Majorca
Mallorca, also known as Majorca, is the biggest of the Spanish Balearic Islands, and Son Vida is the island's oldest golf course. Son vida was planned by Hawtree, and the first nine holes opened for play in 1964, with Prince Rainier of Monaco at the formal opening. The first tee shot was taken from the former downhill 1st (now the 6th), which is affectionately known as "San Francisco."
Kurt Rossknecht, a German architect, redesigned the building in 2001. While all of the course's greens, tees, bunkers, and water hazards were restored, only the 13th through 18th holes were completely restructured, as the more open nature of these holes provided for certain greens to be repositioned.
Son Vida has to be one of the most scenic courses on the island, with breathtaking views of the sun-kissed bay of palma from its fairways. When it comes to fairways, they look narrow from the tees but open up nicely across the landing area of a good drive. The big hitters would be tempted by a number of the two-shot holes, which have nasty doglegs.
Overall, Son Vida is a good course with a lot of fun and appeal. The last five holes are particularly difficult, with the 18th being a fantastic par five with a double dogleg, two lakes, and a waterfall. If you reach the green in two, you are entitled to a drink of your choice in the clubhouse.
