ENGLISH SUCCESS IN CHALLENGING CONDITIONS TENERIFE GC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
By Steve Leonard
After a very wet winter in the UK, an early-season trip to Tenerife for sunshine and the 6th Tenerife GC Open Championship seemed an ideal escape. However, storm Theresa intervened, bringing snow and flooding to the island shortly before arrival. Although conditions improved, the temperatures remained more British than Canarian. The Tenerife Croquet Club, a single- lawn venue within the Seve Ballesteros-designed Buenavista del Norte Golf Club, offered a stunning setting. Positioned on the north coast, just metres from the Atlantic, with Mount Teide visible inland, it provided a spectacular backdrop for the competition. Sixteen players from Spain, Austria, England and the host club were divided into four groups of four. Following an all-play-all format, the top two progressed to the Championship knockout stage, while the remainder contested the Plate. Despite having only one lawn, the schedule ran smoothly, with groups alternating efficiently. The English players enjoyed mixed fortunes in the group stage. Steve Leonard and Alex Lake advanced to the knockout rounds, with Alex the only player to win all three matches. Glynis Davies, Michelle Leonard, Colin Taylor and Nick Boxall moved into the Plate. A standout quarter-final saw unbeaten Alex face top seed Steve Leonard. Experience proved decisive as Steve won 7–4 to reach the semi-finals, alongside Austria’s Martin Geuntner and two Spanish players. Steve progressed comfortably with a 10–5 win, while Martin edged through 10–9.
The final, an England–Austria contest, featured high-quality play, including excellent clearances and long-range hoop running. Steve ultimately secured the title, winning 7–6, 4–7, 7– 3 to become the Tenerife 2026 GC Champion. In the Plate, English players dominated the later rounds. Michelle Leonard defeated Nick Boxall 7–6, while Colin Taylor beat Glynis Davies 7–5. Michelle then overcame Manuel Marcos Fal 7– 6, and Colin won his semi-final to set up an all-English final. Michelle took an early lead, but Colin fought back before Michelle regained control, eventually winning 10–7.
In a notable outcome, both the main Championship and the Plate were won by a married couple—an impressive achievement. The event was superbly hosted by Pepe and the Tenerife Croquet Club team, who ensured a welcoming and well-organised tournament, including a memorable social evening with excellent Canarian food. Despite the weather, the tournament proved a rewarding and enjoyable early-season visit.
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