Mallorca Golf

Summer Sizzler - 3 Rounds including buggies for just 199€

2010-07-24T10:39:00.000+01:00

Son Muntaner Golf's Stunning Clubhouse.

Our friends at Simply Mallorca Golf have just told us about a great summer offer that is available at Son Vida, Son Muntaner and Son Quint golf courses. Book one round of golf at each course, at any time of the day, and your golf buggy will be included in the 199€ price.

As these golf courses are amongst the best on the island, this deal is hard to beat!

But if you don't want to play all 3 courses, then why not take advantage of their 'EarlyBird' specials. One round of golf at Son Quint, including a buggy, costs 61€ between 07:00 and 08:00, and at Son Muntaner 71€. Book both, and Simply Mallorca Golf will reduce the price to 130€ for the two.

Although they're based in Mallorca, they can be contacted on the following UK telephone number: 020 3355 0591

Son Gual

2010-07-18T16:13:00.001+01:00

Son Gual hosted the Mallorca Senior Open for the first time in May 2009, when former Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam compared the greens to those at Augusta National. The 1991 Masters winner said,

"It's a bit like Augusta. There are a lot of slopes on the greens. You've got to get the ball the right side of the hole - If you don't you'll be struggling. Miss it on the wrong side and you're dead."

In 2009 Son Gual also made it into Golf World's prestigious top 100 European Golf Courses list. Golf World's description of the course said,

"The course is laid out in two very distinctive halves, the front nine running along the extremity of the estate, with the second encompassed within its centre - making it one of the more spectacular courses in the Mediterranean region."

Liverpool winger Albert Riera, has gone on record to say that it is his favourite course, and fellow Mallorcan, Wimbledon Champion Rafael Nadal, is another regular visitor.

Golden Balls presenter Jasper Carrott and Sky Sports pundits Jamie Redknapp, Andy Gray, Alan McInally and Alan Smith are just some of the British Celebrities to have been seen walking Son Gual's pristine fairways.

To book discounted green fees in Mallorca, and at Son Gual Golf Course, contact www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com

James Arnold - Son Vida, Son Muntaner & Son Quint

2009-04-25T18:29:00.001+01:00

This article was written by Nathan Dobson, and first appeared in the Mallorca Daily Bulletin, 09 March, 2008.

With the age-old debate about year long tourism on the island seemingly going around in circles, local government and hotel owners have increasingly turned their attention to the benefits of the golf season.

Starting in the slow tourism months of January and February, easing off during the summer when the island is full of tourists anyway, and picking up again in Autumn, golf offers a potential source of year round income.

The current difficulty is that Majorca is not really known as a golfing destination. Golfers back in the UK flock to the Algarve or the Costa del Sol, and despite events such as the Mallorca Classic, the island does not immediately spring to mind for golfers.

One of the ways to increase the golfing profile of the island is to build more golf courses. Yet with the local government recently having been forced to freeze construction projects around the island it is unlikely that they will be prepared to build more golf courses. But the point, as James Arnold, area director of three golf courses on the island, points out,the way to make Majorca a well known destination for golf is not to build lots of courses.

"The focus must be on quality." Arnold told the Bulletin, "existing local courses cannot compete with those of the Algarve and the Costa del Sol with a mediocre product.

"They need to get themselves up to a high enough standard and keep it that way. They need to be in great condition, well managed, friendly and value for money.

"The UK is the biggest golfing market for Majorca, but UK golfers expect quality.

"No one minds paying a high price and getting value for money. They just don't like getting poor quality.

"Quality courses like ours, the Arabella Spa and resort courses, and the Son Gual course, are forcing others to pick up their game, and you can see that they are working hard.

"We at Arabella have worked very hard to get our courses in peak condition in March. It usually takes until May or June to achieve that. In this way we are making the other courses work harder and stay at the top with us.

"No resort in Europe has as many golf courses as the Arabella Spa and Resort Mallorca. We are one of the top ten leading golf destinations in Europe. The reasons are to do with the geography of the island and the quality and proximity of our courses"

"We have three courses, (Son Vida, Son Quint & Son Muntaner) all within two minutes of each other. The courses have great international access being only 20 minutes away from the airport. They are tied into three top quality hotels and they also have the great city of Palma just nearby.

"The closeness of everything makes it a great resort.

"In order to attract golfers to the island the product that we offer has to be the best in Europe."

Arnold has a wealth of experience from all areas of the trade to draw on. He was a touring pro-golfer for a number of years. Unfortunately 4 hole in ones were not enough to dissuade him from leaving the game when he realised he was not going to be the next Tony Jacklin.

He took to running two golf schools in Germany and Italy and setting up a buying group in golf shops.

After that he moved into the public sphere and started running a company that built and owned 4 public golf courses in Hamburg.

One and a half years ago he came to the island to take over as area director for the Arabella spa and resort Mallorca.

Now managing courses that accommodate roughly 100,000 rounds a year he is enjoying the challenge of making Mallorca a top year-round destination for golf.

"We get people on the courses from January to the summer months, and then with the slow down over the summer we offer people a chance to play earlier, before it gets too hot," explained Arnold. "we introduced early bird specials with competitive green fee prices that mean people could have a round of golf before going to the beach. That had never been done on the island.

"Golf resorts need to sustain a level of quality; not just sit back because they are full for a few months. They need to be constantly working to maintain standards."

"It is the same with Majorca tourism on the whole. The rest of the world is not sleeping. "The Dubais" and the Canary Islands are always thinking of new markets and Majorca needs to be doing the same."

Hollow Coring at Vall d'Or

2009-03-27T08:11:00.002Z

We have received the following information from Vall d'Or Golf Course:-

"Due to maintenance and conservations works to the green, we announce that on Monday the 11th, and Tuesday the 12th of May, only 9 holes will be open. Therefore we are offering a 50% reduction on the green fee.

The greens will be sticked and sanded between the 11th and 20th of May, during which period there will be a 15% reduction on the normal green fee price."

Volunteers Needed For European Seniors Tour!

