Golf Escapes 2011 by Golf World

GOLF escapes 2011

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FeaturinG thaiLand • brunei • sOuth aFrica • dubai • abu dhabi • arGentina • France • beLGiuM • teneriFe • turkey • czech repubLic • israeL • enGLand’s GOLF cOast pLus the MarriOtt GOLF hOteLs cOLLectiOn

CONTENTS

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GOLF ESCA PES

WELCOME A

s we emerge from yet another cold winter, the lengthening days are making golfer’s thoughts turn to dusting down their clubs and heading back out onto the fairways. It is also when many people start planning their next golfing getaway, both home and away. Stuck for ideas? Then let us help focus your mind with this latest edition of Golf World’s annual Golf Escapes guide. After highlighting this year’s golf “Oscar” winners, we focus on England’s Golf Coast, with its three Open venues, and Marriott Golf’s collection of UK and European resorts. We discover a new golf destination, Caesarea in Israel, then head to the Far East to take in the golfing delights of Thailand and Brunei. We then put the spotlight on South Africa’s wonderful mix of golf and tourist sights and activities before focusing on United Arab Emirates neighbours Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Crossing the Atlantic, we highlight Argentina’s growing golf product and reputation, before heading back to stop off at Spain’s Island of Eternal Spring, Tenerife. Finally, we come back to Europe, with a look at the golf options in the Czech Republic, Belgium, Aquitaine in south-west France and Turkey. Enjoy the read – and your golf escapes.

Golf Escapes is published by Bauer Media in England. Tel: 00 44 1733 468000 www.bauermedia.co.uk Editor: Peter Ellegard (peter@ellegard.co.uk) Design: Top Corner Editorial and Design Ltd Publisher / Travel Director: Ken Gill Tel: 00 44 7810 377146 ken.gill@bauermedia.co.uk Printer: PCP Printers, Telford, Shropshire Colour origination: Gildenburgh Ltd, Peterborough

Golf World Europe’s premier golf magazine 326,000 readers

001 NOV Cover Turnberry

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Golf Escapes 2011 cover image:

DESTINATIONS IAGTO Awards Marriott Golf England’s Golf Coast Caesarea, Israel Thailand Brunei South Africa

Acknowledgements

(NRS 2009)

Peter Ellegard Editor, Golf Escapes

4 6 10 14 16 18 24

Above: Sandals Emerald Bay on the Bahamas.

29 44 48 56 58 60 70

United Arab Emirates Argentina Tenerife Czech Republic Belgium Aquitaine, France Turkey

9/9/08 16:49:54

Punta Espada Golf Course is the first of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic. More than 7,000 yards covering a par 72 championship course, where eight holes play along and over the Caribbean, all with stunning views, and only a wedge shot away from more than three miles of white-sand beaches.

Get the next 6 issues of Golf World for only £12.60 when you subscribe today – saving 50% Call 0845 601 1356 and quote DVFF Offer closes: 31st December 2011

Golf EscapEs 2011

IAGTO AwArds

Golf’s “oscar” winners T he world’s top golf destinations and resorts have been honoured in the prestigious annual awards labelled as the golf tourism industry’s own “Oscars”. There was a double home triumph at the 2011 IAGTO Awards ceremony, held in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences at the Museo de Ciencias in Valencia, Spain. Ryder Cup host Celtic Manor was named Europe’s top golf resort, while victorious Europe captain Colin Montgomerie was given the IAGTO Honorary Award in recognition of his achievements in golf.

Golf tour operators from around the world voted for the winners, based on a strict set of criteria. Destinations receiving the operators’ acclaim included South Africa, Argentina, Australia, North West Ireland and Scottsdale, while nods also went to California’s La Quinta Resort & Club and Puntacana in the Dominican Republic as the best golf resorts in North America and the Rest of the World respectively. There was also an undiscovered golf destination award chosen by international golf journalists, which went to Canada’s Prince Edward Island.

Tourism pEi

Best of the golfing world honoured at 2011 IAGTO Awards.

Clockwise from right: Royal Portrush, North West Ireland; Brudenell River Golf Course, Prince Edward Island, Canada; Colin Montgomerie; Celtic Manor, Wales; LlaoLlao Hotel & Resort, Argentina; La Cana, Puntacana, Dominican Republic; Outeniqua course, Fancourt; and La Quinta’s Mountain course.

the 2011 iaGto awards winners in full: Golf Destination of the Year – Europe: North West Ireland Golf Destination of the Year – Latin America & Caribbean region: Argentina Golf Destination of the Year – Africa & Gulf States: South Africa Golf Resort of the Year – Europe: Celtic Manor Resort Golf Resort of the Year – North America: La Quinta Resort & Club/PGA West, California Golf Resort of the Year – Rest of the World: Puntacana Resort, Dominican Republic Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year: Prince Edward Island, Canada IAGTO Honorary Award: Colin Montgomerie

fancourT

la QuinTa rEsorT

Golf EscapEs 2011

pUntacana

north & wEst coast links

calEtic manor rEsort

Golf EscapEs 2011

Marriott Golf

MARRIOTT GOLF W

Driven By Excellence.

ith 11 Marriott Golf and Country Clubs across the UK that all offer a high standard of accommodation, championship golf, leisure facilities, restaurants and service, it is easy to see why Marriott has a reputation for excellence. Providing a peaceful haven for visiting golfers, each destination promises an exceptional golfing experience and at least one championship course. Having staged such events as the English Open, British Masters and the Solheim Cup, Marriottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf resorts know how to meet the needs of visiting golfers and provide them with precisely-manicured fairways, USGA-specification greens, first-class practice facilities and a friendly welcome and guarantee of the finest service. Non golfers can also unwind and relax. All Marriott UK resorts offer acres of beautiful parkland and superb leisure and spa facilities that guests can use for free. Added to this is first-class accommodation with luxurious bedding, in-room dining, free wi-fi access and an extensive choice of TV channels. Beyond your room, there is a fantastic choice of restaurants where you can savour first-class food with friendly service. So with the luxury of choosing from 11 destinations for a golf and leisure break, it couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easier to get away and unwind in style in 2011!

Golf EscapEs 2011

Going that extra yard! Rounds and rooms: coming soon

Guests will soon be able to reserve tee-times and book hotel rooms in practically no time at all. With one convenient transaction, it really could not be easier to book everything you need for that perfect golfing break.

Main picture, above: Breadsall Priory is close to the Peak District and dates back to the 13th century.

Online tee-time booking

Featuring a fresh and modern look, the new website, www.marriottgolf.co.uk has been specifically redesigned to include an online booking facility that gives golfers the option to reserve a tee-time at a time and date of their choice at any one of the 11 Marriott Golf Resorts in the UK.

Below: the Marriott St Pierre has hosted the Solheim Cup and European Tour events.

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Visitors to the site will also be able to take advantage of all the latest special offers, cast their eyes over an extensive library of course images, check local information relating to individual resorts and view up-to-date Marriott news.

Marriott Rewards

The Marriott Rewards® programme is a prime example of Marriott’s commitment to providing its most loyal guests

UK ReSoRtS St Pierre a Marriott Hotel & Country Club The Marriott St Pierre Hotel & Country Club, Chepstow, Wales is one of the leading golf resorts in the UK and has staged the Solheim Cup and numerous European Tour events. There are two championship courses; the Old course is a challenging 6,925-yard, par 71 layout, while the Mathern course provides a gentler test at 5,732 yards, a par 68. Both the golf courses and hotel facilities have received significant investment in recent years. www.MarriottStPierre.co.uk

with access to a whole host of special deals and exclusive offers including; hotel offers, holiday offers, spa offers and much more. Marriott Rewards points may be redeemed for more than 250 rewards, including hotel stays, airline miles, car rentals, cruises, spa treatments, shopping vouchers and more. Frequent users of the programme can also enjoy Elite status benefits including room upgrades, special bonuses, gifts and other exclusive privileges. Individuals can join Marriott Rewards by visiting www.marriott.co.uk/rewards

Kids Golf-4-Free

Families visiting any Marriott Golf Resorts can take advantage of the fantastic Kids Golf-4-Free initiative. The programme is designed to make it easier for adults and children to play and learn golf together and to attract more youngsters into the game. Guests can take advantage of a free round of golf for children under 15 years old, provided they are accompanied by a full paying adult and book a tee time after 3pm. In addition, kids up to 15 years of age receive a free lesson when accompanied by an adult who is taking a fully-paid lesson from a Marriott Golf instructor. To further encourage the whole family to play, junior-sized sets of golf clubs are available for hire at no cost for both lessons and rounds of golf.

Above: 36 holes of golf are on offer at the Marriott Forest of Arden. Left: redeem Marriott Rewards points for hotel stays and many other rewards. Bottom left: it’s a family affair: children can enjoy a free lesson when accompanying an adult having a fully-paid lesson.

Forest of Arden a Marriott Hotel & Country Club With 36-holes of first-class golf, situated in glorious parkland, the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club, near Birmingham is considered to be one of the leading championship venues in the UK. The famed Arden course has been the venue for both the English Open and British Masters. The entire resort has undergone a major transformation in the past few years to enhance both the accommodation and services on offer to guests. www.MarriottForestofArden.co.uk Hanbury Manor a Marriott Hotel & Country Club The Marriott Hanbury Manor Hotel & Country Club, Hertfordshire is widely regarded as one of the finest golf resorts in the South East of England. In addition to 18 holes of championship golf designed by Jack Nicklaus II, this stunning estate also boasts a five-star country house hotel, multiple restaurants and an award-winning health club and spa. It also offers a pool, tennis courts, sauna, steam rooms and fully-equipped gyms, and, combined with the golf course, creates one of the UK’s premier resorts. www.MarriottHanburyManor.co.uk

Below: the picturesque Hollins Hall course.

Hollins Hall a Marriott

Hotel & Country Club With its beautiful views and tranquil surroundings, the Marriott Hollins Hall Hotel & Country Club is located on 200 acres of rolling countryside, just minutes from Leeds and Bradford. Opened in 1999, the golf course has quickly gained a reputation for being one of the finest championship courses in Yorkshire. www.MarriottHollinsHall.co.uk

Golf EscapEs 2011

MARRIOTT GOLF

Dalmahoy a Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Host of many major tournaments, the two 18-hole courses at Dalmahoy are set in wooded countryside just seven miles from the centre of Edinburgh. The East Course, host to the 1992 Solheim Cup and the 2006-2008 Scottish Senior Opens, has recently been upgraded and now presents an even greater challenge for the visiting golfer. In addition to the excellent golf, there are many leisure activities available in this historic 215-bedroom hotel. www.MarriottDalmahoy.co.uk

Meon Valley a Marriott Hotel & Country Club

The Marriott Meon Valley Hotel & Country Club is located in 225 wooded acres in the rolling countryside near Southampton. This four-star hotel has been revamped in recent years and has two championship golf courses, The Meon and The Valley, which both offer a variety of different challenges for all golfers. www.MarriottMeonValley.co.uk

Breadsall Priory a Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Lingfield Park a Marriott Hotel & Country Club

Worsley Park a Marriott Hotel & Country Club

UK reSorTS MAP

Originally a 13th century priory, the Marriott Breadsall Priory Hotel & Country Club is located just a few miles from the glorious Peak District and towns of Derby and Nottingham. Considered two of Derbyshire’s finest golf courses, the Priory course is a parkland course that winds its way around the hotel grounds while the Moorland course, designed by renowned architect Donald Steel, meanders its way through the spectacular surrounding countryside. www.MarriottBreadsallPriory.co.uk

Formerly the Duke of Bridgewater’s Estate, the Marriott Worsley Park Hotel & Country Club offers a tranquil hotel and golfing experience just a few miles from the vibrant city of Manchester. The championship course has hosted European Challenge Tour events in the past and takes full advantage of the natural terrain and water features to provide a fair test for golfers of all capabilities. www.MarriottWorlseyPark.co.uk

Sprowston Manor a Marriott Hotel & Country Club Based in a magnificent 16th century English manor house, the Marriott Sprowston Manor Hotel & Country Club, near Norwich, has recently undergone a £5.8 million refurbishment and offers a luxury haven for golfers and leisure enthusiasts. The golf course was extensively redesigned in 2003 by Ross McMurray of European Tour Design and there is also an academy and driving range, complete with USGA-spec putting green, short-game area and the latest GASP technology. www.MarriottSprowstonManor.co.uk

1 Breadsall Priory – Derby 2 Dalmahoy – nr. Edinburgh 3 Forest of Arden – Birmingham 4 Hanbury Manor – Hertfordshire

Fraserburgh Peterhead

Inverness

5 Hollins Hall – Leeds/Bradford 6 Lingfield Park – Surrey

Aberdeen

7 Meon Valley – Southampton/Winchester 8 St. Pierre – Chepstow

Fort William Montrose

Perth

9 Sprowston Manor – Norwich 10 Tudor Park – Maidstone

Dundee

GLASGOW M74

Kilmarnock

EDINBURGH

A74(M)

Prestwick Coleraine

Dumfries

LONDONDERRY M2

Ballymena M22

Larne

Cookstown

Carlisle

Newtownabbey

Durham

BELFAST Sligo

Armagh

Newry

Navan

Dundalk

Morecambe

Athlone

M4 Toll

Preston

M50

N18

Portlaoise

LIMERICK N21

M58

DUBLIN M11 N11

Tipperary

Grimsby

Central contact telephone:

0800 0195888

www.marriottgolf.com

SWANSEA CARDIFF

A303 M5

Exeter

St Ives Penzance

Bath

Oxford

A10

A303

Winchester

SOUTHAMPTON

M25 GATWICK

PORTSMOUTH

Great Yarmouth

Ipswich

STANSTED M11

LONDON

HEATHROW M3

Norwich

Bury St Edmunds

Cambridge

M40

Reading

Swindon

Bournemouth Torquay

PLYMOUTH

Milton Keynes

Luton

BRISTOL M5

Bideford

M40

Gloucester

King's Lynn Peterborough

Huntingdon Northampton

Stratford upon Avon

M50

Grantham

Worcester Hereford Abergavenny

NOTTINGHAM A1

CORK

Pembroke

A40

Lincoln

LEICESTER BIRMINGHAM

WOLVERHAMPTON

Aberystwyth

Carmarthen

M54

Shrewsbury

N25

HULL

Scunthorpe

DERBY

WATERFORD

M62

A1(M)

Wrexham

N11

York

SHEFFIELD

Carlow Kilkenny

Bridlington

LEEDS

M53

Bangor

Bray

BRADFORD M65 M62

Scarborough A1(M)

MANCHESTER

LIVERPOOL

Holyhead

Clonmel

N22

Blackpool M6

M1 Toll Drogheda M1

GALWAY

Douglas

Cavan N4

Middlesbrough

Darlington

A38

Golf EscapEs 2011

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE SUNDERLAND

Stranraer

Newquay

St Andrews

M90

Stirling Dunoon

11 Worsley Park – Manchester

Tudor Park a Marriott Hotel & Country Club

The Marriott Tudor Park Hotel & Country Club in Maidstone, Kent, has undergone a transformation in recent years with more than £4 million being spent renovating its four-star deluxe hotel. Designed by Donald Steel, the golf course takes advantage of the natural features of an ancestral deer park and boasts long, narrow fairways bordered by beautiful, mature pine trees. www.MarriottTudorPark.co.uk

Above: Meon Valley’s two courses are set in wooded countryside.

Following a multi-million pound build, the Marriott Lingfield Park Hotel & Country Club is the UK’s first ever hotel, racecourse and golf club. Many of the hotel’s luxurious bedrooms boast stunning views across Lingfield Park Racecourse. The original 18-hole golf course has been newly landscaped in parts to ensure a pleasant golfing experience. www.MarriottLingfieldPark.co.uk

Colchester

Chelmsford

M25

Southend-on-Sea

CITY

Canterbury M20

Ashford

Brighton Eastbourne

Dover

EUROPEAN REsORts sPAIN

Mallorca Marriott son Antem Golf Resort & spa

The Mallorca Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa is a paradise for golfers. Close to Palma, the airport and famed beaches, it provides an exceptional experience. Its beguiling local country decor offers guests a rare haven, especially in spacious, finely-furnished guest rooms offering plush new bedding and tranquil views from the balcony or terrace. Two tempting restaurants offer the fresh flavours of the Mediterranean. When it comes to golf, Son Antem is the only resort in the area with two 18-hole courses, and it features an impressive driving range and golf academy staffed with PGA pros. After your round, the Spa Son Antem offers a blissful retreat, with a warm water pool, fitness centre and indulgent spa treatments. www.sonantemgolf.com; www.MallorcaMarriott.com

PORtUGAL

Above: the Marriott Son Antem Golf Resort & Spa, near Palma, in Mallorca.

No more than an hour from Lisbon, in an area of protected rural landscape of rolling sand dunes and pine tree forests, the luxury, five-star Marriott Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort offers guests one of Europe’s finest championship links golf courses, luxury accommodation, a world-class spa and a vast range of outdoor activities. Ranked 13th out of the top 100 courses in Continental Europe by Golf World, the course is simply stunning and offers a challenge for golfers of all levels. The hotel has 179 deluxe rooms with breathtaking views of the ocean and the golf course. Guests have two restaurants to choose from, with cuisine to suit all tastes and a beautiful setting perfect for any event. www.Marriott.com/LISDR

Left: 2012 Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal designed the Denia Mariott La Sella course.

Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort

Below: Praia D’El Rey is set amid rolling sand dunes little more than an hour from Lisbon.

Denia Marriott La sella Golf Resort & spa Located on the sun-drenched Mediterranean Costa Blanca, the Denia Marriott La Sella Golf Resort & Spa is one of Spain’s most luxurious destinations. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Spanish golfing legend, Jose Maria Olazabal, which presents a challenge for any player. Activities abound at this world-class resort – from flamenco, horse riding and wine tasting to regattas, beach sports and tours of ancient landmarks. There’s a choice of restaurants and bars, including the Segaria, which offers fine wines and a culinary journey. Spacious, well-appointed guest rooms exude a sense of comfort and luxury, with balconies to enjoy the views. www.Marriott.com/ALMC

Golf EscapEs 2011

England’s golf Coast

England’s golf Coast Great golf and a good deal more.

Golf EscapEs 2011

Besides those, there are other championship venues of the calibre of Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, Formby, West Lancashire, Formby Ladies’, Formby Hall, Wallasey, Caldy, Heswall, St Annes Old Links, Lytham Green Drive, Fairhaven, Carden Park, Silloth-on-Solway and Windermere, to name just a few.

davE willis

ngland’s Golf Coast is fast becoming the epicentre of championship golf in England. Over the last three years, the area, which stretches from Cumbria in the north to Chester in the south, has hosted both the 2008 Open Championship and the 2009 and 2010 Ricoh Women’s British Opens. Between this year and 2015 its reputation is set to soar, as it stages two more Opens (in 2012 and 2014), two further Ricoh Women’s British Opens (in 2012 and 2014), the 2011 British Amateur Championship and 2015 Walker Cup. England’s Golf Coast is sometimes described as “the Finest Stretch of Championship Golf in the World” and that is no exaggeration because, within its boundaries, it boasts three Open Championship venues and a further four courses rated within the top 100 in the country. Altogether, there are over 250 courses in the area; the vast majority are close to the motorway network and within an hour’s drive of the international airports at Manchester, Liverpool or Blackpool. This unbeatable collection of courses is headed by Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St Annes, which between them have hosted 30 Open Championships.

Below: visitors can explore the beautiful Lake District. Right: top-flight football is another draw.

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EnGland’s Golf coast

PES

The 18th hole and clubhouse at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

For further information visit...

lIVERpool fc

The golfer who visits England’s Golf Coast is literally spoilt for choice and the quality of what is on offer is mirrored off the course as well. The lively and cosmopolitan cities of Liverpool and Manchester provide the perfect urban contrast to the area’s coastal splendour and there is also much more to explore including the wide selection of shops and restaurants in Southport, the picturesque villages of the Wirral, the beauty of the Lake District, the bright lights of Blackpool and the charms of the Roman City of Chester – as well as the draw of topflight football. This is just a taste of what visitors can find in a golfing break on England’s Golf Coast. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

EnGland’s Golf coast

Royal Birkdale is one of three Open Championship venues in the region.

For all the information you need to start planning a golfing break in North West England, go to the England’s Golf Coast website. There, you can find full details about booking courses, accommodation and everything else you might need. www.englandsgolfcoast.com

1. Royal Birkdale 2. Royal Liverpool 3. Royal Lytham & St Annes 4. Formby 5. Southport & Ainsdale 6. Hesketh 7. Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa 8. Formby Ladies 9. West Lancashire 10. Hillside 11. Caldy 12. Heswall 13. Wallasey 14. Carden Park 15. Windermere 16. Silloth-On-Solway 17. St Annes Old Links 18. Fairhaven 19. Lytham Green Drive

Golf EscapEs 2011

Morocco Golf …The Magic Awaits You AGADIR – More than just GOLF & SUN … AGADIR GOLF WEEK 02 to 09 April 2011: Open to Amateur Golfers (Senior Men, Senior Ladies, Men & Ladies) MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR MEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

“R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking Tournament” (Handicap limit: 09): from15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “OCEAN Golf Club”

MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

“Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking Tournament” (Handicap limit: 11): from15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “OCEAN Golf Club”

MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR SENIOR MEN’S OPEN: (Handicap limit: 15): 15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “SOLEIL Golf Club”

MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN: (Handicap limit: 18): 15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “SOLEIL Golf Club”

AGADIR INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR OPEN:

Open to Amateur Golfers (Senior Men, Senior Ladies, Men & Ladies) Handicap qualification: (Male: between 10 to 28 & Female: between 1 and 36): 15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “DUNES Golf Club”

For further information on our Tailor-Made Golf Holiday or Tournament Weeks please contact: Menara Travel Ltd (The UK’s leading golf tour operator to Morocco)

Tel: 0207 371 2030 Email: info@morocco4golf.com

www.morocco4golf.com 0HQDUDB LQGG

Brocket Hall, HertfordsHire

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BROCKET HALL B

Above: Brocket Hall is set in a delightful estate of 543 acres.

A class of its own – one of England’s finest golf and residential estates. rocket Hall – the breathtakingly beautiful ancestral home and country estate in Hertfordshire, near London – is one of the finest golf and residential estates in England. Within 543 acres lie two of the UK’s best inland golf courses and a golf academy responsible for producing some of England’s best young golfing talent. A venue where you can live like a lord, Brocket Hall also boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and a magnificent stately home which regularly hosts prominent social events, corporate functions and even political summits. The hall, which celebrates its 250th anniversary and is the focal point of this impressive venue, can claim to have one of the most illustrious histories of any of the great houses of Britain. Home to two British Prime Ministers – Lord Melbourne and Lord Palmerston – it played host to King George IV and witnessed the infamous Lady Caroline Lamb introduce the waltz to England in its spectacular ballroom. The current Brocket Hall was built in 1760 but stands on the site of two predecessors, the original dating back to 1239. One thing that hasn’t changed over the centuries is the warm welcome that Brocket Hall extends to visitors. Brocket Hall’s golf courses – the cornerstone of a thriving golf club – are laid out in

the stunning surroundings of parkland and ancient woodland and provide a distinct challenge for golfers. The Melbourne is the creation of Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, who have fashioned an outstanding golf course within a parkland terrain with water the distinguishing feature together with difficult greens and supreme short holes. A unique ferry ride across a lake to reach the 18th green completes the unforgettable experience. The Donald Steel-designed Palmerston course features bold bunkering and majestic avenues of ancient trees. This is the thinking golfer’s course, set in an impressive historic site and stretching Above: Queen Victoria’s 7,080 yards. room. Over the last 10 years, the Palmerston Golf Academy has successfully nurtured and developed the careers of Below, left: the grand many budding golf stars, with its exceptional facilities and ballroom. comprehensive teaching programmes. Teaching courses include all aspects of the game with areas for working on including one for the long game, a chipping and bunker area, a practice putting green and a six-hole par-3 course for improving approach shots. Residential golf packages are available throughout the year at Brocket Hall, with luxurious accommodation in Melbourne Lodge on the estate. However, for the first time, a residential Stately Home Golf package is being Factfile offered to golfers who want to experience the luxury of the hall itself. For aficionados of cuisine, stay, play and Welwyn, Hertfordshire, AL8 7XG dine packages are available at Auberge du Lac – the award winning lakeside For further information, or to make a restaurant housed in a former hunting reservation, call 01707 335241 or visit lodge on the estate. www.brocket-hall.co.uk.

BROCKET HALL

Golf EscapEs 2011

Seize your dream! build your dream house in Israel’s most luxurious golf residence in Caesarea

The golf residence is located next to the green landscape of the international golf course of Caesarea, designed by - Pete Dye, one of the world’s leading golf architects. Here you can enjoy a vibrant community life, magical beaches and quality of life. Only few lots of 600 sq.m. left for sale!

Special Offer For Golfers! We invite you to come and visit Caesarea’s golf residence and enjoy a special tour package deal at attractive rates, which includes: • Round trip flight to Israel • Accomodation stay in the most luxurious Dan Caesarea hotel • Free Green Fee at the international Caesarea Golf course. Buy a lot in Caesarea’s golf residence and the tour package to Israel will be refunded to you!!

For more information, Dial: 972-54-2200540 or For travel reservations, please click: www.israelpromo.com

www.caesareagolf.com

THAILAND

all pHoTos oN THIs paGE: TaT

THAILAND T Golfing paradise.

hailand is still relatively undiscovered as a golfing destination, but it really is a golfers paradise – and one of the world’s best kept secrets. Whether you want to witness the thrill of a world-class golf tournament, improve your own handicap or simply take lessons and practice your swing, you’ll have every opportunity in Thailand. With over 300 courses, you can play some of the most stunning, but affordable, golf in the world and with so much to see and do across the country you can enjoy an amazing holiday too!

beside the Andaman Sea (visit between November-March). From tranquil hideaways to lively resorts, there’s something for everyone, all year round and most have a variety of golf courses too. Fly into Bangkok and you can be teeing off after just an hour’s drive on one of Pattaya’s 20 top-quality courses in the nearby area. Or, for a little more restful relaxation, a leisurely three-hour road trip will take you to tranquil Hua Hin, a traditional fishing town famous for seafood, the King’s Summer Palace and beautiful golf courses. It is just an hour’s flight to the popular islands of Phuket and Koh Samui to mix and match golf with unforgettable island-hopping trips around the spectacular limestone crags in marine national parks or enjoy snorkeling and diving at some world famous dive sites such as Similan Islands and Koh Tao. For golfing with a difference, why not adventure north to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (a short one-hour flight), both superb golf resorts rich in culture and tradition. Enjoy a cooler climate all year round and tee off on courses set against jungle clad mountains. And the excitement doesn’t end on the course; northern Thailand’s lush landscapes a re ideal for action-packed activities such as trekking, climbing, rafting and riding elephants. Factfile

Dream golf? Think Thailand Thailand is as renowned for its gracious, friendly people as it is for its glorious beaches and exotic culture. With a genuine smile thrown in for free, its hospitality is as welcoming and refreshing as a dip in the ocean. And, whether you’re venturing out at dawn for a round of golf, meeting fascinating tribal villagers, exploring temples, or learning to ride an elephant, it’s something you’ll experience every moment you’re there. Thailand offers every kind of beach holiday under the sun. Beautiful white sands stretch along the palm-fringed east coast, facing the Gulf of Thailand (visit between MaySeptember), and cover the length of the rugged west coast,

Golf EscapEs 2011

Many of Thailand’s best courses are located close to major resorts so you can hit the fairways while your family and friends hit the beaches, spas, shopping or sites! Hiring a caddie in Thailand costs as little as £4 and green fees start from £5.20 Factor in spotless clubhouses with spas, cold towels and refreshments every third hole, a caddie with a smile and the chance to play greens designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Jr and Greg Norman, playing golf in Thailand is a dream come true!

Top left, main picture: Thailand has stunning beaches. Top right: Wat Phumin buddha, Nan. Above, right: rafting by the Thi Lo Le waterfall, in Tak province. Left: Ao Nang beach, Krabi.

THAiLAnD Time Difference: GMT +7 GeTTinG THere: There are four airlines flying direct to Thailand from the UK, with an 11-hour flight time. Jet Airways offer 35kg in economy, including your golf baggage. cLimATe: Bangkok, northern Thailand and Andaman coast are best from Nov-Mar; Koh Samui, Koh Phangnan and Koh Tao in the Gulf best from May-Sep. Golf is available all year round across the country. GOLf PAcKAGeS: Coco Golf offers tours and tailor-made itineraries. Call 020 7193 3355. www.cocogolf.co.uk; www.cocogolf.net TOUriST infOrmATiOn: Tourism Thailand: 0207 925 2511; www.tourismthailand.co.uk

Thailand golf holidays wiTh The experTs – CoCo golf

oco Golf has been taking care of golfers from the UK in Thailand for 17 years and has offices in the key golf resorts of Pattaya and Chiang Mai. Coco Golf provides a full Tee Off service, from hotel to the first tee, and even looks after your golf clubs when you are not playing. They are the experts in ensuring an enjoyable golf holiday in the Land of Smiles; here are two tours for 2011/2012:

FESTIVAL OF GOLF 2011

GOLDEN TRIANGLE 2012

• 12 nights from 29,500 baht (approx £590)

• 12 nights from 35,000 baht (approx £710)

The 2011 Festival of Golf starts November 8 and includes 12 nights’ accommodation. There is a choice of hotels from the Woodlands Suites, Woodlands Resort, Sabai Resort and Modern Place. The tour includes all transfers and six rounds of midweek golf: at Pleasant Valley (two rounds), Green Valley, Laem Chabang and Burapha (two rounds). A welcome dinner takes place at Woodlands Suites on November 8 with a farewell presentation party on November 18 at the same venue. There are plenty of excursions to choose from and extra golf is always available. Following the tour, there is an opportunity to join the Chiang Mai Challenge, comprising eight nights and four rounds of golf in Thailand’s second city.

For the golfing adventurer, this is a wonderful 12-night tour of Northern Thailand. Enjoy four nights in Chiang Mai, including a welcome dinner on February 5, and golf at Inthanon and Mae Jo. Depart February 9 via Fang and then Thaton by river to Chiang Rai, to stay four nights at the Wiang Inn. On Saturday, tour the Golden Triangle (three countries in one day!), followed by Sunday golf at Waterford Valley (Thailand’s northernmost course) and Tuesday golf at Santiburi (one of the top courses in Asia). Transfer back to Chiang Mai Highland resort. Chiang Mai for four nights, with golf at Green Valley and Chiang Mai Highlands and, finally, the farewell prize-giving and dinner. Excellent value, it is one of our most popular tours. coco Golf

Tropical pool at Woodlands Resort, Pattaya.

coco Golf

Green Valley, Chiang Mai.

BOOk EIThER OF ThESE TOuRS BEFORE ApRIL 30Th AND mENTION GOLF ESCApES FOR £50 DISCOuNT CONDITIONS: The above special offer is £50 discount per person. This cannot be used in conjunction with any prize vouchers or loyalty discounts. Prices are per person and are based on twin share accommodation. The holiday only includes ground arrangements; flights are extra and can be booked on your behalf. Prices quoted are in Thai baht only; Sterling (GBP) equivalent is given for guideline only and is worked on the daily rate issued by www.xe.com at the time of printing. Please note: valid travel insurance is a condition of any booking.

COCO GOLF for information, call 020 7193 3355 or email info@cocogolf.net

for the latest golf packages and tours in Thailand, visit the website: www.cocogolf.co.uk Golf EscapEs 2011

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

GOLF ESCA PES

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM Discover tropical nature, culture, golf and tranquility in this Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures.

runei Darussalam (Brunei, the Abode of Peace) is a small, prosperous, safe, stable and peaceful oil rich kingdom located on the northern shores of the Island of Borneo, which it shares with Malaysia and Indonesia. Mostly covered in luxuriant and pristine tropical rainforests rich in exotic flora and fauna, Brunei is a paradise for nature lovers and for ecotourism in general. Because of its small size and excellent road and tourist infrastructure, the best-preserved rainforests in Borneo can be easily and safely discovered in day-long trips, making an ecotourism experience much more approachable. With plenty of greenery, invigorating pollution-free air, a healthy environment free of tropical diseases and with

one of the lowest crime rates in the world, Brunei is a welcoming and rejuvenating experience. Whether it is enjoying the bountiful nature, admiring the opulence of Brunei’s ancient monarchy, discovering the fascinating Water Village and the Malay people’s thriving culture and traditions; or simply enjoying world-class golf, horse riding by the beach, being pampered in a luxury spa, Brunei will reveal itself as a true “Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures”. This little slice of paradise is packed with easy-to-reach attractions and the tiny capital of Bandar Seri Begawan is probably South East Asia’s loveliest capital – a green, airy and well-maintained garden city a world away from the frenzy of the region’s other capitals.

Largest water village

Often simply called Bandar or BSB, it boasts the world’s largest water village, Kampong Ayer, where 20,000 people still live in wooden houses on stilts, linked by water taxis to the mainland and combining a traditional lifestyle with modern-day amenities. Overlooking Kampong Ayer is the majestic Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Built in 1958 by Brunei’s previous ruler, this architectural wonder is spectacular, especially at dusk when the fading light plays with the soft-toned illuminations of the dome and minarets and the call to prayer reverberates across

Golf EscapEs 2011

Main picture above: admiring Brunei’s tropical splendour. Far left: exotic rainforest fauna includes colourful hornbills.

Below: Iban girl in traditional costume.

the water village and the downtown area… The impressive Istana Nurul Imam – the Sultan’s palace and the world’s biggest residential palace with 1,788 rooms – opens for visitors only once a year during the celebrations marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Bandar has other interesting museums, including the opulent Royal Regalia Museum which gives a good insight into Brunei royalty’s decorum and pomp, as well as

reserves dotting the country. More serious nature lovers will head across the Brunei Bay to the district of Temburong, separated from the rest of Brunei by the Limbang Division, in Malaysia’s state of Sarawak. Temburong is Brunei’s least-populated, hilliest and most jungle-covered district, home to many native longhouses and to some of Asia’s best nature reserves and field study centres, such as the world-famous Ulu Temburong National Park and the Kuala Belalong Field Study Centre, and offers an exciting array of ecotourism and adventure activities. Nature lovers are spoilt in Brunei: pristine rainforests and coral reefs; mangrove-covered islands and river banks; easy-to-visit nature reserves; canopy walkways; an abundance of migratory and native birds; endemic plants, insects, micro fauna and mammals, such as the oddlooking proboscis monkey; and a rich, abundant, diverse and pristine ecosystem. But Brunei is not just about rainforests. There are many activities to keep visitors busy, such as beachcombing, water sports, wreck and reef diving, world-class golf, horse riding, invigorating health spas, shopping and delicious food from local to international fare. Locally-booked tours cover most areas of interest, or tour companies can arrange tailor-made itineraries. The independent can venture on their own using public transport or in a rental car. Whatever the option, visitors should not miss exploring this aptly-named Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures, located in the green heart of the mythical island of Borneo.

