Destination Golf Media Ltd
destinationgolf@live.com www.destinationgolf.travel ■ PUBLISHER Dermot Synnott ■ EDITOR Karl Doyle
■ CONTRIBUTORS Andrew Marshall Paul Marshall Aidan Bradley ■ DIRECTOR Vincent Synnott
■ FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Darren Maguire ■ CREDIT CONTROLLER Mallory Courell
■ OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Helen Duggan INTERNATIONAL OFFICES/ REPRESENTATION • Albert Ferrer (Spain) • Ronald Montesano (USA) • Peter Barnes (UK) • Gene Oberto (Sweden) • Gianni Attanasio (Italy) • David Cooney (China) • Maarten Hageman (Netherlands) • Benjamin Oosterveer (Tunisia & Morocco) • Kevin Markham (Ireland)
Front Cover: Enniscrone Golf Club. (PHOTO CREDIT: MOUNT FALCON)
It’s Major season for golf
P
inehurst recently hosted both the 2014 U.S. Open (won by Martin Kaymer) and U.S. Women’s Open (won by Michelle Wie) Championships in back-to-back weeks, marking the first time in history that both tournaments were played in the same year and on the same course.
Our US representative Ronald Montesano recently visited North Carolina to report on this unique ‘Major’ destination. According to Ronald, the ‘Home of Golf’ in America deserves all of the praises that have been bestowed on it. Our main travel feature in this edition comes from the North West Coast of Ireland, where our travelling duo of Andrew and Paul Marshall recently took a wild ride to this magical corner of the Emerald Isle - playing six classic links courses along unspoilt coastal and moorland landscapes, salmon fishing on the River Moy and enjoying a pint of Guinness by a turf fire. Stoke Park is a 300-acre estate that is regarded as one of Europe's leading five-star Hotel, Spa and Country Club Resorts. A short 30-minute from London’s west end, the resort attracts the rich & famous, featuring in classic movies such as two James Bond movies: Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). We are ‘stoked’ to report back from here. Our second resort feature takes us to Haitang Bay, which is widely regarded as one of the biggest and most important tourism development projects in China. The InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort is a luxurious beachside resort which is nestled on China’s renowned coastline. Our last feature takes us to Château d’Augerville, which is a prestigious estate located a short 80 km South of Paris and situated in the heart of the idyllic French countryside,. Enjoy!
Karl Doyle
EDITOR editor@destinationgolf.ie Dermot Synnott
Andrew Marshall
Editorial Director
Golf Travel Writer
Aidan Bradley
Ronald Montesano
Golf Course Photographer
Golf Travel Writer
Paul Marshall
Golf Travel Photographer
Follow Us!
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Contents and reference guide Picture Perfect
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
BRASADA RANCH GOLF CLUB Powell Butte, Oregon, USA www.brasada.com Page 4-5
EAGLE CREST- RIDGE COURSE Redmond, Oregon, USA www.eagle-crest.com Page 6-7
EAGLE CREST-THE RESORT COURSE Redmond, Oregon, USA www.eagle-crest.com Page 8-9
PUMPKIN RIDGE GOLF CLUB North Plains, Oregon, USA www.pumpkinridge.com Page 10-11
RUNNING Y RANCH GOLF COURSE Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA www.runningy.com Page 12-13
THE RESERVE GOLF CLUB Aloha, Oregon, USA www.reservegolf.com Page 14-15
ABU DHABI CLUBHOUSE Abu Dhabi, UAE www.adgolfclub.com Page 16-17
FIRESTONE CLUBHOUSE Akron, Ohio , USA www.clubcorp.com Page 18-19
GAILLARDIA CLUBHOUSE Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA www.gaillardia.com Page 20-21
PALM VALLEY CLUBHOUSE Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA www.palmvalleygolf.com Page 22-23
PORT ROYAL CLUBHOUSE Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA www.portroyalgolfclub.com Page 24-25
THE VINTAGE CLUBHOUSE Indian Wells, California, USA www.thevintageclub.com Page 26-27
Features GOLFING THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY, IRELAND
CHATEAU D’AUGERVILLE
Andrew & Paul Marshall visit the North West coast of Ireland Page 28-33
France www.chateau-augerville.com Page 36-41
INTERCONTENTINAL SANYA
STOKE PARK
China
England
www.intercontinental.com
www.stokepark.com Page 48-53
Page 42-47
TORRES TIME
Brasada Ranch Golf Club Powell Butte, Oregon, USA • www.brasada.com
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Eagle Crest- Ridge Course
Redmond, Oregon, USA • www.eagle-crest.com
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Eagle
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Crest-The Resort Course