2009-02-18T22:47:00.005Z

The “Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open” takes place from the 8th to the 10th May 2009, with Pro-Ams being played on the 6th and 7th May. Volunteers are required for a variety of roles, and application form can be downloaded by clicking on the following link:-

Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open - Volunteers

Should you require hotel accommodation during your stay, then why not book now and pay on arrival with www.SimplyMallorca.com?

Son Muntaner, Son Vida & Son Quint, Scheduled Course Maintenance 2009

2009-01-26T19:22:00.007Z

Son Muntaner 09 & 10 June 2009, 07 & 08 September 2009.
Son Quint 15 & 16 June 2009, 14 & 15 September 2009.
Son Vida 17 & 18 June 2009, 09 & 10 September 2009.

Additional discounts are available during the works and immediately afterwards through major tour operators such as www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com

Vall d'Or - Scheduled Course Maintenance 2009

2009-01-26T19:18:00.002Z

The course will be hollow-tined during the following periods, during which a discount of 15% will be in place:-

11 May - 20 May 2009 &
14 Sep - 23 Sep 2009

Son Antem - Scheduled Course Maintenance 2009

2009-01-25T20:29:00.006Z

East Course
03 & 04 February - Light aeration, approx. one week to recover.
05 - 07 May - Two weeks to recover.
01 - 03 September - Two weeks to recover.

West Course
24 & 25 February - Light aeration, approx. one week to recover.
26 - 28 May - Two weeks to recover.
22 - 24 September - Two weeks to recover.

Pollensa - 18 Hole Golf Development?

2009-01-24T14:58:00.003Z

A Majorca based British consortium is in the final stages of securing permission to develop a luxury spa hotel and 18 hole golf course on the site of the current nine-hole Pollensa Golf course and club.

The consortium is being led by the Pollensa based Barnard Hamilton Grop of companies and includes a number of British partners.

Permission to build a hotel and expand the golf course to 18 holes was granted in 1990, but due to a lack of general interest and investment, the original project was never carried out.

However, nearly 20 yeas later the British consortium is in the final stages of 'reactivating' the development licenses.

It appears that the project has the backing and support of the local council which believes it will give quality tourism in the area an important boost.

The five star hotel will have 100 bedrooms and also include a luxury spa, while the 18 hole golf course will be one of the most advanced in the Balearics and be renamed Son Gall in honour of the famous rooster emblem of Pollensa. Russell Hamilton Currie recently said that no fixed date had been set for the work on the project to commence.

"It is a two and a half year project and we want to make sure that we meet all of the necessary environmental requisites and have been granted all the relevant permits and licenses before we start work.

"Once we get going, we wnat to be able to continue right through to completion. We don't want to get bogged down in a stop-start project.

"We want to get it right straight from the start",

Richard Mark Barnard, Currie's partner, has a number of exciting ideas for the Son Gall luxury hotel. spa and golf resort, and they have the international contacts and market to ensure immediate success.

Both have been involved in the top end of the yachting and real estate business in Majorca and London for decades, and have a global client base.

Golf Pollensa was the 5th course to be built in Mallorca. It opened in 1986 the same year as Real Golf de Bendinat, and as was the custom in those days, permission was granted for a 5 star, 100 bedroom hotel to have been built on the site in 1990.

It appears that finally, a British consortium will complete the project which will significantly add to the facilities and services Majorca has to offer the luxury end of the international holiday market which many tourism experts maintain is where Majorca's future lies.

Article first published in the Majorca Daily Bulletin, December 14, 2008.

Son Gual to host European Open

2008-11-25T19:33:00.003Z

Golf Son Gual, will host the Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open from May 8-10, 2009, underlining the club’s growing reputation as one of Europe’s finest golfing venues.

The course, designed by three-time German Amateur Champion Thomas Himmel, opened in October last year and will host some of the leading players on the European Senior Tour.

Andreas Pamer, of Son Gual, said: “We are delighted to have been chosen to host this prestigious event and look forward to providing some of the leading names in European golf with the perfect canvass on which to compete.

“It is rare that a golf course succeeds in attracting an event of this stature at such an early stage in its life so it is testament to the efforts of all our team in providing such wonderful and consistent conditions to play golf.”

Susanna Sciacovelli, Managing Director of IBATUR, Mallorca’s Tourism authority, said: “The Son Gual Mallorca Senior Open is the perfect way to launch Mallorca as an outstanding golfing destination and we look forward to welcoming the leading Senior players to the golf island of the Mediterranean."

Andy Stubbs, European Senior Tour Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to be able to visit this exciting new venue on the beautiful island of Mallorca thanks to the vision and commitment of the Pamer family and the support of the Consejeria de Tourismo of the Balearic Islands”.

“It promises to be a fantastic addition to the European SeniorTour’s 2009 Schedule.”

Javier Roura, of the PGAE, said: “The PGA of Spain is delighted that such a prestigious event will be held in Spain and will give its full support. We hope that this is just the first of many Senior Tour events in Mallorca and hope that the tournament is a big success.”

Erwin Langer, CEO of the Official Promoter, Langer Sport Marketing GmbH, added: “It is a great honour to be appointed by the Pamer family to organise this promising new event in one of Europe’s prime sun and golf destinations, the very attractive island of Mallorca.

“I’m very impressed with the progress of Son Gual since opening in autumn 2007 and the course and facilities are already extraordinary. We look forward to presenting the players and spectators with an excellent event.”

Son Gual has already been inundated with membership enquiries even though details will not be announced until early next year and only a limited number are likely to be available. In the meantime, visitors can book two hours playing time allocated per day with a green fee of €150, or obtain a discounted rate via www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com

Pula loses the Mallorca Classic in 2008.

2008-05-06T21:30:00.003+01:00

Sergio Garcia’s home course of Club de Campo del Mediterráneo on Spain’s east coast will host The European Tour for the first time when the Comunitat Valenciana Masters Castellón Costa Azahar unfolds from October 23-26.

