Great Golf Magazine Winter 2014

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No.4. 2014 Great Golf Magazine

Great Golf

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V12 VANTAGE S A FORCE OF NATURE UNLEASHED V12 Vantage S Roadster awakens every nerve ending, sets the senses alight and has a raw energy that grips at a visceral level. Melding the power of our iconic 6.0-litre V12 engine and the deft control of our compact sportscar, V12 Vantage S Roadster puts you at the epicentre of the action. It is a drivers’ car without equal.

Official government fuel consumption figures in litres/100km (mpg) for the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S: Urban 22.5 (12.6); Extraurban 10.2 (27.7); Combined 14.7 (19.2). CO2 emissions 343g/km. The mpg/fuel economy figures quoted are sourced from official regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. They are for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your real driving experience, which may vary depending on factors including road conditions, weather, vehicle load, and driving style.

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Mid Ocean Club, Bermuda

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Great Golf

Great Golf

Magazine

Contents

Cover photo by Beachcomber Hotels, Resorts & Villas, Paradis, Mauritius

TRAVEL FEATURES

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18 Wish you were here 24 Great Golf news 26 Golf & the city - Marrakech 30 Fiji - Far and away 40 Bulgaria - Cliffhanger 54 USA - Georgia on my mind 68 Mauritius - Treasured island 76 Golf cruise - Out to sea 92 Bermuda - Where dreams come true 100 Costa Rica - The good life PRODUCTS

84 Montblanc - The ultimate masterpiece 108 Gifts for him & her LUXURY

48 NOMOS - A German Renaissance 62 Range Rover - Top of the range SPA, FOOD & WINE

115 Arizona - The Golf Spa 121 Thailand food - Spice it up 129 Whisky - The spirit of golf PROPERTY

136 St Lucia - Caribbean dream GREAT GOLF ADVENTURES

143 Bespoke trips to 12 locations around the world 157 The Great Golf Weekend Club 16 Win a three night stay for two at one of the Luxurious Constantinou Hotels in Cyprus.

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Great Golf

Great Golf Adventures & Club Guide

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mail@pangbournelondon.co.uk

www.pangbournelondon.co.uk instrument shown, DP-02

+44(0)20 7498 6888

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GOLF TRAVEL

Great GolfMagazine

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE...

WELCOME to the 2014 winter issue of Great Golf Magazine, a suitable read

30 Eridge Road Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8HR United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1892 544 872 www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk MANAGING DIRECTOR

on these short dark days while planning your golf adventures for 2015.

Mike Kaas-Stock mike@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk

It may be cold outside, but it’s warm within the pages of this issue, with articles

EDITOR

from some decidedly tropical destinations. Where else will you find in-depth

Nils Bjornes nils@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk

editorial on such exotic locations as Costa Rica, Mauritius, Bermuda and Fiji.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

We also feature out first golf cruise which covers stops in Morocco and Tenerife.

But what about ideas for your wardrobe and all the other essential items that you will need for the upcoming year? Well, not only do we offer a plethora of quality products for you to read about, we also give you the opportunity to purchase them from our very own online store www.greatgolfproshop.com, where you will also find many other gifts for you and your loved ones.

Keeping with that warm glow feeling, we have a wonderful article written by

Camilla Kaas-Stock camilla@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk ART DIRECTOR

Ketil Plassgaard ketil@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Karim Ullah karim@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk MARKETING MANAGERS

Frazer Cambell frazer@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk Nick Edgley nedgley@nemediaworld.com

our very own Dena Roche covering food from Thailand. This is followed by an

CONSULTANT EDITOR

in-depth article from our very own Mark Alexander who visits the Kingsbarns

Peter Ellegard peter@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk

distillery to see just what goes into making this distinctive brew.

LUXURY PRODUCTS

Our man for all things mechanical gets behind the wheel of a Range Rover to

Angus Davies angus@escapement.uk.com

see just why this iconic car is so popular, while also explaining our knowledge

SUB EDITORS

of the finer details of Nomos watches.

We hope you enjoy this latest issue and look forward to bringing you many more delights to your attention in 2015. There really is no reason to not be informed. You can order the hardcopy or read it online through either the website or via Apple Newsstand, Kindle Fire or Google Play.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2015 and above all, stay warm.

Happy Golfing wherever you go.

The Team

Sophie Morrison Louise Candy CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE

Peter Ellegard Angus Davies Dena RochĂŠ Sean T. Kelly Clive Agran Michael Cunningham Richard Asher Mike Kaas-Stock Mark Alexander Published by IPB Publishing Ltd Company No 6484115 Printed by The Magazine Printing Company www.magprint.co.uk For advertising enquiries please contact karim@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk frazer@greatgolfmagazine.co.uk nedgley@nemediaworld.com All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written consent of Great Golf Magazine UK

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GREAT GOLF MAGAZINE

MARRAKECH

A luxurious haven of peace

©POP-UP COMMUNICATION : 06 61 44 43 58

The Kenzi Menara Palace is a priceless jewel set in the crown of the privileged and world class location: the ochre, legendary resort of Marrakesh, located right opposite the original ramparts, ancient walls which surrounded this unique, timeless oasis, whilst surrounded by golfing circuits, a joy to behold.

Zone touristique de l’Agdal, Avenue Mohamed VI, 40.000 Marrakech, Maroc +212 (0)524 459 900 • www.kenzi-hotels.com • resa-menarapalace@kenzi-hotels.com

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No free golf balls, just a good read.

