Canyamel

In the valley created by the normally dry riverbed of Torrent de Canyamel in the far east of Mallorca lies Canyamel Golf. The course was designed by José “Pepe” Gancedo and opened in 1988.

The first nine holes are laid out on the slopes around the clubhouse and the changes in elevation are sometimes substantial and can cause trouble on your scorecard. The signature hole is the 9th with a highly unusual hazard in the form of little stone building in the middle of the fairway at 190 meters (209 yards) from the yellow tees. As the hole measures 384 meters (422 yards) in total laying up short is not really a great option, so if you have ambitions of reaching the green in regulation you have to take on the building and hope you can hit past or over it.

The back nine is laid out along the Torrent de Canyamel and here you may end up remembering the two par threes. At the short 14th you have to deal with high trees growing just short of the green. Pin positions short and left would be highly challenging. The longer 18th (173 meters, 190 yards) has a three-tiered green built into the slope. Here it is advisable to hit it to the right tier or at least end up below the flag to have a chance to make par or birdie.