Clockwise from top left: water village transport; dome and minarets of Masjid Jamek Mosque; Iban longhouse; panoramic rainforest lookout in Temburong; Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque at dusk.

all photos: BrunEi tourism

lively day and night markets, many parks, restaurants and coffee shops, and shopping areas, with modern shopping centres such as downtown Bandar’s Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah complex or the new mall in commercial area, Gadong. .

rainforests

Bandar is located in the Brunei – Muara district, the smallest but most populated of Brunei’s four districts. Outside Bandar, in the Tutong and Belait districts, but never too far due to the country’s small size, fascinating natural and cultural attractions can be easily visited on day trips, among them hauntingly-beautiful Merinbun Lake, a remote jungle-surrounded black-water lake that is an ASEAN national heritage site, or the traditional native longhouses near Labi, as well as the oil-producing areas of Kuala Belait and Seria and the many forest and nature

“Brunei i rejuvena

Golf EscapEs 2011

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

Golf and luxury accomodation

EmpirE HotEl and country club

For golf-playing visitors stopping over in Brunei, the pocket-sized sultanate offers the chance to play a round or two on some exceptional golf courses. The jewel in the crown of Brunei’s man-made attractions is the Empire Hotel and Country Club, an opulent but exquisite “seven-star” property which also includes an 18-hole, floodlit Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course. Host of the Asian Tour Brunei Open pro tournament, it is considered one of the best, and least crowded, courses in Asia.

Golf EscapEs 2011

The 7,029-yard, par 72 course is carved through natural rainforest and luxuriant vegetation. The front nine holes overlook the South China Sea from high ground while the back nine reach down to the sea to give golfers wonderful vistas of the ocean. The signature 15th hole runs alongside a wave-lapped beach. Floodlighting allows play until 10pm at night while practise facilities include a 22-bay driving range. There is also a golf school lessons from an on-site pro. The 6,749-yard Royal Brunei Golf & Country Club course was originally created as a private course for the Sultan of Brunei and his guests but is now open for visitors to tread its fairways. Designed by American architect Ronald Fream, this stunning and technically-challenging course is considered the “Augusta of Asia” for its beauty. There are two air-conditioned rest houses for players to make use of if they want a break from playing under the tropical sun. Night play is also possible. The Royal Brunei Airlines Golf Club, designed by Max Wexler, is located near the airport. A mainly flat layout, it features several lakes and has its own driving range. It has hosted top regional Asia amateur events. Pantai Mentiri Golf Club is about 20 minutes from the airport and just 15 minutes from Bandar. At 6,676 yards

Main picture, above: the Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course at the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Below, left: putting in paradise. Below, right: teeing off next to the ocean.

ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES, BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES R

oyal Brunei Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Sultanate of Brunei nestled in the northern tip of the tropical island of Borneo, operate scheduled services from London Heathrow throughout Asia, Middle East, Australia and New Zealand; enjoy attentive service from friendly cabin crew and experience true Asian hospitality Passengers travelling onwards to Australia and New Zealand may take advantage of free day-use at a selection of hotels in Brunei. For flights with a longer connection, make Brunei part of the holiday experience. Alternatively, you may opt to take the Windows on Brunei free city tour, subject to availability on arrival at Brunei. A perfect way to break your journey is to spend a few days in Brunei, travel

Golf EscapEs 2011

upriver in traditional longboats through mangroves, where you can discover Bruneiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s luxuriant and pristine rainforest which is rich in exotic flora and fauna. To maximise your stopover on flights Down Under, use Brunei as a hub and explore Asia. With regional offers available online, experience Royal Bruneiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Voyage of Discovery of Borneo and throughout South East Asia.

Business and economy classes

Business Class consists of a 2-2-2 configuration; the inclined-flat seat (with a gentle eight-degree incline) also features an advanced seat control panel that allows you to personalise your seating preferences with ease. An adjustable headrest and lumbar support provides you with a more comfortable rest. Each seat has a fixed back shell that offers enhanced privacy. For even greater privacy, you may use the discreet personal screens between the seats. The seats come equipped with in-seat power connector and a 10.4 inch personal TV with ongoing, on-demand video and audio

roYal BrunEi airlinEs

BrunEi Tourism

Operating daily from London Heathrow Terminal 4 non-stop to Dubai and onwards to Brunei, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Royal Brunei Airlines route map

Clockwise, from far left: Royal Brunei serves London daily; route map and connections; Royal Brunei Boeing 777; true Asian hospitality on board; Business Class cabin; attentive service; Brunei flora.

RoYal BRunEi aiRlinEs

Food fit to fly by

Royal Brunei’s meal concept – “food fit to fly by” – features healthier and lighter meal options. Business Class passengers enjoy a “dine upon demand” meal concept, giving long-haul Business Class passengers the choice to dine at their desired time, up to 90 minutes before landing. Infant and children’s meals are also available, along with a variety of culinary solutions to suit special dietary needs, which need to be requested when making your reservation. Royal Brunei Airlines offers a generous frequent flyer scheme, Royal Skies, which is free to join online. With great online fares in Business and Economy Class let Royal Brunei Airlines take you to there.

F LY F R OM J U ST £36 0

Travel with ROYAL BRUNEI AIRLINES to Dubai, Brunei and beyond, with fantastic online fares: Dubai from £360; Perth from £695; Melbourne from £735; Brisbane from £740; and Auckland from £775.

RoYal BRunEi aiRlinEs

entertainment. Business Class lounges are available on the RBA network for Business Class passengers to relax or work before boarding. Economy Class consists of a 3-3-3 configuration offering a 33-inch seat pitch; a personal TV provides ongoing ondemand audio and video entertainment, along with a moving map locating your exact position throughout your journey.

Book online at www. bruneiair.com/uk. Fares are inclusive of tax, correct at time of printing and subject to change without notice.

Golf EscapEs 2011

SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH AFRICA With a top golfing award, South Africa has even more reason to trumpet its sporting riches.

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fter giving the world the vuvuzela and defying the critics with its successful hosting of football’s World Cup last year, South Africa has even more to trumpet about on the sporting front this year, with a global accolade

for its golf. In yet another huge stride forward for its international sporting credentials, the country has been named Golf Destination of the Year for 2011 in the golf industry’s annual roll call of the best, the IAGTO Awards. South Africa has more than 500 golf courses, many of them close to its key cities and top tourist areas. That makes the country a perfect choice for either a holiday with some golf included or a golf-based vacation with a bit of sightseeing thrown in. Golfers can take in the culture of cities including Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg

faNcoURT

Golf EscapEs 2011

with golf right on their doorstep, or take time off sightseeing on popular tourist circuits such as the Winelands wine routes and the Garden Route to play a round or two. They can also combine a game of golf and watching big game at courses close to wildlife reserves and safari parks or mix splashing out of sandy bunkers with lazing on glorious beaches lapped by the Indian Ocean. For adventurers, the adrenalin rush of a close encounter with a Great White Shark or bungee-jumping from the world’s highest bungee bridge can be matched by the high of taking a helicopter to a mountain peak to play the world’s most dramatic par-3 hole to a green shaped like the African continent 1,400ft below. And if you prefer to sit back and relax, you can let the train take the strain, travelling around by rail to stop off and play some of the country’s best courses. Over the years, the Rainbow Nation has produced a string of Major-winning players, from

Above, main picture: Sun City’s Lost City course. Above, left: cage diving with a Great White Shark. Above, right: adrenalin rush. Far left: Garden Route.

th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

GOLF ESCA

South Africa truly is a world in one country, with so many different places to see and things to do. There are its iconic attractions, such as Cape Town and its famous flat-topped Table Mountain which you can ride to the top of on

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Table Mountain.

Diving with the sardine shoal.

strong sardine shoal which migrates down the east coast from June-August and is called the “Greatest Shoal on Earth”. In Soweto, Vilakazi Street is the only road which was home to two Nobel Laureates – Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former president Nelson Mandela; today it is home to the Mandela House Museum and Sakhumzi’s Restaurant, where you can sample African township cuisine. There are spectacular landscapes, such as the Drakensberg Mountains, where you can enjoy the scenery on hiking trails including the 230km Slaying the Dragon route or try adrenalin-filled adventures. And there is history; perhaps none so moving as the Zulu battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal where you can visit sites including Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, which are etched into the nation’s consciousness. Penguins at Boulders Beach. ToURIsM soUTH afRIca

sUN INTERNaTIoNal

many stunning beaches. They provide exciting wildlife encounters such as diving with raggedtooth sharks at Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoals, or cage diving with Great White Sharks where they congregate to hunt Cape Fur Seals at False Bay and whale watching at Hermanus, which has the most accessible land whale viewing in the world, as well as delightful ones such as viewing penguins at Boulders Beach near Cape Point and spectacles including the 10 million-

Isandlwana battlefield.

Golf EscapEs 2011

RoGER DE la HaRpE

Drakensberg Mountains.

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the legends of yesteryear, Bobby Locke and Gary Player, to today’s stars Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Trevor Immelman and Louis Oosthuizen, winner of last year’s Open Championship at St Andrews. In turn, Player – known as the Black Knight – has helped put the country among golf’s elite by designing several of its most critically-acclaimed courses – including what some rank as its top three: Leopard Creek, Sun City’s Gary Player Country Club and The Links at Fancourt. Other illustrious architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones and South Africa’s own Peter Matkovich and Ernie Els have also sprinkled stardust on South Africa’s golfing scene with their designs. The golf is centred in several areas including: Gaetung, around Johannesburg; around Cape Town and the nearby Winelands; along the Garden Route; near Durban and inland KwaZulu-Natal; the Eastern Cape; and in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga areas as well as at fantasy resort Sun City in North West Province. Sun City has two Player designs. The Gary Player Country Club hosts the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge, emphatically won by Lee Westwood in December, while the Lost City Course is the less daunting course for higher handicap golfers. However, it is advisable not to try and retrieve wayward tee shots on the course’s par-3 13th hole – a steep bank edging the green leads down to a pit which is home to Nile Crocodiles! When not on the golf course, the resort offers visitors luxury-themed hotels with casinos, a water park and the

a cable car, the wildlife wonderland of Kruger National Park, the Winelands region where you can enjoy picnics on the lawn of wineries while sampling their produce and the spectacular Garden Route. But there are many other less celebrated attractions and activities. The country boasts 21 national parks and eight World Heritage Sites as well as over 3,500km of pristine coastline with

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Safari.

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Off-course attractions

SOUTH AFRICA

nearby Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Leopard Creek, created in 1995, lies on the edge of Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga. Here, encountering wildlife really is par for the course, with the adjacent Crocodile River home to hippos as well as the reptiles it was named after. Golfers may also see antelope, buffalo and wild boar alongside or even on the course during a round. Then, after golf, they can go on a game drive into Kruger for a chance to view the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino). Golfers wanting get even closer to nature can play the nine-hole Skukuza course – the only one situated inside Kruger National Park. A wildlife and golf experience is also on offer at the Legends Golf & Safari Resort, which is situated within the malaria-free Entabeni Safari Conservancy in the Waterberg region of northern province Limpopo. Besides its Extreme 19th hole, the resort features 18 holes each designed by a top name in golf on its Signature Course, including Colin Montgomerie, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Retief Goosen. Guests can view resident big cats as well as dine out in the African bush at the Legend Wildlife & Cultural Centre and go on safari drives in the surrounding Entabeni reserve to view the Big Five and many other animal and bird species. Johannesburg and its environs have several of South Africa’s top-ranked courses, among them two at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club, Glendower and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pecanwood course. Pretoria,

too, has several good courses. Another city with excellent golf is Durban, in KwaZuluNatal. The veteran Durban Country Club, which has two courses, is close to the heart of the city and next to the grand, new Moses Mabhida Stadium, used for group matches and a semi-final of the 2010 World Cup. Royal Durban is another favourite. KZN has more great golf beyond Durban. Those on or near the coast include Selborne resort, Robert Trent Jones’ Wild Coast Country Club, the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Prince’s Grant. Umfolozi is close to HluhluweUmfolozi Park, South Africa’s oldest game reserve and another place to view the Big Five, as well as being near the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, formerly the St Lucia Wetlands Park, for water safaris. The dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains form the backdrop to the fairways and greens of the Champagne Sports Resort. A stay there can take in a moving visit to the Zulu battlefields en route from the coast. On the Eastern Cape coast are the likes of Port Elizabeth’s acclaimed Humewood course, the St Francis Links by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player’s Fish River course at Port Alfred. The malaria-free Shamwari Game Reserve is in this southern part of the province. The undoubted star along the beautiful Garden Route is the 600-acre Fancourt estate near George, with three of its four courses by Gary player and accommodation in the historic manor or garden suites or studios. Top-rated The Links, which hosted the President’s Cup in 2003, has

Above, main picture: 1st hole at the Wild Coast Country Club. Above: the Arabella course in the Western Cape. Right: Durban Country Club. Below: Signature Course at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort. Below, right: the Extreme 19th at Legend: golfers tee off from the top of Hanglip Mountain.

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Golf EscapEs 2011

HERITAGE LE TELFAIR GoLF & SpA RESoRT, MAURITIUS

Heritage Le Telfair: winner of Best Golf Resort in Mauritius at the World Travel Awards 2010.

Heritage Le teLfair L ocated on a rolling hillside in Domaine de Bel Ombre on the unspoiled southwest of Mauritius, Golf du Château - Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort’s award-winning course - is the ultimate golf getaway. One of the most picturesque courses on the island, golfers will enjoy panoramic views of a clear blue lagoon to one side and the rugged mountain landscape to the other. The 18-hole championship course, designed by renowned golf architect Peter Matkovich, works in harmony with the spectacular natural beauty of the area stretching out over 100 hectares and taking in lakes, streams and tropical flora, with both nines rising from sea level into the foothills of Black River Gorges National Park. The par 72 course is technically suited to the accomplished golfer yet is user-friendly for the higher handicapper. For those seeking to improve their technique and know-how, each hole on the course has its own individual characteristics that compliment each other and flow naturally around the course. A 9-hole par 3 mashie course, designed with the beginner and family in mind, is an ideal option for those wishing to play nine holes in an hour and Golf du Château’s PGA trained coaches are always on hand to help new golfers improve their game. At night, the par 3 course offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an atmospheric and memorable golfing experience. Lit up with glow-sticks, groups play with glow balls as they test their skills under the stars.

Golf EscapEs 2011

Other facilities include the double-sided grass driving range, an unbeatable short game area, a putting green, a chipping green and the golf clubhouse. The bar and restaurant are perfect for a refreshing beverage, light snack or afternoon meal, allowing golfers more time at the course. Golf du Château is open 365 days a year and promises to deliver a challenging, exhilarating and memorable golf experience. All of this is just minutes away from the luxurious offering at Heritage Le Telfair, where all guests will receive a free green fee per day throughout their stay. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and current holder of the prestigious World Travel Awards accolade for Best Golf Resort in Mauritius, the resort has four gourmet restaurants, including contemporary Pan Asian, international cuisine, two bars, a new beach club, a luxurious spa village, Frédérica Nature Reserve and butler service.

Heritage Le Telfair in the heart of the unspoilt, wild south of Mauritius.

F OR DI R E C T B O OK I NG S

For direct bookings and more information on Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort and the Domaine de Bel Ombre visit, www. heritageletelfair.mu and www.domaine debelombre.mu For golf queries email golf@domaine belombre.mu

Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of refined luxury.

