GOLF

Simply Mallorca Golf

From air steward to golf consultant, this London-born Brit quit his high-flying job with British Airways to realize his dream of living on the luxury island of Mallorca. With championship golf courses a-go-go, this stunning Spanish hotspot also boasts action sports aplenty, along with glamourous spas and wellbeing retreats, wine tasting apps, and designer shops for non-playing partners, too.

Angela Sara West chats with Mark Showler about his life and award-winning golf business venture on this idyllic isle, how to up your game, high-end hotels to rest your head after around, and finds out where you can find a famous face or two on the fairway!

Mark tees off, watching his ball soar down the impeccable fairway at stunning Club de Golf Alcanada. With the enticing Mediterranean sea sparkling through fragrant olive and pine trees, this is his favorite course to play. Although he loved his job as Customer Services Manager at British Airways, he’s now undeniably in his element here in Mallorca, having established a thriving business offering value-for-money, tailor-made golf packages on this accessible island, which has become an important landmark on the golf tourism circuit.

As cabin crew on long-haul, Mark visited fabulous places worldwide. But Mallorca is the place that has always held a special place in his heart... “I first visited in 1976 with my parents,” he tells me. “I made friends here and it’s always had a bit of a draw.” So much so that Mark quit the rat race in May 2004 to make a permanent move here, taking on the role of team manager with Thomson Holidays.

SIMPLY MALLORCA GOLF

In February 2005, inspiration intervened and he and a friend decided to set up Mark’s own golfing holiday business, Simply Mallorca Golf, arranging bespoke packages for British golf fans.

Given his love of the game, coupled with his background in travel and customer service, it was a natural business choice. Mark says Mallorca and golf made the ideal match. “I absolutely adore Mallorca and have been interested in golf since taking lessons as a teenager. I love its outdoor appeal and wanted to promote the high-quality courses here, providing great holidays, too!”

Since its inauguration, Simply Mallorca Golf has gone from strength-to-strength, regularly selling over 10,000 rounds of golf per year and outperforming other golf agents at many of the island’s courses. The company won the prestigious accolade of ‘Top Selling Golf Tour Operator’ at Mallorca’s largest golf resort in 2018, and Mark is proud to have played an important part in making Mallorca

one of Europe’s premier golfing holiday destinations.

GOLFER’S PARADISE

Over 300 days of sunshine a year and some of the world’s best and most challenging courses over a variety of terrain make Mallorca an all-year-round golfer’s paradise. Wisely investigating business opportunities elsewhere, Mark island-hopped around all the Spanish Balearic and Canary islands before opting to carve out a career here.

“Knowing the island so well, it felt comfortable and homely. It’s only two hours from London, with a good, year-round climate.

“Whilst we can’t ensure that it doesn’t rain, it is unlikely, offering a fantastic 360 playable golfing days a year!”

ORANGES & LEMONS

Initially, Mark rented a Finca, which was the former residence of the ex-vicar of sleepy Son Servera, a typical Mallorquín village in the northeast of the island close to the coastal resort of Cala Millor. Along with religious artifacts, the land surrounding the Finca boasted orange and lemon trees and Mark enjoyed growing his own vegetables, too. “You can’t eat nine trees’ worth of oranges, so I made marmalade!”

He’s now invested in a two-bedroom, groundfloor, traditional apartment with a terrace area in Cala Ratjada, just 15 minutes away from the famous European Love Island’ villa. Situated in the ‘Square of the Fishermen’, his Cala Ratjada residence was originally occupied by fisherfolk. “Our home is very traditional Mallorquín in terms of the furnishings and décor, so the aim is to try to modernize it a bit. At certain times of the year, you can still see the fishermen repairing their nets down the main street, so it’s got a lot of local character and there’s a real local feel to it. There are no other English people in development. There’s one German couple and the rest are all Mallorquín or Spanish.”

Mark enjoys participating in local fiestas, varying from religious to agricultural, and particularly loves partaking in one of the biggest parties on the island, the Nit de Foc, where devils maraud through the streets breathing fire, setting off firecrackers and lighting fireworks.

