Pula Golf

In the beautiful Mallorcan countryside, just a short drive from the popular resort town of Alcudia, lies Pula Golf – an idyllic golf retreat offering players a tranquil setting, stunning scenery, and an immaculately conditioned golf course designed by the legendary José María Olazábal.

Established in 1995 and undergoing a full redesign by Olazábal himself between 2004-2006, Pula Golf has matured into one of the island’s premier golfing destinations.

Course Overview

Spanning 6,246m off the black tees, with a par of 72, Pula Golf presents golfers with a good mix of risk-and-reward holes, undulating greenery, and scenic vistas from 14 of the 18 holes.

The layout features generous fairways lined with olive and almond trees, providing that quintessential Mallorcan look and feel. Four large lakes come into play on five holes, adding an extra dimension to course strategy.

The practice facilities impress too – the driving range and two putting greens sit adjacent to the first tee and clubhouse.

Amenities and Facilities

As a golf resort, Pula Golf boasts extensive amenities tailored to golfers. This includes a pro shop stocking major brands, a short game area with three pitching greens and a vast chipping green, and a PGA golf academy providing private and group lessons.

Tech enthusiasts will enjoy the on-site launch monitor and club fitting services. Beyond golf, amenities include a well-equipped fitness center, massage services, and both indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Course Layout and Design

Olazábal’s routing takes full advantage of the existing landscape, with the front nine playing predominantly flat through olive and almond groves.

With prevailing winds usually helping on the front nine and hindering on the inward half, Pula Golf promises an engaging mix of golf holes to test all parts of your game.

Playing Experience

Most guests found the playing surfaces to be in immaculate condition, boasting smooth, consistent greens and lush fairways. The greens are described as large and undulating, requiring an adept short game, while the fairway lies incentivize bold play.

The rugged native vegetation contrasting the water hazards and greenside bunkers also adds to the aesthetic pleasure. Players noted that the course was not overly congested, with tee times readily available if reserved in advance. The printable course planner and yardage guide available online greatly assisted pre-round preparation.

Conditions and Maintenance

Pula Golf takes great pride in course conditioning, evidenced by the glowing reviews it receives regarding its impeccable greens and lush fairways. As the club has the resources to completely close the course for maintenance annually, this ensures playing surfaces remain in pristine shape year-round.

The predominant Bermuda grass is optimal for Mallorca’s warm climate, delivering that smooth putting experience. While reviewers felt the course was kept in fantastic shape, one concern was the number of unrepaired pitch marks. Overall though, Pula Golf’s superb maintenance allows the course to be enjoyed by golfers of all levels.

Scenery and Atmosphere

The peaceful countryside setting, with only the sound of tweeting birds audible between shots, creates a serene on-course atmosphere. The coastal views from elevated holes are spectacular, adding to the sense of escapism.

Surrounded by agricultural land, the rural aroma of lavender, rosemary and wild fennel enhances the sensory experience. Watching the setting sun sink into the Balearic sea after a round really is picture perfect.

Local Knowledge and Tips

Due to the lakes affecting seven holes, course management and well-executed layups are key. Consider taking less club than usual on uphill approach shots to heavily contoured greens.

Don’t be sucked into going for par 5s in two shots unless you can comfortably clear the lakes.

Pack plenty of balls if your swing is a little loose! When making a booking, secure a multi-round package for the best value, and enquire about club rental too if required. If you want to sharpen your short-game skills before teeing off, reserve a lesson at the golf academy located on-site.

Hole Distance, Par & Handicap

Hole	Distance (m)	Par	Handicap
1	385	4	6
2	161	3	16
3	379	4	4
4	359	4	18
5	325	4	14
6	494	5	12
7	397	4	10
8	197	3	8
9	450	5	2
10	519	5	13
11	286	4	9
12	431	5	17
13	151	3	7
14	361	4	11
15	407	4	3
16	398	4	5
17	354	4	1
18	180	3	15

Customer Service and Staff

The consensus among visitors is that Pula Golf’s welcoming staff enhance the overall experience at the club and resort. The pro shop team is consistently praised for being friendly, attentive and knowledgeable, providing useful tips on course intricacies.

Restaurant staff are complimented for their efficiency and quality of service. One couple did however feel somewhat alienated as English speakers. Overall though, reviewers found the service matched the high standards set on the golf course itself.

Value for Money

With green fees ranging from €69 in low season to €132 for peak summer rounds, Pula Golf sits in the mid-to-high end of the pricing spectrum on the island. However, when factoring in the above-average conditioning, customer service, practice amenities and idyllic location, most reviewers considered it well worth the price.

Packaged deals are available for multiple rounds, club rental and lessons, making Pula Golf reasonably priced for all that’s on offer. The resort rooms themselves garner mixed reviews though, with some feeling they are rather dated and basic for the nightly rates charged. But visit primarily for the golf product and you’ll leave satisfied.

Conclusion

For golfers seeking an expansive course in a peaceful setting with beautiful scenery and superior conditions, Pula Golf undoubtedly warrants a spot on the Mallorcan itinerary.

Offering more than just championship golf with its array of amenities, welcoming service and idyllic location, it cements itself as one of the top golf destinations on the island. It may lean towards the pricier end of the spectrum, but value ultimately lies in the eyes of the beholder – or in this case, the player.

Location