THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016
TROON GOLF
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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016 | TROON GOLF
WELCOME
Fabulous deals await at some stunning destinations
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ONTRASTING experiences await you whichever of Troon’s magnificent venues you choose, though the quality is one thing you can count on all the way. The company, which was founded in the USA in 1990, is working at over 200 facilities in 30 countries worldwide. In this guide you will find stunning courses and luxury accommodation in exotic paradises, as well as some fabulous layouts not far from your doorstep. With a plethora of top-quality courses, including high-calibre superstars and great-value options, no matter what you’re looking for Troon offers something for everyone. In fact, there is so much golf that the only problem is in narrowing down your search. To assist, we have put together the ultimate Troon guide and found some amazing offers to tempt you. You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a stunning golf retreat. The UK is home to some of the best and most historic courses in the world, as well as luxury and charming accommodation. In this guide you could be off to the Home of Golf - St Andrews. You could even test your golf skills at the popular Prince’s in Kent or The Grove in Hertfordshire. Just across the English Channel is France and the beautiful Chateau D’Augerville. The course is a unique challenge and then what better way to unwind after a round than staying at the on-site chateau? You will be made to feel like royalty on this trip. If hitting the beach in between rounds is more your thing then look no further than Las Colinas in Alicante. Las Colinas Golf & Country Club on the popular Costa Blanca is one of the highlights of the region. Picture rolling fairways winding through a valley as the sun beats down on your back and the sea breeze cools you down. Head across the sea and you will be transported to the wonderful country of Morocco. Golf in the vibrant city of Marrakech has taken off in recent years and there are some fantastic courses to explore. Two of the highlights of this bustling city are the PalmGolf Marrakech – Ourika and PalmGolf Marrakech – Palmeraie. The
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Fairmont St Andrews
surroundings will take your breath away and you will do well to keep your mind focused on your round in hand. There are also some excellent hotels where you can set up base, unwind and explore this wonderful part of the world. Meanwhile, the increasingly popular United Arab Emirates is ushering in a new era for international golf as one of the most in-demand destinations on the planet. Al Zorah in Ajman, The Els Club Dubai and The Address Montgomerie Dubai are three outstanding courses in this sun-kissed country. Also worthy of your attention is Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates and the destination for the traditional curtain-raiser to the European Tour. What more could you want than walking in the footsteps of some of the very best players in the world like Rory McIlroy and 2016 champion Rickie Fowler? Now is a great time to book your perfect golfing holiday and within the pages of this guide you will find some of the best deals Troon’s superb portfolio has to offer.
ANDREW STANLEY, CEO
INSIDE United Kingdom
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France
6
Spain
7
Morocco
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Ajman, UAE
10
Dubai, UAE
12
Abu Dhabi, UAE
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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016 | TROON GOLF
ROON’S impressive list of prestigious facilities in the United Kingdom offers a perfect snapshot of what the company offers golfers all around the world. From the Home of Golf in Scotland to the south-east coast of England, a growing and varied collection of British facilities are choosing to be a part of the Troon family. Prince’s in Kent is known to golf aficionados as the stage for Gene Sarazen’s Open Championship win in 1932. This was also the tournament where he first made use of the sand wedge, an invention for which all golfers can be eternally grateful. The course has stood the test of time and still regularly hosts major events. Prince’s is a full-service resort with great accommodation, a refurbished clubhouse and 27 holes of links golf.
