Whales, dolphins and golf
Buena Vista Golf, Isla Baja, Tenerife
At the northwestern tip of Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain), you may get slightly distracted while trying to put for birdie or par. This is one of the very few golf courses in the world where whales and dolphins surface, which often raises the question: who is watching who at Buena Vista?
Buena Vista Golf, Isla Baja, Tenerife is one of the partners of the Flying Blue Golf program. The course is close to the impressive mountain range of Teno and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean. The 18 holes course was designed by Seve Ballesteros and opened in October 2003.
Buenavista Golf is situated in the district of Buenavista del Norte, that was named after the wonderful impression of the conquistadors when they first saw this part of the island. The course offers probably the best scenery in the Canaries. The contrast of the Atlantic Ocean with the majestic Macizo of Teno is spectacular. Playing golf here in these beautiful surroundings makes you experience nature in its purest form.
Proud of Seve’s work
The club management is proud of the work that the late Seve Ballesteros has done. “We feel this is a clear example of a respectful golf course embedded in its natural environment, with spectacular views and micro- reserves of endemic Canarian flora and fauna.” The pictures speak for themselves: this course is a true garden of Eden, with a lovely climate that offers ideal golf conditions with an average year round temperature of 22 degrees Celcius.
Golf is good here too. Some holes are right at the sea, with a high risk-and-reward factor: if you have the guts to hit the ball over the ocean, you will greatly improve your chances of a good score at these holes. One of the best holes of the course is the tough par 5 hole 9, with strategically placed bunkers and a waterfall.
On some (but not all) days, the course offers an interesting bonus: the view of magnificent animals paying a visit. From time to time, messages like these appear on the club’s website: “During the last weeks, we have had the privilege to view a group of almost ten whales (Roncual Tropical) and about hundred dolphins, which have been eating very close to the coastline of Buenavista Golf. Many golfers witnessed a beautiful show while playing the coastline holes.”
Club House with terraces
Buena Vista is a pleasant place to be, even after you have finished your round. The course offers a lovely modern-design Club House with bar and restaurant, with different terraces and impressive windows and views. It is well-situated in the highest and central point of the golf course and offers the visitors impressive panoramic views of the entire course, the Atlantic Ocean and the cliffs of Rural Park of Teno. A great place to ponder about your game, about the world, life in general…
