Golf News Travel December 2016/January 2017

YOUR GUIDE TO GOLFING TRIPS AT HOME AND ABROAD

TRAVEL AND BREAKS

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2017 WEB: GOLFNEWS.CO.UK/TRAVEL

SPAIN'S

ISLAND JEWEL TENERIFE: A GOLF DESTINATION READY TO ERUPT

ALSO IN THIS MONTH'S TRAVEL: SPECIAL FEATURE ON DAYTONA BEACH SARAH STIRK VISITS MEXICO WIN A GOLF BREAK IN DEVON ME & MY TRAVELS WITH NICK FALDO SEVEN REASONS TO VISIT BULGARIA TRAVEL NEWS + LATEST PACKAGES

â– BUENAVISTA GOLF

[50] DEC/JAN 2017 | UK BREAKS

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BELFRY

GREAT VALUE BREAKS AT

THE VALE

BAGS ‘EUROPE’S BEST GOLF HOTEL’ AWARD

W

hile 2010 Ryder Cup venue Celtic Manor is justifiably one of the most popular destinations for a golf break in Wales, there are plenty of other quality resorts in the Principality that are well worth a visit.

Top of the list of alternatives should be The Vale, a luxury hotel, golf and spa resort nestled in over 650 acres of beautiful Welsh countryside just a few miles west of Cardiff.

Featuring 143 bedrooms, two championship golf courses, and a spa that has just been voted the best in Wales, The Vale has all the right ingredients for a golf break to remember.

The National course has been considered good enough to stage several top-flight tournaments of its own, with the European Senior Tour, Challenge Tour and EuroPro Tour all having held events here since it first opened in 2003.

This swiftly maturing inland championship layout has developed a fearsome reputation, mainly due to it measuring 7,433 yards from the back tees, although there are forward tees to make it playable for club golfers. Despite the 600-yard second hole being the longest par five in Wales, the course isn’t all about big hitting, with a selection

I of superb par threes and a reachable par-four providing a welcome change of pace. The Lake Course lives up to its name, with water coming into play on 12 holes, although its shorter length makes it more playable for the higher handicapper, while still being a serious challenge for better players.

Away from golf, the Vale Spa – which was voted the best spa in Wales at the 2015 World Travel Awards – offers a range of more than 50 treatments, has 19 treatment rooms, six bespoke relaxation zones, a 20-metre swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room.

In addition, the spa has double suites so that two people can share a spa experience together.

The resort has a range of great value golf breaks available, starting with one night’s B&B and 18 holes of golf from just £69pp.

For bookings and more details, visit www.vale-hotel.com or call 01443 667800.

KENT'S

CLASSIC LINKS ARE CALLING

I

t’s about this time of year, when many inland courses are suffering the effects of too much rain, that a trip to the seaside to pay a free-draining links course becomes very appealing. And where better to go in search of great links golf than Kent.

The county has hosted 17 Opens over the years, the first of which – Royal St George’s

in 1894 – marked the first time the prestigious major had been held outside Scotland. Since then, The Open has returned to Royal St George’s 13 times, while Royal Cinque Ports staged the global event in 1909 and 1920, and nearby Prince’s hosted it in 1932. Littlestone and North Foreland have also played their part in Kent’s rich golf history as venues for numerous

■ ROYAL ST GEORGE'S

Open Qualifying tournaments and various notable amateur championships.

Golfers visiting the Kent coast can take advantage of a number of itineraries that take in a mixture of these courses while staying in local hotels. Staying The Bell Hotel in Sandwich,

golfers can play Cinque Ports, Prince’s and Littlestone for £412 (£430 w/e), or if you stay at The Lodge at Prince’s can pay £299pp (£325 w/e) to play Prince’s, North Foreland and Littlestone.

For bookings call 01637 879991 or visit www.golfinkent.co.uk.

The Belfry Hotel & Resort was voted Europe’s Best Golf Hotel at the 2016 World Golf Awards in Portugal.

The Warwickshire-based four-time Ryder Cup venue also retained the titles for England’s Best Golf Hotel and England’s Best Golf Course for a third successive year.

The awards' ceremony took place at the Conrad Algarve Portugal on November 12, where The Belfry fought off strong competition from some of Europe’s leading resorts. The popular Midlands resort was acknowledged for its first-class hospitality and golfing facilities, from the state-of-the-art custom fitting at the PGA Academy, through to the extensive golf shop, and its three championship layouts, including the world-renowned Brabazon course Launched in 2014, the World Golf Awards reward excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations from across the globe. The awards, voted for by golfers worldwide aim to raise the bar for golf experiences.

James Stewart, The Belfry’s Resort Director commented: “We were absolutely delighted to have retained our titles as the Best Golf Hotel and Golf Course in England for the third consecutive year, but to have taken the European crown and be recognised alongside some of the world’s leading resorts is a huge honour. We are constantly striving to deliver the very finest standards of hospitality for every guest, and this pays testament to the efforts of our team across the whole resort. Their hard work and dedication really helps to set us apart from the competition and supports the fantastic facilities we provide for our guests.”

“In this Ryder Cup year, I also wanted to highlight the fantastic work of Angus MacLeod and his greenkeeping team, who have done an incredible job on the Brabazon course to ensure it is presented in pristine condition all-year round."

2016 12 Golf News - Golf Breaks 2_163mm h x 142mm w 29/11/2016 14:24 Page 1

2017 Golf Breaks from £70

Wish you were here

Ufford Park Woodbridge

Looking for the perfect all year round venue for your golf break?

Set in the heart of Suffolk and located just off the A12, our 18 hole, par 71 course is ideal for the beginner or the experienced player.

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017

[51]

COMPETITION

WIN A GOLF BREAK TO THE ENGLISH RIVIERIA!

STAY AT THE FIVE-STAR CARY ARMS & SPA AND PLAY AT HISTORIC TEIGNMOUTH GOLF CLUB

Golf News has teamed up with the renowned Cary Arms & Spa in Babbacombe and nearby Teignmouth Golf Club, to offer one lucky winner and a guest a luxury golf break on Devon’s stunning south coast.

STAY Owned by Lana de Savary, the Five AA Star Cary Arms & Spa is an award-winning country inn spa that enjoys a spectacular setting beneath the cliffs on the beach at Babbacombe Bay, near Torquay.

Accommodation is offered in 10 en-suite bedrooms, three self-catering cottages, and six one-bedroom luxury beach huts, and its in one of the latter that the prize winners will stay.

Straddling the water’s edge, each hut boasts a spacious mezzanine bedroom with a porthole window overlooking the water, a sitting room with a stylish modern fireplace, and wall-to-wall glass doors that fold back onto a sunbathing deck.

Other facilities on site include a comfortable lounge, billiard room and a recently-opened spa, which offers massages, facials, manicures and pedicures.

Dinner, which is included in the prize, will be prepared by head chef Ben Kingdon, who is passionate about fresh, local produce – so expect superb Devon beef and line-caught seafood, including Brixham hake and chips battered with Otter Ale. In finer weather, guests can dine outdoors on the manicured Garden Terraces or at the raised Captain’s Table while watching life in the bay unfold.

PLAY After a relaxing night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, the winners can take the short drive to Teignmouth Golf Club, where 18 holes await on a course that was designed by the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie.

Opened in 1924, some nine years before he completed his most famous work at the Augusta National, Teignmouth boasts a 6,000-yard heathland track that offers spectacular views of the sea and nearby moors.

MacKenzie's signature multi-tiered greens are much in evidence on a course that has changed little since it first opened. The yardage may be modest, but par is a lowly 69 from the whites, and with wind almost a constant factor on this exposed layout, birdies are not always easy to come by, especially on the six parthree holes.