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performance in 2006 at the WGC Amex Championship, beating the world-class field by a country mile. And there are plenty of country miles to be explored around the estate. Whether by bicycle or on foot, the rolling parkland landscape provides ample opportunity. Last, but by no means least, we travel to Scotland. Fairmont St Andrews, which overlooks the Auld Grey Toun, the spiritual home of the game, offers 36 holes of quality golf alongside a five-star luxury hotel. It is the perfect location to make the most of St Andrews and the surrounding area, with the Old Course just a few miles away. The Kittocks and Torrance courses at Fairmont St Andrews have been managed by Troon since 2015 and there have been great enhancements to the service during this time. An innovative membership
“The impressive list of prestigious facilities in the UK offers a snapshot of what Troon offers golfers all around the world” Moving to the capital, the next stop is the spectacular country estate The Grove, which enjoys a location close to London and its motorway networks. This five-star golfing resort has an enviable reputation for the quality of the course, matched only by the attention to detail provided by the staff and the magnificence of the hotel. And 2016 is an exciting year for The Grove – after an absence of 10 years, major tournament golf returns in October. The British Masters will be played over the same course where Tiger Woods produced a trademark masterclass
scheme has been introduced and the St Andrews Bar and Grill in the clubhouse is receiving rave reviews. There can be few better ways to watch a sunset than taking in the views of the Kittocks and Torrance courses with the St Andrews skyline in the distance while enjoying a relaxed drink. Troon’s prestige UK partners are just the tip of its global iceberg. You can view more of its European, Middle East and African offerings within these pages – further afield, the Company is working at over 200 facilities in 30 countries worldwide.
PRINCE’S GOLF CLUB 3* KENT
Play at: Prince’s • 1 in 16 Stay & Play FREE 1 night’s B&B; 2 rounds
now £160 was £195
SAVE
£35
2 nights’ B&B; 3 rounds
now £270 was £310
SAVE
£40
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UNITED KINGDOM Iconic courses with championship pedigree
Prince’s
THE GROVE, LONDON’S COUNTRY ESTATE 5★
FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS 5★
Play at: The Grove
Play at: Kittocks or Torrance
HERTFORDSHIRE 1 night’s B&B; 1 round
now £170 was £229
SAVE
£59
2 nights’ B&B; 2 rounds
now £399
ST ANDREWS 1 night’s B&B; 1 round
now £125
2 nights’ B&B; unlimited golf
now £240
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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016 | TROON GOLF
CHATEAU D’AUGERVILLE, FRANCE Enjoy fine dining and an exceptionally attractive woodland course
Chateau D’Augerville
F you are looking for a relaxing break then look no further than Chateau D’Augerville, an hour south of Paris in Fontainebleau. It has established itself over the years as one of the most fondly regarded in France. Created in 1995 by Olivier Dongradi, Golf D’Augerville’s fairways and landscape weave their way through serene and scenic woodland. The course rolls majestically along with a number of elevation changes characterising its 6,813-yard par 72 layout.
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“Golf D’Augerville’s fairways and landscape weave their way through serene and scenic woodland” The course offers an abundance of wildlife and water features, including the Essonne river which flows through the course and offers a dramatic climax to the final hole in front of the magnificent chateau. Once you have finished your round, what better way to relax than staying at the magnificent Chateau D’Augerville. There are 40 stylish rooms, each offering
a particular charm and friendliness. The historic chateau is an ideal place to rest for the night after a long day on the golf course, and the amenities that are on offer will make your stay even more worthwhile. Relax in the spa, eat at the delicious restaurant Jacques Cœur or L’Atelier Brasserie – or work on your own culinary skills by taking a cooking class.
GOLF D’AUGERVILLE 4★
FONTAINEBLEAU, FRANCE
Stay at: Golf Hotel Chateau D’Augerville • Welcome chocolate gift in room 2 nights’ half board; 2 rounds
now £299
3 nights’ half board; 2 rounds
now £385
Golf D’Augerville
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LAS COLINAS, SPAIN Natural beauty on the stunning Costa Blanca coast
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club
LICANTE is a tourist hotspot for many reasons. Picture wide sandy beaches, clear seas, year-round sunshine, an old town steeped in history and, of course, fantastic golf. The par 71, 18 hole championship course at Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is one of the highlights of the region. Voted Spain’s Best Golf Course in 2015, it was designed by the renowned American architect Cabell B. Robinson. The course skilfully makes the most of the landscape blending in seamlessly as
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“The course skilfully makes the most of the landscape blending in seamlessly as it winds through the valley” it winds through the valley. The generous fairways, gently rolling hills and choice of tees make this a course that is both appealing and playable for all skill levels. Located in Campoamor, to the south of the city of Alicante, Las Colinas is an eco-friendly resort that includes 200,000 square metres of natural countryside. The best way to enjoy what the resort has to offer is to base yourself in the Las Colinas
Residences. The Residences comprise modern and stylish two-, three- and fourbedroom villas and apartments, all of which come complete with a terrace or garden and a communal swimming pool. Just a few minutes away from the course is the Las Colinas Beach Club. Take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, or enjoy a drink while taking in the views of the Mediterranean Sea.