Does he now feel fully-integrated? “I almost feel like a local. I knew I was accepted a few Christmases ago when the neighbors had a matanza, pig-killing. I awoke to the sad and sorrowful screams of their pig meeting its maker and was later offered a sobrasada, sausage. I’d rather it was still running around the garden but had I declined, they’d have been deeply offended.”

TEEING OFF THE COMPANY

In establishing Simply Mallorca Golf, Mark spoke to every course director, hotelier, and property provider in the area. “I spent eight months working in a variety of positions in the local tourist trade, enabling me to make important contacts whilst allowing time to research the business. The courses are keen to promote golf to the British market and, therefore, mostly welcomed me with open arms.”

Mark’s small team initially included the daughter of a flamenco dancer, key in helping Mark source new properties available to rent.

Aiming to respond to quote requests within hours, the company prides itself on impeccable service, offering a variety of packages to suit all budgets and individual needs. “Whatever your requirements, we can provide for them.”

The business has flourished most years, covering more and more areas of Mallorca as it grows, and now boasts contracts with every single course. “We’re attracting clients from all around the world, including America, Australia, and Korea. The Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and German markets are strong, and German-speaking clients now have their own dedicated website where inquiries are handled in their own language by Ricarda, the latest addition to the Simply Mallorca Golf team, who has a fantastic knowledge of golf.”

WHERE TO PLAY

With championship courses galore, golf lovers are spoilt for choice on the island. With over 20 existing courses, several have been designed by renowned golf course architects, including Jack Nicklaus, John D. Harris and Robert Trent Jones Sr and Jr. Pula has hosted the PGA Mallorca Classic, while Son Gual hosts tournaments such as the European Seniors Tour, organized by companies including Rolex, Son Melià and Pinmar.

Mallorca recently won the contract to host the European Challenge Tour Grand Final until 2022, following its six-year spell in the Middle East, seeing the Challenge Tour Grand Final return to European soil for the first time since 2012. The four-year deal between the Challenge Tour and the Federación Balear de Golf sees the Grand Final move to a different venue on the island each year. Starting at scenic Alcanada, the Tour’s season-ending Grand Final tournament 2019 took place last November, as the final stop on the newly-named ‘Road to Mallorca’. What’s more, it offered a whoppiprize fund of €420,000, making it one of the most lucrative events of the season. So, there’s everything to play for! The venue for the 2020 Grand Final will be T-Golf Poniente, or T-Golf as it is now known.

A golfer’s dream, the 18-hole championship course at Golf de Andratx, meanwhile, is one of the most outstandingly-designed and technically-demanding courses in the whole of the Mediterranean. Boasting four par fives and seven ponds, the 609-metre ‘Green Monster’ (No. 6, par 5) is the longest hole in Spain and regarded as a highlight for even the most accomplished golfer. The signature 6th hole plays uphill, with each shot entailing meticulous navigation of bunkers and water hazards towards the next hole. Thankfully, there’s no need to wait until the ‘19th hole’ for a much-needed pit-stop here, as the Halfway House awaits at the end of the spectacular 8th hole, offering an oasis of calm with views across the beautiful bay of Camp de Mar from the

large tree-lined terrace, where you’re served up typical tapas washed down with a refreshing beverage before tackling the ten final holes.

SIMPLY PLAY!

Simply Mallorca Golf initially concentrated on the northeast of the island and was the first British company to solely promote golf in that area. “With so many great courses in such a relatively small area, I couldn’t understand why more British people weren’t visiting,” Mark explains. “To find good courses you have to travel, and traditionally, the British golfing market stays and plays in and around Palma. The northeast area’s ideal for golfers wanting to play the best courses away from the mass tourism and busy courses of the south. It’s tranquilo, calmer, more laid-back, and unspoiled with some real, hidden gems.”