UAE – AbU DhAbi AnD DUbAi

ABU DHABI AND DUBAI H The Gulf States golf boom goes on.

pETER EllEGaRD

aving established itself as one of golf’s most high-profile destinations, Dubai has underlined its position on the world’s golfing scene by hosting the Dubai World Championship on the new Greg Norman-designed Earth Course for the past two years. As the climax of the Race to Dubai, the renamed European Order of Merit, it has quickly cemented its place as one of the must-play events for the pros and a must-see for spectators and TV viewers. And, with the Dubai

pETER EllEGaRD

Desert Classic being held on the Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course – the course that first began the Gulf golf boom in 1988 – as part of the European Tour’s Desert Swing in February, it book-ends the European Tour calendar. United Arab Emirates neighbour Abu Dhabi is also now making its mark on the golf scene in just as spectacular fashion. It hosts the European Tour season-opening Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, one of three events which now comprise the Desert Swing (the others being the Commercialbank Qatar Masters and newcomer, the Volvo Golf Champions in Bahrain) events, at what had been its sole 18-hole course – the Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Its Championship course was lengthened for the 2011 event and its majestic falcon-shaped clubhouse refurbished, while a new Westin hotel is due to open later this year alongside the clubhouse. Management by Troon Golf, along with Abu Dhabi newcomer Saadiyat Beach, assures golfers of quality, a fact underlined by the club’s general manager, Ken Kosak, being named Troon’s General Manager of the Year for 2011 out of its 185-plus courses worldwide. The Gary Player-designed Saadiyat course is the first phase of multi-billion dollar luxury leisure and cultural

Golf EscapEs 2011

Saadiyat Island development. It will even have a designerlabel clubhouse with a creation by world-famous architect Frank Gehry, who is also designing The Guggenheim, Abu Dhabi, which is being built nearby. Other elements of the development include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, other cultural establishments and several luxury resort hotels. Last summer saw the debut of the Yas Links course by Californian designer Kyle Phillips, the man behind St Andrews’ celebrated Kingsbarns. It forms part of the Yas Island project – another multi-billion dollar development featuring the Formula 1 circuit which hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, eight hotels including futuristic The Yas Hotel which spans part of the race track, a luxury yacht marina and the Ferrari World theme park which opened in October. With vast oil deposits underpinning its wealth, Abu Dhabi has been affected far less than Dubai by the global economic downturn and it has ambitious growth plans. According to the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, there are plans for another six more courses linked to major developments. Among them is another course on Saadiyat Island, by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Desert city Al Ain also gained its first 18-hole course last spring with the extension of an existing nine-hole layout. As for Dubai, the economic challenges of the past two years have had a positive effect for visitors, with prices for green fees and hotels having come down, making it much more affordable. And with its golf portfolio spanning courses from established stalwarts such as the Emirates Golf Club and the Dubai Creek & Yacht Club to recent additions such as The Els Club Dubai in the Dubai Sports City development and the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, it has enough great golf to make golfers want to keep going back. In a unique offer, golfing amateurs had the chance to not only attend the 2010 Dubai World Championship as spectators but also take part in an “Ultimate Golf Experience”, which included playing the Earth Course the

Far left: Greg Norman’s Earth course hosts the Dubai World Championship. Above, left: the Dubai Creek & Yacht Club’s iconic clubhouse. Below: Emirates Golf Club’s Majlis course.

If it is awe-inspiring activities and activities you want, you won’t find them more jaw-dropping than in Gulf neighbours Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Opened last year, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and is now the new

th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

Wild Wadi, Dubai.

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JUMEIRaH

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JUMEIRaH

Off-course attractions

Burj Al Arab.

Computer-generated image of how Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island will look with its new cultural developments.

day after the Tour event, with pin positions in the same place, greens and fairways conditioned as they were for the pros – and even playing from the same tees the golf stars used. As part of the package, golfers got the chance to have breakfast in the clubhouse and use the same lockers as the pro players, with their own caddie and a bib with their name. The Gulf boom is set to continue, with tiny emirate neighbour Ras Al Khaimah even weighing in with its own course now. For Gulf States, read Golf States.

The Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

THE Yas HoTEl

symbol of Dubai. Towering an incredible 2,717ft, beating the record for highest building in the world by 1,000ft, it is over 200 storeys tall and its observation deck and is reached by the world’s fastest lifts, which take just 60 seconds to reach it. Dubai is the shopping capital of the Middle East, with its many malls and gold souks. Downtown Dubai’s Dubai Mall has over 1,200 shops, the huge Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo and the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink. Alongside the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, built on an artificial island to resemble the sail of a dhow, is the Wild Wadi water park. Ski Dubai – the first indoor ski centre in the Middle – features chairlifts and five runs including the world’s first indoor black run. Fantasy mega resort Atlantis, The Palm is the flagship hotel of The Palm Island and boasts the largest water park in the Middle East, Aquaventure, as well as the Lost Chambers maze of tunnels through the fabled ruins of Atlantis and Dolphin Bay interactive dolphin experience. For adventure, escape the city on a 4x4 desert safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation

abU DHabI ToURIsM aUTHoRITY

Ferrari World’s Formula Rossa ride.

Reserve, followed by dinner under the stars in a desert camp. Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is home to the Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place. It is straddled by the ultramodern Yas Hotel. The adjacent Ferrari World theme park is the world’s largest indoor theme park, with over 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions including the world’s fastest roller coaster. When it is finished in 2013/2014, the Saadiyat Cultural District, on Saadiyat Island, will have a Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Norman Foster-designed Zayed National Museum as well as a performing arts centre. Other key attractions in Abu Dhabi are the imposing Sheikh Zayed Mosque, with 82 domes, and the opulent Emirates Palace Hotel – the world’s most expensive hotel. There is gold leaf everywhere, and you can even have it sprinkled on your chocolate cake.

Golf EscapEs 2011

EMaaR

pETER EllEGaRD

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa tower.

DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY, DUBAI

AL BADIA GOLF CLUB R

ise to the championship challenge of the Al Badia Golf Course – par 72 and 7,303 yards. Oasis-themed by master golf architect Robert Trent Jones II, the surfaces glisten with lakes and waterfalls. Rivers of sand weave through emerald fairways. Every detail is immaculately tended, creating an unmistakable InterContinental experience. Sharpen your skills under the guidance of golf professionals at our cutting edge golf academy, and with the region’s only TaylorMade Performance Lab to assist you with your swing analysis and customised club fitting. Hone your putting technique at the SAM PuttLab (Science and Motion putting laboratory). Dedicated practice areas include a floodlit driving range, chipping area, and putting green.

Superb dining

Savour superb dining – distinguished by dramatic design, inspired cuisine, and devoted service. Our menus will tempt you with some of the best cuts of steak at Terra Firma. You can simply relax or catch up with the latest in the world of sports at Spikes, and enjoy refreshing beverages at The Tee Lounge or at Trent’s bar. Outdoor terraces for most outlets provide sweeping golf course views. Host a business meeting with flair and finesse – whether a board meeting for 12 or a training session for 140. Sunlit function spaces will come to life with high-tech audiovisual systems, supported by on-site technical experts. Attentive staff are on standby to ensure that your event is professional, productive, and superbly catered. Entertain in formal grandeur by hosting a one-of-a-kind themed party, or celebrate your wedding day. The

Golf EscapEs 2011

As good as it gets.

magnificent golf-view terrace and lawn welcome up to 500 guests for buffet events and receptions. Meticulous InterContinental event planners promise smooth, seamless precision. Ease tired muscles in heated Jacuzzis, saunas and steam rooms. Feel your stress wash away under gentle rain showers; all this in the privacy of the separate facilities for men and women. Minutes away from InterContinental and Crowne Plaza

Below: approach shot.

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Reflections: the clubhouse and Robert Trent Jones II’s oasis-themed design at Al Badia.

Dubai Festival City, members of the golf club may also take advantage of the nearby facilities, including casual and finedining restaurants, bars with breathtaking city views and the luxurious Spa InterContinental.

Special offer – Stay and play

dubai festival city

InterContinental Dubai Festival City offers every feature of a world-class hotel, and then some. It’s an opportunity to indulge, explore, appreciate, unwind, and escape in one of the 498 exquisitely-designed rooms and suites, splash out in the temperature-controlled outdoor pool, spend some time in the luxurious spa or browse more than 550 shops at the connected Festival Centre. The adjoining Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City extends the magnificent offering with its 316 stylish rooms and suites, beautifullylandscaped leisure deck, and signature dining, including the authentic Belgian Beer Cafe. Dubai Festival City is more than a luxury destination. It’s an authentic experience that will keep you coming back for more.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Below: superior room at the InterContinental hotel.

Enjoy two rounds of golf and not only will we put you up in a deluxe room at intercontinental dubai festival city, we’ll include breakfast, all from the starting price of AED 1299++. Now that’s what you call a win-win situation. If you’d prefer, you can play a single round of golf and treat yourself or partner to a selected spa treatment at the luxurious Spa InterContinental. Either way, you’re in for a memorable experience. Located a few minutes away from the 18-hole championship Al Badia golf course, you can look forward to unrivalled hospitality, superb service, and an exceptional stay at the worldclass InterContinental Dubai Festival City. For bookings please call the hotel on +971 4 701 1110 or email reservations@ichdfc.ae. Please quote “Stay & Play” to the reservation agent or in the email subject when making your booking.

Factfile

al Badia Golf clUB By intercontinental dUBai feStival city Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 601 0101 Email: albadiagolf@ichdfc.ae www.albadiagolfclub.ae

Golf EscapEs 2011

S A A D I YAT B E A C H G O L F C L U B - A P L A C E T O B R E AT H E

Nearly all golf courses feature water hazards. Ours gives you front-row seats to the ocean...

“Sea View” – Par 4, 488 Yards

Welcome to Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, home to the Arabian Gulf’s only beachfront course, designed by golfing legend Gary Player. This captivating destination is poised to become one of the world’s truly great courses. Be among the first to play at this enchanting location. To book, call us on +971 2 557 8000 or visit www.sbgolfclub.ae

www.sbgolfclub.ae

700002 SBGC Water Hazard ad GD 205X265mm.indd 1

11/24/10 2:18 PM

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SAAdiyAt BEACh GOLF CLuB T

The Arabian Gulf’s first and only beachfront course.

he opening of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club last year saw Abu Dhabi make a significant stride in its growth as a global golf destination and positions it as a key element in the emirate’s tourism plans. Saadiyat Island lies at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s master plan. Located just 700 metres off the coastline of the UAE capital, the island development is already on its way to becoming one of Abu Dhabi’s flagship attractions. Grand plans include dramatic structures such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and The Guggenheim, designed by renowned architects Jean Nouvel and Frank Gehry respectively. While new hotel openings include the Park Hyatt in mid-2011 and the St Regis in October, both five-star. The “first masterpiece” to open on the island, however, was Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Opened in March 2010, the Gary Player-designed golf course is helping to attract increasing attention to the ever-blossoming emirate – and it will boast a Gehry-designed clubhouse, styled after The Guggenheim. The golf course is the Arabian Gulf’s first and only beachfront golf course and offers dramatic panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, with parts of the course virtually on the beach, off which dolphins can often be seen. Championship in every aspect, the course offers an array of teeing options, from the most ruthless to the most forgiving. A notable feature is the rich array of colours that contrast yet blend together. The crystal-clear waters of the Gulf combined with the pristine, white sands of the natural beaches act as a scenic backdrop against the lush green of the course and bunkers of white and red sand. The altogether natural look and feel is testament to the effort put into maintaining an environmentally-sensitive outlook, via some stringent eco-friendly guidelines upheld by the team at TDIC (Tourism Development & Investment Company), Troon Golf and Black Knight design. They include protecting turtle nesting areas. Gary Player, together with TDIC and Troon Golf, has

created a unique blend of traditional and contemporary. Top: Saadiyat is The Gulf’s only beachfront Player’s flair for design is evident throughout. course. Above: bunkers Undulating and twisting holes meander through the of white and red sand desert surrounds and down to the water’s edge to what contrast the verdant culminates in a challenging and quite sensational test fairways and greens. of golf. The par-4 10th, named the Mousetrap, is just one of the many feature holes on a course of Factfile individually-named holes, each unique in character. Tempting the players to let loose off the tee, the slightest deviation from dead centre brings the deepest and most Gary Player Design championship course menacing of bunkers into play – more managed by Troon Golf. severe than any even on the Old Opened: March 2010. Course at St Andrews. The prevailing Location: Saadiyat Island, just seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi, 20 minutes from winds also demand golfers creatively Abu Dhabi International Airport and plot their way round the 317-acre 50 minutes from Dubai. course. Tees: Player (7,784yds), Gold (7,268yds), With a development as bold as Blue (6,733yds), White (5,992yds), Saadiyat Island, the intention is clear: Red (5,290yds). develop a destination that is quite Clubhouse will feature a design by simply out of this world – and in Frank Gehry. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, that Tel: +971 2 557 8000 Fax: +971 2 557 8001 vision is well on its way. www.sbgolfclub.ae

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB

Golf EscapEs 2011

YAS LINKS, ABU DHABI

YAS LINKS ABU DHABI “BEST GOLF COURSE IN THE MIDDLE EAST” More than a story, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a new chapter whose opening is the culmination of years of dedication.

as Links Abu Dhabi, the new Arabian golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, is increasingly becoming a must-visit destination. In less than a year since its opening, Yas Links Abu Dhabi has received widespread critical acclaim and a number of prestigious accolades. It has been praised as the “best course in the Middle East” by Golf World contributor and Golf Course Architecture magazine editor, Adam Lawrence, who visited the course shortly after it opened. Yas Links has also been referred to as a “game-changer” for golf in the Middle East, as it takes the entire region to a new level with an exceptional experience and superior quality. Set against dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf, Yas Links offers the Middle East’s first links course, which will test professionals, enthral amateurs and excite beginners. Designed by leading course architect, Kyle Phillips, the 7,450-yard, par-72 course, with its unique, custom-made coastland, lends itself perfectly to exhilarating golf

Golf EscapEs 2011

experiences and a rich environmental and ecological programme. Visitors to Yas Links can also enjoy state-of-the-art facilities at the luxury Andalucian-style clubhouse, including a sports bar, fine-dining restaurant, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms with steam rooms, a pro shop, outdoor pool and croquet lawn. It offers stunning coastal views, as do all 18 holes of the championship course, with eight of the holes playing along the shoreline. The golf academy offers floodlit facilities comprising practice grounds for members and guests, a nine-hole par 3 golf course, dedicated short game practice area, six shaded hitting bays and two indoor swing studios.

Yas Island

Yas Links is part of Aldar Properties’ world-class Yas Island development, which is only 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, 30-minutes’ drive from the main island of Abu Dhabi and just 50 minutes from Dubai.

Main picture above: Yas Links Abu Dhabi 13th Hole (154 yds, par 3) – Take direct aim: the coastline wraps the front, right and back of this peninsula green with bunkers guarding its left side. Not a hole for the faint hearted.

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famous Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit. Offering 499 rooms, it is a striking feature of the race circuit with its curved gridshell comprising over 5,000 panes of glass lit by an LED system allowing it to display different colours. The other hotels – four of which overlook the course, with the other two opposite – are: • Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (428 rooms) • Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island (165 rooms) • Yas Island Rotana Abu Dhabi (308 rooms) • Centro Yas Island Abu Dhabi (259 rooms) • Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Yas Island (397 rooms) • Park Inn Abu Dhabi Yas Island (204 rooms) For more information on hotels and their special offers please visit www.yasisland.ae.

Yas Island is also home to seven luxury hotels, the 145-berth Yas Marina and the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit, venue of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – a 5.5km circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, which incorporates a grandstand with 45,000 covered seats – a first for any F1 circuit – and the longest straight in Formula 1. In October 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opened as the world’s largest indoor theme park, with more than 20 rides and attractions including racing simulators similar to those used by the Ferrari racing team. It also features the world’s fastest rollercoaster, travelling at speeds exceeding 200kmh, emulating the sensation of being in a Ferrari F1 racing car. Future developments on the island include a Warner Bros theme park, the Yas Island Water Park and the Yas Mall, which will house over 500 stores of famous brands from around the world.

Above: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is flanked by Kyle Phillips’ Yas Links course and the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit, seen here in the background.

For further information visit... Yas Links – www.yaslinks.com Yas Island – www.yasisland.ae Yas Marina and Yacht Club – www.aldarmarinas.com/MarinasAnd Services/RoyalYasMarina_en_gb.html?v11 Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit – www.yasmarinacircuit.com Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com The Yas Hotel – www.theyashotel.com

Below: a magnificent view: Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit with Yas Marina & Yas Yacht Club.

Hotels

The Yas Hotel is the island’s flagship property with its distinct and futuristic architecture that straddles the

‘YAS LINKS ABU DHABI IS INCREASINGLY BECOMING A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION’ Golf EscapEs 2011

Gets you closer to the game you love HALF IIPCTIE R P ON CR BS SU ONLY £26 FOR A YEAR (13 ISSUES)

Golf World magazine is the only title for anyone who takes the game seriously. The latest Golf World magazine is sent out every 4 weeks when you take out a subscription. Featuring exclusive instruction from the best players and coaches in the world, interviews with all the best names, proﬁles of the best places in the world to play golf, and tests of the best gear for you. Subscribe to Golf World magazine and beneﬁt from the best discounts and offers available. We also offer FREE UK Delivery. A Golf World magazine subscription will also make an ideal gift or present – so buy today with this amazing half price offer.

CALL 0845 601 1356 and quote GOLF Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. The minimum term for these offers is 13 issues. This offer is open until December 31, 2011. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Calls from a BT Landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines are open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri) 9am-4pm (Sat). Overseas readers call +44 1858 438 824. Calls may be monitored or recorded for training purposes.

