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ROSE BACKS QUINTA DO LAGO GOLF IN: BRISTOL • MAURITIUS • WALES • DEVON & CORNWALL • GLENEAGLES • LOUGH ERNE • ARGENTINA • SOUTH AFRICA
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14 NEW TOURNAMENT FOR THE PGA NATIONAL IRELAND & LOUGH ERNE
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ROSE PRAISES QUINTA DO LAGO
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37 THE MASTERS BOOK YOUR TRIP OF A LIFETIME 2
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10 LOOK GOOD FEEL GOOD PLAY GOOD
Interview with Tony Q’aja - the man responsible for the Golf fashion revolution
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GOLF IN 2020 VIEW OUR DIGITAL DESTINATION GUIDES CLICK A PUBLICATION BELOW TO VIEW
DESTINATION GUIDE
DESTINATION GUIDE
UAE
BIENVENIDO A
ABU DHABI • DUBAI • AJMAN • RAS AL KHAIMAH
A burgeoning hotbed of world-class courses, Mexico has become a golfing destination pulled straight from links lovers’ wildest dreams. With luxury resorts, lavish spas and global VIPs lining their seaside fairways, the country’s legend-designed courses sit amongst more than just palm trees and offer far more than just golf.
2112 www.chakatravel.com Call our specialists 028 9023 www.exclusivegolfandtravel.co.uk
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NORTHERN
NORMANDY
NORTHERN IRELAND
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BRITTANY
Just across the Channel, Normandy has many historical connections, from William the Conqueror to the D-Day landing beaches of World War 2. It also boasts great food and drink, stylish beach resorts, the stunning Mont St Michel - and some wonderful golf courses!
YOUR GUIDE TO GREAT GOLF IN NORTHERN SPAIN
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IRELAND
PGA NATIONAL IRELAND AND LOUGH ERNE LAUNCH LAKELAND CHALLENGE
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GA National Ireland Slieve Russell has teamed up with the internationally-acclaimed Lough Erne Resort to launch the inaugural Lakeland Golf Challenge 2020 – a new competition offering amateurs the chance to play two of the finest inland courses on the Emerald Isle. Taking place from June 17-18 next year, the 36-hole event is open to men and women and features a round of golf on both the award-winning Faldo Championship Course at the Lough Erne Resort and at PGA National Ireland – one of only a handful of PGA-affiliated courses around the world.
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Costing €99/£90 to enter per person, the competition will be played with a Stableford format with thousands of euros of individual prizes to be won across the two days, while special accommodation rates are available at both Lough Erne Resort and Slieve Russell by quoting ‘Lakeland Golf Challenge’.
links-like fairways, true greens and spectacular Fermanagh Lakelands setting provides a stunning backdrop to the par-72 layout, and the waters of the Lough come into play on 11 of the 18 holes.
Designed by six time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo, Lough Erne Resort’s Faldo Course provides superb all year round playing conditions. The
For more information and to enter the Lakeland Golf Challenge 2020 online, go to www.brsgolf.com/ slieverussell/opens_home.php
Situated in the glorious setting of Ballyconnell in County Cavan, PGA National Ireland is one of Set just 90 minutes from Dublin and only a handful of global venues two hours from Belfast, PGA Nato be endorsed by The PGA after tional Ireland’s championship course being rebranded earlier this year. is regarded among Ireland’s finest Complementing the golf course is parkland layouts and, as well as a 222-bedroom, four-star hotel; an hosting two European Tour events, award-winning Ciuin Spa and an was ranked number one in Ulster in outstanding golf academy. 2018.
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THE WELSH GOLF BREAK SPECIALISTS
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SPAIN
COSTA CÁLIDA STARS WITH DINING DELIGHTS
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urcia will be an even more appetising prospect for foodies after it was named as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy. And as two of the region’s restaurants now boast an exceptional three Michelin stars between them, it is further recognition of the kind of experiences available on menus throughout the Costa Cálida. The city of Murcia follows in the footsteps of Almería, which took the title in 2019. As a result, the city itself and the rest of the region will launch a series of special events during 2020 as the opportunity to showcase the huge variety and ISSUE 12
exceptional quality of authentic wines, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood.
cooking, but with emphasis on memorable food experiences with some remarkable creations.
Among those events will be programmes and cookery workshops for children and adults alike, while special regular tasting events will take place all over the region, which will surely attract a new raft of tourists to the region which is still considered as one of the lesser-known areas in Spain.
But for those who prefer a more simple experience, Murcia’s tapas and other menu selections are available all over the region to get a real taste of the local food.
