The Real Club La Moraleja has recently completed a comprehensive renovation of its Course 2, significantly reducing water and maintenance needs by approximately 30%.
The Real Club La Moraleja, located in the Community of Madrid, boasts a rich history since its founding in 1973. With its four 18-hole golf courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, the club has hosted prestigious competitions such as the World Cup of Golf and the Spanish Open. Course 2, opened in 1990 and developed by Nicklaus Design under the direction of architect Ron Kirby, is a challenging layout with large lakes affecting several holes, transforming it into a unique and challenging golf course.
La Moraleja is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in Europe and has been chosen by many Tee Times Golf Agency clients, to whom we have offered the best golf and tourism packages for their Spain golf holidays.
Real Club La Moraleja Course 2 renovation
Reopened on April 13th, the 9-second holes of Course 2 had been closed since November for renovations, including an overhaul of the irrigation system, levelling and alignment of all tees, renovation of the 15th and 16th hole lakes, total remodelling of bunkers on holes 12, 13, and 15, and the creation of new gravel areas around several tees.
According to Íñigo Angulo, Director of Golf at Real Club La Moraleja, this significant two-phase renovation, with the first phase targeting holes 1 to 9 last year, aims to provide a more sustainable course with improved playing conditions year-round. “The new irrigation system, modern and tailored to the current turf structure of the course, will ensure better coverage and uniformity, ultimately enhancing playing conditions,” adds Tony Bonnett, Head Greenkeeper at Real Club La Moraleja, in dialogue with the prestigious media platform www.golfindustria.es.
With these renovations completed, the Spanish Golf Federation will conduct a new assessment of Course 2’s layout, and the club will adjust hole handicaps based on recent competition results.
The renovation work, including irrigation system replacement and lake refurbishment, was undertaken by specialized contractors GTM Golf and Garden & Golf. At the same time, other improvements were handled by the club’s maintenance team.
Furthermore, the renovation involved redefining non-play areas, incorporating gravel surfaces to reduce turf coverage, fostering sustainability, and lowering maintenance demands.
Completion of bunker renovations on holes 12, 13, and 15 marks the final phase of comprehensive bunker upgrades, focusing on playability, aesthetics, and sustainability.
Reseeding with Agrostis stolonifera is planned for the coming summer, with continuing efforts to improve turf quality and resilience against disease and ensure long-term course viability amidst evolving environmental regulations.
Club La Moraleja’s sustainable renovations signify a commitment to environmental stewardship while enhancing the golfing experience for members and visitors alike. Now comes the turn of the golfers, eager to discover and enjoy the new design of the course.
