For some of the best golf courses in Europe, and one of the best climates in the world, there really is only one place to buy a Polaris World golf property and that’s Murcia, Spain. And if you’re choosing a golf resort here why not go for the biggest resort so far at Condado de Alhama. At 9 million square metres this resort is bigger than the other Polaris World golf resorts put together and once complete will boast three Jack Nicklaus designed golf courses. There is no better time to take a look at what this resort has to offer as a new town centre will be completed this month (July 2009) adding more first class facilities to what is already one of the best resorts in the world.

Condado de Alhama Golf Resort

The Polaris World Condado de Alhama golf resort is in the Valle del Guadalentín area of Murcia, Spain. Situated in the foothills of Sierra Espuna and Carrascoy-El Valle (two regional nature reserves) the resort is divided into three areas: Los Jardines de Alhama, Los Naranjos de Alhama and La Isla del Condado.

Los Jardines de Alhama

Translated this means ‘The Gardens of Alhama’ and the area, as you’d expect, is spacious and green with properties built around landscaped gardens and swimming pools. The Los Jardines complex is pedestrianised with dedicated cycle lanes enabling residents to stroll or cycle around the parks and enjoy the vast variety of plant life. Los Jardines de Alhama is extremely family friendly with its separate play areas for children and excellent sports facilities including tennis courts, football pitches and basketball courts. The properties are built in a traditional Mediterranean style with architecture that blends in perfectly with the manicured surroundings.

Los Naranjos de Alhama

‘Naranjos’ is the name given to a native orange tree of the region and this area of Condado de Alhama is lined with the ornamental tree on its streets, within its gardens and around its squares. Los Naranjos is in the centre of the golf resort and once had its own town centre called El Agora. This town centre has been extended to encompass the new resort town centre called El Foro providing an even greater range of facilities just a short walk away along the leafy avenues. Properties in Los Naranjos have a stepped architectural design and the penthouses look out onto the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course (under construction – due for completion in December 2009).

La Isla del Condado

Condado de Alhama translated means ‘Alhama County’ which is where the resort is situated in Murcia. La Isla del Condado means 'The Island of the County' and this area is an apartment complex on an island on the lake at the heart of the golf resort. La Isla is a waterfront setting that stretches down to the main town centre of El Foro. Residents benefit from stunning views from their apartments across the lake as well as three infinity pools that give the impression of being part of the lake itself. La Isla has tranquil boulevards and green spaces that incorporate children’s play areas. Around the lake are several piers from which a ferry service runs to the town centre.

El Foro & El Oasis Town Centre

The focus of activity at the Condado de Alhama golf resort is within the El Foro and El Oasis town centres. El Foro means ‘The Forum’ and this vast 12,000 square metre complex includes the relocated El Agora town centre which initially served the Los Naranjos complex. Designed in a Hispanic-Arabic style around a courtyard with a large central water feature, the El Foro town centre is due to open this month (July 2009) and along with the 60,000 square metre El Oasis town centre provides bars, restaurants, banks, stores, supermarkets, hairdressers, launderettes, pharmacies, restaurants, cinemas and healthcare services to residents.

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