It’s also fitting that the region has sealed another accolade for its gastronomy with a first Michelin star at Restaurant Magoga in the historic city of Cartagena (www.restaurantemagoga.com), alongside La Cabaña in Murcia (www.restaurantelacabana.com), which holds two Michelin stars. Both restaurants combine skilful
A spokesperson for the Instituto de Turismo de la Región de Murcia, said: “It is a fantastic honour for Murcia to be named as the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy for 2020. We will be working on some exciting projects throughout the year and would love to share the experience with our guests.” For more information, visit www.corveraairporttravel.com and www.murciaturistica.es/en
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CRUISE IN STYLE
TO QUALITY GOLF IN FRANCE AND SPAIN
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ou don’t have to drive far in France or Spain to find some beautiful courses. You’ll be impressed by the variety and quality to be enjoyed. On top of that, it’s surprisingly inexpensive and uncrowded. Then there’s the après golf... both in the club house and beyond you’ll find many locals take their food and drink more seriously than their golf! And remember, by taking your car you’ll be free to try a range of courses and free to pack all the gear you need safely in the boot with no extras to pay! With Brittany Ferries, your holiday starts when you check-in. Just drive aboard and relax while enjoying a wide range of facilities – a choice of bars and restaurants, cinemas, live entertainment
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and great value shopping. By taking your own car you’ll be free to try an assortment of courses. Plus there’s no need to endure airport parking, long check-ins and excess baggage charges, simply pack all the gear you need in the boot and off you go. France is a world apart from the UK and yet it is only a short hop across the channel. With its outstanding cuisine, wine, cheeses and unique ambience, the après-golf is part of what makes a golf break in France so memorable. Northern Spain remains largely undiscovered, where a combination of the spectacular Picos de Europa mountains, lush countryside and colourful vineyards create a breathtaking backdrop for some beautiful and challenging golf. But if long crossings are not for you, there is a high-speed service to whisk you from Portsmouth to France in just three hours. ISSUE 12
B
VIEW OUR ONLINE DESTINATION GUIDES RITTANY FERRIES GOLF BREAKS brochure for 2020, features a great selection courses and hotels in France and northern Spain, is out now. VIEW GUIDE
HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLE TOURS:
DINARD
DEAUVILLE
Brittany: One night on board, two nights’ B&B and three rounds from only £340pp. Sail out overnight from Portsmouth to St Malo with a cabin; Stay 2 nights at Hotel Univers in St Malo and play 3 rounds of golf at St Malo, Dinard and Val Andre; Return on a day sailing from St Malo to Portsmouth. Normandy: One night on board, two nights’ B&B and three rounds from only £383pp Sail out overnight from Portsmouth to Caen with en-suite cabin, arrive the following morning; Stay two nights at Hotel du Vallon in Trouville and play golf at Deauville, Champ de Bataille and St Julien; return on a day sailing from Caen to Portsmouth
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Northern Spain: Two nights on board, three nights’ B&B and three rounds from only £337pp. Sail on a Tuesday from Portsmouth to Santander with cabin included; Stay three nights at Hotel Villa de Laguardia and play rounds at Rioja Alta, Logroño and Izki Urturi; Sail to Portsmouth from Santander on Saturday with cabin included.
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For more information, visit www.brittanyferries.com/golf or call 0330 159 5418.
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PORTUGAL
ROSE PREDICTS BRIGHT FUTURE FOR
QUINTA DO LAGO
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ustin Rose believes Quinta do Lago can play a leading role in helping to develop golf ’s new generation of stars following a visit to the top Algarve resort. The former world number one was on hand to give a personal welcome to the finalists at the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship – the first year that he has sponsored the tournament regarded as junior golf ’s unofficial Major. Quinta do Lago has hosted the event five times in the last six years and Rose was impressed by the resort’s combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities that have made it a firm favourite with golfers and families across Europe. As well as three 18-hole championship golf courses – the North, South and Laranjal – and outstanding practice facilities, guests can stay in shape at the state-of-the-art performance centre The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed
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for professionals and amateurs alike to keep fit. “I think Quinta do Lago hosting this championship is the perfect venue, the whole resort is very family-focused and family-friendly,” said Rose, the 2013 US Open champion. “I think it’s also a real destination to come and do activities whether it’ll be golf, fitness, tennis, padel tennis or many other things. No matter what your interests are, there is something for everybody here, so with the resort hosting this championship, many people will identify this as a real destination to come and enjoy time as a family.” Quinta do Lago’s acclaimed North Course once again provided the setting for the tournament, with Brabazon Trophy champion Ben Schmidt winning the boys’ event and fellow England international Mimi Rhodes lifting the girls’ title, and Rose reckons that the designed layout is the ideal test for golf ’s stars of the future. He said: “Quinta do Lago and certainly the North
