With its beautiful natural landscape and fantastic climate, the largest of the Balearic Islands is one of the fastest-growing golf travel destinations in the world.

And it is not difficult to see why.

A flight time of around two hours from most airports in England is a major benefit and makes the Mediterranean island an ideal venue for either a short break or a long stay.

Much has changed in the past few years, not least the fact the island used to be more familiarly known to English holidaymakers as Majorca.

But while the town of Magaluf still remains synonymous with shots and sunburn, there is far more to Mallorca than most Brits would remember from their two-week package deals in the 70s, 80s and 90s.

The Association of Golf Courses of Mallorca is made up of 19 courses – all within about an hour’s drive of each other – across the island and is branded as Mallorca Golf Island.

The first course, Son Vida Golf, was built in 1964 and is one of three courses which make up part of the Arabella Golf complex, the other two being Son Quint and Son Muntaner.

Son Quint is the youngest course on the island, established in 2007, and is perched high on the hillside. It provides splendid views, notably from the eighth tee where the Bay of Palma and the wonderful cathedral can be seen.

The Arabella Golf complex has something for golfers of all abilities with Son Quint having some excellent facilities for novices or experienced players to hone their game with an excellent nine-hole short course at the venue.

Next up on our excursion was Son Servera, which boasts global tennis superstar Rafa Nadal among its membership together with Nuria Iturrios, the Spanish rookie who won the Lalla Meryem Cup this year in just her third event on the Ladies European Tour.

The second oldest club on the island was established in 1967 and is a picturesque parkland course with stunning views of the mountains and the bay of Cala Millor.

A fantastic test of golf, especially on holes three to seven which require some accurate play to avoid tree and water trouble.

The greens are full of subtle undulations and water comes into play on six holes. A challenging, fair and enjoyable course, Son Servera has something for everyone.

Opened in 1989, Capdepera is a picturesque course located in the north east of Mallorca on one side of the Artá mountain range.

Designed by US golf architect Dan Maples, there are some narrow fairways to negotiate and some stunning holes along the way, most notably the 15th – voted as Best Hole on the Island by Mallorca Magazine.

The course offers glorious views of the Mediterranean and surrounding valley and, with six lakes dotted around, there are constant hazards and a good test for any golfer.

One of the elite Jack Nicklaus-designed courses around the world, Golf Park Mallorca Puntíro sticks to the legend’s philosophy in making the most of natural environments to produce the best courses.

It is tricky, without being daunting and an interesting mix of skills are required to plot your way around the course with precision and power all required at different times. The intelligent design ensures good shots are rewarded while poor shots are punished.

Located in the south west, Golf de Andratx winds through some breathtaking scenery and takes in typical Mallorcan architecture to add an authentic feel.

The par-five sixth – the Green Monster – measures more than 600 yards and boasts the title of the longest hole in Spain.

There is plenty of regal charm about Real Golf de Bendinat which requires strategy, skill and placement rather than brute force and power to reap your rewards.

A 20-minute drive from Palma, the backdrop of the Bendinat Castle adds to the experience and the honorary president of the club is none other than King Juan Carlos of Spain.

The island caters for players of all abilities with green fees seasonal depending on the time of year.

Individual prices are available from the respective club website.

Travel facts

serranohotels.com/hotelserranopalace

hotel-campdemar.com

campinopersico.com

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, operates year round flights to Mallorca from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton, Leeds Bradford and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £59 one way (£130 return)

For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, visit monarch.co.uk

For more information about golf on Mallorca, go to mallorcagolfisland.com