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• Norway • Spain • Bahamas • Scotland • Belgium • Tenerife • Suzann Pettersen • Breitling for Bentley • Property • Great Golf Adventures • Win tickets to the Ryder Cup

As good as it gets A class act

Golf with a view High society A player for his Generation Golf and chocolate Win a two nights stay at Chateau d’Augerville

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Eviva España Spoilt for choice A royal palace

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The easiest place

on the planet

to relax your swing.

We know that the secret to playing your best golf is to stay calm and collected. That’s why they say Fiji is a golfing paradise, because it’s easy to hit your best shot when there’s a steady sea breeze and breathtaking views to take in. We’ve got world-class courses teed up for players of any skill level. Go to www.fiji.travel to find out more.

www.fiji.travel

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COMPETITION

Win a three night stay for two at one of the Luxurious Constantinou Hotels in Cyprus.

TO ENTER THE COMPETITION, GO TO:

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GREAT COURSES

Wish you were here...

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The Renaissance Club Scotland www.trcaa.com

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GREAT COURSES

Wish you were here...

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South Carolina USA www.palmettobluff.com

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GREAT COURSES

Wish you were here...

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Costa Navarino Golf Resort Greece www.elegantgolfresorts.com

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GREAT GOLF NEWS

MISSION HILLS

WORLD CELEBRITY PRO–AM 2014 Great Golf Magazine had the honour in 2014 to be chosen as Media Partner for the Mission Hills World Celebrity proAm that took place at Mission Hills Haikou China between the 24th - 26th October. With a plethora of Hollywood superstars, sporting legends and golfing greats this was bound to be a memorable event..

The likes of Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Chris Evens and many more, partnered up with such golf luminaries as Darren Clarke, Suzann Pettersen and Justin Rose for three days of high class celebrity golf.

To find out more about Mission Hills Haikou, read the 9page editorial piece that was featured in the autumn issue of Great Golf Magazine.

Nicole Kidman

Kenny G

Jessica Alba

Morgan Freeman and Justin Rose

Darren Clarke

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Trophy awards

Press conference

Morgan Freeman

Chris Evans

Awards

Nicole Kidman

Great Golf Magazine consultant editor Peter Ellegard has won his second honour for articles in Great Golf Magazine in just six months. First at the 2014 IPW Travel Writing Awards in Chicago with his story, “Swinging on the Strip�, which appeared in the autumn 2013 issue, while his latest achievement saw him winning the Best Consumer Feature prize in the Caribbean Tourism Organisation's Caribbean Travel Journalism Awards 2014. Here it was his feature on the Bahamas, printed in the spring issue 2014, in which he swam with wild pigs in the sea off a tiny island in the Exumas. .

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GOLF & THE CITY

Marrakech The Red City Want to visit somewhere completely different but only a few hours from the UK? Somewhere with snow-capped mountains, palm trees, stunning golf courses and the odd camel?

Then why not head off to the Red City?

By Mike Kaas-Stock

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GOLF & THE CITY

M

arrakech is a mere three and a half hour flight from the UK, but seems to be a world apart. Who could not feel excitement as the Atlas Mountains loom up ahead? Some excellent golf resorts await, along with historic and cultural sights, shopping and countless other delights to be found here.

TAXI OR CAR HIRE. Taking a taxi is by far the best way to travel around. To the outsider, the traffic system and the manner of driving seem like total mayhem. It’s really not worth the white knuckle ride when a taxi is very reasonably priced and can get you to where you want to go while avoiding the bottlenecks that a city of this age inevitably has.

THE MEDINA. There is nothing better than trawling around

interesting city centres and the Medina in Marrakech demands attention. The old red walls that surround the city are something to behold. It’s worth being prepared for the organised chaos that will greet you. You will enter a place far different from whence you came and the sights, sounds and smells will hit you all at once.

The roads and open spaces will be teeming with locals and tourists alike. Beware, many locals will want to offer you their services, but for a price. It’s worth exploring the squares and back alleys of this vibrant area before possibly heading off into to the new city centre to let you senses recover and bring you back to the 21st century. Find a cafe and watch the world go by, especially late in the afternoon as people make their way home from work. The roads are awash with scooters, motorbikes and taxis. Just sit back and enjoy a coffee while the city revolves around you.

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LA PALMERAIE GOLF RESORT. Palmeraie translated from French

means 'palm grove'. Legend has it that the palms grew from the pips spat onto the ground by the all-conquering army of Yusuf ibn Tashfin, who arrived here in 1071. There are several hotels on the complex, with a total of 1,500 rooms, along with a conference centre, spa and a 27 hole golf course. The original 18 holes were designed by Robert Trent Jones, with the additional nine holes added later.

MARRAKECH GOLF CLUB ASSOUFID. A trip to Marrakech

would not be complete without visiting one of the newest golf developments. Assoufid is located just 10 minutes' drive from the city centre. The golf club is named after the village of Assoufid, where an ancient waterway (known locally as a shaaba) has etched its way into the landscape over the centuries. This is an exciting, desert-style course which will not disappoint.

BEACHCOMBER ROYAL PALM RESORT Just to the south of the city is the luxurious Beachcomber Resort, the only resort from this hotel chain to be found outside Mauritius and the Seychelles.

