Eat Golf! 10

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW: NEW 2008 DRYJOYS速 GOLF SHOES. SPORTING INTEGRITY: THE LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR ANTI-DOPING POLICY VOLVO MASTERS: 20th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL. EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: FREDRIK JACOBSON. PLUS FASHION, GOLF TIPS, TRAVEL & MORE

FREE - ISSUE TEN - 2007

Nutritional Information: Digest news, reviews, fashion & interviews in the most stylish magazine designed to feed your golfing appetite

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The Fischer Open Golf Series is the finest open golf tournament that includes an Order of Merit based on player performance throughout the year.

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Played on the best courses the Costa del Sol has to offer, title sponsors Fischer Mercedes ensure you are treated with the same care and attention you would expect from such a respected company. On course refreshments, welcome packs for new players plus fine wine and canapĂŠs after the round are all part of the package when you play in the Fischer Open Golf Series.

Open to amateurs and professionals, prizes are awarded on a per event basis for individual net & gross scores, leading pairs, longest drive and nearest pin. Whilst professionals win money, amateurs have the opportunity to take home such things as a Mercedes for the weekend. Fancy one for life? Easy! Get a hole-in-one and a brand new Mercedes SLK two-seater convertible could be yours!

Tournaments take place on a monthly basis, and for those who play regularly the Order of Merit presents a realistic opportunity to be the best of the best, with separate leader boards for amateur and professional players.

So, are you ready to play? Register your interest now, and take part in the next event!

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006 WELCOME

ISSUE 10 5th of 5 editions for 2007

It was this time 2 years ago that myself and Michael finally released the first issue of Eat GOLF! and it had been an exciting and hectic time prior to launch.

tournament at the magnificent La Reserva Golf Club situated adjacent to Valderrama in Sotogrande. Check out our video report at: www.fairwaylife.com

I had just been in Germany to do an interview with Ian Poulter, which was to set the tone for our ambitions to try and bring an exclusive interview with a top tour player in each release. Meanwhile Michael was feverishly working to ensure that we met the deadline we’d set ourselves - our launch was to coincide with the most important golf event in Spain that takes place at Valderrama each year - the Volvo Masters.

For those unable to attend, our close association with the Fischer Open Golf Series presents a regular opportunity to be involved in a prestigious series of competitions, and a new event section starting on page 90 will keep you up to date with developments. The Fischer Open website has also launched, where you can register your interest and get more information at: www.fischeropen.com

The Volvo Masters have some grand celebrations of their own this year, commemorating their 20th anniversary. It has become somewhat of an Eat GOLF! tradition to compile a related feature for the issue which is out during the event, and you can read Mike Wilson’s unique insights into the Masters starting on page 22.

We continue to be grateful for all the support we’ve received - from companies, our contributors, the golf courses and our readers and to show our appreciation we held a special invitational golf

Nick Senior Editor & Publisher ➲ www.eat-golf.com ➩ nick@eat-golf.com ✆ +34 699 958 528

Meanwhile our new section entitled ‘Golf Gear’ will endeavour to keep you abreast of the latest equipment on the market. This issue kicks off with an exclusive first look at the upcoming DryJoys™ golf shoes for 2008. Jonathan Gaunt joins us to give an insiders viewpoint on golf course design, whilst our expanded ‘Golf & Travel’ section takes in more widespread destinations across the globe. And as for the featured tour player? Whatever happened to Fredrik Jacobson who won the Volvo Masters in 2003? Find out in our exclusive interview on page 34.

Michael Denker Publisher & Acc. Manager ➲ www.eat-golf.com ➩ michael@eat-golf.com ✆ +34 635 024 358

Nick Senior, Editor & Publisher.

MORE INFORMATION The articles appearing in this publication represent the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the publisher.

PUBLISHING S.L.

C.I.F. B92673359

For general inquiries / comments ➩ postmaster@eat-golf.com ➲ www.fairwaylife.com For editorial contributions / advertising information visit: www.eat-golf.com

No responsibility is taken for unsolicited manuscripts, pictures or artworks.

Any reproduction, either in part or in full, of written or photographic material contained in this magazine is prohibited unless permission is given by the publisher.

Printed by Jiménez Godoy S.A. Ctra. de Alicante, Km.3. 30160 Murcia ✆ (+34) 968 851 650 Fax: (+34) 968 852 477

GOLF! is distributed in selected golf clubs, golf outlets and luxury hotels from Huelva to Málaga, Almería, Murcia & Madrid, Spain, and the Algarve, Portugal.

EAT

Key to contacts: ➲ Website ➩ E-mail ✆ Telephone ✴ Fax Cover Image: Eat GOLF! fashion shoot at the Big Golf Chill, La Reserva, Sotogrande.

008 IN THIS ISSUE

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

FASHION

016

Check out the latest fashion in our exclusive photo shoots.

If it’s hot it’s here!

YOUR GAME

056

Advice to improve your golf game including sports psychology, fitness, club fitting and pro tips.

FEATURES

020

GOLF GEAR

048

Everything from Player Interviews to articles by The PGAs of Europe, Ladies European Tour and more.

The latest equipment on the market.

If you’re searching for a new club or gadget you’ll find it here.

GOLF & TRAVEL

EVENTS & LIFESTYLE

076

Reviews of the finest golf courses plus ideas about where to go on your next golfing holiday.

SPECIAL THANKS

Golf tournaments to play, how to relax after your round, news and events to watch out for.

090

010 CONTRIBUTORS

DENNIS SHAW l PGAs of EUROPE Currently Media consultant for the PGAs of Europe, having previously been UK sports writer for a number of national and provincial newspapers, including, for several years, Midland correspondent for The Times.

A British Sports Journalist winner and also a Midlands Sports Writer of the Year. Author of two football books as a ghost-writer and formerly editor of Football Today.

BETHAN CUTLER l LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR Media Manager for the Ladies European Tour.

Bethan is the principal news and features writer for the Tour’s official website and responsible for the overall production of the Tour’s annual media guide. She also contributes to numerous publications as a photo journalist. Media point of contact for access to all players and officials.

JONATHAN GAUNT l GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT Responsible for over thirty high quality and distinctive golf courses built since 1987, Jonathan has earned a considerable reputation for imaginative and challenging golf course design. Between 1998 and 2006 Jonathan joined forces with and established G&M Ltd, creating some 25 new courses across Europe; and he is now the Managing Director of Gaunt Golf Design Ltd. GARY FIRKINS l WRITER & BROADCASTER Gary is also a golf public relations consultant with more than 10 years experience working in the media. He wrote for national consumer magazines for seven years, focusing on special interest titles and was deputy editor of Golf World magazine. He also has experience as a freelance journalist, editing an industry magazine and writing for a variety of publications and newspapers, including The Sunday Times.

SUE WELBROCK-SMITH & GEOFFREY FARMER Sue (Freelance Writer) has been writing about golf since 1990. Recognised as a European Golf & Travel Media writer and member of IAGTO’s Golf Travel Writers’ Association, she travels extensively with photographer partner; Geoffrey Farmer specializes in coverage of European Tour events on behalf of their major sponsors, and has contributed to various international publications.

MIKE WILSON l FREELANCE WRITER Mike Wilson is a freelance journalist and copywriter based in Scotland. He travels extensively, covering golf and a range of other sports including sailing and tennis and works on behalf of blue-chip corporate clients including Volvo and Rolex as well as contributing to sports, lifestyle and in-flight magazines worldwide.

➲ www.pgae.com ➩ info@pgae.com ✆ +44 (0)1675 477 899

➲ www.ladieseuropeantour.com ➩ mail@ladieseuropeantour.com ✆ +44 (0)1625 611 444

➲ www.gaunt-golf-design.com ➩ jonathan@gaunt-golf-design.com ✆ +44 (0)1629 815 423

➲ www.landmark-media.com ➩ gary@landmark-media.com ✆ +44 (0)1780 752 790

➩ s-g-farmer@iol.pt ✆ +351 917 820 111

➩ makingwordscount@btinternet.com ✆ Office: +44 1875 870 707 Mobile: +44 7780 924 440

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012 INSTRUCTION

ANNA RAWSON l PROFESSIONAL TOUR PLAYER Currently competing on the Ladies European Tour, Anna has a unique story - excelling in two very different careers - modeling and golfing. Now Anna combines all her passions, by wearing designer pieces such as Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Gucci and Tom Ford glasses while playing. She is a rarity in sports, with the perfect mix of femininity, raw athletic talent, and intelligence.

ALLISON DYER l TOTAL SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY BSc MSc CPsychol, British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Accredited Sport Psychologist and British Psychological Society (BPS) Chartered Psychologist. Allison works as a consultant sport psychologist to the PGA EuroPro Tour, and Positive Golf (Elviria), the official winter training ground for players on the EuroPro Tour.

SAM PLESHETTE l PGA PROFESSIONAL Sam started his career as a golf professional in October 1999. A trainee at Abbotsley Golf & Country Club in Cambridgeshire, UK, he began his PGA training in September 2002. After passing his final exams in October 2005 Sam was elected to full membership of the PGA in May 2006. He has since been working in Spain, and is now based at the El Chaparral Golf Academy.

DAVID POULTON l KZG WORLD TOP 100 GOLF FITTER David was selected by KZG, the world’s leading manufacturer of custom pro-line golf equipment, as one of the World’s Top 100 Club Fitters. The top 100 represent those who are the most skilled, the most knowledgeable, and the most committed to the process of custom fitting golf equipment, marrying technical expertise with a distinctly personal touch.

PATRICK BRADY l PGA PROFESSIONAL Patrick’s professional career began in 1991 at Sutton Coldfield golf club in Birmingham, UK. In 1996 he started work at Swingers driving range. After 5 years as a teaching pro working at Lavender Park golf center in Ascot, he moved to Holland based in Drenthe, coaching groups of people for the GVB exam.

His dream to move to Spain was realised in 2003.

JUAN BARBERIS l FITNESS & NUTRITION EXPERT Juan works with amateur and professional golfers to improve their “golf shape”. He conducts thorough assessments and provides individualised fitness and nutrition programs that enable golfers to enjoy the game more by remaining pain and injury free and also by hitting drives further and more accurately on a consistent basis.

If you have any questions for Anna, you can email her at: ➩ AskAnna@annarawson.net She will answer a couple of questions a month, and post the answers on her website: ➲ www.annarawson.com

➲ www.sportpsychologist.org.uk ➩ totalsportpsychology@fsmail.net ✆ UK +44 (0)7718 208 942 ✆ Spain (+34) 662 070 787

➲ www.golfelchaparral.com ➩ sam@golfelchaparral.com ✆ Spain (+34) 669 643 427

➲ www.golfimprovementcenter.nl ✆ Spain (+34) 685 990 138

➲ www.golfimprovementcenter.nl ✆ Spain (+34) 607 827 021 Appears in association with ➲ www.golf-us.com

➲ www.mygolfadvantage.com ➩ service@mygolfadvantage.com ✆ Spain (+34) 670 565 590

014 COMPETITION

FREE ENTRY

HOW TO ENTER Simply tell us how many years anniversary the Volvo Masters are celebrating this year, is it? (a) 10 (b) 15 (c) 20 Log on to our website: www.fairwaylife.com to post your answer.

The winners will be chosen at random, and notified by email.

We will print the winners names in the next issue of EAT GOLF!

Enter our exclusive competition for the chance to win a G5i series putter courtesy of PING® Golf...

The dual-durometer insert of the G5i Series provides the feel and distance control golfers long for on putts of all lengths. The combination of the soft perimeter and firm impact area means golfers can lag with confidence and be firm when it counts the most. Sole cavities and thru holes allow expanded perimeter weighting, resulting in high moment-of-inertias in each putter in the series. The putter’s reputation for quality and consistency is furthered by the precision machined insert cavity. The most popular PING models have been improved with this technology, providing golfers with options for all types of putting strokes, ranging from face-balanced models like the Craz-E, to the popular Anser model.

A softer perimeter is combined with a firmer impact surface to create optimal distance control by providing the ideal feel and feedback.

For more information about PING® visit: www.pinggolf.com

www.fairwaylife.com Fairwaylife is an on-line golf portal providing a full range of services to both golfers, and would be golfers alike.

The 5 lucky winners of a free polo shirt courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger in our issue 9 competition were:

Home to EAT GOLF! on-line, you can access the content of all our previous issues, as well as entering our competitions.

George Thomson Jean Rosemary Mason Smith Emma Maguire Per Hogner Helen Edwards

A new Event section keeps you up to date with tournaments we are involved in, including leaderboards and more!

They answered correctly that 2003 was the year the European Team recorded their victory at Bärseback G&CC, Sweden in the Solheim Cup.

016 FASHION

FASHION 017

THE BIG GOLF CHILL, LA RESERVA

Models : Arancha & Rafa Clothing : Peak Performance & Super Ocho Styling : Super Ocho & Aloan Group Location: La Reserva, Sotogrande Special Thanks : Fischer Mercedes

Opposite Page Arancha wears : Hat, Sweater and Shirt

by Peak Performance.

Trousers by Cheap Monday Shoes by Colcci Rafa wears : Sweater, Shirt and Belt

by Peak Performance Trousers by Cheap Monday Shoes by Swear

This Page Arancha wears : Jacket by Peak Performance Sunglasses by Spy Rafa wears : Jacket and trousers

by Peak Performance T-shirt by Whipping Floyd

018 FASHION

This Page Arancha wears : Dress & Boots by Colcci Rafa wears : Tank top by Cheap Monday Jeans by Nudie Jeans Shoes by Swear

Front Cover & Opposite Page Arancha wears : Dress & Boots by Colcci Rafa wears : T-shirt by Barrio Santo Trousers by Peak Performance Shoes from Swear

FASHION 019

EARS 20 Y

020 FEATURES

• 1988 - 2007 •

ROLEX

Precise timekeeping is vital to the smooth running of major golf championships, and as Official Timekeeper of the Volvo Masters, Rolex, the world’s leading luxury watchmaker’s crown is inexorably linked with what is the most sought-after crown in European golf. ➲ www.rolex.com

SOTOGRANDE

Image ©Andalucía Golf

MEL PYATT, THE “FATHER” OF THE VOLVO MASTERS

The owners of the property company Sotogrande S.A. have been long-term partners of the Volvo Masters, as have the residents of the Sotogrande community whose welcome to and acceptance of one of the world’s great golf championships is central to its success. ➲ www.sotogrande.com

PEAK PERFORMANCE

Whether you are reading this before, during or after, our 20th Anniversary Volvo Masters special is sure to provide an interesting build-up, companion or memento.

Many have witnessed and have lived the event from its very first staging in 1988. Its “father” is the English golf professional Mel Pyatt, now President and Chief Executive Officer for Volvo Event Management, who, incidentally, will be retiring at the end of the year.

“Naturally, I feel extremely proud of the Volvo Masters, considered by many as a ‘Major’ event” says Mel Pyatt, “We’ve had very tight and exiting events, in many of which the Volvo Order of Merit and the tournament itself were decided with the very last putt.

As I’ve always said, you should not look at the leader boards until the last nine holes, there’s always been drama until the very end”.

We wish Mel the best of luck for the future.

Official apparel sponsor of the Volvo Masters, the Swedish firm Peak Performance has joined the elite of the sport in Europe.

The company has one of the most progressive holistic ethical policies in the apparel business. ➲ www.peakperformance.com

022 FEATURES

Appreciating an Old Master

By Mike Wilson Pictures courtesy Paul Lakatos / Volvo Event Management

EARS 20 Y

• 1988 - 2007 •

VOLVO MASTERS SPECIAL 023

The Volvo Masters is the traditional end-of-term masters degree examination for the European Tour’s finest players - and looking back through the annals of time, it’s a score to be proud of.

“...it was clear back then that the Volvo Masters was something special, distinctive.” Nick Faldo

Some of the finest things in life, like the paintings of great past masters such as Goya, Dalí or Picasso, the music of legendary Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo and the fine tenor timbre of Plácido Domingo or even a vintage Marques de Riscal Rioja, Jamon Serrano or a mature Manchego are best appreciated over time.

The same goes for golf and with the flagship championship of the European Tour, the Volvo Masters celebrating its 20th anniversary at Valderrama, the memories are worth savouring.

