Revitalization Efforts for Golf del Sur in San Miguel de Abona

Plans are underway to rejuvenate Golf del Sur, a prominent area in San Miguel de Abona, which has faced challenges in recent years. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to revitalize the region, which has seen a significant decline in activity and investment since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Golf del Sur has been largely inactive since the pandemic began, with around 20 hectares of land left unused. The local government is currently working on a Programme of Action for Urban Environment (PAMU), which is now open for public consultation. This plan aims to address the issues that have plagued the area and to restore its status as a key tourist destination.

On September 3, 2025, the Tenerife Environmental Evaluation Commission (CEAT) announced a 45-day window for both authorities and the public to provide feedback on the draft plan along with its Strategic Environmental Document. This consultation period is crucial for gathering insights and opinions that could shape the future of Golf del Sur.

Decline of Golf Facilities

The original design of Golf del Sur included three nine-hole courses: North, Links, and South. However, following the lockdown in 2020, only the North and Links courses reopened, while the South course has remained closed and has not returned to service. This situation has rendered approximately 200,000 square meters inactive in a key tourist area, leading to deterioration and creating an urban void amidst a tourist-residential zone. The lack of maintenance and activity has not only affected the golf facilities but has also had a ripple effect on local businesses and the community.

Unfulfilled Development Plans

This region is part of the El Guincho Partial Plan established in 2005 and the San Miguel Coastal Modernisation Plan from 2015. Both plans envisioned not only golf facilities but also accommodations and sports amenities. Unfortunately, none of these developments have come to fruition, resulting in a fragmented landscape where parts of the golf course are operational, while others lie abandoned. Additionally, land designated for hotel construction has remained undeveloped for two decades since the plans were approved. This stagnation has contributed to a sense of neglect and has hindered the potential for economic growth in the area.

Proposed Changes Under the PAMU

The PAMU aims to reorganize Golf del Sur comprehensively. It proposes retaining an operational golf course with a main layout, a practice area, and a short ‘executive’ course. Furthermore, the plan identifies two parcels for potential tourist establishments, including hotels, in accordance with earlier planning provisions that were never realized. The initiative also includes the creation of a space for events and recreational activities, along with mandatory contributions to the local council for green spaces and public amenities that had previously been neglected. This comprehensive approach is designed to breathe new life into the area and to make it more attractive to both tourists and residents alike.

Environmental Considerations

The Strategic Environmental Document evaluates the current state of the land and concludes that the environmental impact of the proposed changes is minimal, as the area is already urbanized. The measures suggested focus on controlling dust and noise during construction and relocating some ornamental plant species. Following the public consultation phase, CEAT is expected to release a Strategic Environmental Report. If the report is favorable, the local council can move forward with the final approval of the PAMU, paving the way for the future of Golf del Sur under a new legal framework that combines the recovery of parts of the golf course, the construction of planned hotels, and the enhancement of public amenities. This careful consideration of environmental factors demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development in the region.

Key points

• Golf del Sur has been inactive for several years, with 20 hectares left unused since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The local government is processing a Programme of Action for Urban Environment (PAMU) for the area.
• The Tenerife Environmental Evaluation Commission opened a 45-day public consultation period on September 3, 2025.
• Only the North and Links courses of Golf del Sur are operational, with the South course remaining closed.
• The PAMU proposes maintaining an operational golf course and constructing hotels in previously designated areas.
• The Strategic Environmental Document indicates minimal environmental impact due to existing urbanization.
• Public contributions for green areas and amenities are included in the PAMU plan.