Golfing Paradise: A Comprehensive Guide for Lovers of the Green in Mallorca
[[introduction:Discover Mallorca's world-class golf scene, boasting stunning courses, breathtaking views, and perfect playing conditions year-round for an unforgettable golfing holiday.]]
Golfing Paradise: A Comprehensive Guide for Lovers of the Green in Mallorca
Mallorca, the largest of Spain's Balearic Islands, is not just a haven for beachgoers and hikers; it's a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. With over 20 immaculately maintained courses, many designed by renowned architects, the island offers a diverse range of challenges and landscapes, from coastal greens with stunning sea views to lush inland fairways framed by mountains and olive groves. The island's mild Mediterranean climate ensures a long playing season, making it an ideal choice for a golf getaway at almost any time of year.
Why Choose Mallorca for Your Golf Holiday?
Mallorca combines the joy of golf with the beauty of an island paradise. Imagine teeing off with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea as your backdrop, or navigating fairways surrounded by ancient pine forests and almond blossoms. Beyond the greens, the island offers exquisite cuisine, charming villages, luxurious accommodations, and a vibrant culture, ensuring your time off the course is as enjoyable as your rounds.
Top Golf Courses and Regions
Mallorca's golf courses are spread across different regions, each offering unique characteristics and challenges.
Southwest Mallorca: Prestige and Proximity
The southwest is home to some of Mallorca's most established and prestigious golf clubs, often conveniently located near Palma and popular resorts.
[[place-card:ChIJf3iiC9SNlxIRbnzlqvjILMk:Real Golf de Bendinat]]
Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Real Golf de Bendinat offers a challenging 18-hole course known for its undulating fairways and elevated tees that provide spectacular views of the Bay of Palma and [[place-link:ChIJnWnarWUFlxIRPnv9xL2fmVc:Cabrera Island]]. It's a technical course requiring precision, with strategic bunkers and water hazards. The clubhouse offers excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere.
[[place-card:ChIJVcBV6wyNlxIRjIZzjmrJrSg:Golf Son Vida]]
As Mallorca's oldest golf course, Golf Son Vida, located just minutes from Palma, holds a special place in the island's golfing history. Redesigned by Kurt Rossknecht, its mature fairways wind through a beautiful residential area, offering a classic parkland experience. It's renowned for its immaculate conditioning and the iconic 18th hole, with its views of the historic [[place-link:ChIJkWejFxKNlxIRhMBraP1n0_E:Castillo Hotel Son Vida]]. Part of the Arabella Golf Mallorca complex, it offers access to sister courses.
[[place-card:ChIJQYyyKW6NlxIRjy2XUrvg6Io:Golf Son Quint]]
Also part of the Arabella Golf Mallorca resort and just a stone's throw from Palma, Golf Son Quint is Mallorca's newest championship course. Its open and modern layout offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and even glimpses of Palma Cathedral. With wide fairways and challenging greens, it's a course designed to be enjoyable for all handicaps while still providing a good test of skill.
[[place-card:ChIJ3SD49HaNlxIRcnVmfNRlMYg:Golf Muntaner]]
The third course in the Arabella Golf Mallorca trio, Golf Muntaner, is a demanding championship course known for its mature trees and strategically placed bunkers that require precise shot-making. Designed by Kurt Rossknecht, it offers a beautiful and challenging round, blending seamlessly into the natural Mallorcan landscape. It has hosted prestigious tournaments, highlighting its quality and demanding nature.
[[place-card:ChIJB-IVdeWIlxIRJ4CBcgeLw7Q:T Golf Calvia]]
Formerly known as Poniente, T Golf Calvia has undergone a significant redesign by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Jr. This 18-hole course near Port Adriano boasts wide, undulating fairways and large, challenging greens. Its Mediterranean setting provides stunning views, and the course is known for its excellent conditioning and comprehensive practice facilities, making it a popular choice for golfers of all levels.
Other notable courses in the southwest include [[place-link:ChIJHfjYzbWLlxIRlmQxBlXQcuA:Golf Santa Ponsa]], a complex featuring multiple courses, with Golf Santa Ponsa I being famous for hosting the European Tour Mallorca Open multiple times, and the stunning [[place-link:ChIJAQAAUB0hmBIRK9vmwB50NPw:Golf de Andratx]], known for its dramatic elevation changes and the challenging "Green Monster" 6th hole.
North & Northeast Mallorca: Coastal Beauty and Tranquility
The northern and northeastern parts of the island offer a more serene golfing experience, often with breathtaking coastal vistas and a sense of escape.
[[place-card:ChIJu9tWvhAslhIRh2opzW8HkBo:Club de Golf Alcanada]]
Consistently ranked among Spain's top courses, Club de Golf Alcanada is a true gem. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this 18-hole course boasts sensational views of the Bay of Alcúdia and the iconic lighthouse on its own island, which is also the club's emblem. The course is characterized by its perfectly manicured greens, strategic bunkering, and a layout that naturally blends into the Mediterranean landscape. It's a must-play for any serious golfer visiting Mallorca.
[[place-card:ChIJcRC8CcI9lhIROec5ZdiQURw:Capdepera Golf]]
Located in the serene northeast, Capdepera Golf offers a challenging and picturesque 18-hole course designed by Dan Maples. It's known for its wide fairways, well-placed bunkers, and the iconic 15th hole, which has been voted the most beautiful hole in Mallorca. The course provides a varied experience, with some holes offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and others winding through almond groves.
