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Along the northeastern coast of Mallorca lies Canyamel Golf, a picturesque 18-hole course with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Designed by the renowned Spanish architect José Gancedo, the par 73 course stretches 6,196 meters through the Gabellí Valley, seamlessly blending into the natural landscape.
Canyamel offers golfers of all levels a challenging yet rewarding playing experience, with undulating fairways, tricky tiered greens, and strategic bunker placements demanding precision and course management skills. Continue reading for an in-depth overview of this hidden gem of Mallorcan golf.
Course Overview
Opened in 1998, Canyamel boasts a layout full of variety and visual drama. The front nine holes play up and down the hills, requiring accurate shot-shaping to handle the changes in elevation. It’s mainly downhill from the 6th.
The back nine features flatter, more open holes that run towards the sea in a thin band. Due to the nature of this terrain holes are all fairly straight except for the 17th dogleg right. The well-maintained bermuda grass fairways and slick bentgrass greens play firm and fast, especially in the summer months.
Amenities and Facilities
The sleek, Scandinavian-inspired clubhouse underwent extensive renovations in 2013 to provide first-class amenities. Golfers can enjoy delicious Mediterranean tapas and classic golfing fare on the sun-drenched terrace overlooking the 18th green.
The airy, light-filled dining room accommodates groups of up to 150 for special events. Other facilities include a well-stocked pro shop carrying renowned brands like Titleist and FootJoy, a driving range with various practice areas, rental clubs and buggies equipped with GPS tracking, and a putting green to warm up on before your round.
Course Layout and Design
Canyamel Golf Club was artfully carved out of the native forest and terrain to maximize ocean views while preserving the natural beauty. Strategically placed lakes, indigenous vegetation, and clever contouring of the land attempt to recreate the original topography.
The routing ventures deep into the Gabellí Valley then back up to the coastline in a figure-eight pattern. Generous landing areas off the tee open up angles of play but overgrown hillsides and prickly olive groves punish wayward shots. Subtle rumples in the fairways and greens create interesting lies and tricky putts to test every club in the bag.
Bunkers frame many approach shots requiring precise tee-to-green iron play. The unique mogul-like slopes surrounding the final green epitomize Gancedo’s creative flair.
Playing Experience
The difficulty level at Canyamel is suitable for mid to low-handicap golfers who can shape a variety of shots to handle the hilly terrain. Testing one’s target golf skills through crisp ball striking to tricky pins is imperative.
Confident mid-iron players will relish the chance to hit short-to-mid irons into small, sloping greens. With little rough or trees to swallow off-line shots, higher handicappers benefit by playing for position rather than heroically trying to overpower the course.
Conditions and Maintenance
Recent guest reviews confirm the impressive conditioning meets expectations considering green fees range from 85-115€ in peak season.
Fairways and greens provide good lies and smooth rolls while bunkers and areas surrounding the greens are kept neatly manicured. The club aims to maintain firm and fast playing surfaces through its meticulous maintenance program that overseeds the cool season grass.
Some complaints surface regarding the unfinished re-grassing project on a few patchy greens. However, most visitors agree that Canyamel remains a better overall test and visual experience than other courses in the area.
Scenery and Atmosphere
Acclaimed as one of Majorca’s most picturesque layouts, Canyamel takes full advantage of its clifftop setting along Capdepera’s rugged coastline.
Watching the waves crash against the rocky shoreline while hearing only the sound of the breeze makes for a serene escape into nature. Inland, the course winds through peaceful olive and almond groves dotted with ancient windmills that add to the bucolic countryside charm. This tranquil atmosphere contrasts sharply with the glitzy resort courses around Palma.
Local Knowledge and Tips
To fully appreciate Canyamel’s unique landscape, walkers are welcome for a small fee. Photography enthusiasts in particular will capture some postcard-worthy scenes. Wildlife sightings of tortoises and ducks highlight the unspoiled habitat.
Golfers might consider playing the more picturesque front nine holes twice to maximize viewing opportunities. A good caddy adds local expertise regarding blind shots and where to miss given the heavy rough.
Be sure to take advantage of cheaper twilight and shoulder season rates. Multi-round packages provide savings as well. Guests of nearby hotels often receive discounts and inclusive green fee deals.
Hole Distance, Par & Handicap
| Hole | Distance (m) | Par | Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 325 | 4 | 16 |
| 2 | 350 | 4 | 2 |
| 3 | 313 | 4 | 11 |
| 4 | 448 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | 93 | 3 | 18 |
| 6 | 319 | 4 | 13 |
| 7 | 477 | 5 | 9 |
| 8 | 189 | 3 | 7 |
| 9 | 384 | 4 | 1 |
| 10 | 348 | 4 | 12 |
| 11 | 314 | 4 | 17 |
| 12 | 355 | 4 | 6 |
| 13 | 450 | 5 | 4 |
| 14 | 128 | 3 | 14 |
| 15 | 483 | 5 | 3 |
| 16 | 366 | 4 | 10 |
| 17 | 451 | 5 | 15 |
| 18 | 160 | 3 | 8 |
Customer Service and Staff
The friendly club staff receive consistent praise for their attention to visitor needs backed by good communication skills. Visitors compliment the pro shop’s expansive merchandise selection and rental club policies that offer flexibility when needing specialised wedges beyond the standard set.
Marshals efficiently monitor the pace of play to ensure proper course flow. Restaurant servers create an inviting atmosphere whether golfers stop in for a quick snack or leisurely meal on the terrace.
The staff helps organize group tournaments and events year-round highlighted by popular weekly competitions and holiday celebrations that foster a welcoming member-guest culture.
Value for Money
At the luxury end pricing spectrum on Mallorca, value depends greatly on when you play. Peak summer rates over 100€ prove rather expensive compared to better-known clubs around Palma. However, shoulder months drop to 85€ while winter green fees can be had for 50-60€, much more reasonable given the high maintenance.
Multi-round packages also help lower costs for extended stays. When factoring in the stunning scenery and challenging design, Canyamel certainly provides a more unique and memorable experience than the island’s flat, resort-style courses.
Considering green fees for top mainland European clubs run 200-300€, the pricing seems relatively fair by comparison, albeit still expensive for visitors accustomed to cheaper rates back home.
Conclusion
For golfers seeking to discover Mallorca’s hidden gems, look no further than Canyamel Golf Club. This underrated layout from acclaimed designer José Gancedo blends a spectacular natural setting along Mallorca’s rugged northeastern coast with a genuinely testing shot-maker’s course.
Flawless course conditions, first-class facilities, and friendly staff complement the incredible views across the Mediterranean Sea. The layout expertly works through the hilly terrain to offer variety and year-round playability.
While the peak summer green fees appear overpriced compared to other island courses, special packages and off-season rates provide solid value. Memorable golfing experiences await at this Mallorcan treasure by the sea.
Location
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Mark Kaye is a travel writer and content creator living in Majorca, Spain. Originally from the UK, Mark moved to the island and quickly fell in love with Majorcan culture, food, and scenic landscapes. When he’s not busy writing detailed guides about Majorca’s top tourist attractions and hidden local gems, you can find him out exploring coastal trails or wandering the streets of Palma’s Old Town in search of his next great restaurant discovery.