The Comunitat Valenciana Masters Castellón Costa Azahar will be promoted by MatchGolf and replaces the Mallorca Classic on The 2008 European Tour International Schedule. This new tournament will be the third of four European Tour events to be held in Spain during the 2008 season.

Set in the hills overlooking Castellón, the Club de Campo del Mediterráneo course weaves its way through olive and carob trees. Designed by Ramón Espinosa, the course opened in 1978. Sergio García is the club’s touring professional while his father, Víctor, who plays on the European Seniors Tour, is the club’s head professional.

José María Olazábal holds the course record with an eleven under par 61, from December 2005.

The European Tour has visited the Valencia region of Spain on eleven previous occasions (fourteen including the Senior Tour events), most recently for the 2001 Open de España, won by Swede Robert Karlsson, and the 2003 Seve Trophy when Great Britain and Ireland triumphed over Continental Europe. Both events were played at El Saler.

Club de Campo del Mediterráneo has hosted the OKI Open de España Senior on the European Seniors Tour for the last three years. American Bob Boyd won the inaugural event in 2005, Ryder Cup player Gordon J Brand of England triumphed in 2006 while last year another Englishman, Carl Mason, captured the title, breaking his own record of prize money won during a season in the process. It was one of five titles Mason won during the season on his way to winning the John Jacobs Trophy as the leading money winner for the third time.

Carlos Fabra, President of Club de Campo de Mediterráneo expressed his satisfaction: “To host a European Tour event is the best reward we could have received. Since the foundation of our club, we have believed in high quality golf and we are very proud to have opened our doors to organise top events at junior level, National level, ladies, Challenge tour, Senior Tour and international amateur events. The circle will close when we host in October the best professionals in the world, lead by our beloved Sergio García, whom we have had the honour to see him born and grow as a person and as a great sportsman”.

Javier Gervás, General Manager of MatchGolf said: “We need to thank the Government of Valencia and Castellón for believing in golf as a sport to join the Formula 1, Motor racing and the Volvo Ocean Race in their economic and tourism strategy to promote the region. We also need to remark and thank the enthusiasm and effort that both Sergio and his father Víctor have put in the past few months in preparing the course and on the event in general. The Club, the sponsors, the Tour and ourselves have teamed up once again and we are confident that we will present a very competitive end of season tournament but also very family orientated for the players”.

Keith Waters, Director of International Policy for The European Tour, said: “We congratulate Javier Gervás and MatchGolf, the Members and Officials of Club de Campo del Mediterráneo and the region of Valencia for bringing this tournament to fruition. To be able to do so highlights a tremendous level of support from tournament sponsors and partners and we are sure that everyone involved in the event will enjoy the stunning golf course and facilities at the Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, which was a hugely popular venue on the European Seniors Tour for three seasons and will continue to be on The European Tour.”

First published by europeantour.com

Vall d'Or - The Work Continues

2008-05-03T12:16:00.009+01:00

We have recently received the following information from Vall d'Or:-

Earlier we advised you that the renewed 18 holes would be open for play at the beginning of May.

Due to circumstances beyond our control this has been delayed until the 5th July when we will inaugurate the new 18 holes course with the Marqués de Cáceres Trophy.

We apologise for the delay and any inconvenience, but we hope you will really enjoy playing the new course.

The green-fee 18/holes will continue to be at the reduced rate of 75,00 € for the two rounds of the first 9 holes.

For discounted green fees at this course, both during and after the works, please visit:-

www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com

Alcanada Golf Course - Green Grass..

2008-04-23T07:48:00.003+01:00

By law all the golf courses in Mallorca have to irrigate with 'brown water' - water cleaned & recycled from a sewage plant. Golf Alcanada receives its irrigation water from the recycling plant in Puerto de Alcudia. This water has a very high percentage of salinity. Because of this, the designers of Golf Alcanada choose the most salt tolerant type of grass on the market, called “Seashore Paspalum”.

This type of grass is similar to the Bermuda grass and is called a warm-season grass because it becomes dormant in the cooler winter months (In Mallorca between December and February) and turns grey-brownish during this time.

In order to keep the conditions of the playing areas during the winter as perfect as possible, Golf Alcanada have been overseeding tees, fairways and greens every September with a one-season winter grass. The result of the overseeding has to date been satisfactory, except for the greens. This is because immediately after seeding, the greens have to be cut to the correct height in order to allow play. Therefore the new grass has very little chance to establish, mature and grow properly. Consequently, the structure and colour of the greens in the winter months are not always satisfactory.

Although Club de Golf Alcanada has a very good reputation in Europe and is often mentioned positively in the professional media, they have taken the decision to change the grass of the greens in order to further improve and upgrade the quality of the course. The new type of grass “Seaside II, Creeping Bentgrass” will have the same colour and structure throughout the year. This decision was only possible after the installation of a new desalination plant to improve the quality of the irrigation water the local authorities supply.

Changing the greens will interfere with play, and to minimise the disturbance and avoid having to close the course, Club de Golf Alcanada are going to establish provisional greens on each hole. However, in June and July they will need to close 9 holes in order to get the work done as quickly as possible.

During the time of construction the normal price will change to:-

June: 18 holes (twice the back nine): €70,-

July: 18 holes (twice the front nine, with provisional greens): €60,-

August: 18 holes, partly with provisional greens: €75,-

September: 18 holes partly with provisional greens: €85,-

By the beginning of October all greens should be back in play and therefore the price will return to the original price of €105,-

Alcanada Golf have issued the following statement:-

"We are convinced that making this change is in everybody’s interest and will meet with your understanding. Through this improvement, we will not only improve the quality of the greens but also the overall satisfaction to play our course."

For discounted green fee prices, please contact www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com

Fury over Muro Golf Plans

2008-03-15T21:55:00.002Z

First published in the Majorca Daily Bulletin, Friday 14th March 2008.

The Mayor of Muro, Jaume Perello, called a storm yesterday by giving the green light to the construction of golf course at Son Bosc. Environmentalists have long campaigned against the project and yesterday there were stormy scenes during the council meeting. Socialist councillors on the council left the town hall in protest and environmentalists demonstrated outside.

