for the following summer

So if your coming on a Golfing holiday to Tenerife this year ? If you see the “Win a holiday for a hole in One” girl at the major courses here in Tenerife please give it a go as you are safe in the knowledge 20% off your money goes to Orobal and helps kids get those special wee things that makes their life’s that little bit better.

Tenerife – a different golf option. The Mar-Y-Sol Tournament For all.

On November 30^th 2010 we celebrated the 2^nd International Mar y Sol Open 2010 at Amarilla Golf & Country Club (Tenerife). This very special event, organized by the Mar y Sol Hotel was hailed once again as a massive success.

50 competitors from across the globe fought to win the 2^nd International Mar y Sol Open 2010. Initially the tournament was to be played two days, but the torrential rain on Monday, 29^th forced the competition to be suspended. On Tuesday with the sun finally shining this integration tournament was played in superb conditions.

Love this slogan.. these guys mean it

Each of the players has an official HDC, but many of the participants cope with an additional type of handicap. Some players are visually impaired; others may be single or even double amputees, paraplegic or hemiplegic. All over the world there have been separate tournaments for golfers with different abilities. So, able-bodied golfers would play in their own competitions, golfers with impaired sight would play in a tournament together or those with missing limbs would play in another one.

This tournament brings all of the golfers together and the vagaries of the golf handicap system allow them all to compete equally in a competitive integration tournament.

I spoke with Renate Kraus, manageress of Mar y Sol Hotel and organizer of the tournament.

“We were not sure if all of the able-bodied and disabled players would want to give up the separate tournaments and play together and whether it would affect the funding but it has come together.”

“It takes many hands to put this event on and it simply would not happen without them. We have players from Spain, England, Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, Austria, Holland and as well from the Czech Republic. The able-bodied resident members of Amarilla Golf & Country Club are committed to mixing socially with and competing against disabled golfers on an equivalent competitive level.”

“All of the organizers give up a lot of time and money to make this event happen because we want to facilitate the integration of disabled players from the whole of Europe into a major event. We thank our sponsors: Titleist, TAG Heuer, Banco Santander, Sinpromi, Hotel Mar y Sol, Teralava – Centro de Terapias, Tui Vital, Condor, The Players Golf Shop, Canary Golf Federation, PBT (powergolfer.de), Cicar and Halcon Viajes.”

The President of the Canary Golf Union, Mª Luisa Forniés Fdez. del Castillo, said: “The quality of play was excellent yesterday. I watched one competitor hit his tee shot with a driver using only one extremely strong arm. A paraplegic player used the “powergolfer” sports wheelchair which allows him to stand up and chipped in from off the green straight into the hole.”

The Captain of Amarilla Golf & Country Club, Michael Baker, said: “One can not fail to be humbled by the way these extraordinary individuals overcome their disabilities to produce some exceptional golf.”

The inventor of the “powergolfer” sports wheelchair, Christian Nachtwey, explained that each golfer has to individually adapt either through special equipment or by developing their own golf swing to find a way to get the ball around the course.

Golf is a unique sports option and Mar y Sol Hotel offers in Tenerife “get into golf” courses for the disabled from January to March 2011. An experienced coach will show the wonderful world of pitching and putting to all newcomers.

The Award Ceremony took place in the afternoon at Amarilla Golf & Country Club. The winners were awarded their prizes by Renate Kraus (Manager of Mar y Sol Hotel), Michael Baker (Captain of Amarilla Golf Club) and Mª Luisa Forniés Fdez. del Castillo (President of the Canary Golf Union).

The gross winner of 2010 International Mar y Sol Open was Luis Vicente Mateu Sisternas from Spain, with a score of 22 points. The net winner was David Hill from Great Britain, with a 37-point score.

The category one winner with a 25-point score was Joan Pere Morera Castell from Spain.

The category two winner with a 32-point score was Michael Baker from Great Britain.

The category three winner with a 34-point score was Miroslav Lidinsky from the Czech Republic.

The “nearest to the pin” prize was won by Linda Williams from Great Britain.

The “longest drive – ladies” prize was won by Marjo Boissovain from Switzerland.

The “longest drive – gentlemen” prize was won by Gerhard Fuchs from Germany.

All the players were pleased about the organization of the competition and fascinated by the golf course, announcing their participation in next year’s tournament according to the motto: “Tenerife – a different golf option”

Photos of this event are available here …some very remarkable people. I had a great time in their company and hope to play as well as Photograph the event next year

Club Amigolf Tournament Costa Adeje Golf 12th Oct 2010

Amigolf Club Tenerife 6th Tournament at Costa Adeje Golf 2nd Oct

Iberostar Anthelia Hotel Golf Tournament at Las Americas Golf Course 18th Sept

You don’t want to miss this one Tenerife Golfers..

A game of golf at The championship Golf Las Americas golf course with a gala dinner at the 5 *Iberostar Anthelia Hotel Prizes for each category winners and entry into a great raffle…

The raffle prizes include a weeks holiday in Brazil, Andalusia and the Canaries at one of the Iberostars great 5 * Hotels plus many more I would like to win prizes.

I went with Amigolf to play golf against the Portuguese May 2010

Here is the video of what we got up too …The Portuguese won this time but we plan to make this an annual event..Great fun was had by all.

The Grand Final of the Tenerife and La Gomera Golf Circuit at Golf Del Sur Golf Course

 

This Saturday the 11th September sees the “Grand final” of this years golf circuit being held at Golf Del Sur Golf Course a wonderful championship course in the South of Tenerife.

 

So far this summer we have played 7 matches on the circuit covering all the major courses on Tenerife and the Island of La Gomera with an average of 140/160 players in each tournament.

The grand final at Golf del Sur will feature the top 20 from each category, playing by ranking order, in a stableford format, competing for the final placing in this years circuit.

Gentlemen                   Ladies                    Classification       

1st Category                         1st Category                  Seniors        

2nd Category                       2nd Category                Scratch

                                                  3rd Category

At the moment I am sitting 11th in category 1 and 12th in the scratch so am eligible to play in the grand final. This is the first year I have competed in the full circuit, missing only one match, I have found that the comradeship amongst the competitors fantastic as we all get to know each other moving from one tournament to the other regardless of nationality or language ( as not too many speak Scot’s ) .

The organisation at each course has been first class with all the score cards and handicaps being done in a professional manner. The sponsorship from all the participating companies has helped put the circuit into the position of the number one golf tournament in the Canaries.

If you are participating in the “Grand Final” The cost will be 50 € per person.

More information please contact  Golf Del Sur Golf Course on 0034 922 738 170 or through its website here

The Wild Geese Charity Golf Competition at Golf Del Sur Golf Course

The Wild Geese Charity Golf Competition In Aid of OROBAL Children’s Charity based right here in Tenerife.

This is one competition I would hate to miss, not only is it great fun day but you are also helping a super charity.

Friday 24^th September 2010

Golf Del Sur Tenerife : Golf Course

Individual Stapleford

Ladies and Gents Max Handicaps Gents 20

Categories 0 – 10 Ladies 28

11 – 20

Sponsor a hole or a green for 50 Euros

Donation for the day including Green Fee, Competition Fee,

Buggy, Prize, Charity Donation and Buffet is 60 Euros.

