Carlo Knauss: Between Fairways and Everyday Life in Mallorca

Carlo speaks without pathos about how, as a young player, he set out convinced he could make a career of it. Reality was different: many placings, two qualifications for major tournaments, but never the one big win that would have made many things easier. From a distance that sounds matter-of-fact, but for him it was a turning point. Instead of doggedly chasing titles he moved into coaching — first nationally, then into the media. Today he works in Munich for a sports program, presents segments and provides analyses that appeal both to technique fans and occasional viewers. On Mallorca his daily life is calm: cycling early in the morning, short runs along the coast, coffee in a small café in Bonanova. For the Arabella group he advises three courses on the island, looks at holes, drainage and guest experience, and meets greenkeepers and hotel managers. His manner of speaking is direct, with small anecdotes: how once he preferred to jog a round before teeing off because it cleared his head, or how the smell of freshly mown grass still gives him a little pang of home. He now plays only rarely — four or five times a year, he says — and only with people whose company he enjoys. For someone who long earned a living from playing, that sounds surprising but honest. The job of coach taught him that success is not found only in the score; the mental toughness that distinguishes champions is often harder to teach than technique. That has made him more relaxed. When he talks about Mallorca he speaks not only as an expert but as someone who is at home here: good roads for bike tours, a favourite restaurant in Portals, and the certainty that the island can combine work and calm.

Carlo explains without pathos how he set out as a young player convinced he could make a career of it. Reality was different: many placings, two qualifications for major tournaments, but never the big win that would have made many things easier. From a distance that sounds sober, but for him it was a turning point. Instead of relentlessly chasing titles he moved into coaching — first nationally, then into the media. Today he works in Munich for a sports program, presents segments and gives analyses that appeal to both technique fans and casual viewers. On Mallorca his daily life is calm: cycling early in the morning, short runs on the coast, coffee in a small café in Bonanova. For the Arabella group he advises three courses on the island, inspects holes, drainage and guest experience, and meets greenkeepers and hotel directors. His way of speaking is direct, with small anecdotes: how once before the tee he preferred to jog because it cleared his mind, or how the smell of freshly cut grass still gives him a small pang of home. He plays only rarely today — four or five times a year, he says — and only with people whose company he enjoys. For someone who long lived from the game that sounds surprising but honest. The job of coach taught him that success is not found only in the score; the mental toughness that characterizes champions is often harder to teach than technique. That has made him more relaxed. When he talks about Mallorca he speaks not only as a specialist but as someone who is at home here: good roads for bike tours, a favourite restaurant in Portals, and the certainty that the island can combine work and rest.

His life alternates between Germany and Mallorca. In Bonanova it's familial: bike routes, a small vegetable garden on the balcony, and neighbours you greet. The mix of work in Munich and quiet on the island works surprisingly well for him.

Carlo speaks openly about environmental issues: correct course selection, returning wildlife on renaturalised areas and the sensible use of recycled water. His conclusion: golf can be managed responsibly and can offer high-quality, sustainable tourism options.