Carlos Beautell is a crucial figure in understanding the development of Tenerife Golf. A former professional, he was part of the Challenge Tour and even played tournaments on the European Tour. The sport is part of his DNA, and he returned to his homeland to manage the Tenerife Golf brand, which represents all the golf courses in Tenerife and La Gomera, as well as 20 hotels and other golf-related companies.
From his work today, he highlights how he was able to transform his passion into a brilliant career as a golf course manager and director. His mission is to find a balance between the individual interests of the companies and the tourist destination to turn Tenerife into one of the best golf destinations in the world.
Coming from a family of golfers where his grandfather was already a golf lover, the descendants of the saga have not been left behind. Her father and uncles were already part of the Real Club de Golf de Tenerife. Her sisters continue to develop their careers, one as a teacher in Shanghai and the other competing on the Ladies European Tour.
About Tenerife Golf
What is the characteristic of Tenerife’s golf offer?
Tenerife has three main characteristics that make it unique as a quality golf destination. The first is undoubtedly the guarantee of good weather. We live an eternal spring on the island and enjoy an excellent climate. In winter, temperatures range between 18 and 23 degrees and 23 and 30 degrees in summer. Tourists who visit us have guaranteed good weather all year round, which is our main strength.
The second is the quality of the golf courses in Tenerife. We have nine golf courses, including the Tecina Golf course in La Gomera. All these fields have an excellent quality of maintenance, facilities and service. Exceptional designers also designed the courses, including Severiano Ballesteros, Dave Thomas, Donald Steel, and Pepe Gancedo.
The third characteristic to highlight is the quality of Tenerife as a tourist destination. The hotel facilities have the highest quality, with options for all budgets. Tenerife also has direct flights to all the most important cities in Europe, offering many connectivity facilities. And of course, we have many alternatives to enjoy after a round of golf such as visiting Mount Teide, beaches, all kinds of activities at sea, forests, trails, emblematic cities with cultural activities, extraordinary gastronomy, and excellent wines that are winning more and more awards around the world.
Tenerife has some of the most spectacular golf courses in Europe; how does your golf offer stand out from the rest of Europe?
As I mentioned before, the quality and design of the courses in Tenerife are fantastic, comparable to any great golf destination in the world. I would say that two main factors differentiate us from other destinations in Europe. The first is the landscape. Tenerife is a volcanic island, so it has a volcanic landscape that makes it unique. All fields are surrounded by diverse volcanic landscapes that contrast spectacularly with the grass’s green. Some have ravines, others black volcanic sand and other impressive lava mountains that delight the eyes.
The second is variety. In some destinations, all the fields are similar, and there is not much difference between them. In Tenerife, each course is different and is a different challenge. We have a parkland-like course full of trees that looks like you’re playing in Germany. We have a field that resembles links in the UK and areas full of tropical and palm trees. In addition to this variety, all courses have views of the ocean, which gives a sense of openness and peace.
What challenges await you at Tenerife Golf in the coming years?
I think there are two main challenges. On the one hand, adding one or two more fields to the island is essential. In the winter, the golf courses are complete, and there is the capacity to have one or two more classes to complement the current offer. The second challenge is maintaining the environmental sustainability of the fields and, in general, managing this growth. Sustainability is one of Tenerife’s Tourism Strategy pillars, and golf courses are increasingly aware and respectful of the environment. The challenge is to achieve environmental certificates that turn our golf destination into a world reference in this regard.
World Corporate Golf Challenge World Final in Tenerife
World Corporate Golf Challenge attracts entrepreneurs from more than 35 countries; how does Tenerife combine its tourism proposal for golf and business?
As I said, one of our goals is to bring significant events to Tenerife. These events include conferences or business events within the golf industry. One of the main reasons for hosting the WCGC World Final is to show the world the possibilities that Tenerife offers as a golf destination and MICE destination for companies that want to combine golf and their business events in a destination with all the facilities to organise an unforgettable event.
Particularities to highlight the courses that will host the World Final and Sports Legends Cup (Costa Adeje and Abama Golf)
Both courses are extraordinary and have hosted European Tour tournaments. Both have stunning views over the ocean to the west and La Gomera’s island, with paradisiacal sunsets. Both courses have an extraordinary quality of maintenance and all the necessary facilities to enjoy golf. The landscaping of the two fields is also similar, with many tropical species, palm trees and other native plants. The most significant difference between the two courses is that Abama requires a buggy to play it due to its more inclined orography, and Golf Costa Adeje can be played on foot as it is pretty flat. Both courses ensure a wonderful day of golf.
Given your experience as a golfer, what challenges await players during the World Final? What difficulties can they encounter?
Golf Costa Adeje is not a very long course, but it is pretty technical. The fairways will narrow for the tournament, and the rough will be a little higher than usual to reward accuracy from the tee to the players. Without a doubt, the biggest challenge of the course is its small Bermuda greens. Managing to stop the ball on the greens is difficult when they are firm, so players must measure their distances well and from which side of the street they can attack the flags on each hole.
Any ideas to enjoy Tenerife during the week of the World Final?
Tenerife offers many options to enjoy outside the golf course. It is impossible to enjoy them all in just four days, so I invite all participants to extend their stays several days and thus be able to enjoy everything that Tenerife offers its visitors. In order of relevance, a visit to the Teide Volcano is practically mandatory. On the island, taking an excursion to see the cetaceans that live all year round between Tenerife and La Gomera is essential. Taking a hiking hike in any of the island’s forests is another of the spectacular activities it offers. Of course, you can do any exercise at sea, such as renting a sailboat, diving, deep-sea fishing, or taking a kayak excursion.
For the more daring, there are options to jump in paragliding in various parts of the island and rent a bicycle to travel some unique tracks. Finally, it is essential to try the Canarian gastronomy, which has experienced a great revolution in recent years and taste some of its already famous wines. Many wineries offer wine tastings to visitors. Without a doubt, Tenerife has a lot to offer, and I recommend everyone to stay a few more days to enjoy it.
