Juan

Golf is a sport of precision, but also of feeling. Choosing the right clubs not only defines your performance on the course, it also influences your confidence and the way you enjoy every shot. Whether you are a beginner, an intermediate player or an experienced golfer, selecting the right set is the first step towards taking your game to the next level.

The importance of choosing your clubs wisely

A good swing begins with a club that suits you. Length, weight, shaft type and clubhead design are decisive factors. Choosing blindly or being swayed by looks alone can be an expensive mistake. The key lies in adapting your equipment to your current level of play and the progress you expect to make in the coming months.

At UGOLF we are clear on one thing: equipment should serve the player, not the other way around.

Golf clubs for beginners

If you are taking your first steps in the game, look for clubs that provide maximum forgiveness. Wide–headed cavity back irons and graphite shafts are usually the ideal choice, as they offer lightness, smoothness, and extra forgiveness on off-centre strikes.

Drivers with higher lofts (10.5° or 12°) and larger heads make it easier to launch the ball and build confidence from the tee. As for the putter, mallet-style models help to keep the stroke steady and on line.

Clubs for intermediate players

Once you have mastered the basics, it is time to demand more from your equipment. Semi-bladed or “game improvement” irons offer the perfect balance between forgiveness and the ability to shape the ball.

At this stage it is worth considering steel shafts, which provide greater control and consistency. Hybrids are an excellent replacement for long irons (3 or 4), making contact and distance easier. And for fairway woods, look for versatile models that allow you to attack both from the fairway and the rough.

Clubs for advanced players

The experienced golfer usually seeks a club that responds directly to their talent. Blade or muscle back irons are demanding, but they deliver the precision and feedback an expert player requires. With the driver, the choice often centres on adjustable heads that allow you to fine-tune angle, spin, and ball flight.

Wedges with varying degrees of bounce are essential for mastering the short game and adapting to every surface on the course. And the putter becomes almost an extension of the player: here the choice is almost bespoke, since every golfer looks for a unique feel.

Club fitting: the difference between a standard set and one tailored to you

Personalisation is a luxury that makes all the difference. A professional club fitting adjusts length, lie, grip, and shaft to your specific swing. It is the equivalent of a tailored suit: with it, every shot feels more natural and more effective.

At our courses in Murcia, you will find first-class practice facilities and academies where you can discover exactly which type of club truly enhances your game.

The UGOLF experience in Murcia

Choosing the right clubs is essential, but playing on a course worthy of your level is just as important. In Murcia, you will find gems such as Mar Menor Golf, Saurines de la Torre and Hacienda del Álamo — three benchmarks designed by some of the world’s great golf architects, where every shot becomes a memorable experience.

From the fastest greens in the region, to Jack Nicklaus’s desert-style design, to a championship course perfectly integrated into its natural surroundings, UGOLF Murcia offers the perfect stage to put your new set of clubs to the test.

Book your tee time in Murcia with UGOLF

Pick the right club, feel the difference and experience the excellence of playing on the finest courses in Murcia. Book your tee time at UGOLF today and enjoy golf the way it was meant to be played.

Golf is precision, technique, and strategy – but it is also movement. Anyone who believes they can simply step onto the tee and strike their first shot without preparation is mistaken. The body needs to be ready to withstand the demands of 18 holes, to execute smooth swings, and to prevent injuries that could ruin an entire season. Warming up is not an optional extra: it is the difference between a clumsy start and a memorable round.

At UGOLF, we understand this well. That is why, before you set out to enjoy a course crafted by renowned designers and framed by Mediterranean nature, we suggest a warm-up routine that is simple, effective, and designed for golfers who want to perform with elegance.

Which exercises can help you warm up for golf?

1. Joint mobility: shoulders, hips and wrists

The swing does not begin with the arms, but with the full chain of movements linking shoulders, torso, and hips. Spend two minutes on shoulder rolls forwards and backwards, wide circles with the hips, and gentle wrist stretches. You will gain fluidity and avoid stiffness during the transition from backswing to downswing.

