Golf
Unknown to many visitors is the easy access to at least five other 18 hole golf courses in the Murcia region, in addition to the three courses at La Manga Club. They are all very well maintained and definitely worth visiting whilst staying in the Costa Calida, if of course your are golfer! And, not forgetting considerably less expensive than playing the La Manga Club courses.
Villamartin, Torrevieja
Again within 45 minute drive of Mar de Cristal this course is as old as the North and South Courses at La Manga Club, inaugurated in 1972. Another Par 72 and 6,132 metres in length Villa Martin is internationally known, although it has been known to suffer from overplay. Again situated on the outskirts of Torrevieja it also can be a headache trying to park near the entrance. If you have the time it is worth playing to compare against the rest and because of the name!
Altoreal, Murcia
A challenging 6,200m 18 hole course situated only a few kilometres north west of the city of Murcia. Within a comfortable 60 minute drive from Mar de Cristal . The Course was designed by Dave Thomas, who designed the West Course at La Manga Club. The Course covers an area of two 9 hole courses which both begin and end at the same point. It is a Par 72 Course with 6 lake areas and many sand traps! In summary eleven Par 4 holes; three Par 3; four Par 5; in a natural environment with more than 20,000 trees including olive, pine and carob trees. Golf equipment, golf school, bags and caddie cars can be hired. The Club has a very pleasantly appointed Club House with Café Bar Restaurant to offer you that all important post round refreshment.
Las Ramblas, Torrevieja
Right next door the Real Golf Club is another more challenging 18 hole course. This course was inaugurated in 1991 and is a sister course to Villamartin and La Finca. The fairways and greens meander through small tree lined valleys crossing ditches and dry river beds. It is 5,770 metres long and has not too many opportunities to use your 1 Wood, but if you play to the Par 72 on your visit you are doing well. It is an enjoyable challenge not the most favoured course in the area and the Club House and facilities are disappointing. Due to the “uphill down dale” nature of the course it is worth hiring a buggy, but mind you in the summer months unless you are fit it is worth hiring a buggy on all the courses!!
Real Golf Club, Lomas de Campoamor
This is a very attractive 18 hole course south of Torrevieja. In the centre of the Course is an impressive 4 Star Hotel which houses both the Club House and café bar and restaurant. The terrace outside the bar has amazing views overlooking the course and in the distance the Mar Menor and Mediterranean. The Golf Club is a comfortable 40 minute drive up the A37 motorway to Torrevieja from Los Belones. It is arguably the easiest playing course out of the five listed with open fairways forgiving the player the occasional miss hit! Worth a visit if not solely for the views in the bar and restaurant afterwards!
La Finca, Algorfa
The newest course in the area was opened in 2002 with many resident golfers at La Manga commenting on what a great course it is. It is testing for all golfers whatever their ability. It is a very attractive panoramic course with many water features and plenty of obstacles to test your game. Great restaurant and bar but some of the facilities for the clubhouse are still being finished as it is a relatively new course. Within easy 75 min driving time from Mar de Cristal up the A37 Motorway.
La Manga Golf Resort, La Manga
La Manga Golf Club opened in 1971. The North and South Courses at La Manga are located in a valley surrounded by mountains and with stunning views of the Mar Menor. Palm trees abound in these two courses, while the West course, sited in a mountain was carved out of a pine forest. The Club offers an excellent golf shop, caddies and one of the best practice areas to be found in Spain, with 90 driving range bays, 3 putting greens, short game area and practice bunker. The La Manga Club Golf Academy organises comprehensive training courses for all levels of players, and private tuition.
