In 2019, UGOLF, the leading European golf-course management company, began running Hacienda Del Álamo Golf, Saurines de la Torre Golf and Mar Menor Golf, three of the most interesting courses in the Region of Murcia. Situated in the centre of the Costa Cálida, no more than twenty minutes apart, the three courses were created by two of the best golf-course designers, Jack Nicklaus and Dave Thomas.
Hacienda del Álamo Golf Resort
Midway between the beaches of Mazarrón and the city of Cartagena is Hacienda del Álamo Golf Resort, a Dave Thomas designed course with 18 holes full of excitement. Its broad range of facilities, with six practice holes, two putting greens, chipping green, practice bunker and an academy with the latest technology, is considered one of the most extensive in Spain.
After a round of golf, its clubhouse awaits players at the end of their day with its lively restaurant, sauna and pro shop. And even though golf is king, there’s a wide range of sports facilities too for football, rugby, tennis and padel, petanque and lawn bowls.
The complex also has the Hacienda del Álamo Golf & Spa Resort offering accommodation – a 154-room hotel, with a swimming pool, gym, spa and four different areas devoted to food and drink.
For those travelling with the family who prefer the independence of an apartment, the resort has Hacienda del Álamo Residences. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are set on the edge of the course with exclusive access to their own private pool, padel and tennis courts and a children’s area.
Saurines de la Torre Golf
Desert-style, this was one of the few golf courses which Jack Nicklaus personally took part in designing, using his years of experience to shape the layout around the natural landscape of Murcia. The course runs among undulating fairways, sand dunes and impressive greens. A spectacular central lake and a philosophy of linking holes are features of the course, which follows the same style as the great clubs of Las Vegas and Arizona devised by this legendary designer.
Since its opening in 2011, Saurines Golf has become a real benchmark in the area, and even more so after the work carried out by UGOLF to layout an area where the large putting and chipping green, next to the first hole, give players the chance to try the greens before hitting the course. This is as well as a new clubhouse adjacent to the putting area with one of the largest pro shops in Spain.
Mar Menor Golf
Mar Menor Golf was designed by two of the greatest course creators of all time. Its front 9 holes are the work of Dave Thomas and are a par 37 over 3,275 metres. This first half of the course requires strong shots to get the ball on the fairway. The greens are well protected by bunkers and lakes. The second half of the course is by Nicklaus Design, par 35, 2,878 metres, with wide fairways and magnificent holes. Its own ‘Amen Corner’ requires a special mention – a spectacular lake surrounded by holes 13, 14 and 15.
The marvellous practice facilities at Mar Menor Golf include a practice and training hole as well as a driving range, putting green and chipping green. All these complement the academy, managed by Thomas Johansson and his pro team.
