Golf Course Review of the Month for March 2007 by Mike Probert
RodaThis report is a little different because it is written after competing in a Vega Baja league match against La Manga with the result that it is written in the mode of a competitor in the heat of battle.
Lets start with how to find the course an as normal the age old problem of inadequate direction signs for the golf course quickly raises it’s ugly head BUT lets not go there eh!
As it happens the course is not too difficult to find.
To find the resort and golf course exit the AP7 (direction Cartagena) at junction 786, Los Alcazares (Norte), take the first main exit right off the first traffic island and travel for approx 1km (parallel with the AP7) until the next island where you turn right and go over the AP7 for approx 1km and the resort gates and security are to your right with the clubhouse no more than 200 metres from the entrance.
There is still some construction underway and the clubhouse is temporary in nature and while being small and compact inside is much better than some of the portakabin types that I have seen in the past because it has an exterior veranda.
I only hope that the bar prices are also only temporary because I have to tell you that if you suffer from high blood pressure or a coronary condition do not put yourself at risk and drink there and ask for the bar bill!
Sorry but I have to get back on my soapbox again but why oh why do they invite you to their beautiful courses and then almost force you to leave and seek sustenance at reasonable prices in local bars?
There was an unexpected bright spot when the Marshall on the first hole was discovered to be a former sparring partner of Seve Ballesteros and if asked he can perform a number of ‘keepy uppy’ tricks with golf clubs.
Just ask him if you do not believe me!
The course itself is a Dave Thomas design of 6137 metres in length with a par 72 and a normal green fee for groups and societies is approx €55 but individuals may pay as much as €80.
Sorry ladies but on this occasion due to the competition I did not manage to note the length of the course from the ladies tees.
Although situated next to the AP7 the road noise did not cause me any trouble and the fairways were seen to be rather generous and the water hazards were limited but challenging when in play.
Given the location of the course it is low lying and will always be susceptible to high winds and the day of our visit was no different.
The signature hole is probably the par 3 7th which was a 5 iron for me over water to an island green but the location of the water hazards on both the 9th and 18th holes also made these interesting to play either with or against the wind.
Without the wind this course would be there for the taking by the better golfers amongst us because there are numerous short par 4’s of little more than 300 metres and the par 5’s are all reachable.
For example on the day of our visit, with the exception of the opening hole, I hit the all of the par 5’s in two shots with 9 iron, 3 iron and 6 iron respectively.
Similar to Mar Menor and La Torre the course itself is relatively flat and can be walked by the majority of fit and able golfers without difficulty.
Golfers of lesser ability will find this golf course ideal because the generously wide fairways and lack of deep rough allow for a greater margin of error although take care on the holes where water hazards exist.
Being honest I think that better golfers would soon get fed up with playing this course on a regular basis because week in and week out the course would not be challenging enough for them despite being well manicured and presented.
Just for information, the Benijofar side for which I play and captain won our match against La Manga 12-3 and we remain 10 points clear at the top of the league.
For more information on golf here on the Costa’s, courses, tuition or club repairs then you can contact me on 966 704 752 or e-mail
michael.probert@terra.es.
Hasta Pronto.
Mike Probert
