Jamie Knight: Owner of Par 72 Majorca

Following a finance career in London, Jamie decided to pursue his love for the game of golf and swapped the bright lights of London for the countryside of Cornwall. Before moving to Majorca, he set up two golf academies in the UK, teaching keen golfers of all ages and abilities. Now, settled in Mallorca running his business Par72 private coaching and golf conditioning, Jamie tells us a bit about his business and gives us some top insider tips on how to make the most of your holiday in Mallorca.

What brought you to Mallorca?

Beautiful island with 21 golf courses; a hidden gem for people looking for winter golf.

Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based… 

While running a Golf Academy in the UK, I saw the opportunity to bring my professional coaching and golf conditioning to Mallorca. Whether it is a friendly playing lesson, honing your skills before a tournament back home or learning a little golf course management, I can offer bespoke packages or individual lessons during your stay in Mallorca to suit all interests and levels of ability. I am based in Alcudia but travel across the island with clients, selecting the best golf course for their game. 

What makes Mallorca a special place to be for someone in your profession?

The year-round sunshine and variety of golf courses across the island. 

What are the best bits about your job / life here?

Being outdoors all the time and helping people improve at one of the toughest sports/hobbies around. Watching a player improve their game brings me a lot of satisfaction and living in Mallorca gives us a large cross-section of golf courses to choose from within a small radius. 

And the worst bits?

When it rains and you can’t play golf!! 

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

As well as expanding Par 72, I have teamed up with luxury golf travel expert James Fox of Fox Travel, bringing groups to the island to experience first class golf trips, accommodation and fine dining; fully managed and organised by a dedicated concierge. Drop me an email at Par72 to find out more.

What do you do on your days off?

I am a keen fitness fanatic and can often be found running some of the great trails in Mallorca, including the mountains of Formentor and the hills of Tramuntana where cyclists can be seen training for the Tour De France. 

What's your insiders tip for the best beach? 

If you are lucky enough to take a boat out for the day, head for Cala Mitjana on the south-east coast, or if you are travelling by car, head to Cala Sa Nau to park up and walk the 20-minute journey by foot to the beach. It is only 25 metres long and the water is crystal-clear, with a great beach bar open in high season. As it is difficult to reach, you can be the only people on it. The journey there is definitely worth it for the views and tranquility it offers. 

Where's best for a coffee, or a drink, and a bit of mingling?

Well you can always get great food and drink at the clubhouses of the golf courses and certainly have a good mingle whilst playing 9 or 18 holes! Otherwise, all the town squares across the island are a great place to catch up over a coffee, people watch and strike up conversation with locals and tourists alike. Abaco Bar in Palma is also worth a visit for the large outdoor terrace, buzzy atmosphere and their fantastic cocktail list. You’ll find it hidden behind a large wooden door opposite Forn de Sant Joan restaurant. 

Where's the best place for lunch or dinner here, and why?

Tapas is obviously a firm favourite in Mallorca so you can try Forn de Sant Joan in Palma which is fantastic for dinner, it serves great food with a lovely atmosphere and a fine wine list. I would recommend a drink at Abaco, followed by a long dinner. Ombu Restaurant is great for lunchtime tapas and if you are on the south-east coast of the Island, I would highly recommend Es Pinaret in Ses Salines. Set in a garden fragrant with pine and lemon trees, the atmosphere is magical and the seafood the freshest you will taste on the island. 

Where would you go for a bit of culture & atmosphere? 

Palma never fails to amaze the people who visit me in Mallorca. The Gothic architecture of the Palma Cathedral is also breathtaking, with the surrounding square offering a great atmosphere to spend some time in. You can spend hours navigating the lanes in Palma and not easily get bored with the great shopping, restaurants and culture hotspots. 

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in resort? 

I would recommend lunch on the seafront in Puerto Andratx, followed by a drive in the neighbouring hills behind the port for breathtaking views. A stop at Beach Club Gran Folies on the way back to Palma is also worthwhile, with great sunset views and fantastic cocktails. Mallorca has so many amazing views and places of interest, especially on the west coast, so I definitely recommend hiring a car and making the most of it. 

What's your tip to escape the crowds in the summer? 

Join a boat trip and escape to hidden bays around the island. If you’re heading to the beach, avoid the middle of the day and enjoy the tranquillity of the early morning and late afternoon. 

And finally, your top tips on golf club choice?

Most golf equipment on the market is great, but having your clubs custom fitted generally gains much better rewards; that together with a good coach who can work with what you have and not overcomplicate things. The game is hard enough as it is so it’s important to have fun with it too! 

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For more information about Jamie and Par72 or to make a booking with him please see his details here.