8 Golf Courses to Play in Murcia

Murcia is a golfing paradise, with 43 courses local to its vicinity. With such a varied choice, it will come as little surprise to learn that this region of Spain has recently become a popular golfing holiday destination.

World renowned designers have worked in Murcia – including Jack Nicklaus – and the warm climate coupled with the relaxing atmosphere of the city provides an excellent break away from normality.

Below, we provide an in-depth look at eight marvellous courses in Murcia that you simply have to play if you are planning to travel to the area.

El Valle

El Valle’s beautiful and challenging course was designed by Jack Nicklaus – which should portray the type of track visitors can expect to navigate around. The layout is set within a landscape of five hectares of strategically placed bunkers which will leave the golfer in contemplation as to avoid the sheer amount present. There are also three large lakes that feature in six of the holes but the natural desert valley provides the perfect environment for golf. Length isn’t an issue at El Valle but ball-striking and carefully thought out decisions will be demanded from such a unique course. Commonly referred to as one of the best courses within the Region of Murcia, El Valle is an absolute must if you’re planning to visit the area.

Alhama

The Signature at Alhama is considered as one of the best courses in the entirely of Spain. It is a long and beautiful course and the golfer will have five lakes to contend with – in addition to avoiding the 116 bunkers that are present throughout the course. While the fairways are wide and will encourage opening of the shoulders, the true test lies with the fast and tricky greens. Another vision of Jack Nicklaus, he was the main author of this innovative design and it is evident that the Golden Bear’s touch has been spread amongst the incredible layout. The course is American-style and it requires great skill and control of all clubs – with the key to scoring being long off the tee. Alhama offers a stern test of golf while also providing the golfer with incredible panoramic vistas.

Roda

Roda is a highly thought of course throughout Murcia and it provides both beautiful scenery and a grand challenge of golf. The course is brimming with life and the Mediterranean sea shores allow the golfer to escape to this truly paradisiac venue. The putting surfaces have been constructed to USGA standard and the course’s architect, Dave Thomas, has put a particular emphasis on the greens. The signature hole, the 174-metre 7th, will demand an excellent tee shot that must pitch on the island green. This isn’t the only hole to be wary of water, however, as holes 12, 13, 16 and 18 all play to greens that are surrounded in some form by water hazards.

La Serana

La Serna is a truly stunning course that is primarily flat. However, the main issues come from the prevailing Levante wind that must be considered before deciding and committing to a shot. In total, water hazards come into 16 of the 18 available holes, so precision is mandatory if you are to score well. The course guide for this round is highly advised, as it will give you insight into certain hazards or areas that you will want to avoid. While the course is not overly long, it does emulate a traditional structure and accuracy off the tee should be a priority. The same can be said for approach shots, as the golfer will be required to weave his ball between clusters of bunkers, desert areas and the extensive water hazards. Attached to the course are practice areas that consist of two putting greens in addition to a pitch area. A-la-carte is the restaurant that is on site and the best place to enjoy food is on the terrace that overlooks the Mar Menor sea and the course.

Altorreal

Altorreal has a unique setting as it sits in the hills above the city of Murcia. It is a semi-private, Dave Thomas design and it is particularly notable for its intelligent use of water, that comes into play especially on the 9th and 18th hole. The design of the course is in the shape of two 9-hole curves, where both the start and finish of the same course completes the full loop. The greens are challenging as they are uneven which means that bunker shots will need to be as precise as possible to prevent the ball trickling away from the target. The hardest hole is the par-5 6th, which is also the longest on the course. It is the oldest club within the backcountry of Murcia and it also offers an array of splendid practice facilities, including: two putting greens, practice bunkers, chipping green and a driving range.

Hacienda Riquelme

Hacienda Riquelme is part of the four courses that make up the GNK golf circuit and it has been built to championship standards by Nicklaus Design - who have intentionally included four sets of tees to accommodate all golfers, regardless of ability. Throughout the round, you will be faced with a range of elevation changes and the natural contours of the land provide an extraordinary golfing experience. The strongly contoured greens will provide an excellent test of the short game while the undulating fairways, deep bunkers, wild grasses and water hazards will demand your full attention. The course has been designed for the golfer to use every tool at their disposal and it is a fantastic evaluation of the individual’s golf game. The club also proudly boast state-of-the-art practice facilities with a driving range, chipping and putting green in addition to practice bunkers.

Aguilon

Aguilon is slightly further away from the other courses on this list and it is located near Pulpi, in Almeria. It is a spectacular golf course with more than 100 bunkers and the intelligent placement of 6 big lakes that will come into play on multiple holes. The Aguilon Mountains provide the ultimate backdrop and in general, this course is one of the hottest newcomers throughout the country of Spain. The signature hole, the par-5 14th, ranges at 454 metres from the yellow tees but the green sits on top of a wall which will require pinpoint accuracy. All of the holes have either five or six tee boxes, resulting in this course being accessible for all types of golfers.

Desert Springs

The Indiana Course at Desert Springs has rightly seen lots of plaudits come its way after the creation of such a unique and brilliant layout. It is inspired by the famous desert courses that primarily lie in Arizona or California and it has become the first desert course in Europe. It was built to USGA specifications and they mirror the same quality that you would find in the aforementioned states. As you traverse the course, be prepared to be taken aback by stunning views and the immaculate fairways are set amongst rocky outcrops and arroyos. Over 600,000 cacti and other desert plants grow progressively on the course and the trouble lies when you miss the fairways. You’ll struggle to find a more complete course through Spain and the desert-theme is something that is seldom experienced away from North America.

There you have eight excellent recommendations for golf courses in Murcia. Whether you’re looking to play a classic Nicklaus design or fancy trialling desert golf for the first time, this region of Spain can accommodate all. Additionally, if you’re looking for somewhere to stay, then we have supplied information for the best resorts within the Murcia area too.

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