MALLORCA GOLF HOLIDAYS - COURSE REVIEWS
Guide to the best Majorcan Golf Clubs.
Son Muntaner Architect: K. Rossknecht. 18 holes: 6,266m: par 72.
One of the best courses on the island, challenging holes beautifully designed into the landscape, with a little water added here and there. Fairly level terrain, so walkable too. Some changes are currently being made to the course and another 5-star hotel is under construction, but hopefully this will not detract too much from the overall splendour of the place.
Son Vida Architect: F. Hawtree. 18 holes: 5,601m: par 71.
The oldest course on Mallorca and still one of the finest. The front nine winds through the hills and houses (although these are sparse and very well set back). Back nine has most holes in a wide olive studded bowl. A real Golf Club feel too - both on the course and in the Clubhouse.
Son Gual Architect: T. Himmel. 18 holes: 6,621m: par 72.
An amazing place is the only way to describe this, preened to perfection, golf course: verging on fantasy golf. A recent addition to the Mallorcan golf scene where no expense has been spared on the design, maintenance or Clubhouse.
PuntirÓ Architect: J. Nicklaus. 18 holes: 6,027m: par 71.
Honest golf over gently rising and falling terrain just outside the Palma. Designed by Gentleman Jack, yet very much in sympathy with the surroundings: lakes and bunkerage that are very much in harmony with the setting. Could well be the course you would join if you lived in Palma.
Poniente Architect: J. Harris. 18 holes: 6,430m: par 72.
A more rustic feel to this course from the moment you cross the threshold of its lovely old farmhouse Clubhouse. The course is quite elevated in places (so consider a buggy) and offers great views of the hills around, but do not be distracted from the job in hand as trouble is easy to find at Poniente.
Son Antem - West Architect: F. Segales 18 holes: 6,293m: par 72.
Classic Iberian golf: Well designed, well maintained holes that wend their way through pines on level terrain with no hidden surprises. Easy to walk and no excuse not to play to your Handicap…
Son Antem - East
Architect: F. Segales. 18 holes: 6,393m: par 72.
The old course of Son Antem, now slightly overshadowed by the West it has been turned over more to a 'resort' course open to higher Handicappers, albeit pretty and testing with excellent Greens and narrowish Fairways delineated by rows of olives.
Real Bendinat Architect: M. Hawtree. 18 holes: 5,660m: par 70.
Bendinat is more or less a suburb of Palma and the initial holes are woven amongst the hills and houses, albeit good holes in their own right.
The latter parts of the course extend into the hills behind and are more secluded. Buggy a good idea. Nice Clubhouse with a Members feel.
Son Termens
Architect: Harris & Rodriguez.
18 holes: 5,582m: par 70.
Amongst the hills to the North of Palma, Son Termens is tucked away in the province of kestrels and hawks. The course is fairly short but entertaining none the less, not least for its quick sloping Greens the views of the mountains all around and back down the hill to the bay of Palma.
Andratx Architect: D. Kidd.
18 holes: 6,089m: par 72.
Fitted around the Dorint Hotel, the course is split into several parts; this and the hilly nature of the terrain makes a buggy indipensable (they are included in the Green-Fee). A tight test of golf with many elevated Tees and some blind drives – we recommend matchplay!
Maioris Architect: R.S. Group. 18 holes: 6,309m: par 72.
A game of two halves if ever there was one!
Front nine comparatively genteel holes up and down through the pines. Back nine a white-knuckle roller-coaster ride with water everywhere – hold on tight…
Santa Ponca I Architect: F. Nardi.18 holes: 6,543m: par 72
A long, broad course that will have you reaching for your Driver and Fairway woods more often than you may be used to, although (if you can avoid the water hazards) you are unlikely to lose too many balls.
(N.B. Santa Ponça II is Members only).
Son Quint
Architect: R. Espinosa.
18 holes: 6,205m: par 72A fairly new course (opened in 2008) that lies beside Son Vida and Son Muntaner and is still being built on and around. Broad, open fairways with a few olive trees hither and thither. Perfect place to start your week and refresh your golfing muscle memories.
Capdepera Architect: D. Maples. 18 holes: 6,273m: par 72.
A little inland, Capdepera starts off gently in amongst the olives and around sensibly placed lakes with mountain views all around. For most, the six closing holes will be the ones remembered most vividly though, intricately wound around the hills behind the charming stone-built Clubhouse.
Alcanada Architect: R. Trent Jones Jnr. 18 holes: 6,499m: par 72
On a magnificent tract of land between the mountains and the sea, surveyed by its own lighthouse and with Menorca looming large; Mr. Trent Jones has wedged in one of his classic designs. Without doubt, one of the 'must-play' courses on Mallorca and reasonably walkable too.
Pula Architect: J-M. Olazabal 18 holes: 6,246m: par 72.
A recent host to the Spanish Open and it’s clear to see why. A big course that spreads over a vast acreage. A modern design with ample water hazards and sand. Another feature is the hummocking and hollowing of the Fairways and Green surrounds, evocative of links golf, that will examine your shot-making and short game capabilities.
Canyamel Architect: J. Gancedo. 18 holes: 6,550m: par 73.
In common with most courses on the east coast, a hilly nine and a level nine. The front nine starts in the hills around the Clubhouse and demands accurate play, the more level back nine allows for a little more power play.
Watch out for the devilishly tiered 18th Green.
In an isolated spot on the south coast, a tight twisting course in good condition. Perfect for a quick round if you are in the area investigating the beaches around Portocolom.