A sophisticated golf club in Mallorca: Interview with Borja Ochoa, General Manager of T Golf & Country Club
Since its founding in 1978, T Golf & Country Club has grown into one of the most celebrated golf destinations in Europe. Combining world-class facilities with a luxury lifestyle membership concept, the club operates across two exceptional locations: T Golf Calvia, the original course, renowned for its classic British design, and T Golf Palma Puntiro, a later addition featuring an innovative American-style layout. Together, these courses embody a commitment to excellence, making T Golf a cornerstone of Mallorca’s vibrant golf culture.
Could you share with us the origins of T Golf & Country Club? What was the vision behind its creation?
The story of T Golf & Country Club began in 2015 when we acquired the old Poniente Golf Course. Both the clubhouse and the course were in poor condition, but it was widely recognized as an excellent parkland course with a traditional English design. Heiner Tamsen bought the club with the vision of creating a haven for golf enthusiasts that celebrates the sport’s traditions while embracing innovation and luxury. From the beginning, we were inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, aiming to create a destination where exceptional golf meets an elevated lifestyle—where gastronomy is as important as the game itself. This vision remains at the heart of everything we do.
How has the club evolved from its beginnings to now managing two distinct golf courses: T Golf Calvia and T Golf Palma Puntiro?
T Golf has experienced significant growth since its inception. Our primary focus was developing T Golf Calvia, an English-style parkland course known for its exclusivity and meticulous attention to detail. In 2021, we expanded by acquiring the run-down Golf Puntiro, an American-design course. After a year and a half of extensive renovations to both the course and the clubhouse, we reopened as T Golf Palma. Together, these two locations allow us to cater to a diverse range of golfers, blending classic and modern styles to offer a truly unique experience.
How do T Golf Calvia and T Golf Palma Puntiro complement each other, and what role does each course play in the club’s overall identity?
Each course offers something distinctive. T Golf Calvia embodies tradition with its classic British parkland design, appealing to golfers who value strategy, heritage, and exclusivity. Meanwhile, T Golf Palma Puntiro offers a contemporary American-style layout with a focus on innovation and playability. Together, these courses represent the duality of our identity: honoring golf’s traditions while embracing modernity.
What are the core values that define T Golf & Country Club?
Our core values revolve around excellence, sustainability, community, gastronomy, exclusivity, and a passion for the sport. We are dedicated to delivering a world-class golfing experience while fostering a sense of belonging among our members. Additionally, environmental stewardship is integral to our ethos, as we strive to protect and preserve Mallorca’s natural beauty.
T Golf & Country Club operates in the stunning landscape of Mallorca. How does the club contribute to the island’s environmental preservation and sustainability efforts?
We are deeply committed to sustainability. Our courses are designed to minimize environmental impact, featuring native plants and irrigating 100% with regenerated water. This reclaimed water, which would otherwise be discharged into the sea, helps conserve valuable drinking water reserves for human consumption. At T Golf, we lead the way in managing water and environmental resources through an expert team of greenkeepers, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced processes developed over the past decade. These efforts align with our mission to optimize efficiency while preserving nature.
Could you tell us more about the T Foundation? What are its objectives and initiatives?
The T Foundation is our platform for giving back to the community. Its initiatives focus on supporting local charities and funding environmental preservation projects. By aligning our efforts with the needs of the community, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact within and beyond the golfing world.
Mallorca is renowned for its rich golf culture. From your perspective, how does T Golf contribute to nurturing and promoting that culture?
T Golf plays a central role in Mallorca’s vibrant golf culture by hosting international tournaments, providing world-class facilities, and fostering young talent through our junior golf programs. We also work closely with local and international golf organizations to bolster the island’s reputation as a premier golfing destination.
What sets T Golf apart from other golf clubs and courses across the island?
Our commitment to detail and quality sets us apart. From our impeccably maintained courses to our exclusive membership offerings, we ensure every aspect of T Golf delivers a superior experience. The combination of our two distinct courses further enhances our appeal, offering something for every golfer’s taste and preference.
Are there any expansion plans for T Golf & Country Club?
While preserving the original charm of T Golf Calvia remains a priority, we are always exploring ways to modernize and enhance our facilities. This includes introducing new amenities and expanding opportunities in line with our vision for continued growth and innovation.
Exclusivity is a significant part of T Golf’s identity. What makes your exclusive membership concept unique and appealing?
Our membership offers more than just access to golf; it’s an entryway to an elevated lifestyle. Members enjoy personalized services, exclusive events, and the camaraderie of a close-knit community. This holistic approach, combined with our world-class courses and facilities, makes our membership truly special.
The Mediterranean lifestyle is central to Mallorca’s charm. How does T Golf incorporate and encourage this lifestyle within the club experience?
We embrace the Mediterranean lifestyle through our lush, nature-filled terraces where members can enjoy gourmet meals surrounded by stunning scenery. Our yoga and dance programs encourage outdoor living, while our focus on gastronomy reflects the region’s culinary excellence. We ensure that every visit to T Golf immerses our members in the island’s unique charm.
Among T Golf’s various projects, T Real Estate stands out. Could you tell us more about this initiative and its connection to the club’s vision?
T Real Estate represents our dedication to continuous growth and development. We identify homes with great potential and elevate them to meet modern standards of comfort and luxury, infusing them with our distinctive touch of exclusivity. This initiative aligns with our broader vision of excellence and innovation.
How do the premium services of T Real Estate align with Lionsgate Capital?
Within the excellence and innovation, we mentioned in T Real Estate, the premium financial brokerage services of Lionsgate Capital are the perfect complement for any client looking to optimize their investment in luxury properties. As leaders in the mortgage market in Spain, Lionsgate Capital brings unique expertise and a personalized approach. Furthermore, by collaborating with professionals whose headquarters are in Mallorca, we continue to strengthen and expand our network on the island.
What is your favourite Sunday plan in Mallorca?
A perfect Sunday starts with a morning round of golf at T Golf Calvia or T Golf Palma, followed by a leisurely lunch with family and friends at our clubhouse. In the afternoon, I enjoy the stunning beaches of Mallorca, ending the day with a sunset stroll and a glass of local wine. It’s the ideal way to embrace the island’s Mediterranean charm.
Interview by Juanita Casanas and Drew Aaron
President and Chairman of Lionsgate Capital
Their goal at Lionsgate Capital is to create unparalleled solutions for the most demanding clients and create value through service, making Lionsgate Capital the major player for financing in the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain.