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Course is such a great venue for these kids. “It’s generally always beautiful weather here, you can see the golf courses in perfect conditions, with lovely tree lines, you know, and the North Course has nice bunkering. (It’s) just a really pleasant golf course to play and a lot of fun.” Rose used victory at the tournament in 1997 as the platform to go on and enjoy worldwide golfing success, and he revealed that this was the primary motivating factor in his decision to take on headline sponsorship of the event this year. He added: “I just wanted to get involved with the championship because I have wonderful memories and I think it was a very formative part of my career. Winning the Daily Telegraph Junior Championship gave me a lot of confidence but also gave me the ability to play in front of TV cameras. “By sponsoring it myself, for it to be the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Championship I feel that hopefully, it resonates with kids. If there was a corporate sponsor, kids don’t really resonate with corporate sponsors, they resonate with a tour player or a professional golfer. “Hopefully, it will entice more children to enter the competition. We want to inspire them to follow their dreams if they do want to go on and become a professional golfer.” The Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship, which is supported by the R&A, European Tour Foundation and England Golf, is open to any juniors aged under-18, with this year's finals being televised by Sky Sports. Located just 15 minutes away from Faro airport, Quinta do Lago is renowned among Europe’s elite golf, sports and family destinations and, with a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities, is the perfect choice for a sporting break. Complementing Quinta do Lago’s golf facilities is a choice of 13 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines – including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and recently-opened Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant – with accommodation on offer at the resort’s recently-acquired boutique The Magnolia Hotel. For more details on the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship, go to www.telegraph.co.uk/juniorgolf
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e recently caught up with Tony Q’aja at his new HQ in Chester. We interviewed Tony about the fashion impact he made on the European & PGA Tour’s as well as his plans for the future.
How did you first become involved with golf, and what was the main factor that persuaded you to enter the golf market? I became involved with golf via some personal styling I did for a sports psychologist (Jamie Edwards) who was used at the time by ISM (Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler’s company). Chubby always used to comment on how well Jamie dressed and wanted to know who was making his suits? Chubby then got in touch with me and asked if I could make some bespoke suits for him. This resulted in Darren Clarke (who Chubby manages) commenting on how well Chubby dressed, then Darren got in touch asking me to do the same for him also. Prior to my involvement with Darren, he would spend approximately £70,000 a year on clothing and rarely got any compliments on how he dressed. As soon as I started styling Darren and making his suits, suddenly everyone wanted to know why he looked so good. He was that impressed with the feedback he was getting from the public/media he then wanted me to make a full wardrobe for him. Darren then asked me: “If this is what you can do for me off the course, then what can you do for me on the course?” So from that day forward, Darren wanted me to make his golf trousers. 16
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Where did the inspiration come from for all your innovative designs? For example, the side slits you pioneered on golf trousers? When I initially started working with Darren, it wasn’t uncommon at the time for tour players to supply their own trousers. When Darren asked me to make him some trousers I said to him, give me a couple of weeks to do my homework and I’ll have some samples for you. As a non-golfer I started researching golf trousers and was amazed by how plain and basic golf trousers were, without any specific advances on a normal every day pair of trousers. I also noticed that the players were rooting around in their pockets a lot (looking for markers), which led me to creating a marker pocket. I also noticed they crouched down a lot on the greens (reading putts) which led to me creating the side slits to ease the tension to allow the trousers to flow. Darren loved the designs, which were completely new and unseen in the world of golf at the time. Once Darren was seen on tour wearing your trousers, what reaction did he get from the players and did you end up working with any other players as a result? At that point in time the trousers I was making for Darren were a massive step up compared to what the other players were wearing in terms of fit/flare/colour/design etc, so it created a lot of interest from other players. On the European Tour I worked with: Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, Soren Hanson, Miguel-Angel Jimenez, Ricardo Gonzalez & Thomas Bjorn. On the PGA Tour I worked with: Scott Piercy & Phil Mickelson (in conjunction with Callaway Golf).
Can you talk us through the process from making initial contact with a player, to him wearing your clothing at a tournament? Players would see me at tour events on a regular basis and were familiar with the work I was doing with Darren. I would meet a player at the tournament or with them 18
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at home. I would find out details of their current sponsorship deals (for polo’s and knitwear) to establish if they wanted branded or unbranded items. I would assess their current range of clothing, go through fabrics with them, look at colours, design/fit (fitted/relaxed fit, pending physique), establish what would suit them and what they felt comfortable with wearing, then I’d measure them up, produce some samples and go from there. I would produce one item for the players to test to make sure the fit was right, then if any minor alterations/tweaks were necessary this would be done prior to wearing it at a tournament. This was all new to the tour at that time, but once the concept started to grow on the players, they became more adventurous and styles became bolder.
