Club de Golf Alcanada Review

Robert Trent Jones Jnr is the renowned golf course architect who was responsible for the awe-inspiring design of Club de Golf Alcanada. 

Opened in 2003 and situated in the northern part of the island of Mallorca - just a short drive from the airport - the course boasts some extraordinary panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and this championship layout that can play just short of 7,200 yards is the current host of the Challenge Tour Race to Mallorca Grand Final. 

The club actually takes its name from the island that is visible from a fair few tee boxes on the course, which comes complete with its own lighthouse that features in the club's logo. 

Pines and olive groves throughout, and plenty of wildlife to boot, as a young course Alcanada is already recognised as one of the finest course in Spain, if not Europe. 

Watch Now: Alcanada Golf Video Review

Pre-Round Thoughts

The set-up at Alcanada is incredible. Upon arrival you can happily leave your clubs with the caddie master who will load them onto a buggy. There is a driving range, complete with Toptracer technology, which has both covered and uncovered bays - where you can hit off some grass. Two large putting greens and some other short game areas for bunker and chipping work may also be used to hone those all important short game skills before you head out. 

The pro shop is perfect, a nice mixture of items that can be purchased as either a gift for yourself or others. Make use of the free personalisation on the headcovers and valuables bags and towels. Lots of clothing options are also available. 

Front 9 Overview

What. A. Start. 

The par 5 opening hole really sets the tone for the rest of the layout. A tempting par 5 that plays 490 yards from the yellow tees to a partially blind fairway, but the bunkers on the right hand side are in view. 

The fairway itself falls away on approach to a large ravine and ditch that runs along the front and right of the green. 

There is a good size piece of fairway over the ditch to the right of the green that can be used as a bail-out area should you fancy taking it on in two, and let's be honest, why wouldn't you?

The green feels tucked into the corner slightly with a bunker just behind. It really is a great opening hole. 

Whilst the opening hole is a good chance to get a score started, this soon comes crashing down at the 2nd hole - the stroke index 4, 400 yard par 4. 

A tight tee shot through a slender alley in the trees, the fairway doglegs from right to left, with a very large bunker on the corner to the left. Driver may not be the best option given how tight the tee shot is, but a long iron will more than likely leave another one of those into a very undulating green. 

The jewel in Alcanada's crown is most probably the 613 yard par 5 (from the yellow tee!).

Firstly, this is the first time the elevation presents you with a spectacular view of the sea and the lighthouse in the distance. Playing severely downhill from tee to green, a large bunker in the middle of the fairway - typical of Robert Trent Jones Jnr - means that precision is still required and if long enough you may even catch the steepest part of the slope down to the green which will kick you on another 40 or 50 yards. 

At such length, there are some bunkers to be avoided on both sides of the fairway at 120-70 yards from the green in order to make the putting surface safely in three and give yourself a rare chance at birdie here. 

Back 9 Overview

Whilst the front 9 feels tough off the tee, the back 9 produces a slightly different test in the shape of some elevation changes either on tee shots or approaches. 

The 10th sets that theme going with a fairly forgiving tee shot but the approach into the green playing fiercely uphill. A couple of deep bunkers on the right to be avoided, but the danger comes in club selection, as any approach shot that comes up short will roll a long way back down the slope and anything long on the green will face that dreaded chip back down. 

Two very impressive par 5s at 11 and 13. The picturesque views from both elevated tees are breathtaking as you play towards the Med. The 11th plays a good 50 yards longer and the approach to the green is a lot tighter, whereas the 13th - other than the fairway bunker at 230 yards - offers an approach into a large green gives a good birdie opportunity. 

Easily the most challenging par 3 greets you at the 17th. Playing close to 200 yards with a cluster of bunkers on the left hand side. The green sits diagonally from front right to back left so depending on pin placement and wind direction, it could be playing longer still. Even if you find this tricky green, a two-putt is still not certain. 

Finishing up on a par 4, playing around 350 yards, a group of six bunkers line the left hand side of the fairway halfway up the hole to the green, but this is a great friendly end to a testing but incredibly enjoyable round of golf on one of the best Europe has to offer. 

Alcanada Golf Course Video Review

Post-Round Thoughts

Alcanada provides everything you could ask for and a little bit more. 

Tight tee shots, forgiving tee shots, large undulating greens and some demanding bunkers, elevation changes and some  dazzling views. The friendly staff are always on hand and happy to help and will go that extra step to make your visit memorable. 

The course itself is in perfect condition, from tee to green - of which run perfectly and provides some testing putts. 

There are six tee boxes to pick from - ranging from 5,273 yards to 7,173 yards. To add a bit of perspective, two of us decided to play it off the back tees and it was maybe a step too far so selecting the tees based on ability will either add to your enjoyment or make you feel like it's a really hard course. If I were going back to play tomorrow I would consider the yellow (6,772 yards) but that didn't deter from the enjoyment for us, it just made it tougher. 

After the round, we enjoyed some lunch on the terrace bar overlooking the first tee and putting green, and the sea views, which provided a perfect setting with a real buzz of people experiencing the same. 

Verdict

Two things stick out to me. 

Firstly, I can see why Alcanada can play host to such a prestigious event as the Challenge Tour Grand Final. The length, test, layout and conditions makes it perfect for championship golf. 

Secondly, I can see why it is so highly regarded by all its members and visitors. It really is an impressive place to play golf. An experience that comes Highly Recommended by me and everyone else who was with us on the trip. 

To sum up, it's a fantastic golf course, with exceptional service, incredible views, a perfect setting and idealistic weather. 

If you're looking to find a place to play in Mallorca, make sure Alcanada isn't overlooked. 

For more information, please visit https://www.golf-alcanada.com/ or see our travel partners Golfbreaks for the best deals and packages today.

Overall Rating - 10

Course (Conditions) - 9

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 10

Course (Green Condition) - 9

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 10

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 9

Practice Facilities - 9

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 9

Value For Money - 9