Hugo Makes It Three From Three at La Manga

Three starts, three trophies, and a Tour card he very nearly didn’t get.

In January, Jean Hugo went to Legends Tour Qualifying School and came home without a card. On Sunday 8 November he won the Champions UK plc European Senior Masters on the South Course at La Manga Club in Murcia, his third victory from three starts on the Staysure Legends Tour. Some of you might know La Manga from your own Spain golf holidays, though probably not from the top of a leaderboard. Tour School may want to review its notes. (Legends Tour)

Jean Hugo holding the Champions UK plc European Senior Masters trophy at La Manga Club

Three Behind, Then Eight Birdies

Hugo started the final day three shots behind England’s Van Phillips and wasted no time. Birdies at the second, third, fourth and sixth drew him level on 15 under, and he kept going: one more at the ninth, two at the 14th and 15th, and an eighth at the par-five 18th. That was a bogey-free 65 for a 19-under total and the clubhouse target. (Legends Tour)

Phillips came to the last needing an eagle to force a play-off. The putt slid by, he tapped in for a 69, and missed out by one. The 18th has form for this sort of thing: Arnold Palmer eagled it to win the 1975 Spanish Open on this course by a single shot. La Manga, it seems, saves its best scripts for the final hole. (Golf Property)

Three Starts, Three Trophies

Hugo is a 22-time winner on South Africa’s Sunshine Tour, and he only turned 50 last December. His first win as a senior came at the Reignwood Legends Championship in Beijing in early October, and that earned him the status Tour School had denied him. On 1 November he closed with a 62 at Pinheirinho to take the inaugural Portugal Legends Championship, the Comporta event we previewed in October. A week later came La Manga. (The Scotsman)

He called the China win “a bit of validation after missing out at Tour School”. Two more trophies have rather settled the matter. And in the week the DP World Tour’s own hopefuls are sweating through Final Stage at INFINITUM, he offers some cheer: a bad week at Q-School is not always the end of the story.

A Leaderboard Full of Familiar Names

India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, the 2012 Scottish Open champion, finished third on 17 under. Chile’s Felipe Aguilar led at the turn, dropped shots at the 10th, 11th and 12th, then eagled the last to salvage fourth. Golf giveth, and golf taketh away, usually in that order. (Legends Tour)

Paul Lawrie, the 1999 Open champion and La Manga winner in 2022, shared seventh on 13 under with Stephen Gallacher. Gallacher still leads the Road to Cambodia Order of Merit, but Hugo has climbed to fifth, with three Asian events left, starting in Vietnam on 20 November. (Legends Tour)

Playing the South Course Yourself

The South is La Manga’s flagship: a par 73 laid out by Robert Dean Putman in 1971, later reworked by Arnold Palmer, and 6,499 metres from the back tees. It hosted the Spanish Open every year from 1973 to 1977, and its palm-lined fairways and lakes still ask plenty of a mid-handicapper. (Top 100 Golf Courses; GolfPass)

Aerial shot of La Manga South Course

The North and West courses complete the set, and the resort’s hotel, now the Grand Hyatt La Manga Club Golf & Spa, means nobody has to drive anywhere. Head down to Cabo de Palos for caldero, the Mar Menor’s rice-and-fish speciality, and finish with an asiático in Cartagena. Nobody will expect a 65.

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Browse our Costa Blanca golf holidays and take on the South Course at your own pace.

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Discover the Best Golf Experience in Costa Blanca

Costa Blanca is a prime destination for golfers seeking the perfect blend of stunning landscapes and a world-class golfing experience. With its beautiful coastline, warm Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural heritage, the region offers an ideal setting for any golf holiday. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Costa Blanca’s variety of golf courses promises a challenging and enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels.

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The allure of Costa Blanca lies in its diverse selection of golf courses, each designed to showcase the natural beauty of the region. Golfers can enjoy rounds with stunning views of rolling hills, coastal scenery, and lush greenery. These courses are tailored to suit players of all abilities, offering a range of challenges that keep the game exciting while allowing for a memorable and scenic experience.

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Newsletter: Golfing in the Sun

 

Tee Off in April – Portugal and Spain

Portugal and Spain, renowned for their rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, are also premier destinations for golf enthusiasts. With abundant world-class courses scattered across these countries, golfers are treated to diverse and challenging experiences against breathtaking backdrops. Whether teeing off along the rugged coastlines of Portugal’s Algarve or amidst the picturesque vineyards of Spain’s Andalusian countryside, each round promises an unforgettable journey. Moreover, Portugal and Spain’s mild climates ensure that golf can be enjoyed year-round, adding to the allure of these countries as top golfing destinations in Europe.

Portugal, nestled in the southwest of Europe, is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. But it’s also a golfer’s paradise. With over 80 golf courses scattered across the country, Portugal offers diverse and challenging options for players of all skill levels.
From the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in the Algarve to the lush countryside of the Lisbon region, each course presents a unique golfing experience.
Moreover, Portugal’s mild climate ensures that golfers can enjoy the sport year-round, making it an ideal destination for golf holidays. With its combination of scenic beauty, world-class courses, and warm hospitality, Portugal truly stands out as a premier golf destination in Europe.

Spain, a vibrant country in the southwest of Europe, is celebrated for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and diverse culture. But beyond its cultural attractions lies a golfer’s paradise. With over 300 golf courses spread across the country, Spain offers an extensive array of options for players of all levels. From championship courses along the Costa del Sol to picturesque layouts in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, each course promises a unique and memorable golfing experience.
Moreover, Spain’s favorable climate ensures that golfers can enjoy the sport year-round, adding to its allure as a top golfing destination in Europe. With its combination of scenic beauty, world-class courses, and warm hospitality, Spain truly stands out as a premier golfing destination.

Set your tee and swing in two of the best golf destinations!