Buffet in Wild Geese from 7.00pm followed by presentations.

All enquiries phone Stef 650443061

www.thewildgeesetenerife.com

Association of Orobal

Spring Hotels Annual Golf Tournament at Las Americas Golf Course

Spring Hotels announce that their annual Golf Tournament will take place on the 25th September at Golf Las Americas. This is the third tournament organized by Spring Hotels and judging by previous years looks to be a top class event offering on course drinks and snacks and after the tournament there will be a raffle and presentation of prizes.
This is one no to be missed a great day out with some great prizes.

Join in the fun and book today

Why not make the most of it and enjoy a mini break at Springs’ award winning Hotel Arona Gran with prices starting at just 50€ per person per night on half board. Bookings can be made through our website where we offer 2 and 3 day packages including the green fee for players and accompanying persons. Please let us know your handicap and your licence number (if applicable) by putting them in the booking comments.

Should you require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us @ spring@springhoteles.com
If you would like to participate in the Tournament (without accommodation) and book the green fee only, the fee is a mere 45€ per person and can be booked directly with the Golf course here.

THE AMIGOLF MEMBERS OPEN FUN DAY

* The String * Shotgun Start *

Format :-Texas Scramble Pairs

Last year was great fun, this year will be even better

GOLF del SUR 5 September 2010

A PAIRS COMPETITION USING STRING (and clubs) !

In this tournament you add your two handicaps together take off 30%….. the number left with, you get as meters of string which you use in the game as the team chooses, All will be explained on the day

Entries to: secretaria@clubamigolf.com or  0034 922 738 170

Entries Close: 17.00 hours. Thursday 2/09,

“Hurry don’t be Left out

Corporate members 30€ Amigolf Members 35€ Non Members 40€ Aymerich members normal green fee+5 entry

Golf-Tenerife with the Tenerife Golf Shop Challenge

Abama Golf Course is Next on the Tenerife and La Gomera Circuit

Saturday 21st August 2010 sees the Golf Tenerife and La Gomera Circuit heading to the West Coast of Tenerife and on to the Abama Golf Complex. (Have a look at this website its  impressive.) The Abama Golf course is a word class facility and gives players from the circuit the chance to play the course at a greatly reduced price.

Thanks to all the sponsors for making it such a great Golf circuit

I love the Abama Golf course with great views, where ever you look, over the ocean towards a Gomera or back towards Mount Teide . It also has one of he best driving ranges and teaching areas on the island where a friend of mine PGA member Mark Pursey is the head Pro.You will need a buggy to play this course, because of the steepness of the terrain, which is included in the price.

This game counts towards the order of merit, I have just scraped into the top 20, so after this one I hope I can make it into the top 10, but whither I do so or not I have enjoyed the circuit immensely this year and met some new and some old friends along the way.

The circuit over the years has went from strength to strength due to the work put in by the Golf Association, the courses themselves and the sponsorship of the many Island based companies who all help make the day run smoothly and that all the participants have a fun day out.

The circuit this year is also open to both residents and holidaymakers alike and for just 100 Euro you get a round on the Abama championship course with buggy, presentation of prizes, refreshments and a great opportunity to mix with the locals and tourists who both have one aim in common ..to enjoy good competitive golf on a championship course in the Sun..

If your out on holiday and want to play in the event contact the Golf Clubdirectly for all the details just mention the Circuit ..Happy Golfing

August 21, Abama Golf

€ 100 per person

GRAN FINAL September 11 – Golf del Sur

€ 50 per person

The John Lowe Golf Classic at Amarilla Golf Tenerife 18th September …Still places left

The John Lowe Golf Classic is now in it’s 6th year at Amarilla Golf and Country Club, Tenerfe…Successive club captains have made it part of their charity, and members have given wonderful support, not only entering teams, but also sponsoring individual tee’s.

The day begins with team photographs, and light refreshment, before the team’s head off to their respective Tee’s, at 10am the claxon sounds, and play begins. The format is Stableford, the best 2 scores to count at each hole, drinks are provided on some tee’s, and the refreshment cart is never far away. The golf is fiercely competitive, but also very friendly, at 3pm all teams are back at the club house, and the banter begins, “How did you do” “I hit the pin on the 5th” “If we had not missed so many putt’s” and of course the team who have 90 points, and are quietly confident they are the winners.Everyone is kept entertained by a Spanish group of musicians, and the barbecue gets under way.

A charity auction is held, with some great lots to bid for, weekends in 5 star hotels, a trip to La Gomera on Fred Olsens fast cat, and many others. The day ends with the awards presentation, everything finished for 6pm. This year John Lowe will be joined by Eric Bristow and Bob Anderson, making the event a triple Legends Classic. There are places left at this time. for more information, how to enter, etc. contact John at: jloweprodart@aol.com

I won’t be playing as it clashes with the Tenerife Golf Circuit  as I am in the top 20 rankings I will be playing the circuit….

Spring Hotels have Announced Their Annual Golf Tournament 25th September 2010

Spring Hotels have a hotel close to  all the major golf courses in the South of Tenerife which makes them the perfect partner for the golf visitor and the Golf Courses alike.

Every year they hold the Spring Hotels Golf Tournament, this year its on 25 September 2010, everyone’s invited to enter  guests, holidaymakers and locals.  This year its being held at Golf Las Americas Golf Course which will be newly opened and will be in great condition .

Golf Las Americas

To make the event that little bit special, why not take advantage of a mini break at the award-winning four star Arona Gran Hotel just along the shore in Los Cristianos. Prices start at 50 Euros per person per night half board, two or three-day packages include green fees for players and accompanying persons. To book go to our website or email spring@springhoteles.com. Please add your. handicap and licence number if you have one. If you are not staying with us you can still book the green fees, 45 Euros,  direct with the course through this link.

After the golf they present the prizes and  hold a super raffle for all competitors. It’s a great day out, I wrote this from last years tournament, where I may add Wifie won an all-inclusive break at a Spring Hotel , we both had a great time with super food on our visit to the 4* Hotel so I’m hoping we win a break this year too……

Oasis Fm to hold another Golf Tournament in Tenerife

My spies tell me that due to the success of their last golf tournament held at Amarilla Golf Course Oasis Fm, the British South Tenerife based radio station, are considering holding another tournament in December this year.

I missed the last Oasis Fm tournament due to other golf commitments, not like Joe Ferguson who’s only lame excuse was that his lovely wife was in labour, but I will try this time to play in the event as they all seemed to have so much fun last time round. So if it’s on lads and December is the Date let me know so I can pencil you in …..

The Author of this New look Golf Tenerife Blog

This blog written by Sir Old Golfer ” The Golf Ambassador to Tenerife”  from his beautiful home in Tenerife overlooking the ocean in Golf Del Sur just a few minutes drive from Golf Del Sur Golf Course where he lives some 9/10 months of the year.

He also has a home on a golf course in Alloway :Ayrshire: Scotland ( Birth place of poet Robert Burns) on the famous west coast Golf area of Scotland, famous for Turnberry, Troon and Prestwick golf courses. He himself was a member of Turnberry Golf club for many years also a member of Glasgow Golf Club.

By all accounts a very handsome chap indeed !

