Son Antem

Had the use of a friends timeshare apartment for a week so had a golf holiday with my 12 year old son. Played the west course 3 times. the east course the first 9 holes are closed until the end of August so we played 10-18 twice in one round ( had previously played the first 9 on the west course on a visit 4 years ago) the weather although poor for Majorca in July was great for golf. Took advantage of the Kids go free offer from 3pm and as a result hired 2 sets of the latest taylor made clubs and had the use of a buggy for a total fee of 94 euros for each round on the west & 74 on the east for the 2 x 9. if two adults were playing it would be around 65 euros each to hire clubs and buggy. Anyone bringing their own clubs obviously the price drops. both courses are relatively flat but i personally wouldnt recommend playing without a buggy and im a guy who when playing normally carries my clubs all the way round and doesnt use a trolley The east course although longer than the west is much more suitable for high handicapper golf- the fairways are very wide and their are very few obstacles at the front of each green. The west course Imo even though i played pretty badly on all three games ( Son went round in 89 92 & 94) was a great course. tight narrow fairways Strategically placed bunkers and water features on the 9th ( brilliant hole) 14th and 18th. the promotion for free kids golf made this at £85 for the two of us a brilliant deal. Dont buy anything from the clubshop though- clothes etc are VERY expensive and IMO geared for americans with money to burn If i can get use of the timeshare again would love to go back and play the courses £8 for a San Miguel and coke but thats typical Marriott i suppose

My wife and I have just returned from a week at the Marriott Son Antem. We played the west course twice and having read some of the previous comments prior to the trip, my expectations were not high. I am a 13 handicapper and my wife a relative beginner who knocks it around in about 120ish. At over 6K yards off the yellows it is pretty long, particularly with little or no run and the narrow fairways make it quite tough. The place was really quiet (mid August)which allowed us to enjoy a leisurely pace. We both agreed that both the condition of the course and the scenery was nothing special. Compared with the other two courses we played during the week (Son Vida & Puntiro)this was the least favourite. Prices are typical of a Marriott resort e.g. 4.8 euros a pint, at least 10 euros for anything from the snack menu and a whopping 38 euros for a buggy. Our green fees were part of the accommodation rate. The hotel and facilities were in general very good

Things have changed since the previous players' reports. These courses and the development in which they sit have matured and provide interesting and challenging golf. Both courses were in excellent condition for the time of year. Playing off lush and even fairways to very fast greens in February is a rare treat for a Brit. At the West course we asked if we could play off the white tees, to which the starter replied "If you are up to it". He was not wrong. Every tee shot was daunting. Very narrow targets with punishing undergrowth. Very easy to lose balls - and we did! But ladies do not be put off. As should be the case with holiday golf courses, the ladies tees are a long way ahead (us boys thought too far on some par 3s. The East course was easier and more mature and there was plenty variety (I can't understand the previous comments), and it delivered very enjoyable golf, even on the day when it poured with rain. We stayed in one of the villas on site which was very well fitted out, had views of the courses and was very comfortable. We had a great week and would happily go back. Also very convenient for Palma and the airport.

Played the West course as part of a tour in May 2005 and I totally agree with the remarks made by the previous contributor.At best the course is a slogfest with little or no definition and consequently no perspective.As previously mentioned, it came highly recommended,"Championship" course and design etc. Well when our party of 12 {H'caps 3-18]played it it was voted by all as 1} Having the worst layout 2]Being in the poorest condition and 3]Having the dearest drinks. The Marriot group seem to be putting all of their resources into the adjoing Health & Fitness club and leaving the course to go to pot. If these remarks prevent one person or group booking this course then my work here is done.

I had high hopes of Son Antem is it appeared to have a good reputation, however, left very disappointed. By the far the least memorable of the four courses I played in Mallorca. The course (the west) is in the middle of an incredibly dreary hotel/villa development in a flat plain east of Palma. The course itself suffers from having no gradients whatsoever, with the result that few of the holes are in any way memorable. There's a little bit of definition to some of the fairways but still very easy to slice/hook onto next fairway and be safe. Reminded me of a lot of the courses thrown up around the M25. As car park was miles from clubhouse chose to drive elsewhere for post-match drink.