Imagine one dreich day you are desultorily mooching about hitting small pebbles with a modified stick on a field full of rabbit burrows. What does that bring to mind? – why golf (of) course! That’s how it was originally played in the Home of Golf, St Andrews, Scotland. There are some who dispute the birthplace of golf – but as an Act of Parliament in 1457 banned the playing of football and golf, it presupposes that they were being played before then. And what was so heinous about golf that the King banned it? No more nor less than the fact that it was taking the youth away from military archery practice!
Fast forward 5 centuries and the Glorious Game has changed almost beyond recognition – and there is no better place to enjoy it than in the Balearics.
With 23 courses on Mallorca, 20 of which are open to visitors, golfers are spoilt for choice – no matter where you are, there is generally a decent golf course within an hour’s drive. And that applies to all points of the island – north, east, south, west, with the majority being in the southwest. And not only are the golf courses easily accessible, but the islands themselves are easy to get to with flights to Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza from most main European airports; and inter-island ferries make Son Park in Menorca and Golf Ibiza easily accessible too.
With the beautiful temperate weather that the Balearics enjoys, golfing is almost an all year round sport – with peak seasons in the spring (April – May) and in the autumn (September – November); nobody golfs in July and August – it’s far too hot, and winter with its lower temperatures and rain is not so appealing.
But one thing which is very appealing is the variety of courses and activities, whether you are a beginner or a scratch player you will easily encounter a golf course which suits you needs. Many of them have golf academies attached, golf shops, and rental of golf buggies, bags and clubs, so that if you are travelling from abroad you don’t need to bring your heavy gear with you. Most if not all of them have their own club bar and restaurant where you can enjoy the most amazing variety of food from Mallorquin to International and everything in between. All superyacht captains adore it!
One of the best things about golfing in Mallorca is the amazing variety of absolutely stunning views – from the classical view of the oldest golf course in Mallorca – Son Vida, to the iconic lighthouse at Alcanada; shadowed by mountains or with fresh salty winds from the coast, you are guaranteed a breath-taking view.
And after the green …. there is so much to do – have a spa in one of the golf resorts, go shopping in the cities, explore the countryside, visit museums and art galleries, enjoy gastronomic restaurants, visit a UNESCO World Heritage site – so much to do, it’s hard to decide.