Sir Old Golfer is a Golf sports writer who’s only interest in life at his age is to play as much golf as possible and write about it when its dark, he still plays to a 5 handicap in local club competitions most weeks and is the Golf Del Sur Golf  Club Champion 2008/2010. He spends a lot of time playing in golf tournaments on the Island and especially enjoys the Circuit Tenerife-La Gomera an event spearheaded by the Tenerife Golf Association which allows amateur players to play competitively on all the championship courses on the island.

Another hobby is photography and he enjoys covering all the local golf events and taking snaps of the small towns and villages around the beautiful island he lives on. Here is a link to his photograph albums

Just one of my Lovely Offices !

He is compiling this Blog to allow others who love Golf and Tenerife as much as he does to share his passion and times on the fairways. The older I have become the better a golfer, in my mind anyway,  I used to be !

“Should we ever meet on the fairways of life, please stop, smile and say hello as unconditionally life, is in fact far too short.”

Read my latest Golf Book : Chapter by Chapter  Here….

Have a look at my lovely pictures of Tenerife’s Golf Courses and Towns...Here

I hope you all enjoy..

Sir Old Golfer.

Heading Overseas to play Golf but this time not too far

So here  I am off again overseas to play golf, one of the drawbacks of living on an island, but this time I am really looking forward to it as I will be travelling by Fred Olsen Express ferry rather than by plane as I am going to  La Gomera , a small island off the West Coast of Tenerife, about 40 min by Olsen fast ferry.

Fred Olsen runs  the ferry service to the island from Los Cristianos in Tenerife , you may have seen their big yellow ferry’s in the harbour at Los Cristianos to San Sebastian in La Gomera,, The golf course we are going to play and hotel of Jardin Tecina is also owned and operated by Fred Olsen SL. as you  would expect from one of the Islands foremost companies both are amongst the best in the Canaries.

Don’t take my word for it have a look at the Jardin Tecina Web site and you will see the views and condition of the Golf Course are second to none with the hotel built in a village style  which complements the islands beauty but has all the requirements of the most concerning clients.

This U tube Video gives you the experience that’s only 40 min away but out of this world if you love Golf.

This is the fifth  match in the 1vTenerife and La Gomera Golf circuit is being played at the Tecina Golf Course on Saturday 7th August 2010. The circuit over the years has went from strength to strength due to the work put in by the Golf Association, the courses themselves and the sponsorship of the many Island based companies who all help make the day run smoothly and that all the participants have a fun day out.

The circuit this year is also open to both residents and holiday makers alike and for just 50 Euro you get a round at the championship course , the presentation of prizes, refreshments and a great opportunity to mix with the  locals and tourists who both have one aim in common ..to enjoy good competitive golf on a championship course in the Sun..

Hotel Jardin Tecina and Tecina Golf are offering a special rate to circuit players and partners  of just 49 Euros per person per night on a half board basis, single person supplement of 15 Euros is applicable and bookings are subject to availability.

Hotel Jardin Tecina can be contacted on 0034 902222140 or by email tecina@fredolsen.es full details are on the website www.jardin-tecina.com. If you want to book a round at Tecina Golf call 0034 902222130, email tecinagolf@fredolsen.es

Happy Golfing

August 7 – Tecina Golf

€ 50 per person

August 21, Abama Golf

€ 100 per person

GRAN FINAL September 11 – Golf del Sur

€ 50 per person

The Third of the 1VTenerife and La Gomera Golf circuit

The third of the 1vTenerife and La Gomera Golf circuit is being played at Golf Del Sur Golf Course on Saturday 10th July 2010. I will be playing and hopefully I will play a little better than I have done so far this year on the Circuit.

The circuit over the years has went from strength to strength due to the work put in by the Golf Association, the courses themselves and the sponsorship of the many Island based companies who all help make the day run smoothly and that all the participants have a great day out.

The circuit this year is also open to both residents and holidaymakers alike and for just 50 Euro you get a round at the championship course with buggy, the presentation of prizes, refreshments and a great opportunity to mix with the  locals and tourists who both have one aim in common ..to enjoy good competitive golf on a championship course in the Sun..

If your out on holiday and want to play in the event contact the Golf Club directly for all the details just mention the Circuit ..Happy Golfing

June 19 – Golf Las Americas

€ 50 per person – Registration

July 10 – Golf del Sur

€ 50 per person

July 24 – Golf Costa Adeje

€ 50 per person

August 7 – Tecina Golf

€ 50 per person

August 21, Abama Golf

€ 100 per person

GRAN FINAL September 11 – Golf del Sur

€ 50 per person

July 1st-4th 2010 Tenerife Welcomes the Ladies European Golf Tour

This years Ladies Tenerife Ladies Open, part of the Ladies European Tour, will be held at Buenavista Golf Course in the North of Tenerife on July 1st-4th. Buenavista Golf course is a beautiful setting for such a prestigious event, once again sponsored by the Canarian government and tourism dept in conjunction with the Tenerife golf association.

We can expect a full field of top class international Lady golfers including the 2009 winner Falicity Johnestone. So if you want to see how to swing a golf club properly and marvel at how a slip of a girl can knock a golf ball 50 yards past your best drive ,so effortlessly ,then this is the place you will see the best in Europe in action. Entry is free and I assure you of  super day out.. so come along and support the girls and have a great day out for all the family at Buenavista Golf Course.

Why not bring your clubs over and play the courses around the island and catch a few days of the open this summer holiday ?

Here is the beautiful Buenavista Golf Course Web site...

The Second Outing of the 1V 2010 Tenerife and La Gomera Golf Circuit

The second of the 1vTenerife and La Gomera Golf circuit is being played at las Americas Golf Course on Saturday19th June 2010.I  am very disappointed that I  won’t manage to play in this event as I’m in Scotland.This is one of the evnts I was most looking forward to playing ..Golf Las Americas is in fantastic condition with the greens rolling very fast.

The circuit over the years has went from strength to strength due to the work put in by the Golf Association, the courses themselves and the sponsorship of the many Island based companies, like Gomasper, who all help make the day run smoothly and that all the participants have a great day out.

The circuit this year is also open to both residents and holidaymakers alike and for just 50 Euro you get a round at the championship course with buggy, the presentation of prizes, refreshments and a great opportunity to mix with the  locals and tourists who both have one aim in common ..to enjoy good competitive golf on a championship course in the Sun..

Although not at this event I hope to make the others and I will miss the fellowship of my fellow Tenerife Golfers this weekend..

If your out on holiday and want to play in the event contact the Golf Club directly for all the details just mention the Circuit ..Happy Golfing

June 19 – Golf Las Americas

€ 50 per person – Registration

July 10 – Golf del Sur

€ 50 per person

July 24 – Golf Costa Adeje

€ 50 per person

August 7 – Tecina Golf

€ 50 per person

August 21, Abama Golf

€ 100 per person

GRAN FINAL September 11 – Golf del Sur

€ 50 per person

The First Golf Shop In The Tourist Area.