Son Quint - Fully opened, 13th March 2008

2008-03-15T11:53:00.002Z

Son Quint is the third golf course of Arabella Golf & Spa Resort Mallorca, which together with Son Vida & Son Muntaner completes the groups' golf collection on the island.

Intense nature as far as the eye can see, a golf course for beginners and experienced players alike: The architect of the Son Quint project, Ramón Espinosa, designed 18 spectacular sporting and varied holes which cover over 6,200m of magnificent Majorcan countryside. Due to its´location, Son Quint has some fantastic views over the city and bay of Palma.

You will encounter many interesting hazards: two large lakes in addition to the traditional and strategically placed bunkers which will challenge even the die-hard golfer.

After an exceptionally enjoyable round at Son Quint, the clubhouse awaits with an excellent restaurant and function rooms.

Carlo Knauss, ex German national coach and renowned television commentator comments, "Son Quint will dazzle players who are looking for sporting variety with a special touch, for example the 17th holes, which is found at the highest point of the course requires a drive directly towards Palma Cathedral".

A Question of Quality, and Service.

2008-03-10T19:35:00.005Z

This week a major UK travel company announced that thy were going to start offering pre-paid green fees and reserved tee-times at courses in Mallorca. Any initiative that promotes golf on the island is good in our view. However as a customer are you better off booking through a big specialist golf tour operator, or a smaller local based company?

When you're organising a golf tour to Majorca a lot of responsibility is upon your shoulders. You need to bring the tour in below budget, whilst ensuring that your party receives excellent value for money - Service is important too, as you need to be able to discuss your tour with someone who is responsive and who really knows and understands what you want. They need to have the authority to make effective and timely decisions when you have to make changes to your itinerary. So are you going to book with a general tour operator that deals with every destination, or a small specialist such as www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com or www.Golf-Majorca.co.uk?

Let me ask you another question? Would you buy an expensive pair of golf shoes without trying then on first.

Well that's what many people do when they choose a golf holiday. It may feel comfortable, for 5 minutes, to book with a non-specialist tour operator when you're holding their thick glossy travel brochure, but this is probably the worst decision you could make. Generally non-specialist tour operators don't know the courses that well. They haven't played or walked the courses you are going to spend your money hard earned cash upon, and they are not up to date with the latest news or issues about the course. For example, when one golf course brought forward their hollow coring schedule by 1 week, which company phoned all of their clients and arranged different courses for them - www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com. It is precisely this kind of service that the larger companies either cannot or will not offer.

Can you remember the last time that you met the person who booked your golf tour? Well at www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com this is a regular occurrence.

Last weekend they surprised over 100 of their clients as they arrived at Palma Airport. Each guest of www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com was personally welcomed to the island, and given a free gift - Now imagine the big boys doing that!

Cost is always an issue, and there was a time when the larger operators always got the best deals. This is no longer the case. Small local operators drive increasingly large volumes and are quite frequently given the best deals. Hotels and golf courses are also likely to be more flexible or offer their local agents better deals or better tee-times when personal relationships are in place. Which would you rather help a friend that you knew and saw regularly, or faceless voice on the phone? It's those kind of relationships that will enable your group to get booked onto a course when everyone else is telling you that it is full.

So think carefully the next time you place your tour booking. The specialists are exactly that, specialists, confident in their product, helping you to achieve the best value for money for your group.

Mallorca's Top 10 Golf Courses

2008-03-07T21:20:00.002Z

During 2007, our colleagues at www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com surveyed their clients to find out which were their favourite courses. The following results are based on their clients 'overall enjoyment' of the course which obviously takes into consideration many different factors:-

The marks given indicate the percentage of clients who played that course and who rated their overall experience as either good or excellent.

The results are not surprising. However looking forward to 2008, the big question is which courses will make next years top 10, and which will drop from the current list.

A course which will almost certainly be included is Son Quint - As part of the Arabella Golf Complex this course arrives with a superb pedigree.

Another course which should make the top 10 is Son Gual - undoubtedly an award winning course. It's barrier to entry into our top 10 will only be the green fee price, currently 150€ per person as the statistics above are only valid once a certain number of players have left their feedback. We doubt that Son Gual will reach this 'critical' number of responses in 2008.

Poniente, Andratx and Bendinat as the bottom 3 courses are in danger of relegation. In truth none of these courses should exit the top 10. Poniente has the best layout on the island, but lacks investment in keys areas. The clubhouse needs refurbishment, the car park needs tarmac, and the course condition is not always as good as you would expect. Andratx is a long and challenging course, which some people find frustrating to play, and therefore scores low for 'overall enjoyment'. The fact that this course appeals mainly to Germans can sometimes leave British guests feeling ostracised. Finally Bendinat. This is undoubtedly a superb course, and one of the most popular on the island, however if you are not accurate off the tee you will find it frustrating.

In order to provide more specific feedback our colleagues at www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com are asking their clients 3 questions this year. In summary, overall enjoyment, course quality, and value for money. As soon as they have received a reasonable number of responses we will publish the results here.

Alcanada - Hollow coring

2008-03-06T20:52:00.003Z

The superb Robert Trent Jones course, Club de Golf Alcanada have announced that they will be hollow coring their greens on 20 & 21 May, and also 26 & 27 August 2008.

Customers of www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com & www.golf-majorca.co.uk already receive a discount at this course, and when work is being undertaken they normally receive additional benefits from the friendly and helpful staff in the well-equipped Pro-shop.

Alcanada is without doubt the most scenic and photogenic course on the island. It is the only golf course on the island to be located right by the sea and was highly rated in comparison to Mallorca's other golf courses in the Peugeot Golf Guide for 2006 & 2008. Featuring in this publication official rates Alcanada as one of Europe's top 1000 golf courses.

