Destination Golf - August 2014

YOUR GLOBAL GOLF GUIDE ISSUE 21 • AUGUST 2014

TRAVEL

IN THIS ISSUE: THE CHAMPIONS COURSE La Quinta, Spain

THE GOLFERS SHIRE The Oxfordshire, England

A PARADISE IN PATTAYA Ravindra Beach Resort, Thailand

PICTURE PERFECT GOLF HOTSHOTS • EDITORS PICKS

TORRES TIME

SPAIN’S MEDITERRANEAN COAST

DESTINATION GOLF IS ON A MISSION 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: First Warsaw GC

We are delighted to announce our Official Media Partnership with Mission Hills, for the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am from 24-26 October 2014.

Hollywood superstars, sporting legends and golfing greats will converge on China this October for the year’s biggest sports and entertainment spectacular. A guest list for the eagerly-awaited week of golf, glamour and gala events reads like a Who’s Who of global show business and elite sporting endeavour. Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman are being lined up to appear, together with dazzling actress Jessica Alba.

Top golfers confirmed for the tournament include Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, Gary Player, Greg Norman, John Daly, and Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley. It’s sure to be a cracking event.

Our first resort feature takes a peek at La Quinta, one of the finest courses along the Costa del Sol. Benefitting from its unique location, golfers are presented with stunning panoramic views over the Marbella Valley to the warm waters of the Mediterranean sea.

Our second resort feature takes us to The Oxfordshire, widely recognised as one of the best golf resorts in England. The golf course has hosted many Championships while the facilities are further enhanced by an award winning luxury 50-bedroom Hotel & Spa. Our last feature injects a tropical twist, as we report on The Ravindra Beach Resort & Spa. This luxury 4-star resort is only 15-minutes from Pattaya City.

Laze & soak up the sun on white sandy beach, explore the vegetation in lush tropical gardens or sip cocktails by the pool bar at the resort’s huge lagoon pools, paradise awaits.

Enjoy!

Karl Doyle

EDITOR editor@destinationgolf.ie Dermot Synnott

Andrew Marshall

Paul Marshall

Editorial Director

Golf Travel Writer

Golf Travel Photographer

Aidan Bradley

Ronald Montesano

Golf Course Photographer

Golf Travel Writer

Follow Us!

Facebook: facebook.com/DestinationGolf Twitter: twitter.com/Dest_Golf LinkedIn: ie.linkedin.com/in/dermotsynnott Volume YouTube: 2 • Issue 21 3 www.youtube.com/user/destinationgolf

Contents Contentsand andreference referenceguide guide Picture Perfect

AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography

EAGLE CREST- RIDGE COURSE

BRASADA RANCH GOLF CLUB SKY CREEK RANCH Powell Butte, GOLF CLUB Oregon, USA Dallas, Texas, USA www.brasada.com www.skycreekranch.com Page Page4-5 12

ACACIA COUNTRY CLUB Redmond, Oregon, USA Beachwood, Ohio, USA www.acaciacountryclub.com www.eagle-crest.com Page 14

EAGLE CREST-THE RESORTGOLF COURSE CARMEL VALLEY CLUB Carmel, California, Redmond, Oregon, USA USA www.carmelvalleyranch.com www.eagle-crest.com Page 16 Page 8-9

PUMPKIN RIDGE GOLF CLUB CASTLE PINES North Plains, Oregon, USA COUNTRY CLUB Castlerock, Colorado, USA www.pumpkinridge.com www.ccatcastlepines.com Page 10-11 Page 18

RUNNING Y RANCHBAY GOLFGOLF COURSECLUB CHAMBERS University Place, Klamath Falls, Oregon, USA Washington, USA www.runningy.com www.chambersbaygolf.com Page 20 Page 12-13

THE RESERVE GOLF CLUB CLUB FIRESTONE COUNTRY Akron, Ohio, USA Aloha, Oregon, USA www.clubcorp.com www.reservegolf.com Page 22 Page 14-15

ABU DHABI CLUBHOUSE LAS COLINAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Abu Dhabi, UAE Alicante, Spain www.adgolfclub.com www.lascolinasgolf.es Page Page 16-1724