A generation on and million-europlus tournaments proliferating

across five continents, it is worth reflecting that the Volvo Masters, launched as the key component of Volvo’s ground breaking golf sponsorship back in 1998, was leading the way, pioneering what is now par for the course.

Winner of the inaugural Volvo Masters, six-time winner Nick Faldo recalls, “It was all so new, the Volvo PGA Championship, the Volvo Masters and the Volvo Order of Merit, but it was clear back then that the Volvo Masters was something special, distinctive.”

Adds the Englishman who would have earned €85,000 for his victory had the Euro not still

been more than a dozen years distant, “Winning the first one of any tournament is special, but winning the first Volvo Masters was extra-special, making a little bit of history, breaking new ground and I almost did what nobody has done since, defended the crown.”

Indeed, Faldo, who won the inaugural Volvo Masters title by two shots from one Severiano Ballesteros (with two other winners of the Masters at Augusta, Georgia, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam in hot pursuit) came within a shot of defending his crown, missing out to Ireland’s Ronan Rafferty with yet another US Masters champion José Maria Olazábal in third place.

EARS 20 Y

024 FEATURES

Australia dominated over the next two years, Mike Harwood making history by adding the Volvo Masters title to the Volvo PGA Championship he had won at Wentworth earlier that year, before stylish Rodger Davis, he of the plus-twos - his trousers and certainly not his score - following his compatriot by winning the title at Valderrama in 1991.

• 1988 - 2007 •

Having won at Augusta four years earlier, Sandy Lyle added the Volvo version of the Masters title to his collection in 1992. His Valderrama victory was, remarkably, his last to date on the European Tour, and was won in a dramatic sudden-death play-off against a man who was to go on and feature strongly in the future of the Volvo Masters, his compatriot Colin Montgomerie.

“It still means a great deal to me because it was my last win, but is was a bit nerve-wracking going down to extra holes,” admitted the first Scot to win the Volvo showpiece, but it was only the following year that Montgomerie, by then the rising star of the European Tour, secured the first of seven successive Volvo Order of Merit titles by winning the Volvo Masters.

...the crowd circling the green watched in disbelief as the ball disappeared into the hole for a three-under-par two.

“That was my fourth European Tour victory at that time, but it was the big breakthrough event for me and kick-started my career and my domination of the Volvo Order of Merit,” said the Scot who was to win his 31st European Tour title earlier this year to take the record from Nick Faldo on 30, but would Monty have swapped that record for just one of Faldo’s six ‘major,’ titles?

“No, not at all,” insists Montgomerie, explaining, “I won the Volvo Order of Merit seven times in succession, which I see as the premier league, whereas a ‘major’ is a bit like winning the cup final and my record stands scrutiny with the best of them.”

The 1994 Volvo Masters saw one of the most remarkable rounds of golf ever seen at the tournament, the German master Bernhard Langer scorching his way to a second round 62 en route to a single shot victory over the illustrious pair of Seve and Vijay Singh.

The 1994 Volvo Masters also saw that rarest of golfing birds, an albatross, to this day the only one ever registered at the event. Spanish star Miguel Angel Jiménez smashed a three-iron 210 yards over the daunting lake in front of the green at the 17th, whilst the crowd circling the green watched in disbelief as the ball disappeared into the hole for a three-under-par two.

VOLVO MASTERS SPECIAL 025

Sudden-death play-offs were to play a key part in deciding the destiny of the next two Volvo Masters...

“My best single shot ever on a golf course,” was how the local man from Malaga still describes that wonder shot, and the flamboyant Spaniard went on to win the Volvo Masters itself, this time at Montecastillo to where the end-of-season showpiece had relocated as Valderrama prepared for hosting the 1999 Ryder Cup. Alex Cjeka had maintained the symmetry of following a compatriot to Volvo Masters victory, winning in 1995 before Mark McNulty became the first and to date only player from the African continent to win the European Tour’s flagship event.

“That victory is right up there with the very best of my many victories worldwide and certainly the biggest on the European Tour, and winning it at Valderrama was

especially pleasing,” says the man who is still winning, having claimed his first ‘major’ on the US Champions Tour earlier this year.

Lee Westwood was crowned Volvo Masters champion at Montecastillo, becoming the 10th anniversary champion in 1997, followed by his stablemate and Ryder Cup colleague Darren Clarke the following year, before the first and to date only Spanish champion, the buccaneering Miguel Angel Jiménez took the title in his own back yard.

“The Volvo Masters is a great tournament and it made me very, very proud to win it and I would dearly love to experience that again, this time at Valderrama,” said the man they call ‘Mechanico,’ because of his love of fast cars.

Pierre Fulke became the first of two Swedes to savour Volvo Masters glory, at Montecastillo in the first staging of the showpiece event in the new millennium, followed by the third Irishman to take the title, Padraig Harrington in 2001.

2002 saw the Volvo Masters return to what most observers consider to be the spiritual home of the event, Valderrama, and what a dramatic return it was to be.

Like two heavyweight boxers trading blows at the end of a championship bout, Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer, Ryder Cup colleagues fresh from victory over the USA at The Belfry just a few weeks earlier could not be separated in extra time as darkness closed in. A European Tour title was shared for only the second

EARS 20 Y

026 FEATURES

• 1988 - 2007 •

time in its history, the two newlycrowned champions becoming the first two-time winners of the Volvo Masters crown.

But arguably the biggest shock in the pantheon of the Volvo Masters was to come in the 19th event last year.

adding, more seriously, “It is a title I have carried with pride and I will try to make history by defending my crown this year.”

“The atmosphere was like a great championship until the very end, until the last putt that was made,” recalls Langer, adding, “It’s always great to win. There’s nothing that compares to winning and I think it’s very appropriate to win one of the greatest tournaments that we have on our tour together.”

Pitching all the perceived wisdom about the event and its Valderrama venue into the rough, the maxim that you needed to have played halfa-dozen years to understand the course and the unique ambience of the end-of-season tournament, that an Asian Tour player could not win in the lion’s den of the European Tour, Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh saw Valderrama for the first time, played and won.

Logic and history would suggest Jeev Milkha Singh’s name will not appear for a second successive year on the Volvo Masters roll of honour and with the rest of the cream of the European Tour, not to mention the past masters trying to stop him, it will be a tall order, but the 35-year-old Indian has already turned logic upside down once before.

Sudden-death play-offs were to play a key part in deciding the destiny of the next two Volvo Masters titles, Swede Jacobson edging out local hero Carlos Rodilles in 2003 and Ian Poulter getting the better of another of golf’s great conquistadors, Sergio García the following year.

The colourful Poulter, spiky hair and edgy attire says of the most significant win of his career to date, “It was unbelievable really, it was a sweet end to the year to actually come out, especially that week, Volvo Masters and cap it with a win; it turned an average year into quite a nice year.”

The greatest comeback in Volvo Masters history and one of the most remarkable recoveries of the European Tour was staged by 2005 Volvo Masters champion Paul McGinley, who became the fourth Irishman to claim the crown.

Four-over-par after the first five holes, the Ryder Cup star did not drop a single shot to par for the rest of the championship, “The thing that pleased me more than anything else is the size of the title, the Volvo Masters, I mean it’s as big as it gets without being a ‘major’ championship,” said McGinley, adding, “I really wanted to win, too badly, and of course, I recall, I was tense. I don’t think anybody who tells you they are not tense on the 17th hole at Valderrama with the Volvo Masters title on the line isn’t; I don’t care who he is, but it all worked out great.”

Already the 2006 Volvo China Open champion, Singh proved the doubters wrong, his own judgement right and took the European Tour’s top title on merit, edging out three of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes, Sergio García, runner-up for the third successive year, Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington, who snatched the European Tour Order of Merit from under the nose of the hot favourite, Paul Casey by just €35,000 out of an annual prize fund of over US$100 million.

“It’s my biggest victory of my career so far,” said the Indian, adding, “This is going to stay with me for the rest of my life I think. It’s a special one, and it means a lot to me.

“I should play all of the Volvo tournaments because they are lucky for me,” he joked,

Whatever transpires, whoever wins, ever-present Colin Montgomerie making it a hat-trick, Sergio García going one better than the past three years, Padraig Harrington adding the Volvo Masters to his Open Championship title or a new name on the trophy, one thing is sure: the 20th anniversary Volvo Masters is certainly a score to be proud of.

“It was unbelievable really, it was a sweet end to the year...” Ian Poulter

EARS 20 Y

028 FEATURES

• 1988 - 2007 •

THAT UNWANTED

Masters Moniker

By Mike Wilson Pictures courtesy Paul Lakatos / Volvo Event Management

To earn the epithet of, ‘The best player NEVER to win a particular tournament’, be it a ‘major,’ or the flagship European Tour title like the Volvo Masters is entirely unwanted and invariably undeserved, but when it comes to the Valderrama showpiece there are plenty of great

YEAR 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

WINNER Nick Faldo Ronan Rafferty Mike Harwood Rodger Davis Sandy Lyle C. Montgomerie Bernhard Langer Alexander Cejka Mark McNulty Lee Westwood Darren Clarke Miguel A. Jiménez Pierre Fulke P. Harrington Bernhard Langer C. Montgomerie Fredrik Jacobson Ian Poulter Paul McGinley Jeev Milkha Singh

Score -4 -6 +2 -4 +3 -10 -8 -2 -8 -16 -17 -19 -16 -12 -3 -3 -12 -11 -10 -2

BEST SPANIARD 2nd Seve Ballesteros 3rd José Mª Olazábal 4th José Mª Olazábal 4th Seve Ballesteros 6th José Mª Olazábal 10th Miguel A. Jiménez 2nd Seve Ballesteros 5th José Rivero 13th Carlos Suneson 3rd José Mª Olazábal 7th José Mª Olazábal

Score -2 -1 +4 Par +7 +3 -7 +2 +3 -12 -10

5th José Mª Olazábal 16th José Mª Olazábal 7th Sergio García

-12 -5 +3

2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd

-12 -11 -9 -1

Carlos Rodiles Sergio García Sergio García Sergio García

Image courtesy www.taylormadegolf.com

names in contention for the title of that unwanted Masters Moniker.

VOLVO MASTERS SPECIAL 029

19 Volvo Masters titles up for grabs, 17 different champions, no successful defence and hundreds of players never to have savoured that Masters moment, the thrill of becoming first amongst equals, of graduating top of the class at that most stern of end-of-season examinations, of victory at Valderrama.

But statistically, winning any golf tournament, even for the most skilled master-craftsmen on the European Tour, is never easy. 155 others every week trying to steal your thunder, great golf courses to trip you up, the variables of wind and water throwing a spanner in the works.

Just how relieved was American Phil Mickelson to get that, ‘Best golfer never to win a ‘major,’ monkey off his back with victory at the 2004 US Masters, how differently would Colin Montgomerie’s career be viewed had the two-time Volvo Masters champion enjoyed that little slice of luck necessary to convert even one of those five ‘major’ runners-up places?

First, the former, a cluster of stars whose Volvo Masters credentials are certainly credible, shone brightly but briefly before waning for one reason or another.

Vijay Singh, three ‘majors,’ two Volvo Masters appearances, both at Valderrama, fourth on debut in 1993, tied for second with another contender for the title of ‘Best player never to win the Masters,’ Seve Ballesteros behind a rampant Bernhard Langer.

Doubtless, the Fijian could have gone on to add the Volvo version of the Masters he won at Augusta, the first ‘major’ of the new millennium.

But global golf in general and the US Tour in particular beckoned and both the Volvo Masters and Volvo PGA Championships eluded the former world number one.

Seve himself, now sadly retired, missed out on Volvo Masters glory, playing on home soil in his absolute pomp, second twice, behind his great rivals Faldo in 1988 - the year the Spaniard won his third Open Championship - and Langer six-years-later. Fourth in 1991 having won the Volvo PGA Championship, but poor finishes in his final four attempts at a Montecastllo course unsuited to his game probably precludes one of European golf’s all-time greats from the final shake-down.

Then, the two South Africans, Els and Goosen, two and eleven appearances respectively, Ernie 10th and 8th, ‘The Goose,’ three top 10’s but again, probably insufficient individual and collective attempts and never the bridesmaid, let alone the bride probably discounts

‘The Goose,’ three top 10’s but again, probably insufficient individual and collective attempts and never the bridesmaid, let alone the bride...

But, as they say in the USA, ‘do the math,’ and that other Masters, the Volvo Masters is something of a statistical quirk, played annually over that same fine course that is Valderrama, in theory easier to win in a 60-man field, no halfway cut, but, boy, how good are those three-score men intent on outwitting, outplaying and outsmarting each other?

The cast of characters in contention for that least wanted sobriquet of ‘the best player never to win the Masters,’ is considerable, approaching a thousand in all, but, in reality, the short list is fewer than 10.

And that small, elite group, many with ‘major’ titles against their name can be further sub-divided, those who have enjoyed a passing, occasional flirtation with the Volvo Masters and those for whom lifting that iconic trophy and being crowned ‘top-of-the-class,’ appears to be a lifetime’s work.

2007 US Open Champion Cabrera has two top-10 finishes at the Volvo Masters.

Sergio Garcia explains how another Volvo Masters got away.

Two Swedes have won the Volvo Masters.

Can Henrik Stenson make it three?

South African Reteif Goosen has played in the Volvo Masters eleven times without a win.

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these two fine players, as it does the talented young Australian Adam Scott, a 7th, 3rd and 10th place finish in three attempts.

‘Mr Consistency,’ but missing this particular and undesirable cut.

Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, a man whose Volvo Masters record stands scrutiny with the best never to win the title - four top 10 finishes including second, twice in 10 appearances - says, “Winning any golf championship is a tough call, but one of the quality of the Volvo Masters, second only to the ‘majors,’ and World Golf Championship (WGC) events is even more arduous, especially with the 59 best players in Europe up against you.”

He adds, “You look at the Volvo Masters roll of honour and it certainly is impressive, but a look at the names of those never to have won it is equally impressive.”

Another former Ryder Cup captain, as tenacious in his search for Volvo Masters glory is Ian Woosnam, nine top 20 finishes in 14 appearances including half-a-dozen occasions in the top 10, the Volvo Masters trophy is conspicuous by its absence on Woosie’s sideboard, which boasts two Volvo PGA Championship titles, a US Masters Green Jacket and five Ryder Cups, the last, in 2006 as captain.

Then there is the case of two legendary Spaniards, both great players and even better ambassadors for their

• 1988 - 2007 •

country, one approaching veteran status, the other in the springtime of his career.

José Maria Olazábal, who has missed only three of the 19 Volvo Masters to date has a hat-trick of near misses in the end-of-season event, 10 top 10 finishes in all, but the 41-year-old double US Masters champion has some Order of Merit ground to make up if he is to be on the 1st tee at Valderrama for the 20th anniversary Volvo Masters.

Which brings us to the youngest and most recent contender for the sobriquet of ‘the best player never to win the Volvo Masters.’

But, when it comes to Spaniard Sergio García, runner-up three times in succession since 2004 and three other top 10 finishes, never worse than 13th in seven appearances so far, it might be prudent to insert the word ‘yet.’

García himself, despite another disappointment in missing-out on a first ‘major’ when he lost to a man with a Volvo Masters crown already to his name, Irishman Padraig Harrington, believes in himself, the event and the Valderrama golf course.

I really enjoy this event, I love it,” says the 27-year-old adding, “I really enjoy this golf course.

I think it’s the kind of golf course that is asking you to hit pretty much every shot in your bag, pretty much every club in your bag.”

José Maria Olazábal has a hat-trick of near misses in the end-of-season event.

And of the big question, can he go from being the Volvo Masters bridesmaid to walking up the Valderrama aisle before his career is over, he says pensively, “Sometimes you want something so badly that you almost try too hard. I’m not going to lie, I am disappointed not to have won the Volvo Masters yet, but am I going to keep trying? You bet I am.”

The last words on this vexed Valderrama question are perhaps best left to the men who won the first and most recent Volvo Masters, 1988 champion Nick Faldo and Indian Jeev Milkha Singh.

Says the six-time ‘major’ winner, “You know, there are some great players to have won this great championship but there are even more fine golfers never to have won it, which is why it is one of golf’s most coveted crowns.”

