The La Manga Club Open Returns This December: A Golfing Highlight on Spain’s Costa Cálida
By Paula Ball
For golfers looking to combine competitive golf with winter sunshine, beautiful surroundings and exceptional resort facilities, the La Manga Club Open is an event to put on the calendar. Taking place from 4–8 December 2026, the 22nd edition of this popular amateur golf tournament will bring players together at one of Spain’s most renowned golf destinations.
Set in the heart of the Costa Cálida in Murcia, La Manga Club offers the perfect setting for a memorable golfing break, with championship courses, luxury accommodation and a welcoming atmosphere that makes it just as appealing for a relaxing holiday as it is for serious competition.
A Tournament to Remember
The La Manga Club Open combines several days of golf with opportunities to enjoy the resort’s renowned hospitality, regional cuisine and social programme. Welcoming golfers from Spain and overseas, the tournament is designed to deliver an enjoyable experience both on and off the course.
The event begins on 4 December with arrivals, a practice round and a welcome cocktail, giving participants the opportunity to settle in, meet fellow golfers and prepare for the competition ahead.
Three rounds of tournament golf follow, played in Stableford format across the North and South Courses. With a variety of categories for men and women, as well as senior and scratch competitions, the event offers plenty to play for while maintaining the friendly, sociable spirit that makes amateur golf tournaments so appealing.
Away from the fairways, the programme includes opportunities to sample local gastronomy, enjoy time with fellow competitors and round off the event with a gala dinner and prize-giving ceremony.
Three Championship Courses, Endless Golfing Opportunities
One of the biggest attractions of La Manga Club is its outstanding choice of golf courses. The resort boasts three 18-hole championship layouts, each offering a distinctive playing experience and a different set of challenges.
The South Course is widely regarded as the resort’s flagship course. Originally designed by Robert Dean Putman and later remodelled by golf legend Arnold Palmer, it offers a demanding championship test that rewards accuracy, thoughtful course management and confident shot-making.
The North Course provides a different challenge, with palm-lined fairways, lakes and natural ravines adding character to the layout. Its combination of strategic hazards and varied holes makes it an engaging course for golfers looking to test their skills.
The West Course is set among mature pine trees near the Calblanque Natural Park. Its undulating terrain, narrower fairways and challenging shots demand precision, while the surrounding natural landscape creates a particularly memorable golfing experience.
Together, the three courses provide variety for golfers of different abilities, making La Manga Club an ideal destination for a golf holiday that extends beyond a single tournament.
More Than Just a Golf Resort
While the quality of the golf is a major draw, La Manga Club offers much more than outstanding fairways and greens. The resort has developed a reputation as a leading destination for sports, leisure and relaxation, allowing visitors to tailor their stay to suit their own interests.
At the heart of the resort is the five-star Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, providing an elegant base for golfers looking to unwind after a day on the course. Guests can also enjoy the Alma’ Spa, fitness facilities, a choice of restaurants and bars, and a range of other sporting activities.
For accompanying partners or friends who may not be taking part in the tournament, the resort’s extensive leisure facilities and dining options offer plenty of ways to enjoy the stay. This makes the La Manga Club Open an attractive option for couples and groups looking to combine a golfing event with a winter getaway.
The Appeal of Winter Golf in Murcia
December is an excellent time to consider a golfing escape to southern Spain. La Manga Club benefits from the region’s Mediterranean climate, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a popular choice for golfers seeking to extend their playing season beyond the colder, wetter months in northern Europe.
The resort’s location in Murcia, close to the Mediterranean coastline and surrounded by striking natural scenery, adds to its appeal. Visitors can enjoy a relaxed resort atmosphere, explore the wider region and make the most of their time away from the course.
For golfers travelling from the UK, a December trip also offers an opportunity to combine competitive play with a change of scenery, a little winter sun and the chance to enjoy golf in a different setting.
Make La Manga Club Your Next Golfing Destination
The La Manga Club Open is a fantastic showcase of what makes this resort such a special place to play golf. With three championship courses, high-quality accommodation, excellent dining and an established reputation for sporting excellence, La Manga Club offers everything needed for a memorable golf break.
Whether you are taking part in the tournament, travelling with a golfer or simply looking for inspiration for your next golfing holiday, La Manga Club deserves a place on your shortlist.
Discover La Manga Club and start planning your next golf escape.
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