edmond, Oregon, USA • www.eagle-crest.com
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club
North Plains, Oregon, USA • www.pumpkinr
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ridge.com
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Running Y Ranch Golf Cou
Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA • www.runningy.com
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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The Reserve Golf Club
Aloha, Oregon, USA • www.reservegolf.com
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Abu Dhabi Clubhouse Abu Dhabi, UAE • www.adgolfclub.com
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Firestone Clubhouse
Akron, Ohio , USA • www.clubcorp.com
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Gaillardia Clubhouse
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA • www.gaillardia
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a.com
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Pon
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Palm Valley Clubhouse
nte Vedra, Florida, USA • www.palmvalleygolf.com
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Hilton Head, S
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Port Royal Clubhouse
South Carolina, USA • www.portroyalgolfclub.com AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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The Vintage Clubhouse
Indian Wells, California, USA • www.thevintag
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Golfing The Wild I
t's the end of April in Ireland's north-west and the start of our week-long golf trip from Donegal to Galway along a 550 km section of the Wild Atlantic Way - a scenic coastal touring route (with a total length of 2,500 km), dotted with beaches, harbours, headlands, stunning viewing points and some of the world's best golf courses. In addition to unspoilt coastal and moorland Words: landscapes, other highlights along the journey include Andrew Marshall Sieve League (the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe), salmon fishing on the River Moy, enjoying a pint of Guinness by a turf fire, staying in splendid accommodation and meeting the locals who have a tremendous gift of making you feel welcome. And when it comes to the golf, there's a half-dozen collection of pure links courses from Narin & Portnoo in County Donegal to Connemara in County Galway that taken as a whole, has no rival. Some are old classics Photos: from the late 1800s, whilst others are more recent Paul Marshall creations that look as though they have been part of the (Except where indicated) environment since then. Unlike the honey pots further south, golf in the north-west is more affordable with near-guaranteed tee times and all the ingredients that makes links golf so special are here in abundance: spectacular coastal views, towering dunes, hidden greens, deep pot bunkers, tumbling fairways, undulating putting surfaces and ever-present sea breezes. Peat fires and skylarks Hidden in the hills of Donegal on the tranquil shores of Lough Eske is Harvey's Point, a luxurious 74 bedroom hotel featuring the very best in accommodation, award-winning cuisine and traditional Irish hospitality. As we check in for one night, the distinctive aroma of burning peat hits our nostrils before the welcoming fire, tucked in an alcove by the reception desk comes into view. There's no question of roughing it at Ireland's 'number 1 rated hotel by Trip Advisor', with suites so sumptuous and spacious, they can double up for some long range putting practise. It’s 9.30am the following morning at Narin & Portnoo Golf Club, etched into sand dunes in stunning Gweebarra Bay on County Donegal's west coast, about an hour's drive from Harvey's Point. Golf bags and carts are neatly lined up in rows outside the clubhouse, a group of golfers enjoy pre-round coffees while others loosen up in the practice nets near the first tee. There’s a palpable buzz in the air on this crisp, sunny morning.
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Golfing brothers in a magical corn
17th hole – Co. Sligo Golf Club –
EL E AV R R U T AT
FE
Atlantic Way
s Andrew & Paul Marshall take a wild ride ner of the Emerald Isle to play six classic links
Rosses Point.
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Waiting to tee off at Narin & Portnoo
Harvey's Point Hotel in Donegal.
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Wild Atlantic Way sign.