In these days off an economic downturn is so nice to hear of one company that’s expanding and employing more people on the island.The company in question is Going Golfing holidays based here in South Tenerife and owned by the Smith family who are ex-pats from Scotland who have been on the island some 10 years.The smiths are also the owners of the very successful Golf shop in La Chafiras, the one you see from the motorway, also the popular Hole In One for a Holiday game played on golf courses throughout Tenerife

Expansion came to mind when an empty local became available in the 5* Costa Adeje Grand hotel. The Smiths, who have  long standing business connections with the hotel group, jumped at the chance to take the lease having seen the potential for not only selling their golf course booking service, golf club hire, trolley hire and golf concierge service but also for offering upmarket Ladies Golf fashion. Director Paul said “ I thought the shop would be mainly clothing sales and course bookings but after a month of being open I have been pleasantly  surprised at the amount of clubs and iron sets we have sold “

Muriel Smith is in her element buying all the latest styles and colours for her Ladies casual clothing collection, She told me “its not just golfers we cater for in both shops, all women like to buy matching outfits on holiday” Well you can’t argue with that!

From the shop in the hotel guests or non guests can drop in and book their golf,transport and club hire  at the most competitive prices available. The shop will also act as a drop off centre for club repairs or club return.

The Costa Adeje Grand hotel shop opening Hours are 9am-1pm 4pm-8pm Mon- Fri. Sat 9am-1pm.

The Golf shop can be contacted on tel ( 0034) 922-735-808

E-mail: paul@going-golfing.com

www.going-golfing.com

Or follow them on Twitter for all their offers

Tenerife Golfing Holidays – http://twitter.com/gghtenerifegolf

Tenerife Golf Shops – http://twitter.com/tengolfshop

The IV Circuito de Tenerife and La Gomera started at Beunavista

It was 5.45 am and the alarm went off, I was in my Hotel the Las Aguilas at Puerto de la Cruz having travelled up from my home in the south the night before. The date May 15th and the first game in the Golf  Tenerife Circuito 2010 held at the beautiful Buenavista golf course in the North of the island.

Leaving the hotel I followed the coast road to the Buenavista course it was dark, cold, windy with smirry rain a big change from the weather I had left in the South the day before. As I approached the course around 7.15am the sky was becoming lighter with the temp rising a bit, but blowing a gale.

The event at Buenavista  is organised by the Tenerife golf association  and was the first of 7 tournaments held at Golf Courses throughout the island it was  oversubscribed which goes to show the popularity of the Circuito is within the golfing community here in Tenerife with around 160 players registered to play.

My tee off time was 8.05,  the 2nd group out after a three ball, I think the last tee time was around 3pm in the afternoon so a big field indeed and a lot of work for Beatriz and Jaime from the association who were on hand all day, and evening, sorting out the many problems that I’m sure did arise but were not obvious to the competitors.

I finished my game at around 12.30 so I had plenty of time to head back to the hotel in Puerto have a swim and relax as the presentation of prizes I expected to be at around 9pm. I had dinner at the hotel, as the food was excellent, met John Beckley who was staying in the same hotel and we headed back to the Golf course together for the evening reception . We arrived  just in time for the prize giving, just as well as unbeknown to John he had won his category and was presented with a lovely trophy.

I must just mention the Golf course itself, Buenavista Golf which on July 1st- 4th is holding the Tenerife Ladies Open part of the European Tour. The greens for our tournament had been hollow tined, about two weeks before, so putting for us was tricky to say the least but I understand the management and green keepers position as I am sure by the time the Tour gets there the greens will be excellent and after all these Ladies make their living playing golf.

To sum up the day my golf was not up to standard so no prizes for me this time, but I enjoyed  the day,the golf, meeting old friends and some new ones. I am looking forward to the next outing on the circuito Las Americas Golf on June the 19th, here in the South,where I am sure the weather will be much kinder to us soft Scots….

Looking for a Holiday and want to Golf in the Sun

Look no further than the Island of Tenerife this Summer… Great courses, Great weather, Great Hotels, Great nightlife, Great Restaurants, Great Flight access from Europe and beyond and most of all Welcoming people….

The Golf Courses have got together and came up with this great value for money package which will benefit all golfers of whatever ability…

Golf Las Americas Golf Course

So what’s on offer ?

The package includes 3 Green Fees at 3 different championship golf courses on the island to choose from:

Buenavista Golf

Golf Costa Adeje

Golf las Americas

Golf del Sur

Tecina Golf

Click on the courses to see their own web sites….

Players must play 3 different golf courses and these are not possible to be repeated.

Price is 135€ per player and package.

Costa Adeje Golf Course

Furthermore, package buyers will get a special extra offer :-

Package buyers can play 1 extra round at Abama Golf for a special rate of 150€ (official rate is 200€), and/or 1 extra round at Golf los Palos (9 hole) for a special price of 15€ *

* The players have to call directly to Abama Golf or/and Golf los Palos for tee times bookings and have to present the Summer Package Voucher upon arrival at the club house in order to get these special rates. Payment is upon arrival and only valid for 1 round of golf at each golf course.

For more information

circuito@isladegolf.com

(0034) 922 753 613

If you want to win the Golf package just become a fan of ..

The Tenerife Magazine  here

Zulu and Golf in Tenerife what can they possibly have in common ?

The first thing that intrigued me was the name, I mean who would call a charity that’s holding a Golf day at Costa Adeje Golf Course in Tenerife, “Ingane Yami” so I set of to Callao Salvaje on Tenerife’s West Coast to find out from the man behind the golf day South African James Beckley.

On meeting James, and his assistant Gina, the first question I had was “why the name Ingane Yami ?” “ You don’t speak Zulu then ?” James laughed and went on to explain that Ingane Yami means “My Children” In Zulu. I then got the picture, What a great name !

The reason why its such a great name is that in two words, although to many alien, it sums up the whole concept of the charity, “ My Children.” Yes we are all God’s children some born more fortunate than others in this world.

The idea behind the charity,with all the money raised, is to build a children’s village children’s. The village of  Ingane Yami will consist of 25 individual houses, each of which will be home to 6 children of varying ages and a “house mother”, thus recreating a stable family unit and enabling these vulnerable children to be brought up in a loving, Christian environment which in turn will grow leaders to take care of the future. This is not a new concept but a proven formula which has been shown to work very successfully  at Watoto Village in Uganda.

From my point of view I think it’s a great idea a game of golf at one of the premier courses on Tenerife and being able to help such a great charity at the same time.

So please ring Gina and get involved and I hope to see you at Costa Adeje Golf Course on Saturday June 5th 2010..

All proceeds from the day’s events will be donated to the Ingane Yami Children’s Village Charity. Why not become a fan of theirs on Facebook, or  follow them on Twitter and take a look at their Photos on Flickr.

The event starts at 9.00am and it promises to be a great day.

The format will be:
Pairs
2-ball better ball
Shotgun Start

Entry fee is €50 per person and this includes Buggy & Buffet
Places for this event are limited so to make sure you are registered please book early.

To reserve your entry please contact either of the following:
Email: gina@pearlygrey.com or telephone Gina on 657 628 544
Call into the Costa Adeje Golf Course or telephone them on 922 710 000

Golf Las Americas The Next Encounter

How time flies it does not seem a month since the last Amigolf tournament at Costa Adeje Golf Course but I have an Email  invitation to the next Amigolf tournament to be held at the wonderful Las Americas course on May 8th 2010.

