Florida is the home of golf resorts. When you want to go golfing in Florida on vacation, chances are that you are going to end up staying at one of the popular golf resorts in the area such as TPC Sawgrass, Champions Gate, Sandestin or PGA National Resort and Spa. All 4 of these places are amazing, and honestly, I really can not say anything bad about TPC Sawgrass.  Who really can anyway?

The problem with these four resorts is that they are catering to the same individual all of the time, upper class people making 0,000 plus a year. They don’t allow the real people such as you and I the time of day to come and play at their course, or stay at their resort. Can I blame them… no I really can not? People are still paying the money to stay and play there and they are taking advantage of it just like any good business would do.

Now things have started to change in the golf resort world, especially in Florida. When the economy started to slow down, the amount of golf being played, and the amount of people staying at Florida golf resorts also started to slow down as well. The 4 popular golf resorts I mentioned above probably haven’t changed their ways yet, but I can guarantee you that they haven’t changes their ways and are probably losing large amounts of money because they haven’t adjusted to this new economy.

In reality, what did this economy do to the golf world? How has it changed the golf world? Will it ever get better? To tell you the truth, I don’t have a truthful answer I can give you because a lot of golf resorts and golf clubs aren’t being honest with themselves or other professionals in our industry. The economy HAS slowed down play in all areas across the country. The economy has made golfers start to play at cheaper courses, or look for special offers that are occurring at particular resorts. No longer can resorts rely on “regular” customers because a lot of those regulars have ditched their home course in search of the best deal.
What can they do about this? It is very simple; in fact it is really a no brainer. They need to come up with a shocking promotion that drives traffic to their golf resort. Need an example? I thought you might want to an example of one.

Juliette Falls is a new golf resorts in Florida in Dunnellon. It is only about an hour away from both Tampa and Orlando and is roughly 15 minutes way from Ocala. It’s a very isolated town in Florida. Juliette Falls has a beautiful course and the nice golf homes are jaw dropping. So what does a Florida gated community do when the economy slows and homes stop selling? They came up with a plan to supplement their lost income. Juliette Falls made the decision to start selling special packages that allow you to stay in a dazzling million dollar Florida golf homes, play a round of golf on their astounding course full of waterfalls, and enjoy all of the resorts facilities for just 9 a night. Who could refuse this offer, I know I couldn’t. What this does is create a new stream of money using assets that they have and are not in use. If they sell only two stays for every night of that year, that’s 5,000 a year in pure profits! It also could supply a steady stream of potential home buyer leads! Why aren’t other resorts thinking this way?

Golf Resorts need to start trying to think outside of the box. In this economy it may be the only way to keep a positive flow of income!

One thing you’re sure to want to know about when considering buying a Polaris World La Torre Golf Resort property is how the golf course plays. While considering your choice of Polaris World apartments, townhouses or villas at La Torre, book an 18-hole round of golf and test your game on the Jack Nicklaus designed international championship course which boasts a 5-star. In this article we’ll give you a guide to the La Torre golf course and some of the current Polaris World properties that are available to buy. 

How to get to La Torre Golf Resort

The course at La Torre is situated just outside of the old village of Roldan in the Murcia region on the east coast of Spain. The closest airport, situated in San Javier, is just 10km from the resort (the airport itself is called Murcia Airport) and  plenty of low-cost flights out of the UK arrive here. Once you’ve landed you’re just a 15 minute drive from La Torre. Should your flight land at Alicante airport you'll have a 55 minute journey to La Torre. In 2010 a new airport will open in Corvera which is just a 20 minute drive away.

La Torre Golf Resort

Within the Polaris World La Torre golf resort there’s a town centre with extensive modern amenities including the 5-star Crowne Plaza Hotel and Spa (containing 200 rooms, indoor pool, gym). Arranged around a magnificent lake, the town also boasts restaurants, bars, boutiques, tennis courts, a swimming pool complex and supermarkets all linked to the golfing greens, parks and properties by wide tree-lined avenues and streets. The resort has a Mediterranean and Floridian appeal largely due to the development being based on Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA.

La Torre Golf Course Guide

The La Torre Golf Course was designed by Michael Nicklaus for Nicklaus Design – one of the world’s leading golf course design companies headed by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. Michael Nicklaus is the youngest son of Jack and his course forms part of the Nicklaus Golf Trail of 9 courses within a 25km radius (as a Polaris World property owner you have discounted green fees at the courses located in La Torre, Condado de Alhama, Mar Menor, El Valle, Hacienda Riquelme and La Loma resorts).

So, how does La Torre play? The 18-holes are spread across 5 hectares of beautiful surroundings that combine with and enhance the resort itself. There are various changes in the level of the terrain, sculptured bunkers and three lakes which means this course offers picturesque views at whichever hole you are playing.

La Torre is a par 68 course with four tees per hole (colour coded black, blue, white and red) which will suit all abilities. The course is kind to those with a higher handicap giving you plenty of safe routes to the pin. For the low handicappers, there are opportunities to take riskier shots particularly on the Par 3's and 4's where there's plenty of sand and water hazards to negotiate. Should you find yourself in the bunkers, the sand is top quality so the ball never sits too low which helps your escape shot (although you'll still need some skill!).

La Torre comprises 6 Par 3 holes, 10 Par 4 holes and 2 Par 5's – this means the course requires a strategic approach and demands accuracy over distance. Although the course is by no means short (and your driver will be called into action), you'll need to be on form with your wedges and irons as the greens are well protected by hazards. With forward tee positions on the Par 5’s, the big hitters among you will reach the greens in two shots. The first Par 5 is sited on the front nine at the 7^th hole with the second on the back nine at the 12^th.

Course fees vary depending on the season. High season is: February, March, April, May, October and November. Low season is: January, June, July, August, September and December. As a visitor, expect to pay around 60 Euros in low season and 80 Euros in high.

As a Polaris World property owner your green fees will be lower at around 55 Euros for 18 holes although there are special afternoon and twilight rates that can cost around 20-25 Euros.

Residents can also buy vouchers for 4 or 10 rounds:

A 4 round voucher (lasts 1 month) costs 200 Euros.

A 10 round voucher (2 months) costs 440 Euros.

There are also options to purchase yearly memberships (limited numbers) or a 25 year Golf Right.

La Torre Golf Course Facilities

Before setting off on your round there’s a well-equipped practice area and driving range to get your game in order before you begin play. The course also offers a first class pro-shop and lessons with the course professionals are available (subject to booking fees and availability).

For those seeking refreshments before or after their round, the club house offers the Wood House Bar with a terrace overlooking the putting greens and practice area or on the first floor you’ll find the Pinos Bar famed for its live music. Overlooking the lake and 9^th holes is La Encina Buffet Restaurant offering a great range of grilled meat, fish and salad dishes