LAS COLINAS RESIDENCES (LAST MINUTE)
LAS COLINAS RESIDENCES (2017)
Play at: Las Colinas Golf & Country Club • FREE Breakfast, FREE Buggy and FREE Club Hire • 1 in 8 Free 3 nights’ self-catering; 3 nights’ B&B; 3 rounds with SAVE 2 rounds 2 nights’ semi all-inclusive
Play at: Las Colinas Golf & Country Club • 1 in 8 Free 3 nights’ self-catering; SAVE 2 rounds
ALICANTE, SPAIN
now £199 was £299
£100
now £299 was £415
ALICANTE, SPAIN
SAVE
£116
now £199 was £279
£80
7 nights’ self-catering; 4 rounds
now £399 was £609
SAVE
£210
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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016 | TROON GOLF
MOROCCO
Great courses in Marrakech under the gaze of the Atlas Mountains
PALMGOLF MARRAKECH – OURIKA 5★
PALMGOLF MARRAKECH – PALMERAIE 5★
Stay at: Kenzi Menara Palace • Includes buggies at PalmGolf Marrakech - Ourika 5 nights’ all-inclusive; 7 nights’ all-inclusive; 3 rounds 4 rounds
Stay at: Palmeraie Hotel Du Golf • Includes buggies at PalmGolf Marrakech - Ourika 5 nights’ B&B; 7 nights’ B&B; 3 rounds 4 rounds
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
now £485
now £655
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
now £329
now £465
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HE golfing spectrum in Marrakech has changed enormously in recent years with Troon a driving force in improving the palm-decorated courses which seemingly open every few years. You will not drive too far around the city without seeing billboards advertising new courses. The latest offering is PalmGolf Marrakech - Ourika, situated south of the Red City, which has already won acclaim. It only opened last summer and offers wide, generous fairways framed by large, sandy waste areas. There are also six lakes to add variation to the desert theme.
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swimming pool. Just 10 minutes away is the medina which should not be missed. This is where it all goes on, both at night and during the day. If you like your food, leather, sandals, jewellery, pottery, spices, dried fruit, carpets (and haggling) in a huge bundle of Aladdin-type caves then this is for you. The atmosphere is invigorating and stimulating, with exotic smells and sights round every corner. North west of the city sits the PalmGolf Marrakech Palmeraie with the on-site five-star Hotel du Golf. There is a nice story behind the course: legend has it that the palm grove can be traced back to the soldiers of the
“The atmosphere is invigorating and stimulating, with exotic smells and sights round every corner”
PalmGolf Marrakech – Palmeraie
PalmGolf Marrakech – Ourika
Of particular visual interest are the 8th and 17th which sit side by side with a waste area and palm trees separating the two fairways. Your eye might flicker to the championship yardage that is in excess of 7,000. However, with five teeing options there is plenty of scope to get the most out of your round. This is the first cart-only club in Morocco with each buggy equipped with a GPS system. One cracking hotel option nearby is the Kenzi Menara Palace, a blend of AraboMoorish architectural style set in 10 acres of stylish gardens. All 236 rooms face the fantastic Atlas Mountains which form a spectacular backdrop to any activity, be it golf or lazing by the pool. The food is varied so that, whatever your taste, you will be well catered for. Guests can also enjoy the spa and heated
Almoravid Sultan Youssef ben Tachfine, who, in the 11th century, spat out the stones of the dates they were eating. Centuries on, they have grown into the trees that line the course. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr, opened in 1992. In 2008 Canada’s Stephane Talbot, co-designer of the Ourika course, then added a further nine holes. Both nines return to the clubhouse and you can expect an easy-walking, resort-style with several attractive water features. Again, the spectacular hotel is a huge feature and the spacious en-suite rooms have a balcony with garden views. The spa boasts an array of treatments and massages, complete with fitness facilities and magnificent views over the course.