With its own excellent course and Assoufid not far away, this is the perfect place to stay for those looking to be pampered. Other facilities to be found within the grounds include swimming pools, spa, gym and tennis courts. The golf course is a joy to play. While the designers have strived to create something that is going to put a smile on your face, this course is by no means a pushover. As for location, the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains is just astounding.

SAMANAH COUNTRY CLUB. This exclusive club is situated 14

km from the centre of Marrakech and 8 km from the international

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However you decide to spend your time in the Red City, your stay will leave an indelible imprint on your memory.

airport. To play here, you have to be staying at the hotel, own one of the golf properties or be the guest of an owner. Designed by the world-famous Nicklaus Design Company, this championship course is worthy of a visit.

KENZI MENARA PALACE. The Kenzi Menara Palace Hotel is

located just a few minutes’ drive from the old quarter of the city.

This is a great location to base yourself for trips to the multitude of golf courses as well as anything else that you may want to do.

DOMAINE DES REMPARTS. Domaine des Remparts is a boutique hotel which, as the name suggests, is not far from the famous city ramparts. Consisting of 32 suites arranged around the gardens and swimming pool, this is truly a great place to unwind. The suites form a square of single story residences

around the pool and gardens with the restaurant, library, lounges and other communal areas at one end, and the Spa & Wellness building at the other.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS. If you do have the time, a visit to the Atlas Mountains is really worth it. Within an hour from Marrakech you can experience authentic Berber villages and a way of life which has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. To visit the ancient fortified city of AĂŻt Benhaddou is to travel back into a world long gone, though it will be recognisable to most as the location for such movies as Gladiator and The Prince of Persia.

With regular, low-cost flights with Easyjet from many UK cities, Marrakech is very accessible. And however you decide to spend your time in the Red City, your stay will leave an indelible imprint on your memory.

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FIJI

Far and away

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A

s my driver turns right off the Queens Highway, a short forty-five minute drive from Nadi International Airport on the island of Viti Levu, we ascend to the summit of our last savannacovered gradient and I witness the regal turquoise waters of the Coral Coast’s Natadola Bay. Crescents of secluded white sand beaches protected by a coral reef that embraces the shore, this sheltered piece of paradise was

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the final resting site of recently discovered 3000-year-old skeletal remains -- perhaps Fiji’s first tourists to the historic site of Bourewa.

My destination, situated in close proximity to this historic landmark, is the InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa which will be my home for the next few days. My personal and friendly golf cart driver greets me at reception and I am provided with an informative tour of the property.

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The InterContinental is considered one of the South Pacific's premiere resorts. Thirty-five acres of lush vegetation located on the ‘world’s best beach’, it boasts four swimming pools, walking paths, a putting green and five restaurants to suit every palette and mood -- from casual to romantic.

THE SPA. My driver, Jason, ascends the mount that overlooks the

property on our way to the exclusive Club InterContinental, ‘a

resort within a resort’. As we arrive at the foyer, the concierge offers me a refreshing beverage and an introduction to the guest benefits. The reception’s central area features private open air dining, including a relaxation zone with comfortable sectionals overlooking the infinity pool and the ever present expanse of the ocean waters.

That afternoon, following my long flight, I had the pleasure of enjoying the resort's beautiful spa and tension-relieving Domo

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massage before luxuriating with some Wai water therapy -- a cascade of warm tropical rain enveloping my jet lagged body, accompanied by the melodic sounds of song birds.

EXOTIC GOLF. My first day of golf and I am excited to experience

and play Natadola Bay Championship Golf Club, a short shuttle drive away. The course was the recent host of Fiji’s first sanctioned PGA Tour event: The Fiji International Golf Tournament.

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Opened in 2009, this 7,200-yard layout was imagined by a few visionaries, including Golf Hall of Famer and Fijian, Vijay Singh, who shared a belief that this location, with its topographical variants, lush savanna vegetation, multi-coloured florae and ocean vistas, would provide the perfect canvas to create a golfing masterpiece and showcase the islands as an exotic golf destination.

As I teed up on the 454-yard par four first hole on this beautifully warm day, a panoramic view of Natadola Bay was my

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vista. Sixteen of the eighteen holes have a backdrop of translucent waters and five tee positions create an enjoyable golfing experience for all abilities.

The fairways, which appeared very narrow, were actually accepting of many wayward shots and the pervading ocean breeze and strategically positioned bunkers proved to be a challenge as a few errant balls found their way into the lush four-foot grasses, creating the occasional extra stroke for my playing partners and I.

THE FLAGSHIP. Following the round with my compatriots, 6’5” Costa, a native of Fiji, and 5’3” Rene from Australia (I am sure you are smiling at the image of our group photo as I stand 5’9”), we enjoyed a Fiji Beer at the local clubhouse and reminisced on our wonderful round of innovative shot making and new friendships.

Natadola Bay is truly a memorable experience for all those fortunate enough to play this championship design and it is the flagship and foundation in the redevelopment of golf in Fiji.

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Returning to my suite, I was welcomed to a warm, relaxing soaker tub on the patio that had been prepared for me. Seeded with brilliant crimson hibiscus petals atop the snowy white bubbles of the bath salts, it was a symphony of colours with the surrounding azure ocean and lush green vegetation. My chilled glass of a New Zealand Oyster Bay chardonnay accompanied this moment perfectly.

RESTAURANT NAVO. My day ended with dinner at the elegant Navo. The restaurant is named after the sacred island of Navo, opposite the resort, where women and children were sheltered in secret caves to protect them from warring neigbours.

