Going for Golf

La Manga Club

Back in the Costa Cálida, there are plenty of other challenges worth considering. The most popular golf destination in this corner of Spain for the past three decades has been La Manga Club. The original Robert Putman design of the South Course was built on a barren stretch of land in the hills in 1972 by the American entrepreneur Gregory Peters. Straight away it was clear this new layout was special and it was quickly chosen to stage the Spanish Open. In 1975, Arnold Palmer displayed his uncanny ability to conjure drama from a crisis by holing an eagle putt on the 18th green to steal the title by a stroke.

As for the remaining 36 holes at La Manga Club, the North Course was built at the same time, and benefited from a similar overhaul to its neighbour about seven years ago. The West Course, designed by Dave Thomas, is quite distinct in character and appearance from the South and North, and is set apart from its stablemates up in the resort’s wooded hills. Accuracy is paramount on this testing layout, with frequent changes of elevation, a number of blind shots and narrow fairways to contend with.