They say in Scotland that the truest test of a links course is its proximity to the sea.
In the northerly tip of Mallorca, close to the popular port of Alcudia, a new Robert Trent Jones Jnr course has been built on a spectacular beachfront.
Club de Golf Alcanada opened in 2003, and while it is unique on the island for its paspallum summer grass and classic American features, it can lay a rightful claim to be Mallorca’s only links course.
To reach the course you must drive past sun kissed bathers on the beaches and notice jet ski’s whirr of the shores of Alcanada, before reaching the picturesque clubhouse, a reconverted century old farmhouse.
This 6,499-metre par 72 begins with a hole that will either yield a birdie or a double bogey, and most will later recollect as a devilish par-five.
Trent Jones Jnr asks you to fire over a deep chasm filled with wild rock and scrub, and a stream far below, to a green with a cunningly placed bunker to catch an over cautious approach that goes long.
The front nine then winds away into woodland, an environmentally sensitive and protected area, which includes a stunning par-four at the fifth.
By the 7th, you’ve returned to the point of Alcanada’s greatest appeal, the holes that play down in view of the ocean and the Islet de Alcanada, the small island dominated by the iconic lighthouse that has become the club’s logo.
It acts like a beacon throughout the back nine, drawing your attention and slowly revealing holes that just get better and better.
The 12th is a postcard hole, and the second shot over deep bunkers which splits the fairway in two is an inspiring challenge.
The 16th is also one of the finest driving holes you’ll find anywhere, with five fairway traps waiting left.
The 18th is a gentle finisher, but just allows you to cool down, ready to experience the sublime pleasure of a cold cerveza on the clubhouse terrace which surveys the Bay of Alcudia.
Web: www.golf-alcanada.com
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