It’s the 4th tournament in the order of merit series of Amigolf and Las Americas Golf Course is a great venue to have it at. They will have the usual 18 holes of medal play golf with two categories of handicap golf and the scratch. Members have a Very Special price which includes buggy and lunch, now how could I let that pass me by…

Las Americas is one of my favourite courses on the island .. I can’t wait ..should be a great one …..May even try to get a practice round in a day or two before…..

Have a look at this great championship course, Golf Las Americas Golf Course

A Tenerife Lad who is hoping to make it on the European Professional Golf Scene

I had the great pleasure in meeting an exciting young professional golfer who was brought up right here in Tenerife. The young man in question is James Ferraby a 19-year-old from the South of Tenerife. Born in Leeds, James came to Tenerife with his family as a two-year old and grew up here going to the Luther King School in Aldea Blanca. He left the school at 16 to pursue his dream as a professional golfer and that’s where the real story begins…

Rather than drop out of school and try to teach himself golf or get a job as a junior in a golf shop James decided, with the help of his family, to get some of the best instruction in the world by going to Hilton Head: South Carolina, USA to further both his golf and his academic future.

James went on to the Heritage Academy one of the top schools in the world for the development of golf with its tie up with the Hank Haney International junior golf academy , Hank Haney just happens to be the Instructor to the #1 Player in the World, Tiger Woods…That’s the level of instruction James has received..

James said “The Heritage Academy was a special place for me which allowed me to continue my education and practice my passion for golf every day. The day started with normal academic lessons till lunch time then the afternoons were for practicing or playing golf with gifted players, both boys and girls, from all over the world, the weekends were for practice or playing tournaments “

After graduating from college in America, James returned home to the island of Tenerife, he then turned professional in 2009. His first outing as a fully fledged Professional was at Golf Del Sur Golf Course in the October of that year at the Jimmy Golding memorial tournament where he came 4th in a very experienced field, shooting 72.70.69 over the three days. He is planning to try for his European Tour card at Q-school this September which, if successful, will entitle him to play in all PGA European Tour events and put him on track to the career he has worked towards for years.

Living on an island, he has to travel to all the major Pro tournaments throughout Europe, which is very expensive, so he is looking for sponsorship from local Tenerife business people in return he is prepared to give on course instruction or range lessons on a one to one basis. I got a 15 min round the green chipping lesson, its amazing how little pointers help your game.

He has based himself at Amarilla golf course and uses their practice facilities for up to six hours a day, six days a week, this boy means business and through hard work and dedication, I really hope he achieves it.

To contact James E-mail: –  james_giry@hotmail.com

The Tenerife Golf Clubs Interclub tournaments

Its that time of year again when the golf courses are a bit quieter and the prices have been reduced for the Summer season that the actual golf club members get together and hold their annual inter-club tournaments where members from each club play against one another at different golf clubs throughout South Tenerife in the Summer season.

Each team, from each club, consists of 16 chosen members of varying handicaps who play in pairs on a stableford better ball format giving a total of 64 players per tournament. There are four local golf clubs involved Costa Adeje, Golf Del Sur, Amarilla and Amigolf.  The first match in the series is being held at Golf Del Sur Golf Course on Tuesday 20th April here on the beautiful island of Tenerife.

The competitors will all enjoy 18 holes of golf with buggy followed by a meal in the clubhouse.Its a great way to meet and compete with fellow residents and golfers from other clubs here in the South of Tenerife. I have made a lot of friendships over the years and would not miss the inter-club competitions.

This year will be the first time Amigolf has entered a team and Sir Old Golfer has the privilege of playing for them ….

AYMERICH GOLF CLUB TOURNAMENT AT GOLF DEL SUR 17th April 2010

Another round of the Aymerish Golf Club Circuit is being played at Golf Del Sur Golf Course in Tenerife on Saturday 17th April…..All Welcome. Golfing In Tenerife will be represented By Sir Old Golfer

An individual stableford competition with three categories.

CATEGORIES:
1st GENTS  ( 0 – 18,4)
2nd GENTS  (18,5 – 26,4)
LADIES        ( 0 – 36,4)

TROPHIES:
First and Second each category
and Scratch prize.

Entry Prices

Platinum Members………………………….15€
Vocational and Corporate………………30€
Guests……………………………………………..40€

Golfing In Tenerife visits Costa Adeje Golf Course in Tenerife

Just thought I would take my camera and take a few shots of Costa Adeje golf course as I am playing here with Club Amigolf on 10th April 2010, also to have a look at the overall layout and condition. Last year Costa Adeje Golf hosted the Tenerife Ladies European Tour event to great success and has more recently been the venue for a Rod Stewart and Elton John concerts.

The director Mr Paul De Sterck was more than helpful giving me access to all areas and supplying me with a buggy to get round the course. The course is moving into low season after a very busy winter but it was surprisingly busy on the day I visited.

The course I must say was in fantastic condition and the greens have held up well over winter and were lightning fast, as was commented on by some of the players I spoke with that day.

I must also add a comment on the buffet lunch, which for research purposes only I just had to try, It’s an all you can eat set up with a large  salad bar with everything you could expect including smoked salmon to a grill area with chicken, steak and pork followed by the most delicious sweets. It was honestly some of the best food I have had at a golf club and for a set price.The lunch service on the Terrace was full with many non golfers taking advantage of the fine food on offer as the restaurant area is open to the public but the dress code must be observed.

I am immensely  looking forward to Saturdays competition and Amigolf have negotiated a special price for members to include green fee, buggy and the buffet lunch…will my waistline cope ? …you bet it will.

Los Gigantes Golf Society March Outing

Another great day out was had by the good folks of the Los Gigantes Golf Society on Sunday the 28th March.They held their monthly Golf Stableford competition with full handicap at Golf Del Sur Golf Course in Tenerife playing the Links and South courses.

They had 22 players attending with the weather being very kind to them and it turned into a fantastic day.

Afterwards they all returned to the Pilgrims Diner for the presentation.

The Landlord put on a lovely spread as usual. Many thanks to Stewart.

The monthly raffle was won by PETER BROMLEY

First place. – DAVE PRITCHARD 39 pts

Second – DAVE MORGAN 38 pts

Third – WALTER FUCHS 38 pts

Nearest the pins:

DAVE PRITCHARD, STEVE COWELL, BRADLEY GREENWOOD (2)

There were 5 winners of the 2’s competition

KEVIN SPENCE, DAVE PRITCHARD, STEVE COWELL, WALTER FUCHS,

IAN MOTTERSHEAD.

Special mention again to Bradley Greenwood our youngest Junior member who again shot a creditable 30pts and 2 nearest the pins.

Here are the pictures of the presentation of prizes

Our first dinner this year was our Easter Dinner, which was held at the Blarney Stone, where all who attended, received their Lindt chocolate Easter Bunnies.

The next competition is on SUNDAY 2^nd MAY first tee 9.30am and guests are welcome, telephone any of the names below if you would like to play or e-mail spencek@btconnect.com..