FIRESTONE CLUBHOUSE OAKLAND HILLS GC Bloomfield Hills, Akron, Ohio , USAMichigan, USA www.oaklandhillscc.com www.clubcorp.com Page 26 Page 18-19

PLANTATION GOLF GAILLARDIA CLUBHOUSE & COUNTRY CLUB Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA Venice, Florida, USA www.gaillardia.com www.plantationgcc.com Page 28 20-21 Page

PALM VALLEYCOUNTRY CLUBHOUSE CLUB RIVIERA Pacific Palisades, Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA California, USA www.palmvalleygolf.com www.therivieracountryclub.com Page22-23 30 Page

PORT ROYAL CLUBHOUSE SEAVIEW GOLF CLUB Galloway, New Jersey, USA USA Hilton Head, South Carolina, www.seaviewgolf.com www.portroyalgolfclub.com Page 32 Page 24-25

THE VINTAGE CLUBHOUSE VICTORIA NATIONAL GOLF IndianCLUB Wells, California, USA Newburgh, Indiana, USA www.thevintageclub.com www.victorianational.com Page 34 Page 26-27

GOLFING THE POLE, WILD ATLANTIC GET IN THE POLAND Dermot Synnott visits Warsaw WAY, IRELAND

LA QUINTA, SPAIN CHATEAU D’AUGERVILLE www.laquintagolf.com France44-49 Page

Page 6-7

Features Features in Poland.

Andrew & Paul Marshall visit the Page 36-43 North West coast of Ireland Page 28-33 THE OXFORDSHIRE, INTERCONTENTINAL SANYA ENGLAND www.theoxfordshire.com China50-55 Page

www.intercontinental.com Page 42-47 4

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www.chateau-augerville.com Page 36-41 RAVINDRA BEACH RESORT, THAILAND STOKE PARK www.ravindraresort.com England Page 56-61

www.stokepark.com Page 48-53

Pictured at the press conference to launch the partnership between Mission Hills and the World Wildlife Fund are (from left): artist and PR executive Real Ting; the Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group, Mr. Tenniel Chu; actress and model Annie Lau; singer and actress Denise Ho; and the CEO of WWF Hong Kong, Mr. Adam Koo. Photograph courtesy of Mission Hills

Mission Hills Teams up with WWF Mission Hills has underlined its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development by forming a landmark partnership with the World Wildlife Fund.

Proceeds from the star-studded Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am golf tournament in October will be donated to the WWF for its conservation programmes and efforts to protect endangered species, it was announced today.

The initiative was formally launched at a press conference in Hong Kong attended by the Vice

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Chairman of Mission Hills Group, Mr. Tenniel Chu, and the CEO of WWF Hong Kong, Mr. Adam Koo. They were joined by singer and actress Denise Ho, actress and model Annie Lau, artist and PR executive Real Ting and renowned fashion illustrator Mickco Chan, who has designed a series of WWF-themed T-shirts for the tournament.

“With such a fast pace of life in Hong Kong, people don’t have much time to think about social issues,” said Denise Ho. “I’m very happy to see Mission Hills showing such concern for environmental protection and

sustainable development. Hopefully, this campaign will raise public awareness about endangered wildlife and species.”

Mickco Chan commented: “I’m truly honoured to design T-shirts for the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am and to make a contribution to the World Wildlife Fund.

I hope these illustrations show the close relationship between humans and animals and that people will start thinking more about conservation and environmental protection.”

During today’s press conference, held in Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, the VIPs made their handprints in cement to formally mark the beginning of the partnership between Mission Hills and the WWF. “Mission Hills has, for many years, been a pioneer in environmental protection and sustainable development, so we are delighted to announce this partnership with the World Wildlife Fund,” said Mr. Tenniel Chu. “While the World Celebrity Pro-Am is a spectacular and entertaining event with global impact, it is also important that we raise funds for such a worthy cause and that the message of conservation and ecological responsibility is clearly delivered.”

The third edition of the World Celebrity Pro-Am will be held from 24-26 October at the fully-integrated Mission Hills Haikou Resort on the tropical island of Hainan.

