La Manga North Course

The 585-yard par-five 12th is the North Course at its most demanding, a long hole that can make a scorecard turn late in the round. At 6,295 yards from the white tees, this par-71 is shorter than La Manga Club’s South Course, yet its tighter fairways place a premium on where you leave the ball from the tee. Palm trees, lakes and the natural barrancos running through the property give each stretch its own look and set up decisions without making the course forbidding. The stroke-index-one sixth is another hole to take seriously, while the larger greens reward a considered approach. A course rating of 71 and slope rating of 132 from the white tees reflect a layout that is approachable for a range of handicaps, while still asking for disciplined golf.

North is one of three 18-hole courses at La Manga Club, so it suits a longer break particularly well. The South Course offers another Robert Dean Putnam design, while the Dave Thomas designed West Course heads into pine forest beside Calblanque Natural Park. Time on the practice ground can be useful before the first tee, with the Golf Academy and Practice Centre covering everything from a first lesson to more detailed technical work under lead professional Craig Donnelly. Dogs are also welcome on the North Course, subject to the resort’s canine rules, a useful detail for those travelling through Spain with a four-legged companion.

The 192-room Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa sits centrally within the resort, bordered by two of its courses, with rooms looking towards the pool or fairways. Between rounds, there are additional restaurants, an adults-only infinity pool, spa and gym, giving the stay a relaxed rhythm beyond the golf. The Mediterranean and Calblanque Natural Park are close by, while Cartagena is within easy reach for time away from the resort. Murcia Airport has a resort bus link, and the hotel concierge can arrange transport, restaurant reservations and local tickets.