Qatar Economy Class - Lanzarote Golf - Beat the Winter Blues

Extinct, alas, are, those seals. Probably the sailors were trying to describe the seals that used the islands as a mating ground. But in truth it comes from the Latin for dog -- Canine, people often think that the islands are named after the birds. Off the coast of Africa, it's one of the Canary Islands. Never heard of it? That is the beauty that is Lanzarote. Almost every single day, a slight breeze, 70 degrees, imagine sunny days. Lanzarote is a golfer's paradise.

Lanzarote cares about the native flora and fauna and they put their money where their mouth is. Those extinct seals are just one of the many examples of the way that man has adversely impacted the island ecosystem. I like Lanzarote (the eastern most of the island chain) the best because of their commitment to the environment.

An awesome experience. You are practically playing on the volcano itself, on more than one hole. So don't worry) and the areas of volcanic landscape have been preserved and celebrated within the golf course designs, the whole of Lanzarote has been subjected to volcanic activity (most recently in the 1700s. Which keeps the water usage low, both golf courses are designed with native plants. The golf courses are actually a great example of the eco-commitment.

And the Coronas Playa, the Gran Melia Salinas, such as the Occidental Oasis, there are accommodations close to the course. It's just a beautiful place. Costa Teguise is both challenging to skilled players and enjoyable for someone of my (lower) skill level. The greens a re varied and there are some fun doglegs. On this course players will need to bring all their clubs into play. It sits at the foot of a volcano. Designed by John Harris, par 72, it's an 18 hole course. Which opened in 1978, the first Lanzarote golf course was the Costa Teguise.

The Atlantic ocean is the backdrop for the wonderful landscaping. The course is nestled in the hills overlooking Puerto del Carmen. The location is amazing. American golf course designer Ron Kirby created the course. 72 par course, it's an 18 hole. Recently the Lanzarote Golf Resort opened just outside Puerto del Carmen.

Are you going to quibble about a couple of degrees or a few clouds, but when you're leaving ice-bound Buffalo for a winter vacation, 70 degrees every day might be a bit of an exaggeration? All year round, the days are very mild. The climate is temperate, because Lanzarote is so close to Africa. Let's talk about the weather.

Fun and sun are yours for the asking in Lanzarote. Closer to a thousand, or for the West Coast, round trip, you'll pay a couple hundred, from the states. From Europe flights are laughably cheap. Plan a little holiday that combines some much needed sunshine with some time on the greens. It's a great way to get some exercise and some sunshine, duffer or better, young or old! Golf is a great sport.