It is definitely a favourite with British clients, achieving a 94% satisfaction in 2007. Don't let its northerly location put you off though, as with the opening of the new Palma / Alcudia motorway this course is still less than an hours journey time from Palma.

If you travelling to Mallorca for a golfing holiday, then this is undoubtedly one course you should include in your itinerary.

Severe Weather - 05 March 2008

2008-03-05T21:12:00.005Z

Winter returned to Mallorca today. Probably the best way to put this into context is that daytime temperatures have dropped by 15 degrees Centigrade in the space of two days. Monday felt like an early summers morning in the Caribbean, whilst today snow has been forecast at heights of over 700m. In actual fact most of the island seems to have seen a few flakes of snow at some point today. The biggest problem though has been the wind, and it will more than likely cause damage at some of the islands courses. The ones most at risk are likely to be Puntiro & Son Gual where newly planted trees are at risk, whilst at Poniente older trees have in the past taken the brunt of the damage. However it is difficult to forecast exactly where damage may occur.

Two courses (Son Muntaner & Capdepera) had to close their driving ranges today, and we will keep you updated if we hear of any more information over the next couple of days.

The good news is that tonight's forecast low of 2 degrees should see the end of this cold snap with the forecast turning warmer over the next few days. There is a possibility of some light showers at the weekend, but this shouldn't cause too much of a problem for those with advance tee-bookings through either www.golf-majorca.co.uk or www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Vall d'Or - Work to the course...

2008-03-04T21:44:00.004Z

Vall d'Or golf course, which is close to the family orientated resort of Cala d'Or on Mallorca's south-east coast, have announced a considerable program of work to the course.

From mid-January to present the course had been offering an 18 hole course with 9 normal greens and 9 temporary greens at a reduced price of 75€ a round.

However, after careful consideration they have now decided that it will be better to offer clients two full rounds of 9 holes, as opposed to the current offering. (There will however still be a temporary green on hole 2). The new plan will obviously enable the course to undertake the works with greater efficiency, and to bring forward the completion date to the beginning of May.

For anyone who knows Vall d'Or, this is great news. The front nine is definitely the more interesting part of the course, as it winds its way through the valley and hillside just north of the clubhouse. Hole 3 is quite possibly one of the most spectacular holes on the island. The reduced green fee price is also very acceptable.

For more information on this course, and to make tee-bookings at any golf course in Mallorca, please click on the link; www.SimplyMallorcaGolf.com

For more information on hotels in Cala d'Or visit our colleagues at www.AlphaRooms.com

Pula Golf - On the up?

2008-03-04T06:35:00.005Z

Pula has had quite a rough ride over the last 2 - 3 years. Following the Mallorca Classic in 2005 the management of the course were advised to make a number of changes to the layout. This resulted in large parts of the course being closed for almost a year. The course re-opened briefly in the summer of 2006, only to be closed shortly afterwards as more work needed to be undertaken.

The 2006 Mallorca Classic at Pula produced some surprising results, with many of the players scoring badly. Was this because they didn't expect the course to have been altered as much, and therefore didn't put in as much practice as they should have done, or was the course too difficult?

The 2006 Classic failed to change peoples views about this course. It was an average course, a little over-priced and therefore probably not worth the gamble.

Throughout 2007 the course was again closed. There was a brief time when the course was in a good condition, and the management ran a special offer which included free snacks during the round, but on the whole it was a quite and uneventful year for the course.

The 2007 Mallorca Classic came and went, but in spite of 1 day being rained off the scores were better this year.

One of our friends (Glenn Turner - The World Record Golf Tour holder) played the course in 2006 and again in 2007 and couldn't believe that it had improved so much - his estimation by at least 200%.

The fact that the course has been closed for the main part of two years has meant that there has been quite a flow of staff through the course, but the current manager of the pro-shop, Michael, speaks at least three different languages (English, German & Spanish) and is very helpful.

It is true that the Pro-Shop is dark and un-interesting, and that one of our clients compared the shower facilities to the worst school shower block that he had ever experienced - we believe him, we don't need to check those things out...however the course itself appears to be improving.

We met a group of our clients about to play the course last week, and were asked what we thought of it. It was a good job we were truthful! The course scored a 55% satisfaction rating by our clients in 2007, and was one of the lowest ranked courses on the island. We described it as inconsistent but improving. They knew that already, so our expectations and theirs were on a par.

Since then the clients have returned to the UK, and one of them who is a regular visitor to Mallorca has just switched a forthcoming reservation from anouther course to Pula.

Additionally Pula are following an aggressive marketing campaign through selected agents. Contact either www.simplymallorcagolf.com or www.golf-majorca.co.uk, and you will find that they have some of the biggest discounts available for this course, and many other golf courses in Majorca.

We're not confident enough to say that the course quality will be high for ever, but it is definitely worth the gamble of playing there now.

Golf sector want more promotion by Balearic Government

2008-01-06T13:30:00.000Z

This original article appeared in the Mallorca Daily Bulletin 02 Jan 08.

PALMA

COMPANIES in the golf sector on Majorca are asking the Balearic Government to carry out a specific promotion campaign to encourage this segment of the tourism industry.

They complain that the Balearic Government has not replied to their proposal for the organisation of the next world congress for tour operators specialising in golf, IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators).

IAGTO recently held its 2007 convention in Cancun, and in 2008 it plans to hold the congress in Andalucia.
The golf business people recalled that during the month of September Peter Walton, President of IAGTO, had a meeting on Majorca with various company executives and tourist institutions to talk about the possibility of holding the convention here.

The same sources say that the company bosses took this proposal to the Balearic Government, but to date have not received the courtesy of a reply.

The same sources recalled that the annual congress of the association of tour operators specialising in golf brings together more than 1'000 executives from all over the world.

This means that it becomes a first class promotional opportunity for the town or city in which the congress is held.
In addition to this, the golf sector also lamented that the Balearic Government is not carrying out any specific promotional activities to promote this tourist segment.

They say that it is characterised by the high spending level of the tourists who play golf, but the Balearic Government have done more to promote other activities, such as leisure boat tourism.