Oscar winners Morgan Freeman and Nicole Kidman are being lined up to appear, together with Hollywood heartthrob Chris Evans. Dazzling actress Jessica Alba is confirmed to take part, as is music maestro Kenny G. Sporting icons heading to the globally-televised World Celebrity Pro-Am include two Olympic legends, Russian ice skater Evgeni Plushenko and Chinese gymnast Li Ning, and Portuguese former international footballer Luís Figo.

China’s basketball legend and former NBA star Yao Ming will also take part in the tournament for the second time. The retired athlete remains one of the most influential sporting figures in China and his revisit to Mission Hills will further popularize the game of golf in the nation.

Top golfers confirmed for the tournament include 2013 US Open champion Justin Rose, the flamboyant Ian Poulter, multiple Major winners Gary Player, Greg Norman and John Daly, and Europe’s 2014 Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley.

In total, participants in this year’s star-spangled event have collected more than 160 acting awards, over 100 music awards, 35 Olympic and World Championship medals and a staggering 335 professional golf victories, including 15 Majors.

China’s entertainment industry will be well represented by the country’s top film director, Feng Xiaogang, acclaimed actors Chen Daoming and Wang Zhiwen, and singer Sun Nan. Hong Kong celebrities taking part will include film director Sammo Hung, actors Donnie Yen, Eric Tsang, Simon Yam, Natalis Chan, Michael Wong and Ruco Chan, and actress Miriam Yeung.

The Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am is sponsored

by American Express, Porsche, Stella Artois, Kohler, Lindt, San Pellegrino and Appletiser.

The Vice Chairman of Mission Hills Group, Mr. Tenniel Chu (centre), looks on as VIPs make their handprints in cement at the press conference to launch the partnership between Mission Hills and the World Wildlife Fund. Pictured (from left) are: artist and PR executive Real Ting; actress and model Annie Lau; singer and actress Denise Ho; and the CEO of WWF Hong Kong, Mr. Adam Koo. Photograph courtesy of Mission Hills

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DRIVING THE GREEN An Irish Golfing Adventure

By Kevin Markham

Mark Twain had it all wrong: golf is not a good walk spoiled, golf is a journey.

Kevin Markham started playing golf at the age of six and has played ever since. After ten years working in London and Dublin, he became a freelance copywriter and took the opportunity to play a lot more golf. Not for the better it turns out. He writes about golf for newspapers, magazines and blogs. His first book was Hooked – An Amateur’s Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland (2011).

The first hole on Kevin’s golfing odyssey was played at Waterford Castle Golf Club. His last was at Massereene, County Antrim.

Greystones Golf Club, Barley Cove, Newcastle West – these are just three of the golf courses that hold special memories for Kevin Markham. Greystones was where he learned to play golf, taught by his father and grandfather (and his grandfather’s band of cronies); Barley Cove is where, aged eight, he made a fashion statement in orange wellingtons and had an unfortunate encounter with a live electric fence; and Newcastle West is the club that inspired his 11,000km tour of the 18-hole golf courses of Ireland – all 349 of them!

He played the best shot of his life at Old Head Golf Club: ‘The ball sailed low and fast out to sea, over the cliff’s edge and the angry ocean, and above the hordes of screeching gulls. The wind toyed with it, lifting it upwards and then slapping it back towards the land. Against the black cliffs it was a beautiful thing to watch as it honed in on the fairway, touching down short of the green.’

Ireland’s beauty shines through but the people encountered along the way, the golf clubs visited and the idiosyncrasies of a twenty-year-old camper van formed the fairways on which this story plays.

Kevin encountered spectacular scenery at every point of his journey and made sure to have some non-golf days to be a tourist and soak up the soul of Ireland at magnificent spots such as Slieve League, Loop Head and the Cliffs of Moher.

Determined to play and review the 18-hole golf courses of Ireland, Kevin headed off in a camper van he named Rusty (for obvious reasons). Along the way, he dealt with a leaking roof, freezing temperatures and potholes Rusty could almost have lived in. He encountered born-again Christians, the Running Man of Mahon Golf Club and even a genuine Irish Mammy. He met great golfers, bad golfers, rude golfers, and golfers as old as time. There were passionate golfers gambling more money than most make in a month and golfers whose only passion was to reach the bar.