For more details about the Cary Arms, visit caryarms.co.uk. For information about Teignmouth Golf Club visit teignmouthgolfclub.co.uk

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The prize includes an overnight stay for two people in a beach hut at the Cary Arms, with dinner and breakfast, and two green fees at Teignmouth Golf Club.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Accommodation and tee times are offered subject to availability. The prize must be taken before March 1, 2017. No cash alternative is available. The closing date for entries is January 15, 2017.

TO ENTER

Simply answer the question below correctly, and email your name, address and contact details to info@ golfnews.co.uk with ‘Cary Arms competition’ in the subject line. Please also include where you picked up your copy of Golf News.

QUESTION

How many beach huts are offered at the Cary Arms?

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[52] DEC/JAN 2017 | UK BREAKS

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DORSET

DISCOVER

DARTMOOR'S

RESORT GEARS UP FOR ANOTHER ‘OPEN’ WINTER SEASON

G

olfers seeking a UKbased winter golfing break without the winter playing conditions should head for the Dorset Golf Resort, which promises year-round golf thanks to its continued investment in drainage and irrigation, and its underlying chalky subsoil.

The 27-hole Bere Regis-based resort enjoyed another year of uninterrupted golf in 2016, and is promising more of the same in 2017.

All three nine-hole loops of the Woodland, Parkland and Lakeland courses remained fully open at the popular South Coast venue, with grass tees and main greens in action throughout the winter, without a temporary playing surface in sight.

Graham Packer, Dorset Golf Resort’s general manager, said: “There is no great secret to our success. We undertake new work every winter

GOLFING DELIGHTS

A ■ DORSET RESORT IS A SUPERB WINTER GOLF VENUE

to improve the course in general; we’re not fighting to maintain standards, we’re always increasing them. Each year the course looks better and that carries through into the winter. Having been rated as one of the top 150 courses in England, I’d say we’re achieving that.”

The resort has always been a popular breaks destination, with its 14 Scandanavian lodges providing a luxury retreat. Capable of sleeping up to eight, each lodge boasts a kitchen, lounge with a wood burning stove, sauna and veranda. Stay and play packages start from just £73.95pp/pn in the lodges, and from £64.95pp in the Dormy Golf Hotel, which boasts 16 twin en-suite rooms. For bookings call 01929 472244 or visit www.dorsetgolfresort.com.

MAKE A DATE WITH

DALE HILL W tith two magnificent courses set deep in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Dale Hill Golf & Country Club is widely recognised as one of the leading resort venues in the south of England.

The Woosnam Course was created by the former US Masters Champion, Ian Woosnam, and is his first European design. It is a particularly challenging layout, constructed to USGA specifications, and at 6,512 yards

demands and rewards accuracy off the tee.

The 5,856-yard Dale Hill Course is a well-established layout rich in wildlife and mature woodland, and blessed with contrasting scenery. The front nine is parkland, while the back nine is heavily wooded, challenging even the more experienced golfers.

The hotel boasts two restaurants, a lounge bar and a spike bar. The award-winning Wealden View restaurant

■ DALE HILL

offers a fine selection of dishes, many made with local ingredients, while the informal conservatory-style Eighteenth Restaurant serves a range of popular dishes and bar snacks.

The 35 en-suite bedrooms are all tastefully decorated in a modern, yet comfortable style, with separate shower and plasma televisions, while free Wi-Fi access is available.

Guests can also make use of the four-star leisure facilities, which include an indoor pool, sauna and gym, tennis courts and snooker room.

Packages start from £99 per person, to include two rounds of golf, a two-course dinner, bed and breakfast.

For details on the latest breaks, call 01580 200112 or visit www.dalehill.co.uk.

Southern Counties

HEATHLAND GOLF TOURS

s well as being home to one of the UK’s most scenic National Parks, Dartmoor is also the venue for a handful of ■ BOVEY CASTLE stunning moorland golf courses, each of which enjoys its own unique and stunning setting.

Exclusive Golf Breaks has put together a ■ YELVERTON GOLF CLUB great value short break packages that give golfers the chance to choose from the delightful layouts to be found at Yelverton, Tavistock, St Mellion and Bovey Castle.

The Jack Nicklaus-designed St Mellion needs little introduction to the golfing public, having hosted numerous tour events over the years, while the magnificent Bovey Castle, located in Moretonhampstead, is fast gaining a reputation as a challenging tournament venue, having hosted several EuroPro Tour events in recent years. Designed to rival its sister courses at Gleneagles and Turnberry, the JF Abercombie-designed course at Bovey meanders through the undulating estate, with winding streams and large Dartmoor rocks adding to the challenge at every turn.

Tavistock and nearby Yelverton are both classic moorland tracks, with golfers required to share the generous fairways with herds of grazing sheep and native Dartmoor ponies, while enjoying fine views over the stunning Devon landscape. Yelverton staged the Men’s Senior Amateur Championships in 2006, and presents a serious test of golf, although it remains playable for all skill levels providing you don’t mind chipping out from the gorse bushes and bracken from time to time. The fastdraining Dartmoor soil not only provides tight, links-style lies, and quick putting surfaces, but it also ensures year-round play.

There is a choice of accommodation options, including the Bedford Hotel in the historic market town of Tavistock, which has earned a reputation as a foodie’s paradise, while the Apple Tree Bed & Breakfast, a Grade II Victorian house also located in Tavistock, is also a recommended venue for travelling golfers. Packages start from £109 per person, for one nights’ B&B and two rounds of golf for breaks taken before February 28, 2017. For bookings, visit www.exclusivegolfbreaks.com or call 01822 618181.

To enquire call:

01822 618181 Website:

Email:

schgt.co.uk

info@exclusivegolfbreaks.com

Five of England’s finest heathland courses have joined forces as Southern Counties Heathland Golf Tour Blackmoor, Hankley Common, Hindhead, Liphook and West Sussex Staying at top quality hotels and Inns.

Packages start from just £339 playing three rounds of golf and two nights B&B at a top venue

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017

[53]

■ THRACIAN CLIFF’S

REASONS TO QUALITY

BULGARIA

In Thracian Cliffs, BlackSeaRama and the Lighthouse Resort, it’s hard to think of three more stunning championship courses located in such close proximity to each other than perhaps the holy triumvirate of Pebble Beach, Cypress Point and Spyglass Hill in California.

Located on a breathtaking stretch of coastland on Varna Bay, these three cliff-top gems are world-class facilities, with the Gary Player-designed duo of Thracian Cliffs and BlackSeaRama among the most photogenic and exciting courses opened anywhere in the world in recent years.

The former hosted the World Matchplay in 2013 and offers hole after hole of golfing brilliance, especially the holes located by the water’s edge, which offer heart-in-mouth ■ BLACKSEARAMA shots that you will remember for a lifetime, while the latter overs a 7,200-yard course where each hole is self-contained between towering hillocks that almost perfectly re-create an authentic links.

The Light House Resort, which enjoys a cliff top location overlooking the Black Sea, is an Ian Woosnam-designed championship layout that has also been designed to resemble a links, with numerous bumps and hollows, inviting fairways, striking white bunkers and five lakes.

QUANTITY There are around a dozen courses spread between the suburbs of Sofia and the Black Sea coastal resorts, providing ample choice for lengthy golf holiday, mixed in with some rest and relaxation. Golf resorts at Pirin and Pravets are located closer to the Bulgarian capital, and are both worth playing if you’re flying in or out of Sofia.

