Mallorca’s Exclusive Championship Course for Golfing Purists
Introduction
Set amidst the rolling hills of Mallorca, Son Gual Golf Club is a true hidden gem, blending championship-caliber golf with Mediterranean elegance. Renowned for its impeccable course conditions, strategic layout, and breathtaking scenery, this exclusive private course offers a world-class golfing experience. Designed to challenge even the most seasoned players, Son Gual has become a must-play destination for golfers seeking precision, beauty, and luxury on the island of Mallorca.
General Information
Located near Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Son Gual Golf Club was established in 2007 and designed by Thomas Himmel. Despite being a relatively young course, it has earned a stellar reputation for its pristine fairways, Augusta-like greens, and world-class service. With a focus on exclusivity, Son Gual is known for limiting the number of daily tee times to ensure a serene and unhurried golfing experience.
What Makes Son Gual Golf Unique?
Unique Features
Son Gual is a par-72, 7,240-yard championship course characterized by wide fairways, deep bunkers, and undulating greens. Unlike many Mediterranean courses, it features an inland parkland-style layout, offering golfers a balanced mix of natural beauty and strategic design.
The course’s signature water features, such as the stunning 16th hole island green, add both challenge and aesthetic appeal. Designed with tour-level conditioning, Son Gual provides fast greens that demand precision putting and strategic course management.
Signature Holes
- Hole 3 (Par 4): A long, risk-reward hole with a strategically placed lake and a narrow fairway leading to a heavily guarded green.
- Hole 12 (Par 5): The longest hole on the course, demanding three well-executed shots to reach the elevated green.
- Hole 16 (Par 3): The famous island green, where water surrounds the putting surface, making club selection and accuracy critical.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Tournaments & Historic Moments
Son Gual has hosted numerous professional and high-profile amateur tournaments, solidifying its reputation as one of Spain’s best private golf courses. Among its most notable events are:
- The European Senior Tour Championship (2009)
- The Amateur Mallorca Open
- High-profile charity pro-am tournaments featuring European Tour professionals
Though it has not yet hosted a major championship, Son Gual is consistently ranked among the top golf courses in Spain and is frequently compared to Valderrama for its challenge and course conditioning.
Champions of the Last Decade
Since Son Gual is a private members’ course, it does not host annual professional stroke-play tournaments like the European or PGA Tour. However, its European Senior Tour Championship saw some of the game’s legends compete, showcasing the course’s ability to test elite players.
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Clubhouse & Amenities
Son Gual offers an elegant clubhouse with a spacious terrace overlooking the 18th hole, where players can unwind while enjoying spectacular sunset views. The fine-dining restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients, enhancing the luxury experience.
Membership & Green Fees
Son Gual is a private members-only club, though limited visitor tee times are available upon request. Green fees typically range from €150 to €250 per round, depending on the season. Membership provides exclusive access to world-class practice facilities, VIP concierge services, and private events.
Golf Academy & Practice Facilities
Son Gual’s state-of-the-art driving range, short game area, and putting greens make it an ideal training ground for serious golfers. The club also offers personalized coaching programs with some of Spain’s top instructors, making it a haven for those looking to fine-tune their skills.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Notable Players
Son Gual has attracted some of golf’s most celebrated names, including Ian Woosnam, Paul Lawrie, and Miguel Ángel Jiménez, all of whom have praised the course for its challenging layout and meticulous maintenance.
Course Records
- Lowest Round: 63 (set during a European Senior Tour event)
- Longest Drive: 406 yards (achieved on the par-5 12th hole)
- Most Birdies in a Round: 10
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
Fun Facts
- Son Gual’s 16th hole island green is often compared to TPC Sawgrass’s legendary 17th hole.
- The course was built on a former vineyard, and the clubhouse still serves locally produced wine to its guests.
- It is one of the few courses in Europe that limits the number of rounds played daily to maintain exclusivity and course quality.
Celebrities & Iconic Visitors
Besides professional golfers, Son Gual has hosted celebrities, business moguls, and royalty, making it a popular retreat for those seeking privacy and world-class golf.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Son Gual Golf Club is one of Europe’s finest hidden gems, offering a championship-level experience with the intimacy of a private retreat. Its immaculate conditioning, strategic layout, and luxurious amenities make it a must-play course for golf purists. Whether you’re teeing off under the Mediterranean sun or navigating the legendary island green on 16, Son Gual delivers an unforgettable round of golf in one of the world’s most scenic locations.