A typic
cal picturesque coastal village
From previous page Opened in 1930, Narin & Portnoo is engagingly old-fashioned, with a meandering routing over and around the dunes. We join club professional Daragh Lyons to tackle the recently re-developed par-73 layout, who gets proceedings underway by expertly splitting the fairway with a hybrid on the short par-4 first. All manner of shots are required here - crisp irons to par threes over cavernous terrain, draws around sharp dog-legs, chip and run shots over mounds and dips, accurate tee shots down snake-like fairways and low trajectory shots into the Atlantic breezes. “My favourite holes are the par-3 7th, par-4 8th and especially the stunning par-5 15th played from an elevated tee that epitomises the beauty of the course,” says Daragh, as we walk the fairways with only the uplifting sounds of skylarks for company. From Narin & Portnoo, we drive 55 km south-east to play one of Darren Clarke's favourite tracks – the long and testing Donegal Golf Club situated on the Murvagh Peninsula. After a quick nine holes, the 19th beckons, that sacred place with the bewitching spell of an Irish welcome. Out on the terrace with 360-degree views, we join other golfers enjoying their pints as the late afternoon sun casts long shadows across the links land, defining every undulation, bump and hollow. Following a comfortable night and full Irish breakfast at the 4-star Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in Sligo, it's time to sample our third course - County Sligo Golf Club (or Rosses Point as it is popularly known) located on the peninsula of the same name, 8km from Sligo. Established in 1894, the present links were redesigned by legendary golf architect Harry Colt in the 1920s, and continuous improvements have been made over the years to make the layout, in the words of BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss “A tremendous test for the highest quality player and great fun for the modest competitor.” Every Easter since 1923, Rosses Point has been home to the famous West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, and notable past winners include Padraig Harrington in 1994 and Rory Mcllroy in 2005 and 2006. In preparation for the championship, the course is matured earlier and faster than others in the region, and when we play it shortly after the event it's in marvellous condition, especially the snooker table-like greens which are a joy to putt on. The signature hole is the par-4 17th, a long dog-leg left where the second shot must be hit up a hill to a difficult green that slopes severely from the back. A par here is as rare as an unfriendly Irishman. Fishing, shooting and falconry "Did you enjoy Rosses Point today lads," says Duty Manager Dave Walsh, as we check in for two nights at Mount Falcon, an award-winning country hotel and 100 acre estate on the outskirts of Ballina, further south in County Mayo. "I hear you will be playing Enniscrone tommorow. Now that's a different
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Fishing on the Owenduff River. (Inset, left) Close up of gun and cartridges at Mount Falcon (Picture: Mount Falcon). (Inset, right) Lowry's traditional music bar in Clifden, Connemara
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From previous page challenge all together with its roller-coaster fairways and hidden greens." Accommodation options at Mount Falcon range from the luxurious Wall Pool Suite (named after the most famous salmon pool on the Mount Falcon estate) boasting original features, to deluxe rooms and self-contained lodges ideal for fishermen and golfers. Tiger Woods, Mark O'Meara and Nick Faldo are just a few of the famous visitors to Mount Falcon over the last few years using it as a base for fishing and golf. “Fishing is huge in this area, and we just happen to have Ireland's most prolific salmon river, the Moy, running through our property with an annual rod catch of approximately 9000 salmon,” says Mount Falcon's owner Alan Maloney. The fishery is split into two 6 rod beats with the prime fly water on the upper beat which includes the famous wall pool, while the lower beat is more suited to bait and spinning with slower deeper holding pools. Guests can enjoy various fishing packages that include the Moy, plus other excellent rivers and lakes in the region. Mount Falcon's rod room carries an impressive range of fishing equipment, from fly rods to spinning rods and waders. “At Mount Falcon you can fish in the morning and golf in the afternoon or vice-versa,” says Alan. “Rainy conditions are ideal for fishing and sunny weather is great for golf, so whatever the weather you are a winner.” After enjoying an excellent morning of outdoor pursuits, learning fly-fishing under the watchful eye of Robert Gillespie (holder of the Irish record for single handed distance casting), clay-pigeon shooting with Stuart Price, a falconry display by Head Falconer Jason Deasy and hitting some balls on the range, we are ready for our fourth round at nearby Enniscrone Golf Club. Enniscrone started life as a modest nineholer in 1918, but it was the prolific Irish designer, Eddie Hackett, who put the place on the map when he extended the layout to eighteen in the mid-1970s. Then, a few years back, Donald Steel visualised another six holes in the dune range and built three others, enabling the club to spread its wings to 27