2. Dynamic stretches for back and torso

Golf demands rotation. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, place the club across your shoulders like a bar, and rotate gently from side to side, gradually increasing the range of movement. This prepares the oblique muscles and lower back – essential for maintaining a solid posture in every shot.

3. Gentle squats to activate legs and core

The best swings are built from the ground up. Perform 10–12 slow squats, keeping your back straight and avoiding going too low. This is not about strength training, but about activating the glutes, quadriceps, and core so they can support the full motion of your swing.

4. Supported press-ups

Just a handful of repetitions are enough to activate the chest and triceps. To reduce the intensity, place your hands on a bench or even your trolley. This wakes up the upper body muscles and ensures each shot has proper support, without tightness across the shoulders.

5. Practice swings with two clubs

Take two irons together and make smooth swings. The added weight increases the challenge, and when you return to a single club, the swing feels lighter and easier to control. Focus on rhythm and balance, not speed.

6. Short putts and chips for the mind

Warming up is not only physical. Spend a few minutes on the practice green: short putts from around five feet and a few chips from the fringe. The aim is not to hole every shot, but to tune your feel, listen to the strike of the ball, and adjust to the pace of the green. By the time you reach the first tee, your mind will already be in the game.

The invisible ritual of great players

It is no coincidence that professionals dedicate up to 40 minutes to their pre-round routine. For them, warming up is part of the game, not a formality. By following these exercises, both your body and your mind will be ready for what truly matters: enjoying the course and playing your best golf.

Get ready to play on the finest courses in Murcia

At UGOLF, we offer you three of the most spectacular courses in the Region of Murcia: Mar Menor Golf, Saurines de la Torre and Hacienda del Álamo. Each has its own unique character, challenging design and an incomparable Mediterranean setting. Come and experience top-level golf, with every detail cared for from the very first swing.

Book your tee time today at our Murcia courses and feel the difference of playing fully prepared.

There’s something almost ritualistic about preparing your golf bag before heading out onto the course. That moment when you check your clubs, balls, and accessories doesn’t just get your round organised—it connects you to the game itself. Golf, more than any other sport, is won in the details. A well-prepared bag is the first step to enjoying your round with confidence, free from surprises, and with the calm assurance that you’re ready for whatever the course throws at you.

If you’ve ever stepped onto the first tee only to realise you’ve forgotten your glove, packed just three balls, or left your rangefinder with a dead battery, you’ll know how frustrating it can be. And if you’re at a course like Hacienda del Álamo, where wide fairways encourage you to unleash the driver, but precise approach shots are essential, those small oversights can become costly.

As experienced golfers, we’ve put together a guide to everything that should find a place in your bag, so you can enjoy a seamless, worry-free golf experience.

Your clubs: the heart of your game

Every golfer has their own “arsenal”, but the logic is always the same: choose the right tools for the course and your playing style. A full set typically includes a driver, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and, of course, a putter.

On the courses of Murcia, where wind and water hazards can come into play, carrying a reliable hybrid or a versatile 3‑wood is almost essential. Saurines de la Torre, with its desert‑inspired design reminiscent of Arizona courses, rewards creativity. Undulating fairways, raised greens and sandy obstacles demand a strategic approach. Distance isn’t always the key—sometimes control is everything.

A personal tip: check your grips and make sure your clubs are clean before every round. Confidence at impact doesn’t come from technique alone; well‑maintained equipment makes a huge difference.

Balls and accessories: the small essentials that matter

Few phrases are as familiar on a golf course as “I’ve run out of balls”. Carrying a generous supply is crucial, especially on courses with water hazards or tough rough. At Mar Menor Golf, for instance, the famous lake wrapping around holes 13, 14 and 15—the course’s very own “Amen Corner”—can test even the most seasoned players. A mis‑hit could find the water, and running out of balls is never an option.