And defending champion Singh, who smashed the perceived Volvo Masters / Valderrama wisdom by winning at the first time of asking last year observes, “All I know is there are great players, past masters and guys such as Sergio who want my title in the field this year and if I am to make history with the first-ever successful defence, I’m going to have to defeat each and every one of them, which will be the tallest order of my career so far.”

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• 1988 - 2007 •

His Masters Voice

By Mike Wilson Pictures by Chris Turvey for Rolex

He has been involved in over 1,000 golf championships, men and women, ‘majors’ like The Open Championship and Ryder Cups, but he’s not a golfer, he is the Volvo Masters official starter Ivor Robson.

Volvo Masters official starter Ivor Robson, immaculately dressed in green Rolex blazer and shoes polished to a military shine, standing guardsman tall and upright is the epitome of punctuality, integrity, quiet authority.

Although the game of golf is not a sport based on time, such as football’s 90 minutes or basketball’s four quarters of 12 minutes each, time does play a vital part in all golf tournaments and it starts with Ivor Robson.

Why? Not just because he has the essential job of getting each and every match at the Valderrama showpiece underway on time, but also because punctuality is in his blood.

“I’ve always believed in punctuality,” says the Scottish grandfather, adding, “Being on time is a sign of professionalism and personal courtesy.”

“My job is to make sure the players are on the first tee with sufficient time to collect their daily pin placement cards, local rules and scorecard,” explains the man who made his debut at the other ‘open,’ the Open Championship in 1975, when the legendary Tom Watson won at Carnoustie, where the Scot presided over his 33rd consecutive British Open.

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“Inevitably there will be one player most seasons who is late for his tee time,” adds Robson, explaining, “The player is penalised two strokes for the first five minutes, thereafter he is disqualified from the tournament by the tournament referee, and having made that mistake once, they are very unlikely to do so again.”

Robson, a qualified PGA professional now travels the world as a Rolex ambassador, first on the tee every morning at almost 30 tournaments each season and has never, not once, been late.

Robson is the first friendly face the stars of the Volvo Masters see each morning as they make their way through the crowds from Valderrama’s practice putting green onto the famous first tee - and although he knows each and every golfer on the circuit, he says, “Everyone is treated the same - I am unbiased and have to be seen to be unbiased,” adding, “I welcome them to the tee and wish each and every player ‘good luck and play well.’

Some of the players like a joke, some don’t and part of my job is just to have a calming effect.”

At the heart of the meticulous timekeeping exercise, which Ivor Robson oversees with military precision are the Rolex clocks around the Valderrama complex, all synchronised to the second - morning, noon and night, on the driving range, practice putting green and first tee as well as the locker rooms and media centre, because TV, press schedules and deadlines play a vital part in modern golf.

Ivor Robson has enough memories and anecdotes to fill several books...

Says the Scot, “I am grateful, as I know the game of golf is, for the assistance of Rolex, and given that precision, timing and accuracy are key components of my role, it is extremely reassuring to have the world’s finest timekeeper supporting me all the way.”

“The whole place was quite electric and Jack, who I have come to know well over the years was quite emotional, so my voice began to choke a little with emotion too, but I soon regained my composure and got through the occasion with the dignity it demanded.”

Ivor Robson has enough memories and anecdotes to fill several books, but such is his sense of probity, he shares only a few and one in particular stands out above all the rest.

Back to the business in hand and the 20th anniversary Volvo Masters and Robson says, “The atmosphere at Valderrama is always a wee bit special. We make bi-lingual announcements, it’s the last event of the season with big prize money on offer and there are always great crowds on the first tee with every player receiving a warm welcome, with the volume maybe increasing a little for the Spanish contingent.”

“St Andrews, the home of golf, second round of the 2005 Open Championship, with the legendary Jack Nicklaus - a fellow Rolex ambassador - making his final appearance, having won the title three times, twice at St Andrews,” recalls Robson.

He concludes, ”Gosh, is it the 20th Volvo Masters? I’ve enjoyed the event immensely down the years, seen the great champions and contenders teeing off, and with a field of 60, I might even get to see some golf.”

So, when the unmistakable tones of Ivor Robson - His Masters Voice - announces just after 8am on Thursday morning, 1st November at Valderrama, ”Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 2007 Volvo Masters, on the tee...” then we’ll know the flagship championship of the European Tour is well and truly under starter’s orders.

Watching Brief - Ivor Robson follows Darren Clarke's tee shot at Valderrama's famous first tee

034 FEATURES Images supplied by www.peakperformance.com

Swedish tour professional Fredrik Jacobson could lay claim to being one of the unluckiest golfers of 2004 in terms of his bid to make The European Ryder Cup Team for the first time, when he came up one place short of automatic qualification on both The Ryder Cup World Points List and The Ryder Cup European Points List. He began the 2003 season still looking for his maiden European Tour victory but ended the year with three, several records to his name, and the reputation as one of the most exciting and individual talents in European golf.

Jacobson began that year with a victory in the Omega Hong Kong Open, followed by success in the Algarve Open de Portugal after a ten week lay off as a result of a wrist injury, and ended the season in spectacular style when he laid claim to the Volvo Masters. He rose to fourth on the 2003 Order of Merit, the highest ever finish by a Swedish golfer, equalling that attained by Anders Forsbrand in 1992, and he also became the first Swede to win three official events in one season on The European Tour. It was quite a year for a player who had to wait until his 161st tournament for his first win. Eat GOLF! got in touch with Fredrik to find out a few more personal details...

Tell us a little bit about your background, and how you got into professional golf?

Growing up was about friends and mathematics (including trying to make business since the day I can remember) and I absolutely loved doing all kind of sports. When I was sixteen I decided golf was going to be my living. When I was done with school I would turn pro and try for The European Tour which I did when I was 20. That became my first year on tour.

2003 was perhaps your most successful year on Tour. What was the secret to this breakthrough?

I was established in the top 50 in Europe for a few seasons leading up to the 2003 season.

When I won my first tournament in December 2002 after having had 6 second place finishes it really boosted my confidence.

I got very comfortable at the top of any leader board.

You have been playing a lot of golf on the PGA Tour in America. How do you find it there compared to The European Tour?

In America I get to play against the games best more often which I enjoy. It is also a bit wilder around the tournament which does not hurt either.

What are your golfing goals for the future?

To keep improving and to win more tournaments.

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You are sponsored by Peak Performance clothing. What is it that you like about this brand?

It is a brand that represents a great lifestyle. Everything from skiing, hiking, climbing, golf etc. to casual wear. It goes very much hand in hand with how I like to live my life.

How important do you think that fashion is for golf?

I do not believe fashion is something that touches everybody’s heart but I certainly think some will pay extra attention. I think fashion awareness in golf has made golf as a sport a bit cooler than it used to be.

What clubs do you have in your bag?

I use Titleist woods and irons and I use an old Ping putter since 18 years back.

Is there anything else in your bag that one might not expect to find?!

I guess from time to time there are some rotten bananas in the bag when my caddie misbehaves. I guess it was more of a surprise the first couple of times it happened. Apart from that I always carry some ‘snus’ (Swedish tobacco) in there.

“I think fashion awareness in golf has made golf as a sport a bit cooler than it used to be.”

You recently had wrist surgery.

How serious was the injury, and are you back to full fitness?

It was not any huge damages in there but it was serious enough to keep me from being able to practice. I believe it is 90% recovered which works well but I am striving for that last bit to come back as well.

How much time do you spend practicing, and what areas do you concentrate on the most?

I spend a few hours a day on average. My training includes everything from fitness and self improvements to all the different areas of the game. This training season I will focus a little bit extra on my ball striking since that is where I can improve the most.

What do you enjoy doing when not on the course or practicing?

I love spending time with the family when I am off. We have two little girls under 4 and a baby on the way at Christmas so it has been rather busy lately.

You have a residence in Monaco?

Yes, I moved from there to the States 4 years ago.

Do you socialise much with other players on Tour?

We spend most of our time with Ben Curtis and his family and the fellow Swedes.

What is the one best golfing tip you’ve ever received?

The most useful tip I got was from my dad at an early age.

Everything happens for a reason and it does to test your character.

You appear to be a ‘smiley’ character. What’s your secret to staying happy on the course?

When I have practiced and prepared and I step on the first tee that is the time to enjoy and let it happen.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW 037

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the power of the pro-am

By Dennis Shaw, PGAs of Europe

The local bank manager slyly tossed in his favourite after-dinner conversation-stopper.

“I was playing at Old Trafford, actually. Took this short pass from Ronaldo, pushed it forward to Rooney and he’s wrong-footed the goalkeeper and we’re one up. First minute...”

“It’s like me...” chipped in the butcher. “At Lords playing cricket the other week... bowled Tendulkar, middle stump. Got him for a duck...”

Fantasy land, of course. It just doesn’t happen. No way could ordinary Joes be out there in the world’s finest arenas competing with the professional elite, or at least, not while the ‘professional elite’ are in their prime.

Or could it? At this point a smug smile crosses the face of all those golfers who have played in a pro-am tournament and found themselves partnering Seve, Nick, Tiger, Vijay, all sporting megastars of such global fame that they’re instantly recognisable by their Christian name alone.

So, had that bank manager observed: “I was in Luke’s team at Valderrama. Chipped in at the 17th and we beat Retief’s team by one shot...” he probably wasn’t telling porkie pies at all. It can happen...

Golf’s Pro-am tournaments must surely be unique among outdoor sports in offering amateur club golfers, even those of high handicaps, the opportunity to play alongside the professionals while they’re going about their business of competing for prize money.

“Just an irrelevance,” the sceptics would say. “An indulgence.

A mere PR exercise.” But they would be wrong.

The reality is that the very foundations of professional golf are built on the pro-am tournament.

When the amateurs pay to take part in it they are substantially helping to ensure that a prize fund is available for the pros.

Nobody thinks of the pro-am as being a significant part of the fabric of professional golf. Yet if one were able to gather the information about these events that take place around the world in dozens of different countries, seven days

a week, the collective prize fund would be a staggering amount.

“The pro-am is the lifeblood of regional professional golf,” confirmed Ian Randell, chief executive of the PGAs of Europe, formerly of the Ladies European Tour and before that a PGA Tournament Director based at their Belfry HQ. The pro-am, as he confirms, is an integral part of most tournaments when negotiating with sponsors. Aside from the Majors, the Ryder Cup and the Solheim Cup he can’t think of another professional tournament on this side of the Atlantic that doesn’t begin with a pro-am, to which the sponsor can invite customers, clients, colleagues and other guests while attracting a source of income. No pro-am, no tournament, simple as that.

The situation is even more acute in regional pro golf. The lucky, or

PGAs OF EUROPE 039

persuasive, regional secretary can maybe get up to four or so Order of Merit events, supported by a main sponsor, in which pros play without amateurs, (though there my be a pro-am before the main event.)

sport to their local community, to encourage youngsters to place ‘golf’ as one of their sporting interests alongside ‘football’ and other activities and to be an incomparable magnet for tourism.

The remainder of the annual schedule comprises, you’ve guessed it, pro-ams, without which there would be no tournaments offering prize funds for the local pros to play in. This basic scenario has been the situation for many years but, in recent times, the pro-am has assumed an even greater significance.

The part that the pro-am plays in promoting golf more and more among its participants is immeasurable, and in a wholly enjoyable manner that encourages them to love the sport even more, were that possible.

In those regions of the world where golf is starting to take off, the new players are hugely motivated by finding themselves with the opportunity to actually play alongside the pros who have been giving them lessons.

Against this background the Power of the Pro-am takes on a whole new strength and amateurs can be assured that the vast majority of PGA professionals acknowledge the realities of the situation. They’re well aware of who is doing whom a favour as they stand on the first tee with three amateurs, all shaking at the thought of an ‘air ball’ opener.

alongside Mr Batley at The Belfry, as the wealthy high handicapper duffed shot after shot after shot as though silently thinking: “Ya puede tener todos los golpes que quiera, Sr. Batley, pero la cuenta la paga.” (Have as many strokes as you like Mr Batley. You’re footing the bill) ...However, I mustn’t mock the inadequate amateur.

Like all club golfers who have played in pro-ams I have my own favourite tale to tell... and how I wish it was ‘chipping into the 17th hole for a birdie four at Valderrama...’ Not so.

My ‘debut’ was in a PGA Midland Region event at Glen Gorse in Leicestershire, playing off about 23. As I walked onto this particular green behind the other three I noticed, and picked up, a misshapen, slightly rusty metal pitch marker.

...I can still see Seve strolling good naturedly alongside Mr Batley at The Belfry, as the wealthy high handicapper duffed shot after shot...

THIS PRINCIPLE BECOMES AN INVALUABLE TOOL FOR THE SPORT’S DEVELOPMENT. Outstanding examples of it can be found in two international pro-ams endorsed by the PGAs of Europe, one sponsored over a seven-year period by Beko in Turkey and the other for the past two years, sponsored by Aegean Airlines, on the Greek island of Crete.

These are ‘stand-alone’ events in the sense that they do not precede a ‘professionals only’ tournament but instead, over 36 or 54 holes, provide the chance for the amateurs to be part of the main event itself, and for more than one round, too.

In each case they are intended for years ahead to be a shop window for this comparatively new

There is one abiding memory that never fades, of a tournament called the ‘Lawrence Batley’ that was quite a big event before prize funds escalated beyond the scope of the Yorkshire businessman who used to stage it, latterly at The Belfry.

As the tournaments benefactor he exercised his right to have the ‘draw’ team him up with one Severiano Ballesteros when the charismatic Spaniard was at his height as one the mostadmired sportsmen on the planet.

The situation was akin to the well-known former Aston Villa chairman, ‘Deadly’ Doug playing football alongside the great Brazilian, Pele, as he would have yearned (in your dreams, Doug...), except that this one came true.

In my mind’s eye I can still see Seve strolling good naturedly

Before slipping it into my pocket I showed it to ‘my pro’ and commented that one of the group ahead ‘must have dropped it’. “You had better put it back where you found it, ” he replied, all straight faced. “Why,” asked I.“ ‘Cos it’s mine’, said he.”

“It’s marking my ball.”

Looking back across the expanse of green that I had just walked across I had, in my acute embarrassment, only the vaguest notion of where the repairer/marker had been lying when I picked it up, and so couldn’t ‘put it back where I found it’.

I do seem to recall that Silence is Golden was a big hit at the time...

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Castleknock Golf & Country Club, Dublin, Ireland. ✆ +353 (0)1 6408736 ➩ info@castleknockgolflcub.ie ➲ www.castleknockgolfclub.ie

GOLF COURSE DESIGN 041

HOW THEY AFFECT ME

By Jonathan C Gaunt Director, Gaunt Golf Design

In 1980, when I was 16 years old I’d already decided to be a golf course architect. I’d completed my O’levels and in the summer before starting my A’levels (in geography, art and business studies) I went to work in a local fish restaurant in Leeds. I got the job of washing pots in the kitchen, stocking the bar with bottles of mixers, and worked as commis to the head-chef, preparing specialities only rarely seen in Yorkshire.

Little did I know at the time that this place would give me the opportunity to meet an inspiration to me. One evening my boss came bursting into the kitchen

and said “hey, Gary Player’s in the restaurant tonight - you’re a golfer, aren’t you? Do you want to meet him?” Immediately, I said, yes, forgetting that I had a filthy apron on and smelt of a kitchen that primarily only cooked fish.

Two minutes later (having cleaned myself up!) I was sitting at the table next to the lobster tank chatting to one of my golf idols.

We chatted about golf, exercise and dedication. He asked me what I wanted to do with my life - I said, “well, my grandmother wants me to be a golf pro (I was 3 handicap at the time), but I really want to design golf courses”.

To be honest I wasn’t really sure if he was already designing golf courses in 1980, but his advice was simple. “Jonathan if you want to succeed, you have to build up your strength and be healthy - you need to exercise every day - a full suitcase - and 100 press-ups, minimum - you keep that up and you’ll succeed at anything!” We didn’t really discuss the rudiments of golf course design, or anything more profound. However, it was pretty inspirational stuff, and I qualified as a landscape architect in 1987.

