REAL GOLF DE BENDINAT

Opened in 1986 as a nine-hole course and extended in 1995, there is plenty of regal charm about Real Golf de Bendinat.

At 5660 metres (6190 yards), the par-70 course requires strategy, skill and placement rather than brute force and power to reap your rewards.

Many of the 18 holes are dog legs and it is by no means easy with trees and water in abundance on a course situated just a 20-minute drive from Palma.

Designed by Martin Hawtree, the course makes the most of its beautiful location in a wooded valley at the foot of a mountain with some breathtaking views of the surrounding area, particularly on the back nine.

The backdrop of the imposing Bendinat Castle adds to the experience and the honorary president of the club is none other than King Juan Carlos of Spain.

The royal connections don’t end there either with HRH Prince Andrew the Duke of York, HRH Princess Brigitte of Sweden and Hollywood royalty – Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas – among those to have played this fine course down the years.