The Balearic Islands offer the tourism market 22 golf courses, and receive an average of 150'000 specialised tourists per year, with an average stay of nine days and year-on-year demand continues to grow. But, the golfing sector, just like the thriving nautical industry, feels marginalised by the authorities and fears that all the proposed building freezes are going to have a negative effect on the sector which is already facing growing competition from new destinations.

Son Termens

2006-01-05T18:27:00.000Z

Despite being one of Mallorca's newest layouts, the course at Golf Son Termens is known for its excellent condition and idyllic hillside location - offering stunning views from vantage points along the back nine.

Son Termens is an appealing golf course set amid idyllic natural surroundings. The only building you can see while you're out on the course is the attractive ochre Mallorcan style clubhouse, and the steady rise in the course enables you to experience stunning views across the landscape from vantage points along the back nine.

The course is in an excellent location, between the village of S'Esglaieta and the Soller Road, 10km north of Palma on the way to Valldemossa. Even the drive here is a relief from the busy motorway that circles Palma.

The course was designed by the Harris group, and Jose Rodriguez and opened as recently as 1998 - so is one of Mallorca's newest courses. Despite its tender age, Son Termens is already renowned for its quick, smooth greens and its magnificent condition. It's rare to find a new course built to a par of 70, but at Son Termens the designers have got it exactly right.

Birdie opportunities abound, and it's enjoyable to play a well kept course that offers a chance to score well. The par-4 1st can be driven by the long hitter, while the course's two par 5s, the 5th and 6th, are reachable by the better player in two.

But there are some demanding holes too. The 4th and 10th in particular are two punishing par 4's, played uphill to raised greens surrounded by bunkers. Both require good tee-shots if you're to reach the greens in two.

The most interesting hole at Son Termens is the par-4 2nd. A blind tee shot to a narrow fairway requires just an iron, leaving a 100-yard pitch to a green protected by water to the front and right, while a huge bunker awaits behind for the nervy golfer who hits his approach just a little too hard.

Reproduced by kind permission of Golf Monthly & the ACGB.

Key Information:-
Handicap Gentlemen: 28
Handicap Ladies: 32
Price: Approx £47

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Son Servera Golf Course

2006-01-05T18:19:00.000Z

Son Servera is the second oldest golf course on the island Mallorca. Designed by John Harris it was was opened in 1967.

This 9 hole course has well preserved fairways and fast greens surrounded by pine trees. A large storm on the 11th of November 2001 blew down approximately 2,200 pine trees, and changed the course dynamics.

The friendly course and club house is a favourite of many of the local people, and the course itself has an intriguing history. Today you will still find local people and returning visitors debating whether the storms impact improved the course, and also the plans turn this into an 18 hole course.

Son Servera is a challenging 9 hole golf course that demands good accuracy off the tee as most of the fairways are narrow.

If you're staying in the Cala Millor or Cala Bona areas, this is a great course to play on either your day of arrival or departure.

You may be required to present a handicap certificate at this course.

Key Information:-
Handicap Gentlemen: 34
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £32

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Son Muntaner

2006-01-05T18:14:00.000Z

Nestled between the hills of Son Vida and the island's capital of Palma, the Arabella resort consists of two classic courses, Son Vida and Son Muntaner.

Son Muntaner was added in May 2000, when Kurt Rossknecht who renovated theSon Vida, returned to work on a tougher longer companion for its sister course.

Muntaner is a player's course, and from the 1st hole you're confronted by difficult approach shots over water to bunkered greens. A slithering lake runs the length of the 2nd and 3rd holes, testing your accuracy on each shot.

Son Muntaner boasts the island's oldest olive tree - "Sa Capitana" is said to be 1,000 years old. It stands near the 15th tee, so do try to avoid belting it with a golf ball!

The joy of playing here not only lies in having to shape the ball off the tee to get the ideal position for your second shot, but also in the size of the greens which offer the opportunity for varied pin positions, making the course play differently every day.

Key Information:-
Handicap Gentlemen: 28
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £70

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Marriott Golf Son Antem

2006-01-05T17:58:00.000Z

This 36-hole golf resort boasts two Francisco Lopez Segales courses - the championship standard West course, and the East, more suited to beginners and intermediate golfers. If you're hoping to learn the game or test yourself against a tough course, this is an ideal place to do both.

At Marriott Golf Son Antem, you'll find the largest driving range on the island - it boasts 200 bays - and a prestigious golf academy with six specialist instructors.

A round on the West course is the best way to experience Marriott Golf Son Antem. Opened in 2001, this 6882-yard par 72 is a challenging proposition built on former hunting grounds and set amid olive and pine trees. The opening 5 holes are gentle, enabling you to get a score going before the quirky 6th. While only 325 yards, this right-to-left dogleg demands a precise pitch to the raised green surrounded by pot bunkers.

There are birdie chances at the par-5 7th and short par-3 8th before you play the best of the West, at the 357-yard 9th. This par 4 is quite narrow and so a good drive must avoid the well-positioned fairway bunkers right and left, setting up a tricky approach to a two-tiered green set behind one of the courses three lakes.

There's a break from aquatic peril until the 14th, where hitting your approach long into the pond or the large bunkering that rings the entire green surely spells dropped shots.

There is much to challenge you at Marriott Golf Son Antem, but the relatively young courses require further improvement to rival Mallorca's older courses for condition. The 18th at the West, however is one of the best finishing holes on the island and has water running along its entire left side.

At the shorter 6,274-yard East course, the best holes are the par-3 12th, guarded by a pond and with views back down to Llucmajor, and the treacherous 15th, whose green is guarded by two stretches of water and is reached over a bridge.

Key Information East Course:
Handicap Gentlemen: 54
Handicap Ladies: 54
Price: Approx £45

Key Information West Course:
Handicap Gentlemen: 27
Handicap Ladies: 35
Price: Approx £49

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Golf Santa Ponsa

2006-01-05T17:53:00.000Z

There are some places in the world, such as St. Andrews in Scotland, that are synonymous with golf. Mallorca's equivalent is the stunning resort of Golf Santa Ponsa.

