La Manga is a resort town located at the south east tip of Murcia, Spain. It’s a strip of land almost 12 miles long and the width varies from 32 yards to 500 yards. The name means “the sleeve” and it separates the Mediterranean Sea from a salt water lake called the Mar Menor  (Small Sea).

It’s a hot spot for soccer, hosting numerous football clubs from all over the globe during the winter months and La Manga Cup has been staged every year since 1999.

La Manga is a year round tourist destination and a beach going tourists dream. The entire island has been designed to enhance a visitors stay. Everything from five star hotels and sailing ports to beachfront bars and all the nick knack shops you could dream of. The island is also an ideal place for scuba divers and boasts some of the best diving in Spain.

Now, lounging on the beach and relaxing in the white sand sipping an umbrella drink is all well and good, however, any vacation would not be complete without a couple rounds of golf.

Golf in La Manga looks to be one of the most under appreciated aspects of this tropical tourist destination. For those who dream of playing golf on beautiful, top quality courses in an ideal, year-round climate, La Manga Club is the perfect golf destination.

La Manga Club has always been synonymous with golf and, with its three championship courses and outstanding practice facilities, it is perhaps hardly surprising that it has been voted Europe’s top golf resort three times in the past four years*. The resort has also recently been chosen as the official winter training base of the German PGA in Spain.

Many international tournaments have been hosted at La Manga Club, including the Spanish Open, Spanish PGA Championships, Spanish Junior Championships, Ladies’ Spanish Open and Senior Spanish Open for men, not to mention countless televised corporate and celebrity golf events.

With a choice of three superb, 18-hole championship courses, each with its own unique style and terrain, there is something to challenge golfers of all ages and abilities.

In addition to three courses, La Manga Club also has one of the best golf academy in Europe providing group and private lessons for all skill levels and experience.

South Course
The South Course is widely regarded as the premier layour for golf in La Manga. It frequently hosts prestigious regional and national events, including the Spanish Open and European Tour Qualifying School. Originally designed by Robert Putman prior to opening in 1971, the South was reworked by the great Arnold Palmer in the early 90’s, and was sharpened up in 2004. As a result, this is now a fair but thoroughly exacting test of golf. The front nine is the tougher, with a number of long, demanding par-3s and 4s, but there are birdie chances on the long holes. The closing stretch is less difficult, but avoiding the strategically positioned water hazards and bunkers is crucial around this par-73 cracker.

North Course
La Manga’s North Course presents a different test, with tighter fairways and larger greens, all bordered by the resort’s famous palm trees. The putting surfaces have recently been reconstructed in accordance with USGA design principles, and many have severe slopes and plateaus, that are tricky to say the least. Accuracy and sound course management are the most valuable traits around the 6,291 yard North, which is a gem that will be particularly enjoyed by the creative shot-makers out there.

West Course
The West Course is also a genuine championship layout, underlining the fact that golf in La Manga has no weak links. Measuring in at 6,529 yards, the West winds its way gently through the idyllic pine trees, and has more severe slopes than its neighbors. The West is in fact the favorite of many repeat visitors, particularly because of its unique setting and outstanding views. The fairways are tight, so it is often prudent to play conservatively from the tee, while the West also boasts a collection of fabulous par-3s.

Once you’ve completed your round of golf feel free to treat yourself to one of their many spa treatments for a nice massage to relax from all those three putts…

See Also.. Golf in Portugal

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