Journey overview
North Course
An undulating course sprawling between palm trees, lakes and 'barrancas'. These natural storm gullies feature on all three golf courses and add an extra dimension to the game.
Slightly shorter than the South, with tighter fairways and larger greens, the North Course offers a different, yet no less challenging, round of golf. A feature of the greens, all built to USGA specification, is the amount of movement incorporated in them, none more so than the short Par 3, 2nd, which has three distinct plateaux - a great test of putting. Relying on precision rather than length, an added challenge is provided by the wide variety of water hazards and 'barrancas' that snake their way through the course.
This gem is sure to provide a stern test of shot making from golfers of all standards. A deft touch is also required on greens.
White Tees – 5,753m - Course Rating 70.6 - Slope Rating 129 - Par 71
Yellow Tees – 5,429m - Course Rating 68.7 - Slope Rating 127 - Par 71
Blue Tees – 5,183m - Course Rating 73.0 - Slope Rating 135 - Par 71
Red Tees – 4,964m - Course Rating 71.6- Slope Rating 132 - Par 71
South Course
The Championship course at La Manga Club, the South, is probably one of the fairest tests of golf one can find. At 6,499 metres from the White Tees, whilst being accepted as a top-calibre tournament course, it also provides a thorough test both for the scratch player and right across the handicap range.
Located in the centre of the valley, with wide palm-fringed fairways and water hazards that come into play on 15 of the 18 holes, the South Course holds few hidden dangers.
The many strategically positioned water hazards and bunkers will certainly punish any wayward shots. The front nine are particularly tough, with two par 3's over 200 metres and some daunting par 4's which will demand accurate driving between lakes and bunkers, requiring long irons or fairway woods to the green. The back nine, although shorter, has a number of intriguing dog-leg holes. Special attention should be given to both the 11th and 12th holes, which demand precise club selection to greens across water. The large waste area on 14 will provide "food for thought" for most players, and is followed by the par 4 15th, which fully justifies its stroke 1 rating. The stream bordering the 16th Green feeds a lake protecting the front of the green, which will require 100% concentration from all golfers. The par 5 18th, with water on both sides of the fairway and a ravine just short of a well-protected green, will prove to be a particularly stern finish.
The South Course has been the venue for many major professional tournaments including Spanish Opens (both ladies' and men's), PGA Championships and Qualifying Schools for both the men's and ladies' European Tours. In addition, it is the firm favourite of many companies throughout the world as the perfect venue for their corporate events.
White Tees – 6,499m - Course Rating 74.3 - Slope 138 - Par 73
Yellow Tees – 6,127m - Course Rating 72.5 - Slope 134 - Par 73
Blue Tees – 5,739m - Course Rating 76.7 - Slope 141 - Par 73
Red Tees – 5,139m -Course Rating 73.2 - Slope 129 - Par 73
West Course
Set amid serene pine woodlands, the West Course's design closely follows the natural contours of the undulating land. Its distinct character makes it a good alternative to the other, more classical championship courses.
It is a deceiving course, with frequent changes in elevation with which to contend. The tight front nine demands accurate driving to avoid the 'barrancas' (natural storm gullies) while the back nine, up amongst the hills, is more open but nonetheless challenging.
The West is many golfers' favourite, both because of its unique setting and outstanding views and because of the challenge offered by its narrow fairways, frequent blind shots and the gullies which snake through the course. The breathtaking views, undulating fairways and fast greens make this course particularly exciting to play. Unlike a lot of courses, having played here, golfers feel that every facet of their game has been tested to the full. Especially the Par 3 holes, which are a collection of probably the best short holes to be found anywhere on one golf course. Accuracy and good golf course management as opposed to length are very much a premium.
White Tees – 5,770m- Course Rating 73.5 - Slope Rating 140- Par 72
Yellow Tees – 5,533m - Course Rating 72,4 - Slope Rating 139 - Par 72
Blue Tees – 5,130m - Course Rating 75,2 - Slope Rating 141 - Par 72
Red Tees – 4,724m - Course Rating 72,7 - Slope Rating 135 - Par 72
Pitch & Putt
Great for sharpening your short game skills, this picturesque course comes complete with bunkers and water hazards and offers practice and enjoyment for the whole family.
The greens are beautifully manicured, with some subtle right-to-left and left-to-right putts. The Par 3s are particularly well designed, with excellent greens for putting, real bunkers and light rough around three holes. Handicap golfers will find plenty of opportunity to work on their short game skills and many find scoring the par 47 shots more challenging than expected. In addition to all this, the course is superbly landscaped with tropical palms and parkland trees, creating some great photo opportunities.
Add to this our two crazy golf courses, one located alongside the Junior Club and the other at Las Lomas Village and even the youngest members of the family need not miss out on the pleasures of golf at La Manga Club. Remember, it's never too early to get them started on what could become a life-long addiction to the game or even a professional career!
"It has been a great pleasure to enjoy the lovely facilities of La Manga Club. I hope I will come back again soon.