Golf de Andratx is situated in the south western corner of Mallorca. The course winds its way through some breathtaking landscape, adorned with age old olive groves, almond trees and ancient Mallorca stone walls; all features of the course.
The 18 hole championship course is already well known as one of the most difficult and challenging in the Mediterranean, and is praised for its originality. The opening hole is a testing Par 4. A good straight drive is needed in order to give the best line into the green for the second shot, with the raised green being protected by a typical Mallorcan stone wall at the front. Hole 6, 609 meters from the championship tee, is the longest hole in Spain and one all golfers look forward to playing. It winds uphill, through trees and water hazards, and is fraught with danger. The tee shot from hole 8, shortly afterwards, offers a spectacular view of the bay in Camp de Mar and the hills around it. The back nine holes are ensconced in the countryside and surrounded by pine trees. An eye catching feature of this course is the contrast in colours between the three different grass types that are used. Even high handicappers will have no difficulty in recognising whether their ball is on the fairway or in the rough! Seven ponds and lakes divided between six holes, and sixty snow white quartz filled sand bunkers ensure that even the most experienced players rarely return to the clubhouse with the same ball that they started with. The course is irrigated with recycled water and rainwater collected in tanks. The Andratx Club de Golf also has its own desalination plant, ensuring the long term protection of the environment. Between 1999 and 2012 Golf de Andratx had a compulsory buggy rule, and this was automatically included in the green fee price. However, from the 1st of January 2013 this will change, allowing golfers to play on foot. The 60 golf buggies are still there for those who prefer to cover the 6089 meters of undulating golf terrain on four wheels, and from February 2013 these will be fitted with a GPS satellite system. To make play easier, buggies will also be allowed onto the fairways. A round at Golf de Andratx on foot is not the easiest due to large distances between green and tee, and the hilly terrain, and buggies are recommended for all but the fittest of players. Golfers taking buggies, whilst others walk, offers its own problems, particularly at busy times. However, Golf de Andratx have reassured us that they can control this, particularly with the help and assistance of all who play at this excellent course. |
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