La Manga Club - Murcia, Spain

BY: STEVE DRAKE

When Robert Dean Putman was appointed to design the two golf courses for LMCG, he was given carte blanche to use the available land as he saw fit, the only condition being that the resulting courses should be of championship standard. Work began on marking out the courses in January 1971 and in February of the same year the diggers set to work to create the 14 lakes, 200 bunkers and 36 fairways and greens. Ten months later construction was complete, and the courses were ready for play.

Despite the feverish pace what emerged were two courses that could be both challenging for the pros when needed yet forgiving for the club members thus quickly establish La Manga Club as the premier golf resort in Spain. A title that still stands today, 47 years later.

The South Course has been the venue for many major professional tournaments, including several Spanish Opens, PGA Championships, for both men and women. At almost 6,500 metres from the white tees, it has water hazards on 15 of its 18 holes, wide fairways and a good combination of short and long holes.

The front nine are particularly challenging with two par 3s in excess of 200 metres and some daunting par 4s, which call for accurate driving between lakes and bunkers. The back nine, although shorter, has a number of intriguing dog-leg holes.

Palm trees, lakes and natural storm gullies known as 'barrancos' are key features of the North Course, which is slightly shorter than the South, with tighter fairways and larger greens.

The Hotel

Principe Felipe is all that you would expect from a 5-star resort. Distinguished Spanish design with elegant décor. 192 rooms fully equipped and designed for maximum comfort. Included is access to saunas, steam rooms, indoor pool and gym at the Wellness Centre, Free Wi-Fi and Free internal transport service to get from place to place within the resort.

The Amapola Restaurant, located in the Principe Felipe 5* Hotel, is the ideal place to enjoy delicious and traditional Mediterranean cuisine, all of which is made with seasonal products that are grown locally.

Sol y Sombra Restaurant was one of my favorite spots. Located alongside the swimming pool and over looking parts of the golf course, Sol y Sombra is the spot to enjoy snacks or lunch and cool refreshments.

The Spa

The Wellness Centre at La Manga Club is the perfect place to restore your mind, body and spirit. The spa menu is well thought out and includes massages, facials, ritual scrubs and mani-pedis. I might suggest the C+C BODY treatment. An exquisite ritual which starts with a citrus bead exfoliation, a soufflé of bitter oranges in a treatment mask and a reshaping body massage

When you start planning your next golf getaway, make sure La Manga Club is high on the list. The weather is superb, the accommodations are 5-star and the staff are always friendly and helpful. But most importantly, the courses are in excellent condition and offer just the right amount of challenge for golfer of all skill levels.