Five things to know: Tenerife Open

Canary Swing continues with Tenerife Open

After last week’s Gran Canaria Lopesan Open, the European Tour heads to Tenerife for the second of three events in the Canary Islands Swing.

This week, the Tenerife Open makes its return to the European Tour schedule for the first time since 1994. Winners include Jose Maria Olazabal (1989, 1992), Vicente Fernandez (1990), Mark James (1993) and David Gilford (1994).

Golf Costa Adeje

This week’s tournament will be just the second time the European Tour has visited Golf Costa Adeje, which is one of 10 golf courses on the island. The course was designed by renowned golf architect Jose Gancedo, who used the natural features of the land (the original banana plantations) to integrate them into the course – which makes for several interesting course features.

The last and only time the European Tour visited this venue was during the 2003 Open de Espana. In that edition, Kenneth Ferrie triumphed in a play-off with Peter Hedblom and Peter Lawrie after the trio on 22-under.

The key difference this week is that the course will play as a par 71 and 41 yards longer than it did in 2003, with the 560 yard eighth hole (usually a par five) being played as a par four.

Inside the field

Last week’s champion Garrick Higgo is looking to become the first South African player to win in consecutive weeks since Branden Grace won the Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Champions in 2012.

Meanwhile, Maximillian Kieffer arrives in Tenerife following back to back runner-up finishes, while Matthias Schwab will continue his search for a maiden Tour title following three consecutive top 10s in Kenya, Austria and Gran Canaria.

Also in form heading in to this week include Calum Hill and Joost Luiten – who both have two top 10s in their last three starts - and recent Qatar Masters champion Antoine Rozner, who finished in a tie for 18th at the WGC Dell-Technologies Match Play before a tie for 15th last week.

Professional debut for McKibbin

Ireland’s Tom McKibbin is set to make his professional debut at this week’s Tenerife Open following a successful amateur career on both sides of the Atlantic.

The 18-year-old, who grew up playing at Hollywood golf club, has long held comparisons to countryman Rory McIlroy, and decided to turn professional ahead of this event.

He tweeted: “Swapping the bag over and ready to go! Delighted to finally share that I have turned professional and will make my debut on the European Tour this week at the Tenerife Open. Thanks to everyone who supported me throughout my amateur career and to European Tour for this opportunity.”

Fantasy Race to Dubai

The European Tour’s Fantasy Race to Dubai continues in Tenerife this week, and it’s never too late to sign up.

Players can create their own six-man team and compete in Private Leagues, Weekly Top 10 Challenges and Head to Head competitions, with prizes given out weekly and across the season.

Unsure who to pick? Our Fantasy Golf Experts Kit Alexander and Sophie Walker have you covered as they explain who they favour in this week’s edition of Ones To Watch.

Sign up here: Et.golf/fr2d