Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
Overpriced but a true test...
This course is seen as the ‘jewel in the crown’ within the group. It is situated an hours’ drive from Mar Menor but is easy to find, thanks to the great directions given to us by the Pro-shop.
At first you are slightly disorientated on arrival as the course is within the walls of the residential area, however once this hurdle was navigated, you then arrive at an unassuming car park that’s leads to The Clubhouse.
Wow! You know you are a course that has not only been designed by Mr. Nicklaus but that it has been sculptured beautifully into the landscape. I can only imagine how many hours the green keepers spend attending to all the tee boxes alone.
The course is long (6500+ meters) but don’t be put off, most of the fairways are wide and forgiving but watch out for the wind. The course is built in a valley are when it blows, it really blows.
The Clubhouse is modern but small and doesn’t match the surrounding but I believe this is a temporary structure and will be replaced by one much grander in style, like the rest in the group. There is a fantastic open air range to hone your game before heading out.
The first three or four holes are a delight, undulating fairways, bunker ridden par 3’s but once you get to past these, the course starts to stretch out (don’t think I hit a short iron into a green until the back nine!).
Whilst the fairways are brown and barren (it is Spain), there is a good combination of left and right aligned holes. These contrast the greens are rich dark green and firm (i.e. very difficult to land your ball on).
Most of greens have plenty of breaks and borrows, so don’t expect to leave without at least some 3-Putts on your card.
Realistically this course is built for low handicappers (10 and below), so don’t be disappointed if you struggle to score well. Just enjoy the course, and the views and enjoy it in the manner in which ‘Jack’ would want you to.
