Experience the Spectacular Views at Club de Golf Alcanada
Nestled in the scenic north of Mallorca, Spain, Club de Golf Alcanada stands as a beacon of golfing excellence in the Mediterranean. Occupying a privileged position directly on the coast within the Bay of Alcudia, the club offers an unparalleled golfing experience defined by breathtaking sea views, a challenging championship layout, and impeccable service. Since opening its doors in October 2003, Alcanada has rapidly established itself as not only Mallorca's premier coastal course but also as one of the most highly regarded golfing destinations in Spain and Europe. Its reputation is built upon a foundation of stunning natural beauty, thoughtful design, and a commitment to quality that attracts discerning golfers from around the globe The design pedigree of the golf club is impeccable, bearing the signature of world-renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.. Commissioned by the club's founder, Hans-Peter Porsche, Jones Jr. was tasked with creating a course that harmonized with the existing Mallorcan landscape, a challenge he met with masterful results. The construction, spanning from 1998 to the course's opening in 2003, resulted in an 18-hole, par-72 layout that stretches across 6,559 meters (approximately 7,173 yards). Some sources cite slightly different lengths (e.g., 6,499 meters or 6,571 meters), reflecting potential variations in tee measurements over time or between different tee sets. The course itself is characterized as a seaside layout with parkland elements, blending naturally into the terrain which slopes gently towards the Mediterranean. Players navigate fairways lined with mature pine, olive, and oak trees, crossing valleys and ravines, creating a varied and engaging routing. The design incorporates numerous elevated tees, offering not only strategic advantages but also capitalizing on the spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Alcudia and the distant Sierra de Levante mountains. Alcanada is renowned for its challenge, designed to test golfers of all abilities, from amateurs to seasoned professionals.Strategic play is paramount, with over fifty thoughtfully placed bunkers, undulating terrain, and water hazards demanding accuracy and careful course management. The greens are known for being fast, true, and sometimes unpredictable, adding another layer of complexity. A minimum playing handicap is required (typically 33 for men and 35 for ladies), underscoring the course's demanding nature. Despite the challenge, the course is consistently praised for its immaculate conditioning, lush fairways, and overall enjoyability.
Accolades and Recognition: A Testament to Quality
Club de Golf Alcanada's position among Europe's elite golf courses is consistently affirmed through numerous awards, high rankings, prestigious affiliations, and its selection as a host for major tournaments.
Rankings and Awards: Alcanada is frequently ranked among the best courses in Mallorca, Spain, and Continental Europe by reputable golf publications and websites. It consistently features in Top 100 lists for Spain and Europe.Leadingcourses.com users regularly rank it highly, placing it #1 in the Balearic Islands and in the top 10 for Spain in the 2025 Golfers' Choice rankings. Furthermore, the club has received the prestigious "Golden Flag" award from the independent quality assessors Club59 five times between 2019 and 2023, recognizing excellence across the entire facility. It also received Tagmarshal's Diamond Award in 2020 for operational efficiency.
Elite Affiliations: Alcanada's commitment to the highest standards is reflected in its membership in exclusive golf associations:
World of Leading Golf (since 2012): This group comprises high-end courses globally, subject to regular "mystery guest" audits to ensure consistent quality and service.
Worldclass.Golf (since 2020): An initiative uniting top courses like Valderrama and Monte Rei with a unique focus on quality and service.
Essentially Mallorca (since 2016): A luxury collection promoting Mallorca as a high-end destination, linking Alcanada with 5-star hotels, fine dining, and other premium experiences. These affiliations signal adherence to rigorous standards beyond just the golf course itself, encompassing the entire visitor experience.
Premier Tournament Host: Perhaps the most significant validation of Alcanada's championship credentials is its repeated selection as the host venue for the Rolex Challenge Tour Grand Final. This event is the culmination of the European Challenge Tour season, where the top players earn promotion to the prestigious DP World Tour. Hosting this flagship event in 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024, and again scheduled for 2025 demonstrates that Alcanada possesses not only a layout capable of testing future stars of the game (like past winners at Alcanada: Francesco Laporta, Nathan Kimsey, and Marco Penge ) but also the operational excellence and facilities required for such a high-profile tournament. This recurring selection reinforces Alcanada's status and likely incentivizes ongoing investment to maintain the necessary standards, creating a virtuous cycle of quality and recognition. The club has also hosted other significant events like the Copa del Rey and Copa S.M. El Rey
Signature Holes: Defining Moments at Club de Golf Alcanada
While Club de Golf Alcanada's official website does not formally designate specific "signature holes" across its entire course description , certain holes consistently draw attention for their unique characteristics, challenge, and stunning visuals. Hole 7 is frequently cited by external sources and dedicated club pages as the signature experience.
Hole 7 (Par 5): This formidable par 5 stands out as arguably the most memorable hole on the course. Stretching to a demanding 579 meters (633 yards) from the back tees, it features a dramatically elevated tee box offering expansive views down the fairway towards the Bay of Alcudia and the ever-present lighthouse. The hole demands strategic play from the outset; typical Trent Jones bunkers positioned in the fairway challenge the tee shot, though they can be carried by longer hitters. The recommended approach involves playing the second shot with a fade to set up a clear third shot into the green. Some sources also note the presence of a video camera on the 7th tee to record players' drives. Note: The main course guide on the club website lists Hole 7 as a Par 4 , but the dedicated page for Hole 7 explicitly details it as a Par 5 with the longer yardage , which aligns with external descriptions and is considered the accurate representation.
Hole 18 (Par 4): Providing a fitting conclusion to the round, the 18th hole plays back towards the historic clubhouse. Measuring 360 meters (394 yards) from the white tees, this par 4 requires a "secure tee off," according to the club's hole guide. It features a dogleg left, with a strategically placed tree guarding the corner, demanding accuracy from the tee to find the fairway and set up the approach shot. Reviewers note it as one of the course's very nice final holes.
Other Notable Holes: While Hole 7 often takes the spotlight, several other holes contribute significantly to Alcanada's character.
Hole 1: A challenging opening par 5 requiring a layup short of a chasm crossing the fairway before approaching an elevated green.
Hole 13: A shorter par 5, often highlighted simply for "The view!" from its elevated tee, looking down towards the bay and lighthouse. Despite being the easiest hole by stroke index, bunkers strategically placed to catch shots drifting towards the view add challenge.
Holes 16 & 17: A demanding long par 4 (475 yards, SI 2) followed by a potentially card-wrecking long par 3 (232 yards), forming part of a strong finishing stretch.
A defining feature of the Alcanada experience is the constant, reassuring presence of the Alcanada lighthouse. Situated on a small island just offshore, this historic 19th-century structure is visible from almost every hole on the course and serves as the club's official logo. More than just a scenic backdrop, the lighthouse holds symbolic resonance. Historically a beacon guiding sailors safely into the Bay of Alcudia, it now stands as an emblem of golfing excellence, overlooking one of Europe's finest courses. Its talismanic presence adds a unique sense of place and character that distinguishes Alcanada from any other course.
