Over the past ten years, Lumine Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community has quickly earned a reputation as a great golf destination in Europe. With its three golf courses, two of them designed by Greg Norman, this resort nestled on the beautiful coastline of the Costa Dorada (Tarragona province) is a popular choice for European golfers looking to escape to sunnier climes, and rightly so.
Home to the final of the European Tour Qualifying School, Laurie Canter, Andrea Pavan and Sam Horsfield are just some of the best-known names to have graduated from Lumine (Latin for light) on Europe’s top circuit, and the club is cementing its place as one of the continent’s best major tournament venues.
After an outstanding 2018, the acclaimed Spanish resort is once again looking forward to welcoming golfers from all over Europe at the Final Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School, the Annual Golf Festival and the Junior Spanish Championship, all scheduled at Lumine this year.
At the heart of the award-winning resort is the variety and challenge offered by the resort’s spectacular 45 holes. Beginning with the Lakes, the Greg Norman design offers championship quality golf and Lumine’s most technically challenging round. This 6,300-meter par 71, opened in 2008 with a pro-am hosted by Sergio Garcia, offers a persistent but fair challenge, seamlessly integrated into the beautiful Mediterranean hills. As the name suggests, water is a very present hazard on the course, and the bunkers and undulating greens make the Lumine Lakes an outstanding experience.
Meanwhile, Lumine Hills, designed by the firm Green Project, offers players the most spectacular views, as the course runs through lush white pine forests and extensive plantations of olive and carob trees. The total length of the course, par 72, is 6,334 meters, which is a good challenge. even for the most skilled golfer, but with a selection of tee options, the golfer of any level can be sure to enjoy their round.
The second Greg Norman design at Lumine is Ruins, which offers players something different than the resort’s two championship courses. The exciting 9-hole layout takes its name from the Roman archaeological remains dating back to the 2nd century BC that mark the course. The Ruins is a beautiful short course (par 34, 2,353 meters) that suits all levels of players and is ideal for those looking for a relaxed round in a fun and unique environment.
Located less than an hour south of Barcelona, near the historic city of Tarragona, Lumine begins the 2019 season with a major investment in both golf and other facilities.
Major improvements include a redesign of the Lumine Lakes clubhouse, which provides a truly exceptional position in the resort, ‘floating’ on the water in front of the protected natural area of Sèquia Major. In addition to creating a more open and welcoming area, guests will also be able to check in seamlessly before their round with the addition of wireless technology.
Extending the golf and leisure experience, Lumine also features a stunning clubhouse attached to the Hills course, offering the most privileged views and luxurious service. In the evening, the clubhouse is tinged with the ochre colors of the sun, creating a warm ambiance that invites you to sit back and enjoy the views of the 18th hole.
At the two clubhouses, visitors can take advantage of extensive facilities that include a fitness center, superb locker rooms, sauna and steam rooms, as well as stores and restaurants. At the Lakes Clubhouse, they can even enjoy an outdoor shower amidst the beautiful Gold Coast scenery.
For golfers looking to improve their game, Lumine also has a state-of-the-art Golf Performance Center. The first-class practice facilities include access to world-class coaching from the British PGA team of instructors and a fitting service where you can customize and test equipment from top brands such as Cobra, Titleist, Callaway and Odyssey.
For those looking to unwind from the golf course, Lumine features a luxurious beach club, offering an authentic Mediterranean experience. The perfect place to unwind and relax by the sea after a day on the golf course is complete with a series of saltwater pools on different levels that overlook the stunning private beach and the Mediterranean Sea that stretches out at your feet.
In the immediate vicinity of the resort, you will find some of the most interesting attractions in Spain. Just ten minutes from the coast is the ancient city of Tarragona. It is one of the sites designated as a World Heritage Site by the city’s port, one of the most important Roman sites in the country, which are definitely worth a visit during your stay at the resort.
On the other hand, food lovers will enjoy a gastronomic feast anywhere in the region. For example, in the beautiful town of Cambrils, which is just a few minutes from Lumine and has a variety of fantastic restaurants and bars. Located between three wine regions, golfers will also have the opportunity to taste some of the best wines in the world.