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STAY AND PLAY WITH MARRIOTT IN DUBAI D ubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites is ideally situated for all golf enthusiasts. Exciting and energetic, luxuriate in the stylish location ofDubai Marina. Close to the regions finest courses, stay in a contemporary three bedroom suite and relax with ample living space and stunning views. The hotel has three impressive dining outlets including The Observatory restaurant and bar, boasting the best views in the Marina and superb international cuisine. Unwind after your day on the course at the tra ditional Arabic Saray Spa with steam room, sauna and Jacuzzi, pool and fitness centre. Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites is one of the most desirable places to stay whilst playing at some of the greatest courses in the world. Two Greg Norman designed championship courses, Fire and Earth await the avid golfer at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Earth Course with its 3,500 mature trees lining the fairways, large white sand coloured bunkers is the Home to the Dubai World Championship, the seasonal finale event of the Race to Dubai. The Fire course offers a different look and feel from Earth. Well positioned ‘Fire’ coloured bunker sand, undulating topography and native grasses saddling the fairways will force golfers to concentrate carefully on their shot placement. Relaxed 15 minute tee times, magnificent practice facilities and player assistant services will ensure that every golfer is treated like a tour player for the day. The Els Club at Dubai Sports City is the first golf course in the Middle East designed by US Open and Open Champion, Ernie Els. Having been awarded ‘Best New International Course’ by Links magazine and selected as a finalist in the ‘International Courses’ category of the 2008 Golf Inc Development of the Year contest, the facility is well on its way to receiving widespread international acclaim. The fairways take advantage of dramatic topography resulting in a course that is aesthetically stunning and exciting to play. Stretching 7,538 yards with four sets of tees allowing golfers a selection of differing lengths from which to play, it has set a new benchmark for golf in the region since January 2008. Set on undulating slopes of native desert vegetation, it is a links style layout combining traditional classic design. In essence the golf course combines the best of all the great clubs

Ernie Els has played worldwide over the last 20 years. It creates an extraordinary experience by providing superior service and superb, tournament-spec playing surfaces. The Els Club is the jewel of the residential development, Victory Heights, at Dubai Sport City, the world’s first fully integrated athletic metropolis – a destination where the world of sport unites, where people with a passion for the game combine with only the very best in global facilities. Emirates Golf Club, host of the European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, was the first all grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. Taking pride in its 36 holes of worldclass golf, the club sports two of the city’s finest must-play courses, the Majlis and the Faldo Course, which is also the only 18 hole course in the region to offer night golf. Both courses combine the natural rolling desert terrain for a serious golfing test, while the signature clubhouse, remains the most eyecatching in the region. The Majlis Course has been presented with numerous accolades over its 22 year history, the most recent of which were its 2010 ranking by Golf World magazine as one of the ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in the World’ and its award for ‘Best Course Middle East’ in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards 2010 .

Above, from left: Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites – one of the most desirable places to base yourself when visiting for that all important golf break; Jumeirah Golf Estates; The Els Club at Dubai Sports City; Emirates Golf Club.

STAY 5 NIGHTS AND PLAY 4 ROUNDS OF GOLF £899* PER PERSON Stay at the Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites and play award-winning championship courses such as ‘Fire and Earth’ at Jumeirah Golf Estates, The Els Club and The Majlis. BOOK TODAY! CONTACT: Evolution Golf Travel l enquiries@evolutiongolftravel.com l Tel (UK): +44 (0) 141 4163298 l www.evolutiongolftravel.com l Tel (UAE): +971 5669 21544 TERMS AND CONDITIONS *Rate quoted includes 4 rounds of golf at The Els Club, Emirates Golf Club (Majlis) and two at Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth & Fire). Rate quoted is per person for the duration of your stay, including accommodation and golf and is based on a minimum of 4 persons sharing a 3 bedroom suite for 5 nights. GBP rate calculated at time of publication, subject to currency fluctuations. Additional nights can be booked on request. Offer cannot be combined with any other promotion. Rates are subject to availability at the time of booking. Rates exclude 10% service charge and 10% municipality fee. Offer does not apply to groups of rooms of 10 or more. Offer available from Jan – Dec 2011. Tee time reservations will be made on your behalf once we have received your booking. We will confirm your tee times prior to your arrival. 7 days prior to arrival, non-refundable 50% deposit will be taken from the card used to secure the booking. Tee times are subject to availability. Should additional rounds of golf be required, further tee times can be arranged at an additional cost.

Golf EscapEs 2011

LUXURY INCLUDED

Outstanding warm weather, lush vegetation and varied terrain make the Caribbean a popular choice for novice and professional golfers. Sandals offers some of the most challenging golf in the Caribbean on prestigious golf courses in Jamaica, Saint Lucia and the Bahamas. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got everything down to a tee for every level of skill, even for those who want to take their ďŹ rst shot at it. Best of all, you can play round after round without paying for any greens fees!* After a day in the golf course return to your Sandals resort and enjoy up to 14 restaurants, premium brand drinks in up to 10 bars, sumptuous accommodation choices and a vast array of additional land and water sports. Shown here: Emerald Reef Golf Club, Great Exuma, Bahamas

EMERALD REEF GOLF CLUB Great Exuma, Bahamas Par 72 - 7,200 Yards Set on a rocky peninsula in Great Exuma, the Emerald Reef Golf Club is known for its challenging design and great ocean views, winning the title of one of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Golf Courses in the Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Designed by golf Master, Greg Norman, this championship 18-hole golf course^ features narrow fairways and six signature holes that play along the rocky peninsula, ideal for a challenging game.

SANDALS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Ocho Rios, Jamaica Par 71 - 6,404 Yards Located 700-feet above sea level in Ocho Rios, Sandals Golf & Country Club stretches over a rolling terrain with sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. A Golf Digest Four-Star recipient, this 18- hole golf course features greens created from Tidwarf Bermudagrass, for a faster and truer roll. Experience a challenging game where precision is the key with 10-holes being flanked by out-of-bounds stakes.

SANDALS GOLF CLUB Castries, Saint Lucia Par 38 - 3,141 Yards A short but demanding golf course, Sandals Golf Club is located at Sandals La Toc in Saint Lucia, nestled in a picturesque valley surrounded by lush vegetation. A challenging 9-hole layout on 3,141 yards and par 33, this course features narrow fairways, making it suitable for skilled golfers and popular among beginners.

Call 0800 742 742 | Visit www.sandals.co.uk | See your local travel agent

*Free greens fees for guests staying at Sandals nearby resorts. Mandatory caddies and optional carts at extra cost. Offer excludes Emerald Reef Golf Club, Bahamas. ^At cost. ABTA & ATOL protected

ArgentinA

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ArGEntinA

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or a country more associated with its national dance, the tango, Argentina has been quietly building an international reputation for another well-established pastime. Golf has been played in the country for well over 100 years and its own national event, the Argentina Open Golf Championship, is one of the world’s oldest. It has also produced a string of golf stars who became household names for their Major wins and other victories on the European and PGA Tours, with Angel Cabrera following in the footsteps of Roberto de Vicenzo. The World Amateur Golf Championship was played in Buenos Aires, in 2010. Yet few people beyond South America would associate Argentina itself with golf, perhaps. Until recently. Whisper it quietly no longer; Argentina has arrived on the golfing scene. Having been

aRGEnTina minisTRY of TouRism

Golf EscapEs 2011

named Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year in the inaugural IAGTO Awards in 2001, it has now been voted Latin America and Caribbean Golf Destination of the Year for 2011 in golf’s annual “Oscars”, having won the same honour in 2008. There are now 318 courses, 70 more than in 2004 when it began promoting golf internationally. There are new courses in the wine areas of Mendoza, at Tupungato Winelands designed by Mark Adams, and at La Estancia de Cafayatte in Salta, designed by Bob Cupp, and there is a new Greg Norman course – El Desafio Mountain Resort – right in front of Chapelco Golf in Patagonia. There is a new Jack Nicklaus Signature Course in Buenos Aires, at Pilara Golf Club, and a new Nicklaus Design course in Cordoba, at El Valle Golf Resort. They join a list of famous designers who have left their stamp on courses from Buenos Aires to southernmost city Ushaia and from deserts to mountains. The excellent climate also allows golf to be played all year. Buenos Aires is South America’s top golf destination. Host of golf’s World Cup in 2000, this sophisticated city has as much to offer on the fairways as it does culturally. Most courses are in the suburbs and range from elite, venerable clubs such as Hurlingham or the Jockey Club to more modern layouts located around the beautiful “Paris of South America”. These include World Cup host Buenos Aires Golf Club, where Tiger Woods and David Duval waltzed to victory, as well as Pilar Golf Club and Highland aRGEnTina minisTRY of TouRism

Jim man DEvillE/nicklaus DEsiGn

It’s strictly come golfing as tango-mad Argentina waltzes off with top sporting honour.

Main picture, above: Chapelco Golf & Resort. Left: breathtaking scenery at Llao Llao. Below: Pilara Golf Club in Buenos Aires.

Costa NavariNo – a New golf destiNatioN Costa Navarino, the prime sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, features two brand new signature designed golf courses, The Dunes Course which opened in May 2010, and The Bay Course opening within 2011. Each course offers a fun experience and a challenging test for golfers of all levels. In a majestic environment of verdant land both courses are designed to create a unique rhythm and flow, balancing excitement, challenge and aesthetics with breathtaking vistas. The golf courses at Costa Navarino are crafted across natural terrain to reflect the rugged outlines of the distant mountains with several holes that play directly along the sea. Evening players, watching the sun slip into the sea, will enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. The area of Messinia enjoys an excellent climate, blessed with balmy summers, mild winters and overall pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal year-round destination.

Costa Navarino is located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese, in an area that has been shaped by 4,500 years of history amidst one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking seaside landscapes in the Mediterranean. Navarino Dunes, the first area in Costa Navarino, lies in a stunningly beautiful west-facing location. Richly endowed by nature, it overlooks a sandy beach that stretches for over 1 km. Along with The Dunes Course, it features two 5-star luxury hotels – The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino – the 4,000 m2 Anazoe Spa, the state-of-the-art conference centre House of Events, as well as an impressive array of facilities for children and plenty of sports and outdoor activities. Ultimately, Costa Navarino will comprise a number of distinct sites featuring 5-star deluxe hotels, luxury residences, signature golf courses, conference facilities, spa centers, as well as a wide range of year-round activities for adults and children which are unique in the Mediterranean.

The Dunes Course

The Bay Course

Greece’s first signature designed golf course, The Dunes Course, was designed by former US Masters Champion and Ryder Cup captain Bernhard Langer in association with European Golf Design. Set in diverse topography with spectacular sea and river views, tall dunes divide some of the holes adjacent to the golden beach. This championship course is a showcase of large undulating greens, wide fairways and steep-faced pot bunkers. The links element of the course further enhances its unique style and playability. The Dunes Course has been designed to present an exciting challenge to all golfers, measuring from a little more than 5,000 meters from the front tees to almost 6,200 meters from the back tees with a par of 72. Parts of the course venture into olive and fruit groves, while some holes run along the small river Selas that meanders through the area. On-course amenities include a 3,500m2 Clubhouse with fullservice locker & guest changing facilities, as well as dining and banquet space for pre- and post-tournament activities. Flame Restaurant, open before the first tee off time is a must for any golfer enjoying The Dunes Course. The impressively stocked Pro Shop, offers the latest golf equipment and apparel from a range of international brands. Extensive practice facilities include a full-size driving range, putting green and short-game practice area. And for those wishing to fine tune their game, golf professionals are available for private lessons and individual coaching sessions.

In 2011 the second signature designed 18-hole Bay Course will open. It is designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and promises to present an intriguing but fair challenge to all golfers as it meanders through three distinct natural landscapes. The Seaside, Canyon, and Grove holes will provide striking contrasts that create a dramatic and memorable golf round. The course will play to a par of 71 from a variety of lengths designed to test the golfing skills of amateurs and pros alike. The imaginative layout offers panoramic seaside and mountain views, including several holes that play directly along the sea and two directly overlooking the historic bay of Navarino. The course measures 5,760 meters from the back tees and features four sets of tee positions. Troon Golf, the world’s largest luxury-brand golf management, development and marketing company manages both The Dunes Course and The Bay Course. Through its commitment to excellence, Troon Golf has successfully carved out a dominant niche in the golf and hospitality industries. The additional golf courses that will follow at a later stage, facilitated by the excellent climate in the region of Messinia, look set to establish Costa Navarino as a new high-end and internationally recognized year-round golf destination.

For more info call

(+30) 27230 97000 www.costanavarino.com

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Costa Adeje is laid out on the site of a former banana plantation with fairways sloping down to the sea.

GOLF ESCA PES

TENERIFE Play golf year-round on the Island of Eternal Spring.

natural paradise of mountains, lush vegetation, towering cliffs, verdant valleys and black and gold sand beaches 300km off the African coast, Tenerife is known as the Island of Eternal Spring thanks to its year-round temperate climate. As a result, it is heaven for golfers. There are eight courses on Tenerife, with most choice being in the south. Among courses there is Golf del Sur. It staged the island’s first professional golf tournament, the Tenerife Open, in 1989, two years after the course opened. Originally designed by Pepe Gancedo, its 27 holes were remodelled five years ago by fellow Spaniard Manuel Pinero, who emphasised the ravine-edged course’s natural element more; its wealth of flowers, cacti and palm trees are in stark contrast to its black sand bunkers and the ravines.

Golf EscapEs 2011

all pHoTos: TEnErifE Tourism corporaTion

Golf Las Americas clubhouse.

British golfer Karl Woodward set a world record for the longest drive here in 1995 – 408 yards, all carry! Amarilla Golf is right on the ocean, with a marina framing several holes. Designer Donald Steel teases with the approach shot to the par-4 4th green, with the sea immediately behind, then taunts demands a tee shot right over the waves on the spectacular par-3 5th. On the doorstep of Tenerife’s biggest resort, Playa de Las Americas, is Golf Las Americas, a green oasis nestling in a natural amphitheatre. The course encircles the large clubhouse and is interlaced with lakes and water channels. At Dave Thomas-designed Abama, which opened in 2005 on Tenerife’s west coast, there are 22 lakes complete with cascading waterfalls. Tenerife’s longest course, it is laid out amid luxuriant flora and many palm trees. Its most striking feature is the luxury Abama hotel, a pinkish-brown architectural marvel resembling a Moorish citadel. Just down the coast, the 27-hole Golf Costa Adeje course is laid out on the site of a former banana plantation. The 18hole Old Course, which opened in 1998, incorporates old stone farm terraces on fairways which slope down to the sea and offer superb views of La Gomera. Looking seaward, they are all but invisible, yet look back and you see the original dry

Below: Abama Golf & Spa Resort. Bottom: historic Garachico.

www.webtenerifeuk.co.uk

and the Portugal Masters.

www.visitalgarve.pt | www.algarvepromotion.pt

e v r a g l A s e p a sc E f l Go

s r e t s u B e c i £45 Pr 9 GR E FR AT wE OM E On kS Ly

per per son Golf Escapes are delighted to offer these fantastic value golf holidays in The Algarve’s two most famous golf resorts...

Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort

Le Meridien Penina

The ever popular 5* Le Meridien Penina Hotel is offering some great golf packages this year.

Stay at the renowned 5* Dona Filipa Hotel and enjoy magnificent golf courses and a great location.

Our Fantastic Package Prices:

10th February – 04th March:

05th – 30th March:

10th February – 15th April:

16th – 29th April:

31st March – 29th April:

30th April – 30th June:

30th April – 20th May:

21st May – 24th June:

£459 £519

£499 £549

Prices are per person and are based on:

• 7 nights sharing a standard twin room • Daily breakfast + 3 dinners in hotel with wine • Free daily golf on site • Car hire between 2 golfers • Meet & greet and rep service

£599 £535 £599 £545 Prices are per person and are based on:

• 7 nights sharing a standard twin room • 5 rounds of golf • Daily breakfast • Return airport & golf transfers • Meet & greet and rep service • Must be multiples of four golfers

Penina Festival Tournaments 2011

San Lorenzo Festival Tournaments 2011

02nd - 09th April: £599. 15th - 22nd October: £599

08th – 15th October: £719

Please note: Flights not included – please enquire for prices. Different dates / durations, room upgrades and single room supplements available on request. All packages booked with Golf Escapes Ltd are financially protected. Holidays are subject to availability at the time of booking.

For more information on all our great deals call: 01342 811777 or visit: www.golf-escapes.com

AGADIR, MOROCCO th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

GOLF ESCA PES

Ocean Golf Club.

AGADIR, MOROCCO T Golf, sun and fun.

he city of Agadir, located in south of Morocco is surrounded by the green Souss Valley. Only three hours by plane from the most important European Capitals, Agadir is the refuge against the greyness of winter. Located at 500 km from Casablanca and 250km of Marrakech (two hours drive), Agadir is an ideal place to discover the splendid Berber hinterland. The Agadir bay, with a beach of fine and fair sand, extends over more than 9km. In its northern extremity, a pleasure port, a watersports club and a marina give the city a “seaside” atmosphere. The site is well sheltered from the wind. The climate is mild (20 to 23° in winter, 25 to 30° in summer) with 300 days of sun per year. Agadir has some world-class golf courses: • Golf du Soleil: 27-holes • Dunes Golf Club: 27-holes • The Ocean Golf Club: 27-holes • Royal Golf Club: 9-holes

Morocco Golf …The Magic Awaits You AGADIR – More than just GOLF & SUN … AGADIR GOLF WEEK 02 to 09 April 2011: Open to Amateur Golfers (Senior Men, Senior Ladies, Men & Ladies)

MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR MEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

“R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking Tournament” (Handicap limit: 09): from15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “OCEAN Golf Club”

MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

“Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking Tournament” (Handicap limit: 11): from15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “OCEAN Golf Club”

MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR SENIOR MEN’S OPEN: (Handicap limit: 15): 15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “SOLEIL Golf Club”

MOROCCO INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN: (Handicap limit: 18): 15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “SOLEIL Golf Club”

Menara Travel Ltd “The UK’s leading golf tour operator to

AGADIR INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR OPEN:

Morocco” offers tailor-made golf holidays to Agadir. Tel: 0207 371 2030 or email: info@morocco4golf.com

Open to Amateur Golfers (Senior Men, Senior Ladies, Men & Ladies) Handicap qualification: (Male: between 10 to 28 & Female: between 1 and 36): 15 to 22 October 2011 AGADIR “DUNES Golf Club”

Menara Travel Ltd are organising two tournament weeks in Agadir. These tournaments combine relaxing on the sandy beaches of Agadir soaking up the sun, with sightseeing, nightlife and playing golf on the world-class golf courses of Agadir. For further information on our Tailor-Made Golf Holiday or Tournament Weeks please contact:

Pro AM HAssAn II Golf TroPHy & Pro AM lAllA MeryeM CuP March 28 to April 4, 2011 – AGADIR

Menara Travel Ltd (The UK’s leading golf tour operator to Morocco)

MoroCCo AMATeur InTernATIonAl oPen 15 – 22 October 2011– AGADIR Open to Amateur Golfers (Senior Men, Senior Ladies, Men and Ladies)

Tel: 0207 371 2030 Email: info@morocco4golf.com

For further details, please contact Mohamed at Menara Travel Ltd Tel: 0207 371 2030 or 0208 616 45 04 Email: info@morocco4golf.com www.morocco4golf.com 54

Golf EscapEs 2011

Menara_2.indd 1

www.morocco4golf.com 01/02/2011 16:41

RIU brings you the most exclusive golf course

HOTEL RIU PRAVETS GOLF & SPA RESORT**** PRAVETS, BULGARIA Located on the shore of an idyllic lake near the town of Pravets, this is the perfect hotel for golf and nature lovers. It has a spectacular 18-hole golf course, which was recently selected to host the PGA Professional Championship of Europe. It also has an exceptional wellness centre covering 3,000 m² in which to unwind. Surrounded by green fields, Hotel Riu Pravets Golf & Spa Resort is a sure-fire ‘hole in one’: a haven of relaxation and the best golf.

