Claudia Schiffer in love with Mallorca

Think of the Balearic Islands and German supermodel Claudia Schiffer wouldn't be the first person to spring to mind.

Yet the former catwalk queen has been lined up to promote Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentora as a golf destination.

"My love for Mallorca started when I was a young child because my parents started building a house there in the seventies," said Ms Schiffer.

"So any summer holiday, Easter holiday and weekend was spent in Mallorca and I still do."

Overall tourism in the Balearic Islands has fallen in recent years as cheaper flights have enabled people to travel further afield for their week in the sun.

But the number of people coming to play golf on one of the islands' 21 golf courses is on the increase – helped no doubt by publicity from the Mallorca Classic, which is the last event on the PGA European tour.

"One of the most exciting professional golf tournaments of the PGA European tour is the Mallorca Classic," said Ms Schiffer.

"It was launched in 2003 and since then the tournament has experienced an increase in prize money, improved course design and received a lot of media coverage."

The 2006 Mallorca Classic takes place next October (19th to 22nd) at Pula Golf.

So, is Mallorca worth a visit?

"I have to say that I've been around the world and I've seen the best locations for holidays and I still prefer Mallorca."

Claudia certainly thinks so.