AS a golfer with more enthusiasm than actual talent, more used to traipsing around a soggy Bolton course than the manicured fairways of the PGA Tour, I was thrilled to get the chance to test my meagre skills on two of Majorca's best known golf courses.

Along with six other journalists I travelled to the Son Vida and Son Muntaner Golf Clubs, on the outskirts of Majorca's capital, Palma. Set amidst rolling hills the two complexes are linked to the Arabella Hotel group with the Castillo Hotel Son Vida our base for the two day break.

Just two and a half hours after leaving a grey Manchester, we were touching down in the most popular of the Balearic islands. Just a short bus ride from Palma airport and we were arriving at the hotel in beautiful spring sunshine.

The Castillo Hotel Son Vida is one of Spain's best-known hotels, and as far as five star luxury is concerned it "does everything it says on the tin." Built in a turreted 13th century building and in a characteristic Majorcan country house style, the hotel is surrounded by 500 acres of gardens and the Son Vida golf course. My room comprised all the trappings of quality you would expect, from bathrobes and toiletries to a complimentary bowl of fruit, and even a pair of my very own towelling slippers.

Then after breakfast the following morning it was down to the serious business of golf.

The first round of the day was to take us to the Son Muntaner Golf Club. The club nestles between the rolling hills of Son Vida and Palma and is reserved exclusively for the guests of the hotel group. The course was opened in 2000 and has been incorporated into the pine landscape, featuring water hazards of varying degrees of difficulty as well as the unusual sight of a 1,000 year old olive tree, believed to be the oldest on the island. Wildlife is also in abundance and the ducks must have grown eyes in the back of their heads as they dodge the flying golf balls.

As weekend golfers would testify the most daunting task facing us amateurs is teeing off on the first hole in front of a gallery of strangers. Having successfully manoeuvred the ball on to the fairway with a reasonable, long drive, I was off on my way.

With perfect golfing conditions we toured up and down the rolling course on our motorised golf buggies, stopping occasionally for impromptu photo-calls to capture the stunning scenery. The course was in magnificent condition with both fairways and greens manicured to perfection. The greens were so quick it took almost half the round before I actually hit the ball the right speed. I managed to finish the round with a respectable score of 31 points for my 26 handicap which I was more than happy with.

After a splendid fish lunch at the clubhouse, we were whisked off for our next round of the day at the Son Vida Golf Club.

This course is the oldest on the island and has just recently been renovated, and once again there are breathtaking views of the countryside. I certainly fell for this course, with its undulating hills and hidden gems of holes around every corner. I very nearly spent more time taking pictures than making pitches!

To make thing even more perfect I managed to get a few pars as well as a Birdie two during my best round. The course was in perfect condition and is a credit to the ground staff who seemed to be buzzing around everywhere on their motorised mowers like protective bees around a hive. To keep the course looking its best they also incorporate a state of the art irrigation making sure the greens stay green all year round. As tiredness crept in and the sun began to set we rode our buggies towards the 19th hole for a very well deserved drink or two.

That evening we swapped stories of near misses and wayward shots as we enjoyed a gourmet meal at the neighbouring Michellin starred Arabella Sheraton Hotel.

The following morning we were treated to a whistle-stop tour of Palma.

Winding through the narrow streets of the old town we passed photo opportunities at every turn - the Gothic splendour of the cathedral, the designer shops and quaint Tapas bars - arriving at the bustling marina which was hosting the annual Palma Boat Show. Unfortunately our visit was on May Day, which meant that almost everything in the city was closed, but it seemed a charming place with plenty on offer and one to definitely mark down for a return visit.

All too soon we were checking out of the hotel and because of the hectic schedule I was unable to sample the other facilities on offer such as the restaurants, health spa and swimming pool - plenty to keep the non-golfers occupied.

FACT FILE

Low cost airline Monarch Scheduled flies daily to Palma from Manchester during the summer.

Return fares start from £107 (incl. tax and website booking discount). There is a full in-flight service including food, complimentary drinks, newspapers, headsets for the in-flight entertainment and hot towels. Seats can be pre-booked free of charge to avoid the last minute free-for-all and a frequent flyer scheme, Vantage Club, offers benefits for regular travellers. Book on www.flymonarch.com or telephone 08700 40 63 00.

Castillo Hotel Son Vida. Prices per room per night - 313 euro for a double room. www.hotelsonvida.com.

Golf Club Son Muntaner green fees for 18 holes - 80 euro www.arabellagolf.com.

Golf Club Son Vida green fees for 18 holes - 56 euro www.arabellagolf.com.

Buggy hire: 18 holes - 19 euro.

For further details on golf breaks and holidays in Majorca contact your local ABTA travel agent.

Bookings made on-line receive a £10 discount for a return flight (£5 one way).