Some late news just in…

NOW ARRANGED A FIXED PRICE FOR OUR SOCIETY AT GOLF COSTA ADEJE GOLF COURSE.. A+B COURSES FOR THIS SUMMER.. ONLY €40 WALKING PLUS €20 FOR A BUGGY.THEY HAVE A LIST OF MEMBERS SO YOU JUST TELL THEM YOU ARE WITH THE LOS GIGS SOCIETYWHEN BOOKING.

The Information sheets will be in the Bamboo Bar in Los Gigantes and Pilgrims Diner and Blarney Stone in Playa de la Arena or call everyone is welcome

President : Dave Morgan : 922 86 00 45

Chairman/handicap secretary : Paul Fellows : 690 193 228

Captain for 2009/10 : Andy Willison : 922 86 75 10

Vice Captain : Ian Mottershead : 677004103

Secretary: Kevin Spence 650730337

AmiGolf at Golf Costa Adeje 10th April 2010

We just got finished a great tournament at Golf Las Americas and I get on Email an invitation to the next Amigolf tournament to be held at the wonderful Costa Adeje Golf Course on April 10th.

Its the 3rd tournament in the order of merit series of Amigolf and Costa Adeje Golf Course is a great venue to have it at. They will have the usual 18 holes of medal play golf with two categories of handicap golf and the scratch. Members have a Very Special price which includes buggy and lunch, now how could I let that pass me by…

Costa Adeje Golf I cant wait ..should be a great one …..May even try to get a practice round in a day or two before…..

Have a look at this great championship course, Costa Adeje Golf Course

The AMIGOLF Club at Las Americas Golf On Saturday 27th March 2010

On Saturday the 27th March 2010 AMIGOLF are holding their second tournament of the year at the fabulous Golf Las Americas Golf Course here in Tenerife.

AMIGOLF is a group of about 100 Spanish golfers and six European golfers who run a full program of Golf tournaments and activities throughout the year at the different golf courses on the Island of Tenerife. Sir Old Golfer had the honour of becoming the first Non –Spanish member.The Europeans have been well accepted into the club and are enjoying the fellowship of AMIGOLF and trying to learn the language although I now know most of the more colourful golfing terms in Spanish by heart !

The format for the tournament is medal play over 18 holes with two handicap categories,0 to 13 and 13.5 to 26.4 and a scratch winner. This tournament is a qualifier for the  order of merit for the years overall club winner.

I have an early tee time again! think they know I don’t like mornings, but I will be trying to get the European guys on the score sheet at this one…..

1st Tourneo Circuito Aymerich 2010 at Golf Del Sur Golf Course Tenerife

March 21st saw the first tournament  in the Aymerish  Golf Club  Circuit here at their wonderful golf facility  Golf Del Sur Golf Course in Tenerife.We had fabulous conditions, shorts were the order of the day, with the temp at 25c and very little wind so scoring was good. Golfing in Tenerife were represented by Sir Old Golfer who played off a handicap of 4 in this premier event of the season.The course was in great condition with the greens playing “true.”

Sir Old Golfer had an 8.02 tee time so almost the first group out in a field of about 90 players split into 3 categories. 0-18.4 and 18.5 –28 for males and a female category.

The view from the first tee as the sun comes up 8.02am

A very welcome sight for all competitors was the tent at the 10th tee where Aymerish golf had supplied us all with refreshments and nibbles. After the golf you were invited back to the tent to fill in your score cards and to enjoy the hospitality once more with a beer or two whilst waiting for the full field to complete their round.

It was great to see a four ball of “Youngin’s” all low handicappers and lovers of the game of golf, who behaved impeccably throughout the day, one of which won the scratch off a handicap of 6…well done to Alvaro, I’ll get you next time.. Another in the group plays off 3, wonderful  I just wish I was that age again…

The Golfers of Tomorrow !

At around 5 pm people gathered in the lounge area of the club house at Golf Del Sur for the presentation hosted by the club Directoria Maca Rodriguez and Nelly Platano .

The Winners on the day were as follows :-

1st Cat … Gonzalez Delgado,Francisco

2nd Cat…Bermudez Iglesias,Juan Car

Ladies…Watts, Carol Anne

Scratch… Hernandez Cabezuela, Alvaro

Sir Old Golfer missed the scratch by one shot, how many times does that happen.

Great day was had by all and we are all looking forward to number two in the series which is held at Golf Del Sur on the 17th of April 2010.

Some nice pictures of the day Here …..

A special mention to Spring Hoteles who gave a great raffle Prize of two nights half board, for two people, at one of their  delightful 4*Hotels in Tenerife.

Winner :  Mr Ray Dunne

Brendan Breen The New Commercial Director Of Las Americas Golf Course.

I met with Brendan, for the first time, last week at the lovely Las Americas golf course in the Centre of Las Americas in Tenerife and to be honest we could have been in a country club rather than a busy town centre golf course as its completely surrounded with palm trees and lovely colourful bougainvillea which more than blocks out any traffic noises, and now as all the construction is finished around the whole course it makes this place a little oasis for the disconcerting golfer.

We sat on the raised balcony,outside the restaurant, overlooking the 18th green in 22 degrees,  the perfect setting for our chat. Brendan  I found  to be a very approachable chap, when we met he immediately ordered the coffee, which put him in my good book’s right from the start.

We started by discussing Brendan’s past employment and the time he has been here in Tenerife. After leaving  Clonkeen College in Dublin, Ireland he joined a merchant bank and was on track to complete a career in Banking but like most things in life fate kicks in and his career path was changed.

A good golfer as a young man, playing off low single figures. Whilst at the bank he was asked one day if he would be interested in showing a group of wealthy American tourists round some of the better Golf courses in his native Ireland on behalf of the Irish tourist board as they had just started “Golf Ireland” a new initiative  to bring American golfers to Ireland. Brendan jumped at the idea, a chance to play some of the best courses on offer and get paid for it, little did they know this would change the path of his future career.

Within a few years the trips were a great success and Brendan was offered a senior position with a newly founded company to represent Canadian & American Golf Tour Operators in Ireland and the company went from strength to strength.Things went well,  very well, and profitably for the next few years as they gained a loyal, growing and repeat customer base. Then disaster struck – Lockerbie and the American bombing in Libya in 1997. After this occurrence the tap was effectively turned off as American and Canadian golfers decided it was safer to stay within their own boundaries rather than travel to Europe. The company which managed to survive the crisis still continues today but Brendan decided to leave in those dark days to find pastures new.

Tenerife was the next stop on Brendan’s career as the new Sales and Marketing Manager for a new real estate development on Golf Del Sur called Sunningdale Village which was owned by an Irish company who wanted to develop the Sales & Marketing of the business and needed a man on the ground to look after their and the owners interests, he was that man for 7 years where he settled down into local life and of coarse learned to be fluent in the Spanish language. The neighbouring complex Las Adelfas which was also Irish owned subsequently lured Brendan to work as General Manager of their Tenerife Operation for a period of 9 years.

La Gomera the picturesque island off the coast of Tenerife was the next stop on his career ladder going to work with Fred Olsen at the Jardín Tecina hotel and Golf Course as Sales Director. He spent two years there, in a job he loved, but its a small island and I’m sure island fever got to him and he returned to the mainland of Tenerife this time as Sales and Marketing director of one of the most exclusive 5* hotels in the Canary Islands, Hotel Las Madrigueras.