Golf Santa Ponsa is Mallorca's principal golf village, containing three courses and a stunning four star hotel. One of the distinguished elder statesmen of Mallorca golf, Santa Ponsa hosted the Balearic Open on the European Tour on seven occasions between 1988 and 1998.

Less than 30 minutes from Palma, Santa Ponsa is ideally reached via its own turn off on the Palma - Andratx motorway.

Once there head, straight for Santa Ponsa 1, the resort's expansive stadium course, which was designed by the late Italian Folco Nardi and open in 1977. It is open, uncomplicated and the fairways are among the most generous on the island, making this a great place to enjoy ripping into your drives and approach shots.

There's a superb shape to the course with several doglegs and intelligent use of water, particularly at the dramatic par-4 16th. At 437 yards, this sliding left-to-right dogleg is difficult enough, but it skirts an enormous lake on the right for the entire length of the hole. Good course management is required to safely negotiate a water hazard of this size, and for some laying up and playing the hole as a par 5 could be the wisest option.

The par-4 18th is a fine finish to a very enjoyable round of golf, and was the scene of an epic play-off between Seve Ballesteros and Jesper Parnevik for the 1992 Balearic Open. They played the hole 6 times before Seve eventually triumphed. The story goes that Parnevik's caddie was so exhausted, the Swede took up the bag for the final stretch.

The resort is also known for the par-3 18th on the Santa Ponsa II course, containing an island green in the shape of Mallorca. It's a stunning hole and a joy to play. Just beware of the south-east couast, the water awaits the wayward shots!

Santa Ponsa 1 is open to the public, whilst Santa Ponsa II and III are for members only.

You may be required to present a handicap certificate at this course;

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 28
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £50

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Pula Golf

2006-01-05T17:34:00.000Z

Situated in Levante, in the north-east of the island, near Son Servera and the bay of Cala Millor, Pula is a young course that has achieved much recognition in a short time. Built in 1995, this 18-hole par 70 course has since been re-designed with the help of Olazabal who changed 12 holes in 2004 & 2005.

The Pula complex has everything to meet the golfer's needs, including a two-tier driving range, short game area and a delightful clubhouse-cum-hotel renovated from an ancient farmhouse, dating back to 1581.

It serves as an intimate 10 bedroom hotel and clubhouse, close to Pula's gastronomic centrepiece, the S'Era de Pula restaurant, which during the Mallorcan Classic doubles as a VIP and player hospitality area overlooking the final green.

The course is tough and demanding, but fun to play for players off all ability. The range of teeing areas offers a choice as to how hard you wish the course to play.

The 172-yard par-3 2nd is an early treat. It is played over a canyon to green which the Americans would say has an "elephant burial ground" - it is raised and humped in the middle. It's tough to two-putt, but fun to try.

If you can fade the ball you'll do well at Pula. Holes 3, 6 and 7 all dogleg left to right quite sharply and if you're safe from the tee, offer birdie chances.

The redesigned 17th was the centrepiece of the 2005 Mallorcan Classic. It's a long par 4 played downhill with a vast lake to the left and a well-bunkered green equals great potential for drammatic moments.

The Pula group is developing a new course in the south of the island which is set to open in 2006. Golf de Maioris will be a 7,000-yard, par-72 course designed by the German architect Dieter Cabus, near the coastal resort of Cala Blava. It will feature four lakes and two holes with island greens.

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 36
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £57

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Golf Poniente

2006-01-05T17:30:00.000Z

Opened in 1978, Poniente has the kind of status on the island that is afforded to the older Scottish clubs in Britain, and is a favourite of British & German golfers staying in the coastal resorts around Palma.

Its 7,032-yard, par 72 layout was created by John Harris, and combines woodland, lakes, sweeping terrain and large, quick greens. The first four holes form a gentle start but the course bares its teeth on the intriguing stretch between the 7th and 10th.

The 8th hole plays blind and steeply downhill with a ravine to the right. Place your drive on the fairway and you'll have a medium iron left to a big green surrounded by palms and offering panoramic views,

Poniente's best - number 10 - will scare you from the tee. Water and reed beds loom on the right while bunkers guard the run-off at the end of the fairway. The green at first seems unreachable, but it is possible to carry the water with a sweet strike.

You may be required to present a handicap certificate at this course;

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 28
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £49

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Pollensa Golf Course

2006-01-05T17:25:00.000Z

This 9 hole golf course opened in 1986 and underwent a complete renovation programme in the year 2000 with the help of Mike Pinner a member of the Jack Nicklaus golf designing team.

The course has panoramic views over the Tramuntana mountains, olive groves, the bays of Pollença and Alcudia and s’Albufera reserve. By the end of the first round, the visitor will surely agree that challenge, variety, and harmony with nature are focal points around which the club’s success is built.

The golf course is irrigated using purified water.

Golf Pollensa has the following facilities:-

Driving Range with Putting green and pitching area
Golf Professional and special golf classes
Club rental, trolleys and car rental
Golf shop
Bar and Restaurant

You may be required to present a handicap certificate at this course;

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 36
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £39

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Capdepera Golf Course

2006-01-05T17:21:00.000Z

The natural beauty and incomparable tranquillity of its surroundings characterise the privileged location of Capdepera Golf, one of the most beautiful courses on the island that captivates golfers at first sight.

Designed by the North American architect Dan Maples, Capdepera Golf was inaugurated in 1989. It offers 18 holes, par 72 and a very balanced distribution that requires precise play. Expert golfers as well as beginners find their individual challenge on this course.

Capdepera Golf stands out for its spacious greens, the charming combination of long, wide fairways with other narrower ones, and its six lakes. Its first holes are comparatively flat, with the odd dogleg surrounded by water to make the game more interesting. The last 6, more intricate holes, are hidden among the mountains of Arta. Particularly attractive is hole 15, par 3, which apart from having given more than 1 player the satisfaction of getting a birdie, offers incredible views of the valley and the Mediterranean sea.