You are about to re-launch Q’aja Golf this year, what are your plans and are you excited about being involved in golf again? Yes, I’m very excited about becoming involved in golf again. I’ve been asked by lots of clients (past & present) when am I coming back, so I’m looking forward to launching my new range. I’ve been working on lots of new ideas in my absence. On past experiences, I can’t compete with the major brands in the ready to wear market, so I’ve gone back to my roots concentrating on my bespoke service, but enabling a wider reach through the modern phenomena, the Internet. I’ve always had many clients in the US who through simple communication order bespoke trousers and polo shirts that generally fit well and generally comment that they’re the best golf outfits they’ve ever had. This procedure led me to introducing my bespoke service online with a simple process of designing your own trousers and polo shirts. Additionally I will introduce a small concise ready to wear collection that will have elements of customisation to personalise. This will be available online via our Affiliates across the world and has some unique new design features like interchangeable collars!
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You’ve also created bespoke golf clothing for many celebrities, can you tell us how that came about? Being involved in the celebrity world came about initially from being asked to provide clothing for certain celebrity golf days. I’ve been approached by event organisers who want their event to stand out and be seen to be making an effort to use a leading golf clothing brand. Certain celebrities have taken a liking to the clothing and have then contacted me for a personal service. Overseas interest in the celebrity world caught on through the Dunhill Links Championship on the European Tour, Samuel L Jackson was the first Hollywood star I worked with. Darren Clarke introduced me to Sam; we met in the Old Course Hotel at St Andrews. After initially greeting each other, Sam said” “Ahhhhh so you’re the guy who does all these fancy pants and things?” To which I replied “Yes, so you’ve heard about me then?” Sam replied “Yes, i’ve heard plenty about you, all the guys are talking about all your cool stuff ” to which I replied “so, you’re an actor aren’t you?”. Then we both cracked up laughing and ending up getting on really well with each other. Sam asked me to start making his golf clothing straight away and also asked me to supply the polo shirts for his annual golf day. Alice Cooper attended Sam’s golf day and liked the shirts, shortly after he got in touch with me wanting clothing for himself.
With the emergence of the ‘Modern Golf Athlete’ and with more emphasis on fitness and more sportswear than ever being worn by Pro’s and Amateur’s, do you think the ‘Classic Golf Look’ we’ve been familiar with over the years is dying out? The big sports brands introduced clothing to ensure they didn’t lose interest to other brands and made sure in the process that their players became obliged to wear it as it part of their contract, thus making it difficult for private companies to compete. I think it’s a good time for me to get involved with golf again as many other smaller private
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Samuel L Jackson companies have taken a step back as the sportswear giants have effectively manipulated the market into sportswear. I’m giving the people who still like to be different, the chance to still be different, as an alternative to the sportswear look.
Do you plan to get your new clothing line on tour again? I would welcome a return to the tour, subject to being approached by the right players to fit the brand and also on the right terms.
When supplying players on tour with clothing, how much clothing do you supply each player with? How often? And what’s the process involved? Clothing I supplied to tour players varied player to player pending status and profile. Some players would get 20 outfits a year allowing for enough rotation event to event, the more high profile players would get 50 outfits a year. If a player was away for a three-week stretch (for example) they would often take six pairs of trousers (more neutral in colour) that they could wear ten different coloured polo shirts, which would lend itself to easy rotation.
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Your most famous client was Phil Mickelson, can you tell us how you ended up working with Phil and the work you did with him? A golf fashion editor in the US, who was a fan of Q’aja, introduced me to Phil. He told Phil he could possibly benefit from my input from a style and fit point of view. I arranged to meet Phil at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill; during our first meeting we struck a rapport with each other straight away as we exchanged ideas/views on clothing. Phil at the time was kind of getting a hard time from the press for the way he looked on the course, so he was open to discuss new styles/looks.
Alan Shearer How can the golfing public get in touch with you to buy your new clothing once you’ve launched it? www.qaja.co.uk
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E: info@qaja.co.uk
qajagolf
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He found that the polo shirts he was currently wearing were uncomfortable especially in hot weather and didn’t meet his expectations, so the choice of fabric was a key element for him. I made some samples for Phil to try in a specific fabric and in a specific shape to accentuate his athleticism. In terms of the look and colour choices, Phil has quite a reserved outlook on what he wears so it was a gentle transition, but as we progressed he became more adventurous. Phil allowed me to create the whole look and package. When he tried the shirts for the first time he reacted by calling me up straight away saying they’re the best polo shirts he’s ever had. The polo shirts I created for Phil were in conjunction with Callaway Golf. Phil recently sent me a gift, which was one of the shirts I made for him which he signed wishing me all the best, we’re still good friends stay in touch.
