Follow the Nicklaus Golf Trail in Murcia

Tucked away in the south-east of Spain is a paradise for golfers. The region of Murcia delivers a sun drenched and unforgettable experience for those who visit, including the stunning Mar Menor Golf Resort, which is proudly home to six Jack Nicklaus designed courses, known as the Nicklaus Golf Trail, all situated within 40 minutes of the hotel. Additionally, the iconic La Manga Club Resort and its three championship layouts have long been a favourite with holidaymakers across Europe, two destinations that ensure that Murcia is top of the pack when plotting your next golf break.

Surrounded by a chain of striking mountains, Murcia boasts a considerable number of landmarks to discover, alongside a seemingly endless stretch of beaches, providing a variety of activities, notably for sport and recreation. However, it's not just exercise and relaxation that can be enjoyed here, as the area is renowned for its fruit and vegetables, contributing to a vast array of cuisine and dining options.

We take a look at what makes Murcia a deserving location for your next golf adventure, ideally suited for a winter break.

The Mar Menor Golf Resort

Just a short drive from Murcia Airport, The Residences at Mar Menor Golf Resort features 145 self-contained apartments positioned on the eponymous golf course. Each apartment is fully furnished with a bright lounge area, comfortable furniture, fully equipped kitchen, and access to a shared swimming pool - with a choice of a terrace or garden, and a selection of one, two or three bedrooms, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

During your stay, golfers will have the opportunity to sample any of the restaurants on-site, the Nomad, La Fontana Di Pietra and Mizu, including The Clover Irish Tavern and Club House Bar. The Nomad offers a rich menu full of Mediterranean delicacies. La Fontano serves a variety of delicious pasta and pizzas, and Mizu houses traditional Japanese cuisine. 

Also, there are impressive spa facilities to discover, while guests also have access to a state of the art fitness centre and indoor swimming pool.

But it's the golf that is the main draw to Mar Menor, and it's easy to see why. The redoutable Mar Menor Golf Club was the first of the six courses created by Nicklaus Design in the local area, opening for play in 2005. Saurines Golf, La Torre, El Valle, Hacienda Riquelme and the highly regarded Alhama Signature Golf complete the Nicklaus Golf Trail, a collection of layouts noted for their dramatic bunkering, use of hazards, and spectacular scenery. 

Each of them reward a strategic approach, requring careful thought in addition to quality shots, a thrilling challenge for golfers of all standards, as the six courses present a subtly different test in a unique environment, particularly desert style.

The Nicklaus Golf Trail is a must for any travelling golfer, and The Residences at Mar Menor is the pathway to make that journey. 

For more on Mar Manor, information, packages and how to book, visit Golfbreaks.com.

La Manga Club

Revered by visitors for decades, La Manga is just 20 minutes south of Murcia Airport, showcasing a complex that is renowned for its scale. Spanning over 1400 acres in size, the resort posseses everything you could be looking for, including luxurious accommodation, excellent hospitality, impressive facilities, and superb golf courses that are all combined into one appealing location to make make La Manga one of Spain’s most popular destinations.

Each of La Manga's three courses rank alongside the best in the country, but it's the West Course that is the clear standout, demanding precise shots on the front nine to find those narrow fairways, whereas the second half of the layout is more open, featuring undulating fairways that allow for a slightly greater margin of error. The 18th hole completes the round in scenic fashion, with an elevated tee providing magnificent views of the resort and beyond.

Both the South Course and North Course are lined by palm trees, the latter presenting a slightly easier examination.

What makes La Manga special is the variety available, whether it be staying at the 5* Principe Felipe Hotel to the fantastic apartments and townhouses of Las Lomas Village, there are several options to consider.

The former is wonderful and offers 192 beautifully designed guest rooms with stunning golf or pool views. Each room includes individually controlled air conditioning; satellite TV with on-demand movies, a games console, marble bathrooms and the majority have French windows which open onto balconies.

As for Las Lomas Village, which overlooks the North Course, there is a choice between comfortable self-catering studios, one or two bedroom townhouses and two or three bedroom apartments. The complex offers a free shuttle so that guests can travel to and from different locations within the resort.

La Manga Club has a total of ten restaurants in and around the resort, satisfying all tastes, and facilities for many sports.

For more information on La Manga Club, visit Golfbreaks.com.

The Wider Area

Completing the magic of this region, the facilities and courses of Mar Menor and La Manga are more than enough, but should visitors be keen to venture elsewhere, the City of Murcia and Cartagena are a gateway to Spanish culture and history, the former famed for its large selection of old churches to visit, including the Murcia Cathedral, the city’s most treasured monument. Cartagena has one of the most significant ports in Spain due to its unique location. With various ruins, castles and churches, exploring this beloved Spanish city is a worthwhile experience.

For more information on Murcia, visit the dedicated section on Golfbreaks.com.