Lanzarote: Golf in the Land of Volcanoes

My husband recently offered me a golf break to Gleneagles – 3 rounds of golf, 2 nights for £700 each. I was already quaking at the cost, but then he added that the trip was in March and the 2 nights were at a budget chain hotel just outside Glasgow. At that point, the pendulum swung to a definite no.

Golf holidays come in all shapes and sizes. Often the emphasis is on playing top courses and nowadays this means that a lot of your budget is spent there. Personally, I want a bit more; a nice hotel, guaranteed winter sunshine (and warmth!) a smattering of nightlife, and something to do on my days off – so my quick visit to try out the golf in Lanzarote was a revelation.

Ok so the courses are not “top-notch” Turkey or Algarve standard, but they’re good enough, cheaper and a lot less busy. Lanzarote is more of a chilled-out golf holiday destination.

Here’s my lowdown:

The Island

Walking on the Moon:

If each of the Canary Islands has a particular personality, and Lanzarote is the quirky one. Its coastline is scattered with some glorious golden beaches, but it’s inland that the magic happens. The Fire Mountains of Timanfaya is an extraordinary UNESCO site of more than 100 volcanoes and blackened lava fields, broken up by palm-filled valleys where the grapes for the island’s excellent white wines are grown. You must take a tour and learn how it all evolved – honestly, it takes your breath away.

An Island with a Conscience:

Thanks to its most famous resident, the artist César Manrique, Lanzarote has been developed sustainably and in harmony with its surroundings.   He encouraged the island’s councils to adopt a strict set of principles that would preserve the character of the island, including: no buildings over two storeys high, no advertising hoardings, no overhead cables, and no municipal clutter. 

All new buildings would be low white sugar cube houses with dark timber doors and shutters and distinctive emerald green external paintwork, with blue paintwork allowed where the homes face the sea. Every island needs a César Manrique!

*Recommendation*
Try the local tipple, a Barraquito - coffee, banana liqueur, condensed milk and lemon zest. It's a fantastic pick-me-up after a round of golf that will set you up for the rest of the day 🤭

The Golf

There are two golf courses on the island, Costa Teguise Golf and Lanzarote Golf.  Whilst both are decent courses, I think it’s fair to say they are not in the tip-top condition you see in other holiday destinations. But they’re still good, well-designed courses which are enjoyable to play.  It’s a matter of setting your expectations at the right level.

Costa Teguise Golf

The course lies at the foot of an ancient volcano and has breathtaking views of the ocean. As I found to my cost, there’s plenty to get in your way, over 3,000 palm trees to be exact! As well as areas of ancient lava – you are actually given an old club to get out of it, if you don’t fancy using your own.

Costa Teguise was actually Seve’s favourite course in the Canaries, he used to come here and practice before The Open – which might be something to do with the strong breezes we encountered 😉.  Nevertheless it was fun to play and tricky but not impossible to score on.

Lanzarote Golf

Much more open than Costa Teguise, there are wide fairways to aim at and less hazards to negotiate. Its designer, Ron Kirby’s, aim was to adapt the original land, with its attractive undulations in keeping with the idyllic landscape of Lanzarote. (Kirby – “I want the course to be fun and enjoyable for all players but never regarded as easy”).  He’s done an excellent job!

There is also a beautiful clubhouse and terrace here to relax in post-golf and try out local dishes and drinks.

*Top Tips*

• The island is normally pretty windy throughout the year, but locals say this normally drops between September and January.
• Both courses are walkable, but if it’s hot I would recommend a buggy. I didn’t see any electric trolleys on my visit.
• I hired clubs at both courses, and they were decent women's specific clubs that I had no problems with.

Where to Stay

The two main resorts on the island that are close to the golf courses are Costa Teguise and Playa del Carmen.  We stayed in the smaller resort of Puerto Calero which is very close to Lanzarote Golf and about 25 minutes from Costa Teguise Golf. 

It’s a much quieter and smaller spot, and whilst it doesn’t have a beach, it does have a lively marina with plenty of bars, shops and restaurants. 

We stayed at Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa – which ticked all the boxes we needed:

• Adults-only
• Lovely sea-facing rooms.
• Great swimming pool and sun terrace
• Spa
• 10 minute walk to the marina

For winter golf, the Canaries really are hard to beat.  Whilst most golfers choose Tenerife or Gran Canaria, Lanzarote really is worth considering – especially if your priorities lie not just on the golf course.

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About the Author - Mary McDowall

I have worked in the golf travel industry for over 20 years, previously Tour Leading golf holidays for Solos Holidays and then as a Product Manager responsible for putting the golf trips together. I have been lucky enough to travel extensively across the fairways of Europe & beyond.

I am a member of Mill Hill Golf Club in England, and Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club in Wales, currently playing off 13.1 but dreaming of returning to single figures one day!

Mary McDowall - LinkedIn

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