QUIET

CLIMATE While sub-zero temperatures are the norm in the depths of winter, autumn and spring are very mild – averaging 20-25 degrees – and offer a perfect climate for golf. Temperatures in the peak summer months of July and August can reach 30-35 degrees, although coastal courses enjoy cooling sea breezes.

VALUE With Bulgaria outside of the Eurozone, the pound goes a long way. Green fees at the top-end courses vary between £50 at Lighthouse to £85 for Thracian Cliffs during high season, while a nice meal at a local restaurant will cost less than £10, and a bottle of beer no more than a pound.

TRANSPORT

SAMPLE PACKAGE: Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort May 2017: 7 Nights + 4 Rounds - Early Booking Offer 1 May - 31 May 17: 7 nights double room + bed & breakfast 4 rounds (1 x BlackSeaRama + 1 x Lighthouse + 2 x Thracian Cliffs) + airport and golf course transfers + trolley and range balls included + free buggy included at Thracian Cliffs Early booking discount just £589 per person T: 01342 811777 W: www.golf-escapes.com

Voted the Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year in 2011, Bulgaria has since been discovered, but there are still plenty of people who are unaware of its charms, so tee times are readily available on weekdays, although things get busier over the weekends, when Sofia’s elite heads for the coast for a bit of play time. Don’t expect much in the way of local nightlife, however, so be prepared to make your own fun.

Bulgaria is only three hours away by air from the UK, with British Airways and Bulgaria Air serving Varna International Airport, which is just 20 miles from the main golf resorts. Wizz Air also offers regular flights to Varna from Luton, with return flights costing from £195pp during the summer months. For bookings visit wizzair.com.

BEACHES

The main coastal resorts have all been built alongside blue flag beaches, where soft sand, clear waters, and plenty of restaurants and bars make for a relaxing beach holiday. If you want to get away from the seaside resorts, it’s only a short drive to dozens of unspoilt places, including the peninsular walled town Nesebar, where cobbled streets, old churches and ancient monuments provide a welcome change of pace.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT BULGARIA’S TOURIST OFFICE WEBSITE AT WWW.BULGARIATRAVEL.ORG.

[54] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

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TRAVEL REVIEW TENERIFE

TENERIFE ROCKS Matt Nicholson flies out to the volcanic island of Tenerife, where luxury hotels and stunning golf courses rub shoulders with the wilder elements of this most dramatic of landscapes

■ BUENAVISTA WAS CREATED BY THE LATE SEVE BALLESTEROS AND IS ONE OF HIS FINEST DESIGN PROJECTS

■ THE BLACK VOLCANIC SOIL MAKES FOR A DRAMATIC BACKDROP TO A GAME AT GOLF DEL SUR

A

lthough I’ve enjoyed a few great ‘bucket and spade’ holidays to Tenerife with the family over the years, I have to admit that I’d never really considered taking my golf clubs along with me, despite the superb year-round weather that the island enjoys.

However, I’d heard from a couple of friends who had taken their sticks over there that the island’s nine courses were worth a look, so it was with a good deal of interest that I boarded a Monarch flight in late October from Gatwick, to sample three hand-picked courses and enjoy some sightseeing on this dramatic island located off the west coast of Africa.

Our flight from London departed mid-afternoon and landed at Tenerife South some four hours later. We were picked up in our minibus to transfer to our hotel for the next two nights – the Ritz Carlton Abama, which was 45 minutes away along the south west coast.

Arguably the best – and newest – resort on the island, Abama raised the stakes for both hotels and golf in Tenerife when it first opened in 2005.

Styled on a Moorish village, the five-star resort occupies a 400-acre clifftop location overlooking the island of La Gomera. Adult guests are likely to be won over by its choice of 10 restaurants, spa, seven tennis courts,

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017 [55]

■ THE FIVE-STAR ABAMA RESORT IS THE JEWEL IN TENERIFE'S GOLFING CROWN

changes, buggies are essential (and are included in the green fee with built-in GPS).

Thomas’s brief was to give the owners the ‘Augusta in the Atlantic’, and he certainly did this with regard to the speed of the greens, as they initially ran so fast that the women pros playing in the first Tenerife Ladies Open were putting off the greens with alarming regularity. Our group didn’t fair much better, with numerous four-putts recorded, and, dare I say it, one five-putt.

The pick of the holes was the stretch of three from the fifth, which climbs to the peak of the course and offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The ninth and 10th are also stunning holes, with the latter being a par-five that plunges downhill from a high tee near the clubhouse. All told, it’s a truly memorable course played against the backdrop of equally memorable scenery.

After our round, we had lunch on the clubhouse terrace with Abama’s director of golf Brendan Breen, before heading off to the marina to set sail for some afternoon whale and dolphin watching. If you plan your trip carefully, an early tee time will allow you to get a game in before you set sail in good time before sunset, and seeing such stunning creatures right up close is something that will live long in my memory.

Once back at the marina, we headed up the road to dinner at the Hotel Jardin Tropical’s Los Rocas restaurant. It claims to be the closest restaurant to the sea on the island, and on discovering that our table was only a few feet away from the crashing waves, I certainly wasn’t going to argue with that assertion. After another excellent meal, it was time to spend our final night at Abama.

Following an excellent breakfast, we headed off to Golf Del Sur, probably the most famous course on the island. Opened in 1987, the iconic layout is renowned for the volcanic black sand that lines its huge bunkers. It has hosted numerous European Tour events over the years, with José Maria Olazabal and Mark James among those on its honours board, while Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els also played here in Shell Wonderful World of Golf series in the year it first opened.

Boasting three loops of nine – Links, North and South – the course features wide fairways lined with palm trees and cactus plants. We played the South and North nines, which have many notable holes, with the par threes being particularly strong, while the finish is also particularly memorable.

After the round we organised a trip to Mount Teide, the island’s impressive – and active – volcano, which dominates the skyline from every part of the island. Before reaching the summit, we stopped off for lunch as the Altos De Trevejos Vineyard, where a quick tour, and a sample of the latest vintage, was enjoyed by all. We then continued our journey up to the volcano summit, through the winding roads and the thick lush ➼

GOLF DEL SUR, PROBABLY THE MOST FAMOUS COURSE ON THE ISLAND. OPENED IN 1987, THE ICONIC LAYOUT IS RENOWNED FOR THE VOLCANIC BLACK SAND THAT LINES ITS HUGE BUNKERS

private beach, suites and private villas, while kids can run wild in an all-inclusive kids’ club during the peak holiday season.

After checking into an extremely comfortable room, we met up for a quick drink at the hotel’s sports bar, before heading to the newly-opened TXOKO restaurant, where Spanish celebrity chef Martin Berasategui specialises in traditional tapas.

After a very nice meal, it was time for a good night’s sleep ahead of our first round of the trip on the resort’s own championship golf course.

In the morning we were taken by the hotel’s courtesy shuttle bus to the clubhouse, where we picked up our buggy and tried out the club’s impressive practice facilities.

Host venue for the Tenerife Ladies Open in recent years, the 6,850-yard layout, which was designed by the late Dave Thomas, winds its way through thousands of palm trees and cacti and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic and La Gomera. There are 22 lakes, joined by a series of waterfalls, while numerous large bunkers, filled with brilliant white sand, add to the challenge. With dramatic elevation

■ WHALE AND DOLPHIN-SPOTTING IS A POPULAR ACTIVITY FOR VISITORS TO TENERIFE

[56] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

➼

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

forests of the Teide National Park, which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The view from the upper slopes was simply awe-inspiring, with the terrain looking like something you would expect to find on Mars.

At 12,198ft above sea level, it’s Spain’s highest point, and consequently is a lot cooler than the 75 degrees we had been playing golf in.

