Golf Course Review of the Month for April 2010 - La Torre

[Mike Probert]

‘Golf Course Review of the Month for April 2010 – La Torre by Mike Probert (sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

This month’s golf course review will concentrate on one of the Polaris world courses in Murcia, namely La Torre.

Introduction
The La Torre golf resort is located close to the town of Roldan and is one of the Polaris World ‘Nicklaus Trail’ of golf courses and is situated on the C-3319 San Javier to Murcia highway which I refer to as the ‘corridor of golf’ in Murcia.
The location of this resort also allows easy and quick access to the beaches of the Mar Menor or alternatively the cities of Murcia and even Cartagena.
The course is unique in that it is only a par 68 but don’t be fooled because there are some particularly difficult holes on this course, especially some of the par 3’s.


Location and Contact Details
La Torre Golf Resort, Atun 6, 30709, Roldan, Murcia
Telephone: 00 34 968 044 879 or Fax: 00 34 968 044 859 or
E-mail: ltgr@polarisworld.com  Web-site: www.polarisworld.com

Directions
Travelling on the AP7 motorway from either the North (direction Cartagena) or the South (direction Alicante) leave at exit  782 onto the C-3319 signposted Balsicas-Murcia and continue for approx 6km as far as the exit for Roldan. Take this exit and follow signs for Roldan which take you immediately over the C-3319 along which you were travelling and to a small roundabout. Take the first exit which is actually a narrow (and at times bumpy) service road which runs parallel to the C-3319 and continue for a few kilometres where you will see the entry to the resort on your left.

Course and Clubhouse Facilities and Services
The clubhouse is modern and large with a lower terrace with views over the practise area and towards the 9th hole. The upper level of the clubhouse, with comfortable seating gives wider more panoramic views over the golf course and practise area.
As you would expect the clubhouse facilities are excellent with underground parking, large changing rooms, toilet and shower facilities, stud bar and the La Encina buffet restaurant, which is priced at resort levels as you would expect. The course has very good practise and coaching facilities with a golf academy consisting of driving range, putting green and a practise chipping green complete with bunker. There is an adequately stocked golf shop where you can hire buggies, electric trolleys and golf clubs.

Prices
Standard Green Fee (18 Holes) = €65*. Buggy Hire (18 Holes) = €35. 
Trolley Hire = €6. Electric Trolley Hire (18 Holes) = €15.  Club Hire Prices (set) = €25.

*Discounted Green Fee rates from €55 are available from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services who can be seen at www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.

Course Review
This is a typical Jack Nicklaus design where the danger lies in the ‘detail’ rather than relying on length with three lakes and large bunkers strategically placed to catch the ‘unwary’ and ‘errant’  golfer. The greens are large in area but with the numerous undulations and ‘run off’ areas they have relatively small landing areas for the approach shot and take it from me two putting is no easy task. This par 68 course is not long or difficult by modern standards and is flat which makes for easy walking and is only 4,967 metres or 5,463 yards from the yellow tees. The 314 metre  or 345 yard (yellow tees) 4th hole is an example of the care you need to take with this course as the hole sweeps around the edge of the lake but has a narrow fairway with well positioned bunkers and out of bounds to the left of the hole. The 451 metre or 496 yard (yellow tees) par 5 7th hole and the 438 metre or 482 yard (yellow tees) par 5 12th hole are within easy reach for the longer hitting lower handicap golfer but the six par 3 holes, although short by modern standards have to be handled with care with many having water hazards right up to the ‘apron’ of the green. Trust me there is no dishonour here in the higher handicap golfer ‘bailing out’ short and left of these green rather than trusting in ‘lady luck’ and going at the pins. My only observations are that while the par 3’s are challenging they are all similar on appearance to the eye and on the course in general a few more next tee signs for the walkers amongst you would prevent the unwitting golfer trampling through the banks and hillocks around the greens. In general due to the flat nature of the terrain and the relatively short length of the course golfers of all abilities will enjoy playing this course with the lower handicap player taking risks chasing the much needed birdies and the higher handicap player plotting their way between water hazards and bunkers while not feeling like they have been on a long hike at boot camp.

This  article was written by Michael Probert who is the published author of a  book called a Golfing  Guide to Murcia  and published by Lean Marketing and which is available on amazon.co.uk  and  more information on this book can be obtained by calling 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or visit the web-site at www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com.