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Tucked away in the countryside of Llucmajor, just a short drive from Palma, lies the magnificent Son Antem golf resort.
Featuring two championship courses designed by acclaimed architect Francisco Lopez-Segalés, Son Antem offers golfers of all levels a world-class golfing experience amidst the natural beauty of Mallorca.
With its year-round sunny climate and laidback Mediterranean charm, Mallorca has become one of Europe’s premier golf destinations.
Son Antem stands out for its exceptional course conditions, first-rate facilities, and pristine natural setting.
Let’s take a closer look at everything this premier resort has to offer.
Course Overview
The centrepieces of Son Antem are its two 18-hole courses, known as the East Course and the West Course. The East Course opened in 1994 with a classic parkland design.
Stretching 6,251 meters from the back tees, it features open fairways and large greens that are approachable for higher handicap players.
The West Course debuted in 2001 with a more challenging layout suited to low handicappers. At 6,293 meters, it incorporates undulating greens, water hazards, and strategic bunkering.
Both courses were skillfully carved out of Mallorca’s indigenous landscapes.
The routing takes advantage of the property’s flat terrain and incorporates, native vegetation, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
While the East Course provides a more relaxed experience, the West Course brings greater shot-making demands and risk-reward scenarios.
Amenities and Facilities
Beyond the courses themselves, Son Antem boasts outstanding practice facilities and amenities to enrich the golf experience.
Golfers can take advantage of the multi-tiered driving range, large short game area with practice bunkers, and two expansive putting greens. The double-ended range provides options to practice long irons, woods, and driver.
The sprawling clubhouse features locker rooms, two pro shops stocked with equipment and apparel, and La Terraza restaurant with terrace seating overlooking the courses.
Golf instruction is available from the resident PGA professionals.
An on-site rental club and electric trolley service allows visiting players to travel light.
After a round, golfers can relax at the luxury spa and wellness center.
The 3,000 square meter facility includes a heated indoor pool, whirlpools, saunas, and Turkish baths.
Rejuvenating massages and beauty treatments are also offered. Complimentary access to the spa and 24-hour fitness centre comes standard with golf memberships.
Course Layout and Design
The East Course features a traditional layout with two loops of nine holes returning to the clubhouse.
Mature trees frame many holes, including cork oaks, olive trees, and pines. Fairways are lined with mounding and gentle bunkering. Greens are subtly contoured and receptive to bump-and-run shots. Water comes into play on quite a few holes.
The West Course incorporates more undulation and water hazards for added challenge.
The predominantly flat landscape makes Son Antem a very walkable course with few strenuous climbs.
Playing Experience
Son Antem provides an inviting atmosphere suitable for casual and serious golfers alike. The classic East Course lets you swing freely while enjoying the scenery.
The battle-ready West Course demands precision but allows you to recover from mistakes.
With well-paced rounds under five hours, the overall experience is laidback and highly enjoyable.
Low handicappers will appreciate the shot-making creativity required on the West Course’s back nine.
Navigating the risk-reward choices and creating angles into the guarded greens provides a thorough strategic test.
The East Course also entertains better players with its approachable greens and emphasis on ball striking.
Higher handicappers have plenty of room off the tee and can play conservatively on most holes.
The shorter East Course is ideal for building confidence while avoiding major penalties. The staff can also provide tips on smart routes to navigate around trouble.
With amenities like rental clubs and ample front tee boxes, beginners also feel comfortable learning the game at Son Antem.
Conditions and Maintenance
Year-round play is possible thanks to Mallorca’s mild climate. Both courses are meticulously maintained, with plush fairways and smooth greens that run true.
The manicured Bermuda fairways provide ideal lies for clean contact. The bentgrass greens roll consistently at speeds matching their subtle contours.
With full-time greenkeepers, no detail is overlooked. Bunkers are immaculately raked and edged.
Scenery and Atmosphere
Beyond the world-class golf, the natural beauty of Son Antem creates an unforgettable experience.
The peaceful setting features forests of pine, olive, and oak trees that emit an enticing Mediterranean fragrance. Bright flowers and palms dot the landscape. Lakes and streams add glistening water features.
