Real (Royal) Club de Golf de Tenerife: Located between 600 and 725 metres above sea level in the hills behind Santa Cruz, the Real Club de Golf de Tenerife enjoys a cooler (and sometimes wetter) climate than other courses on the island. The additional moisture that comes with this higher elevation gives "El Penon" (as the course is often called) a surprisingly green and lush character, reinforced by a wonderful variety of trees that line many of the tightish fairways. Pines, laurels, chestnut and stands of eucalyptus are all much in evidence, while several dry stream beds skirt alongside some holes and straddle one or two fairways. The layout is one of constant elevation change. The first five holes provide a steady climb to the highest part of the course, where a mixture of open and more tree-lined environments set the scene for the layout's middle section. Here again the holes are mainly played up and downhill, with only a few traversing the slopes laterally. The long par-5 15th starts your final descent back to the clubhouse, which is at times gentle, at others more dramatic. There are many spectacular sea and mountain views to be enjoyed along the way; one of the most scenic vistas comes at the 17th tee. The excellent and testing collection of par-3's includes the water-protected 7th and the very good 16th. With the need for accurate tee-shots and even more accurate approach play, this older style golf course still lays down an enjoyable challenge for both amateur and professional golfers alike.