After setting up my own design practice based in London at the

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Castleknock Golf & Country Club

age of 26, I met up with a friend and colleague from University, Steve Marnoch. We struck up a deal and soon after set up a new golf design business - Gaunt & Marnoch Ltd, with offices in London and Derbyshire. G&M Ltd continued to grow and compete against some of the bigger “signature” names in the industry. We developed a good reputation, but could never be regarded as anything more than ‘journeymen’ architects.

Since G&M Ltd closed for business in early 2006 the golf business has taken on a different perspective.

It now seems busier than ever.

The work has (for me) moved into different areas, and I’m now making proposals for projects together with ‘signature designers’ - either because the project requires it, or because I have been approached to provide support.

Some countries are less interested in bringing ‘signatures’ to projects.

My clients in the Czech Republic for example, have each said that they cannot justify the cost and that the names are not recognisable to the general golfing public there.

Many of the new projects outside of the UK tend to be part of a

resort development, where the golf course is often used as a ‘carrot’ to encourage investment in the property. This has been going on for many years - take, for example, Wentworth and St George’s Hill, near London in UK. Both these are exclusive housing developments built in the early 20th century, surrounded by mansions and villas. But these were only to serve as inspiration for what has happened in the US, Portugal, Spain and numerous other locations.

In Cyprus, Turkey and Bulgaria for example, Gary Player and Nick Faldo are already working on projects. Spain and Morocco are similar, with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Perry Dye, Dave Thomas and Kyle Phillips. In Portugal, Arnold Palmer is involved with Oceanico at Vilamoura, as is Faldo and Christy O’Connor, Jnr. Conversely, I was chosen to work in Morocco (at Golf Resort Oued Fes and at Tamuda Hills Resort, near Tetouan) purely because I am a British architect and the developer wants to attract British property buyers and golfers to play their courses.

Developers and investors usually choose their ‘signature’ designers primarily to sell real-estate. This

is certainly the case in Dubai, where all the 8 golf courses have been designed by recognised names. With Tiger Woods now working there it suggests that there is no limit to the fees the developers are willing to pay.

At Jumeirah Estates they are building four courses; Fire, Earth, Water and Wind. Greg Norman has been brought in, alongside Sergio Garcia and Vijay Singh, with Pete Dye, Norman and Garcia working together on the Wind course. Whether the owner will get anything better in design terms than a course that had been designed by one of the many ‘journeymen’ architects remains to be seen. However, it is highly likely that one (or several) of them is already working away to produce the drawings for Greg Norman and his fellow golf professionals.

A Gary Player, Greg Norman or Jack Nicklaus designed course is going to be high quality, guaranteed.

But what surprises me about high profile golf developments is that the properties themselves and their immediate surroundings are not also designed by ‘signature’ architects and garden / landscape designers. There’s no development,

GOLF COURSE DESIGN 043

Some countries are less interested in bringing ‘signatures’ to projects... in the Czech Republic for example, they cannot justify the cost... as far as I know, that has properties designed by the likes of Richard Rogers, Norman Foster, Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid or Santiago de Calatrava, with gardens designed by Diarmuid Gavin, Monty Don or Charlie Dimmock!

Is it the design of the golf course or the design of the property that determines the selling price? It is difficult to say. Is the golfer buying a golf course property male or female? If the golfer is male, how much influence does he have over the design of the property? If the golfer is female, how much does she care about who the architect of the course is?

I would say very little.

The main decision maker in a family or couple will certainly be more concerned about the property itself and what’s provided in terms of décor, facilities, orientation, rooms, aspect, access to shops, cleaning, gardening, grocery delivery, etc.

I’m saying this, because although I have a pretty clear idea of what I would be looking for in a property, I would always bow to my wife’s better judgement. If she likes it, then I’m willing to agree!

In relation to this, there will always be and in the future most probably even more so, the need to develop golf courses and resorts designed by ‘signature’ designers - this market will not just fade away or disappear. It may be the case that certain areas or regions will be less inclined to use them, but as long as the demand continues for the game of golf to be developed further and further afield the big names will be called upon for their services.

I do see a value in the ‘signature’ label, especially as many people are influenced by what they see in adverts, by publicity and by reading magazines and watching TV. The modern culture’s move towards ‘designer’ labels is unfortunate in some ways, but unavoidable and this has affected golf course development. To attach a label to a golf course gives it some cache, and probably, an indication to the buyer or investor that they will get a good return on their investment. Anyone looking for a ‘place in the sun’ wants to feel comfortable that they are not investing unwisely. It is a financial decision and if a ‘signature’ design increases the potential cost at the outset by, say, 25%, then it should, most likely, increase the sales price accordingly by the same percentage further down the road.

I see this as an opportunity. Often where the big developments are, smaller ones follow. Where this is the case, there can be a chance for me to get involved, and likely to lead to projects in regions where I’m currently not working.

I am already working at Westerwood in Scotland, where Dave Thomas and Seve worked together. Thanks to them I’m charging fees for upgrading one of their courses.

This is ‘bread-and-butter’ mortgagepaying work for me. Then, there’s the opportunities of working with ‘signature’ designers. Without them I would continue to do the work I do anyway, but these projects will provide my company with a considerable financial bonus. So, all-in-all, I welcome the ‘signature’ designers and I wish them success.

I recently met Gary Player again and reminded him of our previous encounter. He offered the same advice - full suitcase on the back, press-ups, etc. which he still does just as energetically at his age. He wished me success in my work, and he remains an inspiration to me as a golfer and as a ‘signature’ designer.

Pictured Top Golf area KASKÁDA, no. 1772, 664 34 Kurim. ✆ +420 541 511 711 ➩ info@golfbrno.cz ➲ www.golfbrno.cz Pictured Above Wokefield Park, Reading, Berkshire ✆ +44 (0)870 609 1572. ➩ wokefield@deverevenues.co.uk ➲ www.devere.co.uk/venues/Wokefield

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By Bethan Cutler

Sporting Integrity GOLF & THE ANTI-DOPING POLICY

The Ladies European Tour (LET) announced the introduction of an anti-doping policy in August. This policy will be fully implemented for the 2008 season and includes player education, which has already commenced. The LET has appointed Sporting Integrity, a company run by Michele Verroken, to manage the LET anti-doping policy. Sporting Integrity is also working with the men’s European Tour.

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR 045

Golf’s governing bodies are currently working to formulate a consistent drug testing policy.

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour in America announced that it would institute a drug testing policy at the beginning of the 2008 season. The PGA Tour is drawing up a list of prohibited substances while the men’s European Tour will also introduce its policy at the beginning of 2008.

The subject was brought into the public domain recently when nine-time major champion Gary Player claimed that some players on the men’s tours were taking performance enhancing drugs to boost their game.

“I know for a fact that some golfers are doing it,” said the South African.

“I would say there are 10 guys taking something. I might be way out. It’s definitely not going to be lower, it might be a hell of a lot more.”

However, when asked which drugs she thought could be performance enhancing in golf, Ladies European Tour player Johanna Westerberg, a member of the Tour’s Players Council, said: “I have no idea.

Possibly you could use anabolic steroids just to build more muscle strength. I doubt anybody does that. I really don’t think that.

There have been rumours about people using beta-blockers. I strongly doubt that anybody is taking anything on this Tour but there have been rumours on other tours so of course we should have testing for it. It’s just going to be a more serious sport I think.”

While no-one at the Ladies European is suggesting that any of the players are using performanceenhancing drugs, Alexandra Armas, the Ladies European Tour’s executive director, was keen to take a pro-active role.

She said: “We are not aware that any of our members have used performance enhancing drugs, but it is vital for the integrity of our sport that we implement this strategy in order to eliminate any temptation that may exist.”

In preparation for the implementation of the Ladies European Tour’s policy, the LET launched player Anti-Doping Advice Cards at a players meeting in Sweden. This is a player friendly information card giving details of permitted substances for common medical conditions, and advice on how to avoid inadvertent doping issues such as checking medications, applying for exemptions to use a prohibited substance and a caution about the use of supplements.

So far, the LET’s players have been fully supportive of the policy.

Kiran Matharu, a first year Tour player from Leeds in England said: “I think it’s a good idea. It makes the game fairer. If someone was doing something they may get an advantage, but this policy means that everything is evened out and we’re on a level playing field.”

Meanwhile, the ever-glamorous Sophie Sandolo from Monaco, who sits on the LET’s Board of Directors, said: “I totally agree with the anti-

“Possibly you could use anabolic steroids just to build more muscle strength...”

doping policy. I think it’s about time that we put something into place.

I think like in every other sport, there is an anti-doping policy, so we need to be like any other sport.”

The Ladies European Tour (LET) initiated discussions with players on the drafting of an anti-doping policy in 2006. This resulted in the adoption of an interim anti-doping policy and player education.

Westerberg added: “I said we should have had it a long time ago. If we want to be taken as a serious sport, I think we need to have it. Some people are saying that you can’t use doping in golf but of course you can! Like in any sport you can use things to calm you down and golf is getting very physical as well so people could use things to make you hit it further. I think it’s a great thing that we have the anti-doping.”

The starting point of LET’s policy is their commitment to maintaining the integrity of golf. Their policy is based upon the principles of the World Anti-Doping Code and aims to harmonise its operating standards with the R&A and other golf organisations, to promote a consistent approach to anti-doping for the benefit of players. LET’s policy is based upon the WADA list of prohibited substances.

The LET will be developing its testing programme policy through discussions with event host bodies, their national anti-doping agencies and other golf organisations to formulate an approach to testing that recognises the nature of the Tour and the involvement of players in golf competitions.

For further information about the Ladies European Tour, log on to www.ladieseuropeantour.com

046 FEATURES

the renaissance club

By Gary Firkins. Photo courtesy Iain Lowe

In the attic of my house, I have a large box of old golf photographs dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. From time to time, I like to climb the ladder to my upstairs hideaway and sift through these dusty old prints, allowing myself to drift off to a bygone age.

caddies. Gentlemen arch over putts on Deal’s seaside greens, ties tucked into their shirts. And the clubhouses, their windows and doors flung open on summer days - a handful of grand old cars parked up outside - promise a quiet gin and tonic in the evening sunlight.

Athletic female golfers wearing tweed skirts, fitted sweaters and berets stride purposefully through the heather at Walton Heath, flanked by flat-capped

Perusing these old images is not just escapism; it’s a reminder of the essence of golf - relaxation, time with friends old and new, and sporting fun in the great outdoors.

Too often, now, golfing days out are more like trips to the airport.

Tee times are booked online, the check-in is confirmed on a computer at the reception, and then there’s a long queue at the 1st tee, everyone waiting for their allotted slot. And then we all shuffle round 18 holes, slowly drained of enthusiasm and enjoyment.

Whatever happened to golf as a retreat?

GOLF CLASS 047

What we need more than ever is time and space, preferably on a golf course with a touch of class.

territory, right next door to Muirfield and no more than five minutes’ drive from two other Top 100 links courses, North Berwick and Gullane. And although the course is not due to open until spring 2008, I was fortunate enough to enjoy a sneak preview, playing the back nine during a visit in July.

On a warm, breezy afternoon, with great, white, cauliflower clouds billowing up over the Firth of Forth, we teed off.

The Renaissance Club has been designed by American architect Tom Doak, responsible for the highly acclaimed Pacific Dunes, Oregon (ranked 13th in Golf Magazine’s Top Courses in the World), the spectacular clifftop Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand, and Tasmania’s equally impressive Barnbougle Dunes.

The Renaissance Club, Cowden Hill Drive, Dirleton, North Berwick, EH39 5HS. ✆ +44 (0)1620 850 901 ➩ billy@trcaa.com ➲ www.trcaa.com

In an age where our increasing affluence is paid for by the ever increasing demands of work and a 24-7 lifestyle, what we need more than ever is time and space, preferably on a golf course with a touch of class.

So, I was delighted to be introduced to a new club aiming to revive the spirit and heritage of golf. Aptly named The Renaissance Club, this new Scottish venue is situated in rich East Lothian golfing

As a young man, Doak spent a year caddying in St Andrews and made pilgrimages to the great Scottish links. His experiences led him to develop a ‘minimalist’ style of design, working with the land and using bulldozers to move earth only as a last resort. This approach and the reverence with which he has treated the land - part of the 15th Duke of Hamilton’s historic Archerfield Estate - is apparent at The Renaissance Club, his first design in the UK. On the back nine, the stretch of holes from the 10th to the 15th is particularly impressive, riding the contours beautifully. Shooting out of the trees and rolling up onto cliffs overlooking the Firth of Forth, our lungs are filled with sea air and a vista one would never tire of. Across the water, the heather

clad hills of Fife; below us, sand dunes slide down towards the sea.

After the exhilaration of the seaside holes, we double back on ourselves and head inland again, gambolling down the par-5 14th before taking on the wonderful elevated drive from the 15th, flying our tee shots over trouble to a fairway nestled into a side slope.

The golf course just seems to melt into the landscape - nothing looks out of place and, despite its newness, it already has the appearance of a classic. This isn’t just down to the quality of the design itself, but the careful restoration of the 17th century Archerfield Estate, undertaken simultaneously with the course’s construction, and funded by the Club to the tune of £2.5 million.

The Renaissance Club is the pride and joy of American entrepreneur Jerry Savardi. Savardi, a former club champion at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, has a purist’s passion for golf. Membership at The Renaissance Club is for avid golfers, he says, and those who appreciate the game’s finer traditions. For members and their guests, there will be luxury lodging on site, the architecture inspired by the UK’s finest clubhouses, with views across the Firth.

True, this isn’t a club that everybody will be able to afford to join - nor is it one that will welcome all who can. The Renaissance Club is for those who love and cherish golf. In the historic home of golf, surrounded by classic links, this is an outstanding new course and one that is set to become a very special golfing retreat.

048 GOLF GEAR

MERINO WIND

ProQuip Performance System Made from fine Merino wool, this is a slim fitting, stylish sweater with a silky soft windproof lining which can be worn as a breathable mid-layer under a waterproof, or as a warm, windproof outer garment. RRP: £85 (UK) ➲ www.proquipgolf.com

LIBERTY FOR WOMEN!

FREDDIE COUPLES TESTS THE WATER

ProQuip Liberty An ultra-soft, virtually silent lightweight rain suit for women.

The jacket features soft, quiet outer fabric that is Teflon™ coated for added water repelllency.

RRP: Jacket and Trousers, £160 (UK) ➲ www.proquipgolf.com

CUTTER & BUCK John Ashworth’s return to the company he founded 20 years ago has been one of the biggest news stories in the apparel business this year. Not only does he intend to revamp the clothing range itself by using more natural products and contemporary cuts, but he also plans to make a return to the strong imagery originally associated with the company.

This image of Freddie Couples, wearing waterproofs from Ashworth’s latest Ashworth

Weather Systems (AWS) range, was taken during a 5 day road trip where John and his original art director Barry Grimes did a series of photo shoots with the company’s brand ambassador in a variety of locations. Freddie Couples and his caddy, who was less happy about the photo shoot, got into a friends pool in California for the photo.

The AWS rain jacket that Freddie is wearing is part of the Summer/Holiday 2007 Grand Prix Collection and retails at 120 €.

Lambswool Sweaters A perfect complement to both the traditional style sweaters available in Cutter & Buck’s Classic Collection, and the cutting edge designs & colour stories used in the company’s best selling Europe Collection. RRP: 74.99 € ➲ www.cutterbuck.ie

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Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 9.30 - 8pm. Sat, 9.30 - 2pm Centro Comercial Mustang, Locales 11-13, Urbanizaci贸n El Pilar, 29680 Estepona, (M谩laga) Spain Tel: (+34) 952 88 25 23. Fax: (+34) 952 88 03 14 Email: golfriends@wanadoo.es / www.golfriendshop.com

050 GOLF GEAR

Introducing the new DryJoys

®

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW

FootJoy has marked 2008 as the dawn of a new era with the introduction of the FootJoy DryJoys PODS™ technology with enhanced OptiFlex™ zones. The new outsole incorporates seven individual Tri-density TPU Stability PODS™ with enhanced OptiFlex™ zones resulting in breakthrough ‘Flextability’ (stability acheived through maximum flexibilty).

The most comfortable, high performance DryJoys® ever.

