Above: Looking back down the par 3, 8th hole with water protecting the green
It’s day two and I am standing on the elevated 1st tee of the old course at Salobre Golf. I have to say the course looks amazing, with the emerald fairways weaving their way through the dark rocks, the juxtaposition giving the course a wonderful aesthetic beauty. And like yesterday, we are up in this hills so there are some stunning views out to sea.
There are four teeing option here and from the white tees it’s a gentle opening hole at 349 yards and you can see the green from here. It seems to sit on its own with deep run-off areas so anything missing the green, especially long, is going to be punished.
Left to right: 7th, 11th and 12th holes
There are three par 3s on the opening nine holes and the first of those arrives at the 2nd. Measuring 158 yards, it is again played from an elevated tee to a green that is long and narrow and sits like an oasis of green surrounded by the dark rock.
As I make my way around I tip my hat to designer Roland Favret and his wonderful work; his clever design has given each hole an elevated teeing area, so you get to see not only the hole you are playing, but some spectacular views over the course and out to sea.
I am reluctant to pick out holes, because I feel there are no weak holes on the course. The par 3s are, like most of the holes, played from elevated tees and I think that is the way they should be designed. Players want to see their ball go into the hole if they get a hole in one, and I am sure the 8th will get a lot of mentions because of the stream and its little waterfall at the front.
Above: Stunning views at the par 3, 2nd hole
But for those who love to watch a well-struck tee shot sailing through the air down onto the fairway, then Salobre Old with its elevated tees offers some wonderful driving holes. It’s quite a drive between the clubhouse and the course, but on my way back it gave me time to reflect on yet another amazing golf course on Gran Canaria. Above: Elevated tee at the 6th with two pines showing you the line
Above: More amazing views from the elevated tee on the drivable par 4, 10th hole