CALLE CARLSSSON, GENERAL MANAGER OF LUMINE: “We are ready to host the European Tour”.
Lumine’s general manager, Calle Carlsson, has built his wealth of experience in the golf industry in various countries in the Middle East and Europe. He has now been in his current role at the renowned Gold Coast resort for eight years and during that time has overseen the resort’s evolution to its current position as one of Europe’s leading golf destinations. We spoke to Calle to find out about the resort’s new projects and what golfers visiting this year can expect.
-What can you tell us about your career path up to your current position as head of Lumine?
-I started my career as a teaching professional in Sweden at Askersunds Golf Club before moving on to become head professional at Nora Golf Club. I then moved to Egypt and was hired as director of golf at Stella Di Mare Golf and Country Club. After a couple of years, I changed companies and became Director of Golf and Leisure at JW Marriott in Cairo. After that assignment, I moved to Lumine, in December 2010, and now I have been here for more than eight years.
-Why do you think Lumine has become one of the most popular golf destinations in Spain?
-Lumine stands out for many reasons. Firstly, for the unquestionable quality of its facilities, not only the three golf courses we have, but also the magnificent clubhouses at the Lakes and Hills courses. Our practice facilities are also first class, which is one of the reasons why we have been able to host the Final Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School so successfully.
We also pride ourselves on our customer service, which, coupled with the prestige of having two Greg Norman-designed golf courses, ensures that we remain extremely popular with golfers throughout Europe.
On top of that, we also have the added advantage of our location on the Costa Dorada. The area is spectacular, with beautiful beaches and the historic city of Tarragona just minutes away, so there is always plenty to do when you are not playing golf.
-There has been significant financial investment in golf courses this year. What changes should golfers expect to find?
-We are always looking for new ways to improve, and this year we have again decided to invest in the golf courses and make some changes to further enhance our other facilities as well. We are in the process of redesigning the entrance to the Lumine Lakes clubhouse to create a more open and welcoming space, and we will be expanding the retail area to offer customers more options. Wireless check-in will also be a new feature this year.
-What other projects does Lumine have in store for 2019?
-It’s going to be a very busy year. In addition to the European Tour Qualifying School Final Stage, we will also be hosting the Spanish Junior Championship and our Annual Golf Festival, which becomes one of the largest gatherings of PGA professionals in Europe.
-Lumine is close to some of the most historic and beautiful places in Spain. What are your top recommendations for things to do other than golf?
-Just ten minutes from the coast, you will find the ancient city of Tarragona, which is well worth a visit. There are also many fantastic bars and restaurants in the towns of Salou, Cambrils, Vila Seca and La Pineda.
-How do you see the future of Lumine in 10 years?
-Looking ahead, our goal is to have 2,000 residential properties in the resort, a beach hotel and a golf hotel located in the Hills. We are ready to host the European Tour and believe that hosting a tournament would be a good opportunity for Lumine.
Example of environmental care
The three fields of Lumine Mediterranean Beach & Golf Community have been the first in Spain to obtain the prestigious certificate “Audubon International Signature Sanctuary”. Audubon International is an environmental organization that aims to assist entities and companies in protecting and respecting the land, water, wildlife and resources around them. To achieve this, Lumine has met strict environmental criteria.
European Tour Qualifying School Final
Lumine will also this year, like last year and 2017, host the Final Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School. The known as Q-School has helped discover some of golf’s best players while capturing the attention of a worldwide audience. The Hills and Lakes courses will once again provide a stern test for European Tour card hopefuls over six exciting days. Lumine has been a part of the Q-School since 2012 (five times The second and third stages, and two of the final phase).
SPRING GETAWAY
Enjoying the Lumine golf courses this spring is affordable for all budgets. Thus, a package of four nights in a double room with breakfast in a four-star hotel, with three green fees and unlimited balls in the driving range, costs 395 euros per person. If you want a week’s accommodation and five green fees plus unlimited practice balls, the price is 675 euros.
For more information, visit www.lumine.com/en/lumine-travel
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