The multitude of stars over the lagoon and the warm evening air created the perfect atmosphere for this dining experience. The fresh, local sea fare is a specialty and my server's recommendation, the Fijian hotpot, was superb.

The global awareness that the Fiji International has received has resulted in many of the existing nine and eighteen golf courses on the islands expediting course and facility improvements. The positive exposure that has been generated from this initial event has lead to an increase in golf tourism inquiries from around the world.

GOLF & DIVING. Natadola Bay is not alone in its presentation

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of memorable golf experiences and I had the fortune to play the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Pearl Championship Golf Course and Country Club, at the Pearl South Pacific Fiji Resort, situated half way between the nation's capital of Suva and Nadi International Airport.

The resort is located on one of Fiji’s longest white sand beaches and is set on the shores of the turquoise waters of Beqa Lagoon.

This idyllic spot is regarded as one of the world’s finest reef diving locations and the region is known as Pacific Harbour, the adventure capital of Fiji.

From surfing and shark feeding to off-road jungle tours, worldclass sports fishing and championship golf, there is no lack of adventure and leisure activities at this recreational mecca.

The championship Pearl Course had experienced a period of neglect under previous ownership. However, a recent investment in the resort has renewed excitement from golfers, as the planned updating of the property will transport this eighteen hole gem back to its previous world class reputation.

TROPICAL STORM. As I teed up my ball on the par four, 399yard first hole, the air was heavy. A tropical storm had struck the region the day prior so that my ball did not seem to go as far. The course was enjoyable and picturesque, and exemplified the standards

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set by Jones Jr. The lush tropical forest, serpentine water canals and sixty-six bunkers all created a unique challenge on every hole.

Fresh ceviche and a Vonu Pure Lager (the islands' most popular beer) on the clubhouse patio were a perfect way to end the day.

A short ride back towards Nadi International Airport took me to the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, perhaps the best known of the country's courses. Located at the centre of the resort island of Denarau, it is the home course for the Oceanside five-star Sheraton Fiji Resort and the Westin Denarau Resort. The championship eighteen-hole course is managed by the respected Troon Golf and situated across from the main entrances to the hotels.

WATCH THE SHARKS. As a Par 72, the course can play as long as

7,150 yards, but with the wind blowing I teed up from the third set of tees as water comes into play on fifteen of the holes, including all of the par threes. The banana palm-lined fairways are wide and forgiving and the white sand bunkers provide some uniqueness as a few are shaped as local marine creatures. It took me three shots to get out of the shark!

The course is undergoing a transformation to bring it back to its international reputation following a few years of tropical storm damage and is another must-play.

Britain established the Colony of Fiji in 1874 and governed the territories until 1970 when the islands became an independent country. Today, this South Pacific paradise, 3000km from Australia, incorporates 322 islands (105 of which are uninhabited) and a vibrant intermingling of cultures, where East Indians, Polynesians, Chinese, Europeans and North Americans have created a vibrant and successful economy. This cultural diversity provided me with a plethora of dining choices, art and culture that I found distinct from other south sea nations.

As my week of escape came to an end, the staff of the InterContinental, in perfect harmony, sang Isa Lei -- a beautiful song of farewell to departing visitors.

On my return flight through Los Angeles on Fiji Airways' wellappointed Airbus 330, I reflected on my experiences: the land and seascapes, friendly peoples, fragrant tropical aromas and the taste of freshly boiled corn purchased from a road stand vendor. It was difficult for me to imagine that less than one hundred years ago, warring tribes used cannibalism as a way of greeting new visitors.

GGM

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GOOD TO KNOW ­

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BULGARIA

Cliffhanger

There are a myriad of golf courses that claim to have a sea view on every hole, but perched on cliff tops overlooking the Black Sea, Thracian Cliffs is one of the few that can really deliver on that promise, and then some!

By Mike Kaas-Stock, photos Thracian Cliffs, Black Sea Rama and Lighthouse Golf & Spa Resort

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don’t get to go on so many trips anymore; we have a team of highly proficient journalists who can do that job. At least that’s what they tell me every time a new and exciting location needs to be visited, and I fall for it every time.

“No, leave this trip to the Bahamas to us,” I hear them say!

Well, not this time. I’m off to one of my favourite golf resorts: Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria. Best just to keep quiet about it!

Myself and a collection of fellow journalists and tour operators fly out with Whizz Air from Luton Airport direct to Varna on the Black Sea coast, an easy three hours. Darkness has fallen when we disembark, that warm, Mediterranean-style darkness that is experienced in the UK only at the height of summer. Once on the ground, we have a 30-minute drive to the resort.

This most southern of the Eastern European countries has,

I

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in my opinion, so much to offer, with so many terrains and climates squashed into one country. Some areas have remained virtually unchanged for over a hundred years, whilst resorts like Thracian Cliffs have embraced the notion of uniqueness like a long lost brother. Here is a resort that offers golf, beach and spa to name but the most obvious of choices, where families and groups that include both golfers and non-golfers will be equally content.

ARRIVAL. We are met by the General Manager, Claudio Marini,

and taken directly to the resort's main restaurant, located in the marina village and with views out to sea. Great food, excellent Bulgarian wine and a room full of journalists -- I do wonder how the golf will be in the morning!

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The next day, after breakfast, with blue skies and every chance of obtaining that annoying suntan which will make us stand out on our return, we head off to two other golf courses that are located only a few minutes’ drive away: BlackSeaRama and the Lighthouse.

