La Manga Golf Club — Golf club 11030

The Championship course at La Manga Club, the South, is probably one of the fairest tests of golf one can find. At 6,499 metres from the White Tees, whilst being accepted as a top-calibre championship course, also provides a thorough test both for the scratch player and right across the handicap range. Located in the centre of the valley, with wide palm-fringed fairways and water hazards that come into play on 15 of the 18 holes, the South Course holds few hidden dangers. The many strategically positioned water hazards and bunkers will certainly punish any wayward shots. The front nine are particularly tough, with two par 3's over 200 metres and some daunting par 4's which will demand accurate driving between lakes and bunkers, requiring long irons or fairway woods to the green. The back nine, although shorter, has a number of intriguing dog-leg holes. Special attention should be given to both the 11th and 12th holes, which demand precise club selection to greens across water.

Tee	Slope	Rating	Yardage	Par
White	138	74	7107	73
Yellow	134	72	6700	73
Blue	141	77	6287	73
Red	129	73	5620	73

An undulating championship course sprawling between palm trees, lakes and 'barrancas'. These natural storm gullies feature on all three golf courses and add an extra dimension to the game. Slightly shorter than the South, with tighter fairways and larger greens, the North Course offers a different, yet no less challenging, round of golf. A feature of the newly constructed greens, all built to USGA specification, is the amount of movement incorporated in them, none more so than the short Par 3, 2nd, which has three distinct plateaux - a great test of putting. Relying on precision rather than length, an added challenge is provided by the wide variety of water hazards and 'barrancas' that snake their way through the course. This gem is sure to provide a stern test of shot making from golfers of all standards. A deft touch is also required on the faster, newly designed greens.

Tee	Slope	Rating	Yardage	Par
Whtie	126	70.5	5753	71
Yellow	121	68.8	5428	71
Blue	131	73.2	5183	71
Red	127	71.1	4964	71

Set amid serene pine woodlands, the West Course's design closely follows the natural contours of the undulating land. Its distinct character makes it a good alternative to the other, more classical championship courses. It is a deceiving course, with frequent changes in elevation with which to contend. The tight front nine demands accurate driving to avoid the 'barrancas' (natural storm gullies) while the back nine, up amongst the hills, is more open but nonetheless challenging. The West is many golfers' favourite, both because of its unique setting and outstanding views and because of the challenge offered by its narrow fairways, frequent blind shots and the gullies which snake through the course. The breathtaking views, undulating fairways and fast greens make this course particularly exciting to play. Unlike a lot of courses, having played here, golfers feel that every facet of their game has been tested to the full.

Tee	Slope	Rating	Yardage	Par
Whtie	130	72.3	5971	73
Yellow	129	70.7	5689	73
Red	129	72	4922	73