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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016 | TROON GOLF
AL ZORAH, UAE A new haven for world-class golf
HE United Arab Emirates had not welcomed a new championship golf course for nearly six years, but in December 2015 a unique layout changed that trend. Meet the stunning Al Zorah Golf Club, managed by Troon Golf and located in Ajman, 25 minutes from Dubai airport. Welcome to a world-class course set amid a naturally preserved environment of striking mangroves and sheer tranquillity – that is the special proposition that has been
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“A world-class course set amid a naturally preserved environment of striking mangroves” magically created by the Nicklaus Design group. A plethora of native sandy areas, an abundance of wildlife and 12km of waterfront add to that sense of rich beauty and calm. When you consider that all of this is located within a stone’s throw of high-class hotels such as the Fairmont Ajman, it is no
surprise the Middle East’s newest course is attracting huge interest. “When you get out on the course, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to superb hotels in Ajman and in the hub of Dubai,” said Philip Henderson, Al Zorah Golf Club’s General Manager. Getting here is straightforward. As well as the international airport there is also Ras Al
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Al Zorah Golf Club
Khaimah International Airport which is less than an hour’s drive along the coast. Visitors to Al Zorah can also experience the welcoming and magnificently structured Pavilion clubhouse, as well as a Shakespeare and Co. restaurant, with plans in place for more off-course attractions in the coming years. A brand new clubhouse in the heart of the action at
Al Zorah is coming soon. Constructed in conjunction with real estate developer and property manager Solidere International, there are 42 villas as part of an initial development. Recently Al Zorah Golf Club was one of five recently opened courses from across the world selected for Golf Inc. magazine’s ‘Development of the Year’ award.
AL ZORAH GOLF CLUB 5★ AJMAN, UAE
Stay at: Ajman Saray - Luxury Collection Resort • Includes buggies and return airport transfers 5 nights’ B&B; 7 nights’ B&B; 3 rounds 5 rounds
now £655
now £949
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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016 | TROON GOLF
DUBAI
Luxury accommodation and jaw-dropping courses
The Address Montgomerie Dubai
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PECTACULAR skylines, striking architecture, luxury shopping and gorgeous weather year round – small wonder that Dubai has fast become the ultimate holiday destination. And the golf is exceptional too. Over the past 15 years or so the sun-soaked city has become one of the most in-demand and lavish golf destinations on the planet. It now welcomes the very best professional golfers for regular tournaments, including the Dubai Desert Classic, World Tour Championship and Dubai Ladies Masters. And for golfing jet-setters, Dubai delivers an experience that will leave you with stories to make you the envy of your friends. You can’t go far wrong if you decide to start your Dubai golfing journey at The Els Club Dubai. This 7,538-yard masterpiece is a desert links designed by the four-time Major winner Ernie Els. Extensive use of dunes, sandy waste areas and native grasses and vegetation between wide fairways, along with a classic style of
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The Els Club Dubai
the Butch Harmon School of Golf. Meanwhile, a design collaboration between golfing great Colin Montgomerie and Desmond Muirhead, The Address Montgomerie Dubai, encompasses over 200 acres with 14 lakes and 81 bunkers to challenge and intrigue.
“This sun-soaked city is one of the most in-demand and lavish golfing destinations on the planet” bunkering, add to the links effect. One very cool element is that the South African has taken bits from his favourite courses so expect the bunkers to resemble Royal Melbourne’s and the greens those of Pinehurst No 2. It has been created to cater for golfers of all abilities with four tees on every hole. Just in case your game is in need of a tune up, the club is also complemented by
Although large in size, the greens can be very misleading with the slopes and speed quickly grabbing your attention. One of the signature holes is the par 5 4th, dubbed the Snake hole for its saddleback fairway which doglegs towards the green. Two bunkers behind the target form the eyes of the snake. Further along the journey, the par 3 13th boasts a 360-degree teeing area around an
island fairway and green. Panoramic views of the course or the charming courtyard await when you unwind back in your room at The Address Montgomerie Dubai’s clubhouse. Mull over your round in one of the 21 boutique rooms, which have been expertly designed with contemporary touches. Or why not try The Address Dubai Marina, which is in a prime location on Dubai’s vibrant waterfront. From here you can easily access a host of excellent restaurants, highend shops and trendy bars. Another superb place to set up camp and unwind after tackling Dubai’s premier golf tracks is the five-star Media Rotana. This is within easy reach of the Dubai Internet City Metro Station and a host of shopping malls. Better still, it is only 30 minutes from both of Dubai’s airports.