The tour operators in our party are to play nine holes at the Lighthouse while we journalists will play nine holes at BlackSeaRama. Then, in the afternoon, we swap over. Nobody seems too much the worse for wear apart from me, which leads me to believe that my colleagues obviously have more stamina.

STRATEGIC THINKING. BlackSeaRama, like Thracian Cliffs, is a Gary Player course. While not as challenging, there is enough here to keep most people on their toes. Starting off with a nice

par-5 to get you into the swing of things, it’s not until the fourth hole that you need to start thinking strategically. Something which seems to go against my death or glory approach.

This is a par-4 dogleg left with lots of water down the left hand side and, with a slice like mine, it’s inevitable that I lose a ball (or two). The fifth and sixth both make good use of that same water hazard, as if you need reminding. The penultimate hole is the only par-3 of the front nine, while the ninth is a gorgeous par-5 with a green protected by bunkers both on the approach and to the right.

We end our tour of the front nine contented, although it is a shame that the view of the sea is blocked in places by a development of villas. Sitting back on the terrace and talking to various other golfers, we find out that the back nine are the most

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scenic holes; it's rather a shame that they did not choose to let us play those.

THE LIGHTHOUSE. After some lunch we switch with our tour operator colleagues and play the Lighthouse, a course designed by Ian Woosnam. It starts off with a comfortable par-4 to set the mood. It's at the sixth that water comes into play again and, unfortunately for me, on the left side of the fairway. I do like par3's and the eighth is particularly nice, with raised tees and a shot to a concealed green.

Now it must be remembered that these courses are easier than Thracian Cliffs, and as such, are quite nice places to while away some time. But you see, I am a bit of a kamikaze golfer. I would 44

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rather go down in a blaze of glory on an amazingly difficult course with fantastic views than play it safe somewhere that will make me look good. And it’s worth keeping this in mind while reading this, because if you want nice courses that you can play without too many surprises, the first two are perfect. But come on! Who wants to play safe all the time?

THRACIAN CLIFFS. For me, this Gary Player course is an

adventure. Yes, I am going to lose an eye-watering number of golf balls, and yes, there will be time spent rummaging around in the rough, mumbling to myself while tentatively counting how many I have left. But I really don’t care, because this course just inspires and captivates me.

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Take the very first hole, for example, a par-4 from a raised tee down to the green below in the valley, cliffs on your left and the sea and a long drop on your right. What could be better? This course is a story told over eighteen chapters.

Each hole has something to say, an adventure to be experienced. There are blind par-4’s that will keep you guessing as to whether you are safe until you finally walk over the brow of the hill, and par-3’s that tempt and confuse you with a shot from high above the green. All in all, especially on your first attempt, it’s best to just relax and enjoy the amazing views.

BIG DROP. The signature sixth hole, a par-3 from high up on the cliff down to a green 40 metres below, is a challenge for anyone.

I could quite happily spend several hours here with a big bucket of golf balls. When the drop down is further than your drive, you just know that it’s going to take more than one shot to nail it.

And what a view!

This is closely followed by hole number seven, a par-4 from a small island in the sea with a long carry over water. You then follow this with a shot to the green on the hill above. Oh, and with trees in front, just to make it harder.

For some reason, the twelfth really grabs my attention. Once on the green, unless you have managed to get over the brow of the hill on your drive, there is a blind shot to the green, which is hidden in between an outcrop of rock on the right and thick undergrowth on the left.

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The course finishes with a par-3 over a lake; my fellow golfers and I are the last group in so we have a large audience watching from the bar just up from the green. I am relieved that my ball lands slightly long on the other side of the green. It would not do to land in the water with such a critical audience!

THE SPA. That afternoon, we are invited to try out the spa, and

after a busy morning on the course, what could be better? I am treated to a wonderful back massage, but for me it’s the chance of a good steam in the Hammam that really appeals. This is the perfect way to loosen those stiff muscles.

With a heady mix of Thracian and Moroccan styles, you really do not need to look for excuses to visit. Traditional Bulgarian products are used, including the famous rose oil from the Kazanlak Valley, L. bulgaricus yogurt, Mavrud grapes from the Southern Thracian region and, of course, that famous and allsoothing Black Sea healing mud.

A DIP IN THE SEA. A little later, I decide to take a trip to Argata Beach, one of two stretches of beautiful white sand located within the resort. This beach is perfect for those wanting to relax. Bendida is the larger of the beaches at almost two kilometres in length.

There is an excellent restaurant located here and a distinctly Moroccan theme in general. As it’s rather late in the season, I have the beach to myself so after a dip in the sea, I relax in one of the hammocks and spend a good half an hour dozing before heading back to my room.

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THE FINAL DAY. Before we begin our return journey to the UK, I

spend the final morning touring the resort. The course itself is truly spectacular, and with the beach and spa onsite, along with the restaurants and so many other opportunities, there is plenty to do.

For anyone looking for that all-important holiday bolthole, tasteful villas and apartments are being built. I have to say that it is a real joy to see that neither the course nor the properties are in conflict with each other. In a location like this, all too often, either the properties block the view of the sea from the course or vice versa. But, because the resort is built on cliffs, the properties are set further back and higher, giving them the advantage of views not only out to sea, but over the course as well.

And what does the future hold for Thracian Cliffs? A new hotel and marina are already in the planning stage. From what I have seen, there could be new Thracian treasures on the most beautiful GGM stretch of the Black Sea coast.

