Inside the host course
The Championship Test at Amarilla Golf
Ocean carries, volcanic terrain, fast greens and the ever-present Atlantic wind: Amarilla Golf is preparing a distinctive championship challenge for the 2026 International Pairs World Final.
Selected to host the defining Championship and Mixed Pairs rounds from 5-9 October 2026, the Donald Steel-designed course combines strategic golf with a setting players are unlikely to forget. Amarilla Golf takes us inside the layout, the partnership decisions it demands and the experiences awaiting qualifiers in Tenerife.
A championship course by the Atlantic
Spectacular, Strategic and Distinctly Tenerife
How would you introduce Amarilla Golf to an international player arriving for the first time?
Amarilla Golf describes itself as one of the Canary Islands' most iconic courses. Donald Steel used the natural contrasts of the site to combine championship golf, Atlantic views and a volcanic landscape rarely experienced elsewhere. The course also has a strong competitive pedigree, having staged the Tenerife Open on the European Tour shortly after opening.
Its location makes the surroundings part of the golf. The coastline, changing wind and rugged terrain influence shots and decisions from the first tee to the final putt, giving each round a character that feels unmistakably Tenerife.
"The natural surroundings are part of every shot and every decision."
Amarilla Golf · 2026 Championship Venue
Why it suits a World Final
Variety, Infrastructure and International Access
What makes Amarilla Golf well suited to a major international amateur championship?
Almost every hole has its own identity. Rather than rewarding power alone, the layout asks players to select the correct lines, control distance and adapt to changing conditions. That makes the course competitive while remaining enjoyable for amateur golfers with different playing styles.
Tournament infrastructure includes a driving range, chipping and putting greens close to the first tee, a separate nine-hole Pitch & Putt course, and a clubhouse, restaurant and panoramic terrace. For international travel, the course is approximately 10 to 15 minutes from Tenerife South Airport.
Where will the course place its greatest demands on the World Final field?
The test is deliberately balanced. Players will need sound decisions from the tee, precision with approach shots and confidence on and around fast, tournament-quality greens. The coastal wind places added pressure on distance control, while narrow landing areas and strategically positioned penalty areas reward placement over unnecessary risk.
"Course management is likely to be the decisive factor. Amarilla Golf rewards patience, discipline and thoughtful decision-making."
Better Ball Stableford
How Pairs Can Play It Smart
Amarilla Golf believes the most successful partnerships will understand when to protect the score and when to create an attacking opportunity.
Secure Position
One partner can choose the percentage line, find the playing area and establish a score before the second player takes on more risk.
Choose the Moment
The coastal par 3s may invite flag-hunting, but centre-green targets can be the smarter choice when the crosswind strengthens.
Avoid Double Risk
Better Ball rewards intelligent teamwork. Pairs should avoid both players taking on the same unnecessary risk at the same time.
The holes players will remember
From the Ocean Carry to Amarilla's Amen Corner
Signature challenge
The 8th
A spectacular par 3 played from a cliff edge across the Atlantic. Prevailing wind, the ocean carry and a protected green make it as demanding as it is photogenic.
Decisive stretch
Holes 11-14
Amarilla Golf's own “Amen Corner” combines wind, undulating fairways and demanding greens. It culminates in the stroke-index-one 14th.
Coastal pressure
The 15th
Another key ocean-side test where club selection, positioning and partnership discipline can matter more than raw distance.
What is the biggest mistake a first-time player can make?
Underestimating the wind and the importance of positioning from the tee. Holes near the coastline can be heavily influenced by the breeze, while narrower fairways punish overly ambitious lines. Strategy frequently matters more than raw power.
What is the best advice before the first competitive round?
Never assume the same club will work every day. Players should prepare more than one option and make their final choice after assessing the wind on the tee. Amarilla Golf also recommends spending time on the practice greens and, where possible, using the nine-hole Pitch & Putt course to become familiar with green speed and local conditions.
October championship conditions
Prepared for the World Final
What conditions can competitors expect during World Final week?
Amarilla Golf expects the course to be presented in outstanding condition after its intensive summer maintenance programme. October is typically one of Tenerife's most pleasant golf months, with average temperatures around 21°C and generally limited rainfall.
The Atlantic breeze remains the variable players must respect. Its direction and strength can change through the day, influencing club selection and the way the same hole plays from one round to the next.
More than a championship
A Complete Tenerife Experience
For Amarilla Golf, hosting the World Final is an opportunity to share the island's golf, hospitality and natural character with players from different countries and cultures.
San Miguel de Abona offers two championship courses and a nine-hole Pitch & Putt in a compact golf hub, complemented by hotels, local gastronomy, coastal attractions and Amarilla Marina.
Explore Teide National Park and Tenerife's volcanic landscapes.
Discover local wines, including producers such as Altos de Trevejos.
Enjoy sailing, fishing, water sports or marine-life excursions.
Walk the coastal promenade connecting Los Abrigos and Amarilla Golf.
Amarilla Golf in brief
The Quick Round
Describe the course in three words
Sustainability. Innovation. Tradition.
Which hole will players remember?
The iconic 8th, played across the Atlantic from a cliff-edge tee.
What will test partnerships most?
The ocean-side holes and the demanding stretch from the 11th to the 14th.
What matters more than power?
Wind awareness, tee-shot positioning, patience and disciplined course management.
"Keep believing, keep competing and enjoy the journey. Those who earn their place in Tenerife will experience something truly special."
Race to Amarilla Golf
The 2026 International Pairs World Final takes place in Tenerife from 5-9 October. Amarilla Golf will host the Championship and Mixed Pairs fields as qualifying pairs from around the world compete for the title.
Interview responses supplied by Amarilla Golf. Photography from the supplied Amarilla Golf venue library; original filenames credit Sergio Villalba. Responses have been edited lightly for article length and clarity without changing their meaning.