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Nestled in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains just 10km north of Palma lies Golf de Son Termes, one of Mallorca’s most picturesque golf courses.
Known for its challenging layout, panoramic views, and friendly goat ’employees’, this hidden gem offers a unique golfing experience for visitors to the island.
Course Overview
Opened in 1998 and designed by the Harris Group and José Rodriguez, Golf de Son Termes is an 18-hole, par 71 championship course spanning 5,582 meters from the back tees.
With narrow, hilly fairways and small greens guarded by strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, the course provides a good test of accuracy and course management skills.
The front nine holes are flatter and longer, while the back nine feature more elevation changes and tighter holes requiring greater precision.
Amenities and Facilities
Golfers can take advantage of on-site amenities including a pro shop stocked with equipment and apparel, club and cart rentals. The clubhouse houses a restaurant and bar overlooking the course, a nice spot for golfers to refuel and relax before or after their round.
Playing Experience
Beyond the landscape, Golf de Son Termes offers a unique experience courtesy of its furry, four-legged ’employees’. Goats roam freely around the course, lending a certain charm while also serving as natural lawnmowers.
Golfers share the course with these docile animals, and they may have an audience of goats while teeing off or putting. The goats add to the laidback atmosphere, making a round here a more relaxed and lighthearted affair.
Conditions and Maintenance
Reviews of course conditions are somewhat mixed, with some golfers reporting issues with unkempt greens and fairways while others have been pleasantly surprised by the quality.
As an eco-friendly facility, Golf de Son Termes utilises sustainable practices including using goats for grass trimming duties rather than chemicals and heavy machinery. So golfers should set reasonable expectations around pristine, manicured conditions.
In general, the course characteristics match the natural, pastoral landscape in which it lies.
Scenery and Atmosphere
Without a doubt, the scenery and views steal the show at Golf de Son Termes. The ever-changing vistas showcase Mallorca’s diverse topography from the vantage point of various elevated tee boxes and greens.
Golfers can take in panoramas of the mountains, Palma, and Mediterranean sea while plotting their next shot.
The peaceful setting, with few houses or other golfers in sight, enhances the feeling of being immersed in nature. Even when the golf is not going well, the beauty all around makes it easy to enjoy the experience.
Local Knowledge and Tips
The hilly terrain means walking the course with a heavy bag would prove quite strenuous. Most golfers opt to rent a cart, which comes at an additional fee.
Also, wayward shots easily get lost in the rocky areas and gorse lining the fairways, so an ample supply of spare balls is recommended. With tighter landing areas, leaving the longest clubs in the bag off the tee is often the smart play.
Course management and precision win the day here rather than raw power. To fully admire the scenery, consider playing the course close to sunset when the mountain views are cast in a golden glow.
Hole Distance, Par & Handicap
| Hole | Distance (m) | Par | Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 231 | 4 | 17 |
| 2 | 276 | 4 | 9 |
| 3 | 290 | 4 | 13 |
| 4 | 334 | 4 | 1 |
| 5 | 457 | 5 | 3 |
| 6 | 449 | 5 | 7 |
| 7 | 147 | 3 | 15 |
| 8 | 300 | 4 | 5 |
| 9 | 173 | 3 | 11 |
| 10 | 402 | 4 | 2 |
| 11 | 331 | 4 | 12 |
| 12 | 104 | 3 | 18 |
| 13 | 279 | 4 | 4 |
| 14 | 332 | 4 | 10 |
| 15 | 164 | 3 | 14 |
| 16 | 354 | 4 | 8 |
| 17 | 344 | 4 | 6 |
| 18 | 318 | 4 | 16 |
Customer Service and Staff
The staff earn praise for their friendliness and eagerness to help golfers with bookings, rentals, and other needs. Between the welcoming staff and low-key atmosphere, Golf de Son Termes comes across more as a community course than a stuffy country club.
Golfers feel comfortable here to focus on enjoying their round in a judgment-free environment. Those looking to practice their Spanish will appreciate the ability to immerse themselves in Mallorca’s native culture.
Value for Money
Green fees currently range from €78-95 per player depending on the time of day and season, positioning Golf de Son Termes as an upper mid-range option price-wise among Mallorca courses.
Factoring in the cost of rentals and food/beverages, some golfers believe the experience justifies the price while others have bemoaned the value offered for what they viewed as just average course conditions.
Beyond the golf, additional value comes in the one-of-a-kind memories created here that few other courses can match.
Conclusion
For golfers seeking something beyond the typical resort-style course, Golf de Son Termes offers adventure and serenity rolled into one.
Players willing to trade fancy facilities for spectacular scenery, an innovative layout, and a cast of furry friends are sure to delight in the unique charms of this Mallorcan treasure located just a bleat away from Palma.
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.