[[place-card:ChIJBbx2kc0_lhIRosIkQThYo7I:Club de Golf de Son Servera]]
As Mallorca's second oldest golf course, Club de Golf de Son Servera, nestled in the northeast near Cala Millor, offers a traditional parkland experience. Surrounded by pine forests and with views of the bay, this 18-hole course has been thoughtfully renovated to maintain its classic charm while improving playability. It presents a fair challenge with its mature layout and well-maintained greens.
[[place-card:ChIJh2LC0ADUlxIRRGAvwC3u0t8:Pollença Golf Club]]
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains in the north of the island, Pollença Golf Club offers a charming 9-hole course. While shorter, its undulating terrain and strategically placed hazards make for a challenging and enjoyable round. It's an excellent option for those looking for a quick game, practicing their short game, or for beginners seeking a less intimidating environment amidst stunning scenery.
Central & Southeast Mallorca: Inland Gems and Resort Courses
The central and southeastern regions feature beautiful inland courses and well-integrated resort golfing experiences.
[[place-card:ChIJ2zG190W-lxIRXrXMS59LWPY:Golf Son Gual]]
Often considered one of Mallorca's finest championship courses, Golf Son Gual is an 18-hole masterpiece located just outside Palma. Designed by Thomas Himmel, it offers a challenging yet fair test of golf, with wide fairways, strategically placed hazards, and immaculate greens. The course features 66 bunkers, two large lakes, and over 800 olive trees, some of which are centuries old, creating a beautiful and demanding playing environment.
[[place-card:ChIJf7vvM-i8lxIRHCIDkJIbPLA:Golf Son Antem]]
Golf Son Antem, formerly known as Marriott's Club Son Antem, offers two excellent 18-hole courses: the East Course and the West Course. The East Course is a longer, more open championship course with wide fairways and large greens, suitable for all handicaps. The West Course is shorter and more technical, demanding precision and strategy, with more undulating terrain and smaller greens. Both courses are beautifully maintained and offer a superb golfing experience as part of a luxurious resort.
[[place-card:ChIJg8YEbjFQlhIRU6GKJm26tXg:Vall D'or Golf]]
Perched on a hillside in the southeast, Vall D'or Golf offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline, including Portocolom and Cala d'Or. This 18-hole course presents a unique blend of links and parkland styles. The front nine is generally more challenging with narrow fairways, while the back nine opens up with wider fairways and larger greens, making for a varied and enjoyable round.
[[place-card:ChIJCU92uMeZlxIRjf9P1yJl0A0:Golf Maioris]]
Located south of Palma, near Llucmajor, Golf Maioris is a modern 18-hole course designed by Ross McMurray. It features wide fairways, three large lakes, and numerous bunkers, providing a fair but challenging test for golfers of all abilities. The course is known for its excellent practice facilities and its well-maintained greens, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Tips for Golfing in Mallorca
- Book in Advance: Especially during peak seasons (spring and autumn), tee times fill up quickly. Book well in advance, particularly for popular courses.
- Green Fees: Green fees vary significantly by course and season. Expect higher prices at premium courses. Many resorts offer golf packages that include green fees.
- Dress Code: Most courses have a strict dress code (collared shirts, tailored trousers/shorts, soft spikes). Check with the specific club beforehand.
- Buggy vs. Walking: While some courses are walkable, many are hilly, and a buggy is often recommended or even mandatory (e.g., at [[place-link:ChIJAQAAUB0hmBIRK9vmwB50NPw:Golf de Andratx]]).
- Climate Considerations: Summers can be very hot, so early morning or late afternoon tee times are advisable. Spring and autumn offer ideal golfing weather.
- Golf Clubs & Equipment: Most clubs offer rentals, but bringing your own can be more comfortable. Pro shops are well-stocked for any forgotten essentials.
- Lessons: Many courses offer lessons with PGA-qualified professionals, a great way to hone your skills in a beautiful setting.
Beyond the Green: Exploring Mallorca
After a rewarding day on the course, Mallorca invites you to explore its diverse attractions. Indulge in exquisite local cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional tapas, in charming villages like [[place-link:ChIJc1QMHLPvlxIR4tTUbbPZf_k:Deià]] or [[place-link:ChIJ_8aKugPulxIRPhKWi-dSSJI:Valldemossa]]. Relax on pristine beaches, explore the vibrant capital [[place-link:ChIJV8caxlmSlxIRxljQwwZUDcQ:Palma de Mallorca]] with its stunning cathedral and bustling markets, or discover hidden coves along the coastline. The island's excellent infrastructure makes it easy to combine your passion for golf with cultural excursions and relaxation.
Mallorca truly is a golfer's dream, offering a perfect blend of challenging courses, stunning scenery, and a luxurious holiday experience. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, the island promises an unforgettable golf adventure.
Mentioned in This Guide
Explore all the locations mentioned in this guide on the map below.
Palma
Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
Deià
07179 Deià, Balearic Islands, Spain
Valldemossa
07170 Valldemossa, Balearic Islands, Spain
Golf Santa Ponsa
Carrer de Berenguer de Palou, 2, 07180 Santa Ponça, Illes Balears, Spain
Golf Maioris
Camí de Cabo Blanco, Km 7, 07609 Llucmajor, Illes Balears, Spain
Vall D'or Golf
Ctra Cala d’Or - Portocolom, Km. 7,7, 07669 Felanitx, Illes Balears, Spain
Golf Son Gual Mallorca
Ma 15 - Palma - Manacor, Km 11,5, Levante, 07199 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
Club de Golf de Son Servera
Urb, Carrer del Golf, s/n, 07550 Costa dels Pins, Illes Balears, Spain