In less than four decades La Manga Club has become one of Europe’s most prestigious golf destinations, but it is more than just a golf club.
In 1970 Gregory Peters, an American ‘magnate’ purchased 500 acres of land in the valley some 10 kilometres for La Manga. Gregory had arrived in this part of Spain in the mid 60’s at the same time of the early development of the La Manga Strip. He immediately saw the huge potential of the area as a tourist attraction, especially the Mar Menor and a plan to build the first Golf Course in the area began. Over 3,000 hours of sun throughout the year and average temperature of 17 degrees added to the attraction of the area.
The original plan to build a 9-hole course with a small residential area quickly changed when land and property owners nearby wanted a piece of the action. By the time work began in 1971, the project would include building two 18-hole golf courses on 1400 acres, along with many properties and was called La Manga Golf Course, later to become La Manga Club.
Under Gary Player, the first golf director, the Spanish Open was played between 1973 and 1977 and this gave the club the boost it needed to put it on the world golf map. The big names started to come and play at La Manga and during the 80’s Severiano Ballesteros was appointed as La Manga Club touring professional and his brother was taken on as a professional. Investment from P & O Ferries in 1987 and through the 90’s kept the Club at the front of golfing holiday locations. During this time expansion of the 9-hole West course to an 18-hole made La Manga one of the few Golf Clubs with three18-hole courses in Europe. Refurbishment in 2001 to the North and South courses has no doubt contributed to La Manga Club being given a World Travel Award in 2001, 2003 and 2005.
However, La Manga Club offers so much more than just golf and with the Mar Menor close by, there is every water sport you can imagine available, such as scuba diving, jet skiing, wind surfing, sailing and much more.
Tennis Academy
La Manga Club’s superb tennis facilities are complemented by a top-notch Tennis Academy offering the latest V1 digital coaching technology and first-class tuition for all ages, under the expert guidance of their team of tennis professionals. Tennis coaching is available for adults and children from 4 years and over. There are 28 tennis courts including 22 floodlit. There are 20 clay courts, 4 hard courts and 4 Astroturf courts, as well as 2 paddle tennis courts and 2 squash courts. To complement these, there is a pro shop which, along with the usual services offers equipment hire services and racket services centre. Also there is a fitness centre with a gym, swimming pool, Jacuzzi and saunas, a spa with beauty treatments and physiotherapy services.
Green Bowling
Next door to the Tennis Academy is a bowling green where many tournaments are played to a very high standard and woods can be hired.
Football
La Manga has 8 international-standard pitches and a grandstand which can seat 650 spectators. Special courses are available in all school holidays and during the summer for children age 7 to 12. They are so popular they are often booked a year in advanced.
Cricket and Rugby
There are now 2 Club turf cricket pitches and 4 practice nets and there are plans to extend the cricket facilities and the newly formed Rugby academy.
The Spa
Hydrotherapy and reflexology are just some of the treatments available in the 13 treatment rooms, along with a gym, fitness studio, saunas, hot tubs and a 6-lane 25m indoor heated swimming pool.
The Golf
La Manga Golf Club is any golfer’s dream destination with three different 18-hole golf courses.
North Course
Founded in 1971 the North Course, for many players, is the highlight at La Manga Club. Relying on precision rather than length, it is more undulating than the South, but no less challenging. It has a par of 71 layout and is slightly hillier than the South Course; it offers spectacular views across the resort from the 4th Tee (the highest point on the course).
South Course
This classic championship course was remodelled in 1992 by Arnold Palmer, who won the La Manga Spanish Open here in 1975. Many strategically positioned water hazards and bunkers will punish wayward shots. Length 6361 metres par 72. The front nine are particularly tough with two pars 3’s over 200 meters and some daunting par 4’s requiring accurate driving between lakes and bunkers. The back 9, although shorter, has a number of dogleg holes and special attention to the par 5 18th hole is needed with water both sides.
West Course
This tree-lined course is set in the rolling hillside over looking La Manga Club. Once played, this course will leave you feeling that every facet of their game will be tested to the full. Set amid serene pine woodlands, the West Course has frequent changes in elevation with which to contend. A tight front nine contrasts with the more open, but nonetheless challenging, back nine with both offering the occasional blind shot.
Driving Range
Beside the golf clubhouse is an 80 bay floodlit driving range, complete with target greens as well as large practice bunkers, plus chipping and putting greens.
Pitch and Putt
The 18 hole, par 47 course is located opposite the entrance to the tennis centre. Complete with bunkers and water hazards, offers ideal practice and enjoyment for all.
Dress Code
Soft spikes are mandatory on all courses. Spikes can be changed at the golf clubhouse. No denims are allowed,
t shirts or logos other than golf related.