One of the most spectacular settings of the year will greet competitors for the dual-ranking Abama Open de Canarias, which takes place at the new Abama Golf Club on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands from October 6-9.
The Abama Open de Canarias will be the fourth dual ranking event between The European Tour and the European Challenge Tour and offers a prize fund of €450,000, the third highest prize on the Challenge Tour.
The tournament’’s position on the schedule towards the end of the season will add further significance for the event as players on The European Tour jostle for places in the end of season Volvo Masters and fight for their place in the top 115 on The European Tour Order of Merit while Challenge Tour players look to climb into the all important top 20 in the Rankings.
For those outside the top 60 on the Order of Merit and therefore ineligible for the Volvo Masters, the Abama Open de Canarias will be the penultimate event of the season, as it is for the Challenge Tour coming two weeks before the Challenge Tour Grand Final.
Located in the unique setting of Guía de Isora, Abama resides on a spectacular estate atop a smooth hillside of the Teide, the highest mountain on Spanish soil. With stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by hundred year old palms, Abama, part of the Tropical Hotels Group, includes a luxury 5 star hotel, a conference and congress centre, tennis club, restaurants and bars, beach club, exclusive Wellness and Spa centre and a par 72 Championship golf course.
Designed by renowned golf course architect Dave Thomas, whose other works include The De Vere Belfry and De Vere Slaley Hall, and Melvin Villaroel, the architect of the Abama complex, the course has many holes which overlook the Atlantic Ocean and island of Gomera.
The European Tour has been a regular visitor to the Canary Islands since the first event in 1988 and the Abama Open de Canarias will be the 20th European Tour event in the Canary Islands.
Francisco Fernandez, Marketing Director of Abama, said: “It gives us enormous pleasure to welcome The European Tour and Challenge Tour players and we are sure they will enjoy our magnificent facilities and our golf course, a prime venue designed by Dave Thomas.”
Paco Sanchiz, Director of the promoters Travel-Sponsoring, said: “We are pleased to organize an event that counts towards both The European Tour and the Challenge Tour, and hosting the renowned professionals.
“We are grateful to the Government of Canary Islands, Abama and The European Tour for the confidence that they have in us. We believe that an event of this stature is a unique occasion which will contribute to the current wide offer of golf in the Canary Islands.”
Alain de Soultrait, Director, European Challenge Tour, said: “The Abama Open de Canarias is a great addition to the schedule with a significant date towards the end of the season which is sure to add to the excitement during the week. The Abama complex is unique and I know all competitors will enjoy all the superb facilities on offer.”