holes. The scenery of the main championship course, appropriately called The Dunes is second to none. Twelve of the holes wind and twist their way through a maze of the tallest and shaggiest dunes land on the coast, where a sense of isolation and tranquility surrounds you, along with the tall marram grass rough. One hole that will etch itself in the memory is the mountainous 350-yard par-4 13th, called The Burrows, which is like teeing off the summit of Everest with the green nestled down at base camp below. The Dunes at Enniscrone isn’t your average layout – it's a serious golfing adventure on a breathtaking course. On the pilgrimage to Carne As we travel around the north-west, we discover that getting to the courses is all part of the golfing experience – driving through eerie heather-cloaked moorland, the home of curlew, buzzard and stacks of drying peat, past ancient castles perched on top of windswept headlands and through quaint villages with more pubs than shops. The roads, often twisting and narrow, take longer than expected to navigate, but it's time well spent in anticipation until that next links weaving its way among the dunes comes into view. A good case in point is our penultimate round at Carne Golf Links 80 km west of Enniscrone. The special charm of Carne lies in the journey required to get there, plus its remote location in magnificent sand dunes overlooking Blacksod Bay and the wild Atlantic Ocean near the town of Belmullet. “If ever the Lord intended land for a golf course, Carne has it,” so said the late Eddie Hackett, who laid out the course in the early 1990s. This was his final links layout, and it is now believed by many who have played it to be his greatest challenge. One of Carne's classic holes is the par-3 16th that drops steeply from an elevated tee to a green encircled by dunes. The tough par-4 17th, and the par-5 18th are a memorable finale to this wild and rugged links that makes a lasting impression on all that play it. Complementing Hackett's original eighteen is the recently created nine-hole Kilmore
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Stone plaque commerating Alcock and Brown re-enactment- Connemara Championship Golf Links.
Master Falconer Jason Deasy – Mount Falcon.
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Two golfers enjoy a pint of Guinness at Donegal Golf Club's 19th hole
From previous page course designed by Ally McIntosh, offering more exciting holes routed through the same huge dunes. Be sure to make the pilgrimage. After playing Carne's new Kilmore nine with Hackett's unmissable back nine, we continue south along the Wild Atlantic Way through more dramatic scenery to Clifden, the picturesque capital of Connemara in County Galway, with just enough time for a couple of Guinness and our bed for the night at the Foyle's Hotel. Points of interest along the route include the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick, magnificent Kylemore Abbey, Killary Harbour (Ireland's only genuine fjord), and popular Westport, where like Clifden, the flowing melodies of traditional music fill the colourful pubs.
The final round
Connemara is one of Ireland's most iconic areas with its inspiring landscapes and eternal skies. On this sunny spring morning the rolling green hills and shimmering lakes are interspersed with patches of grey granite with stone-walled fields bursting with wildflowers. Connemara (Conamara) is Irish for 'Inlets of the Sea' and the coastal road we take from Clifden, bears this out as it winds around small bays, hidden beaches and coves to Connemara Championship Golf Links. “This is as good a day as it gets at Connemara,” says life member Rod McGahon, who we join for a better-ball Stableford match, along with his mate and former club captain Lorcan Geoghegan. The par-72 test begins with a lovely dog-leg left opener with the approach to a well-guarded green, and after that the thrills never end with the course building up nicely to a terrific back nine. The great thing about Connemara is that Eddie Hackett designed it in such a way that it's eminently playable by golfers of all levels and unlike some links, there's a better chance of finding your ball in the light wispy rough if you stray off line. The course opened in 1973 and has received many illustrious visitors over the years including five-time Open champion Tom Watson, who raved about the elevated greens on the back nine. Savouring our evening meals of Roast Canon of Connemara Lamb in the Pullman Restaurant, we raise our glasses to an unforgettable week's golf in Ireland's north-west with images of stunning coastal scenery, Atlantic Ocean views and only skylarks for company, as we hit our tee shots down a another winding fairway hidden among the dunes...