The Hotel Las Madrigueras is a small luxurious golf hotel overlooking Golf Las Américas golf course and as we were at the course we jumped on a golf buggy and drove across the course to the hotel,with the press of a button a gate slid open and we drove the buggy right into the heart of the hotel where I was given a tour of this stunning establishment. The owner of the hotel is the same man who owns the golf course and as with all things Santiago Puig certainly does it well and exceeds ones every expectation, 6* would not go a miss here. Brendan tells me many celebrities have stayed here from the world of show business, sports, business and politics but he was far too modest a man to name them.

That brings us to his present position as Commercial Director of Golf Las Americas golf course a stunning 18 hole golf facility in the South Of Tenerife, with an attached newly purpose built conference centre. Golf Las Americas is one of the best and busiest courses on the island of Tenerife with all the modern facilities you would expect at such a prestigious  establishment. Apart from the day to day running Brendan has to deal with the tour operators and hotel groups who send customers to the course, also in the promotion of the groups business interests both here in Tenerife and abroad attending the many golf fairs and Expos throughout Europe and  beyond.

He is also heavily involved with the Tenerife Golf Association which promotes  all of the islands golf courses and runs the premier golf tournament every year called Tenerife and La Gomera Golf Circuit. Open to all classes of players with a round  being played on each course throughout the islands and sponsored by some of the top brand names on the island and also the Tenerife government and tourist board.

Since Brendan has started at the course he has already got to work by assisting in the introduction of a new web site, also linking into the social media of Twitter and Face book, I am sure customers will see the benefits as they visit Las Americas golf course in the future. One such benefit, which I revealed , is the total closure of the golf course for two months in the summer to relay all 18 greens and practice facilities with a fantastic new grass which will do well with the watering and management systems in place at Las Americas.

Brendan added, as I was leaving, that a great inspiration in his life has been the cyclist Lance Armstrong whom he has met on several occasions. Lance brought the whole cycling team Astana to Tenerife as a winter training camp, staying of course at The Hotel Madrigueras. Lance Armstrong  a cancer survivor himself  founded a charity in 1997 called The Lance Armstrong Foundation.The LAF states that its mission is ‘to inspire and empower’ cancer sufferers and their families, under the motto “unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything”  This foundation and its founder mean a lot to Brendan.

Sir Old Golfer.

I Circuito Aymerich at Golf Del Sur Golf Course 20th March 2010

Aymerich Golf  are holding their first tournament of the year on 20th March at Golf Del Sur Golf Course : Tenerife

It will be a stableford competition with two category’s for men and one for ladies

CATEGORIES:

1st GENTS  ( 0 – 18,4)
2nd GENTS  (18,5 – 26,4)
LADIES        ( 0 – 36,4)

Trophy’s for the winners in each category  and an overall scratch prize.

PRICES:

Platinum Members…………………………15€
Vacational and Corporate………………30€
Guests……………………………………………..60€

Golfing in Tenerife plan to play in this event with Sir Old Golfer leading the challenge !

Captains Day at Golf Del Sur

Saturday sees a big day in the golfing calendar for the members and guests of The Golf del Sur golf club. We have around 8o playing in a Stableford competition over 18 holes with some great prizes for each category along with nearest the pins and longest drives.

Afterwards there is a dinner dance with  a champagne reception at the clubhouse so a chance for some to get suited and booted.

The event this year is shadowed by the loss of  the serving Captain Mr Gwyn Evans who passed away 16th November 2009 . His Vice captain stepped up to take over the role as captain. As  a tribute to Gwyn all the money raised and entry fees for the competition are going to Gwyn’s favourite charity, The White Feathers at La Chafiras

I will be playing and have invited the President and Captain of Amigolf Juan Antonio Gallindo and Jose Miguel Martin-Fdez Periquet to play with me along with Past captain of the Peanuts Golf Society Mr Jim O’ Connell. As you can see I am in exalted company so better be on my best behaviour.

I hope the weather stays kind as another storm is forecast , but as I sit here and type this its 25c outside with not a cloud in the sky, so lets hope we are lucky.

Update Here are the Photo’s from the evening dinner dance

The Los Gigantes Golf Society

Did you know that Los Gigantes has its very own golf society and it been around for some years now ? They even have their own website.

At this moment they are using Golf Del Sur Golf course as their home club but are always on the look out to get their members and guests a great deal  for a fun day out.

Their next outing is at Golf Del Sur Golf course on Sunday 28th February first tee time at 8.50am and guests are very welcome to join them. Afterwards they head back to the village for a meal and a few drinks followed by a prize giving with some great prizes for the winners

If you would like to join them and take advantage of their special green-fee rates then just telephone any of the names below :-

President : Dave Morgan : 922 86 00 45
Chairman/handicap secretary : Paul Fellows : 690 193 228
Captain for 2009/10 : Andy Willison : 922 86 75 10
Vice Captain : Ian Mottershead : 677004103
Secretary: Kevin Spence 650730337

or e-mail spencek@btconnect.com.

The Information/entry sheets are also in the Bamboo Bar in Los Gigantes and Pilgrims Diner and Blarney Stone in Playa de la Arena.

The second Ladies Carnival Golf Day at Golf Del Sur

Golf Del Sur and Buenavista golf courses are holding a series of  seven sponsored golf days especially for Lady golfers throughout the season, with the second being held yesterday 13/02/2010 at Golf Del Sur Golf Course.

It was a very special “Carnival” golf day with prizes for the competitors with the best costumes and some went out of their way to win, with some fabulous costumes, this really made this Ladies golf day a lot of fun.The two ladies pictured above won first and second prize in the costume section.

There was around 60 competitors who all enjoyed 18 holes of stableford golf,with a special green fee rate for the day, followed by a lovely dinner and prize giving . There was also a super sponsored raffle with some great prizes donated and most competitors seemed not to go home empty handed.

The winner of the category 1 Ladies was none other than Maria Luisa Fornies Fernandez del Castillo, who happens to be the President of the Canaries golf Federation, with an excellent score of 38 points from a 16 handicap. Winner of the category 2 Ladies was Jane Sykes with an incredible 41 points off of a 24 handicap… Well done to both Ladies.

The next golf day in the series will be held on March 13th at Golf Del Sur and all lady golfers are welcome just contact the Golf Del Sur reception on 0034 922 738170.

I have put  all the pictures of the day from their tee off to the prize giving on this web site…http://picasaweb.google.com/SirOldGolfer/CarnavalGolf?feat=directlink

Las Americas Golf Course to close for Major Renovation work.

A very brave and expensive decision has been taken by the owners of Golf Las Americas golf course, that is to close the golf course for two months from 1st July to the 1st September, 2010. The reason for the closure is to replace all their 18 greens and aprons along with  all the practice area greens, which is great news for their autumn/ winter customers as they will have brand new greens to play on.

They plan to use a revolutionary  grass called Paspalum Grass, the variety, sea isle 2000 for greens   http://www.paspalumgrass.com/

SeaIsle 2000 Paspalum Grass….