Seven strategically placed Stablity Pods™ work in harmony with ultraflexible, enhanced OptiFlex™ zones to deliver maximum Flextability™ and ground contact through the swing.

FootJoy is the #1 Shoe in Golf and the #1 Shoe on every Tour Worldwide.

Estimated RRP : £105 (UK) Street date : January 2008 ➲ www.footjoy.co.uk

EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW 051

“The DryJoys franchise has been a huge seller for FootJoy throughout the years and a benchmark in quality and performance for golf shoes everywhere. With the introduction of the revolutionary PODS™ technology we are confident that FootJoy has once again raised the bar in the golf shoe market” commented Jeremy Baldwin, Director of Product Management at FootJoy. The new DryJoys PODS™ will build on the success that the DryJoys range has achieved over the years and will cater for both traditional and contemporary tastes with a range of unique styles and colours not seen before in the DryJoys franchise.

Featuring full grain leather uppers utilising ECL™ Leather system

by Pittards® (Extreme Comfort Leather) w/Armor-Tan™ and abrasion resistance, the shoes are extremely soft and very breathable offering more comfort without the use of a membrane. The new DryJoys PODS™ also feature new Comfort Plus Lightweight PU Fit-Bed and New Laser Plus last providing the most technologically advanced DryJoys to date.

Having tested the shoes first hand, Eat GOLF! can confirm FootJoy’s claims - these are amongst the most comfortable and stable golf shoes we’ve ever worn. Check out the website for an in-depth

preview of the technology behind the shoe, find out more about Team DryJoys, and browse the range of styles that will be available come January 2008, when the shoes are officially expected to be in stock.

052 GOLF GEAR

King Cobra Men’s S9 Irons

The most technologically advanced, most forgiving irons Cobra has ever made. Featuring new game-changing, multi-material iron technology, the S9 irons have higher inertia qualities and an extremely low and back Centre of Gravity for high launch, greater distance and more accuracy.

Head Material : 431 Steel with polymer topline and urethane insert Grip : Golf Pride Tour Velvet 50D Shaft : Steel: Nippon 900XH Graphite: Cobra/Graphite Design YS-5.1 Player Profile : Designed for players who want the ultimate in forgiveness and feel - all in the most technologically advanced irons Cobra have ever offered.

Golfriend’s Shop : Steel : 599 € Graphite : 729 € ➲ www.cobragolf.com

WHAT TO PLAY 053

Get a Grip with Q-Klip New addition to the Q-Link range does everything except hold your balls!

FitLinxx The Intelligent Workout FitLinxx is a computerized system that attaches directly to existing fitness equipment, adding an extraordinary “intelligent” dimension to the workout experience for the first time.

FitLinxx “learns” users’ programs, “coaches” them individually through their workout for better form, safety and confidence during every exercise, and “tracks” their progress over time.

FitLinxx has helped over a million exercisers overcome this problem, with the creation of the Fitness Intelligence Revolution. For the first time, Intelligent Technology can be directly added to a full range of strength and cardiovascular equipment, which is then networked. It coaches members to combine proper, consistent exercise motion with enhanced motivation through the entire workout.

The result is truly revolutionary: a faster, easier, safer, more motivating experience for the millions of exercisers who are turning to fitness centres for a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

By linking a more positive mental experience to a more productive, physical one, FitLinxx produces less stress and more success in each exercise and throughout every workout. That’s why it’s called “The Intelligent Workout.”

For more information or to find your nearest FitLinxx Centre contact: ➲ www.fitlinxx.com ✆ +44 (0)1256 698 044

The Q-Link pendant phenomenon has taken the golf world by storm over the past 5 years with Ryder Cup teams, Major winners and hundreds of thousands of amateurs all experiencing better golf thanks to Q-Link’s Sympathetic Resonance Technology (SRT™).

Q-Klip is based on the G-Clip five-in-one golf tool concept. As well as holding a ball marker, divot repair tool, golf tees and a Velcro glove grip, the Q-Klip has a ball marker that contains Q-Link’s unique technology, SRT. The Q-Klip is extremely lightweight and securely attaches to your belt or trousers.

Golfers will find that both their mental game and physical performance is optimised when wearing Q-Link technology.

They report recovering quicker from poor shots, remaining calmer on pressure shots - particularly on the short game - and improving their concentration throughout all 18 holes of their round.

For optimum use it is recommended that you wear a Q-Link pendant.

RRP : £37.50 (UK) ➲ www.lowergolfscores.co.uk ✆ +44 (0)1732 744 033

Scotty Cameron Detour Newport 2.5 Scotty Cameron has fused his innovative Detour technology with the conventional design of the Newport line to create the Newport 2.5 Detour. This putter employs the same look and feel as the Newport 2 Detour, but was designed with a flowing Santa Fe style neck.

Each putter extends the Detour theory into conventional putter design by promoting the arc-shaped putting path.

The putter’s curved profile with its extended orange sightline, which is straight for the first inch and curves thereafter, shows the player the proper path. A removable stainless steel backweight allows a single putter head to work with varying shaft lengths based on player preference, and also triangulates balance for high MOI weight distribution and an increased sweet spot area.

Golfriend’s Shop : 349 € ➲ www.scottycameron.com

054 GOLF GEAR

Titleist 907D1 Driver

When it comes to 460cc drivers, even at the highest level of competitive golf, there are plenty of choices. Now there’s the next evolution of 460cc driver technology, the new Titleist 907 drivers.

The Titleist 907D1 is a multimaterial 460cc driver with a high moment of inertia (MOI) for increased distance with forgiveness and outstanding playability.

MOI is the clubhead’s resistance to twisting on off-centre impact (i.e., heel, toe, high, or low).

A higher MOI value means more resistance to twisting. The benefit of a higher MOI is longer distance (better energy transfer from club to ball) on off-centre impacts.

Design : Innovative multi-material design featuring separate face, body and hosel construction.

Construction : 6-4 titanium body, SP700 beta titanium face insert, 6061 T6 milled aluminum hosel Stock Shafts : Aldila VS Proto 65; GDI YS-6+; Titleist Spec Grid 67

Golfriend’s Shop: 399 €

Stock Grip : Titleist Tour Velvet Rubber

➲ www.titleist.com

WHAT TO DRIVE 055

Titleist NXT Extreme and Tour The New NXT Extreme golf ball is designed for golfers of all levels seeking Extreme distance without sacrificing soft feel and greenside playability. Featuring a soft compression, high COR core, new higher coverage dimple design and Staggered Wave Parting Line, the NXT Extreme provides longer, more consistent distance, while maintaining soft feel on all shots.

PowaKaddy New Freeway Digital Brake

If a Titleist NXT Extreme golf ball is cut through the normal course of play with a golf club, Titleist will replace each returned golf ball with three new Titleist NXT Extreme golf balls free of charge.

With a tough, super lightweight AMST™ alloy chassis†, low profile sport wheels, and a near noiseless motor, the Freeway Digital Brake is in a class of its own.

Easy scrolling action lets you choose your preferred speeds to suit your pace perfectly. Available as Compact or All Terrain, the Compact is precisely what its name suggests, and quickly and easily folds down to fit into the smallest car boot. The wide wheelbase All Terrain is ideal for rugged, hilly courses.

All PowaKaddy products are backed by a full 12 month parts and labour guarantee and a nationwide network of service centres. In the unlikely event of anything going wrong, you can have confidence that help is at hand. ➲ www.powakaddy.com ✆ +44 (0)1795 473 555 † Aluminium Magnesium Silicon Titanium

Setting a new Precedent The Precedent wasn’t created overnight. It’s the result of a long, thorough collaboration between Club Car and customers. Here’s a glimpse of how much thought and attention to detail are built into every car.

Before designing and creating the ultimate golf car, they had to discover exactly what that ultimate golf car should be, and spent two years talking with head professionals, owners, managers, superintendents and players. It was discovered that the ultimate golf car needed to be stronger, more intelligent, more agile and more comfortable.

The Freeway Digital Brake also includes a state of the art progressive braking system. Simply turn the control knob backwards to give three levels of traction for greater downhill control.

PowaKaddy is world famous as the market leader in golf cart technology and development. It’s the name you can trust to bring you the best in quality, design, materials and styling. Years of continuous research and refinement have gone into perfecting the PowaKaddy product range.

Club Car

At the end of this exhaustive process, Club Car had a golf car with all the reliability and durability, intelligence, agility and comfort characteristics customers wanted.

The New NXT Tour golf ball is designed for average to highly skilled golfers seeking the ultimate combination of soft feel, high performance control, and long distance.

Advanced, multi-layer construction, with a new Tour-proven, higher coverage dimple design and Staggered Wave Parting Line provide longer, more consistent distance.

The New NXT Tour is longer with the driver and long irons, while maintaining soft feel and high performance control into and around the green.

Golfriend’s Shop : 29 € ➲ www.titleist.com

➲ www.clubcarprecedent.com

056 YOUR GAME

SOTOGRANDE, SPAIN

Sotogrande Golf Academy Recognised as an Andalusian HighPerformance Centre, consisting of different zones to practice your long & short game, including putting. Also with 3 holes to implement all you’ve learnt during a stay at the school. ➲ www.sotogrande.com

METRO GOLF

ANNA RAWSON’S TOP 5

London’s new indoor golf centre Experienced gofers & those new to the game will equally enjoy Metro Golf, which combines the fun of playing or learning the game with the relaxed atmosphere of a lounge bar in a fashionable new London development. ➲ www.metro-golf.co.uk

THE TURF OF THE FUTURE ...things NEVER to think about on the golf course.

1. Your score.

Don't add up your score or predict what you will shoot.

2. How well you playing partners are playing.

It is best not to take to much notice of what they are doing.

3. Any holes ahead.

Best to focus on the hole your playing and if you can the shot at hand.

4. How difficult the shot you have is.

Best to trust your target go hit it then find it.

5. How bad you played the last few holes.

You always have a chance to start playing well - focus on the present shot.

Hacienda Riquelme, Polaris World The first golf course in Europe to use Papsalum on its greens, the only variety of grass to tolerate salt water.

Developed by Ronny Duncan, the aim is to use this grass on all of the golf courses at Polaris World. ➲ www.polarisworld.com

058 YOUR GAME

SCIENCE & MOTION

perfect putting

By Sam Pleshette, PGA Professional

PERFECT PUTTING 059

Have you ever had the feeling on the golf course that the putter is like an extension of your arm and you can hole putts at will, then the next time you play hoping to do the same it feels like you are trying to putt with a piece of two by four?

Why is it that the putting stroke and your performance varies so much from one day to the next?

The answer lies in the consistency, position and movement of the putter during the stroke.

When hitting a putt on a straight path, a clubface that is more than 1 degree closed at impact results in a 4 metre putt being missed to the left. It’s facts like these that demonstrate how fine the line is in golf between success and failure, and how precise you must be to improve putting performance.

With the naked eye it is pretty difficult to accurately measure parameters such as the clubface angle, the path of the stroke and the rhythm.

That’s why the scientists of a company called Science and Motion alongside international Tour Players have developed a unique analysis and training system called the Sam PuttLab. The Sam PuttLab is based on accurate ultrasound measurements, It analyses the 28 most important parameters of your putting stroke and displays the results in easy to understand graphic reports, helping you discover your individual strengths and weaknesses for better and more efficient training.

There are a whole array of different putting styles seen on Tour theses days, but despite all these variations there are biomechanic attributes common to all good putting strokes. There are also a

...feedback on every conceivable area you could think of related to your putting stroke is provided within seconds...

preferred range of measurements to each area of a consistent putting stroke. As well as measuring these, the Sam PuttLab measures your consistency rating - which can be more important than the measurements themselves because your ability to repeat a movement more frequently will result in a more consistent performance.

The situation on the course where you hit it a putt 6 feet past on the first and 6 feet short on the next is a sign of inconsistencies somewhere in the putting stroke!

A typical session with the Sam PuttLab starts with a chat to the pupil to find out exactly what they have noticed about their own putting tendencies.

To discover why these they happen (and more), the measurement session begins.

This involves the student hitting 5 putts towards a target. From these 5 putts your putting stroke is analysed and feedback on every conceivable area you could think of related to your putting stroke is provided within seconds...

060 YOUR GAME

What the Sam PuttLab tells you...

What the Sam PuttLab doesn’t tell you would make a much shorter article! Listed below are just a few of the areas of the putting stroke you receive feedback on. Each parameter will affect your ability to either A. Hit the ball on your intended line, or B. Control the distance.

After 5 putts are analysed it is possible to view a 2-D or 3-D playback image of your stroke, and also see an overall report of your putting stroke, giving you a percentage grading in 4 different areas: Technique, Timing, Consistency and an Overall rating.

Some results explained...

Face at address : Basic but very important, if you are not aiming at your target and you are trying to make a square contact, it’s only luck or a bad stroke if the ball ever goes in the hole.

Face at impact : Important in determining where the ball will finish. A clubface open or closed at impact with a square path will result in you hitting the putt to the right or left of your target line.

Putter Path : If you are correctly lined to your target a square putter path at impact is required.

Rise angle : For a proper roll you should impart immediate topspin to the ball avoiding backspin and skidding. A positive rise angle will give the ball some forward spin and a better roll. The skidding phase will also be reduced. The ideal range can also depend on what type of green you generally play on. Slow greens with longer grass will generally require more loft than fast greens and vice versa.

After the analysis session the coach and pupil will know exactly where the inconsistencies are in their putting stroke, and would then form a plan of action on what needs changing in order to correct it.

The Sam PuttLab is an excellent tool when you are making changes, whether that be changing putters, or changing technique - as you can measure exactly there and then which type of putter, or which type of technique gives you the best performance and consistency results. Only when your overall rating improves can you really begin to make improvements in your putting performance.

Impact Spot : The ‘Impact spot’ parameter shows the horizontal hit distance on the putter face relative to the centre of the putter. Off centre hits are vulnerable to a loss of energy which is transferred to the ball. Therefore your putts will travel inconsistent distances.

Club Head Rotation : The preferred amount of rotation as measured on the Tour inside of this range is about 1 to 3 degrees. A putting stroke with a lot of rotation has to be timed well for consistent performance, because the clubface is square for less time in the stroke.

Rhythm and Timing : The overall times can differ between different stroke types.

More aggressive players show shorter times in both backswing and throughswing.

More cautious players show higher times.

Rhythm and timing are always the same, but the complete stroke can be somewhat slower or faster. Players like Ben Crenshaw and Phil Mickleson tend to have a longer slower stroke, as opposed to players such as Tiger Woods and Thomas Bjorn who have shorter aggressive strokes.

Sam Pleshette is a PGA qualified Teaching Professional at El Chaparral Golf Academy.

A one hour session with the Sam PuttLab costs 60 €.

For more information contact: ✆ (+34) 669 643 427 ➩ sam@golfelchaparral.com ➲ www.sampleshettegolfacademy.com

062 YOUR GAME

FITTING

rescue clubs

By David Poulton, PGA Professional KZG World Top 100 Club Fitter 2007

CLUB FITTING 063

The purpose of a rescue club is to replace the clubs in your bag which are not as versatile and are more difficult to use. It is therefore essential in order to get the maximum benefit from these clubs that they are correctly fitted.

I recently tried a hybrid club fitting on the internet only to find that instead of the 10 lie options I could choose from with the irons, I had only one option with the rescue I was looking at. It couldn’t have been that I said I was a 5 handicap with a wrist to floor measurement of 36 inches - because I tried again saying I was a 7 handicap with a 34 wrist to floor and got the same fitting! Sorry, everybody gets the same lie angle... Well I say sorry, that’s just not acceptable.

There are companies who make their rescue clubs with lie options or with bendable hosels which can be adjusted for lie angle. When you are selecting a club make sure that the lie angle is correct for your swing angles, just as you would with a set of irons. Don’t choose a club based solely on loft and shaft flex - lie angle is more important than both of those.

I also visited another website in search of a rescue club. This web page suggested that they had a hybrid to “fit every golfer” so I assumed that I could find the perfect hybrid for me. I found hybrids available in an array of lofts and CG positions depending on my needs. There was a draw bias and a neutral head design available,

but no fade bias. So all the social golfers who struggle with a hook shot or prefer that shape of shot were not being catered for, myself included. “Fit every golfer” seems to have taken on a completely different meaning - slightly worrying considering that you would not need to concern yourself with draw bias clubs if the shaft was fitted to your shot shape instead of your swing-speed in the first place.

