On a beautiful day in November following Rolex’s Challenge Tour Final, we were lucky enough to catch one of Majorca’s top club pros at arguably the most handsome golf course in the Balearics – Alcanada.
Hugging the northern coast of the island, elegantly nestled in the Bay of Alcudia and owned by a member of an eminent European family, Challenge Tour-standard Club de Golf Alcanada is regularly voted amongst Spain and Europe’s top courses.
As you might expect, it’s not the cheapest place to play a round but neither is it crazy when you compare like-for-like and, for near-perfect bucket list golf, it’s as good as it gets.
So, here at GroupiaGolf, wanting to know all there is to know about the top golf courses in Spain, we met with Joan Gonzalez – head pro and overseer of one of the island’s best golfing academies – who gave us the lowdown of this sublime golf holiday destination.
Course Overview
- Founded: 2003
- Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr
- Holes: 18
- Par: 72
- Holes: 4 x par 5, 10 x par 4, 4 x par 3
- Playing Times: From 8 am, last tee off 5 pm (summer)
- Recent Tournaments: Rolex
- Club Hire: TaylorMade & Titleist
- Driving Range: 20 bays, 10 x 2, 10 with tracer & 10 open.
- Other Facilities: Changing room, pro shop, restaurant
- Highest Player Days: 150-180 players
- Busiest Periods: Spring & Autumn. March, April, September, October
- Dress Code: Top end as you’d expect: collars, no denim, no sports shirts, proper footwear … garish & dodgy shirts may be ok as long as inoffensive.
Joan Gonzalez: Head Pro
At 31, having been at Alcanada for four years, Joan is a youthful head pro with one of the best jobs on the island. With a great sense of humour and an appreciation for British comedy, he’s no joke on the course having won the Balearic Pro Championship in a pair, more than any other duo.
- Your age: 31
- Started playing: 6
- How long have you been a pro here: 4 years
- What’s your handicap: Pros don’t actually have handicaps but when I did I was playing off scratch / +1.
- What’s your favourite club to use: Driver
- Average Drive: 275 yards
- Favourite golf shot: Bunker
- Clubs make: TaylorMade
- Greatest round: 64, tournament play 65, 67 Spanish Pro Championship
- Ever had a hole-in-one: Yes, on a training round, hole 12 (145 yards) Son Muntaner (Majorca).
- Other favourite courses in Majorca: Son Gual, followed by T-Club (Calvia) & Son Muntaner.
- Other favourite course in Europe: Monaco Country Club
Alcanada Golf Q&A
Nicest time to play Alcanada?
“Probably April due to the stable weather and the start of the longer days – the sunsets this time of year are incredible, by the way.”
Favourite hole at Alcanada?
“For me, number nine is my favourite (a 395-yard, par 4) as it’s completely straight and, as golfers, we never hit perfectly straight which makes it a great challenge.
“However, the most spectacular holes are probably the 7th and 13th due to the view you get. We have a lighthouse in the bay and these holes are perfectly lined up with it, giving it that extra something.”
When should players turn up for their round?
“I’d recommend arriving 30-60 minutes before your round, ideally hitting the range for a few to loosen up.”
What else would you suggest for a group to do on a weekend in Majorca?
“There’s plenty for you to do. Get out in nature and have a look at the villages – Soller, for example, is stunning. You could also visit Palma’s cathedral, rent a boat, or go for dinner in Palma Old Town where the standard of international and fusion cuisine is excellent, but be sure to try Spanish food, too.”
Pro Tips
How often should you change your clubs?
“When necessary. Wedges more often – perhaps annually for me. Other clubs you change as you progress according to head speed and impact quality.”
Joan’s Junior Academy at Alcanada
For more info on Joan’s junior academy at Alcanada, in case you fancy a break and leaving the kids to hone their golf skills, tap that link for everything you need to know.
Extra Tips
- Take pictures, it’s a stunner.
- If you’re staying in central Palma, allow yourselves an hour to get to the course.
- Alcanada is very close to Alcudia old town (10-15 minute drive and easy parking) which is a beautiful place to go for dinner after your round.
- Where to stay: Palma (45-min drive) or Port d’Alcudia (15-min drive).
- Suggested GroupiaGolf Packages: Hotel Victoria Gran Meliá (3 Nights + 3 Rounds)
To chat about whether Alcanada’s a fit for you or to book a bespoke great-value trip where we reliably put together what you want, contact us directly at 01225 474200 ext. 5.
Alternatively, have a browse and choose from our excellent range of Majorca stay-and-play packages.