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LINKS GOLF AT ITS BEST England’s Atlantic Links, a collection of six ancient championship links courses in South West England, is set against the dramatic backdrop of the North Atlantic Coast PACKAGES WITH
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*Prices correct as of 1st Jan 2020, any increases by the courses or hotels could alter these prices. Based on twin/double rooms & travel during April to September. 24
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LISBON
NEW HOTEL ELEVATES AROEIRA RESORT
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olfers heading to Lisbon in 2020 can look forward to an impressive new ‘stay and play’ resort venue following the opening of the Aroeira Lisbon Hotel. The Aroeira estate – 25km south of the Portuguese capital – already has a reputation for quality, with two widely-acclaimed 18-hole golf courses nestled amid tranquil natural pine forest, and the opening of the new hotel will only further enhance the golfing allure of the resort. The Aroeira Lisbon Hotel features the ultimate in chic modern design. Including 68 bedrooms ISSUE 12
and suites, an outdoor pool, a spa and a choice of five bars and restaurants, it also provides easy access to the many golden sandy beaches in the Costa Azul region. Visitors can combine world-class golf with a stay when they book with four-night, three-round breaks for next year available from just €328 (approx £285) per person. Bookable until October 2020, the array of attractive four and seven-night packages include the opportunity to play six of the leading courses around Lisbon and access to the outstanding facilities at the new four-star hotel. Players can choose from a range of options, with four-night breaks
featuring three rounds of golf – two at Aroeira and one at Quinta do Peru Golf & Country Club – while seven-night stays with five rounds of golf – to be taken at any of ORIZONTE’S courses – cost from €531 (£460) per person. All prices include bed-andbreakfast basis and are based on two people sharing a room, while guests can upgrade to a semi all-inclusive package (including dinner and drinks from 5.30pm11pm) for an extra €29 per day. For more details about ORIZONTE – Lisbon Golf and to book any of its golf packages, please e-mail info@orizontegolf.com or visit www.orizontegolf.com.
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SPAIN
COSTA BRAVA HITS THE GREEN WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
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GA Catalunya, one of seven resorts or clubs in the region 100km north of Barcelona, collected the Sustainability Award for Nature Protection 2020 at the IAGTO Awards during the recent IGTM in Morocco. Its work to use recycled water and assist natural habitats and wildlife to thrive, saw the 36-hole resort recognised among its peers. But it is not an isolated achievement as it is part of an ongoing commitment from the region to improve the environmental sustainability. Earlier this year, Club Golf D’Aro Mas Nou underlined its commitment to preserving the stunning Costa Brava landscape with a new fleet of eco-friendly buggies, while it already boasts a GEO Foundation certificate. The club is also among several which are irrigated entirely with treated wastewater. Other partners within the association are also on board with the collective push. Gualta – the challenging par-three course – has installed several solar panels in recent times to help power the clubhouse facilities and is now using electric mowers for course maintenance.
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The Costa Brava also played a high-profile role in the recent IGTM, with a new promotional video also launched during a dinner hosted by the region at the annual golf industry get-together. The video depicts many of the key figures in the Costa Brava golf industry outlining many of the other attractions of the region.
View the video here Laia Cunill, marketing and promotion manager at Golf Costa Brava, said: “The IGTM was a great success and another opportunity for us to showcase our region and meet with like-minded resorts and destinations. “Our collective ambition is to deliver attractive golf courses but we all need to be more conscious about the environment, which is always at the forefront of our thoughts in Costa Brava. We believe both objectives can be delivered with a commitment from everyone associated with the association and we are working on introducing more initiatives in the coming months and years.” To learn more about playing golf in the Costa Brava, visit golf.costabrava.org ISSUE 12
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YELVERTON GOLF CLUB
BOVEY CASTLE
2 Nights B&B - 3 Rounds of Golf at Bovey Castle, Tavistock & Yelverton DEVONANDCORNWALLGOLFBREAKS.COM
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SCOTLAND
GLENEAGLES RETAINS #1 GOLF RESORT
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leneagles, the iconic Scottish hotel and global luxury destination, brings the curtain down on a momentous and hugely successful 2019 after being announced as the '#1 Golf Resort in the UK & Ireland’. The important accolade, bestowed on it by a panel of industry experts from Golf World Magazine, is the culmination of an incredible 12 months for the 850-acre Perthshire estate, in which it celebrated its golf centenary, and hosted one of the most dramatic Solheim Cups in history. Gleneagles became the only venue in Europe to have hosted both The Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup - each won by Team Europe - and now retains its #1 Golf Resort title for another two years, having previously been awarded similar status in 2017. Conor O’Leary, joint Managing Director of Gleneagles, commented: "2019 has been a vintage year for golf at Gleneagles. Tens of thousands of golfing guests have experienced our King's and
Queen's championship courses in their centenary year, and we were also proud hosts to one of the most enthralling sporting moments ever, when Suzann Pettersen clinched the Solheim Cup for Team Europe on The PGA Centenary Course. To end the year as the 'UK & Ireland’s #1 Golf Resort' makes 2019 a truly historic 12 months." Supporting its standing as the UK & Ireland's premier golf destination, The King's and The Queen's courses, both regarded as James Braid classics, have benefitted from significant renovation projects that have seen them restored to the original 'inland links' design vision of the celebrated architect. Fairways have been slightly widened, bringing strategically-placed bunkers back into play, and on The Queen's Course specifically, a new look has been given to the much-loved, back-to-back 13th and 14th par 3s, with the introduction of native Scottish heather on the approaches to the 13th green, and a new tee complex on the 14th, adding a new 'over-thewater' challenge from behind the loch.
