Gregory Peters

Gregory Peters, the driving force behind La Manga Club has died at the age of 86 at his home in Las Vegas. Peters was the original owner of the resort, which has paid tribute to the inspirational leadership of the American entrepreneur. He opened La Manga Club in 1972, two years after he first began work on the ground-breaking project in Murcia, south-east Spain, laying the foundations for the venue to be at the forefront of sports and leisure destinations in Europe.

The renowned golf course architect Robert Putman designed two 18-hole championship courses and a five-star tennis centre was opened. Gary Player was the resort’s first director of golf and La Manga Club hosted the Spanish Open from 1973 to 1977. Spanish golfing legend Severiano Ballesteros was the resort’s touring pro from 1980 to 1984 while top Spanish player Manolo Santana was the first director of its tennis centre.

A third golf course, the West Course, opened in 1986 and La Manga Club also featured a four-star hotel and many properties when Peters sold the resort in the mid-1980s. In his later years, he returned to America.

Jose Asenjo, general manager at La Manga Club, said. “Gregory Peters was a true visionary and he will never be forgotten at La Manga Club. The role he played in establishing the resort as a household name across Europe was essential to the success that La Manga Club continues to enjoy today. He provided the blueprint for modern-day resorts and he will be sadly missed.”

 Photo shows: Gregory Peters with Sir Sean Connery.