Given the nature of our trip, I couldn’t resist hitting a tee shot from the peak. Perhaps not strictly within the Rules of Golf, but a unique experience nonetheless.

We then started our descent to the north side of the island, and while driving above the clouds, and then through them, the beauty of the coastline was laid out before us as we made our way to our next destination, Hotel Melia Hacienda de Conde in the north west of the island.

Located hard by the sea, the boutique-style ■ MOUNT TEIDE DOMINATES THE SKYLINE FOR ALL PARTS OF THE ISLAND ■ TEEING OFF AT SPAIN’S HIGHEST POINT hotel overlooks Buenavista Golf, one of the late Seve Ballesteros’s most cherished designs. After checking into our elegant suites, we enjoyed a late dinner in the hotel’s Restaurante Salazar, and again couldn’t find fault in the food, so much so that we asked for the chef to come out from the kitchen to give him a well deserved round of applause.

Our final day arrived, and we were transported down to Buenavista’s stylish clubhouse, where we soon discovered that the course truly lived up to its name. With stunning panoramic vistas from every hole on a course that is framed by the crashing waves of the Atlantic on one side and the Teno mountain range on the other, Seve has weaved his magic to create a superb holiday track that has a unique mix of six par threes, six fours and six fives.

With many holes seemingly hanging out over the water’s edge – especially the ■ COSTA ADEJE par-five 13th, and the stunning par threes at 15 and 17 – it requires the touch and imagination of the great man himself in order to score well, especially when the wind is up. The closing holes near the ocean on the back nine wouldn’t look out of place at Pebble Beach, while the service is first class both on and off the course.

AMARILLA GOLF After our round we gathered at the club’s private swimming pool carved out of the LOCATION: SOUTH COAST volcanic rocks next to the sea, before heading off back to the airport at the end of what Right next to the ocean, the landscape had been a few memorable and action-packed days. designer Donald Steel created an 18-hole With just a four-hour flight, a small, but excellent stock of memorable courses to play golf course overlooking the sea where you and luxury hotels to stay in, I’d strongly advise reassessing any preconceptions you may are sometimes obliged to drive the ball hve of Tenerife. I certainly have, and will be going back for more. over the waves onto the next green.

■ LAS AMERICAS AMARILLAGOLF.COM

THE VIEW FROM THE UPPER SLOPES WAS SIMPLY AWE-INSPIRING, WITH THE TERRAIN LOOKING LIKE SOMETHING YOU WOULD EXPECT TO FIND ON MARS. AT 12,198FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL, IT’S SPAIN’S HIGHEST POINT

OTHER MUST-PLAY TENERIFE COURSES

FLY

■ MELIA HOTEL

STAY

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GOLF COSTA ADEJE

LOCATION: SOUTH COAST Golf Costa Adeje is surprising because it is superbly adapted to its surroundings.

Pepe Gancedo designed an unusual layout respecting the old farm terraces that slope down to the sea, framed by the original dry stone walls, with really beautiful views of the ocean.

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LOCATION: SOUTH COAST In the centre of Playa de Las Américas, one of the most famous holiday resorts in the south of the island, Golf Las Américas stands out for its fantastic location in a natural amphitheatre facing the sea, with superb ocean views of the island of La

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MOUNT TEIDE NATIONAL PARK WEBTENERIFE.CO.UK

LOCATION: SOUTH COAST This nine-hole, par-27 course and is luxuriant, colourful garden. Virtually on one level and featuring refreshing water obstacles of lakes and streams, it's perfect for beginners or for improving your short game. Designed by José María Olazábal, make sure you finish with a drink on the terrace which boasts a lovely view overlooking the entire course.

MONARCH FLY TO TENERIFE FROM THE FOLLOWING AIRPORTS. LONDON GATWICK, LUTON, BIRMINGHAM, MANCHESTER AND LEEDS BRADFORD MONARCH.CO.UK

RITZ-CARLTON ABAMA ABAMAHOTELRESORT.COM HOTEL MELIA HACIENDA DEL CONDE MELIA.COM HOTEL JARDIN TROPICAL JARDIN-TROPICAL.COM

CENTRO DE GOLF LOS PALOS

■ HOTEL JARDIN TROPICAL

Gomera. The designer, John Jacobs, gave priority to the hazardes on this 18-hole, course, which measures 6,039 metres. The clubhouse is an architectural gem, with comfortable balconies offering excellent views of the golf course.

GOLFLASAMERICAS.COM REAL CLUB DE GOLF DE TENERIFE

LOCATION: NORTH EAST COAST Founded in 1932, this is the second oldest golf club in Spain and still preserves a typically British air of distinction. Situated at 600m above sea level, it boasts 18 holes in undulating fairways that ascend with a spectacular view of Mount Teide. The dry stream beds play a part in several holes.

RCGT.ES TECINA GOLF

LOCATION: LA GOMERA At La Gomera, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Tenerife, Donald Steel designed a striking 18-hole course perched on a cliff and overlooking the sea and Teide, boasting impressive views. The native vegetation in the upper areas becomes more exuberant as the course slopes down to the sea, until it reaches a beauty spot full of tropical and fruit trees.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON ALL THESE COURSES AND EVERYTHING TENERIFE HAS TO OFFER TO GO: WEBTENERIFE.CO.UK

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TRAVEL COLUMN | DEC/JAN 2017

[57]

A popular stopover with PGA Tour pros during the autumn, the Mexican golfing hotspot of Cancun has all the right ingredients for a golf holiday to remember – providing you don’t overdo the magaritas, says Sarah Stirk

■ EL CAMALEON MAYAKOBA HOSTS THE PGA TOUR'S OHL CLASSIC

■ DON'T MISS THE WONDERFUL MAYAN TEMPLES

■ MARGARITAS ARE NEVER IN SHORT SUPPLY AT CANCUN'S ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY HOTELS

GOLF IS STILL REGARDED as something of an elitist sport in Mexico and, although the numbers are growing, it’s not yet that popular among the locals.

But lack of domestic enthusiasm hasn’t slowed the rapid expansion in the course-building programme. Some of the best are concentrated around Mexico’s most popular tourist destination, Cancun, which is right on the easternmost tip of the the Yucatan Peninsula.

Having spent a year at an American university, I know too well the appeal of Cancun with fun-loving spring breakers. However, that part of the world isn’t just about late night shenanigans and days spent topping up the tan – it’s also an exceptional golfing hotspot, home to some 15 courses and counting, which continue to receive rave reviews.

The area is known as the Riviera Maya, and it stretches about 75 miles from the high-rise bustle of Cancun, down to the far quieter village of Tulum, famous for its Mayan ruins.

There are about 150 hotels in Cancun, with more than 24,000 rooms that accommodate four million visitors a year. The hotels are strung out along both legs of an island that is shaped like the figure ‘7’. There are bridges at both ends that straddle a lagoon and connect it to the mainland.

Nearly all the golf courses are right along the main highway, Route 307, running between the two towns, the most famous of which is El Camaleón Mayakoba, a Greg Norman design that hosts the PGA Tour's OHL Classic in November. Having covered the event for the previous three years, I know how much the players love the vibe there. Its position in the schedule adds to the appeal, as part of the Fall Series, it always feels like a working holiday. They have it tough those PGA Tour pros, don’t they?

The course itself is an interesting design, full of variety, as it meanders through an ever-changing landscape of lush mangroves, dense forest and out along the coastline. The indigenous design is evident from the opening hole, with an imposing cenote – an ancient underground cavern – located slap bang in the middle of the fairway. A round here is pretty punchy – $199 if you're a guest at one of Mayakoba's three hotels, and $299 if you're a visitor – but for the spectacular views out over the Caribbean Sea, it’s worth every penny.

