Club de Golf Alcanada Review
Robert Trent Jones Jnr is the renowned golf course architect who designed the awe-inspiring 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 extraordinary panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. This championship layout, which 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 visible from several tee boxes, complete with its own lighthouse that features in the club’s logo.
Pines, olive groves, and abundant wildlife throughout — and as a relatively young course — Alcanada is already recognized as one of the finest in Spain, if not Europe.
Pre-Round Thoughts
The set-up at Alcanada is incredible. Upon arrival you can leave your clubs with the caddie master who will load them onto a buggy. There is a driving range with Toptracer technology, both covered and uncovered bays — including grass hitting areas. Two large putting greens and other short-game areas (bunker + chipping) provide everything you need to sharpen your skills before the round.
The pro shop is perfect — a great mix of items that work as gifts or personal mementos. Take advantage of the free personalization on headcovers, valuables bags, and towels. Plenty of clothing options too.
Front 9 Overview
What. A. Start.
The par-5 opening hole really sets the tone. A tempting 490-yard par 5 (from yellow tees) to a partially blind fairway, but with bunkers on the right in view.
The fairway falls away toward a large ravine and ditch running across the front and right of the green.
There’s a sizable bailout fairway area to the right of the green if you're trying to get home in two — and let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you?
The green sits slightly tucked with a bunker behind — a fantastic opener.
The scoring opportunity fades quickly on the 2nd — a 400-yard par 4 (SI 4).
A tight tee shot through a narrow tree-lined corridor. The fairway doglegs right-to-left with a huge bunker on the corner. Driver might be too much; a long iron leaves a demanding approach into a heavily undulating green.
The jewel in Alcanada’s crown is likely the 613-yard par-5 (from yellow tees!).
This is the first big elevation moment — offering spectacular views of the sea and lighthouse. It plays severely downhill, with a trademark RTJ II central fairway bunker demanding precision. A big tee shot might catch the steep downslope and run another 40–50 yards.
Bunkers at 120–70 yards from the green guard the final approach, but a well-executed three-shot strategy gives you a rare birdie look.
Back 9 Overview
While the front nine challenges you off the tee, the back nine mixes in more elevation changes on both tee shots and approaches.
The 10th sets this tone early — a forgiving tee shot but a brutally uphill approach. Deep bunkers guard the right. Anything short rolls back down the slope; anything long leaves a terrifying chip.
The par-5 11th and 13th are standout holes with majestic elevated tees looking toward the Med. The 11th is longer and tighter into the green, while the 13th (aside from a 230-yard fairway bunker) offers a roomy green and birdie chance.
The toughest par 3 arrives at 17 — close to 200 yards with bunkers guarding the left. The diagonal green makes club and line selection tricky depending on wind and pin. Even finding the surface doesn’t guarantee a two-putt.
The finishing par 4 (~350 yards) features six bunkers lining the left. A friendly, scenic, satisfying close to one of Europe’s best.
Post-Round Thoughts
Alcanada gives you everything — and more.
Tight tee shots, forgiving tee shots, huge undulating greens, demanding bunkers, elevation shifts, and dazzling views. Staff are friendly, attentive, and elevate the experience.
The course conditions are immaculate from tee to green — greens roll beautifully and offer a true test.
Six tee boxes range from 5,273 to 7,173 yards. Playing from the back tees is a serious challenge — yellow (~6,772) is likely ideal for most. Still, the enjoyment is high from any tee.
Post-round lunch on the terrace overlooking the sea, 1st tee, and putting green creates the perfect end to a world-class day.
Verdict
Two things stand out:
First: It’s clear why Alcanada hosts the Challenge Tour Grand Final. Length, strategy, conditioning, and layout all scream championship pedigree.
Second: It’s obvious why members and visitors adore it. It’s special. Truly special.
A fantastic course with exceptional service, unforgettable views, a perfect setting, and ideal weather.
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
