‘Golf Course Review of the Month for July – Hacienda Riquelme by Mike Probert (sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).For this month’s course review we will revisit one of the now established Polaris World courses at Hacienda Riquelme.
Introduction
The Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort was opened to the public in May 2008, is part of the Polaris World organisation and is located in the area adjacent to Peraljea Golf and is approximately 15 minutes drive from the C-3319 Murcia-San Javier highway and near the small village of Avileses and the town of Sucina.
Contact Details
Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort, Los Riquelme, Murcia
Telephone: 00 34 902 536 860 or E-mail:
hrgr@polarisworld.comWeb-site:
www.polarisworld.com and Costa Blanca Green Fee Services by calling 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or e-mail
info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com.
Directions
From the AP7 motorway take exit 782 onto the C-3319 signposted Murcia/Balsicas and stay on this road for approx 6km. Leave the C-3319 at the exit for Sucina and continue in the direction of and then through the village of Avileses on a rural road and then the passing Peraljea Golf Resort on your left. Follow the signs and the roads to the Hacienda Riquelme Resort and enter the complex through the main gates.
Clubhouse Facilities and Services
At present the clubhouse (and pro-shop) is only temporary in nature and while it is relatively small it has the required changing, toilet and shower facilities you would expect. There is also a small bar/café where you can purchase food and drink (or try evening Karaoke).
There are buggies available for hire but these are limited in number and so it would be better for you to reserve these in advance.
Prices
Public Price (18 Holes) = €65* Buggy Hire (18 Holes) = €35. Buggy Hire (9 Holes) = €25. Trolley Hire = €6. Electric Trolley Hire (18 Holes) = €15. Electric Trolley Hire (9 Holes) = €8. Club Hire Prices (set) = €25.
*Discounted Green Fee Rates from only €30 (including buggy) are available from Costa Blanca Green Fee Services by calling 966 704 752 or 661 345 931 or e-mail
info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com.
Course Review
Despite the fact that this course golf course was only opened in 2008 the course is in good condition with tees, greens, fairways and primary rough in good order but it is fair to say that the secondary cut of rough, hills and the side of some sides of bunkers still need some time to ‘mature’. The ‘war on the shore’ Ryder Cup match was played in 1991 at the Pete Dye designed course of Kiawah island and this course puts me in mind of that course, particularly the type of grass used and the positioning and shape of the many bunkers. For most golfers who play this course the lasting ‘memory’ will be of the number and shear size of some of the bunkers and the rather unique method deployed by the designer to cut and shape the edges of these sand traps. The golf course is not overly long but you will have to plot your way between well placed bunkers and the 5 lakes on this 18 hole par 72 course.
The greens on this course are typical of the Jack Nicklaus style with many of the greens large in size but made smaller by slopes and run off areas and numerous changes in elevation. The opening hole is a 367 metre or 400 yard (yellow tees) uphill right to left dog-leg par 4 hole to a raised green which gives you a ‘portent’ to the rest of the round. On the front nine I particularly liked the 341 metre or 375 yard (yellow tees) par 4 ninth hole which runs around the edge of one of the lakes the full length of the hole. The back nine starts with a gentle par 4 hole but this is followed by the tricky 11th hole of 458 metre or 504 yard right to left dog-leg par 5 around a lake which will test your nerve if going for the green in two or your lay up skills which are to a narrow landing area. The 14th hole is a 433 metre (476 yard) uphill left to right dog-leg par 5 hole which plays longer due to the ‘terrain’ and the lay of the land is pleasant to the eye but take a look at the massive bunker short and middle left of the green. My simple tip to playing this course well is for you to prevent your ball from getting ‘wet’ or ‘dusty’.
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 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.