Was developed at the University of Georgia from a sample collected from Alden Pines Country Club in Bokeelia FL. Alden Pines is owned and operated by Stewart Bennett. SeaIsle 2000 is ideal for golf greens, tees, fairways and roughs, especially in salt-challenged environments. It’s similar to the dwarf bermudas in texture and playability when maintained at 1/8″ mowing height. With regular verti-cutting, light topdressing and periodic rolling, SeaIsle 2000 will deliver stimpmeter readings of 10 feet or more. It’s also well-suited for fairways (1/2″ to 3/4″) and roughs (1″ to 2″) and can be maintained over two-inch mowing heights for penalty roughs. It’s a grass that thrives on salt water as well you can irrigate SeaIsle 2000 using a seawater blend, or even straight ocean water with the right management practices. It also grows quite well when watered from recycled or effluent sources. As drinking water becomes more and more scarce, ocean water and these other low-quality alternative sources are going to be the only option for many golf courses.

As you can see Golf Las Americas golf course is taking the lead and planning for the future.  Water is a precious commodity here on an island with low rain fall, with a golf course using up to 1000 sq meters a day of recycled water in summer.

I wish Las Americas golf course all the best in this new endeavour and I will hopefully be following the evolution of the new greens and look forward to playing on them come September time.

Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson In Tenerife !

In 1995, Golf del Sur golf course in Tenerife hosted the Shell Wonderful World of Golf tournament and its head to head battle between Ernie Els and Phil Mickelson its again being shown on Sky sports this MONDAY 08/02/2010 AT 9.00PM.

Why not tune in and see the course I play most of my golf and the wonderful conditions we have here in Tenerife for the golfer.

A weil kent face returns to Golf Del Sur Golf Course

Dougie (the Scot’s marshal/Starter)  known to many of golfers who have played Golf Del Sur Golf course, has just returned to work today after a new hip operation which he had some 9 weeks ago here in Tenerife. Still in a little discomfort but keen to get back to work he was back on the tee at 8.00am this morning.

Notice the snow on the mountain behind yet on the course it was 25c

Must be us Scot’s were made from girders as it says in the Iron Bru advert.

Nice to see you back Dougie…….

The First International Annual ABAMA PRO-AM Golf Tournament.12th/15th Feb 2010

To celebrate its fifth anniversary,  Abama Golf and Spa Resort on the beautiful Spanish island of Tenerife is hosting the first annual ABAMA PRO-AM Golf Tournament. The tournament will take place from February 12 to February 13, 2010.

Cash prizes will be awarded to professional players and prizes for amateurs include stays at other Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world!

I love this world-class golf course, a great challenge for all skill levels. And you won’t get a better view. This resort in the Canary Islands is situated on top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The course features lakes, waterfalls and lush landscapes in addition to the amazing view of the water.

Guests can stay for three nights, five nights or seven nights, and the ABAMA PRO-AM 2010 packages include:

• Lunch at Casa Club restaurant during the 2-day tournament
• 1 dinner per person at El Mirador Restaurant (excluding beverages)
• 1 Thermal Circuit at Abama Spa per person per stay
• Complimentary 1 hour tennis court per stay
• VIP services at Abama pools and beach
• Special discounts in the Golf Pro Shop and Spa Boutique

Here are full details on the Pro Am from the Abama Web site

Here is my report on when I played Abama and what you can expect

Coming up in February 2010 here on Golfing Tenerife ….

I have some exciting things lined up this February here on Golfing in Tenerife…..starting with an interview with a long established golf pro on the island who is going out of his way to accommodate me with some tips, help and pictures. We have a full golf course review of one of the islands top courses with beautiful pictures and an interview with their general manager on how he see’s the future of Golf in Tenerife, which should be interesting.

On the restaurant review side, I have a new restaurant reviewer for the south of Tenerife and I have promised to do a review myself on a local restaurant that we use on a regular basis…Well they promised me a free beer !

The Game we play It’s Called Golf

• In primitive society, when native tribes beat the ground with clubs and yelled, it was called witchcraft; today, in civilized society, it is called golf.
• The man who takes up golf to get his mind off his work soon takes up work to get his mind off golf.
• Golf was once a rich man’s sport, but now it has millions of poor players!
• Golf is an expensive way of playing marbles.
• 
• The secret of good golf is to hit the ball hard, straight and not too often.
• There are three ways to improve your golf game: take lessons, practice constantly … or start cheating.
• An amateur golfer is one who addresses the ball twice … once before swinging, and once again, after swinging.
• Many a golfer prefers a golf cart to a caddy because it cannot count, criticize or laugh.
• Golf is a game in which the slowest people in the world are those in front of you, and the fastest are those behind.
• Golf: A five mile walk punctuated with frequent disappointments.
• There’s no game like golf: you go out with three friends, play eighteen holes, and return with three enemies.
• Golf got its name because all of the other four letter words were taken.

Manure and Golf What do they have they in common ?

Manure:  In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before the invention of commercial fertilizers, so large shipments of manure were quite common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, not only did it become heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas of course. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.
Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!

Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening
After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the instruction ‘ Stow high in transit ‘ on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term ‘ S.H.I.T ‘ , (Stow High In Transit) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.
You probably did not know the true history of this word.
Neither did I.

I had always thought it was a well used golfing term.

Just to Brighten up one’s day !

“I play golf in the low eighties,” I was telling one of the youngsters at the club yesterday.

“Wow,” said the young man, “that’s pretty impressive.”

“Not really,” I said, “Any hotter and I’d probably have a stroke.”

Happy New year from Wifie and I….

A Must Read Scottish New Year story

A Scottish man living in Tenerife calls his son in Edinburgh the day before New Year and says, “I hate to ruin your day but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; twenty six years of misery is enough.”  ‘Dad, what are you talking about?’ the son screams.  “We can’t stand the sight of each other any longer” the father says.  “We’re sick of each other and I’m sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Aberdeen and tell her.”

Frantically, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. “Like hell they’re getting divorced!” she shouts, “I’ll take care of this!”  She calls Tenerife immediately, and screams at her father “You are NOT getting divorced.  Don’t do a single thing until I get there. I’m calling my brother back, and we’ll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don’t do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?” and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wifie. ‘Sorted! They’re coming for New Year – and they’re paying their own way.’

Happy New Year to all my Readers…..

I haven’t written much in the last few months

I haven’t written much in the last few months, a break was needed, but in the New Year I fully intend to start my Golfing In Tenerife… Golfing again.

I still get a few 100 readers a day so to them and you if your a new reader

“A Very Merry Christmas and a Great New Year to you and yours”

from the Sir Old Golfer and of course long suffering Wifie.

July 2010 Ladies Tenerife Open to be held at Buenavista Golf Course.

Its has just been confirmed that this years Ladies Tenerife Ladies Open, part of the Ladies European Tour, will be held at Buenavista Golf Course in the North of Tenerife on July 1st-4th. Buenavista Golf course is a beautiful setting for such a prestigious event, once again sponsored by the Canarian government and tourism dept in conjunction with the Tenerife golf association.

We can expect a full field of top class international Lady golfers including the 2009 winner Falicity Johnestone. More on this as the year unfolds, but I for one expect to be there, maybe as last year, doing a bit on local radio.

Why not bring your clubs over and play the courses around the island and catch a few days of the open this summer holiday ?

Here is the beautiful Buenavista Golf Course Web site...