Journey overview
Son Vida Golf is the oldest course in Mallorca, but it wasn’t the first to be built on the island. The Hotel Golf Playa de Alcúdia built in 1934 was Mallorca’s first golf complex, however the Civil War paralised the project, until 30 years later when Son Vida opened in 1964.
Great milestones, and the million players who have walked on its greens, give this course its legendary status. Few courses can boast having held a European Tour event twice (in 1990 & 1994). It was in the first of these events that Severiano Ballesteros made history. The now legendary Cantabrian sportsman won the Balearic Open in the play-off at the 18th hole, a spectacular par 5 dogleg. An incredible feat that is recorded for all to see in the Clubhouse at Son Vida.
In 2001 the famous German architect Kurt Rossknecht received the commission to redesign the course increasing its difficulty, and to optimise the areas of play. At 5,601m it is short by modern standards, but is remembered by most for its sweeping doglegs, and its final signature hole.
Today, Son Vida Golf Course remains as one of the most popular courses amongst golfers who visit Mallorca. Its mature woodland and spectacular views of the bay of Palma make it one of the more attractive courses on the island.
To request a tee-time at this course please click here.
What players say:
Son Vida is a game of two halves. The first nine are well-established, separate holes (some quite narrow), providing an interesting test as they wind their way between flashy villas. The back nine nestle nicely together, but they are in a bit of a field, although there are too many dangerous road crossings to feel you are on a country walk. Both nines are immaculately presented with superb greens - receptive, fast and true. Perhaps the par fours are a tad short for the purist but there are plenty of well-positioned hazards;wwater, sand and bushes, to keep you honest. With friendly and efficient staff, a large warm up net and a spacious club house, Son Vida does offer a super day’s golf for all. Jul 13
I played Son Vida in 1966 for the first time, and after that in 1970. It's now October 2012 - It was fantastic to do it again. The girls in the reception were professional. Thank you very much for the opportunity. Oct 12
The quality of the course and the greens was excellent. The other two courses, Son Quint and Son Muntaner, whilst very good, were slightly less well prepared. And, the greens were not of the same quality. Jul 12
Everything about the experience was enjoyable. Even the buggies had GPS showing the layout of the hole and the length in Yards as well! May 12
I have played a few times, and for the money, when compared to Son Mantaner, it's a bargain. May 12
I have played here on a number of occasions and always found it to be in excellent condition. Also, the speed of play is usually good. May 12
A really good test of golf, but forgiving. Wonderful scenery. May 12
A wonderful golf course, beautiful and well-kept. Jan 12
Old course with that special flavour when compared to others. Dec 11
Great condition, lovely views, but very slow play! Sep 11
We have played Son Vida many times - it's the best! May 11
Son Vida is in much better shape than before. An early start means no players on the course - which is excellent! Apr 11
It was an interesting, tight, well laid out, and very enjoyable course. Oct 10
The ladies on reception, and the Caddy Master set the scene, as they were all very friendly. The course was in very good shape, with no hole very easy - yet all capable of good scoring. Oct 10
Great variety of holes on a superb layout. Good quality greens and extremely well maintained golf course. Jul 10
First class championship course. Could easily walk the course - no buggy required. Jun 10
The welcome and clubhouse were excellent, and the overall quality of the course from tee to green was very good. Would play Son Vida again. May 10
Great condition, service perfect. Excellent value when booked through Simply Mallorca Golf. Apr 10
The course looked more mature; greens and fairways in a good condition, compared to Son Quint. Tree lined fairways made for good course management, and the greens were fairer than Son Muntaner & Son Quint, whose greens had unrealistic slopes on them, especially if you were above the hole. Apr 10
Scenery was beautiful, and the course was challenging but playable for the average golfer. Apr 10
The views of the course from the tee boxes, and the way it's laid out are a credit to the designer, and of course the groundsmen! Oct 09
Beautifully set out with difficult yet fair fairways, and housing blending in nicely within trees / hills. Sep 09
Good and pleasant welcome, also the staff were extremely helpful. Good buggies, and it was possible for me to drive the buggy to the ball. Being 75 years old it helps! Sep 09
Superb overall quality of the course and clubhouse, very good greens, excellent welcome and service. Had the feel of an old established, exclusive club. Sep 09
Mature established course. Not too long, but challenging. Sep 09
Friendly reception & pro shop; top quality hire clubs (if expensive); quality buggies and well kept course. Enjoyable pre-wedding round. Jun 09
Interesting holes within established course with beautiful flowers and immaculate greens and fairways - a really good "last day of trip" highlight although the cost of the buggies @ 45Euros put us off. Jun 09
Son Vida was by far the best course for our group, and the quality and fairness of the greens was at our level. Definitely value for money. May 09
We all liked the layout of the course. 2 different nines, one a bit tighter than the other. May 09
A very well designed course which punishes a poor shot. Apr 09
Good course, well maintained and presented. The whole experience with the course and it's staff was great. Apr 09
Tight tee shots, a true test of golf. The course was in excellent condition and virtually had the course to ourselves. Jun 08.
The course is absolutely fantastic. Beautiful greens, beautiful views, fantastic fairways. Amazing residential properties set into the hills. This course is up there with the best. Perfect. May 08.
This is the 24th time I have played this course and the first time I have had a sub 80 (78). Not bad for 13 handicap. May 08.
It is just so well planned and picturesque. The greens and tees are very good and it is a really tough test of golf. May 08.
It was the final golfing day as well as my Captains day. We had a storm the day before yet the course was still superb with many great holes. The staff were helpful and courteous. I can recommend this course to golfers of all standards. Oct 07.
First time visit to Son Vida but great course and fantastic lunch after. Sep 07.