CELEBRATORY GREEN FEE OFFER: To commemorate its hosting of the Solheim Cup, Gleneagles is offering a very special £201.90 four-ball green fee offer, across any of its three 18-hole golf courses, until 30 April, 2020. The offer is available seven days a week, after 11am, until the end of March 2020. From 1-30 April, 2020: Available Monday-Thursday, after 12pm; Available Friday-Sunday, after 1.30pm. Golfers looking to take advantage of the £201.90 four-ball price should call: 0800 389 3737.
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NEWS
Mauritius
GASTRO GOLF UNVEIL NEW DESTINATIONS, AWARD WINNING VENUES
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espoke golf holiday company Gastro Golf is proud to announce that it has expanded its offerings to golfers with a passion for quality golf and fine food by bringing online some new and exciting destinations and an Early Booking Discount for 2020. The Cheshire-based tour operator, which is a member of IAGTO, provides golf holidays with a ‘gastronomic twist’ – combining the opportunity to play on some of the world’s top golf courses, stay in luxury hotels, and enjoy exceptional culinary and cultural experiences. With superb offers on Winter Golf in the sun and new destinations including the paradise island of Mauritius and Argentina, which continues to rise in popularity as an exciting and premier golfing des-
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tination, Gastro Golf ’s worldwide reach continues to bring golfers exciting choices for their next golf holiday. The island of Mauritius, situated on the western side of the Indian Ocean, is a melting pot of cultures and Gastro Golf ’s featured venues are scattered around the island. Today, golf has become one of the top sports in Mauritius and one of the main attractions for visitors to the island with all golf courses offer an exciting experience in a beautiful natural setting with many offering spectacular sea views and open coastal panoramas. Your Gastro Golf holiday to Mauritius can include the following luxury resorts: Constance Belle Mare Plage, Heritage Le Telfair, Constance Le Prince Maurice, Heritage Awali, Anahita Golf & Spa Resort and Four Seasons Mauritius. ISSUE 12
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Argentina continues to grow as a top golfing destination and this served as motivation for the top golf tourism organization, IAGTO, to declare Argentina as the “Best Golf Destination of the Latin American and Caribbean region”.
“Our experience in this industry enables us to adapt these itineraries to our customers preferences, designing customised packages making our itineraries flexible, and creating experiences adjusted to the criteria of those who choose us”.
A land of many regions; from sun drenched beaches to caps of polar ice, enormous mountain ranges, magnificent plains of the pampas and subtropical forests.
Another favourite destination of Gastro Golf customers is South Africa. Fresh off the back of their inspiring Rugby World Cup victory, the country has been thrust into the world spotlight once again, but there really is only one way to experience everything this beautiful destination and that’s in person.
The country has over 300 golf courses, three of which are amongst the Top 100 courses in the world outside the United States (Golf Digest Ranking). Gastro Golf founder John Sullivan said: “We have teamed up with our partners at ArgentineGolf.com who are specialists on Tailor-Made Golf and Sightseeing Trips to Argentina and top destinations in South America: Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Peru. “We are now able to offer tailor-made individual & group trips, offering the best combinations of Golf & Sightseeing Trips at the best private courses and premium travel experiences with the best rates in the market. “We offer standardised itineraries in highly-demanded destinations in the most beautiful spots in Argentina and neighbouring countries.
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One of the world’s greatest golfing holiday destinations, golfers from around the world are continuously impressed by the standard of the courses they play and it’s no surprise too as South Africa has some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere. With new prices for 2020 some of the choice courses to consider in the northern part of South Africa include Sun City, Legend Golf and Safari Resort, Leopard Creek and the Highland Gate Golf Course designed by Ernie Els. Take a unique golf trip at Legend Golf and Safari with its famous par 3, 19th hole where you tee off from the top of a cliff and get there via helicopter. Now that’s some extreme golfing! The Western Cape province, which includes the City WWW.EXCLUSIVEGOLFANDTRAVEL.CO.UK
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NEWS
of Cape Town as well as the famous and ever-beautiful Garden Route, should be on every golfer’s bucket list. Fancourt, a golf estate in the Garden Route town of George, has three world-class courses with luxury accommodation. The Eastern Cape also has several excellent golf holiday establishments, such as St Francis Golf Lodge, which has received some rave reviews. New digital destination guides have also been added to Gastro Golf ’s website. These informative guides will help golfers understand in more detail about what a Mauritius, Argentina or South Africa Golf Holiday can involve, the best hotels and the amazing choice of quality golf courses which can all be added to your bespoke Gastro Golf Holiday.