He has helped enormously in putting the northeast firmly on the golfing map, promoting excellent courses, along with great golf accommodation, facilities, pro shops, and tuition. But Mark has also made his mark all over the island, and is hugely influential in other areas, too. The ‘must-play’ courses? “Alcanada, Son Gual, Son Muntaner, and T-Golf & Country Club. But if you’re looking to stay in one area and have a choice from four great courses, then I would recommend visiting the northeast of the island, and playing Canyamel, Capdepera, Pula, and Son Servera.“

HIGH-QUALITY GOLFING ADVENTURES

Looking to play around? Look no further than Simply Mallorca Golf, who are on hand to discuss all 19 of the island’s 18-hole golf courses in-depth, and help you decide on the one for you! Mark and his business partner, Tracy, cater to their clients’ preferences, offering advice, and saving you time and money, creating a personalized package to suit all your requirements. “For example, if you don’t like courses where buggies must be kept to the paths, then we’ll only offer courses

where they can be driven on the fairways. We’ll help you to schedule your itinerary so that you can take advantage of the best offers, and obtain the tee-times that you favor.”

The company is a member of IAGTO (International Association of Golf Tour Operators), the global trade organization for the golf tourism industry. “This further demonstrates and emphasizes our commitment to providing a quality product and service for all golfers on, or visiting, the island of Mallorca,” says Mark. “A lot of the work that our customers don’t see is the effort we put into ensuring our clients have a great golfing experience. We survey all of our customers, and the feedback we receive is relayed back to the Director of the golf courses so that the service experience of our clientele can be enhanced.”

The team’s expert knowledge means they can answer your queries quickly and confidently. “Your time is valuable, and you shouldn’t have to spend it researching your holiday!” says Mark. Contact the team, and they’ll suggest courses, luxury hotels and transport options to match any requirement or budget you have in mind, making them a one-stop-shop for booking a golfing holiday tailored uniquely to you.

“We want to ensure that golfers have a brilliant time playing the game in Mallorca, and that’s at the heart of everything we do. We love what we do, and as a small agency, we want you to play some great golf and enjoy your holiday. You’re not just another golfer to us!”

WHEN TO PLAY & WHERE TO STAY

“Spring and autumn are the best times of the year to play,” Mark advises. “In spring, the courses are in great condition, and in autumn, the temperatures have dropped sufficiently to enable you to play golf in the sun without gasping for a beer by the time you reach the 19th!” Some of the best golf courses in Mallorca can get fully booked up to six months in advance. “So, we advise to always plan ahead, and book early.”

From high-end boutique hotels and deluxe apartments to agritourism properties and luxury villas, there are more choices close to perfectly-manicured greens than you can swing your club at. When it comes to great golf accommodation, you’ll never find yourself more than a short putt away from a fairway!

Mark recommends checking in to Creu de Tau Art & Spa, a beautiful 4-star superior hotel in a restored historic convent close to the course in Capdepera, the brand new Hotel Pleta de Mar, a 5-star luxury establishment surrounded by nature and overlooking the sea, boasting not one, but two, infinity pools, a spa and a private path to a small beach, or the magnificent Park Hyatt nestled in the Canyamel

valley, a luxury retreat with references of local art and cultural heritage, reflecting the style of a traditional Mallorquín hilltop village.

“We think that Canyamel is one of Mallorca’s hidden gems!” reveals Mark. “It’s just starting to be developed and, within a few years, I think this area is going to be completely different. There are some excellent restaurants and new hotels in the northeast area, along with four excellent golf courses with a range of difficulty and terrains, enabling you to select the courses that best match your tastes.”

CELEBRITY GOLFERS

Immaculate fairways, prestigious marinas, and the island’s colorful cosmopolitan capital, Palma, also draw the rich and famous to this year-round golfing getaway, with celebrities and golf pros, including David Beckham, Seve Ballesteros, and TV stars, frequently spotted teeing off on the island’s championship courses. Jack Nicholson, Nigel Mansell,

Claudia Schiffer, Jasper Carrott and Prince Andrew, and Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have all played at Real Golf de Bendinat, while tennis ace Boris Becker swaps his racket for clubs at Golf Club Andratx.

And tennis might be the island’s own resident champ Rafael Nadal’s first love, but golf, it seems, comes a close second for the Manacor-born tennis star, who can often be seen showing off his skills at many of the island’s courses. Alternatively, follow in the famous footsteps of Ian Woosnam, Sam Torrance and Mark James at Son Gual, praised by the pro golfers when practicing their swing here.

