LO ROMERO GOLF COURSE in Pilar de la Horadada was founded in 2008. A relative newcomer to the Costa Blanca golf circuit, Lo Romero has wowed golfers for more than a decade with an impressive 18-hole course which exceeds six kilometres in length.
Located on the site of an old pear and apple orchard, the course was designed by Jorge Guillén. He created a supremely challenging layout by making the best use of the naturally undulating Mediterranean terrain, whilst preserving the priceless native fauna that embellishes the graceful landscape.
The result is an impressive locale like no other, and Lo Romero Golf course has enjoyed an enduring programme of continuous improvements under the expert guidance of club President Pedro Jiminéz, whose focus has always been to highlight the social elements of the sport and the friendships, partnerships, and cultural exchanges developed through the team spirit of the game.
It is one of five majestic golf courses that pepper the Orihuela Costa landscape with rich expansive areas of verdant flora, each of them an oasis of natural serenity that offers an alternative to the crowded bustle associated with the busy coastline at this time of year.
Lo Romero Golf course certainly ranks as one of the finest local examples, no doubt assisted by the fastidious attention of the greenskeeping team led by Manuel Fernández, who does a remarkable job of keeping the fairways in an impeccable state of perpetual perfection.
Lo Romero Golf club in de Pilar de la Horadada, Costa Blanca
The natural watercourses, meandering paths, surrounding hills, flora and fauna all contribute to an ultimately beautiful course that’s popular with players and visitors all year round – in and out of season.
Each hole offers something different to challenge the golfer, from dog-legs to well-defined slopes, and strategically placed flanking bunkers that require accuracy and precision driving with birdie opportunities on most holes.
Hole 10 is the longest on the Lo Romero golf course. A generously wide fairway and a flat green can prove deceptive, but with a total length exceeding a full half kilometre flanked by a dense copse of pine trees to the left and an unforgiving array of bunkers both to the right of the fairway and surrounding the green, achieving a par 5 requires prudent forethought.
Fourteen of the eighteen holes employ water hazards, and the club boasts what is possibly one of the most challenging holes on the entire Costa Blanca golf circuit: Lo Romero golf's infamous 18th hole is a par 4 played from an elevated tee which overlooks the Mar Menor and the Mediterranean Sea, down on to an island green completely surrounded by a wide waterway.
Such is the unyielding challenge of the fairway, the pretty lake surrounding the green calls for a well-struck, vehemently accurate shot onto the green to walk away on par, which will undoubtedly be etched into the golfer's memory for a lifetime.
Lo Romero Golf course, the most challenging 18th island hole
Accessible only via a footbridge, the approach shot to the signature 18th hole named “La Isla” is rumoured to make or break a player's entire round.
Of course, you don't need to have a specific interest in golf to appreciate the benefits and sheer beauty of Lo Romero's championship golf course.
The aged pine trees that envelop the manicured fairways are rich in abundant wildlife, and it's by no means unusual for golfers to be accompanied by red squirrels.
The tufted-eared two-tone omnivorous rodents are endemic to the club and make their dreys amongst the surrounding grand pine treetops. Their comedic shenanigans are often a source of delight for players and visitors, and their presence adds credibility to Lo Romero Golf Club's commitment to preserving the environment and managing the course in a highly respectful, low-impact, and eco-friendly manner.
Spain is home to more than 600 bird species, from the regally crested Eurasian hoopoe to the aerially adept swifts that descend upon the diligently manicured fairways most evenings feeding on insects.
The course teems with active wildlife, and swifts compete for food alongside pipistrelle and long-eared bats that swarm in a spectacular natural aerial display that would be the envy of the world's finest military aerobatic teams.
Lo Romero Golf Course has an official layout difficulty of 3 (medium), an approximate tee interval of 8 minutes, and a maximum handicap of 36 for both ladies and gentlemen, making the course suitable for golfers of all abilities.
With a well-stocked ProGolf shop on-site and a central location to several other local golf courses, Lo Romero Golf Course remains a popular choice with Spanish golfers.
The La Taperia at the clubhouse serves a wide selection of breakfasts, lunches, tapas, snacks, and drinks in a more casual atmosphere. It has a covered terrace overlooking the 18th hole and spectacular and commanding vistas surrounding the restaurant.
The establishment advocates their house special, the “Tortilla de patata”, a pan-fried Spanish omelette prepared with potato and complemented with cured Serrano ham and speciality cheese. A well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of fine Spanish wines.
According to TripAdvisor, Lo Romero Golf Club is listed as the most popular tourist attraction in the Pilar de la Horadada area.
And deservingly so, with reviewers noting the course for its high maintenance levels, challenging layout, and the sheer professionalism and approachability of the groundspeople and club representatives.
Lo Romero Golf clubhouse, a full suite of first-class club facilities
One TripAdvisor reviewer from Lanark in Scotland remarked “A brilliant course with a stunning signature hole to finish. Couldn't recommend the course highly enough”. Another reviewer stated, “This has fast become my favourite course in this region of Spain. Well maintained and a good challenge for any level of golfer”.
For the 2024 season, Lo Romero Golf offers discounted green fees starting from €75.00 per person, with 18-hole twilight rounds available from €70.00. Like many other local courses, prices are lower in June, July and August, and a golf kart costs €40.00.
The course offers a website in English, Spanish and German languages; with online booking, an app for iPhone and Android mobile devices, and a webcam offering a live stream of panoramic views across the golf course.
You'll find Lo Romero Golf Course just slightly less than 8 km inland from the beachfront resort of Torre de la Horadada, adjacent to the nearest town of Pinar de Campoverde, and just 20 minutes travel time by car southwest of La Zenia. Visit the Lo Romero Golf website.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com