Alongside your balls, tees are another essential, and having a range of heights allows you to adapt to every club in the bag. A simple habit that separates meticulous players from the unprepared is keeping practice balls separate from competition balls. It keeps you focused and ensures that when the critical shot comes, you’re hitting the right ball.

The glove: confidence in your grip

Few items in your kit inspire more confidence than a well‑fitted glove. It’s your direct connection to the club. It prevents slipping, improves grip and provides control in hot or humid conditions.

Carrying a spare glove is a small act of foresight that can save a round. In the heat of a Murcian summer, where temperatures can approach 30 °C, sweat and humidity can wear out a glove in just nine holes. Changing it halfway through keeps your swing consistent and comfortable.

Precision tools: play smarter, not just harder

Modern golf isn’t only about power or style—it’s about information. A laser rangefinder or GPS has become a must for the discerning player. Knowing the exact distance to the flag or a hazard can transform your strategy on every hole.

And golf etiquette reminds us that we’re also custodians of the course. A pitchmark repairer and ball marker are indispensable. Fixing divots, marking your ball correctly and leaving the green pristine are part of the premium golf experience and the mark of a true golfer.

Hydration, snacks, and comfort: fuelling your full 18 holes

Playing 18 holes in Murcia, with over 300 days of sunshine a year, is a true pleasure – as long as you take care of yourself. Hydration is non-negotiable: carry fresh water or isotonic drinks and top up regularly. Pair this with light snacks that keep your energy steady – cereal bars, dried fruit, or a handful of nuts.

In golf, concentration fades when your energy drops. If you want to maintain your best swing from the first tee to the 18th green, proper nutrition and hydration are as crucial as practising your putting.

Sun protection and style-defining details

The Mediterranean gifts us light, but it also demands respect. High-factor sunscreen, polarised sunglasses and a cap are essentials. To these, you can add a small towel to wipe your hands and face, and a lightweight windbreaker if the forecast hints at a breeze.

Golfers who pay attention to these details not only enjoy their round more – they also carry that distinguished look that has always been part of the game.

Smart extras for the discerning player

A truly complete golf bag often includes a few extras that make all the difference:

• An iron-cleaning brush to keep the grooves clear and ready to generate the spin you need.
• A compact umbrella – because even in Murcia, the weather can surprise you.
• A small first-aid kit, which you’ll rarely use, but whose presence is always reassuring.

Your bag ready, your mind prepared… now all you need is the perfect stage

Packing your golf bag properly is the first step towards a memorable round. The second is choosing a course worthy of your passion for the game. At UGOLF Murcia, three exceptional courses await:

• Hacienda del Álamo Golf, one of Spain’s longest courses, where wide fairways and superb greens invite you to unleash your best game.
• Mar Menor Golf, with its spectacular lake and a design that blends Dave Thomas’s strategy with the signature of Nicklaus.
• Saurines de la Torre, a desert-inspired layout that challenges your precision and creativity on every shot.

Playing any of these courses is not just a round – it’s an encounter with golf at its purest.

Book your tee time at UGOLF Murcia now and take your game – and your experience – to the next level.

For any golfer, lowering your handicap is more than a matter of pride—it is the tangible measure of your progress. Reaching that coveted number brings greater confidence in every shot, a deeper enjoyment of the course, and the satisfaction of seeing your hours of practice pay off. But improving your handicap requires more than natural talent; it demands strategy, consistency, and taking full advantage of world-class golf facilities.

Understand your handicap and how it works

Your handicap is the tool that allows your level of play to be measured objectively and fairly against other golfers. Under the current World Handicap System, every score you submit adjusts your handicap according to the course rating and your net result, reflecting your true playing level. Understanding how the system works—and the role of qualifying rounds or supplementary scores—allows you to create a smart, consistent plan to bring that number down.

Play more qualifying rounds

If you want to improve, you need to play. But it’s not just about clocking up rounds; they need to count towards your handicap. Whether through official competitions or supplementary scores, these rounds let you capture your real potential without the pressure of a tournament. The more frequently you play qualifying rounds, the more accurate—and the more responsive—your handicap will be.