His wife is a very forgiving lady – Kevin even played golf on their honeymoon – twice!

Kevin’s travels took him to Cork and Kerry, to Clare, Galway, the east coast and the northwest. Northern Ireland was quiet and welcoming until the police were called. He circled the Midlands more than once, and ventured into the beauty of Donegal where he discovered golf’s most perfect tee box.

From tee-off to putting the final hole, this is a true Irish golfing adventure.

Driving the Green – An Irish Golfing Adventure by Kevin Markham is published by The Collins Press, price €12.99. It is available in all good bookshops and online from www.collinspress.ie/driving-the-green.html

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He discovered the tale of the Vertigo Angustior, the 1.8mm-long snail that battled Greg Norman for possession of the dunes along Doughmore Bay. The snail won.

Kevin played ten rounds a week (he played three courses – Mallow, Fermoy and Mitchelstown – in just one day) and had several pairs of shoes for the journey – the good ones, the bad ones and the backups ... and the three pairs he threw away.

Rusty was temperamental to say the least, from the gas-powered refrigerator that had just two settings on the temperature dial – ‘warm’ and ‘frozen’ – to the bed that hugged the space above the driver’s and passenger’s seats while driving and pulled down for sleeping, from the water-pressure system that forced you to turn on the tap in the bathroom to get water from the kitchen tap to the ‘entertainment system’ that had a cassette tape of James Last Plays ABBA’s Greatest Hits wedged inside.

According to Kevin, ‘Golfers are often conflicted in the parkland versus links debate. For me there is no debate because links is the origin of the game.

Don’t get me wrong, I love parkland golf, but links is raw, emotive, hair-on-your-chest golf. Just because you hit a perfect shot doesn’t mean you’ll get the perfect result. Links fairways and greens are fickle creatures, embracing you with open arms one shot, then dismissing your ball with a back-handed slap the next, to send your ball into the rough or a bunker that had never looked in play when the ball first took flight. I love that unpredictability.’

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Golf Hotshots

Dallas, Texas, USA Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club • www.skycreekranch.co

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Golf Hotshots

Beachwood, Ohio, USA Acacia Country Club • www.acaciacountryclub.com

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Golf Hotshots

Carmel, California, USA Carmel Valley Golf Club • www.carmelvalleyranch.c

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Golf Hotshots

Castlerock, Colorado, USA Castle Pines Country Club • www.ccatcastlepines.c

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Golf Hotshots

University Place, Washington, USA Chambers Bay Golf Club • www.chambersbaygolf.co

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Golf Hotshots

Akron, Ohio, USA Firestone Country Club • www.clubcorp.com

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Editors Picks

Alicante, Spain Las Colinas Golf & Country Club • www.lascolinasgo

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olf.es

AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Editors Picks

Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, USA Oakland Hills GC • www.oaklandhillscc.com

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Editors Picks

Venice, Florida, USA Plantation Golf & Country Club • www.plantationgcc

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c.com

AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Editors Picks

Pacific Palisades, California, USA Riviera Country Club • www.therivieracountryclub.c

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Editors Picks

Galloway, New Jersey, USA Seaview Golf Club • www.seaviewgolf.com

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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Editors Picks

Newburgh, Indiana, USA Victoria National Golf Club • www.victorianational.c

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AIDANBRADLEY AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography Golf Course Photography

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“Get in the Pole”

The Old Town Market Square, one of the most picturesque corners of Warsaw city.

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Golfing in Warsaw – By Dermot Synnott

EL E AV UR TR AT FE

The team at Destination Golf have been tracing all over the globe to find new golf destinations that can meet the demands of a travelling golfer. There is no doubt that the world has become a smaller place and to unearth new destinations and fresh experiences is becoming an ever challenging task.

Having recently visited Szczechin (Western Pomerania) and Gdansk (Eastern Pomerania), we jumped at an invitation from the Polish Tourist Board to visit Warsaw.