MAJORCA • FORMENTERA • CANARY ISLANDS • ANDALUSIA • ALGARVE MADEIRA • MEXICO • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC • JAMAICA • FLORIDA BAHAMAS • ARUBA • COSTA RICA • CUBA • PANAMA • CAPE VERDE MOROCCO • TUNISIA • CYPRUS • MALTA • BULGARIA • TURKEY

th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

Left: The elegant Grandhotel Pupp, in Karlovy Vary.

GOLF ESCA PES

Where to stay and play PRAGUE GOLF COURSES

HOTELS

Atos, Prague NH Radlicka, Prague Kempinski, Prague Grandhotel Pupp, KarlovyVary

www.gcko.cz www.praguecitygolf.cz www.albatross.cz www.hotelatos.cz www.nh-hotels.com www.kempinski.com www.pupp.cz

Prague hotels Relax after your round and stroll around Prague to find a great restaurant or pub from a selection of recommended hotels offering golfers a homecoming welcome. The popular Atos Hotel Prague suits those on a limited budget. Opened in 2003, this centrally-located economy hotel is on the edge of Mala Strana district, very close to Charles Bridge and other famous sights in Prague’s historic district, allowing easy exploration on foot. It offers 60 stylish en-suite rooms and a famous restaurant just next door. The NH Radlicka is a new, elegant four-star hotel located close to the historic district, about 10 minutes from Wenceslas Square by taxi, and it offers an easy access to majority of golf courses in and around Prague. A golf-friendly atmosphere and unique experience awaits at the Kempinski Hotel Prague. A new luxury hotel, it is just a few steps from the Municipal House, Powder Gate and Old Town Square. The hotel combines tradition and modern design and features 75 of the most spacious and best-appointed rooms in the Golden City, most with a separate living room and fitted kitchenette. The hotel is ideal for romantic city breaks, too.

Grandhotel Pupp – gateway to West Bohemia’s golf

West Bohemia extends west from Prague to the south-west German boarder. The region is famous for its beautiful countryside, historic castles, the healing hot springs and famous wellness centre in Karlovy Vary and beer-brewing in Plzen. Wellness and spa treatments are perfect for soothing aching muscles after a round and the region has a number of striking courses, among them the country’s oldest in Marianske Lazne and Karlovy Vary. Their fairways, are generally less busy, too. Karlovy Vary and the Grandhotel Pupp make an ideal base from which to discover the region’s history and its wonderful golf. When you walk through the hotel, which dates back to 1701, you experience a special atmosphere. Even today, you can hear echoes of noble tea parties and important meetings of past centuries. The hotel offers 112 luxuriously-furnished en-suite rooms. The new Pupp Royal Spa opened in 2010.

GOLF PACKAGES Prague long weekend

• Option 1: £349 Three nights at the three-star Atos Hotel, Prague, with three rounds of golf. • Option 2: £599 Three nights at the five-star Kempinski Hotel, Prague, with three rounds of golf. Packages include daily breakfast and golf on Prague area courses, meet and greet on arrival, airport and golf transfers and all local taxes.

Prague week holiday

• Option 1: £599 Six nights at the four-star NH Radlicka Hotel, Prague, with five rounds of golf. • Option 2: £999 Six nights at the five-star Kempinski Hotel, Prague, with five rounds of golf. Packages include daily breakfast and golf on Prague area courses, meet and greet on arrival, airport and golf transfers and all local taxes.

Karlovy Vary long weekend

• Option 1: £499 Three nights at the First Class Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, with three rounds of golf in the Karlovy Vary area. • Option 2: £599 Three nights at the Deluxe Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, with three rounds of golf in the Karlovy Vary area. Packages include daily breakfast, meet and greet on arrival, airport and golf transfers and all local taxes.

The best of Prague and Karlovy Vary

• Option 1: £799 Three nights at the First Class Grandhotel Pupp, Karlovy Vary, and three nights at the NH Radlicka Hotel, Prague, (total six nights) with five rounds of golf in the Prague and Karlovy Vary area. • Option 2: £1049 Three nights at the Deluxe Grandhotel Pupp and three nights at the Kempinski Hotel, Prague, (total six nights) with five rounds of golf in the Prague and Karlovy Vary area. Packages include daily breakfast, meet and greet on arrival, airport and golf transfers and all local taxes. All packages are calculated for a party of four golfers in 2011 with a Sunday arrival. Non-Sunday arrival is subject to a £35 supplement. Price is per person sharing a twin room. Discounts for groups of 12+ golfers on request. Assistance with booking flights is provided on request.

pEtEr EllEGard

Konopiste Prague City GC Albatross

Below, from top: Executive one-bedroom suite, Kempinski Hotel Prague; Karlovy Vary golf course; Bedroom at the NH Radlicka; and Prague Old Town Square.

For latest offers, more packages and tailor-made golf: ABANTE Golf, Czech golf specialist since 2001 www.abante-golf.co.uk www.czech-republic-golf.com Email: info@abante-golf.co.uk Tel: 020 8133 4366, or outside the UK +420 604 281 334.

Golf EscapEs 2011

BELGIUM

– BRUSSELS AND WALLONIA Historic Mons deserves to be famous for its golf.

tongue-in-cheek marketing campaign by the Belgian Tourist Office – Brussels and Wallonia takes the joke about people not being able to name many famous Belgians and highlights the fact that there are, indeed, many who are well known. The same may not yet be true of the country’s golf courses, but it is surely only a matter of time before that is the case. If British golfers were asked to name one course in Belgium, it would undoubtedly be Royal Waterloo, the 40-year-old star of the Brabant Walloon province south of Brussels. The area has a number of other top-quality courses and attracts golfers from the UK. However, the French-speaking Wallonia region of Belgium has another area easy to reach by car which has excellent golf, not to mention the added attraction of history, culture and gastronomy, and that is the province of Hainaut. Its capital, Mons, is closely associated with World War I as the Battle of Mons was the first to be fought by the British Army. It spawned the Angel of Mons legend, in which a group of angels was supposedly protecting British soldiers during the battle. The city also saw the first and last British casualties in the Great War. But it is the architectural delights of hilly Mons, which will be Europe’s Capital of Culture in 2015, that delight visitors today. With a history dating back to the Romans,

Golf EscapEs 2011

Above, left: Golf a l’Empereur. Left: Mons Grand Palace.

its treasures include a grand 17th century belfry designated Bottom, left: Golf Club a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the imposing d’Hulencourt. Grand Palace and gothic town hall, in front of which Below: Royal Club visitors can relax with a beer at colourful pavement cafes. de Hainaut. Just 90 minutes from Channel gateways and with a vibrant nightlife, Mons makes a great base for playing golf in the west of Belgium. Royal Club de Hainaut, a classic design by legendary architect Tom Simpson, is just 10 minutes away and is playable all year thanks to excellent drainage. The 6,695-yard, par 72 course is described by golf tour operator Driveline Golf, which specialises in Belgian golf breaks, as “one of the finest golf courses we have seen anywhere” with trees lining most holes. Golf du Mont Garni is also close to Mons. Marginally shorter, it plays to a par of 74 because of the trees and water hazards players have to negotiate. The fine clubhouse bar will help make poor shots a distant memory. There are also three courses within Factfile a 40-minute drive to the north-east. Golf Chateau de la Tournette, close to Nivelle, offers two 18-hole layouts – the American and English courses – which both have generous fairways, greens protected by large bunkers, TIME DIffERENcE: GMT +1 water and penal rough. Golf de GETTING THERE: Belgium is easy to reach l’Empereur also punishes off-target by road, rail, air and sea. Mons is just 1hr 30mins drives with thick rough lining the from the Channel, with frequent ferries from manicured fairways and strategically- Dover and Eurotunnel shuttle trains. Brussels is placed bunkers, while another defence 1hr 40mins by Eurostar from Ebbsfleet. is its length, at over 7,150 yards. GETTING AROUND: An excellent highway A profusion of sand traps and system and good, uncrowded roads make for water hazards makes Golf Club enjoyable driving. cLIMATE: Golf can be played year round; the d’Hulencourt a testing course to climate is similar to Southern England but sumget the better of, but its superb mers are a little warmer. conditioning makes for an enjoyable GOLf PAcKAGES: UK tour operators offering round. Belgium golf holidays include Driveline Golf (0870 Pack your club and head to Mons, 330 1056; www.drivelinegolf.com). and if anyone questions where you are TOURIST INfORMATION: Call the Belgian going, just tell them you are off to Tourist Office – Brussels & Wallonia on 020 7537 play the Famous Five. 1132 or visit www.belgiumtheplaceto.be

BELGIUM – BRUSSELS AND WALLONIA

bto-935473-golf ad:bto-935473-golf ad 03/02/2011 17:04 Page 1

Discover the undiscovered – one of Europe’s finest golf holiday regions Ibis Hotel in Mons - (less than 2 hours drive from Calais) 2 Nights with golf from £199 per person Price includes: ❚ 2 nights hotel based on twin share

Win e fo EE C a se re mad very b of o e 1 M befor oking e ay 2 011

SPE OFFCIAL AF ER R

❚ Breakfast ❚ One round on Golf Mont Garni (playing Friday) ❚ One round on Royal Hainaut Golf Club (playing Saturday) ❚ Channel Crossing with Eurotunnel based on a car with 4 occupants.

www.belgiumtheplaceto.be/golfing_holidays.php

Valid from 01 March to 31 May 2011 (quote “Today’s Golfer Mag.”) Eurotunnel supplements apply for fewer occupants in a car (further details on request) All bookings are subject to availability. Offer is based on Friday arrivals at the hotel.

Tel 0870 330 1056 E clubhouse@drivelinegolf.com

AQUITAINE, FRANCE

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GOLF ESCA PES

AQUITAINE I

Golf Biarritz

Mainland Europe saw the birth of golf in this south-west corner of France. t was in Aquitaine that mainland Europe’s first golf course was built, in 1856: Pau Golf Club. A few years later, the Continent’s second course came along, also in Aquitaine – the Golf du Phare in Biarritz, which opened in 1888. Today there are 50 18-hole courses accessible to golfers – either club members or players passing through. Certain Aquitaine clubs are legendary; Golf de Chantaco, designed by Harry Colt in 1928, and Golf de la Nivelle, a favourite with the Duke of Windsor, for example. Some

courses are set in havens of greenery (Pau Golf Club, Golf d’Arcangues, Golf d’Albret), a number of them are by the ocean (Golf de Moliets, Golf de Seignosse), while others are surrounded by vines (Golf des Vigiers, Golf de Margaux) and their holes are named after the famous chateaux that have sponsored them (Golf du Medoc). The courses in the region are unanimously recognised for their quality: Medoc, Moliets and Seignosse are rated among the best 50 courses in Europe, while Seignosse is one of the top 100 in the world!

Above: Golf du Phare, in Biarritz, is the Continent’s second-oldest golf course.

Arcachon (33)

Mont de Marsan (40)

Dax (40)

Pau (64)

Bayonne (64)

Périgueux (24)

Bergerac (24)

Agen (47)

106

209

153

121

278

211

179

114

266

217

162

317

263

231

139

Toulouse

197

Paris

141

163

Nice

199

Nantes

129

184

Montpellier

184

215

Marseilles

200

145

Lyon

145

130

Lille

131

London

Bordeaux (33)

1002

809

535

652

489

324

810

584

247

Arcachon (33)

1073

880

605

707

544

395

865

655

302

Mont de Marsan (40)

1130

937

717

587

424

452

745

711

183

131

130

Dax (40)

1152

959

806

676

513

474

834

734

275

145

Pau (64)

1199

1006

729

598

435

521

756

781

197

200

215

Bayonne (64)

1191

998

833

702

539

513

860

772

301

184

106

114

Périgueux (24)

904

711

413

582

411

345

740

486

243

129

199

209

278

266

317

Bergerac (24)

957

764

454

612

449

384

770

539

207

163

153

211

217

263

1072

879

548

522

359

463

681

654

118

141

197

121

179

162

231

139

Agen (47)

Bordeaux (33)

Distance in kilometres by road between the main towns and cities of Aquitaine, France and London

Golf EscapEs 2011

91 91

Factfile

AQUITAINE, FRANCE Located in South West France at the heart of Atlantic Europe and with Bordeaux as its capital, Aquitaine upholds its natural position as the link between Southern and Northern Europe and between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It comprises four departments: Dordogne (24), Gironde (33), Landes (40), Lot-et-Garonne (47) and Pyrenees Atlantiques (64).

Golf sEiGnossE

Below: the Robert von Haggedesigned Seignosse course.

GETTING ARoUNd With four international airports, the TGV Atlantique high-speed train link, the network of regional express trains (TER), Bordeaux and Bayonne ports and a motorway network, the region has fast links to the rest of France, major European cities and the rest of the world. HoW To GET THERE: By road: A major road network converges in Bordeaux. Motorways: • A10: Paris-Bordeaux-BayonneMadrid • A10-A83: Nantes-Bordeaux • A62 (Autoroute des Deux Mers): (Nice)-Toulouse-Agen-LangonBordeaux • A63: Toulouse-LourdesPau-Bayonne-Biarritz • A65: Pau-Langon (Bordeaux) – opened December 2010, the A65 facilitates access to the Pyrenees • A89: Lyon-Périgueux-Bordeaux The A89 Bordeaux-Lyon motorway (opened in 2007) links Aquitaine

to the Rhine-Rhône road, facilitating access to North Italy, Switzerland, Austria and beyond, towards Central Europe. By plane: Direct flights from Stansted, Gatwick, Luton, Bristol, Southampton, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Dublin and Edinburgh to Bordeaux, Bergerac, Pau and Biarritz with Flybe, British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, bmibaby, Jet2 and Aer Lingus. Four airports provide daily services to and from Paris and the main cities (Paris is one hour by plane from Bordeaux, BayonneBiarritz, Bergerac and Pau). www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr, www.biarritz.aeroport.fr, www.bergerac.aeroport.fr, www.pau.aeroport.fr By train: Comprehensive rail network with the TGV Atlantique high-speed train and regional express trains. Bordeaux Saint Jean station has 220-260 trains each day, of which 25 high-speed trains go to and from Paris. BoRdEAUx Is: 2hrs from Toulouse, 3hrs from Paris, 4hrs from Nantes, 5hrs from Lille and 6hrs from Brussels. Some trains provide direct services to RoissyCharles de Gaulle Airport. www.voyages-sncf.com ToURIsT INFoRMATIoN: www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr

Golf EscapEs 2011

AQUITAINE, FRANCE

AquitAine: A wine diScovery trAil through vineyArdS And villAgeS

cRTa/l chEvaliER

here are five of them in all, like five fingers on a hand – five departments making Aquitaine the dream region for all wine-lovers, whether you are a beginner or a connoisseur! Here you will find the world’s most prestigious wines (Chateau Mouton-Rothschild, Chateau Yquem, Chateau Petrus, Chateau Ausone, Chateau Margaux, Chateau Haut-Brion…) and the most famous appellations (Sauternes, Graves, Saint-Emilion, Medoc…), but also more secret terroirs whose reputation is growing year by year (Duras, Bergerac, Jurançon, Madiran, Irouleguy…). In Aquitaine, the vine has been king since time immemorial. Chateaux have been built, hillsides and forests cleared, a thousand intricate techniques invented, all in the name of wine. The sun and the lavish gifts of the land have done the rest. Those who love tasting good wine, meeting interesting people and admiring beautiful landscapes will be in heaven here. Everyone in Aquitaine is aware of the fact that our wines are the best ambassadors for our region. Vines and wines: what better starting-point to discover the many riches of Aquitaine?

cRTa/alain BEGuERE

Public brochures available: • Aquitaine, All about Wine • The vineyards of Aquitaine Order them from the Comité Régional de Tourisme d’Aquitaine (Aquitaine Tourist Board) or download them from the website: www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr www.oenoland-aquitaine.com Tel: +33 5 56 01 70 00 Email: tourisme@tourisme-aquitaine.fr

Golf EscapEs 2011

Surfing in AquitAine The southern part of the Atlantic coast has Europe’s best waves for those who love surfing and its derivatives (bodyboarding, bodysurfing, longboard, Morey boogie). Among the spots on the Aquitaine coast, those of Lacanau, Hossegor, Anglet and Biarritz are the best known. More than just a sport, surfing is a way of life in which nature and wide open spaces are of prime importance. Surfers are also active defenders of the environment (the sea, the beaches, the dunes and the coastal plant life).