At our Murcia courses—Hacienda del Álamo Golf, Mar Menor Golf, and Saurines de la Torre—you will find the perfect environment for this. From wide fairways and strategic water hazards to demanding greens, every layout offers a fresh challenge and the opportunity to post scores that truly reflect your improvement.

Practice with purpose

Playing more is not enough—you need to practise smarter. Elite golfers do not just hit balls; they practise with a clear objective:

• Prioritise your short game: Approaches and putting account for most of the strokes that bring your handicap down.
• Simulate pressure: Train as if you were in competition to master the nerves of that first tee shot.
• Analyse your stats: Identify where you are losing shots—whether in bunkers, the rough, or on the greens—to focus your practice effectively.

At UGOLF Academy by Thomas Johansson, we use advanced swing analysis technology and NXT LVL programmes to pinpoint areas for improvement and design a personalised plan. This is the difference between routine practice and training to win.

Choose the right courses to progress

Playing the same course repeatedly can limit your development. Rotating between different layouts develops a more complete game:

• Hacienda del Álamo Golf: One of Spain’s longest courses, perfect for honing strategy and distance control.
• Mar Menor Golf: Combines narrow holes with generous greens and water features that demand precision.
• Saurines de la Torre Golf: Desert-style design with undulating fairways and challenging greens that sharpen your course-reading skills.

Enjoying premium facilities not only raises your level of play but also transforms every round into a memorable experience, on par with Europe’s most renowned golfing destinations.

Keep the right mindset

Lowering your handicap is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency, patience, and emotional control are as vital as your swing. Play with ease, avoid obsessing over your score on every hole, and remember: every shot is a chance to learn.

Training with a clear plan, combined with playing on high-quality courses, makes the journey of improving your handicap as exciting as it is rewarding.

Ready to take your golf to the next level? Book your tee time at our UGOLF Murcia courses and discover why we are the destination of choice for golfers who want to elevate their game with style and excellence.

Golf in Spain has undergone a fascinating evolution. What once began as a sport limited to a few select circles has grown into an open, dynamic activity with strong international appeal. In this article, we explore how golf has developed in Spain and highlight three standout courses in the Region of Murcia: Hacienda del Álamo Golf, Mar Menor Golf, and Saurines de la Torre.

The origins of golf in Spain

Golf first arrived in Spain in the late 19th century, brought by the British community living along the coast. The San Sebastián Golf Club (1891) and the Barcelona Golf Club (1911) were among the first to introduce the sport in the country. Over time, golf gradually took root, gaining popularity among Spanish players.

From niche sport to international attraction

In the 1970s and 1980s, Spain began to emerge as a must-visit golf destination. Its exceptional climate, varied landscapes and growing number of golf courses attracted thousands of players from across Europe. The Region of Murcia joined this boom, positioning itself as one of southern Europe’s rising golf hubs.

Today, Murcia is home to internationally renowned courses, known for their design, maintenance and outstanding playing experience. Among them, three stand out as essential for understanding the development of modern golf in the region: Hacienda del Álamo, Mar Menor, and Saurines de la Torre.

Hacienda del Álamo Golf

Regarded as one of the finest golf courses in Murcia, Hacienda del Álamo is a Championship 18-hole layout perfectly integrated into the natural surroundings. Designed to deliver a high-level experience for both amateurs and professionals, this course rewards strategic thinking and technical skill.

The facilities are top-tier: 6 short holes, a large putting green, chipping area, bunkers, and a driving range with both mats and natural grass. 

Mar Menor Golf

Located near Torre-Pacheco, Mar Menor Golf is the result of two golf legends: Dave Thomas and Jack Nicklaus. The first nine holes feature narrow fairways and well-defended greens, while the back nine reflect Nicklaus’ hallmark style—wider fairways, larger lakes, and a more open feel to the game.