In doing so, we can now attest to a golf destination that provides the perfect mix of quality golf, history and culture.

Our direct flight with Ryanair from Dublin to Modlin airport was a short 2.30hr journey, departing at5.20pm and arriving at 9.30pm – perfect for those wanting to get a day’s work in before hitting the fairways of Warsaw.

On arrival at Modlin airport, our host presented us with a fruit-based Polish vodka, setting the tone for a few days of drinking and golfing in wonderful surrounds. A 40-minute transfer brought us into the heart of Warsaw city, where we checked into Polonia Palace Hotel.

This unique hotel in central Warsaw is the only building to avoid being destroyed in communist-era; therefore its long history has survived war and political crises. Because of this, it stands as a symbol of the best of both Old and New Warsaw. An ultra-stylish hotel, it underwent two years of renovations and modernisation, before being reopened in 2005. Today, the four star hotel provides an enchanting mix of tradition and modernity, with a homely restaurant and a fashionable jazz bar.

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Beer cart girls hand out chilled Tyskie beers at First Warsaw Golf & Country Club.

Lakeside setting at First Warsaw Golf & Country Club.

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A snap beside one of the billboard signs on the course.

Lucky to g

get a full swing beside the large billboard.

From previous page There is no doubt that golf in Poland has come a long way since the turn of the century. Championship courses are being built close to main cities, tournaments are being hosted, and course are gaining rapid Global recognition.

The first of our three games at local courses around Warsaw was at the First Warsaw Golf Club.

First Warsaw Golf Club is a private yet friendly golf club with a newly built clubhouse. Before teeing off, we basked in the Polish sunshine while enjoying a tasty lunch on the balcony that overlooked the 18th hole, accompanied by a chilled Tyskie Polish beer.

The course was well presented with wide fairways, manicured greens and cleverly integrated water features.

By the time we had reached the back 9, our group decided that golfing in such a setting deserved another round of Tyskie beers. The beer car girls duly obliged and we sailed around the last few holes without a care in the world.

After our game with got to meet with the clubs Director, who divulged his extensive plans to upgrade the teeboxes and construct a brand new green at the 18th, which will be almost like an island green sitting in the natural lake beside the clubhouse.

Later that evening we visited the Praga district, one of the coolest, most bohemian places to eat and drink in Poland.

We were there to visit the very popular Warszawa Wschodnia restaurant at the SoHo factory. The open plan restaurant gives you a unique opportunity to watch some of Poland’s finest chefs in action, creating typically Polish cuisine to whet your appetite. I chose the mouth-watering Deer medallions flambéed in French Armagnac brandy!!

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A stunning sunset over the 18th at Sobienie Krolewskie

A birds eye view of Warsaw from above.

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The par-3 feature hole 16th at Sobienie Krolewskie.

Our pilot w

with some of the Irish press group.

From previous page The next morning we checked out of our hotel and transferred to Sobienie Kroleswkie Golf Club, one of the biggest golf resorts in Poland, located 30km South of Warsaw. On arrival at the large red brick clubhouse, you are instantly greeted by smiling staff at the reception desk in the main hallway, proving a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We had time for a bite of lunch before our game so the restaurants generously size “club sandwich” was the perfect re-energiser before taking on the Championship course which had recently hosted a European Tour satellite event.

Sobienie Kroleswkie golf course was very different to the previous day’s golf. More of an inland links styled course akin to windy course that you would find on a Scottish or Irish coastline, it was quite a challenge with the long rough and undulating greens. The back 9 was particularly memorable, with the clever use of lakes and hazards.

The club is particularly proud of its new golf academy.

Opened in September 2009, this is the perfect place for beginners to learn the fundamentals, or advanced players to sharpen their skills under the watchful eye of professional training staff.

There also is an aviation academy attached to the resort and to our surprise, an evening sunset flight over Warsaw had been arranged for us. The birds’ eye view of Warsaw took our breath away as we looped around the National Stadium and scrutinized the stunning countryside.