Such high-profile role models have helped open up the game to a new generation of players, and its elitist image is fast disappearing. Along with its celebrity appeal, golf is attracting a new market, drawing a younger and cooler following.

As for the future of the golf industry on the island, Marks says it’s definitely going upmarket. “Many courses are pricing their rounds at over 150€ per person, and they have to deliver on quality. With numerous new boutique hotels springing up, Mallorca is appearing on the radar for US travelers as a luxury destination now, too.”

WELLBEING BENEFITS OF THE GREEN

Sunshine and golf make a great combination, providing a powerful tool known for improving both physical and mental health. According to the World Health Organization, access to green spaces has a positive impact on mental health, and, alongside also offering a wealth of physical health benefits, the game can give your confidence a boost, too. To top it all off, playing around can sharpen the memory and prevent cognitive decline.

“Even in winter, the light quality’s so good that where I used to feel depressed in the UK, I don’t here,” says Mark. “The health benefits of golf are well documented, and I now cycle to work, too. I thought the other evening on my way home that, years ago, I’d have been stuck on the M25 from Heathrow, with a two-hour minimum drive, whereas now I’m cycling home through the beautiful countryside!” Mark has also joined a hiking group in the historic village of Valldemossa, close to where Michael Douglas owns a stunning estate. “The views are amazing!” says Mark.

PAMPER TIME FOR GOLF WIDOWS

Golf widow? While your other half’s off enjoying around, why not splash out on a session at a spa? Most of the island’s 5-star hotels have luxurious pampering spaces, and with wellness tourism on-the-up on the island, yoga and health retreats are on the rise. For the more adventurous, cycling is huge here, and canoeing and tennis are also popular activities. Alternatively, adrenaline junkies can survey the island from a unique perspective with paragliding or hang gliding lesson, or take to the skies with a hot-air balloon ride. Simply Mallorca Golf can assist with helicopter charter, too!

With well over 50 vineyards on the island, wine tasting is yet another appetizing option. Not forgetting the fabulous shopping! Give your credit card a workout at the bountiful boutiques and designer stores in the glittering capital, Palma, and at prestigious ports while your partner’s playing a game of golf – all par for the course, of course! Most towns on the island have a weekly market, too. “Artà’s market, on Tuesdays, is one of the best in the area and well worth visiting,” recommends Mark.

Kids in tow? For young golfers, there are plenty of activities on offer, including numerous opportunities to follow in their father’s golfing footsteps at the island’s many mini-golf offerings.

LEARNING THE LINGO

The main challenges for Mark in setting up his business? “One of the biggest challenges was being accepted, which was difficult when my level of Spanish at that time was initially poor,” he explains. “Hoteliers and golf courses have seen so many people arrive and request contracts, but then fail to bring customers, so the first contracts that we had with the golf courses, in particular, were really poor. But once they saw that we were bringing customers, paying our bills promptly and conducting our business in a competent manner, our contracts and our terms of business improved. I can understand why they did that, but when you’re starting a new business, it’s a challenge not being able to compete on price with more established businesses.”

TOP TIPS FOR A TOP BUSINESS

Thinking about setting up a business on the island? Mark stresses the importance of taking financial and legal advice. “Tax rates and licenses required to run a business can be so different in a foreign country, and sometimes rules and regulations don’t function in the way that we’re familiar with in the UK. Sometimes, they don’t even seem to make sense! The main thing is to appreciate that there is a cultural difference in Spain, and the faster you can adjust to that and respect the way that people function and work, then the faster you and your business will be successful.”

Mark also ensured that they switched from being a UK company to a Spanish company 10 years ago. “Registering everything in the UK was the quickest way for us to start trading, but added complications. You must fit in and conform. Appreciate that it’s not your country, respect local traditions and do things THEIR way.”

TOP OF THE PROPS

Sensibly keeping one foot in the UK with a home he owns in West End in Surrey in the UK, he’s just purchased a second property in ?? to rent out, with plans to sell one of the two in around five years’ time and to, hopefully, be able to live mortgage-free in both the UK and Spain in the future. “It will be great to be able to travel between the two whenever I want.”