THE ELS CLUB DUBAI 5★
THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI 5★
Stay at: Media Rotana • Includes buggies and range balls 5 nights’ B&B; 3 rounds
Stay at: The Address Dubai Marina 5* • Includes buggies and return airport transfers 5 nights’ B&B; 7 nights’ B&B; 2 rounds 5 rounds
DUBAI, UAE
now £679
DUBAI, UAE 7 nights’ B&B; 5 rounds
now £1,269
now £999
now £1,545
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THE GREAT GOLF GUIDE 2016 | TROON GOLF
ABU DHABI
The capital of the UAE and a golfing hot-spot
SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB 5★
ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB 5★
Play at: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club & Abu Dhabi Golf Club • Includes buggies and range balls 5 nights’ B&B; 7 nights’ B&B; 3 rounds 4 rounds
Play at: Abu Dhabi Golf Club & Saadiyat Beach Golf Club • Includes buggies and range balls 5 nights’ B&B; 7 nights’ B&B; 3 rounds 4 rounds
ABU DHABI, UAE
now £849
now £1,165
ABU DHABI, UAE
now £849
now £1,165
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N recent years the traditional curtain-raiser to the European Tour season proper has become the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. This year’s field was headlined by Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler. Carved out of the desert by Peter Harradine, Abu Dhabi Golf Club can be a brute off the back tees and in its championship set-up of thick rough and rapid greens. Generally, however, it is very playable with plenty of teeing options and you will get the opportunity to follow in your heroes’ footsteps. Martin Kaymer, incidentally, is the form horse here with three wins, Rory McIlroy has four seconds to his name.
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Beach Golf Club and its neighbour, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The facilities here are simply breathtaking. Should there be anything amiss from your short game there are two chipping greens, a putting green and a vast practice ground where there are various bunkered and sculpted greens with a backdrop of an ever-changing skyline. And it’s laid back too with music being played to accompany your rhythmical swings. The names of the holes are taken from notes made by Gary Player when designing the course and he said it was akin to having 18 little children so was unable to single out one hole. His best looking offspring is
“The names of the holes at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club are taken from notes made by Gary Player when designing the course”
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Both nines return to the clubhouse and the chance to play the 9th and 18th which sit under the nose of the magnificent falcon clubhouse. Expect a course presented in genuinely outstanding condition, water hazards aplenty and some very slippery putts. And, should time allow, the 9-hole night golf is a spectacular experience. There is an abundance of world-class hotels in this part of the world and the five-star Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa offers you the lot: six restaurants, the Heavenly Spa, which easily lives up to its name, swimming pools galore and a fitness studio. The whole resort is on a grand scale. On Saadiyat Island, which is just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, sits Saadiyat
surely the 5th, Dolphin View, where our aquatic friends are regularly out in force in the mornings of the cooler months. There are 67 bunkers, spread over an incredible 10 hectares with one at the 10th running the entire length of its 350 yards. Mention should also be made of the 17th, Arabian Oasis, the shortest and most blissful hole. A short buggy ride away is the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, another grand and palatial experience where the lobby is worthy of a short par 3 on its own. Do not miss out on a visit to the Sontaya Asian restaurant, a series of floating pavilions that look out across the Gulf. There can be few better places to enjoy a cocktail at the end of another day in paradise.
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Call us on 0845 688 5406 Email us at sales@golfbreaks.com Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm, Sat 9am – 6pm & Sun 9am – 3pm Or visit
golfbreakscom @golfbreaks @golfbreaks
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi
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