Our accommodation that night was at a nearby four star hotel, which is a sister hotel to the golf course. Sobienie Krolewskie Hotel is an exquisite 19th century palace hotel where guests can relax and enjoy a luxurious meal in the restaurant, horse riding, tennis, swimming pool or the Wellness Spa.

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Golfing in the Polish countryside at Lisia Polana Golf Club.

The large clubhouse at Sobienie Krolewskie.

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Dumplings and Ksiazece local beer.

No better

From previous page All of the buildings in Old Town Warsaw are illuminated by night and there’s an electric atmosphere that seeps out of the energetic night clubs. There is no shortage of pubs and clubs in Warsaw. And for the finale (or beginning) of the evening you can go for a shot of vodka and a small, traditional snack at a twenty-four hour shot bar.

We rose early the next morning to have a stroll around the Old Town, taking in the Royal Castle, Old Town Square, Royal Residences and Multimedia Fountain Park. A short taxi ride also brought us to the Palace of Culture & Science and the National Stadium – both of which require the “wish you were here” tourist snap.

Warsaw is an extraordinary place, rich in history. But what makes the capital‘s Old Town unique, however, is that almost 90 percent of it was rebuilt... after World War II. Using old pictures, the attention to detail and effort employed in its thorough reconstruction was respected by the UNESCO commission, who then categorised Old Town as a World Heritage Site.

Visiting one of the many shopping malls would be an obvious continuation to the day, but for us it was a game at Lisia Polana Golf Club. An enjoyable course that flows through the countryside, this was the most forgiving of the three courses – wide fairways, shorter holes and flatter greens. Our group all agreed that it was the perfect course to start or finish a golf trip to Warsaw, especially given its close proximity to Modlin Airport.

We had time for a bite of food before going back to Modlin airport for an 9.30pm flight, so it was time to try the famous Polish dumplings and a local beer, toasting to a thrilling few days in the Polish Capital.

r thirst quencher than a chilled Tyskie beer.

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Warsaw’s Big 5 Warsaw Old Town

Included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, take a walk around this lively district to visit the main sites and soak up the bustling atmosphere.

Warsaw New Town

A wide array of high-end shops, cinemas, hotels and the Palace of Culture & Science - one of the tallest buildings in Poland.

Royal Castle

Built in the 13th century, this castle has served as the residence of monarchs as well as the Polish President in 1918.

National Stadium

Modern stadium that hosted the final of the EURO 2012 football championships, and is also used for concerts & exhibitions.

Mermaid Syrena

Located in the market square (Old Town), this bronze statue of the Mermaid of Warsaw serves as an emblem of the city.

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Warsaw City: Guided Tours Tour the city in a communist-era police vehicle called a ‘Zuk’, providing a unique touring experience. Our English speaking guide was thorough and extremely knowledgeable about Warsaw. For ‘Zuk’ City Tours email: zygmunt@poczta.onet.pl

Warsaw City: Where To Eat We dined at the very popular Warszawa Wschodnia restaurant at the SoHo factory, located in the Praga district. Watch some of Polands top chefs work their magic from the open plan restaurant. www.gessler.sohofactory.pl

Warsaw City: Where To Stay We stayed at the Polonia Palace Hotel which is an easy walk from Warsaw’s shopping districts and financial centre. It also enjoys an enviable location directly opposite the Palace of Culture & Science. www.poloniapalace.com Fact Box Golf: First Warsaw Golf Club www.firstwarsawgolf.com Sobienie Krolewskie Golf Club www.sobieniekrolewskie.pl Lisia Polana Golf Club www.lisiapolana.pl Travel: Ryanair flies direct from Dublin to Modlin Airport (2 ½ hours approx.)

Further Information: Polish National Tourist Office www.poland.travel/en-gb

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Planning your next golf holiday to Marbella and looking for a great course to play? Why not experience one of the finest courses along the Costa del Sol and walk in the footsteps of past Champions, as plays La Quinta plays host venue to the Benahavis Senior Masters every October, a regular European Seniors PGA Tour Event.

La Quinta Resort is perfectly positioned in the heart of the renowned Marbella’s Golf Valley and nestled in the hills of Sierra Blanca, one of the most popular golf resorts in Spain. The lively Puerto Banus Harbour is a mere 5-minute drive while the trendy town of Marbella is only 15-minutes away with direct access to the A7 motorway.