Golf Makila

10 good reasons to play golf in aquitaine An ideal climate for holidays all year round. Mild is the word that best sums up Aquitaine’s climate. The average annual temperature is 13°C. From mid-July to mid-August, temperatures sometimes exceed 30°C.

Beautiful towns and cities offering pleasant places to stay in all seasons. The regional capital, Bordeaux, in addition to Bayonne, Pau, Perigueux, and the coastal towns of Arcachon, Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

cRTa/lauREnT REiz

Vast open spaces and unspoilt nature. The largest forest in Europe (the Landes de Gascogne forest), the Pyrenees national park (mountain fauna and flora), the Landes de Gascogne regional nature park (historical pine forest) and the Perigord-Limousin regional nature park (forest of European minks, otters and broadleaf trees, display of ancestral expertise).

The largest region of fine wines in the world. Stretching over 113,000 hectares (280,000 acres), the Bordeaux wine region constitutes the largest region of fine wines in the world, while the rest of Aquitaine also offers plenty of additional wines to satisfy inquisitive, gourmet palates.

7 8

The largest estuary in the world: the Gironde. Migratory fish and birds, the islands of the estuary, the Cordouan lighthouse…

cRTa/Bill BlochE

A dream region for gastronomists. Asparagus from Landes, foie gras, duck fillet, duck and goose confit, Aquitaine caviar, oysters from Arcachon-Cap Ferret, Perigord walnuts and Cabecou cheese, Tomme cheese from the Pyrenees…

Lascaux and the cave paintings of the Vezere Valley. Lascaux and the entire Vezere Valley (between Le Bugue and Terrasson) have been listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO for the wealth of excavations and prehistoric discoveries found there: Lascaux (paintings), Font de Gaume (paintings), Les Combarelles (engravings)…

9 cRTa/DD BRochaRD

cRTa/JJB

Above: Saint Emilion.

Far left, bottom: Basque Country terraced vineyards. Left: catching a wave. Right (clockwise from top): Makila Golf Club in Bassussarry near Biarritz; Pyrenees National Park; Basque Country; sandy beach in Aquitaine; Bayonne hams; and Moulleau beach, Arcachon.

270 kilometres of fine sandy beaches and the best breakers in Europe for surf lovers. An extensive beach backing onto sand dunes and the pine forest of the Landes of Gascony. The indent made by the Bay of Arcachon is the only break in the landscape. The resorts of Lacanau, Hossegor, Anglet and Biarritz are enjoyed by surfers from all over the world for their waves and the competitions they host.

lauREnT REiz

Far left, top: wine harvesting at Marcillac.

The châteaux and valley of the Dordogne. From Vezac to Tremolat, fortified villages and châteaux stand at each bend and on both sides of the river, bearing witness to the fierce battles which took place between the French and the Gascons (the Gascons fought in the name of the Duke of Aquitaine who was also king of England) during the Hundred Years War.

A region where festivities are second nature. There is not a day that goes by or a village that doesn’t serve as the setting for a celebration. Festivities are a permanent feature of the Aquitaine lifestyle based on wine, gastronomy, the sea, dance, music and traditional games (Basque pelota, course Landaise, felibree….).

Golf information: www.golf-in-aquitaine.co.uk Golf EscapEs 2011

AQUITAINE, FRANCE

BEAUTIFUL TOWNS TO EXPERIENCE ALL YEAR ROUND

ordeaux, Bayonne, Pau, Perigueux: the Aquitaine towns are perfect all year round for sightseeing because they all combine architecture, elegance, cultural life, events, renowned restaurants and pleasant bistros, as well as a thousand and one classical, trendy or offbeat shopping ideas. They are the perfect choice for a weekend or a short break and an ideal starting point for excursion into the vineyards that you can reach within one hour drive. Each town has its own personality:

August and are a great festive occasion for all Basque people and their friends. The beaches of Anglet (the most beautiful on the Basque coast) adjoin the town, and Biarritz is 8km away. www.bayonne-tourisme.com

Perigueux (Dordogne) – town of art and history

Perigueux has Aquitaine’s finest Gallo-Roman remains. Around the archaeological digs of the Villa Vesone, the architect Jean Nouvel has created an outstanding museum. The Gallo-Roman villa coexists harmoniously with the

Bordeaux (Gironde) – town of art and history

A regional capital that combines respect for the past (18thcentury architecture) with confidence in the future (major works in the city centre and along the quaysides to bring the city into the 21st century) whilst remaining a city where life is good (shopping, museums, culture, events). An ideal starting point for excursions into the nearby wine regions. The city of Bordeaux was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June, 2007.

The town in the Basque Country with its citadel, its old town famous for its arches and the chocolate makers in their shade, the gothic Sainte Marie Cathedral, the saga of the Jewish families who fled from Spain and Portugal and settled here. The Fetes de Bayonne last a week in early

Golf EscapEs 2011

cRTa/lauREnT REiz

www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

Bayonne (Pyrenees Atlantiques/Basque) – town of art

Above: The beautiful city of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below: Pau is close to the Pyrenees and has many fascinating sites to visit.

Special golf and Stay offer

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GOLF ESCA PES

laurEnt rEiz

Renaissance town (with townhouses and small squares in which people meet). The Mimos festival in early August is an added attraction (with the universal language of mime), as is the New Orleans Music Festival (FNOP) in homage to a local inhabitant who created the French quarter in New Orleans (USA). www.tourisme-perigueux.com

pau (Pyrenees Atlantiques/Bearn)

The five-star Hotel Parc Beaumont in Pau is offering a special golf and stay package throughout 2011. The hotel is set on the edge of the Park Beaumont, beautiful gardens at the heart of Pau’s city centre. Spend a relaxing weekend at one with nature while playing golf in beautiful surroundings. The package costs 210 euros per person in a double room and 300 euros in a single room (city tax of 1.21 euros per person, per night not included) and includes: • One night in a double/single room with park view with buffet breakfast, served in the restaurant. • A Menu du Chef dinner in the restaurant, Le Jeu de Paume, comprising starter, main course and dessert, excluding drinks. • One round of golf for two on the 18-hole Artiguelouve golf course or at Pau Golf Club, the ancestor of French golf and the most ancient course on the European Continent. • Unlimited free access to the Bamboo Spa with a heated 15m swimming pool, a Jacuzzi, a sauna and Turkish baths, open 7am-10 pm (bathrobes, slippers and towels in your room). photos: hotEl parc bEaumont

– in the shadow of the Pyrenees The Boulevard des Pyrenees is one of the favourite spots among locals: facing due south, they settle on the terraces of the cafés in the shade of the palm trees as soon as the sun comes out and admire the Pyrenean peaks as they think, depending on the season, about downhill skiing (in winter), about walks in the mountains and about excursions in the nearby Jurancon wine area (all year round). The castle of Henri IV, the Maison Bernadotte and the Fine Arts Museum are all essential sites to visit. The Basque coast is an hour and a half away by motorway, and Lourdes a one-hour drive away.

Above: Jeu de Paume restaurant at the Hotel Parc Beaumont.

www.tourismepau.com

To know more about these cities and what you can do while staying there, ask for the brochure (created in 2008 – in French and English) • City weekend breaks in town in Aquitaine You can also visit specially-created website (again in English and French): www.week-end-aquitaine.fr

Left: Bamboo Spa at the Hotel Parc Beaumont.

Extra nights can be added at a cost of 220 euros for two in a double room or 200 euros in a single room, breakfast included. The package is valid until December 31, 2011. to book: tel: 05 59 11 84 00 or email: info@hotel-parc-beaumont.com More inforMation: www.hotel-parc-beaumont.com

Golf EscapEs 2011

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ST ENDREOL, FRANCE th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

GOLF ESCA PES

The St Endreol course is just half an hour from chic St Tropez.

LES DOMAINES DE SAINT ENDREOL GOLF & SPA RESORT A peaceful Provencal escape.

estling between Provence and the French Riviera, Les Domaines de Saint Endreol Golf & Spa Resort offers a first class residential hotel with new Prestige rooms next to the Spa. Guests have a choice between massages, saunas, Turkish bath, fitness, Power Plate® and more in the 2000-square-metre spa. Situated in a landscape typical of Provence, the resort’s many-faceted 18-hole golf course offers players extraordinary scenery as it hugs the seductive The resort offers first class curves of the land. accommodation. Pine trees offer welcome shade, while mountains form a beguiling backdrop. Shots from the elevated 13th tee drop

down onto a green surrounded by a river which runs alongside the course. The Michel Gayon course measures over 6,800 yards from the back tees and is both technically challenging and varied. But it suits beginners as much as experienced players. Course management and thoughtful play are required for a round to be fondly remembered, however. Views of the course can be enjoyed from the resort’s restaurant, Le Palayson, which serves fine traditional French cuisine, including local Provencal specialities. Whether you play golf, relax at the spa or sample the fine cuisine, everything on offer at St Endreol is about enjoyment. It provides a peaceful escape, yet is within easy reach. In just half an hour you can be in Cannes or Saint Tropez.

Factfile

Les DomaiNes De saiNt eNDreoL GoLf & spa La Motte en Provence, France For further information, or to make a reservation, call 00 33 494 51 89 80; fax 00 33 494 51 89 81. Email: reservation@st-endreol.com www.st-endreol.com

St Endreol is set in typical Provence landscape.

Golf EscapEs 2011

BELEK, TURKEY

Turkey’s Mediterranean golf hotspot goes from strength to strength.

Golf EscapEs 2011

growth has not been at the expense of quality. The pace has slowed down, but there is a further course under development, and it is a very special one. Due to open in 2012, Belek Golf Club is a partnership with the European Tour and its Castle course has been designed by Jose Maria Olazabal, Europe’s Ryder Cup captain for 2012. The project will be part of a world-class residential and resort community which will have homes owned by the likes of England football stars Michael Owen and David

Below: Sueno Golf Club.

suEno Golf club

elek’s continuing evolution into an established golf destination is set to continue later this year when it becomes the focal point for the world’s golf tourism industry. The resort, set on the southernmost coast of Turkey, did not gain its first golf course until late 1994 – only just over 16 years ago. Yet in that time it has seen an explosion of golf development, to the point where golfers visiting the resort now have a choice of an incredible 17 courses, all within a few minutes of each other. The resort has already been named Europe’s Golf Destination of the Year in 2008, in the prestigious annual IAGTO Awards which honour the best in golf. It underlined that success by having four of its courses named in Golf World’s Top 100 European Courses in 2009. And this coming November will see Belek welcoming tour operators, journalists and golf industry executives from around the globe when it hosts the annual International Golf Travel Market gathering. That will give it an unprecedented opportunity to showcase its golf product. Belek’s golf expansion has been nothing short of meteoric in recent years. It now boasts 279 holes of golf at 11 clubs, with over half of the new facilities opening within the last five years. Yet the accolades highlight that

th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

GOLF ESCA

BElEK Golf clUB

PES

LykiaLinks opened to great acclaim in November 2008.

Platt and will also feature a navigable 7km canal system connecting lakes and streams on the golf course, a town centre with shops, dining and entertainment venues, a wellness clinic and a luxury hotel. The course will be operated by world-leading management company Troon Golf. It will help enhance a reputation which has steadily grown since its first course, the National Golf Club layout designed by David Feherty and David Jones, opened in 1994. All of Belek’s four Top 100 courses in the Golf World rankings are under 10 years old. They were: Antalya Golf Club’s David Jones-designed PGA Sultan course, ranked at number 60; Perry Dye’s new LykiaLinks layout, at 63; the Cornelia Golf Club’s Prince course, by Sir Nick Faldo, at 72; and, at 93, the Carya heathland course by Peter Thomson, Ross Perrett and Tim Lobb which opened at the end of 2008. The recent course-building boom was kicked off by the 27-hole Cornelia Golf Club, which opened its first 18 holes in late 2006. It was followed by PGA Design Consulting’s 18-hole Sueno Golf Club and the 18-hole Kaya Eagles Golf Club by Irish designer David Jones, who co-designed Belek’s first course, the National, as well as the top-rated Sultan track at Antalya Golf Club. Besides Carya, two other courses opened in late 2008:

the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club (renamed from the Papillon Golf Club), featuring a design by 2010 Europe Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie; and the acclaimed LykiaLinks layout by Perry Dye, the first links course in the Eastern Mediterranean. Set in an area which forms part of the “Turkish Riviera” and less than 20 miles from the main regional gateway of Antalya, the purpose-built resort of Belek has quickly made a name for itself as a popular holiday destination as well as a golfing hotspot, thanks to its profusion of four and five-star hotels. Many have extensive spa facilities and other leisure activities such as water sports and tennis. Belek’s excellent climate is a major attraction for holidaymakers, as are its beautiful sandy beaches. With shopping on its doorstep, the nightlife of Antalya just half an hour away and numerous natural and historic attractions within easy reach, there is plenty to keep golfers and their families occupied beyond Belek, too. Turkey is outside the Eurozone, so value for money is another major plus, both in terms of green fees much cheaper than other Med golfing regions and the general cost of living. Turkey continues to perform strongly for holiday bookings and is once again tipped to be one of the top destinations for UK holidaymakers this year. Belek’s gateway, Antalya, is once again seeing airlines add flights this year to cater for the demand. Thomas Cook is starting charter services from Bournemouth, Doncaster-Sheffield and Edinburgh from May to October, while Pegasus will again offer the direct flights it introduced last year from Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester for the summer. EasyJet, Monarch and Onur Air also fly direct. • Golf development is gaining momentum in other parts of Turkey. Up until now, the only other area with courses was around the capital, Istanbul. But now golf resorts are beginning to burgeon in other Mediterranean resorts. Among the new entrants is an 18-hole course at Club La Costa’s Kusadasi Golf & Country Club, due to open in May.

Above: computer generated image of the new Belek Golf Club development, which opens next year. Below: Pegasus Airlines will fly from three UK airports again this summer.

Golf EscapEs 2011

tingling 142 off the back tees, and still a difficult 135 off the yellows. Hence its limit for men with a handicap of 24 or better and 28 or below for women. Course facilities include an airy clubhouse with a restaurant, bar, pro shop, locker and storage rooms.

Buggies, electric and manual trolleys and clubs are available for hire. Both individual and group lessons with PGA professionals are also available.

Cornelia Golf Club

cornElia Golf club

Forming part of the Cornelia De Luxe Resort and designed by six-time Major championship winner, Sir Nick Faldo, the first 18 holes of the 27 hole Faldo Championship Golf Course opened in November 2006, with the Tiberius and Sempronia nine-hole layouts, followed by the remaining nine-hole loop, Gaius, in June 2007. Together, they form three 18-hole combinations called Prince, Queen and King, giving lengths of around 7,000 yards in each case. Although open less than five years, Cornelia has already earned plaudits as one of the best new courses in Europe, underlined by the Prince course being rated at 72 in Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top 100 by Golf World in 2009. Set among umbrella pines with a ridge of sand dunes running through its heart, this challenging course offers a tone and quality only found at the finest golf resorts in the world. Facilities include the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, the first in Turkey and featuring programmes for all levels of golfer with state-of-the-art game improvement facilities. The club also offers a large clubhouse and extensive practice areas including a multibay driving range. Buggies, trolleys, electric trolleys and clubs are available for hire.

Golf EscapEs 2011

BELEK, TURKEY th wor e gre ld’s at e s t

GOLF ESCA PES

LykiaLinksGolf Antalya

The Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club

Formerly known as the Papillon Golf Club, the Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club’s course is set in 257 acres of sandy seaside ridges and pine and eucalyptus

Golf EscapEs 2011

forest. Monty teamed up with European Golf Design for this project, his first design in the Mediterranean. Measuring 7,021 yards and playing to a par of 72, the course features eight lakes and over 17 acres of bunkering including waste bunkers. The fairways are challenging and undulating but give plenty of strategic options.

MontGoMEriE Maxx royal Golf club

Opened to critical acclaim, the LykiaLinks course is the first true links in the Eastern Mediterranean. Even designer Perry Dye is thrilled with the result, saying: “LykiaLinks is one of the best courses I have ever designed. Golfers will find that nothing has been left out. LykiaLinks turned out to be even better than my expectations.” Part of the LykiaWorld & LykiaLinksGolf Antalya golf hotel and resort complex, the course offers commanding views of the sea and nearby mountain peaks. Four holes along the Mediterranean are set among coastal sand dunes, with the 18th having a stadium-style finish. The undulating greens are fast and are guarded by an assortment of pot bunkers, which demand low punchand-run shots as on traditional links layouts. Coupled with large waste areas, the course is a challenge for accomplished golfers but still allows higher-handicap players to have fun. Other facilities include a nine-hole academy course, 40-bay driving range, two practice putting greens, a clubhouse with pro shop and other amenities, and rental clubs, trolleys and buggies.