There are two defined club head designs on the market, one being the rescue iron and the other being the rescue wood. The wood has more bulge on the face due to the manufacturers putting weight low and back in the clubhead to suit the higher handicapper. The better player would be well advised to

A correctly fitted club affects all static and dynamic positions in a golf swing.

The correct position at impact for the two golfers pictured here will not be the same. Therefore they must be fitted with different lie angles if they are to achieve a powerful ball flight.

Considerations when fitting a rescue club for lie angle are: Static: s 7RIST TO &LOOR -EASUREMENT s (IP !NGLE s (AND 0OSITION Dynamic: s "ALL &LIGHT s #ORRECT !NGLE AT )MPACT

064 YOUR GAME

try the iron which has much less bulge on the face (square) due to the weight being higher and closer to the face. These clubs produce a much lower ball flight than the rescue wood with the same loft - so try both and see which performs better with your swing dynamics. At this point in your selection process you and your club fitter should have decided on clubhead design, loft, lie angle and a neutral weighted head (in my opinion).

Sorry, everybody gets the same lie angle...

Well I say sorry, that´s just not acceptable.

Next is shaft and shaft length.

When buying a rescue club make sure the shaft is a hybrid shaft which has been designed especially for this style of clubhead. These shafts should have a low torque tip section to stop the clubhead twisting on off-centre hits and when hitting the ball out of rough.

You may not need as stiff a shaft as normal if your club has a hybrid shaft installed, as the low torque makes the club play a little stiffer.

The correct length of hybrid depends on the longest iron in your bag, assuming the irons have been correctly fitted. I like to see the first rescue club no more than one inch longer than the longest iron. During the fitting process, put some impact tape on the face to see if you are managing with that length of hybrid - i.e. hitting it in the middle of the face. When you have settled on the shaft and the length of shaft, double check the lie angle - as shaft flex and shaft length both have an affect on this.

You should have less long irons and fairway woods in your bag than some years ago - but what you shouldn’t have is a draw bias, upright, stiff shafted, 42 inch, 18 degree rescue wood to replace them simply because that was the only thing on the shelf!

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066 YOUR GAME

HOW TO PLAY

rescue clubs Don’t try to scoop the ball up in the air, as this just results in a top shot.

A good position sees the shaft of the club leaning forwards at impact.

The most common mistake I see amateur golfers make when hitting rescue clubs is to treat them in the same way as their fairway woods. This should not be the case, as a rescue club is designed to be hit like an iron.

By Patrick Brady, PGA Professional

The ball position should be just ahead of centre of stance. It should not be played as far forward as your left heel for example. These clubs are designed with a lower centre of gravity than your normal irons, and generally have plenty of loft to pop the ball up in the air - so hit down and through.

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068 YOUR GAME

creating realistic practice sessions

By Allison Dyer BSc, MSc, C.Psychol

Many golfers find that they play great golf on the driving range and in practice but during competition it can be a different story. Once they have a score card in their hand their game completely changes!

If this sounds like you, reviewing the way you practice could make all the difference.

www.sportpsychologist.org.uk

TOTAL SPORT PSYCHOLOGY 069

The way you practice can significantly influence your performance during competitive play. The more realistic and authentic you make your practice sessions the easier you will find it to take your game from the practice ground onto the golf course.

Creating pressure in practice is a challenge but with a bit of creativity and imagination you can complete practice sessions that will train your brain to deal with pressure and frustration more effectively on the course. The guidelines below will give you some ideas on how to create a more realistic environment in your practice sessions.

Tip 1: Prepare your practice sessions s 0RACTICE WITH PURPOSE Be clear about what you will work on in each practice session.

Identify your aims or objectives.

Before you arrive at your practice session establish three practice goals you will work towards (e.g.

30 minutes working on my bunker play, 30 minutes working on my short putts and 30 minutes working on my driving accuracy). Write your practice goals down in your practice note book so you are clear about what you are committing to. You can refer to these goals throughout your practice sessions to keep you on track.

Tip 2: Use Target and Score Drills For All Areas of Your Game Completing Target and Scoring Drills (see example) will help you create a more realistic environment in your practice sessions.

4ARGET AND SCORING DRILLS WILL ✔ Provide a focus for each 20-30 minute practice session. ✔ Allow you to monitor your progress. ✔ Create a pressurised environment (e.g. where average and best personal scores must be beaten). ✔ Serve as a confidence boosting exercise as scores represent repeated success, the most important source to building confidence.

Equipment

Driver, 7 Iron, Wedge, 15 balls

Instructions

Identify a driving distance target e.g. 220 yards.

Identify two additional points 20 yards either side of the 220 yard point to create a 40 yard “fairway�.

Identify a 7 Iron target and Wedge target. Identify two additional points either side of these distance targets to create “fairways�.

Play your driver, 7 iron and wedge in that order to these targets.

Scoring

3 points 1 point -1 point

Result / Consequence

Record on your drill sheet how many points you have earned for each club.

placing the ball within the 40 yard “fairway� placing the ball to the right of the “fairway� (in the rough) placing the ball to the left of the “fairway� (in the water)

Example Driver / 7 Iron / Wedge Target and Scoring Drill (above) and Record Sheet (below)

s 0RACTICE WHAT YOU NEED TO PRACTICE AS OPPOSED TO THE AREAS OF YOUR GAME THAT YOU LIKE TO PRACTICE Often uncertainty on the course is a result of unfamiliarity or lack of trust with the type of shot we are trying to play. The areas you decide to work should be informed by your performance in your last competition, your previous practice sessions and future competitions etc. not just the areas you feel comfortable and confident practicing.

s When completing the drills pick SPECIl C TARGETS as you would do in competition. Raise the stakes of your practice by using a SCORING SYSTEM 2ECORD YOUR RESULTS to re-create the competitive environment in each practice session. Challenge yourself! s Complete drills that VARY CLUB SEQUENCE e.g. driver, 9 iron and PW for example as opposed to driver, driver, driver, driver - a sequence of clubs you are unlikely to use in competition. You will not have the opportunity to play the same shot over and over in competition so practice taking yourself out of your comfort zone and vary clubs as you would do in competition. s Be HONEST with how you score yourself. If you are too

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070 YOUR GAME

easy on yourself, you will achieve less in the long run. It is good to practice dealing with the frustration of an error. s Record every score.

Remember you wouldn’t get a second chance in competition so don’t allow yourself a second chance in practice. s Review your past scores on each drill. What is your average score? What is your best score?

Set yourself a specific “score goal” for each drill. Be clear about the score you are aiming for. Identify your own personal goal, objective or ambition. s Be realistic with the scores you are aiming for. Set goals that raise your average performance. If you set unrealistically high goals you will dent your confidence often. s Approach each shot as you would do in a competition.

Complete your pre-shot routine between each shot you play. A pre-shot routine will enhance your consistency - a consistent approach is likely to lead to a consistent outcome. It will also increase your trust and confidence in your shot by providing a sense of familiarity and security when you are under pressure. Practice using your preshot routine to reap these benefits! s Place additional pressure on yourself by establishing a penalty or forfeit that you will need to complete if you do not achieve the goals you have set yourself e.g. complete 10 extra sit ups, wash your friends car, clean the bathroom. Identify a couple of things you really hate doing and use those as your penalty. Push yourself to complete the forfeit each and every time. The only person you are letting down if you don’t is yourself.

www.sportpsychologist.org.uk

You could re-create a specific hole at your own course on the driving range or the next competition course you will be playing in your mind.

Tip 3: Use Imagery s "E IMAGINATIVE AND CREATIVE BY imaging specific holes or courses.

You could re-create a specific hole at your own course on the driving range or the next competition course you will be playing in your mind. Image each hole, where you would play your tee shot to and your follow up approach shot.

Your imagery will be enhanced if you: s Incorporate as many senses as possible. Create in your mind the information normally detected by your sense organs i.e. recreate pictures, recall sounds and tastes, recapture a feeling of movement and relive emotions, almost as if they were really happening. s Complete your scoring and target drills in the same clothes, shoes etc, using the same clubs and balls as you would in competition. s Image each practice shot as if you were in competition. Make your image as ‘real’ as possible. Feel the anticipation and the adrenaline as you prepare to strike the ball.

Feel the tackiness of your grip.

See the people around you, your opponent, spectators, the fairway.

Smell the grass. Image the taste in your mouth, the sound of the wind, the murmur of others around you, the churning in your stomach.

Tip 4: Complete challenges against yourself and others s Whenever possible, complete your scoring and target drills with a practice partner.

This is great pressure practice.

It can be an uncomfortable experience but it’s a great way to practice pressure, irritation, frustration, dealing with errors and so on. Let your practice partner know the score you are trying to achieve or compete against one another. ✔ Take turns with your partner to call a specific target. You could score yourself out of 10. Whoever has the best score wins and can decide the forfeit for the other! ✔ Placing (small!) bets with friends relating to specific targets can be a great way to up the stakes!

Summary Working in Train Mode (e.g. work on mechanics and technique, consciously thinking about the swing/technical changes you want to make, feeling the new position, using mirrors and video feedback) is essential but it is also important to spend some time in Trust Mode working to specific targets, using a scoring system, varying clubs, working through your pre-shot routine etc. Practicing like this will help you to feel more comfortable in competitive situations!

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072 YOUR GAME

Photo courtesy

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PRE-ROUND

By Juan Barberis Internationally Certified Golf Fitness Trainer

GOLF FITNESS 073

Have you ever arrived five minutes before your teetime, scored an 8 on the first hole, or even worse, pulled a back muscle that ruined your whole round? This is definitely not the way to start a fun golf outing. How about following a simple warm-up routine that will assist you to play your best golf and enjoy the day? A routine can be as easy as the following...

Start by arriving 10-15 minutes before your tee-time and find an area near the first tee where you can warm-up. Start walking in place for 2-3 minutes, slowly raising your knees closer towards your chest to loosen your hamstrings.

While conducting this warm-up exercise, control your breathing so that it is deep - both inhalation and exhalation - and rhythmic.

This practice of managing your breathing, which should continue throughout this routine, will assist you in managing your mental focus during the round while providing you with great overall health benefits.

Once you have warmed-up with the walking in place, start stretching your hamstrings and calf muscles - the very foundation of your golf swing. Using a stationary object such as a wall or tree, place both hands against the object with one leg well behind the other and straight with the back foot flat on the ground. Now slowly lean closer to the wall or tree while maintaining the foot flat on the ground and hold this stretch for 20-30 seconds, then repeat with the other leg. Repeat this sequence three times for each leg. The idea is to stretch the back of the hamstrings and calves well in order to allow for greater flexibility of your hips and lower back.

Next, stretch your quads or front of your thighs. Stand next to the wall or tree for support and balance. While balancing yourself, lift one foot behind you (heel towards buttocks) and grab your foot at that position. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat the sequence three times for each leg.

Now that your lower body is properly stretched, you can start to concentrate on your mid-section and upper body. The next stretch is

called “Good Mornings” and you start by holding a club with both of your hands, shoulder width apart, and bending forward until the club reaches, or goes past your knees.

Bring your body back to upright and repeat for 15-20 times. This stretch is a great follow-up to ensure that your hamstrings are loose. Next is the “Torso Stretch”. You should start by placing a golf club on your shoulders and getting into your golf stance. Start by rotating your body slowly until you feel a stretch and holding the position for 5-7 seconds, then rotating towards the other side and repeating the hold period. Repeat this sequence three times for each side.

The final two exercises are focused on providing you with proper shoulder mobility and a sound golf swing routine. Start by placing your arms straight to your sides. With your palms facing downward, start by moving your arms forward in a circular fashion - first with small circles and then increasing in size.

Continue for 20-30 seconds and then reverse directions. With your arms extended, then proceed to criss-cross them in front of you.

Now that your shoulders are loose you are ready for “Smooth Swings” or proper and relaxed golf swings. Grab your 7 iron and take some partial, relaxed swings.

While taking some deep breaths, visualize your target and swing in a controlled and relaxed manner.

Smile as you visualize hitting perfect shots, time and time again!

This is the simple routine that I follow and recommend! Just remember to arrive 10-15 minutes before your tee-time so that you won’t be rushed. With this type of pre-round routine, you are guaranteed to play better golf and enjoy your day! Yours in health.

Managing your breathing will assist you in managing your mental focus...

074 ANNA RAWSON’S CORNER

By Anna Rawson Ladies European Tour Player

Staying Connected

Practice your swing holding head covers between your upper arms and rib cage. This drill prevents an “arms-y” swing, allowing your body and arms to work as one. When your swing is connected, you will notice more consistent contact resulting in solid shots. When I start to hit errant shots, I go to the driving range and put the head covers under my arms. My swing always feels more effortless when I stay connected. After using this drill, I always leave the range hitting solid. Use it, and you could too.

076 GOLF & TRAVEL

SOUTH AFRICA

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FINLAND

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Linna Golf The recently opened clubhouse features 18 golf suites, each with its own private sauna offering views over the acclaimed golf course on the historic Vanajanlinna Castle estate. ➲ www.golfpiste.com/linnagolf ➲ www.pgaetc.com

PORTUGAL 2007 has seen plenty of new golf courses opening in both Spain and Portugal, and though there are an immense variety of styles and layouts, one thing remains consistent - quality.

Arcos Gardens, La Reserva, San Roque New, El Chaparral, Santa Clara and Monte Rei (Portugal)...

The list keeps growing and we haven’t even mentioned the up and coming Murcia region of Spain yet!

Two new courses are opening their doors for play in October - Gran Flamingo, featured in the following pages, and Quinta do Vale in the Algarve, highlighted in our events section. Adding these to the other ‘must play’ courses such as Finca Cortesin (pictured above),

This is something we intend to correct very soon, where we’ll visit courses including Hacienda del Alamo, Roda Golf & Resort and the Polaris World Resort. If you’ve missed any of our reviews to date, then feel free to read the on-line at www.fairwaylife.com.

Monte Rei Another recent visit to this amazing layout only serves to confirm our love of what Jack Nicklaus has created here. Beautifully maintained with excellent service - everything is first class - including the gourmet food! ➲ www.monte-rei.com

078 GOLF & TRAVEL

Gran Flamingo

The Costa del Sol has no shortage of golf courses that wind their way through dramatic mountain settings - but it could be argued that for many of them beauty takes precedence over playability.

Gran Flamingo, the new course to open at Flamingos Golf, has set out to change this by proving that they can achieve both, and Eat GOLF! took on the challenge to find out if they were successful.

For those not already in the know, the original course at Flamingos Golf has earned itself quite a reputation since opening in 2000, having already hosted the European Senior’s Matchplay Championship 3 times. The quality of its putting surfaces, interesting, playable layout and friendly service make it a popular choice with golfers.

Gran Flamingo has a very different flavour to that of the original course, and whilst we would not normally construct a guide for a review such as this, it felt appropriate to point out some of its nuances in order to give as fair a preview as possible.

The holes which lead in and out of the course were obviously the most difficult to overcome from a design perspective, as they traverse the hillsides or meander through the valleys of some challenging terrain. It is this area, home to holes 1, 2, 17 and 18, which is going to cause most difficulty, especially for the higher handicap player although they are reasonably fair, certainly strategic, and most definitely spectacular.

But if you’ve struggled through the courses starter, it will all be worthwhile on reaching the main course - which would be holes 3 to 14. Cutting to the chase,

Pictured Above: View of the dramatic mountain backdrop from the 9th fairway.

Pictured Below: Taken from the 18th tee, the gorge must be crossed to reach the relatively narrow fairway (right).

The 1st hole (left) is not long, but has plenty of hazards to negotiate.

COSTA DEL SOL, SPAIN 079

...this stretch is exceptionally well thought out, and the amount of space dedicated to wide fairways is incredibly surprising.

Hole 10, Par 4 : A short par 4 with a large green. The only real trouble here might be going too long with the approach, as anything through the green will fall down a slope at the back.

