Abama Golf
Tenerife golf is played on the side of a volcano, and nowhere makes more of it than Abama. Dave Thomas terraced this course into the lower slopes below Mount Teide, threading fairways between 22 lakes and waterfalls and tens of thousands of palms, with the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera filling the view from almost every tee.
Photo: Abama Golf via Google.
The verdict
Abama opened in 2005 on the warm southwest coast of Tenerife, designed by the Welsh architect and former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas across some of the most dramatic golf terrain in Europe. The land falls more than 300 metres from top to bottom, so Thomas built the course in terraces, holes stacked down the volcanic hillside with water cascading between them and the ocean always below. It is a par 72 of around 6,271 metres at the Ritz-Carlton Abama resort.
It is a resort course in the best sense, immaculately kept, walkable only with a buggy given the slopes, and as much a feast for the eye as a test for the swing. The elevation changes are severe and the lakes are everywhere, so club selection and nerve matter, but the everyday golfer will remember the views, the palms and the waterfalls as much as the score. For a winter sun golf trip in Europe, Abama is among the most spectacular rounds you can play.
Abama Golf at a glance
- Opened
- 2005
- Designer
- Dave Thomas
- Type
- Resort
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- Around 6,271 m
- Green fee
- From around €138
Design history, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the resort and course databases. Abama plays to a par 72 of around 6,271 metres down the volcanic slopes, with four par 3s, ten par 4s and four par 5s. Green fees are indicative, from around 138 euro toward 260 euro across the seasons for non residents, a shared buggy with GPS usually included. Fees change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Abama is defined by its drops. Several tee shots play from terraces high above the fairway with the Atlantic spread out below, and the par 3s in particular are vertiginous, played down to greens ringed by water with La Gomera on the horizon. There is no hole here without a view, and a handful that you will photograph before you play.
The 22 lakes are not decoration, they are the defense. Water is in play on more than half the holes, fed by waterfalls between the terraces, and with the constant elevation change judging distance is the whole game. A downhill wedge that flies the green and a long iron that comes up short can happen on the same loop, so the course rewards a cool head and a good caddie or GPS.
It is not a long course by modern standards, but the volcanic slopes, the wind off the ocean and the ever present water make it play far tougher than the card suggests. Take a buggy, take your camera and take your time, Abama is a round to savor as much as to conquer.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | A resort course at the Ritz-Carlton Abama on the southwest coast of Tenerife, open to visitors and resort guests |
| Green fee | From around 138 euro toward 260 euro for non residents across the seasons, a shared buggy with GPS usually included (indicative) |
| Booking | Book ahead in the winter high season; staying at the Ritz-Carlton Abama secures the best access and resident rates |
| On the day | A buggy course given the steep volcanic slopes, with a clubhouse, range and resort dining; caddies by arrangement |
| Getting there | On the southwest coast at Guia de Isora, around 25 minutes from Tenerife South Airport |
| Best months | A true year round course, with the European winter from November to March its peak warm weather golf season |
Access and indicative green fees verified June 2026; they change without notice, so always confirm directly before booking with the club or your trip planner. Check tee time availability.
Where to stay nearby
The Ritz-Carlton Abama sits above the course, a large luxury resort with several restaurants, beach access and a funicular down to the sea, the natural base for a golf and winter sun week on the island.
The resort towns of Costa Adeje and Playa de las Americas are a short drive south for a wider choice of hotels and dining, and Tenerife's other courses are within easy reach for those wanting more golf.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Abama Golf.
Build a Tenerife winter golf trip
We pair Abama with the best of Tenerife and the Canary Islands, book the tee times in the right order and handle the hotels and transfers from the airport. Tell us roughly when and who is traveling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Abama questions
What is the par and length of Abama Golf?
Abama is a par 72 of around 6,271 metres, with four par 3s, ten par 4s and four par 5s. It is not long by modern standards, but the volcanic slopes, wind and water make it play tougher than the card.
Who designed Abama Golf?
The course was designed by the Welsh architect and former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas and opened in 2005, terraced into the volcanic slopes below Mount Teide with 22 lakes and waterfalls.
What makes Abama so spectacular?
The land falls more than 300 metres from top to bottom, so the course is built in terraces with the Atlantic and the island of La Gomera in view from almost every hole, framed by 22 lakes, waterfalls and tens of thousands of palms.
How much does it cost to play Abama Golf?
Indicative 2026 green fees for non residents run from around 138 euro toward 260 euro across the seasons, usually including a shared buggy with GPS. Fees change by season and year, so always confirm directly before booking.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Design history, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.