Golf Son Gual

In 2014, Son Gual leapt into the top 50 in Golf World Magazine’s Top 100 Golf Courses in Europe – and there is every chance Son Gual will rise even higher in future lists as it continues to mature into the Majorcan landscape. That said, it is its quick maturity which has seen it reach such heady heights so quickly; Son Gual only opened in 2007 but on our first visit three years later, it was impossible to detect we were playing a new course.

Son Gual is what a modern championship course should be and, taken together with its fabulous clubhouse and practice facilities, is every inch a serious Tour venue. Step out of your car (parked underneath the shaded car ports to avoid it from becoming a furnace by the Majorcan sun), and one of the finest inland courses on the continent of Europe awaits. Incorporating 66 bunkers, 800 olive trees and several vineyards, it can stand comparison with our own high-octane parklands The Grove and The Belfry – not least in the conditioning stakes, which is no mean achievement. It is true the opening few holes are almost directly under the busy flight path to Palma, but trust us, you soon forget about the planes descending above you as you work out how to avoid the sand, the water, and three-putting the slick, tiered greens. German businessman Adam Pamer reportedly spent €30m building Son Gual; that is a huge sum, but it seems to us like it has been money extremely well spent.

Click here to find out where Son Gual ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses Europe

The stunning Thomas Himmel-designed Son Gual course is less than 20 minutes from Palma airport and opened in 2007. It has already staged a European Tour event – won by former Ryder Cup captain Mark James. Son Gual is not cheap – it cost a reputed 30million euros to build - but the ethos is firmly on enjoyment and relaxation. Tee-times are at 15mins intervals and they are happy for you to break off after nine holes and have a quick snack and refreshing beer on the terrace.

You’ll relish the challenge of negotiating the 66 bunkers, an outstanding collection of par-3s and one of best closing holes in Europe – a 544-yards par-5 with two stretches of water and yet more bunkers.

Son Gual also features several impressive lakes, 800 olive trees and vineyards in many areas around the course – even the teeing areas are huge. The course is on also the flight path into Palma and although planes regularly appear from the clouds they’re not a big distraction

The stunning Thomas Himmel-designed Son Gual course is less than 20 minutes from Palma airport and opened in 2007. It has already staged a European Tour event – won by former Ryder Cup captain Mark James. Son Gual is not cheap – it cost a reputed 30million euros to build - but the ethos is firmly on enjoyment and relaxation. Tee-times are at 15mins intervals and they are happy for you to break off after nine holes and have a quick snack and refreshing beer on the terrace.

You’ll relish the challenge of negotiating the 66 bunkers, an outstanding collection of par-3s and one of best closing holes in Europe – a 544-yards par-5 with two stretches of water and yet more bunkers.

Son Gual also features several impressive lakes, 800 olive trees and vineyards in many areas around the course – even the teeing areas are huge. The course is on also the flight path into Palma and although planes regularly appear from the clouds they’re not a big distraction

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap