Golf Course Review of the Month for December 2008 by Mike Probert - La Tercia

[Mike Probert]

'‘Golf Course Review of the Month for November 2008 - La Tercia’ by Mike Probert  (sponsored by Costa Blanca Green Fee Services).

Introduction

The United Golf Resorts golf course at La Tercia is now OPEN for play to the general public and is located just off the C-3319 San Javier to Murcia highway. At present they have opened the first nine holes with plans to commence construction work on the second nine holes in 2009.This golf course has a unique ‘aqua' driving range which is the only one of its type in Spain and which simply must be experienced by every golfer who visits this course.

Contact Details and Address

Club de Golf United Golf resorts La Tercia, Avda.Sierra de los Villares,97,30590 Gea y Truyols, Murcia, Tel: 968 104 499, Fax:966 101 809 or
E-Mail: Roman.Gancedo@rsagrupo.com,    Web-Site: www.UGR-Laterciagolf.com

Directions

Travelling on the AP7 exit at junction 782 onto the C-3319 San Javier-Murcia highway and continue for 10km before taking the Roldan exit. Continue over two roundabouts in the direction of Murcia until you reach a junction to the right signposted UGR and continue to the end of this road to the large roundabout which at present is closed BUT take the temporary slip road to the right which takes you to the resort entrance.

Clubhouse Facilities and Services

The new clubhouse has only recently been opened and incorporates good changing, toilet and shower facilities but unfortunately the cafeteria is still to be completed.
They currently have twelve buggies which can be hired along with pull trolleys and golf clubs.

Prices

Public Green Fee Price (18 holes) = €60* and (9 Holes) = €35* with reductions for Juniors and Residents, Buggy (18 Holes) = €25 and (9 Holes) = €20, Pull Trolley = €3
Club Hire from €10 and driving range practise balls (basket of 22) = €1.

Course Review and Scorecard

This golf course was designed by Jose Gancedo who was also the designer of La Finca and you can see many of his ‘trademark’ features on this course including the variation in green size and shape and the additional 19th hole.
The course is planned to be an 18 hole layout but at present only the first nine holes are open for play and the scorecard is as shown below:

Hole   Par   Metres   Metres   Metres
1   4   394   381   333
2   3   180   171   141
3   5   571   535   487
4   3   109   97   75
5   5   484   463   418
6   4   294   287   248
7   3   205   188   147
8   5   507   483   457
9   4   298   279   254
Out   36   3042   2884   2560

The main feature of this golf course is the ‘Ramblas’ (dry river bed) which winds its way through the centre of the course.
The course designer has incorporated this as the main hazard and there is currently work underway to ‘dam’ sections of this waterway to provide a number of lakes.
What the golfers will experience on this course is that the par 5 holes offer the biggest challenges for a variety of reasons
The course opens with a down hill par 4 hole of 381 metres which plays longer than you think and you must trust the distance markers on this course or you will continually be short.
The third hole is an absolute ‘brute’ at 535 metres (588 yards) particularly if played into the wind.
The 5th hole looks like a good birdie opportunity on the card but wait until you get to the green which only six metres wide and 50 metres long and undulating along its entire length.
The 8th and 9th holes sum up this golf course because the 8th is a long par 5 hole over water but with the narrowest of landing areas for the lay up shot and the 9th hole is a typical risk or reward hole where fortune may favour the brave if you go for the green or alternatively it could turn into a card ‘wrecker’
This is a new golf course and there are parts of the surrounding banks and hills which need time to mature and for the grass to grow but the tees and fairways are in a good condition and the greens in particular are some of the best in Murcia and this course is well worth playing for golfers of any standard.


For more details on discounted green fee rates on this and other courses  contact Mike Probert at Costa Blanca Green Fee Services on 966 704 752 or 661 345 931, e-mail info@costa-blanca-greenfees.com,  see the web-site www.costa-blanca-greenfees.com

[rayval]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the review on UGR La Tercia Golf Course.

What did you think of the quality of sand in the bunkers (which I frequently visit).

It is unlike most of the other sand used in Spain, it is darker in colour, grittier and I think tends to 'crust over' after rain.

Although Ramon has said it is better quality than the whiter and finer sand used elsewhere, I prefer the latter and wonder why, if Ramon is correct, almost all other courses (including championship courses) do not use the UGR type sand. I also think the white sand is more pleasing on the eye.

I would be interested to hear your views.

Regards,

Ray

[Mike Probert]

Quality of Sand at La Tercia

Ray thanks for the comment and apologies for the slight delay in responding as i was back in the cold and wet UK for a week collecting my one and only winter cold bug!

Interestingly enough i had a similar conversation with Ramon on the day that i conducted the review.

Clearly the darker sand doesn't look as good on the eye but when i played from it on a wet day it reacted well with the golf ball and spin could be applied accordingly.

I have not had the opportunity to see the sand after it has dried up but my experience is that all sand in Spain tends to 'crust up' when dry and hence the need for continued raking.

When i have visited other new courses with the 'white sand' i have found that the ball tends to 'plug' too easily until the bunkers 'bed-in' or alternatively 'blows' away in high winds.

I guess that time will tell with the bunkers at La Tercia and we should watch the progess and development over time.

Regards
Mike