One of my favourite things, however, is the unique canal system, where you can step out of your hotel room straight onto a thatched roofed boat, which will whisk you to the first tee. Door-to-door service at it’s finest!

Mayakoba has three hotels: the Fairmont, Rosewood and Banyan Tree, and sits almost halfway between Cancun and Tulum. It's also just a quick drive from Playa del Carmen, a fun little beach town with great shopping, an excellent choice of restaurants and, by all accounts, some rather lively nightlife. The pedestrian-only

Fifth Avenue is a great hangout for some after-dinner drinks and a spot of people watching.

When you’re done golfing or lounging on the beach, the most popular activities are touring the Mayan ruins and snorkeling the many coral reefs. The natural limestone sinkholes are big with the scuba crowd, and if you have a few hours to spare, the 45-minute ferry from Playa del Carmen to the island of Cozumel is well worth it, as the scenery is spectacular.

In terms of other golf, there‘s plenty on offer, the nearby Iberostar Playa Paraiso Golf Club is an enjoyable test. What this fun P.B. Dye course lacks in gulf views, it makes up for with dramatic undulations and lots of visual variety. It's definitely worth buying a yardage book here, because the course is tricky for first-timers. Its pedigree is highlighted by the fact it’s a host venue for a Canadian Tour event.

The area's southern-most course, at Tulum's Bahia Principe resort, is also highly regarded. Known as Riviera Maya Golf Club, it's a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design with a lot of water, dramatic stone-lined fairways, and greens of smooth paspalum, a saltwater-tolerant grass. Coatis and raccoons are a familiar sight as you meander around.

Pok Ta Pok Golf Club has a central location in the heart of Cancun’s hotel zone, between the Nichupte Lagoon and the beautiful Caribbean Sea. This 18-hole golf course was designed in 1976, also by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and is a fair test for midto-high handicappers. It was built on land sacred to the Mayans, and you can still see some of the archaeological treasures and ruins dotted around the golf course.

Because they are principally aimed at the US market, they have the look and feel of American courses. Having passed through the security gate, you will be warmly greeted, your clubs will be strapped to the back of a buggy and you will be well looked after. The green fees, too, are broadly equivalent to what you would expect

THE HOTELS OPERATE A CANAL SYSTEM THAT LETS YOU STEP OUT OF YOUR BEDROOM ON TO A THATCHED ROOF BOAT WHICH WILL WHISK YOU OFF TO THE FIRST TEE to pay in the States ■ A SINK HOLE HAS TO BE AVOIDED ON THE OPENING HOLE AT EL CAMALEON MAYAKOBA and so, if you’re looking for a cheap alternative to Florida, you may be disappointed. However, if the sound of swaying palm trees and endless hours of sunshine appeals – and you don’t mind a 12-hour direct flight from the UK – then I’m sure you need little persuasion to add it to your bucket list of winter golfing destinations. As PGA Tour pro Jason Bohn enthused during this year’s OHL Classic at Mayakoba when asked about his favourite part of the week, he replied: ‘The margaritas!’

I’ll drink to that.

[58] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL REVIEW DAYTONA BEACH

DRIVING IN

DAYTONA BEACH Famed across the world for its beaches and its adrenaline-fuelled speedway circuit, Daytona Beach also boasts some of Florida’s finest golf courses, where a world-class golf vacation is as thrilling as it is affordable

■ THERE ARE PLENTY OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY ACTIVITES IN THE DAYTONA BEACH AREA

W

hen you close your eyes and think of Florida, what comes to mind?

Great weather? Tick.

Beautiful beaches? Tick.

World-class golf? Tick. All this, and more, awaits at Daytona Beach, one of Florida's fastest growing golf destinations. The area is covered in famous fairways that offer challenges for every skill level, all designed by legends of the sport. And it's why Daytona Beach has been repeatedly named one of America’s most popular places to play.

Daytona Beach’s central location on Florida’s Atlantic coast makes it the perfect spot to stay and play. With more than 20 golf courses within a short drive of each other, and discounted golf packages offering unrivaled rates, the hardest decision might be where to play first.

Want to play where the pros play? Then take a swing at the LPGA International, a worldclass resort located right on the doorstep of the headquarters of the LPGA Tour in Daytona Beach. Its two championship courses designed by Arthur Hills and Rees Jones, are distinct in design and play, but both are great for all handicap ranges. At 6,984 yards off the competition tees, the Hills features superb

natural wetlands, narrow pine corridors, small greens, and strategically-placed water hazards and bunkers.

The signature Rees Jones layout is a favourite of the tour players and offers 7,088 yards of linksstyle golf. The creative player is rewarded with multiple options on nearly every shot, while after a round, visitors can enjoy lunch, dinner or sunset drinks overlooking the course and lake at Malcolm’s Bar and Grill.

Spruce Creek Golf and Country Club, also in Daytona Beach, is a challenging 18-hole 6,900-yard course set among a gated fly-in residential community. Boasting a beautiful layout, with recently renovated greens and bunkers, Spruce Creek is widely regarded as one of the best courses in the area.

Another must-play in the area is Venetian Bay Town & Country Club in New Smyrna Beach, just 15 miles south of Daytona Beach.

Offering a 6,918-yard championship course designed by Ezell and Clifton Design, the layout is for everyone, from experienced players to newcomers. It also boasts excellent practice facilities and a modern clubhouse, with a full restaurant and bar.

A short 45-minute drive to the west of Daytona Beach, nestled among Florida’s lush inland landscape, and winding around its fresh

■ LPGA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS COURSE

water lakes, several courses offer relaxation and intrigue. Victoria Hills Golf Club, in DeLand, preserves the natural flow of the area’s rolling hills and foliage, while providing golfers with plenty of challenges. This Ron Garldesigned course at Victoria Park, surrounded by hundreds of oaks and Augusta pines, is meticulously carved from a sandy terrain and buffered by pristine lakes and greens.

Amenities include a golf shop, Mulligan’s Tavern and Grille, equipment rental and more.

Sandhill Golf Course, also in DeLand,

■ LPGA INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CLUBHOUSE

offers a relaxed atmosphere that promotes a challenging game for all abilitiies, with greens surrounded by majestic oaks. DeBary Golf & Country Club is consistently chosen as a US Open qualifying venue, and is a four-star rated course, while Glen Abbey, also in DeBary, winds through gently rolling landscapes and around lakes and tree-lined fairways. The Deltona Club boasts an award-winning unique course design featuring varying elevation changes.

Daytona Beach offers golfers travelling

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TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017 [59]

OPTION 1 PACKAGE STAY 5 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY (HILTON DAYTONA BEACH OCEANFRONT RESORT), WITH 3 ROUNDS OF GOLF IN DAYTONA BEACH (LPGA HILLS AND JONES AND VICTORIA HILLS)?