The region’s mountainous topography provides a scenic backdrop. On clear days, golfers can spot the Tramuntana mountain range in the distance. Songbirds singing amongst the trees enhance the tranquil vibe.
Mallorca’s blue skies predominate, with refreshing breezes keeping temperatures comfortable. The environment envelops you in serenity.
Local Knowledge and Tips
For new players, course knowledge and smart strategy are key. On the East Course, stay out of the fairway & approach bunkers which will swallow errant shots.
On approach, favour the fat side of pins to avoid tricky run-offs.
On the West, attack from the appropriate tee to avoid overmatched carries to reach greens.
Club selection into greens is vital, as approaches from 100 yards must hold.
Lastly, keep pace by playing ready golf and lining up putts while others shoot. Knowing these quirks will help you post your best score and avoid headaches.
Hole Distance, Par & Handicap (East)
| Hole | Distance (m) | Par | Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 472 | 5 | 9 |
| 2 | 159 | 3 | 17 |
| 3 | 309 | 4 | 7 |
| 4 | 320 | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | 179 | 3 | 15 |
| 6 | 346 | 4 | 13 |
| 7 | 534 | 5 | 1 |
| 8 | 363 | 4 | 3 |
| 9 | 360 | 4 | 11 |
| 10 | 494 | 5 | 14 |
| 11 | 373 | 4 | 6 |
| 12 | 325 | 4 | 12 |
| 13 | 178 | 3 | 16 |
| 14 | 397 | 4 | 10 |
| 15 | 385 | 4 | 8 |
| 16 | 167 | 3 | 18 |
| 17 | 389 | 4 | 4 |
| 18 | 501 | 5 | 2 |
Hole Distance, Par & Handicap (West)
| Hole | Distance (m) | Par | Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 364 | 4 | 12 |
| 2 | 186 | 3 | 16 |
| 3 | 482 | 5 | 10 |
| 4 | 381 | 4 | 4 |
| 5 | 377 | 4 | 8 |
| 6 | 297 | 4 | 14 |
| 7 | 483 | 5 | 6 |
| 8 | 139 | 3 | 18 |
| 9 | 357 | 4 | 2 |
| 10 | 393 | 4 | 7 |
| 11 | 153 | 3 | 17 |
| 12 | 367 | 4 | 9 |
| 13 | 471 | 5 | 13 |
| 14 | 374 | 4 | 5 |
| 15 | 384 | 4 | 11 |
| 16 | 495 | 5 | 3 |
| 17 | 190 | 3 | 15 |
| 18 | 400 | 4 | 1 |
Customer Service and Staff
From the pro shop staff to the maintenance crew, Son Antem’s employees enhance the golf experience through their dedication and hospitality.
Starters efficiently organize tee times and pair groups based on ability levels. The knowledgeable pro shop attendants gladly provide advice tailored to your game.
Son Antem’s instructors are experts at analysing swings to correct faults while giving clear guidance.
Caddies are available to carry bags for those looking to walk while gaining insider tips about the courses.
The entire staff aims to send golfers home with smiles having enjoyed their rounds. Their efforts contribute greatly to Son Antem’s renowned reputation.
Value for Money
Considering its quality, Son Antem provides excellent value compared to other prestigious European courses. Green fees range from €75 to €110 for resort guests, delivering access to a luxury facility for reasonable rates.
Golfers have complimentary use of the driving range to dial in their games. Advanced booking deals can also trim costs for planning travellers.
Annual golf memberships start around €2,000 based on the term length. For residents enjoying unlimited year-round golf, the investment pays dividends.
Members also have full access to the spa, fitness centre, storage lockers, and other services. Overall, Son Antem’s combination of world-class golf, amenities, and service makes it a worthwhile experience for overseas visitors and local devotees.
Conclusion
For travellers seeking spectacular golf amidst Mallorca’s idyllic landscapes, Son Antem is a premier destination. Two imaginative courses carved through nature provide diverse tests for veterans and novices alike.
Outstanding course conditions, top-flight amenities, and dedicated staff enable a first-class golfing experience. Beyond the excellent golf, Son Antem allows you to immerse in the essence of Mediterranean beauty.
It’s a special place that lingers in the memory long after departing the island. Any global golfer visiting Mallorca should absolutely have Son Antem high on their itinerary.
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.
