La Manga Club Unveils Phase One of Academy Renovation

By: Golf Shake | Tue 18 Mar 2014

La Manga Club’s plans to redevelop its driving range and practice facilities into one of the best teaching academies in the world are taking shape after the first phase of the major renovation was completed at Spain’s flagship sports and leisure destination resort.

The award-winning venue’s impressive new short game facility, incorporating a putting green four times its original size, was officially opened during this month’s PGAs of Europe International Pro-Am by new board member MG Orender, a past president of the PGA of America, alongside La Manga Club chief executive Jordi Robinat, general manager Jose Asenjo and non-executive chairman PY Gerbeau.

As well as the new short game area, La Manga Club’s significant investment also includes a new Leadbetter Golf Academy – the only one in mainland Spain – and an extensive upgrade of its other driving range facilities, with all the work due to be completed in June.

Orender said: “La Manga Club is already a leading sporting destination and the improved practice facilities will set it apart as the best teaching facility in continental Europe.

“This is my first visit here since becoming associated with the resort and I’ve been very impressed by what I’ve seen. It’s easy to see why it is so popular with golfers and, when the development plans are finished, I predict some very exciting times ahead for La Manga Club.”

At the centre of the redevelopment will be La Manga Club’s new Leadbetter Golf Academy, one of nearly 30 academies worldwide at selected premium destinations offering the very finest learning and practice facilities.

The driving range is being lengthened to 300 metres, with 20 more mats being added outside to double the size of the grass teeing area, meaning up to 100 golfers will be able to use the facility at one time either in covered bays or in the open air.

A range of yardage targets will improve the quality of practice for players, while four classrooms will be available to aid La Manga Club’s expert team of professionals and visiting pros when teaching.

As part of the redevelopment programme, the driving range is being realigned 60 yards to the right, which will mean the 17th hole on La Manga Club’s North Course will play as a risk-and-reward par-four over water in the future.

Asenjo said: “We’re very excited about the driving range redevelopment programme that’s taking place, and the changes will help La Manga Club cement its reputation as the premier sports and leisure destination in Europe.

“The new Leadbetter Academy will be one of the best golf academies in the world when it opens, offering the very best in teaching facilities to players of all levels, while the upgrade to other areas of the range will complement the resort’s other five-star golf facilities, which include three 18-hole championship courses.”

As well as golf, La Manga Club boasts unrivalled facilities as a sports and leisure destination including a 28-court tennis centre and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. It also offers the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses, more than 20 bars and restaurants and is great fun for children.

For more information on La Manga Club and to book, call 00 34 968 17 5577, email [email protected] or visit www.lamangaclub.com.