GOOD TO KNOW ­

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GREAT WATCHES

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Renaissance Since the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany, the town of Glash端tte has enjoyed a renaissance, becoming increasingly known as a centre of excellence for fine watchmaking.

An interesting example of this resurgence in German horology is the relatively young brand, NOMOS Glash端tte.

By Angus Davies, www.escapementmagazine.com, photo NOMOS Glash端tte

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egular readers of Great Golf Magazine may assume that I only ever write about Swiss watches and that these are the only fine timepieces in existence. However, there is a wonderful array of high-end watches being made in other parts of the world, including Germany.

Since the reunification of Germany, the country’s watchmaking industry has experienced a renaissance. At the epicentre of this resurgence is the town of Glashütte.

Located about 30 minutes' drive from Dresden, in former East Germany, the town can trace its history of watchmaking back to 1845 when Ferdinand A. Lange established a workshop there.

The decision of Lange to set up business in Glashütte must have subsequently caused him some concern. The local population lacked the necessary skills and Lange had to expend much energy bringing the workforce up to standard.

Ultimately, this watchmaking concern became known as A. Lange & Söhne and earned an excellent reputation for its pilots' watches. However, towards the latter stages of World War II, the factory was bombed and virtually destroyed. In 1948, the company was nationalised under the Soviet regime.

After the Berlin Wall fell in 1989 and Germany was reunified, Walter Lange, the great grandson of Ferdinand A. Lange, and Günter Blümlein established a watch manufacturing business in Glashütte.

THE BIRTH OF NOMOS GLASHÜTTE. Shortly after reunification, the skill base within the small town led to other watchmaking businesses making Glashütte home.

A particularly interesting brand which chose to establish its operations in the town is NOMOS Glashütte, founded in 1990 by a resident of the former West Germany, Roland Schwertner.

Unusually, Schwertner had no background in watchmaking, previously working as a photographer and business consultant. His dream of making his own mechanical watches may have seemed naive. However, since its foundation, Schwertner’s decision has been vindicated, with NOMOS Glashütte experiencing successive years of growth.

Between 2011 and 2013, the company managed to double its turnover and this rate of growth shows no signs of abating. The success of this brand is no fluke, with an array of attributes that make their watches an attractive proposition to shrewd purchasers.

IN-HOUSE CAPABILITY. It may surprise readers to learn

that many watches from rival brands contain movements produced by third parties. This in itself is no bad thing given that movements are supplied by a handful of specialist Swiss companies and are therefore tried and tested. However, a watch which contains an in-house movement, sometimes referred to as a “manufacture” movement, denotes a rare degree of expertise. Typically, these watches occupy the elevated strata of horology, often with prices to match.

NOMOS Glashütte produced its first in-house movement in 2005 and has since greatly expanded its product catalogue. Despite this degree of vertical integration, the brand’s products remain relatively

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accessible, with models available for less than £1500.

It is the finishing of a fine watch which often has a major influence on its final selling price. Despite the affordable pricing of many NOMOS Glashütte watches, the brand’s movements show no signs of penny-pinching, with an attention to detail which would put some models costing twice as much to shame. Whilst the brand uses modern manufacturing, such as CNC machines, it also employs traditional watchmaking techniques such as chamfering and polishing, expertly practised by hand.

A movement typically consists of a mainplate, effectively a chassis which various movement components are attached to.

Often, wheels, pinions and levers are held between the mainplate and a series of metal plates referred to as bridges.

However, within the Glashütte region, rather than use numerous bridges, a “three-quarter plate” is often used instead.

Although it is more difficult for the watchmaker to install accurately, the outcome grants a more stable movement construction and a cleaner appearance.

EXPERT FINISHING. Many of the NOMOS Glashütte models

feature a sapphire crystal on the case back of the watch, allowing much of the expert finishing within to be seen. The sight of small overlapping circles, referred to as “perlage”, and a sunburst motif adorning the ratchet and crown wheel is beautiful. A series of straight lines, called “Glashütte ribbing” grace the movement, imbuing it with a sense of quality.

In 2013, the brand showed it had aspirations to make more luxurious watches, delivered in a choice of white or rose gold.

The Lambda and Lux models feature a higher degree of finishing, typically only found on the finest watches. For example, one component, the balance cock, is hand-engraved with the words “Mit Liebe in Glashütte gefertigt”, meaning “lovingly produced in Glashütte”. Prospective purchasers can choose from round or barrel-shaped cases, featuring relatively restrained white dials. Alternatively, one of the company’s brightly coloured offerings, each with its own unique character, can be selected.

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Earlier in 2014, the brand announced that it was making its own escapement, or “Swing System” to use the German brand’s terminology. The escapement is a small collection of parts which ultimately set the pace of the hands to ensure accurate timekeeping. Historically, the knowhow to create an escapement has been the preserve of a few specialist companies in Switzerland which have supplied the watchmaking industry. The fact that NOMOS Glashütte has chosen to invest in its own capability is remarkable and reaffirms the ambitions of the German brand.

DESIGN PROWESS. Despite Glashütte once being synonymous with observation or pilots' watches, NOMOS Glashütte has always sought its own course when it comes to design. The company is a member of the Deutscher Werkbund, a precursor of the Bauhaus movement, with the aspiration to deliver high quality products that are affordable to many.

