Real Golf de Bendinat

Located in the wooded hills just west of Palma de Mallorca you’ll find the Real Golf de Bendinat, an established golf club with a scenic 18-hole course designed by renowned golf architect Martin Hawtree.

Opened in 1986 and expanded to 18 holes in 1995, this mature golf club offers golfers a challenging layout complete with spectacular views across the bay of Palma.

Course Overview

Measuring 5,660 meters from the back tees with a par of 70, Real Golf de Bendinat plays through a varied landscape of wooded valleys and steep hills. Its tight, tree-lined fairways demand accuracy off the tee while undulating greens protected by bunkers and water hazards require precision iron play.

With a slope rating of 129 from the back tees, it presents a stern but fair test of golf suitable for low to mid-handicap players. The hilly terrain makes walking difficult, so taking a buggy is recommended.

Amenities and Facilities

The comprehensive practice facilities allow golfers to warm up before a round. These include a driving range, putting green and chipping area.

The pro shop is well stocked with equipment and clothing. Buggies, trolleys and club rental are available.

The clubhouse provides a relaxing spot for golfers to unwind after a round. It has a lounge area, restaurant with terrace dining, bar and cocktail lounge. Changing rooms with showers and lockers allow golfers to freshen up post-round.

Course Layout and Design

Hawtree’s clever use of the natural contours creates a diverse course with many memorable holes. The front nine holes play through flatter, more open terrain before plunging into the steeper, more wooded back nine.

Accuracy is demanded on many holes, with doglegs requiring well-positioned drives and approach shots threaded through trees to heavily guarded greens.

The par-4 10th hole is particularly notable, playing steeply uphill to a sloping green perched high above the fairway. Nicknamed ‘Stairway to Heaven‘, it provides a stern early test on the back nine. The closing holes present more open driving holes as the course emerges from the trees, allowing big hitters the chance to finish strong.

Hole Distance, Par & Handicap

Hole	Distance (m)	Par	Handicap
1	344	4	15
2	158	3	11
3	330	4	9
4	163	3	7
5	396	4	1
6	380	4	3
7	180	3	5
8	340	4	17
9	334	4	13
10	349	4	2
11	329	4	14
12	135	3	18
13	294	4	10
14	452	5	12
15	345	4	8
16	328	4	16
17	159	3	6
18	454	5	4

Playing Experience

Real Golf de Bendinat offers a scenic and stimulating challenge. Most holes have a clear strategy which, if executed well, will be rewarded.

However, wayward shots can easily lead to trouble, demanding course management skills. The undulating greens are usually true and smooth, providing a fair but tricky test with your putter.

The course encourages repeat play to learn the best strategy, rewarding those who become familiar with the subtleties of its design. With most holes clearly defined by trees, it provides a peaceful feeling of being enclosed by nature.

The back nine in particular impresses with its drama and elevation changes.

Conditions and Maintenance

Visitors suggest that course conditioning can be inconsistent at times. While the playing surfaces are usually of a reasonable standard, there are some reports of issues with patchy bunkers and greens affected by aeration.

However, most golfers agree the overall course condition is more than adequate for an enjoyable round.

Scenery and Atmosphere

The peaceful wooded setting encircles the course with nature, complemented by spectacular panoramic views across the Bay of Palma to provide breathtaking backdrops on many holes. The stonework adds character and authentic local flair.

Mallorca’s favourable climate means the course remains green and lush year-round. The tranquillity is only interrupted by birdsong and the occasional wild goat grazing on the back nine.

Overall the scenery and views provide an inspiring and memorable environment for a golf outing.

Local Knowledge and Tips

The tight, undulating layout punishes wayward shots, so accuracy is vital. Taking a buggy is highly recommended given the lengthy uphill walks between holes.

Bring plenty of balls, as the trees and sloping terrain swallow many wayward shots. Don’t be overly aggressive on the elevated greens, as going long will result in tricky downhill putts.

Be ready for the challenging climb on the 10th hole, and make the most of any birdie opportunities on the more scoreable closing holes.

Keep an eye out for wild goats on the back nine for some added local flair!

Customer Service and Staff

The staff receive mixed reviews. Some golfers report frustrations with the pace of food service at the clubhouse restaurant after a round.

However, most visitors praise the warm hospitality and service they receive from staff overall.

Value for Money

Green fees are towards the higher end of the scale compared to other Mallorca courses, ranging from €65-108 depending on the time of year. Buggy rental is around 35-45 Euros.

While not the most economical choice, the quality course and spectacular scenery provide reasonable value.

Discounts are sometimes offered for early bookings or multi-round packages, making it more appealing for budget-minded golfers.

Conclusion

For golfers seeking to experience a mature, wooded layout with spectacular scenery, Real Golf de Bendinat makes an enticing option.

While there are some minor quibbles over maintenance and facilities, the overall consensus is of an enjoyable, scenic course that provides a memorable round in beautiful surroundings.

With Martin Hawtree’s clever routing creating intrigue and variety throughout, it comes recommended for those seeking quality golf near Palma.

Location