The Legends Tour is offering amateur golfers the chance to take part in the ultimate playing experience as one of Europe’s most iconic golf resorts begins its 50th anniversary celebrations.
The South Course at La Manga Club in Murcia, Spain, will be the venue for the Farmfoods European Senior Masters hosted by Peter Baker. Taking place on October 14-16, a field of top Legends Tour golfers will battle it out for the trophy - including 1999 Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie and 2005 US Open victor Michael Campbell.
As part of the tournament, a two-day Alliance Series event will take place on October 14-15. The Alliance Series has been a universal success since its inception, with the format providing an exclusive opportunity to live the life of a golf legend as everyday players play alongside two professionals in a team event format, as well as in an individual tournament against other Alliance competitors in front of crowds and TV cameras.
The aim is to give amateur players the opportunity to experience what it is like to compete at the highest level under the pressure of competition as they play two rounds on the former Spanish Open venue in championship conditions.
Founded in 1972, La Manga Club is one of Spain’s flagship golf venues with a rich tournament history. South African legend Gary Player was La Manga’s first director of golf, and it was also the venue where the great Severiano Ballesteros would make his European Tour debut in 1974. Between 1980 and 1985 – with the dashing Spaniard in his pomp and widely regarded as the best player in the world – Ballesteros took on the honour of being La Manga Club’s Touring Pro, proudly sporting the venue’s logo on his golf bag at events all over the world.
The resort will toast its 50th year with a number of key events following in 2023, while on Saturday, October 15, La Manga Club, together with the Legends Tour, will host an evening of celebration to kickstart its landmark anniversary.
The South Course was designed by renowned American Robert Dean Putman before undergoing an extensive redesign by the great Arnold Palmer in 2005. A former host venue of the Spanish Open between 1973 and 1977 as well as DP World Tour Qualifying School, the layout measures a touch over 7,100 yards with a par of 73, and while length would appear its main defence, the course is defined by a mixture of short and long holes with water featuring on no fewer than 15 of those with deep, sprawling bunkers also a key feature.
From £3,000 per person, Alliance players will receive inside-the-ropes access throughout the two days, including access to the practice range, locker room and players’ lounge.
Accommodation will also be provided at the Principe Felipe Hotel for three nights and Alliance Series players will be treated to breakfast on arrival at the course, a buffet lunch on both days and post-round hospitality, including a prize-giving ceremony following the final Alliance round.
Players will also receive tickets for the final day of golf action on Sunday, October 15, as the professionals battle it out. As well as the aforementioned major winners, other golfers taking part in the event include former Ryder Cup player and 2022 Irish Legends winner Phillip Price and six-time DP World Tour winner Thomas Levet.
Phil Harrison, chief executive officer of the Legends Tour, said: “We cannot wait to visit La Manga Club for the Farmfoods European Senior Masters and I would like to thank Peter Baker for playing as our host.
“The South Course promises to be a challenging test for the Legends Tour players and those who sign up to compete in the Alliance Series, which has proved an enormous success this season with amateurs enjoying the full experience of playing with the professionals where they are able to share the same stage with the greats of the game.
“Those wishing to take part in the Alliance Series will have to act quickly though with time ticking and just a handful of playing experiences remaining.”
Click here for more information on the Alliance Series event at La Manga Club and how to book your spot.
Click here to see a behind-the-scenes video of the recent Staysure PGA Seniors Championship held at Formby Golf Club.