Lumine Golf & Beach Club general manager Calle Carlsson arrived at the resort two years ago through Troon Golf, a leading management company that operates in numerous countries and runs hundreds of golf courses around the world. Previously, Calle had been a golf pro, and he worked for seven years in Egypt at various different resorts: initially, for a project he managed right from the start through to its successful fruition; and later for the Marriott chain as golf and leisure manager for its complex in Egypt.

During his time in Tarragona, the golf courses that originally formed a part of Port Aventura have been experiencing a renewed resurgence. There are two 18-hole courses, Lakes and Hills, and a third nine-hole layout, Ruins. The former and latter were designed by the “Great White Shark” himself, Greg Norman.

1 – Is Lumine the best golf resort in Cataluña?

- I believe it is. Obviously, we have to respect PGA de Catalunya, among other reasons because it was recently named by Golf Monthly magazine as the number one course in Spain, but we have better amenities and, without a doubt, we are going to fight to be the best in everything.

2 – What makes your course stand out from the rest?

– In the first place, we have a total of 45 holes, and all are different. Other resorts are developed on a single plot of land with the same features and, even though they might have more than one course, they are similar. Not here: we have very different styles for each course. We are the only complex in the world with this number of golf holes, hotels, a top-class beach club and a congress centre within our installations.

3 – Can you briefly describe each course…

– Lakes, a great design by Greg Norman, is a link-style course, very exciting, flat, but a lot of water on each hole. Ruins, also designed by the legendary Australian golfer, comprises nine holes running along the slopes of a hill, surrounded by olive and carob trees. Beautiful. Its name comes from the many Roman ruins found throughout the course, which have been recovered and restored. Hills is probably our most attractive course. It runs through Cap de Salou via a forest of white pines and olive and carob trees. Nearly all its holes look out over the sea.

4 – The Greg Norman link is a good lure to attract golfers, especially Europeans?

– Without a doubt it’s a special attraction for golfers, because he has been, and still is, an extremely charismatic player.

5 – There are six courses in total in the Lumine area. Would it be correct to say that here, in Tarragona, a major European golf destination is being born?

– Yes, without any doubt. We have enough courses, and of sufficient quality, to already be considered a major destination.

6 – In addition to golf, what other attractions does the area have for golfers?

– They are endless. We have unrivalled gastronomy, and a superb wine from Penedés. In Cambrils alone there are three restaurants with a Michelin star. We also have, probably, the best beaches in Spain and some lovely villages that are well worth a visit. And, of course, a visit to Tarragona, which is very close, is a must.

7 – How do your golfers travel here?

– In summer we have domestic and international flights to Reus, 10 minutes away. In winter you have to fly to Barcelona, but it’s very close.

8 – And where do they mainly come from?

– They are mostly Scandinavians and Britons. The majority of our members are Catalans.

9 – Tell me why you would come to play golf at Lumine, and not somewhere else?

– For everything I mentioned before, especially the opportunity of playing 45 magnificent and different holes in the same place… Also because of the climate, of course.

 

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