WHERE TO PLAY Narin & Portnoo Golf Club: www.narinportnoogolfclub.ie Donegal Golf Club (Murvagh): www.donegalgolfclub.ie County Sligo Golf Club: www.countysligogolfclub.ie Enniscrone Golf Club: www.enniscronegolf.com Carne Golf Links (Belmullet): www.carnegolflinks.com Connemara Championship Golf Links: www.connemaragolflinks.com WHERE TO STAY Harvey's Point Hotel (Donegal): www.harveyspoint.com
Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa (Sligo ): www.radissonblu.ie/hotel-sligo Mount Falcon (Ballina/County Mayo): www.mountfalcon.com Foyles Hotel (Clifden/Connemara) : www.foyleshotel.com Glenlo Abbey Hotel (Galway) : www.glenloabbeyhotel.com MORE INFORMATION North & West Coast Links Web: www.northandwestcoastlinks.com Email: Sales@northandwestcoastlinks.com
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Chate
Paris, France •
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R T R E O R ES TU A
www.chateau-augerville.com
FE
eau d’Augerville
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Chateau d’Augervill
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FROM PARIS WITH LOVE C
hâteau d’Augerville is a prestigious estate located on the edge of the natural park of Gatinais, a short 80km south of Paris.
Situated in the heart of the French countryside,
visitors to the area will be greeted by natural
countryside landscapes and charming villages that
dot the road to Augerville-la-Rivière. Set amid
woodland and wheat fields, Château d’Augerville
provides an instant ‘wow’ factor as you drive up the
magnificent tree-lined avenue.
400 years of history made Château d’Augerville a
remarkable 4-star hotel of 40 rooms set among three historical buildings, on the edge of the
Essonne River - which is regarded as a haven of
peace.
Facilities onsite are endless, but the Jacques
Coeur restaurant deserves a particular mention. In a warm atmosphere with contemporary touches
and traditional French cuisine, the restaurant is
nicely decorated with remarkable woodworks and a
superb fireplace. For a more informal option, the
Clubhouse offers a wide Bistro menu. And for a real
treat, the Chocolate Factory serves up a large selection of chocolate pralines, as well as old-
fashioned marshmallows, nougats and candies
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Chateau d’Augerville
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From previous page The 110-hectare estate was transformed in
1995 into a superb 18-hole golf course and its
historic château is now home to a comfortable and welcoming clubhouse. Designed by architect Olivier
Dongradi, the Augerville golf course blends
beautifully into the rolling landscape that provides an
enchanting, natural backdrop. Technically
demanding and long, all 18 holes require strategic golfing skills.
The picturesque ponds and long smooth greens
seen from the elevated tees quickly prove to be
challenging obstacles to both seasoned golfers and determined novices. It might be an idea to book the
services of the local golf pro on site to fine-tune your game in advance of teeing off.
After golf, there are numerous onsite actives such
as mountain biking, quads, French bowling, or
archery. If you’ve rented a car, take a drive offsite to
the city of Orleans, Fontainbleau forest or one of the many Chateaux in the region.
Get in touch! facebook.com/LeChateaudAugerville
For more information see
ww.chateau-augerville.com Volume 2 • Issue 19
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Intercontinental Sanya
Haitang Bay, China • www.intercontinental.com
42 Destination Golf TRAVEL
EL T RE O U H AT FE
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Intercontinental Sanya
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NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
H
aitang Bay is widely regarded as one of
the biggest and most important tourism
development projects in China. Unlike other tourism resort zones, Haitang Bay is still a
virgin land of unspoilt beauty in the shadow of a mountain and over 20km of stunning coastline.