INCLUDES RETURN FLIGHTS FROM LGW INTO ORLANDO WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS (MANCHESTER SUPPLEMENTS APPLY) DAY TICKET TO THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP AT SAWGRASS ** FREE GOLF CLUB CARRIAGE WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS ** BOOK WITH YOUR GOLF TRAVEL - DEPARTING 11 MAY - FROM £1049PP BASED ON 2 SHARING

OPTION 2 PACKAGE STAY 7 NIGHTS ROOM ONLY (5 NIGHTS AT THE HILTON DAYTONA OCEANFRONT RESORT & 2 NIGHTS AT THE MARRIOTT SAWGRASS), WITH 4 ROUNDS OF GOLF (3 IN DAYTONA - (LPGA HILLS AND JONES AND VICTORIA HILLS) AND 1 ROUND ON THE TPC STADIUM. INCLUDES RETURN FLIGHTS FROM LGW INTO ORLANDO WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS (MANCHESTER SUPPLEMENTS APPLY) ** FREE GOLF CLUB CARRIAGE WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS ** BOOK WITH YOUR GOLF TRAVEL - FROM £1349PP (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND VALID IN SEPTEMBER AND DECEMBER 2017) BASED ON 2 SHARING

0800 043 6644 OR INFO@YOURGOLFTRAVEL.COM

WITH MORE THAN 20 GREAT VALUE GOLF COURSES WITHIN A SHORT DRIVE OF EACH OTHER, THE HARDEST DECISION MIGHT BE WHICH TO PLAY FIRST

with families a fun-filled playground, with its 23 miles of sparkling coastline to explore and enjoy. And while it’s possible to tee up 18 holes in the morning at one course and play 18 more at a different course before the sun sets, there are so many off-the-course options that it’s hard to decide how to spend the afternoon.

Imagine teeing off in the morning on a world-class course and being at the Daytona International Speedway, the world centre of racing, in the afternoon. Home of the Daytona 500, the iconic speedway track completed a stunning $400 million ‘reimagining’ project. Known as 'Dayton Rising', this project transformed the Speedway into the world's only pure motorsports stadium, a facility that provides fans with premium amenities and unparalleled conveniences.

The popular guided Speedway Tour allows visitors to experience the 31-degree high banks for themselves, before walking in the footsteps of legends past and present and climbing the podium in Victory Lane. Tours now include a visit to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, which opened in 2016, where spectacular displays honour all forms of motorsport. The whole experience provides a long list of exclusive sights that even non-race fans will appreciate.

Venture to one of many beachfront parks to mix a beach day with spotting wildlife.

Stroll nature trails and enjoy scenic vistas from observation towers, and spectacular 360-degree views of the Atlantic, the Intracoastal Waterway and more at the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Completed in 1887, the lighthouse is a fascinating piece of Florida history. It towers above others as the tallest lighthouse in Florida. This majestic facility, tucked away in the charming town of Ponce Inlet, stretches 175 feet into the sky. Feeling adventurous? Climb the 203 steps to the top for some truly breathtaking scenery and oneof-a-kind photo opportunities, and explore the on-site museum.

Visitors come year-round to swim in sparkling waters and scuba dive at offshore reefs – but there's even more to do off the beach. Be sure to enjoy the extensive collection of state and local parks, and hiking and biking trails for inland experiences that are guaranteed to excite. From November to March, visitors can witness hundreds of manatees seeking the warm water refuge at Blue Spring State Park. Take the whole family on an eco-tour adventure to experience a truly unique environment firsthand.

For some excitement that’s also educational,

the Museum of Arts & Sciences, a Smithsonian Institute affiliate in Daytona Beach, offers a children’s museum, planetarium shows, and a 90-acre nature reserve. Next door is the allnew Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, the largest collection of Florida art in the world.

Another fascinating learning experience awaits at the Marine Science Centre in Ponce Inlet, where there are shark and stingray touchtanks, and opportunities to hold sea urchins and see newly-hatched sea turtles in the sea turtle hospital.

On Daytona Beach, splashing in the waves and building sandcastles is just the beginning.

The fun continues at Ocean Walk Shoppes, a colourful dining, shopping and entertainment complex set by the ocean. It features a cinema and a wide variety of dining options, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Mai Tai Bar, Cold Stone Creamery, Sloppy Joe’s, Johnny Rocket’s and more. Or dine on the Daytona Beach Pier at Joe's Crab Shack, where the seafood is as delightful as the oceanfront view.

Daytona Beach’s culinary scene is experiencing a steady influx of exciting options – from off-the-beaten-path eateries to independent restaurants serving specialty fare from award-winning fine dining options from The Cellar, 31 Supper Club and Spanish River Grille, to vegetarian-friendly eclectic favourites such as Dancing Avocado Kitchen and Kale Café and Juice Bar. Whether it’s fresh seafood served in a casual atmosphere at an oceanfront restaurant or something on the fine side accompanied by an impeccable wine list, the variety pleases all palettes.

Add exceptional craft beer to the itinerary with the growing ‘Daytona Beach Ale Trail’.

Each location has a unique atmosphere -- and all are owned and operated by those who are truly passionate about their brews. The craft beer offerings are diverse; while some serve delicious tapas and meals, and others encourage visits to neighbouring eateries or welcome favourite dishes brought in, picnic-

style. The food truck scene is emerging, and on any given night a food truck or two will be parked nearby, ready to serve up a delectable dining experience to share with friends and family.

If shopping is a favourite pastime, you’ll find bargains and treasures galore in Daytona Beach. The new Tanger Outlets opened in November and features over 75 of the most popular brands and designers. Volusia Mall recently completed a $5 million upgrade and is home to large department stores like Dillard’s and Macy’s, along with over 100 shops, restaurants and a food court. Opening in 2017 – One Daytona is a premier retail, dining and entertainment destination across from Daytona International Speedway. Head downtown to the historic Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach, where a wide range of independently-owned boutiques and authentic eateries offer a unique atmosphere.

Other downtown areas in Ormond Beach, DeLand and New Smyrna Beach continue to add eclectic new shops and resturants. If flea market finds are up your alley, don’t miss the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market, recognised as one of the largest flea markets in Florida.

Getting to Daytona Beach is easy. There are direct flights into Daytona Beach International from New York (JetBlue), Atlanta (Delta) and Charlotte (American Airlines), and the airports in Orlando and Jacksonville are just an hour’s drive away. In fact, Daytona Beach is just a 90-minute drive south of TPC Sawgrass, the home of The Players Championship – golf’s unofficial fifth major. Jason Day returns in 2017 to defend his title at the renovated Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass May 9-14, which presents an ideal opportunity to watch the world’s best in action, and then try your own hand at creating a bit of golfing history.

CONTACT DETAILS DAYTONA BEACH AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU WWW.DAYTONABEACH.COM FACEBOOK: FACEBOOK.COM/ DAYTONABEACH TWITTER: @DAYTONABEACHFUN INSTAGRAM: @DISCOVERDAYTONABEACH TEL: (386) 255-0415

[60] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

ENJOY A VINTAGE BREAK WITH

BORDEAUX’S GOLF PASS

■ GOLF DU MEDOC BOASTS TWO SUPERB LAYOUTS IN THE HEART OF FRANCE'S MOST REVERED WINE REGION

G

olfers visiting the vineyards of Bordeaux can now take advantage of a great value green fee package following the creation of a partnership between two of the region’s top golf clubs.

Grand Saint Emilionnais Golf Club and Golf du Médoc Resort have joined forces to launch the Bordeaux Signature Golf Pass, which offers three green fees for an all-inclusive price of €230 during the high season (Apr 1–Oct 31) and €169 during the low season (Nov 1–Mar 31).

The pass, which also includes a complimentary pull cart and a welcome gift, is valid for seven

■ THE STUNNING NEW CITÉ DU VIN MUSUEM IN BORDEAUX

days, starting with the first round and playing at least one course in each club.

The recently-opened course at Grand Saint Emilionnais is the first Continental European design by renowned American

architect Tom Doak, who other projects includes Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand and the Renaissance Club in Scotland. Located just six miles from St Emilion, the 18-hole course occupies a stunning

Rivers Golf Tours See a slice of The Ultimate Bucket List Golf Tour

web: riversgolftours.com.au We provide pa icipants with a friendly relaxed atmosphere where good golf, great food and beautiful scenery will ensure a memorable holiday in beautiful pa s of Australia.