How’s the property market in Mallorca looking now – are things hotting up over here, too? “I sense it’s an interesting time to buy property on the island. For a while, the building industry stalled, but we’re now seeing new developments in a number of different resorts in the northeast. I particularly like the Canyamel valley, where there are some magnificent villas and new apartments springing up. Regular overseas’ visitors with holiday homes tend to migrate to the resorts west of Palma, such as Andratx, Santa Ponsa, and Portals Nous, but Canyamel is only an hour away from Palma and its airport. With beautiful countryside and neighboring towns with hillside castles, the area offers an image of a quieter and less-developed Mallorca that many people are searching for.”

Mark says he had been contemplating getting ahead of the game and snapping up a Canyamel home. “I was considering buying in Canyamel before prices go crazy!” he says. But his love of Cala Ratjada has tugged at his heartstrings, and he’s now decided to stay put.

With his new property plans in the works, Mark’s making massive changes to his Mallorcan abode. “This property is rather tired, so I’m planning to completely gut, re-wire, knock down walls and refurbish it, hopefully in the winter of this year.” Luckily, the purchase of his well-appointed apartment here was problem-free. “I was amazed at what it was like in comparison to the UK, where it can be really difficult and there’s a greater degree of checks on your ability to repay the mortgage and so on.” He says it’s a completely different story here, where the bank does a lot of the work on your behalf. “It would probably be different if it had been in the countryside, with access rights, provision of water and electricity, etc. but because it’s a simple property, it was a simple process. From start to finish, it took just

six weeks. That’s including finding the property to actually moving in!”

His tips for readers thinking about buying a property on the island? “It’s definitely cheaper if you buy direct and cut out the estate agent, but the benefits of using an agent include superb advice and being assisted throughout the whole purchase process. They instruct the bank, and that makes everything really simple. So, pick a good one who speaks English, as they can save you a lot of time and money.”

UPPING YOUR GAME

What does Mark love most about life in Mallorca? “Although I’ve been coming here for nearly 50 years, I still like exploring and discovering new places. I love the culture, fantastic beaches, dining out, and Palma, a beautiful city, touted as the new Barcelona.”

And, of course, there’s golf. “I play whenever I get a chance. As any golfer will tell you, it’s not all about the game; golf’s about relaxation, being in the open, enjoying the scenery, and also the social side of playing around with complete strangers or having a chilled glass of Rioja on the terrace after a great round with friends. Being involved in the sport on both sides, from practicing and improving my game to promoting it, is a dream come true!”

Mark recently met up with a mentor, Seán Herron, who has helped take his game to a whole new level. “Seán trains golf in a completely different way to the way that the PGA pros teach. He’s also a transformational breath coach, which is an interesting field in itself! I had one lesson and, in a short space of time, he had me hitting the ball further and straighter than I’d ever done in my whole life!”

BACK TO BLIGHTY

Returning to the UK between three and six times a year, what does Mark miss most about life in GB? “There used to be quite a few things that I missed, but now English teabags, baked beans, herbs and things like that, are all readily available. I do still miss a night out in London, my UK friends and visiting a proper UK pub, but apart from that, little else!

Business-wise, 2019 proved a difficult year for tourism in Mallorca, with numbers below par, but Mark says this year’s bookings are rolling in at a good pace and the figures for 2020 are looking very encouraging. “We’re having a good year at the moment. People are booking earlier, which means that the more popular courses are already very busy during the second peak period of the year, which is September/ October. There are also some excellent offers available for this year, particularly for golfers looking to play three rounds of golf, or who like to tee-off just after sunrise in order to take advantage of the Earlybird rates we have at some of the courses. The island’s golf courses have an excellent reputation for the quality they offer, and some hotels have reduced their prices, so early signs for this year are promising.”

Any regrets? “Absolutely none! I’ve met some fantastic people, feel more relaxed, and I just love it! I’m here to stay. I swapped a stressful, high-paid job for life in the sun!