With beautiful countryside, a fascinating culture, and an abundance of water sports and entertainment, Mallorca is the ideal destination to combine a golf break with some much-needed time away.
Numerous bays, rocky coves, crystal blue waters and beautiful beaches make this one of the finest islands in the Mediterranean.
With 300 days of sunshine a year, this sun-kissed island has also become an important landmark for golfers around the globe.
Here is a selection of six courses that you should play in Mallorca:
Club de Golf Alcanada
The revered architect Robert Trent Jones II was the mastermind behind the beguiling Club de Golf Alcanada in 2003. The club is located in the north of the island of Mallorca, which is no longer the low-end tourist destination it once was. The peninsular site has quite varied topography and features stunning views in all direction, and is graced by a lovely lighthouse. The layout blends melds with the island’s natural landscape of olive and pine trees. Jones’ course is long, measuring nearly 6500 meters, and has roominess to match, so it is ready if the pros come calling. All of the greens were refurbished in 2008 and brought up to US standards, though they remain difficult to read. The clubhouse is an ancient, terraced mansion that features fine Mediterranean cuisine. Practice facilities include a driving range and a short game area, all run by a helpful, multilingual staff.
Son Gual Golf S.L
The ocean-facing Golf Son Gual opened in 2007 on a splendid site looking out over Palma, the island’s capital. The front nine is laid out along the edge of the estate, with the back nine returning through the shadow of the manor house, or Palacio. Architect Thomas Himmel, born in Venezuela and based now in Munich, is not well known outside of Germany. He has done a fine job here of creating a course that is fun to play. He must be especially commended for retaining a thousand or more of the estate’s old olive trees. Bunkering is extensive, and water is plentiful, but the hazards are out in the open, and those who can shoot straight will score well. The fine clubhouse has a terrace with excellent views, delicious food and fine wine.
Vall d’Or Golf was opened in 1986 as a 9-hole course (which is today played as the back nine) on the estate of “Es Turó”.
In 1991 work to extend the course began and in the spring of 1993 the new course was opened. The magnificent and enjoyable 18 holes that Vall d’Or has to offer remains relatively unchanged to this day. The front nine features rolling fairways surrounded by a forest of pine, almond and olive trees. The back nine holes have wider and more uneven fairways that go down towards the coast. The greens, protected by bunkers, welcome all approach shots. It is an average-difficulty golf course but an undoubtedly entertaining one, with magnificent views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Arabella Golf Mallorca
Golfers never need to fear running out of holes at Arabella Golf Mallorca. There are no fewer than 63 at the resort, making it the biggest golf complex in Spain. The four layouts are ideally located just five minutes from Palma city centre.
is the oldest golf course in Mallorca. Since opening its fairways over half a century ago the layout has maintained a reputation as one of Spain’s top courses. Its tree-lined fairways run through the prestigious estate of Son Vida, with breathtaking views over the Bay of Palma.
The par-5 finishing hole is the signature hole at Son Vida. The risk and reward hole will tempt you in with the chance to reach the green in two. Fail to make it and water lies in wait. In 1990 Son Vida was the venue for a thrilling playoff in the Open de Baleares. The winner? No other than the great Seve Ballesteros.
Golf Son Quint – Arabella
Golf Son Quint is the newest edition in Mallorca’s portfolio of beautiful courses. Perched high on the hillside the course provides you with splendid views. Nowhere more so than standing on the 8th tee box, where you will see the Bay of Palma and the Old Town’s Cathedral. A wide range of native vegetation gives you the feeling of an authentic, characteristic, and Mediterranean atmosphere at this modern and elegant course.
Golf Son Muntaner – Arabella
Golf Son Muntaner is located in a fantastic spot between the mountain chain of “Na Burguesa” and the Bay of Palma.
A great design, remarkable greens and an eye for the detail provide a fair and challenging test for all levels of player. On the 15th hole, golfers will discover ‘Na Capitana’, the 1000-year old olive tree, unique on the island, and landmarked by the local Government of Palma de Mallorca.