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GLORIA GOLF RESORT 5* HOTEL / COMPETITION WEEKS 2017

7 Nights Ultra all-inclusive 5 rounds of competition golf included 2 x Gloria Old + 3 x Gloria New

INCLUDES SHARED GOLF BUGGY DURING COMPETITIONS * Unlimited afternoon use of Gloria VERDE course * Private airport transfers / Golf shuttle included * Superb prize table and presentation dinner included * Stableford winner returns free in 2018

1989. Playing very much like a Scottish links, it is a past host of the French Open and earned the award of ‘best golf course in France’ at the 2014 World Golf Awards.

The Vignes course is the work of Canadian architect Rod Whitman – the man behind Cabot Links in Nova Scotia – who produced a beautiful layout that perfectly blends heathland holes with the local maritime pines. Standout holes include the dogleg par fives at 11 and 16, while the short holes at 13 and 17 are equally memorable, with the former’s green ringed by pines, while the latter is protected by a crescent-shaped bunker to catch anything left short.

Away from the golf courses and famous wine estates,

Bordeaux, the self-styled ‘Wine Capital of the World’, is enjoying something of a renaissance as a short break destination, with regular low cost flights from the UK servicing an increasingly vibrant city that has thrown off most of its industrial roots.

The old shipyards have been cleared to make way for a more attractive landscape, buzzing with great restaurants and bars along the banks of the Garonne, while there is lots to see and do, including the new Cité du Vin, a striking wine museum which opened last year at a cost of €63 million.

For more details about the Bordeaux Signature Golf Pass, visit www. signaturegolfdestination.com

EAGLE TOURS SERVES UP A TEE PARTY TO REMEMBER

L

INCLUDES SHARED GOLF BUGGY

2 NEW ARRIVAL DATES 23RD MAY 2017 18TH SEPTEMBER 2017

free-flowing site among a valley of centenary oaks framed by vineyards on all sides.

Feature holes include short par fours at the 2nd, 7th and 8th, while the green at the par3 ninth sits teasingly behind a lake. The back nine is 300 yards longer than the front, and includes two par fives, which are played back-to-back at 15 and 16.

An elevated clubhouse offers superb views over the 250-acre estate, while a small number of apartments have been built for guests to rent.

Golf du Medoc offers two championship courses, the Chateaux and the Vignes.

The former was designed by another leading US architect, Bill Coore, and first opened in

* * * * *

Free unlimited use of 3 a la carte restaurants Free room upgrade subject to availability Free range balls Free pull trolley Free club-house drinks voucher each golf competition day

FANTASTIC VALUE FROM £799.00 PP SHARING + FLIGHTS NON GOLFER £549.00 SHARING + FLIGHTS Single room supplement only £109.00 per week Add an extra night £89.00 pp Longer duration available if required.

Free flight reservation service on request

Tel: 0115 9681007 Email: sungolfinfo@btinternet.com www.sungolfbelek.co.uk

ast month saw a team of 20 UK golfers travel over to America to try and restore some lost European pride by taking part in the 26th staging North Carolina International Tee Party.

Organised by Sussex-based tour operator Eagle Golf Tours, the week-long competition pitted a team of 20 amateur golfers from all over the British Isles against a rival team of Americans on a selection of top-class courses in and around Brunswick Isles, North Carolina.

A mixed competition, which is open to all amateurs with official handicaps, the North Carolina International Tee Party is a fiercely fought event, but is always played in the true spirit of good sportsmanship and friendship.

Sadly, there was to be no turnaround in the result from the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine, and the home side took the spoils 24-16, after proving too good for the visitors in the foursomes

■ THE SEA TRAIL RESORT (ABOVE) AND THE WINDS RESORT (RIGHT)

and fourball formats. The UK rallied in the final day singles, winning 11-9, but it wasn’t enough to claw back the USA lead established from the first two days.

The competition was again superbly hosted by Winds Resort Beach Club and the Sea Trail Resort, while competitors stayed in a variety of accommodation, from onebedroom oceanfront suites to three- or four-bedroom town houses and apartments.

In addition to the three tournament rounds, guests also enjoyed a pre-match practice round, followed by a welcome reception and an extra competition on the

wonderful Crow Creek course.

While a few guests stayed just for the seven nights of the competition before returning home, the majority either added extra days at The Winds, or moved on to other golf destinations in the region, including Pinehurst, Myrtle

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

TRAVEL | DEC/JAN 2017

CRUISE YOUR WAY AROUND EUROPE’S TOP TOUR VENUES CLUBS GO FREE WITH YOUR GOLF TRAVEL L

eading golf tour operator Your Golf Travel has formed an exclusive partnership with British Airways that will enable golfers to travel to over 180 long haul destinations around the world with free golf bag carriage.

Golfers who book a package with Your Golf Travel can take their golf bags at no extra cost to far-flung golf destinations such as America, Bermuda, Africa, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, Asia and Australia.

While value is very much to the fore, Your Golf Travel also offers a range of exclusive premium holidays, including special hospitality and ticket packages to the Masters Tournament at Augusta, which next year takes place from April 6-9. Golf fans can choose between attending practice days, one of the opening two rounds, or a weekend package for the final two rounds, and throw in a round or two at local courses for as little as £2,495, including return flights to Atlanta and car hire. Bed and breakfast accommodation is offered between three and five nights depending in the package.

For golfers who prefer to play rather than watch, the Mexican resort of Cancun is one of the fastest growing long-haul destinations, with plenty of top class courses and luxury hotels.

YGT is currently offering seven nights' all-inclusive at the Playacar Palace resort and unlimited rounds on the Moon Spa and River Cancun golf clubs for just £1,449pp, with flights included.

To find the latest long haul offers, visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

Beach, Charleston and Hilton Head, all of which are within a two-hour drive.

Anyone interested in joining the UK team for the 27th North Carolina International Tee Party, which takes place from November 1-8, 2017, should call Eagle Golf Tours on 01273 419111, or visit www.eaglegolftours.com.

G

olfers looking for a leisurely way to explore some of Eastern Europe’s little known championship golf courses should consider booking a berth on a new golf river cruises package hosted by AmaWaterways.

The exclusive 10-night packages launch on the Danube in April, and combine seven nights on an AmaWaterways river cruise, with three nights in Prague, and the opportunity to play five rounds of golf on championship courses in five different

European countries.

The clubs included in the golfing itinerary are the Albatross Golf Centre in Prague (Czech Open); Bad Griesbach, Germany (Porsche European Open); the Diamond Course, Atzenbrugg, Austria, (Lyoness Austrian Open); Legends Course, Senica, Slovakia (Slovakian Open); and Pannonia Country Club, Budapest, Hungary (Hungarian Open).

Whilst on-board, guests will be able to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of their floating hotel and the delicious award-winning cuisine, which includes an exclusive dining experience from La Chaine de Rotisseurs. Free flowing wine, beer and soft drinks are included with every lunch and dinner onboard.

Other AmaWaterways facilities include a gym, spa facilities and swimming pool on the Sun Deck with

[61]

a swim-up bar. For guests travelling with non-golf playing partners there are numerous activities and excursions included in the standard river cruise fare.

A seven-night cruise on the Danube, a three-night pre/post stay in Prague, and five rounds of golf, starts from £4,276pp. For more information call 0800 320 2335 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk.