Capdepera Golf has the splendid and renowned Roca Viva restaurant, famous for its exquisite cuisine and friendly service. Located on the edge of the 18th green, it invites golfers to rest after a successful game, and enjoy the company of other players.

Pro Shop facilities of Capdepera Golf are located on the ground floor of the club house. The Pro Shop offers everything that you need, including reservations, professional golf classes and information on any aspect of the course.

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 36
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £46

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Canyamel Golf Course

2006-01-05T17:10:00.000Z

When Pepe Gancedo surveyed the beautiful countryside around Canyamel, he knew that he needed to spoil Mallorca as little as possible when designing the course.

As a result, this course has been developed taking into account many of the existing features. The little house on the 9th hole was preserved as were the typical dry stone walls on the 7th, 13th, 14th and 15th, where they come into play across and adjacent to the fairways.

This is a course of two contrasting halves. The first nine holes are quite difficult, with Hole 5 offering a particularly excellent view of Menorca. The second nine holes are longer and flatter than the first, but make for an excellent and challenging round of golf.

The European PGA visited the course and proposed a series of modifications which have now been carried out. The PGA have classified Canyamel Golf Course as an ideal course for playing an Open event.

Among its facilities Canyamel Golf offers a double driving range for 40 people, 2 putting greens, a pitching green and a practice bunker. In addition to this, at the Club House there is a restaurant, showers and lockers and a lounge with video.

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 28
Handicap Ladies: 36
Price: Approx £49

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Bendinat Golf Course

2005-12-31T18:11:00.001Z

If you’ve already decided to stay in the south of the island then you may have already chosen to play at Santa Ponsa, the course favoured by American presidents. But if you like to go one step better than everyone else, then Bendinat, the course favoured by Kings has to be the one for you.
In the hillsides beneath the fortress of Castillo de Bendinat and close to the marina of Puerto Portals lies Real Golf de Bendinat.

This is no ordinary golf club. Open air concerts with orchestras playing classical music are regular events on the social calendar for the 950-plus members, while the president of the club is none other than the King of Spain, Don Juan Carlos.

Visitors are welcomed with open arms at Real Golf de Bendinat – it’s an excellent place to enjoy holiday golf. And do take time to relax in the 19th hole, where according to Jorge Pando, director of Real Golf de Bendinat, there is deliberately no golf memorabilia or decoration, but a contemporary light airy clubhouse, perfect for drinking and dining.

The course is wonderfully manicured and a fun test. It was originally a 9 hole course, built in 1985, but was extended to a full 18 holes in 1995.

No two holes play the same way, and English architect Martin Hawtree has created a course in two distinct styles. The front 9 winds through a residential area, bordering private villas and exclusive hotels, while parts of the back nine are played in blissful isolation, in a natural and environmentally protected area in the hills. It is here that you will encounter the clubs mascots, the mountain goats that roam the surrounding hills and are soon to be celebrated with a life-size sculpture by the 14th green.

The goats are golfer friendly, and merely graze while you tackle the clubs signature 12th hole. A downhill par 3, you play from an elevated tee looking down on the bay of Palma Nova, to a green guarded by a lake. It’s a stunning sight, and later complemented by holes backed towards the castle, such as the 14th where a 15th-century viaduct flanks the green.

Taking a buggy is sensible as the course winds up and down through hilly terrain, and in the Mallorcan sun, you’ll want to save your legs for a stroll along the nearby marina of Portals Nous.

You may be required to present a handicap certificate at this course;

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 36
Handicap Ladies: 36

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Andratx Golf Course

2005-12-31T17:06:00.000Z

David Kidd almost carved the holes out of the Andratx hills when designing this course. Perceived as being one of the more challenging courses on the island, the opening hole is a testing Par 4. A good straight drive is needed in order to give the best line into the green for the second shot, with the raised green being protected by a typical Mallorquin stone wall at the front. This 18 hole course is praised for its originality with several raised tees offering stunning views of the Mallorquin coastline. The back nine holes are ensconced in the countryside, surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean flora. An eye catching feature of this course is the contrast in colours between the three different grass types that are used. Even the novice will have no difficulty in recognising whether their ball is on the fairway on in the rough.

Seven ponds and lakes divided between six holes, and sixty snow white quartz filled sand bunkers ensure that even the most experience players rarely return to the clubhouse with the same ball that they started with.

The course is irrigated with recycled water and rainwater collected in tanks. The Andratx Club de Golf also has its own desalination plant ensuring, the long term protection of the environment.
You may be required to present a handicap certificate at this course;

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 28
Handicap Ladies: 35
Price: Approx £65

www.simplymallorcagolf.com

Alcanada Golf Course

2005-12-31T16:47:00.001Z

Two essential requirement for the creation of a top category golf course are: a privileged setting and a first rate architect. Both exist in Alcanada, Alcudia. A virgin terrain gently sloping down towards the shoreline, with its pine, olive and oak trees and the mountains of the Sierra de Levante in the background.

Robert Trent Jones Sen & Jnr, designed the beautiful Alcanada golf course, which opened in October 2003. Typical Trent Jones features, like 58 well placed green side fairway bunkers, challenging greens with hidden breaks, and difficult but fair tee shots, already make this golf course a must for all experienced golfers travelling to Mallorca.

Almost as spectacular as the design of the course is the view across the bay of Alcudia. Club de Golf Alcanada is the only course in Mallorca that is right by the sea. The lighthouse on the island of Alcanada, just 150m into the sea, forms part of the clubs logo.

The golf course is located in an environmentally important area, and you will frequently find a variety of wild life and rare birds on the course, particularly in the early morning.

The restaurant overlooks both the course, and Alcudia bay, and is as inviting as the staff who will cater to your every need.

You may be required to present a handicap certificate at this course;

Key Information:
Handicap Gentlemen: 33
Handicap Ladies: 35
Price: Approx £53

www.simplymallorcagolf.com