The course serves up a par-5 for an opener – there are two in the first four holes – and finishes in the same vein, with the 510-yard 18th finishing in front of the clubhouse and guarded by a large bunker, stream and lake. Complementing the course is a nine-hole, par-27

Above: the Gloria New course. Below: the renamed Montgomerie Maxx Royal Golf Club.

academy course, a golf academy, a luxury hotel and 40 villas. Golf facilities also include a double-ended driving range with 25 bays at each end, practice putting, chipping and pitching greens, a pro shop and rental clubs.

Off-course attractions

Belek and area Belek is just 40 minutes drive from Antalya’s international airport, making for a quick and easy transfer. The resort is set along a long, sandy beach which backs onto a forest of pine and eucalyptus trees, at the foot of the snow-capped Taurus Mountains. Belek has won awards

Carya Golf Club

Antalya yacht harbour.

pETER EllEGaRD

GloRIa Golf clUB

Below: Carya ‘s heathland course runs through pine and eucalyptus forest.

for environmentally-friendly development and there are many rare species of plant and wildlife, including Caretta caretta (loggerhead) turtles, indigenous to the area. Accommodation is mostly in resorts of four and five-star standard, with facilities including sporting and other activities, spa treatPerge ruins. ments and entertainment. Many hotels also cater for children with kids clubs and other facilities. Non-golfers, or those who just want a day away from the greens, will find plenty to explore in the surrounding area. Antalya itself, the ancient city of Attaleia, is Turkey’s largest city on the Mediterranean. It is typical of Turkey, a thriving modern city with a historic heart in the centre of Kaleici, within the old city walls. There is plenty of history in the area including the ruins of the ancient Pamphylian city of Perge, the Roman amphitheatre at Aspendos which is used for open-air concerts, and no shortage of natural beauty such as the magnificent Manavgat waterfalls nearby. For more information about Belek, visit Belek beach. www.belektourismcenter.org

pETER EllEGaRD

Gloria Golf Club

A total of 45 holes, all designed by French golf architect Michel Gayon, are situated amidst pine forests at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. Gloria Old is considered a Gayon classic, with deep bunkers and no less than seven

sTaRwooD HoTEls anD REsoRTs

A classic, English-style heathland course reminiscent of Wentworth and Sunningdale has been created at Carya Golf Club by five-time Open Champion Peter Thomson and partners Ross Perrett and Tim Lobb. Having only opened in November 2008, the course gained almost immediate recognition by being placed at 93 in Golf World’s Top 100 European Courses in 2009. Carya is laid out on undulating sand hills just 200 yards from the Mediterranean. It measures almost 7,200 yards and runs through mature pine and eucalyptus forest. The course’s distinctive heathland appearance is down to the use of heather to enhance its classic design. While it grows naturally on the site, a unique cultivation project was set up to propagate a specially-selected variety in glasshouses and an outdoor heather nursery. The heather was then mixed with fescue grasses and positioned on bunker tops and banking, with almost one million sprigs planted around the course. Also on site is a clubhouse with restaurant and pool area, extensive practice facilities and an academy featuring training holes and teaching studios with video analysis equipment.

lakes, providing a challenge at all levels. Gloria Old was host to the PGA European Turkish Senior Open in 1998, 2000 and 2001. It is 6,760 yards long, and par 72. The nine-hole Gloria Verde golf course is set around a large lake, in the midst of pine forest. A par 35 course, it can be played from two different tee positions and is 3,075 yards from the white tees. Gloria New is a tree-lined, parkland styled course with a hint of seaside, thanks to its undulations. It measures 6,760 yards, and is par 72. The New Clubhouse was specially designed for the Gloria Golf Resort, with comfortable restaurant, bar, golfers’ lounge and large proshop and locker room. The driving range has two floors with 48 bays plus 30 bays with grass tees. Practice facilities also include a large putting green, pitching green and practice bunker. There are buggies and rental Callaway golf clubs.

Golf EscapEs 2011

BELEK, TURKEY

Opened in November 2007, Kaya Eagles was designed by David Jones and is laid out amid a woodland of pine, eucalyptus and olive trees with eight lakes creating lots of water hazards to avoid. The long, double-dogleg, par-5 5th is sandwiched between the course’s toughest par-4 holes, the 3rd and 17th. All three require approach shots over a stream to reach the respective greens. Set out on a compact site, Kaya Eagles has been designed as a par-71 resort course which is playable by all levels of golfer. It measures 6,438 yards and has features four sets of tees. While not a monster course, it requires plenty of guile to play with some dramatic, risk and reward short holes. Facilities include a driving range with seven covered bays and putting green. The clubhouse features a pro shop, restaurant, bar and changing rooms, and there are buggies, trolleys and clubs available to rent.

National Golf Club

The first of Belek’s courses, it opened in late 1994 and was also the first in Turkey to be developed according to European PGA standards. The National was designed by Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones, and was voted one of the top 40 European golf courses by Golf World within six years of opening. Feherty has incorporated aspects of the best courses he has competed on in the world, and has ensured that no two holes are similar. The 18-hole course is 7,000 yards long with a par of 72. Practice facilities comprise a 40-bay driving range and two chipping and putting greens. The National Golf Academy has a very pretty 1,692yard, par-29 course including comprehensive instruction facility which caters for all golfers, from the scratch player to the complete beginner. Clubhouse facilities include a restaurant, bar, boutique, terrace, locker and storage rooms and a pro-shop. Buggies, rental trolleys, woods and irons are available for hire, and PGA professionals are on hand for individual and group lessons.

Robinson Golf Club - Nobilis

Open since 1998, this course was designed by internationally-renowned architect Dave Thomas. This par-72 championship standard course, which measures 6,943 yards, is shaped from a beautiful natural pine forest

and positioned alongside Belek’s Acısu River. Several holes run down to a lake, created from a dammed-off section of river. The course offers excellent playing conditions and beautiful views of the Taurus Mountains, and despite being dotted with pretend Roman ruins in the form of collapsed columns and arches this is a very serious test of golf. It also has a stylish Romanesque clubhouse with a good restaurant and a pro shop.

Sueno Golf Club

Created by PGA Design Consulting, this opened in late 2008 and features two courses – the Dunes resort course and the longer, narrower and much tougher Pines course. The two courses feature a total of 20 lakes and 128 bunkers. Island greens and waste bunkers are notable features, the par-4 18th on Dunes being the course’s signature hole for its spectacular island green, set in a lake directly in front of the clubhouse. The Sueno golf academy is run under the coordination of a German PGA pro.

TAT International Golf Club

Set between the sweeping Besgoz River and the Mediterranean, the Tat International offers golfers not only top-class facilities, but stunning views in a magnificent setting. The 13acre course has been designed by reputed English course architects Hawtree as three loops of nine holes, which can be combined as three different 18s. They are called the TAT, the International and the Belek. From the championship white tees the TAT and Belek measure 6,759 yards; the TAT and the International measure 6,962 yards; and the Belek and the International measure 6,813 yards. All combinations are par 72. There is also a nine-hole academy course and practice facilities include a driving range with two chipping and putting greens. suEno Golf club

Golf EscapEs 2011

pETER EllEGaRD

Kaya Eagles Golf Club

Above, top: Gloria Old course. Above: TAT International Course. Left: island greens at Sueno.

GOLF COURSES IN BELEK CARYA GOLF CLUB

11th hole at LykiaLinks.

Opened: November 2008 Designer: Peter Thomson 18 holes, 7,186 yards, par 72 Tel: +90 242 725 63 20 Email: info@caryagolf.com www.caryagolf.com

LYKIALINKSGOLF

MONTGOMERIE MAXX ROYAL GOLF CLUB

Opened: October 2008 Designer: Colin Montgomerie 18 holes, 7,021 yards, par 72 (plus 9-hole academy course) Tel: +90 242 710 27 00 Email: info@montgomeriemaxxroyal.com www.montgomeriemaxxroyal.com

ANTALYA GOLF CLUB

Opened: 2002/2003 Designer: European Golf Design 36 holes – The Pasha: 18 holes, 6,267 yards, par 72 PGA Sultan: 18 holes, 7,083 yards, par 71 Tel: +90 242 725 5970 Email: belek@sirene.com.tr www.antalyagolfclub.com.tr

KAYA EAGLES GOLF CLUB Opened: November 2007 Designer: David Jones 18 holes, 6,438 yards, par 71 Tel: +90 242 725 59 28 Email: golf@kayatourism.com.tr www.kayatourism.com.tr

ROBINSON GOLF CLUB - NOBILIS Opened: 1998 Designer: Dave Thomas 18 holes, 6,943 yards, par 72 Tel: +90 242 710 03 00 Email: golf.nobilis@robinson.de www.robinson.com.tr

SUENO GOLF CLUB

Opened: November 2007 Designers: PGA Design Consulting 36 holes – Pines: 18 holes, 7,013 yards, par 72 Dunes: 18 holes, 6,171 yards, par 72 Tel: +90 242 710 30 00 Email: info@sueno.com.tr www.sueno.com.tr

aNTalYa Golf clUB

Robinson Club – Nobilis.

CORNELIA DELUXE RESORT

Opened: 2006/2007 Designer: Sir Nick Faldo 27 holes – Tiberius/Sempronia: 18 holes, 6,970 yards, par 72 Gaius: 9 holes, 3,479 yards, par 36 Tel: +90 242 710 16 00 Email: alisahin@corneliaresort.com www.corneliagolfresort.com

TAT INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB

NaTIoNal Golf clUB

Belek’s original course, the National Golf Club.

PGA Sultan, Antalya Golf Club.

GLORIA GOLF RESORT pETEr EllEGarD

GlorIa Golf clUB

Opened: November 2008 Designer: Perry Dye 18 holes, 7,573 yards, par 72 (plus 9-hole academy course) Tel: +90 242 754 43 43 Email: lykia@lykiaworld.com www.lykiaworldantalya.com

Opened: 1997 Designer: Hawtree 27 holes – The International: 9 holes, 3,508 yards, par 36 The TAT: 9 holes, 3,454 yards, par 36 The Belek: 9 holes, 3,305 yards, par 36 Academy course: 9 holes Tel: +90 242 725 53 03 Email: info@tatgolf.com www.tatgolf.com.tr

Opened:1995/2001/2005 Designer: Michel Gayon 45 holes – Old: 18 holes, 6,760 yards, par 72 Verde: 9 holes, 3,075 yards, par 35 New: 18 holes, 6,823 yards, par 72 Tel: +90 242 710 06 00 Email: info@gloria.com.tr www.gloriagolf.com

NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Opened: 1994 Designer: David Feherty and David Jones Championship Course: 18 holes, 7,002 yards, par 72 Academy Course: 9 holes, 1,692 yards, par 29 Tel: +90 242 725 4620, Email: info@nationalturkey.com www.nationalturkey.com

Golf EscapEs 2011

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This offer is open until March 31, 2011 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Calls from a BT landline will cost no more than 4p a minute. Charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Order lines are open 8am-9.30pm (Mon-Fri) 9am-4pm (Sat). Overseas readers call +44 1858 438824. Calls may be monitored for training purposes. *Vouchers are £2.10 when a package of 10 are purchased. Postage and packaging is an additional £2.50.

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Sueno Hotels Golf Belek

Maxx Royal Belek Golf & Spa

Sueno Hotels Golf Belek - Turkey’s only hotel with two golf courses on-site is offering all inclusive and unlimited golf this summer.

Maxx Royal Belek Golf & Spa – Belek’s newest luxury hotel, the Med’s biggest all suite hotel, and owner of Montgomerie GC.

Our Fantastic Package Prices:

01st May – 30th June:

01st – 31st July:

01st – 22nd October:

23rd – 31st October:

01st – 31st August:

01st – 30th September:

01st – 27th November:

28th November – 24th December:

£659 £639 £655 £695 Prices are per person and are based on:

• 7 nights sharing a standard twin room • All inclusive basis • Unlimited golf on site • Free pull trolley and driving range token per day • Return airport transfers • Meet & greet and rep service • 8th person will stay and play completely free!

£789 £685 £595 £485 Prices are per person and are based on:

• 7 nights sharing a terrace suite • All inclusive basis • 2 rounds on Montgomerie (tee times available between 09.00 and 11.00) • Return airport and golf transfers • Meet & greet and rep service

For more information on all our great deals call: 01342 811777 or visit: www.golf-escapes.com

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BILYANA GOLF HOLIDAYS www.bilyanagolf.co.uk info@bilyanagolf.co.uk 01625 263 971

**** 4 Belek courses in Top 100 Continental Europe rankings **** Bilyana Golf UK Ltd is a golf specialist tour operator offering complete ATOL protected holiday packages to the Award winning golf resort of Belek in Antalya, Turkey. Their parent company in Antalya, Bilyana Golf Travel are the handling agent for Bilyana UK Ltd and their ten year foundation means you have expert knowledge and vastly experienced staff taking care of your holiday booking both in the UK and in Turkey.

On arrival in Antalya, the Bilyana resort operation team will provide a service unrivalled with an informative welcome meeting, punctual transportation services and any further assistance you may need during your stay? The main attraction of Belek is the excellent value of the all-inclusive hotels and the 14 golf courses of worldclass standards. The resort stretches down the coastline just 30 minutes from the airport, and is 20km end to end with all courses and hotels very close to each other.

GOLF PACKAGE 1

GLORIA VERDE SPA RESORT 5* HALF BOARD From

£479

Belek’s top courses are designed by such architects as Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Perry Dye, Peter Thomson, European Golf Design and others. Please visit our websites and email us for any enquiries on our holiday packages. We have something for everyone, couples, medium-large tour groups and we lead the way in providing the best package prices and tee times at the courses. We look forward to providing excellent holiday services to you. Please visit www.bilyanagolf.co.uk or email info@bilyanagolf.co.uk

Aerial view of the fairway of the Gloria Old course.

per golfer in double / twin room

From 1st November 2011 until 22nd November 2011 ● 7 nights accommodation at 5 star resort on a half-board basis ● Private airport transfers ● Return shuttles ● 3 rounds of golf (1 x Old course, 2 x New course) ● Welcome meeting with Bilyana representative

Only £140 more for to stay ALL INCLUSIVE The Gloria Verde Resort and the Gloria Golf Club provide one of Belek’s best golf holiday packages. All Gloria hotels have both half board and all-inclusive concepts and are therefore equally attractive to couples and groups, large or small. The Gloria Verde hotel has a central lobby area and entertainment section with a bowling alley close to the bar. At this focal point, clients will enjoy an exclusive but social atmosphere with excellent service from the staff maintained throughout the Resort and Golf club. The Gloria Golf Club has 45 holes: Gloria Old and Gloria New – both 18 holes, and the Gloria Verde 9 hole Academy course. They are three of Belek’s most established golf courses with an excellent reputation. The Golf Club is only a 3 minute shuttle ride from the hotel and the clubhouse and practice facilities are undoubtably the best in Belek! 82

GOLF ESCAPES 2011

Belek Golf Resort – Turkey 14 courses along a 20km coastline Flights from all major UK airports to Antalya GOLF PACKAGE 2

SIRENE GOLF HOTEL 5* ULTRA ALL INCLUSIVE Between 10th May 2011 and 31st May 2011 ● 7 nights ● Private airport transfers ● Return shuttles ● 4 rounds of golf (2 x Pasha, 1 x Sultan, 1 x Tat) ● Welcome meeting with Bilyana representative

From

€629 £529

Sirene Golf Resort and Spa flying the flag for Belek Golf Holidays.

per golfer in a group of 8 golfers

Host of the Eisenhower trophy, World Amateur Team Championship 2012.

The Sirene Golf Resort and Spa has been flying the flag for Belek Golf Holidays for a long time now. Its two great courses the Pasha and Sultan of the Antalya Golf Club are immaculately maintained, providing great tests of golf from the architects of European Golf Design and David Jones. The Pasha and Sultan are widely regarded as the finest two courses in Belek suiting golfers of all levels. Staying in the hotel is a requirement for good tee times and feedback from its many repeat guests is based on the great value all inclusive and friendly, attentive staff. The hotel also boasts some of the largest standard rooms in Belek and for larger groups it is possible to be upgraded into villa style accomodation.

GOLF PACKAGE 3

CORNELIA DELUXE RESORT & SPA 5* ALL INCLUSIVE From

€429 £359

per golfer in a group of 8 golfers

From 1st December 2011 until 21st February 2012 (excluding the New Year period)

● 7 nights ● Private airport transfers ● Return shuttles ● 3 rounds of golf (3 x Faldo) ● Welcome meeting

The Faldo Course.

Guests who experience the Cornelia resorts’ excellent all inclusive facilities and services return many times. The Nick Faldo designed course compliments the quality of the Cornelia Deluxe hotel as it also provides a modern and stylish environment with professional and attentive staff at your service. Every year the hotel and course achieve higher critical acclaim and they continue to provide excellent value golf and hotel packages.

Cornelia Deluxe Resort &

Cornelia Diamond Res

Spa.

ort & Spa.

Only 35 Euros more for 7 nights to stay at the CORNELIA

DIAMOND RESORT & SPA 5* ALL INCLUSIVE GOLF ESCAPES 2011