Argentina
For golfers looking for winter golf in the sun, new updated Autumn/Winter prices and Spring 2020 are now available. Portugal continues to attract growing numbers of UK golfers and The Algarve is officially on top of the world after it was names as IAGTO Golf Destination of the Year 2020.
South Africa
The golfing hotspot of southern Portugal has beaten an array of world-class golf destinations around the globe to scoop the prestigious title. With well-established luxury venues like Monte Rei, Amendoiera, Palmares, Quinta do Lago along with the courses in and around Vilamoura and golfers are really spoilt for choice when organising their Algarve golf holiday. In the north there are a wealth of stunning venues around Lisbon and Porto like The Oitavos, Praia Del Rey, Royal Obidos and Troia provide luxury accommodation and facilities with golf courses which continue to receive huge applauds from visiting golfers.
Monte Rei
Playing golf on the Canary Islands is unlike playing golf anywhere else in the world. Every hole has the sea as a backdrop and all year round temperatures of between 19º C and 25ºC make it a fabulous antidote to the UK winter. Few countries in the world can match such fabulous conditions. Most of the courses on the islands are perfectly integrated into the landscape boasting buggies, caddies and instructors for all levels of golfer. In 32
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Troia Golf many cases, they are also set within luxury hotel complexes, so golfers can enjoy bars, spa’s and restaurants serving the very best authentic local foods and wines. Gastro Golf founder John Sullivan said: “2020 is an exciting year to look forward to for our customers. We have established great relationships with a host of quality destination partners all over Europe & beyond providing first class golf & hospitality to our clients and we continue to work closely with all of our golf resorts, hotels and tourism partners to bring golfers superb rates on packages golf breaks. “Our ‘Your Golf Break Your Way’ service is giving us great feedback from our customers. While many like the choice of ready-made packages to some of our venues we have seen a marked increase in organisers contacting us to create bespoke golf holidays. This allows us to utilise all of the services, facilities, tours, gastronomy and hospitality, providing memorable itineraries for our golf customers. “With an Early Booking Discount of up to 20% available on most packages, now is a great time to ISSUE 12
be enquiring about your Winter Sun or Spring/ Summer 2020 Golf Break. “Our customers are spoilt for choice with our new destinations of Mauritius and Argentina added to existing packages for South Africa, Portugal, Spain, Bulgaria and closer to home the stunning golf in Ireland and the unforgettable links of Northern Ireland.” “As a member of IAGTO we can provide a golf holiday experience to meet everyone’s requirements from a trip of a lifetime to The Masters or The Ryder Cup, to short corporate or golf society event at home or abroad. We provide our clients with the confidence of knowing their payments are safe with our 100% financial security guarantee. For more information about Gastro Golf bespoke golf holidays visit www.gastrogolf.co.uk
Call 0161 612 3319
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thebucketlist Photo credit: Jacob Sjรถman VISIT WEBSITE
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TRUMP INTERNATIONAL Menie Estate, Aberdeen, Scotland
SET AMIDST THE GREAT DUNES OF SCOTLAND, TRUMP INTERNATIONAL EMBRACES MILE AFTER MILE OF SPECTACULAR ABERDEENSHIRE COASTLINE AND GUARANTEES THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
www.trumpgolfscotland.com
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WORLDWIDE GOLF HOLIDAYS MAURITIUS
from £2,635 pp
5* Constance Belle Mare Plage
12 nights All-Inclusive Unlimited golf with buggies on 2 courses Flights, transfers from £2,995 pp
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 5* Casa De Campo
12 nights All-Inclusive 5 rounds of golf with buggies on 3 courses Flights & transfers
ABU DHABI
from £1,495 pp
5* Crowne Plaza
7 nights Bed & Breakfast 5 rounds of golf on 3 courses Flights & transfers from £2,395 pp
SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town & Garden Route 12 nights Bed & Breakfast 7 rounds of golf on 7 courses Flights & hire car
MEXICO | USA | ITALY | BRAZIL | DUBAI | SEYCHELLES | SRI LANKA THAILAND | OMAN | SPAIN | BULGARIA & MORE...
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A NEW KIND OF SPORTING EXPERIENCE VISION4SPORT.COM ISSUE 12
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very second week of April, Augusta National opens its gates for The Masters, arguably the most exclusive and eagerly anticipated golfing event of the year. Since its founder Bobby Jones held the very first Augusta National Invitational Tournament in 1934, The Masters has had a special place in the hearts of all golf fans and enthusiasts alike. The springtime splendour of Augusta National never disappoints and probably never will.