Hole 9, Par 4 : The view at this end of the course is simply stunning. The slight incline from the tee steepens towards the green, which sits at an off-set angle due to a large lake which is hidden from sight on the approach.

Hole 11, Par 4 : Uphill hole reaching the highest point of the course. Plenty of room from the tee.

Hole 8, Par 3 : A pretty, short hole whose main feature is the lake protecting the front of the green. Anything short is guaranteed to be wet, so club up!

Hole 12, Par 5 : This is a great driving hole from a slightly elevated tee to a wide landing area framed by the hillside. From here the hole dog-legs to the right, leaving an uphill approach to a well protected green.

Hole 7, Par 5 : An uphill hole requiring a good drive over the lake in order to find the best position for the lay-up and a scoring opportunity.

Hole 13, Par 5 : A straight-forward par 5 where anything on the left side of the fairway should open up the approach to the green.

Hole 6, Par 4 : Back down the hill, some well placed fairway bunkers put a high demand on accuracy, though there is plenty of room for those willing to leave themselves a longer second. Subtle contours in the large green could catch you out here.

Hole 14, Par 3 : A very tricky short hole, in that the green is surrounded by hazards formed by a ravine on the left and a lake protecting the front and right. This hole is certain to provide some entertainment.

Hole 5, Par 4 : Uphill all the way, with a vast driving area. One for the longer hitters to boom a drive without fear of finding too much trouble!

The raised green makes good club selection essential to clear the bunker protecting the front.

Hole 4, Par 5 : After another long carry from the tee, this par 5 is relatively easy going. Wide fairways become a feature for the next 10 holes. There’s no reason to hold back here - just give it all you’ve got!

Hole 15, Par 4 : A difficult par 4. The ravine intruding on the left and dog-leg right make the hole feel tight from the tee. The approach is no easier either, to a long and narrow, two tierd green.

Hole 3, Par 3 : As stunning a par 3 as it is long - and at 200m from the men’s tee with around 160m carry over the ravine and no bail out area - it is long! Plays downhill all the way to a vast putting surface.

Hole 16, Par 5 : A good drive is essential to reach the green in regulation. The tee shot is visually intimidating, but there is more to aim at than at first appears.

Shorter hitters could have some difficulties navigating their way through this hole.

Hole 2, Par 4 : A slight dog-leg left which crosses the ravine twice; the shorter hitters are going to find this an exceedingly difficult hole to play. Long hitters will still have their work cut out to reach the green in regulation due to the steep incline.

Hole 17, Par 3 : A well struck long iron or wood is required to find the putting surface.

A boundary wall which intrudes towards the right front of the green could be an issue here, especially for the shorter hitters, whilst anything hooked left is going down the ravine!

Hole 18, Par 4 : A dramatic downhill hole requiring a long, accurate drive to carry a deep gorge which splits the tee and fairway. With a good straight drive, a long iron or wood might see you onto the large green which awaits below.

Out : Par 36 In : Par 37

Hole 1, Par 4 : Though not a long hole, a par is certainly no guarantee. Avoiding the trouble left and right off the tee is followed by a shot to a generously sized ‘island’ green.

For an opener it requires good management, concentration and execution to negotiate - but on reflection it is impossible not to admit this is an exceedingly pretty golf hole.

080 GOLF & TRAVEL

this stretch is exceptionally well thought out, and the amount of space dedicated to wide fairways is incredibly surprising. There’s more than enough room to open the shoulders from the tee, and combined with the scenery makes for a unique experience.

A great deal of care has obviously been taken over the layout, with a superb blend of scoring opportunities combined with holes where protecting par will be the main priority. Water also plays an integral part to many of the holes, whether it is one of the beautifully presented lakes or the natural, rugged feature of the stream which runs through the course.

You may notice from reading our guide that shorter hitters are going to have problems in certain areas, and it might be a consideration to add in another set of tees for these players. There’s no doubt that a lack of bail-out areas combined with the carries required is going

to be an almost impossible task for some. On the plus side, as far as we could tell, all boundaries to the holes were marked by red stakes - a decision that most golfers will surely appreciate as opposed to the dreaded white stake!

Coming down the final stretch the course tightens again, by which time if you have a score going you will relish the challenge. If not, you will be concentrating on the magnificent views so much it simply won’t matter.

Gran Flamingo is a course to be experienced and savoured.

It might not be to everyone’s palette, but certainly deserves your attention in order to find out.

As to whether Gran Flamingo succeeds in changing a golfer’s perception of a mountain course will ultimately be decided by the people who play it. In our opinion we’d say that for 4 holes, probably, and for the other 14, most definitely!

Pictured Above: View from the generously sized 18th green. Bunkers await any wayward approach left and right.

Pictured Below: The 3rd hole deserves special mention due to it’s stunning views, which detract somewhat from its difficulty. A very well struck long iron or wood is required, but the main trouble for most will simply be crossing the river.

A par here will feel like a birdie.

082 GOLF & TRAVEL

Golf a la carte WITH TWO COURSES

By Dennis Shaw, PGAs of Europe

As a mere golf-writing hack I must tee-off here by confessing to a feeling of some inadequacy when required to do justice to the many splendours of Brocket Hall.

Is it a golfing destination? Certainly.

Is it a stately home? Indeed, it is sir.

Does it have history pervading its ancient stone walls? Only a philistine could fail to notice.

Is it a gourmet’s paradise?

Bon appetit, mon ami...

To visit Brocket Hall’s 543 rolling acres with their two fine golf courses, 18th century mansion and estate, and enchanting views of the Auberge du Lac restaurant, is to enjoy a far wider experience than merely driving golf balls down meandering fairways and missing short putts.

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND 083

Here is a privileged package to explore the descriptive skills of, in addition to a golfing scribe, a Debrett’s historian, an Egon Ronay of the dining room and a romantic period novelist, a la Catherine Cookson.

That final name, perhaps, would jar in this particular context, were it not for Brocket Hall’s own literature, which describes its past as containing several ‘salacious scandals’. One of these was when a certain lady of the house presented herself to its master, Lord Melbourne no less, by emerging naked from a soup tureen.

Small lady or large tureen I know not. However, the tit-bit of gossip prompted me to search the menu in the Watershyppes Restaurant at the clubhouse in vain, for a 21st version of this dainty dish. Not finding it, alas, I settled instead for Terrine of duck with foie gras and homemade brioche followed by Pan-fried tenderloin of pork with apple tarte tatin and a caramalised onion rosti.

Not a naked lady, perhaps, but a delicious accompaniment to the usual post-golf reflections, with companions, about the quality of the courses... and in this Brocket Hall is as well blessed, as one would expect it to be.

The grounds of the hall would seem to be a designer’s paradise though for Peter Alliss and Donald Steel, who were responsible for one each, there were difficulties enough, bearing in mind the demand for discreet preservation rather than overt architectural extravagence.

With one site criss-crossed by the River Lea as ready-made water hazard, and the other ideal for a pleasant meander through the woodlands, with slopes, valleys and nature-induced dog-legs, a natural sense of balance and contrast is created with only a limited amount of earth-shifting.

084 GOLF & TRAVEL

any week with or without the golf clubs. Here is nature unspoiled, where the sporting challenges are provided by existing trees, slopes, hollows, valleys and changing climatic conditions and where it is simply a lovely place to be.

Or, as Steel himself puts it: “The contours, individual trees, woodland, distant views, and the large area the course occupies makes it... an inland course that will rank among any in world golf.”

It is a ‘thinkers’ course, that’s for sure. There are alternative lines to be taken from most tees, with ‘risk and reward’ options and ‘unplayable’ penalties. The greens are subtly woven in, as though they were part of the original terrain, and thereby present few flat, straight putts. (Well, that’s my excuse...)

The Estate and Golf Operations Manager is John Wells, who has overseen much of the process that has seen the parkland of an ancient country estate embrace two golf courses while maintaining a timeless tranquillity that must have existed back in 1558, when Elizabeth 1-to-be was sitting under an oak tree there at the moment that she was told she was to be crowned Queen of England.

With such a pedigree to consider those with responsibility of naming the courses could hardly come up with something as mundane as ‘The River’ course and ‘The Woodland’. Spoiled for choice, they settled instead for the Melbourne and the Palmerston.

Both past Lords of the Realm, they are two of the 19th century Prime Ministers who lived there, though such are the historical associations offering themselves for commemoration that they could have been the ‘The Thatcher’ and ‘The Byron’ courses or ‘The King George 1V’ and the ‘Queen Victoria’.

The par-73 Palmerston course measures in excess of 7000 yards off its backmost markers, though there are shorter alternatives for golfing mortals. This particular one found that the course offers a very fair, if diverse and interesting test,

with enough width of fairway in most cases to keep the ball in play.

Donald Steel is said to have ‘sculptured many beautiful holes through the ancient woodlands, with some very undulating fairways’, and no one would dispute that. It could be described as not having a signature hole, not because none deserves that accolade, but because several compete with each other for it.

Personally I would be happy to take the buggy ride around the Palmerston course on any day of

The Melbourne, a 6,600-yard par-72, is a contrasting lay-out in which water hazards provided by the lake, and the River Lea, comes into play on five of the holes and benefits from views of the Hall, the Auberge du Lac (a former 18th century hunting lodge) and the majestic stone bridge.

Collectively the view bears comparison with the beauty of Blenheim Palace’s gardens, not surprising since the original Brockett Hall landscape gardener, Richard Woods, was a devotee of Capability Brown.

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND 085

Brocket Hall, with its aristocratic aura, history-book past, haut cuisine menus and encyclopaedic wine list, is not your average golfing destination...

Peter Alliss, who designed the course with Clive Clarke, had several restrictions put in his way including the need to ensure that on the drive from the wrought iron gates to the great house, the course was hidden. i.e. no bunkers visible from the 1st, 2nd,17th and 18th holes.

To balance this were the wonderful design features of lake, river, classical backdrops and generous stretches of mature grassland.

From all this a second course has emerged in which, like the Palmerston, every hole is completely different from the previous one and golfing challenges (and possible satisfactions) abound.

Unlike the Palmerston, however, the Melbourne does have its signature hole, the 531-yard par 5, 18th featuring a ‘risk and reward’ second shot over the lake and a possible eagle or birdie. That’s for the elite minority. For the majority it’s a ‘lay up’ and a short iron…and that’s when the novelty kicks in.

To cross to the green by the short route, golfers hop onto a selfactivated ferry, or floating bridge.

One poor chap’s clubs toppled forward en route and though the bag was saved from a watery grave, his car keys popped out of the pocket and into the lake as dusk settled in... but that’s another story.

Brocket Hall, with its aristocratic aura, history-book past, haut cuisine menus and encyclopaedic wine list, is not your average golfing destination, and yet its tone is welcoming, relaxed, unpretentious and all budgets are catered for.

While a 1961 Chateau Latour Pauillac will set you back £1500 in the auberge, we found a cheeky little Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon for thirteen quid in the club house, and enjoyed a bottle or three. All very harmonious.

John Wells loves his job and everything about his place of work, but he’s particularly proud of the Faldo Golf Institute and rightly so. Before its construction, and the great man was prepared to attach his name and reputation to it, extensive research was carried out to ensure that every relevant facility was included.

And so they have been.

It has an indoor teaching area, long and short game zones, chipping, bunker and putting areas and a par three sixhole lay-out with instructional boards on every tee offering Faldo’s own strategic advice.

There are several golf training programmes, including three and two-day schools, private lessons and group tuition and

all the staff have been certified as coaches by Faldo himself.

But why Nick Faldo? Simple: Brocket Hall is near to his ‘home patch’ of Welwyn Garden City.

Wells’s first job, as a greenkeeping trainee, was at Welwyn Golf Club where, he now recalls with some amusement, his duties included ‘replacing Nick’s divots’.

Brocket Hall also has its own membership arrangements, full details can be obtained by personal enquiry. A variety of residential packages are on offer to non–members starting at £225 per person.

The Golf Experience package includes a night at Melbourne Lodge, accommodated in an atmosphere-steeped former stabling block, breakfast at the Watershyppes Clubhouse Restaurant, a round of golf, access to the Faldo Golf Institute and dinner. It comes highly recommended.

Brocket Hall International Ltd, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL8 7XG. ✆ +44 (0)1707 335 241 ✴ +44 (0)1707 333 309 ➩ events@brocket-hall.co.uk ➩ faldoinstitute@brocket-hall.co.uk ➲ www.brocket-hall.co.uk

086 GOLF & TRAVEL

Azores THE

By Sue Welbrock-Smith Photos ŠGeoffrey Farmer

There is nothing that can really prepare you for these magical and mysterious islands, set as a series of gemstones in the crystal clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Washed by the Gulf Stream, the Azores Archipelago enjoys a privileged climate which gives rise to sub-tropical vegetation that remains lush all year round. Air temperature varies between 14 degrees in winter and 17 in summer, while the water remains fairly constant at some 17-24 degrees.

The Islands are located 760 nautical miles from Lisbon and 2,110 from New York on what is virtually a direct line between those two cities, and it is precisely this strategic location which has given them their unique importance over the years, since their discovery in the 15th century.

The nine islands may be divided into three groups and are all of

volcanic origin - indeed some scholars believe them to be the remains of the legendary Atlantis.

The central group comprises Terceira, Graciosa, Sao Jorge, Pico and Faial, bordered to the west by Corvo and Flores; to the east by San Miguel and Santa Maria. Altogether an enormous area, covering some 2,336 square meters.

The most convenient way to arrive is by air and direct international access is presently available from Boston, Toronto, Montreal and Providence, Sweden, Finland, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Portugal and England. Once there, it’s possible to island hop comfortably from A to B, with public transport readily available to

all points on any one island. If you prefer to be independent however, you may take a taxi or hire a car to go off and explore alone.

Azores is also a major point of call for Atlantic Cruise liners and transatlantic sailing boats - perhaps a legacy from those early days when, once they had been discovered, sailors sought a welcome refuge in the islands’ natural harbours and the opportunity to take on fresh stores.

Wheat, fresh fruits - bananas, pineapples and passion fruit not to mention freshly picked oranges - so fresh indeed, that the growers did not take on pickers to harvest the fruit until ships were about to tie up alongside!

THE AZORES 087

The volcanic origins of the archipelago are what makes their soil naturally rich, giving rise to quality indigenous timbers, such as mahogany and cedar; exotic fruits, such as the world famous pineapples of San Miguel; fabulous dairy pastures providing grazing for dairy cows, whose milk is exported to mainland Portugal together with butter, cheeses and a full range of other dairy products.

Not unnaturally, you will find locally produced wines. The Sao Lorenco area produces a wine, very popular in the Azores - vinho de cheiro while the island of Pico produces both white and red table wines, together with two (now quite famous!) fortified wines - Lajido and Angelica. Wine growing in Pico covers a total of 154 acres, classified in 2004 by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Here the vines are trained to stay low, propped above the soil on short stakes in acre after acre of miniature fields (currais). They are enclosed by low walls built from black basalt, which offer protection from prevailing salt-bearing winds off the sea.

The former is dry and refined in character, aged for three years in American oak barrels. The latter, just launched in 2004, and although strictly-speaking an aperitif, is sweeter and makes a perfect accompaniment for rich deserts.

Speaking of which, centuryold recipes are still used in the making of ‘suspiros’ (meringues), ‘melindres’ (honey cake) and a range of mouth-watering cookies!

The islands are also famed for their fresh fish and seafood.

Traditional recipes include many pork-based dishes, together with ‘Cozido nas Caldeiras das Furnas’ - a succulent casserole of assorted meats and vegetables, baked in pots which are cooked by the heat of the volcanic earth!

Having taken care of your gastronomic well-being during the course of your stay, what can you find to do?

Well it would probably be quicker to make a list of those things which are not available! Nature provides the majority of the Azores touristic attractions. Hiking, walking, riding on horseback or cycling around the islands is a perfect way to enjoy the richness of their flora and fauna. Not to mention the outstanding natural features such as shimmering lakes, which stand out in sharp contrast to the dark green of woodlands;

rocky crevasses and the way the land eventually drops away to sea level on the coastal plains.

For the more adventurous, mountain climbing and absailing are available, while well equipped gyms offer the opportunity to pump iron! Of the more conventional sporting activities, there’s clay pigeon shooting, fishing (both river and deep sea), deep sea diving, sailing, tennis and golf.