A standout feature is the impressive lake surrounding holes 13, 14 and 15—nicknamed by locals as the “Amen Corner of Mar Menor”.

Saurines de la Torre

Inspired by the desert courses of Arizona and Las Vegas, Saurines de la Torre offers a unique experience that breaks away from the traditional Spanish golf course. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it features a breathtaking layout of rolling fairways, sandy dunes and a central lake that sets the rhythm of play.

It’s a technical, demanding and visually striking course. The layout seamlessly connects each hole, and the greens—considered among the best in the region—offer a real challenge. Since opening in 2011, Saurines has become one of Europe’s most distinctive courses, currently ranked among the top 100 courses on the continent.

The future of golf in Spain: innovation, sustainability and community

The evolution of golf in Spain shows no signs of slowing down. Today, the focus extends far beyond course design—sustainability, digitalisation and player experience are at the heart of the sport’s future. In this context, UGOLF, one of Europe’s leading operators, plays a key role in developing, managing and promoting golf with a forward-thinking and responsible vision.

Hacienda del Álamo, Mar Menor and Saurines de la Torre are more than exceptional golf courses—they are driving forces behind Spain’s golf industry. Their innovation, natural settings and professional standards make Murcia one of Europe’s top golfing destinations.

Ready to experience this story for yourself? Book your tee time at UGOLF Spain and discover why Murcia offers so much more than sun and sea. It’s great golf—365 days a year.

Murcia has firmly established itself as one of the most attractive golf destinations in Spain. With its privileged climate, unique landscapes, and top-quality courses, every round here is an unforgettable experience. At UGOLF, we manage three of the finest golf courses in the region: Hacienda del Álamo Golf, Mar Menor Golf, and Saurines de la Torre Golf. Each offers a different kind of challenge in a spectacular setting.

Today, we’re sharing the best tips to help you get the most out of your game at each of these courses. Ready to take your golf to the next level?

Hacienda del Álamo Golf

Known as one of the longest golf courses in Spain, Hacienda del Álamo is a true test for ambitious players. Its generous fairways and well-placed hazards demand powerful shots, but also a strategic mindset.

Top tips for playing better at Hacienda del Álamo

• Sharpen your driver: Distance is key here. Make the most of the practice areas to refine your long game.
• Manage water hazards wisely: They’re strategically positioned, so plan your shots carefully to steer clear of trouble.
• Master long putts: The greens are large and fast—reading the break and controlling the pace will be essential.

Mar Menor Golf

Designed by Dave Thomas and Nicklaus Design, Mar Menor Golf blends technical holes with wider, more forgiving ones. To score well, you’ll need sharp short-game skills and a keen sense of how the wind moves near the lake.

Top tips for playing better at Mar Menor Golf

• Perfect your chips and putts: This course rewards players who excel around the greens. Precision will save you strokes.
  
  
• Think strategically: The compact layout invites smart play. Focus on consistency over risk-taking.
  
  
• Watch out for the coastal breeze: The wind coming from the Mar Menor can influence your long shots more than you think.

Saurines de la Torre

Inspired by the desert-style courses of Arizona and Las Vegas, Saurines de la Torre is one of Spain’s most visually striking and technically demanding layouts. Rolling fairways, natural dunes, and a dramatic central lake define the experience.

Top tips for playing better at Saurines de la Torre

• Play with precision: With few bunkers but plenty of terrain movement, there’s little room for error.
• Control your putts on undulating greens: Their complexity requires full focus on speed and direction.
• Avoid the central lake: It comes into play on several holes and demands thoughtful decision-making.

Discover the best golf of your life in Murcia

Each UGOLF course in Murcia delivers a unique playing experience, but they all share the same commitment to quality, expert design, and unforgettable scenery. If you’re looking to refine your skills, soak up the sun, and tackle exciting new challenges, Murcia is your perfect golf destination.

Book your tee time now at Hacienda del Álamo, Mar Menor, or Saurines de la Torre, and get ready for an outstanding day on the course.