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Stay and Play in Columbia Green Jacket Tour
Practice Rounds
Opening Rounds
Final Rounds Tour
3 Nights 1 Round of Golf Sunday Masters Badge
4 Nights 1 Round of Golf Monday Masters Badge Tuesday Masters Badge
4 Nights 1 Round of Golf Thursday Masters Badge Friday Masters Badge Friday Hospitality
4 Nights 1 Round of Golf Saturday Masters Badge Sunday Masters Badge Sunday Hospitality
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Georgia Masters Packages Practice Rounds
Golf and Masters Package
Tournament Package
Enjoy the Springtime splendour of Augusta with 2 days at The Masters and 2 rounds of golf on top local golf courses. Be sure to bring your camera for those all important Augusta National photos.
Be there for the start, be there for the climax and enjoy some golf of your own in the middle. This is a great chance to see honorary starters Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player get proceedings underway on Thursday.
Don’t miss a minute of the action as you enjoy all four tournament days at Augusta National and the Champion slide on his Green Jacket on Sunday whilst enjoying all that Augusta has to offer during Masters Week.
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The Golfers Tour The perfect match between playing on top local courses and sampling all the action from Augusta. The six night stay really enables you to get a feel for the atmosphere during Masters Week and enjoy all that it has to offer. Many of our guests also like to upgrade their golf on Wednesday to a Masters Badge and take in the famous Par 3 contest. • 6 Nights • 3 Rounds of Golf • Friday Masters Badge • Sunday Masters Badge • Sunday Hospitality VIEW PACKAGE
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Kiawah Island Experience 6 Nights • Friday Masters Badge • Sunday Masters Badge • 2 Rounds of Golf at Kiawah Island • 1 Round of Golf in Columbia • Friday and Sunday Hospitality included • VIP Experiences
US Open Winged Foot, New York
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18th - 21st June • 2020 VIEW PACKAGE HERE
The Open
Royal St Georges, 16th - 19th July, 2020.
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TAILORED TRIPS FROM START TO FINISH Vision4Sport Events was founded to merge your love of the sport and the unique thrill that comes with the opportunity to see the world’s best compete for the biggest tournaments and titles on the planet. A NEW KIND OF SPORTING EXPERIENCE 40
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WE ALL PLAY SPORTS FOR THE SAME REASON – BECAUSE WE ENJOY IT . . . We're not out there trying to win major championships or world titles; we can leave that to the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Lewis Hamilton or Andy Murray. Born out of a passion for sports, Vision4Sport Events specialise in making the most exclusive events on the sporting calendar, your must-see events. As we offer a trusted, complete and bespoke service, your dream trip can be tailor-made from start to finish.
Meet your trusted team
T · 07712 647670 E · karl@vision4sport.com
T · 07824 565346 E · chris@vision4sport.com
Karl Wesson, a former PGA Professional, has gained experience in coaching, retail, management, hospitality and tournament play in his professional career, the skills established help the clients of Vision4Sport to experience a truly unique service.
Chris Newbold enjoyed many years playing on The Mastercard and EuroPro Tour. In 2006, Chris discovered the wonders of Augusta National for the first time. He has returned each year since he now has the pleasure and privilege of taking you to Augusta as well!
WWW.VISION4SPORT.COM 1 Howard Road, The Stables, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7JE
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UKGOLFDEALS
NORTH WEST GOLF TOUR
PLAY: ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES 2 NIGHTS B&B 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF Golf at Royal Lytham, Delamere Forest and Wallasey Golf Clubs
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ISLE OF WIGHT
PLAY: FRESHWATER BAY GOLF CLUB 2 NIGHTS B&B 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF Golf at Freshwater Bay, Shanklin & Sandown and Osborne Golf Clubs 42
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PLAY: ST ENODOC & TREVOSE LINKS 2 NIGHTS B&B 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF Golf at Burnham and Berrow, St Enodoc and Trevose Golf Clubs
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ATLANTIC LINKS TOUR
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SOUTHERN HEATHLAND
PLAY: HINDHEAD GOLF CLUB 2 NIGHTS B&B 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF Golf at Hindhead, Liphook and Hankley Common Golf Clubs ISSUE 12
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GLOUCESTERSHIRE
2 NIGHTS B&B 3 ROUNDS
The Players Club, The Kendleshire and Chipping Sodbury
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SOMERSET
3 NIGHTS B&B 4 ROUNDS
Weston-super-Mare, Worelbury, Burnham, and Enmore Park 44
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HEREFORDSHIRE
2 NIGHTS B&B 3 ROUNDS
Ross on Wye, Rolls of Monmouth and Kington Golf Clubs
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DEVON & CORNWALL
2 NIGHTS B&B 3 ROUNDS Teignmouth Golf Club, Torquay and Stover ISSUE 12
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