088 GOLF & TRAVEL

The outstanding quality of these courses owes much to the ongoing standard of maintenance over the years since they were built, at which time, this elitist sport was something of a mystery to those who used the land to provide grazing for animals, which would in its turn produce food. “Hitting a little white ball from here to there? I don’t think so!” Time, changes things however, and now golf itself is recognised as putting food into people’s mouths!

Inspired not only by the government objective, but also having visited (and fallen in love with!) the islands while on holiday, co-director of the Oceânico Group, Gerry Fagan was determined to establish a presence for his company in the Azores. Coming from Ireland, he exuberantly refers to the Azores as “Ireland plus 10 degrees!” Without a doubt, he’s right. Persuading partner Simon Burgess that this was indeed a magical opportunity for the company to pursue their expansion policy and embark on a pioneering project in this beautiful location did not seem to have been much of a problem from there on.

Following the award won by the Azores Islands at the December 2005 International Golf Travel Market, when the archipelago was voted one of the ‘Best Undiscovered Golf Destinations’ - the theme was pursued at the Azores’ stand during the January 2006 Lisbon Trade Fair (BTL), with the motto ‘Magic Nature’.

The event was an unexpected success, persuading Regional Government to maximise the impetus and come up with a series of initiatives and incentives, both internally and externally, with the view to further promoting Azorean tourism.

One of the main objectives is to combat seasonality. Convention

and event-centred tourism remains ideally applicable to the offseason, but (and having made a comparative study with mainland Portugal) those involved in the industry have become increasingly aware of just how enormously important golf tourism can be.

For the moment, the plan is to seek to improve on and expand what presently exists.

There are two excellent golf courses already on Sao Miguel.

Furnas - 18 holes, at Achada das Furnas; and Batalha - 27 holes, Fenais da Luz. Both offer the full range of peripheral facilities including driving range, practice area, clubhouse with changing rooms and a pro shop - all that is required here is a little upgrading.

The first touristic resort developer to work in the islands, Oceânico purchased Azores Golf Islands (formerly Verde Golf) courses of Furnas (now re-named ‘Cedars’) and Batalha (‘Azaleas’) from the Azores Government last year. It is anticipated the Oceânico Group’s activities in the Azores will result in approximately 700 million euros in new investments in the archipelago over the next seven years. This will be in keeping with government plans for expanding high quality tourism. Director Gerry Fagan is adamant that his company is seeking only to improve on what already exists. The Group appointed Troon Golf, the world leader in upscale golf course management to work with them both in the Azores and at their Amendoiera resort in the Algarve.

Troon Golf presently manages 187 of the best golf courses in the world under their watchful eye, including the five golf courses at Vilamoura, also in the Algarve.

DON’T MISS OUT! The outstanding quality of these courses owes much to the ongoing standard of maintenance over the years since they were built...

Initially, the new resort at Azalea will offer a choice of luxury accommodation comprised of villas and apartments plus a four-star hotel with leisure and spa facilities. The project aims to transform the existing 27 hole course into the island’s first luxury golf resort, and by working closely with the local Tourist Board and International Tour Operators, it is anticipated that interest in this unique area will expand.

Since the Azores’ Tourist Board’s declaration to a commitment to the extension of golf, it appears that there are plans in place to build three more courses, on the islands of Sao Miguel, Santa Maria and Faial. Add these to those already existing (there’s an 18-hole course near Algar do Carvão, on Terceira) and the total is six. This is truly an emerging Golf Destination in the making!

The hope is to attract more international golf tournaments to the islands in addition to those already scheduled - The Azores Islands Open, the Sata Azores Open and most recently (jointly sponsored by Oceânico, Verde Golf S.A. and the Azores Tourist Board) The PGA EuroPro Tour Event.

Travel Information: ➩ lisbon@oceanicodevelopments.com Sata Air Acores ➲ www.sata.pt ✆ +351 707 227 282 TAP Air Portugal ➩ atlantis@tap.pt ➲ www.tap-airportugal.com

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Yearly subscirption rates (5 issues): Spain: 30 euro Europe: 50 euro Rest of World: 80 euro

For more info email ‘Subscribe’ to: postmaster@eat-golf.com

090 EVENTS & LIFESTYLE

MADRID

Golf’s Mega Meeting Come and visit Eat GOLF! at the Madrid Golf Show, at Feria de Madrid from 18-21 October 2007.

With 115 direct exhibitors and 172 brands represented last year it’s sure to be a great show! ➲ www.madridgolf.es

VILAMOURA, PORTUGAL

CLOSING THE SEASON

Oceânico Victoria Golf Club European Tour stars arrive to compete for the 3 million euro prize fund at the inaugural Portugal Masters, which takes place 18-21 October 2007.

The resort is managed by Troon Golf. ➲ www.oceanicogolf.com ➲ www.europeantourtickets.com

GOLF VALLEY, MARBELLA EUROPEAN TOUR www.europeantour.com

LADIES EUROPEAN TOUR www.ladieseuropeantour.com

OCTOBER 11-14 Open de Madrid Real Sociedad Hípica Española

OCTOBER 04-06 Madrid Ladies Masters Casino Club de Golf Retamare

18-21

Portugal Masters Oceânico Victoria Clube de Golfe

25-28

Mallorca Classic Pula GC

DECEMBER 05-08 Indian Ladies Masters Eagleton Golf Resort, Bidadi

NOVEMBER 01-04 Volvo Masters Club de Golf Valderrama 22-25

Omega Mission Hills World Cup Mission Hills Golf Club

13-16

Dubai Ladies Masters Emirates Golf Club (Majlis Course)

WORLD TOUR OCTOBER 11-14 HSBC World Match Play Champ’ Wentworth Club

xoleuSSyo Tournament 8 teams of Spanish national professionals will compete for the title at La Quinta Golf & Country Club, 26th November - 2nd December. The event incorporates 4 matchplay, 2 individual and 2 fourball formats with points. ➲ www.ogxs.com

092 EVENTS & LIFESTYLE

QuanVision TV Crew film the DJ from Tarifa Records and fashion show during the after party

Discussing the days play on La Reserva’s relaxing terrace

Models from Superocho pose for a fashion shoot by the driving range

fashion, music and golf AT LA RESERVA, SOTOGRANDE

The Big Golf Chill presented

by Eat GOLF! took place at La Reserva, Sotogrande on Sunday, 16th September 2007. Prior to teeing off, Golfriend’s Shop, one of the event sponsors, put on an excellent demo day in association with Callaway and TaylorMade.

84 guests were invited to take part in a pairs scramble, and the 3.30 shotgun start saw them playing into the beautiful late summer sunset.

The course was in first class condition, and the players performance was able to match the setting. Professional Sam Pleshette and partner Ricardo Rodriguez (handicap 12) set an early pace.

Sam peppered the pins at holes 1 and 2 before holing his second into the par 4, 3rd for eagle! He then followed with another eagle at the par 5, 4th! Shooting 30 out and 36 back, they posted a round of 6 under gross, 8 under net.

Meanwhile the team of Ezequiel Faig (Pro) and Francisco Siconolfi (14) had a run of their own going - shooting birdie, eagle, birdie through holes 3, 4 and 5 for a front nine of 32. Two more birdies on the back nine resulted in a bogey free round of 66, and their net score of 63 could not be beaten.

Three birdies in a row from the turn meant pairing Ignacio Jimenez (3.9) and Jose Ledesma (4.3) had the best back 9 of the day, with 32 shots. Just one birdie going out however left them in third place with a gross 67, net 65.

A great consolation for Jose Ledesma was winning the longest drive on the treacherous 17th hole (which featured in the Eat GOLF! Dream 18, Issue 7). His outrageously long tee shot did not result in a birdie, but he did win a Mercedes SLK two seater

sports car for the weekend courtesy of Fischer Mercedes!

Following the golf, music by DJ’s from Tarifa Records was enjoyed on the clubhouse terrace, along with a fashion show by Superocho (Estepona) and Peak Performance. Pictures of some of the clothes on display can be seen elsewhere in this issue.

1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes of drivers, putters and golf bags were awarded courtesy of Golfriend’s Shop, along with the nearest pin prizes of season tickets to the 2007 Volvo Masters courtesy of Golf in Spain.

A great day enjoyed by all, we hope to put on a similar event in the future. Huge thanks to all our sponsors, those who took part, to Sotogrande, and the magnificent La Reserva Golf Club. Don’t forget to check out the video!

THE BIG GOLF CHILL 093

Results 1st Place Pair Ezequiel Faig (Pro) Francisco Siconolfi (14) Gross: 66. Net: 63 2nd Place Pair Sam Pleshette (Pro) Ricardo Rodriguez (12) Gross: 66. Net: 64 3rd Place Pair Ignacio Jimenez (3.9) Jose Ledesma (4.3) Gross: 67. Net: 65 Longest Drive, Hole 17 Jose Ledesma (4.3) Nearest Pin, Hole 8 Manuel Troyano Martinez (7.3) Nearest Pin, Hole 16 Antonio Flores Sim贸n (14)

094 EVENTS & LIFESTYLE

QUINTA DO VALE OPENS FOR PLAY Located in the Castro Marim region close to the Portugese / Spanish Border, overlooking the bridge that takes you across to either country, Quinta do Vale blends perfectly with the landscape. Forged by history and culture such as the Castle Castro Marim, whose name originated from its closeness to the sea, the golf course is set to welcome visitors from October 15th 2007. With superb facilities in an easy to reach location and stunning views of the Atlanitc Ocean, be sure to make this one of your stops on the Algarve.

Quinta do Vale, Algarve - Castro Marim Golfe e Urbanizações Vale do Odiana - Sucursal, Eiras da Achada. ✆ (+351) 281 531 615 ✴ (+351) 281 531 776 ➩ info@quintadovale.com ➲ www.quintadovale.com

EARS 20 Y

• 1988 - 2007 •

IT’S LIKE THE WINNING PUTT...

YOU JUST CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS IT! The €4 million flagship championship is one of the most spectator-friendly events in world-class sport, a ‘must see - must be seen at,’ event that extends way beyond just golf and an excuse to play some of Southern Spain’s finest golf courses - including Valderrama before winter takes its grip.

Such is the stature of the Volvo Masters and the esteem to which the event is held by the players that in both 2004 and 2006, the entire European Ryder Cup team turned out. Luke Donald, whose recent record at the Volvo Masters is third and second says, “The event is like nothing else we play all season.

It’s classy, stylish and although there is big money and a huge title at stake, it’s relaxed and the fans

get a great deal, getting closer to the players than almost any other tournament on the circuit.’

With three-nights accommodation, a Volvo Masters weekend pass, one green fee and rental car costing as little as a fraction over €300, approximately £205 (UK) there can be fewer better opportunities to play in the morning and watch the stars in the afternoon. Then there’s the opportunity - if you’re brave enough - to follow in the footsteps of the Masters, to play Valderrama under championship conditions, back tees and Sunday pin positions within hours of the winning putt having been holed.

For details on Volvo Masters short break golf packages & tickets contact Golf in Spain: ✆ (+34) 952 474 848 ➲ www.golfinspain.com Official event website: ➲ www.volvomasters.com

now showing on-line at www.fairwaylife.com

in association with

www.quanvision.com

096 EVENTS & LIFESTYLE

san lorenzo and sir henry cotton INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR GOLF TOURNAMENTS

The ‘Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort’ and ‘Le Méridien Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Course’ in Portugal are organising, for the 8th time, their successful International Amateur Golf Tournaments.

Le Méridien Penina Golf & Resort 17th November - 24th November 2007

Le Méridien Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo 24th November - 1st December 2007

Tournament Package includes: 7 nights in a mountain view room with daily buffet breakfast at the Sagres Restaurant.

Tournament Package includes: 7 nights in a classic room; Daily buffet breakfast at the Primavera Restaurant.

Named ‘Sir Henry Cotton’s Amateur Golf Tournament’ and the ‘San Lorenzo International Amateur Golf Tournament’ participants have the opportunity to win prizes such as a weeks stay in Monte Carlo or Thailand courtesy of Le Méridien.

Program: Day 1 : Arrival Day 2 : Pratice round, Sir Henry Cotton GC; Welcome cocktail & buffet dinner Day 3 : 1st competition day, Sir Henry Cotton Championship Golf Course Day 4 : Free day Day 5 : 2nd comp day, San Lorenzo GC Day 6 : 3rd comp day, Palmares GC Day 7 : Final competition day on Sir Henry Cotton Championship Golf Course; Cocktail drink followed by the Prize Giving Dinner Day 8 : Departure

Program: Day 1 : Arrival Day 2 : Pratice round of golf; Welcome cocktail party followed by buffet dinner Day 3 : 1st competition day Day 4 : 2nd competition day Day 5 : Free day Day 6 : 3rd competition day Day 7 : Final competition day; Cocktail drink followed by the Prize Giving Dinner Day 8 : Departure

Golfers : From 204 euros/day Non-golfers : From 183,50 euros/day

Golfers : From 219,50 euros/day Non-golfer : From 202,50 euros/day

✆ +351 282 420 220 ➲ www.lemeridien.com/donafilipatournaments

✆ +351 289 357 221 ➲ www.lemeridien.com/donafilipatournaments

San Lorenzo Golf Course is considered one of the top 10 in Europe, whilst the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course has already hosted the Portugese Open 10 times. As well as enjoying these outstanding golf courses, the tournaments represent an excellent opportunity to discover the spectacular south coast of Portugal known as the Algarve.

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2007

18 HOLES, 57.50 € AFTER 14.00 HRS - 2 PLAYERS & BUGGY

ONLY 110 EUROS

EARLY BIRDIE BEFORE 10.00 9 HOLES INCLUDING BUGGY & BREAKFAST ONLY 30.00 EUROS TWILIGHT AFTER 16.00 9 HOLES INCLUDING A BUGGY ONLY 25.00 EUROS PER PERSON

ESTEPONA GOLF Arroyo Vaquero, Ctra. de Cádiz Kn 150. Aptdo. 532 Estepona Tel: (+34) 952 93 76 05 / Fax: (+34) 952 93 76 00 www.esteponagolf.com / information@esteponagolf.com

098 EVENTS & LIFESTYLE

®

cars, canapés and golf THE FISCHER OPEN GOLF SERIES

Professionally organised events throughout the year, the motivation to climb the Order of Merit, the opportunity to win incredible prizes including a car for a hole-in-one, treated to drinks and good food after a round... You may think all this sounds like the European Tour; but these are the benefits of playing in the Fischer Open Golf Series.

Walter Fischer Senior and Junior are owners of the Fischer Car Group, and share a passion for cars and golf. Whilst the father enjoys the luxury provided by a high-end Mercedes, made available through his dealerships in Marbella and Sotogrande, Spain - son Junior supplies those seeking the ‘thrill of the drive’ with the ultimate in automotive entertainment, from Ferrari and Lamborghini to Bentley and Maserati via his Fischer 2, Selected Cars showroom in San Pedro.

Together, Walter Fischer Senior (handicap 18) and Junior (handicap 3) felt that amateur and professional golfers on the Costa del Sol deserved a tournament to match the quality of courses, and kicked off the yearly open golf series in June.

Offering up prizes such as a Mercedes SLK convertible for a hole-in-one has certainly brought interest from locals and visitors alike, and some impressive results have already been posted by those vying for the prestigious Fischer Order of Merit title. The series will come to a head on March 22nd 2008 at the exclusive La Zagaleta Golf Course - but with 6 events prior there’s still plenty of time to rack up those points!

So, if you wish to receive the same star treatment as the tour professionals, then perhaps you should be joining in the fun of the Fischer Open Golf Series!

Remaining 2007-8 Schedule 13th October 2007, San Roque New Course 11th November 2007, Almenara Golf Club 1st December 2007, La Reserva Golf Club 12th January 2008, Santana Golf Club (tbc) 2nd February 2008, Santa Clara Golf Club 23rd February 2008, San Roque New Course 22nd March 2008, La Zagaleta Golf Club Contact Details: Register your interest to participate by contacting Nina J. Bosse: ✆ (+34) 606 359 261 ➩ info@fischeropen.com Or register on-line at: ➲ www.fischeropen.com