Benefitting from its unique location, golfers are presented with stunning panoramic views over the Marbella Valley to the warm waters of the Mediterranean sea.

Designed by Mañuel Pinero, the 27-hole layout provides three 9-hole courses that have been carved into the Marbella hills, each with their own identity.

Equipped with the most modern facilities, such as, the digital swing analysis system at our La Quinta Golf Academy, you will encounter a balance between modernity, tradition, nature and good ambience for playing golf.

A typically Andalucian hotel & spa completes this impressive resort, The Melia La Quinta is adjacent directly to the Golf Club. It offers a sunny refuge, designed with golf enthuasiasts in mind.

The Melia La Quinta Hotel offers elegant accommodation with private balconies and attention to detail. Five star service and facilities to pamper you, flavourful Mediterranean & Japanese cuisine to seduce you. Golf, golf and more golf.

An additional 50 courses along the 100 kilometres of the coast make the area a dream come true for golfers. Nearby, sparkling and cosmopolitan Puerto Banús with its yacht harbour, renowned restaurants, bars and shops. Seville, Granada and Cordoba are all within easy reach for the travelling golfer.

For those wanting to play more & pay less, check out the La Quinta Connect Card.

Facebook/LaQuintaGolf

Twitter.com/ LaQuintaGolf For more information see www.laquintagolf.com Volume 2 • Issue 21

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The Oxfordshire is situated in the heart of the Chilterns, a luxury 50 bedroom Hotel and Spa with a Championship Golf Course of outstanding quality. Ideally situated for easy access from both London and the Midlands, The Oxfordshire is perfectly positioned for golf groups, private events, conferences and weddings. The Hotel styling is a contemporary interpretation of a traditional English Country House equipped with all state of the art facilities with a real touch of class.

The Oxfordshire is considered to be one of the most exciting courses in the country.

Having hosted the Benson & Hedges International for 4 years, the Ladies English Open for 2 years and the Andersen Consulting World Championship, this course will provide an exciting challenge that the more skilful golfer will enjoy. The Oxfordshire Golf Course, a previous European Tour venue, uses strategically-contoured holes that blend naturally into the surrounding countryside to provide a challenging game of golf.

The Oxfordshire is also widely recognised as one of the best golf resorts in England, with the facilities further enhanced by an award winning luxury 50-bedroom Hotel & Spa. Recent achievements include a Top 50 “Places to Stay & Play” as voted by Golf Monthly magazine; “Top Golf Course in the County” as voted by the Top 100 Golf Courses in England; and awarded “4 Bubbles” by The Good Spa Guide.

Facebook/theoxfordshire

Twitter.com/theoxfordshire For more information see www.theoxfordshire.com

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A Paradise in Patta

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From previous page Sunshine Hotels & Resorts flagship resort is The Ravindra Beach Resort & Spa, a luxury 4-star resort only 15-minutes from Pattaya City, and only one and a half hour’s drive from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

Blessed by a beach front location, the sea is a mere 100-metres away.

It provides all the amenities of a world class resort with lush tropical landscaped gardens and huge lagoon pools. The resort’s facilities include a spa & massage centre, fitness centre, Kids Club, swimming pools, library, karaoke & lobby lounge.

The Ravindra Resort and Spa in Pattaya even has several dining outlets in-house to cater to our guest, offering different specialties from Thailand and International Cuisine.

The resort also offers a shuttle bus that can take you 10 minutes to central Pattaya for more dining and shopping possibilities.

The resort has a total of 277 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, set in a low rise colonial style accommodation, with private balconies offering either poolside or garden views. Another 5 private pool villas are available for those that want added privacy and relaxation.

Laze & soak up the sun on white sandy beach or sip cocktails by the pool bar at the resort’s huge lagoon pools, paradise awaits.

Facebook/AmazingThailand

Twitter.com/ThailandFanClub For more information see www.ravindraresort.com

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& Sons, Inc. New York, NY. GLASSES UP TO DRINKING RESPONSIBLY.

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