Ideally located, this new resort is accessed by
motorway to Sanya Downtown (28Km) and Sanya Airport (45Km). This has attracted
major hotel chains to the area, and now more than 20 world class resorts have been
constructed along with the other necessary
resources to complete the tourism destination. One such hotel is the InterContinental Sanya
Haitang Bay Resort, a luxurious beachside
resort nestled on the China’s renowned
National Coast - Haitang Bay. Its modern
design with Hainan influence and lush
landscaping which blends into the natural, the
Resort is shaped like a dragon resting on the
beach and stretches 150,000 square meters. All of the 294 rooms have an attractive
open-plan design that overlooks the azure blue
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Intercontinental Sanya
46 Destination Golf TRAVEL
From previous page
waters of the South China Sea. With a décor
featuring tropical artwork, all rooms have
spacious master bedrooms and private outdoor
balconies with bathtubs overlooking the stunning
ocean views.
Featuring 7 restaurants and bars,
InterContinental Sanya Haitang Bay Resort
creates the true taste and flavour of foods
served from around the world. One of its unique features is a large sea water aquarium and its
restaurant, AQUA. Everything makes the perfect answer for an oasis to relax and getaway.
As for golf, 12 world class golf courses are
located within a 30 minutes’ drive from the
Resort. Big name golf courses such as Mystic Spring, Dragon Valley, Yalong Bay and Clear
Water compete with the best. Golfers can enjoy playing in a relaxed environment with beautiful mountain and ocean settings.
Get in touch! twitter.com/InterConHotels
facebook.com/intercontinental For more information see
www.intercontinental.com Volume 2 • Issue 19
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Stoke Park Country Club London, England • www.stokepark.com
48 Destination Golf TRAVEL
RT E SO R RE ATU FE
& Hotel
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Stoke Park Country Club &
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& Hotel
TOTALLY STOKED!
S
toke Park is a 300 acre estate that is regarded as one of Europe's leading five star Hotel, Spa and Country Club Resorts.
A short 30-minutes from London’s west end, the resort is perfectly located 7-miles from Heathrow Airport. Also close by is Pinewood Studios, which attracts many famous actors – not least mentioning the two James Bond movies that were filmed on the course Goldfinger (1964) and Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). Stoke Park provides for a convenient luxury getaway any time of the year, and is perfectly situated for quick stopovers during business or leisure trips to London. Stoke Park has a rather long and illustrious history. The estate dates back to the eleventh century, and previous owners include Queen Elizabeth I and the Duke of Buckingham. The magnificent Grade I Palladian mansion was designed by James Wyatt in 1795, and is set in 350 acres of glorious private parkland which enjoys views across the lakes to Windsor Castle and nearby Eton College. The Mansion was a family home until 1908, when Stoke Park became the UK's first Country Club. After operating as a private club for over ninety years, the property underwent a $33 million restoration and renovation, and opened
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Stoke Park Country Club & Hotel
52 Destination Golf TRAVEL
From previous page
as a hotel in December of 1998. Stoke Park now boasts a 5- Star Hotel which is set within 350 acres of beautiful parkland, gardens and lakes. The hotel has 49 luxuriously appointed bedrooms, with 21 more traditional rooms in The Mansion, and 28 contemporary, boutique style rooms in The Pavilion, all built in a style that complements the history of the house, while incorporating all of the modern amenities for the traveller. Facilities also include nine Meeting and Private entertainment Rooms, the award winning Stoke Park Spa by SPC, three Restaurants 3 AA Rosettes), First Class Health and Racquet facilities (13 Tennis Courts) a Crèche and much more.
Stoke Park Golf Club was founded at Stoke Park in 1908. The 27-hole championship course was designed by famed golf architect Harry Shapland Colt. Colt and his partners worked on over three hundred golf courses around the world including St. Andrews in Scotland, Royal Portrush in Ireland, Wentworth in England, and Pine Valley in the United States.
Get in touch! Facebook.com/stokepark Twitter.com/stokepark For more information see
www.stokepark.com Volume 2 • Issue 19
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