[62] DEC/JAN 2017 | TRAVEL

GOLFNEWS.CO.UK

CLUBSTOHIRE LAUNCHES SPEEDY NEW WEBSITE

SAVOUR THE DELIGHTS OF EGYPT’S NEW-LOOK SOMABAY RESORT

G

T

olf club rental firm ClubstoHire.com has launched a brand new website designed to cater for around 300,000 visits per year from travelling golfers looking to secure quality clubs at many of the world’s most popular golfing destinations.

The launch of the colourful, interactive site is the result

of six months of IT product development and an investment of €150,000 in back end infrastructure to speed up bookings and improve the customer experience.

The new site features a welcome from the company’s new brand ambassador, European Tour player David Howell, and portrays key

locations such as Faro, Cape Town and Orlando.

“We’re now dealing with up to 25,000 enquiries a month, so investing in our website was really important, as we continue to provide the best possible service and experience to our customers,” said ClubstoHire’s chief executive Tony Judge. “With the help of the new site, we now hope to grow the business by between 10%-15% over the next year, as more and more golfers appreciate the convenience

of renting top quality clubs at reasonable prices.”

The Dublin-based rental firm offers the latest clubs on the market from between €35 and €60 per week at 23 locations around the world, including the United States, Thailand, South Africa and five different countries across the Mediterranean. It supplies current sets of clubs from brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, Mizuno and Wilson.

For more information, visit www.ClubstoHire.com.

he Red Sea resort of Somabay has recently announced the reopening of its Cascades Course following an extensive renovation over the summer.

Designed by Gary Player, the newly-refurbished layout promises a unique and unforgettable golfing experience. Guests teeing off on the 18-hole course can enjoy panoramic views over the sparkling turquoise waters of the Red Sea as they play under the clear blue skies of Somabay.

■ GARY PLAYER'S SOMABAY ENJOYS SPECTACULAR SEA VIEWS

BRITTANY UNVEILS FERRY GOOD BREAK DEALS!

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he 2017 Brittany Ferries golf brochure, offering breaks to golf courses and resorts all over Northern and Western France and Northern Spain, is now out.

Packed with great value holidays in some of France and Spain’s most popular destinations, the brochure has all the details you need to plan a golfing getaway to remember.

And with Brittany Ferries, getting there is very much part of the holiday,, and golfers can

make the most of their precious time by crossing the channel overnight. With a fleet of luxury cruise-ferries, offering en-suite cabins, fine French restaurants and stylish bars, they provide

a uniquely relaxing way of travelling. And getting to the continent couldn’t be easier, with five routes from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth to western France, as well as two to northern Spain.

Among the exclusive offers in 2017 is a special Ryder Cup package in June, which involves three rounds of golf at Le Golf

■ 2018 RYDER CUP VENUE LE GOLF NATIONAL

National, host venue of the 2018 Ryder Cup, and two nights in a local hotel. Other sample packages include the Dinan to Dinard, which includes one night on board in a cabin; two nights’ B&B at the Hotel Mercure Dinan Port; and three rounds of golf (Dinard, Val André and St Cast), from only £308 per person.

Sailings are form Portsmouth to St Malo, with return trips from Caen or Cherbourg to Portsmouth or Poole.

For more information, visit www.brittanyferries.com/golf, call 0330 159 5418 or email golfdesk@brittanyferries.com.

Positioned at the heart of the destination lies the Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa. Featuring 166 rooms and suites, the hotel offers breathtaking views of the course, the Red Sea and rich desert landscape. All rooms are equipped with the technology, while Westin’s signature ‘Heavenly Beds’ will ensure that guests awake feeling renewed and energized.

Just a stone’s throw from the hotel lies Africa’s largest Thalasso Spa, the Cascades Spa & Thalasso. With over 65 treatment rooms, the facilities span over an area of 7,500 m2 and there is an extensive array of services available, including traditional massages, beauty treatments and hydrotherapy sessions to rejuvenate tired muscles after a day on the fairway.

Somabay is located 30 miles from Hurghada International Airport, which receives a large number of direct flights from the UK, which is just a four-hour flight away.

Prices start from £759 per person for seven nights’ all-inclusive at Westin Soma Bay Golf Resort & Spa, based on two adults sharing a room, including flights and private transfers. A three-round green fee package at Somabay costs £165, or £280 for five rounds.

For bookings, visit www.holiday-designers.com, or call 020 33840023.

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ME&MYTRAVELS

Six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo is happiest with a fishing rod in one hand and a glass of wine in the other when he’s on holiday

My favourite hotel is…the Crown Towers in Melbourne. It has really great suites, and the views are incredible. I like the Ritz-Carlton a lot too. I’ve stayed in many of them, and they’ve all been excellent.

The service is superb and the staff really makes an effort to make you feel welcome. They’re good at remembering names as well, which is nice.

My favourite holiday meal is… ideally anything Japanese or ■ ROYAL MELBOURNE

My favourite holiday destinations… all include water, the river, or being by the sea. I enjoy fishing and jet skiing and seascapes; just the peace of being waterside.

I love to stand in a river waiting for the rise of the trout or quietly stalk the flats for bonefish. When you’re fishing, you’re not clock-watching.

You get lost in time.

My favourite golf course in the UK is… St Andrews, Old

Course. That’s always an easy choice, given my history with the place.

My favourite golf course abroad is…Royal Melbourne in Australia, although all of those sandbelt courses, such as Kingston Heath, Huntingdale and Metropolitan, are fabulous. I love so many aspects of Melbourne’s design: the way it plays firm and fast; the way the bunkering frames the greens; the contours of the putting surfaces; the challenging mix of holes, and the ever-changing wind.

In the States, I’d say Pine Valley in New Jersey, and Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles – both of which are classic designs.

My holiday hidden gem course is… Ballyliffin Old Links in ■ FALDO REELING IN A BIG TROUT

Donegal. I first played there in the 1990s, and instantly fell in love with

the place. The movement in the fairways is exceptional. I have a great relationship with the club and did some remodelling work for them a few years ago, which focused on the bunkering and some of the tee placements.

Italian, but I like anything with more than 1,000 calories and a dangerous sauce!

My favourite holiday tipple is… a nice glass of red wine. I also love a rare whisky, a chilled Russian vodka, or simply a lime and soda.

My favourite airline is…Virgin I’d like to play…Bandon Dunes

Atlantic. I like their beds, which

are long enough for me to fit into comfortably. I travel around 150 days a year, so you need a good bed.

Emirates and Cathay Pacific are also very good, as, of course, is British Airways.

I always travel with… my GlobeTrotter suitcase. I have used one since the 1980s. It is a simple rectangle. It is a trunk. I also travel with my own orthopedic pillow and a foam roller to get the kinks out of my back after all the traveling. I always bring a set of mini speakers which I can set up my hotel room or wherever I’m staying and put on relaxing music.

Sir Nick Faldo will be playing in his last ever Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in July. For tickets, visit www.theopen.com.

For details of where to buy Faldo Wines, visit www.winecellarclub.co.uk.

in Oregon. It’s one spot I’ve not got around to yet. I didn’t used to play golf on holiday when I was playing, because I was too competitive.

Anytime I picked up a club, I went into tournament mode. But it’s different now. I’ll take the clubs wherever I go and have a couple of games. It’s just nice to go out and play, which I normally do with my son or friends.

My dream four ball would be… Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Lee Trevino.

■ THE OLD COURSE AT BALLYLIFFIN

Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, Pawleys Island

Travel to a place where there’s always something new to discover. Bask in Southern sunshine all year long, wander through a picturesque tea plantation or tee off amidst mountaintops and rolling sand dunes all in the same day. Start planning your trip today and find out why South Carolina is Just Right for holidays.

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