Notable attributes of the design language are clean lines and highly legible displays. Several models feature slender hands in an eye-catching shade of blue. This not only enhances the watch's visual appeal, it also serves a practical purpose. The unusual shade results from an industrial process known as 'bluing', which protects the steel hands from corrosion.

Sometimes, watches littered with extra dial details can appear cluttered. However, those NOMOS Glashütte watches equipped with additional features masterfully exploit design, position and scale to ensure ease of interpretation despite added functionality.

For example, the NOMOS Glashütte Zürich Weltzeit is a world timer. This type of watch allows the wearer to see the time in one of 24 cities around the globe as well as at home.

Simply pressing the push piece at 2 o’clock moves a city disc, placing the reference city below noon. The relevant hour in this city is then displayed at 3 o’clock. While some watches equipped with this facility can appear cluttered, NOMOS Glashütte manages to deliver a simple layout which proves intuitive to use.

NOMOS Glashütte watches are contemporary, but offer a timelessness which should ensure a lasting appeal, irrespective of changing tastes in fashion. With a choice of steel or gold models, different case shapes, dial colours and designs, the would-be buyer is indulged with a breathtaking choice. Indeed, the future of German watchmaking has never looked so bright.

GGM

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REYNOLDS PLANTATION

Georgia on my mind

Outstanding courses, premier training centres, top-notch hospitality and endless off-course activities are among the many reasons this reinvigorated Georgia retreat could have you heading south.

By Sean T. Kelly, photos Courtesy of Reynolds Plantation

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s it possible there exists a "sure thing" golf getaway? A place that, regardless of age or interest, will please both golfers and their non-golfing guests alike? Or is the very notion of a sure thing in golf travel like the elusive and legendary Chupacabra, the Yeti, the Ogopogo--ceaselessly hunted but always just beyond reach?

If such a place does exist I'd put my money on it being Greensboro, Georgia-based Reynolds Plantation at Lake Oconee.just more than 70 miles east of Atlanta and halfway to world-famous Augusta. And luckily for me I was sitting on an invitation to observe first-hand the final results of various and many improvements completed around the massive 10,000-acre property during the two years since MetLife took the reins of the development.

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MetLife's multimillion dollar upgrade plan aimed to improve nearly every facility on the expansive property in one way or another--golf courses included. Plus there was word that Met Life planned to build some new additions from the ground up.

I was already on a tight schedule and would have just a couple of days to poke around, so I packed a bag and began my journey from California to Georgia.

THE RITZ-CARLTON LODGE. Unless you're a personal guest of a

homeowner, the award-winning Ritz-Carlton Lodge will sit at the centre of your Reynolds Plantation experience. The wellappointed lobby, which shows off its sturdy wooden beams, a tall brick fireplace, and high-arched ceiling is cool and inviting.

The spacious interior provides easy access to restaurants, the

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lounge, the newly added coffee shop and the Ritz-Carlton's 26,000 sq. ft. spa. Opposite the entrance, guests will find a terrace that overlooks the property's courtyard and offers unobstructed views of the lake.

Originally introduced in 2002, the rustic 251-room lakeside facility received a significant head-to-toe makeover, courtesy of MetLife. It shows in everything from the polished wood surfaces to the spotless floor coverings. The staff are exceptional in every way. Unafraid of eye contact, always smiling, genuinely engaged.

I've never met a Ritz-Carlton I didn't like.

By the end of a stay at any Ritz-Carlton, I often feel inspired enough by the service that I renew a commitment to myself to be similarly helpful to the people in my own life. I don't believe I can offer a higher compliment.

LAKE OCONEE. Life at Reynolds Plantation revolves around the

water, much as it did for the Muscogee (Creek) people that settled the shores of the Oconee River more than 250 years ago.

Lake Oconee was created just 35 years ago when Georgia Power completed the Wallace Dam and proceeded to flood the downstream Oconee River valley. With 374 miles of shoreline and a surface area totaling 19,000 acres, Georgia's second largest body of water provides limitless action for water warriors who prefer the action of wakeboarding, skiing, tubing and the like. For a calmer cruise, plenty of options exist for paddlers, too.

The Reynolds Plantation property alone occupies 80 miles of Lake Oconee shoreline and includes four full-service marinas for those cases when you need a vehicle with a proper motor.

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Oconee's waters are filled with (literally) millions of fish, including sunfish, catfish, bream, crappie and numerous varieties of bass.

There are healthy populations of Alligator Gar in those waters, too. Never heard of them? Me neither, so I looked them up. Before you stick your own drumsticks in the water, I suggest you look them up too.

THE PLAYGROUNDS. Reynolds Plantation at Lake Oconee has a total of 117 championship-quality holes of golf, spread across six courses. Each track was carefully designed by golf course architecture A-listers, including Bob Cupp (2), Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, and Jim Engh. Guests of the Ritz-Carlton Lodge can play every course with the exception of the membersonly Creek Club by Jim Engh (2007). Even Doral, Pebble Beach, and Bandon Dunes don't offer as much golf.

Trying PGA to review details of each course is a fool's errand.

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Besides, during my brief stay I only manage to play two of the six courses on the property.

Depending on your choice of tees (there are five), Rees Jones' Oconee course can on one hand present a lengthy 7,000-plus yard distance test or a shorter, subtler challenge that's all about position.

