Considering the mountainous, undulating terrain of the island, it’s no surprise that Gran Canaria is home to some jaw-dropping golf courses. While there are championship level tracks that will challenge even the lowest handicapper, there are also a few Gran Canaria golf courses that are suitable for the rest of us less competent players. Even total novices can turn their island holiday into a golfing one as there are plenty of places to get high-class instruction, meaning you might return from your trip with a new obsession.
Keen to tee off in the Canary Island sun? Read ahead for our guide to Gran Canaria golfing.
Golf Lessons in Gran Canaria
If you’re not an especially confident golfer, or even if you’ve never played before, Gran Canaria is a wonderful place to start your golfing journey. Perfect weather, a range of courses, and easily accessible world class instruction at your fingertips make this island a golfing mecca.
Meloneras Golf Academy, located in the Lopesan Meloneras Golf complex, is our top selection for wannabe golfers looking to learn the basics of the game, or for more seasoned players to go to for a tune up. They offer a four-day ‘Learn & Play’ course for EUR 375/person (GBP 320) which includes equipment rental, eight hours of instruction per day, on-course lessons, and video analysis so you can really get your fundamentals sorted. If you’re already a keen golfer but want some of the world class instruction that’s available here, you can also get a one-hour private lesson for EUR 60 (GBP 51).
The Best Gran Canaria Golf Courses
Anfi Tauro
Open since 2006, this challenging course is fun to walk, and mostly fun to play – as long as you can keep it fairly straight. Anfi rewards accuracy over distance, but the bigger hitters do have some holes where they can let loose – notably the second, the longest hole on the course where those with extra length can soar over the dog leg with their second shots. The main draw here is the course design, which is incredibly aesthetically pleasing, utilising the natural rolling formations of the volcanic island for some picturesque scenery. The course is also home to lakes and waterfalls, and the mountains that encase it are awe inspiring enough you won’t be too annoyed when you’ve hit your third ball into the drink.
Additional amenities include a nine–hole par-3 course, a practice area, and a large, airy clubhouse to relax with a pint in after your round. Green fees vary from EUR 80 – 120 (GBP 68 – 102) depending on the time of year, with October to April being more expensive as the conditions are much less testing thanks to lower temperatures. The par-3 course costs EUR 35 – 45 (GBP 30 – 38) per round.
Salobre Golf Resort
When it comes to Gran Canaria golf courses this complex has two of the best on the island. The Old Course is a Par 71 and has been open since the turn of the millennium. Designed by Roland Favre, it’s one of the oldest courses in Gran Canaria, which only adds to the prestige. It’s also been home to several important Spanish golf events, including the 2006 Spanish PGA and both the Women’s and Senior Spanish Golf Championships. The signature 11th hole is one to write home about: with a shot that goes over a cliff edge, it rewards bravery and good short game skills – typical of the game itself. A round here will set you back EUR 115 (GBP 98) but if you’re willing to go out a little later, twilight rounds are only EUR 63 (GBP 54).
The New Course is a bit shorter and only a Par 70, but much trickier in a lot of ways, with some arguing it’s the peak of Gran Canaria golf when it comes to testing skill level. Designed to make the most use of the unique mountainous terrain, even if you are a novice or not so confident you should give it a go: they have numerous tees to match talent levels, so even a complete beginner can have a bit of success on this incredibly hard course. The signature 5th hole is the perfect representative of this phenomenal track: a dogleg right that goes over ancient volcanic rock formations, the scary tee shot is followed by an approach into a narrow green.
A round on the New Course costs the same as the Old Course, but if you want to play both you can combine them for a reduced cost of EUR 207 (GBP 177). Regardless of how much you play, we’d recommend renting a trolley at least (EUR 12/GBP 9) because it does get hot. The Salobre Golf complex is also part of Salobre Hotel & Resort, which means it’s home to a number of swimming pools and restaurants, as well as a spa. There’s also a well-stocked pro shop, a fitting centre, and great practice facilities.
Maspalomas
More of a flat, parkland course than the other mountain-based ones on this list, Maspalomas Golf Course is nestled between the eponymous sand dunes and the sea. One of the more unique Gran Canaria golf courses because of this layout, it has everything you could want from a day on the course, including a few tricky holes and the chance to snag a few birdies.
Aside from the perfectly manicured course, they have all the practice facilities you’d need, including a range, pitching green, and a carpet-like putting green. There’s also cart, trolly, and club rental available, as well as some top-quality teaching from the pro shop if you want a game tune up. The clubhouse restaurant is worth visiting itself for the food, so if you have non-golfers in your group they can meet you there after your round.
At EUR 120/round (GBP 103) during the high season it’s not the cheapest on this list, but they have lower rates for sunrise and twilight rounds. No matter what time you play this Par 73 track, you’re bound to have a good time.
Need a bite to eat after all that golfing? Look no further than our guide to Gran Canaria’s best restaurants.
Fancy teeing off in Gran Canaria? Download the Orbzii app today to Dream, Plan, and Book your perfect golf getaway under the sun.
