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Nestled in the hills overlooking Palma Bay, Son Vida is one of the most renowned golf clubs in Mallorca. Opened in 1964 and redesigned in 2001 by architect Kurt Rossknecht, Son Vida is widely considered the island’s premier golfing destination.
With its challenging layout, excellent conditions, and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why Son Vida has earned its reputation as a must-play course for golfers visiting Mallorca.
Course Overview
Spanning 5601 meters and playing to a par of 71 from the back tees, Son Vida presents a good test of golf for players of all abilities. The layout incorporates undulating fairways, small greens, and strategic bunkering to require precision and course management.
Mature trees line many of the holes, placing a premium on straight hitting and careful positioning of drives. With a mix of short par-4s, tough par-3s, and three demanding par-5s, Son Vida demands solid shot-making skills to score well.
Amenities and Facilities
In addition to the main 18-hole course, Son Vida boasts excellent practice facilities including a driving range, chipping area, and putting green. Golf carts, caddies, club and shoe rental, and an on-site pro shop stocked with equipment and apparel are all available.
The historic clubhouse provides locker rooms, restaurant, and bar service with panoramic views from its terrace. Son Vida also offers Stay & Play packages with the nearby 5-star Hotel Son Vida Luxury Villas for the ultimate golf holiday experience.
Course Layout and Design
The front nine at Son Vida winds through the upscale Son Vida residential development, requiring accuracy off the tee on tree-lined holes. The back nine opens up across more undulating terrain, featuring water hazards and dramatic elevation changes.
The par-5 18th is regarded as one of the best finishing holes in Mallorca, playing downhill to a green flanked by lakes. Strategically placed bunkers and sloping greens add challenge on approach shots. The recent redesign succeeded in enhancing playability while preserving the essence of the original layout.
Hole Distance, Par & Handicap
| Hole | Distance (m) | Par | Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 264 | 4 | 13 |
| 2 | 193 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | 364 | 4 | 1 |
| 4 | 139 | 3 | 15 |
| 5 | 362 | 4 | 5 |
| 6 | 450 | 5 | 7 |
| 7 | 300 | 4 | 9 |
| 8 | 130 | 3 | 17 |
| 9 | 317 | 4 | 11 |
| 10 | 265 | 4 | 14 |
| 11 | 482 | 5 | 2 |
| 12 | 140 | 3 | 16 |
| 13 | 501 | 5 | 12 |
| 14 | 331 | 4 | 10 |
| 15 | 368 | 4 | 6 |
| 16 | 126 | 3 | 18 |
| 17 | 400 | 4 | 4 |
| 18 | 470 | 5 | 8 |
Playing Experience
Most visitors praise Son Vida for its excellent course conditions and smooth pacing of play. The greens are described as true and fast-running, providing a great putting experience if you can handle the speed.
The fairways and rough are beautifully maintained to provide ideal lies. Golfers note that the course presents a stern but fair test of ability. While challenging, it rewards good shots and remains playable for golfers at all skill levels.
The aesthetic design and surroundings make for an enjoyable round in a premier setting.
Conditions and Maintenance
Ongoing investment ensures Son Vida remains in pristine condition year-round. The greens are meticulously cared for and run at speeds up to 10 on the stimpmeter. Fairways and tees provide perfect lies, with winter overseeding maintaining excellent coverage. Bunkers are consistently well-raked and groomed.
An extensive drainage system prevents excessive waterlogging. Players remark the course is always presented in tournament-ready condition, a testament to the dedicated grounds staff. Son Vida takes great pride in upholding exceptional standards of care and maintenance.
Scenery and Atmosphere
The magnificent scenery and tranquil atmosphere make Son Vida an unforgettable golfing experience. Lush landscaping and trees give the layout a pleasing parkland feel. Holes play alongside and over beautiful lakes, adding aesthetic appeal.
On clear days, the Old Town of Palma and Mallorca’s rugged coastal mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. The peaceful upscale residential setting promotes a relaxed vibe. Golfers praise the “hidden paradise” ambience of playing a round at Son Vida.
Local Knowledge and Tips
Some insider tips for playing your best at Son Vida include:
- Be prepared for fast greens and generally firm conditions year-round
- The front nine favours accuracy while the back nine allows you to open your shoulders
- Watch out for strong prevailing winds on exposed holes like the 18th
- Bring extra balls for the watery par-3 14th hole
- Accuracy into small raised greens is key to scoring well
- A draw off the tee is ideal on most holes due to the shaping of doglegs
Customer Service and Staff
The first-class customer service rivals the immaculate course conditions at Son Vida. The friendly pro shop staff provide excellent service catering to both members and visitors. Starters provide useful tips on how to play each hole before tee-off.
The caddies are knowledgeable about the course’s intricacies, providing valuable advice to shoot the best possible score. Many golfers rave about the welcoming yet professional atmosphere extended by all staff members at Son Vida.
Value for Money
While green fees at Son Vida are on the higher side, most golfers feel the experience warrants the cost. Given the premier conditions and amenities, Son Vida offers good relative value compared to other top-tier clubs.
Guests compliment the high standard of facilities and service included in the fees. Multi-round packages and specials throughout the year also make Son Vida more affordable. Overall, visitors believe the quality on offer gives good value compared to similar clubs of its calibre elsewhere in Europe.
Conclusion
For nearly 60 years, Son Vida has maintained its place among Europe’s elite golf destinations. The captivating scenery, outstanding course conditions, and first-class staff service make it an essential play for visitors to Mallorca.
While presenting a challenging layout requiring precision, the design philosophy remains inviting to golfers of all abilities. Spared from mass tourism development, Son Vida retains a peaceful exclusivity coveted by seasoned golf travellers.
As Mallorca’s premier golf club, Son Vida is sure to provide a memorable and rewarding experience for your next golf holiday.
Location
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Contact
Website: Golf Son Vida
Telephone: (+34) 971 783 000
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.
