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Golf Travel Guide: Mallorca

Written by  James Cornish on Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Golf Travel Guide: Mallorca

Two hours from the UK lies the beautiful island of Mallorca (or Majorca), the largest of the Balearics. The Romans saw it as strategically important and guarded it jealously. Nowadays, visitors are more likely to be drawn to it for its mix of mountains and the Mediterranean, and the golf will leave them just as attached.

Spain has long been a hugely popular golfing destination, and Mallorca is among its finest regions for the sport. The conditions could not be any better. In the winter, when many UK courses may as well be in mothballs, temperatures are still comfortably in the mid-teens. In the summer, the average is up near 30 degrees, but that is tempered by sea breezes.

The golf is not the only thing that is well-established on the island. A popular holiday destination for non-golfers too, accommodation of all shapes and sizes is available. There is a huge number of places to eat, and flights are common, meaning prices are competitive. Read on for our guide to the best the island has to offer.

Courses in the area

Simply Golf Mallorca, from £183

With so many wonderful courses to choose from, it is well worth looking into any passes or special deals on offer on the island. Simply Golf Mallorca offer a very wide range, including the popular Arabella resort and Golf Par Puntiro, which we feature below. From discounted club hire to five-course deals, you are bound to find plenty to entice you.

Golf Park Puntiro, from £61

Designed by the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus, this beautiful spot lies nine miles outside of Palma. The bustle of the city is left far behind as the course takes you out on a testing and varied path with the natural pines, olive and carob trees lining most fairways, and taxing rough beyond that. Water comes into play on a number of holes, and accuracy is well rewarded. Opened in 2006 this par 71 course will only get better, but to some it is the best on the island already.

Son Muntaner, from £85

You will struggle to find a more picturesque course on the island. Far more verdant than you might expect, this is a long and testing course designed by the renowned German course architect, Kurt Rossknecht, who has introduced water hazards to go with the naturally rolling terrain of one of the island's most exclusive golf resorts, Arabella. The hourglass greens are particularly interesting; pin positions can change drastically and change the nature of your round, though long, straight hitting will always be beneficial. It is only one of three 18-hole courses in the resort, and it is well worth taking time to tackle Son Vida and Son Quint.

Golf de Andratx, from £85

Where the previous two courses are elegant tests, Andratx is overwhelmingly fun, though still challenging. Seventeen miles west of Palma, the course offers numerous raised tees from which the Mallorcan coastline can be drunk in, and perhaps a little solace garnered if the golf is not going well. From the par 4 first, which features a raised green protected by a stone wall, you know you will need to be at your best. But with blind shots and pronounced dog legs to go with the raised tees and greens, and water hazards, a trip to Andratx will be one you will not forget.

Hotels

The idea of bedding down within earshot of the Club 18-30 brigade might not fill you with joy, but the sheer number of people visiting the island means there are plenty of different options to choose from. We have selected some of the best below.

Iberostar Alcudia Park, from £52

Set right on the waterfront, and served by a beautiful beach, guests have a choice of the hotel pool or the warm Mediterranean sea to relax in. The atmosphere is family friendly with the emphasis on friendly. The staff are great but be aware that in peak season there will be kids around. The food is reportedly fantastic and some rooms come with kitchenettes. If the golf has taken it out of you, grab a sunbed on the beach, or visit the bar for a sundowner.

Valldemossa Hotel, from £297

A stunning hotel set in sumptuous surroundings. It might be pricey, but provided you can afford it, it is well worth the cost. With only 12 rooms, the privacy and attention to detail is excellent. There is an indoor and outdoor pool and panoramic views. When the sun goes down the nearby village of Valldemossa is lit up, providing a fantastic backdrop for your evening meal. The food, by the way, is very good. With private patios for some of the rooms, this could be the ideal, luxurious place to unwind from a taxing day's golf.

Finca Hotel Son Palou, from £105

This is as far as you can get from the youth orientated, noisy hotels and resorts that can be found elsewhere on the island. Peace and quiet are the hotel's main offerings. Set within an old building in a small mountain town, the beach-side resorts are a world away. The rooms, food and service match the beautiful location.

Travel

There are plenty of flights departing for Palma, the island's capital, on a daily basis and great deals can be had. At the time of writing, Ryanair offered the most competitive return prices from London Gatwick (£110) and Glasgow (£171). Those of you in the Midlands will be delighted to hear that Monarch offer return flights for £67.

Once there, Europcar offer an Audi A3 or equivalent for around £240 for a week.
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