Golf at La Manga Club

The club has three superb courses, a 18 hole pitch and putt, as well as extensive facilities and services

La Manga Club made its name from golf, becoming one of Spain’s earliest pioneers in the field of international golf tourism in the 1970s. At that time it was the only place to play golf in the Region of Murcia, and soon the difficulty of the courses and the sumptuous facilities on offer throughout the resort made it a prestigious destination for golfers.

The patronage of well-known personalities such as Henry Cooper and Nigel Mansell helped cement its reputation, and some of their photographs still hang in the club bar, but La Manga’s south course also provides a test for the best of golfers. Seve Ballesteros’ brother was the pro here, and the Spanish Open tournament was held at the club between 1973 and 1977 (for golf fans, among the winners were such well-known names as Arnold Palmer, Neil Goles and Bernard Gallagher).

The South Course opened in 1972, and is 6,499 metres (7,107 yards) long off the championship tees. It is a par-73 course designed by Robert D. Putman and Arnold Palmer, featuring five par-5s and four testing par 3s. The 13th is 550 metres long, or 601 yards in imperial measures, so only the longest and most accurate hitters will be reaching for the putter after their second shots.

There are few hidden traps among the palm trees and water hazards, but the strategically placed bunkers, ditches and lakes combine with the dog-legs on the back nine to test even the best. The 18th fairway is flanked by water on both sides, and any amateur reaching the well-protected green without alarms will be relieved to do so.

With its prestigious past as part of the European Tour and PGA Qualifying School La Manga has lost none of its bite, and the south course remains a firm favourite with the many multinational companies holding corporate events in the Region of Murcia.

The North Course was also designed by Robert D. Putman, and is a more undulating test than its southern neighbour, although the shorter hitters will be relieved to learn that at least it is not as long. Even from the white tees it measures just 5,753 metres (6,291 yards), and with five par-3s it comes in at Par 71. The shortest hole is the second, at just 114 yards from the white tees, and although water hazards are present at only six holes the streams and platformed greens mean there are no easy holes. These features will reward the accurate golfer rather than the powerful player, and a good touch with the putter is essential.

The West Course lies further up the hill, and is sometimes known as the Atamaría course. It measures 5,770 metres (6,310 yards) off the white tees and represents a different challenge from the more classical tests of the other two courses, with the slopes and raised tees bringing the wind into play. The shade provided by the pine trees means cooler temperatures but stiffer punishment for wayward drives, and the floodwater channels running down from the hills provide unexpected hazards. Being on higher ground it offers spectacular views out over the resort and towards the Mar Menor, but golfers will need to concentrate on their game, especially on the par-3 holes. Designed by Dave Thomas, these are considered to be among the finest in Spain.

The pitch-and-putt course located almost opposite the entrance to the Tennis Centre is a par-47 challenge designed by Seve Ballesteros, who inaugurated the nearby Bellaluz residential area. All of the holes are very short, and the mixture of par-3s and par-2s never requires anything as strenuous as a full pitching wedge. Residential property is nearby and the course resembles a finely landscaped garden, but the 18 holes, if taken seriously, will provide a serious work-out for the short game of even low-handicap players. On the other hand they are also a fun test for those just learning the game!

The pitch and putt course is open from 10.00 to 16.00.

Next to the club house, which is sandwiched between the North and South courses, are extensive practice facilities including an 80-bay floodlit driving range (which is to be re-modelled over the next eighteen months), two chipping greens and a large putting green. Buggies and clubs can also be hired here, and of course there are also golf lessons, a golf shop, fully equipped changing rooms and the all-important Bar 37, where tired golfers can either celebrate their performances or bemoan the ill luck which has plagued them after their rounds are over.

Those intending to visit the driving range should note that it is usually closed on Wednesday afternoons between 15.00 and 18.00.
Green fees are high, reflecting the esteem in which La Manga Club is held. Non-residents with no special discount can pay as much as 190 euros for a round on the South Course, but there are more accessible rates for twilight golf and special offers are released as and when availability allows. This makes it possible, for example, to reserve two green fess with a buggy on the West Course for only 120 euros at the time of writing.
How to book: you will need to contact the office through the main La Manga Club switchboard on 968 331234 or direct at 968 175000 (extension 1360): enquiries can be made online but phone confirmation is needed. Booking is absolutely essential due to the high demand and the frequent tournaments and events held at La Manga Club.

Dress code. One final word of warning: the La Manga Club main courses are rigorous observers of the etiquette of the sport, and a strict dress code is in force. Gentlemen, please avoid “any shirts carrying logos, slogans, numbers or illustrations that are not golf related”, “T-shirts of any variety” and “trousers with leg pockets, cut-offs or tracksuits”. Tailored long or short trousers (without leg pockets) are required, and golf shoes without metal spikes are also necessary.

Ladies, on the other hand, are asked to “conform to the essence, spirit and intent of the dress code”. This is clearly a long way removed from some of the more recently inaugurated golf facilities in the Region of Murcia, and reflects the delights of playing golf at a club old enough and prestigious enough to have forged its own identity and traditions.

Golf Clubhouse
Bar 37 in the Golf Clubhouse, serving breakfast, lunches and snacks throughout the day, with fabulous views across the course
Telephone:+34 968 33 12 60
Opening hours:
7:00 to 19:30 throughout the year