La Manga South Course

Two par threes on the outward half run beyond 219 yards from the white tees, setting the tone for a round that asks for committed long iron play as well as careful placement. South Course is a par 73 measuring 7,108 yards from those back markers, with broad fairways giving a generous first impression before water and bunkers begin to influence the line. Fifteen water hazards come into play across the layout, particularly on par fours where a drive has to find a route through trouble before the approach can be considered. The inward nine is shorter on the card, yet its doglegs make tee shot shape and the angle into the green matter. Four sets of tees, from 5,621 to 7,108 yards, allow a mixed party to set the right test, although the white course rating of 74.3 and slope of 138 show the full challenge. Arnold Palmer reshaped the course in 2005, and its tournament pedigree includes Spanish Opens and PGA qualifying events.

There is good reason to leave time for more than one round. La Manga Club spreads three 18-hole courses across almost 2.3 square miles, with the more forgiving North Course and the pine lined West Course providing a change from the South’s water and length. The practice centre and golf academy suit a quick warm up before play or a proper coaching session, led by Craig Donnelly, whose coaching career spans more than 40 years. It makes an easy base for golfers who want variety without packing clubs into a car each morning.

The 192 room Hyatt hotel at La Manga Club sits beside two of the courses, with rooms looking towards either the pool or the fairways. Refurbished accommodation, restaurants, an adults-only infinity pool, spa and gym give the afternoon a relaxed purpose once the scorecards are signed. Calblanque Natural Park and the Mediterranean are close to the resort, while Cartagena offers a useful change of pace for an evening away from the course. The hotel concierge can organise transport, restaurant tables and local tickets when plans extend beyond golf.