Starting from the tee, Jones seems happy to guide golfers into one tough choice after the next. A first shot that has a player successfully skirting a hazard, for example, often leads to a second shot that confronts you with one of the architect's more troublesome poisons. The pleasure of a shot that finds the target you've chosen is short lived when, after arriving at your ball, you realize you've not chosen the target at all--rather, you have been lured behind a dogleg that's all but invisible until it's too late.

Jones' test is not at all unfair. In fact, I found the Oconee's funnel-like fairways pleasantly forgiving--often at the timeliest of moments. Jones may play with golfers at times like a cat with a

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mouse, but he stages his game with rewards too. An ample fairway might provide leniency just as Oconee begins to show off its stellar lake views.

GREAT WATERS. This 1992 Jack Nicklaus Signature course is

often considered the best of the six. It has a great many features that are classic Jack, including lots of wind challenges that make club selection unique from round to round, if not hour to hour.

The course's lake holes deliver awesome panoramic views that give you a clear look at some of the natural forest (and mega mansions) across the water. The last eight holes are on the lake.

If you're feeling competitive and up for a test bordering on the superhuman, you might consider playing a few of Great Waters' holes from the Championship tees. One of them, a par-4, weighs in at roughly 550 yards into the wind and requires a tee shot of more than 250 yards just to clear thick rough and find the fairway.

Consider this: even a 300-yard bulls-eye off the tee leaves another 250-yard or so approach shot in to a green surrounded on three sides by the lake.

For the smarter among us, those who prefer to play to their level, the course is mostly manageable and always enjoyable. No matter how you decide to play, the course will leave you with plenty of stories to recount at the 19th hole.

THE ACADEMY REWARDS. Every golfer's swing strays off course from time to time. During such occasions, it's good to see the King!

Ritz-Carlton guests have all the necessary credentials required to schedule individual or group lessons led by Top-50 Golf Instructor Charlie King. The father of "Anti-Method Golf" (www.antimethodgolf.com), King favours tailoring swings to the unique physical and mental characteristics of each and every individual. According to King, "your personality, your mindset,

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the way you’re built and the pace you walk and talk must be taken into account for you to play golf your way and reach your potential as a player."

I caught a brief glimpse of King's operation, located adjacent to the Kingdom, immediately following our satisfying day examining Great Waters. One thing's for sure: the land he has to work with is, like everything else at Reynolds Plantation, a sight to behold.

The outdoor short game facility alone features a handful of greens surrounded by traps (and built to a variety of elevations), strategically located ponds, and even a few menacing trees--some stretching higher than 100 feet. It's hard to imagine a shot challenge that can't be recreated, and eventually overcome, at the Academy.

when Georgia Power flooded the valley that's now the bed of Lake Oconee.

Today the building is used for private events as well as for educational programs designed for kids, cooks, amateur archaeologists and more. It is a frequent starting point for a long list of field trips offered around the property.

It is also meant to serve as a permanent reminder that Mercer Reynolds' enduring spirit of hospitality and inclusiveness at Linger Longer--and of course his own enjoyment of the sporting life--is central to the inspiration underlying many pleasures Reynolds Plantation offers its guests to this day.

GGM

GOLF AND THE KINGDOM. TaylorMade-adidas Group (TMaG) originally created its fully stocked equipment-fitting studio known as The Kingdom exclusively for its staff pros--top-ranked players such as Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose. There are just two like it in the country, the other being at TMaG's Carlsbad, California headquarters.

Recently, however, TMaG unlocked the doors of the Kingdom for guests of the Ritz-Carlton Lodge, which means "regular Joes" like you and me can now access the same precision-fitting services and technologies: trackman, motion analysis software, a network of strategically positioned cameras and a Quintic high-speed camera that can capture 250 frames per second.

GOOD TO KNOW

THE ROCK HOUSE. The rustic, well-aged "Rock House" provides

a great setting for an evening of cocktails and tapas. Between bites of carefully crafted, small-plate presentations of duck, quail and fish, the property's resident historians paint a picture of what life was like at the beginning of the "Reynolds period".

In the early 20th century, successful inventor Mercer Reynolds first purchased thousands of acres of land along the Oconee River in an area then known as Cracker's Neck. He viewed the property as a welcoming sanctuary which family, friends and even strangers passing through could use for refreshing the body, mind and spirit.

While he left the land largely undeveloped, in the mid-1920s he erected a hunting and fishing lodge he affectionately nicknamed "Linger Longer", a reflection of his guests' reluctance to leave.

The Rock House is a carefully produced replica of Reynolds' historic lodge. Sadly, the original was swept away in the 1970s 60

GREAT GOLF MAGAZINE

­

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aguar Land Rover may be owned by the Indian conglomerate, Tata group, but the Range Rover still feels as quintessentially British as afternoon tea at The Ritz. The SUV (sports utility vehicle) is coveted by many for the way it wafts along on a higher plane, with its occupants sitting comfortably above other road users.

The darling of city dwellers and country folk alike, the Range Rover is often the chosen transport for royalty and the glitterati, making the car the preserve of high society both figuratively and literally. There are even photographs of the Queen sitting behind the wheel of a Range Rover – now that’s a top-notch endorsement!

A SENCE OF OCCASION. I recently sampled this motoring legend first hand when I drove the LR-TDV6, the entry-level engine, paired with the Autobiography trim (the most luxurious specification).

Entering the cabin of the Range Rover, my senses were initially overwhelmed with the pleasant smell of semi-aniline leather and a factory-fresh newness I never fail to appreciate. My test vehicle featured the Grand Black wood veneer, which added a note of modernity to proceedings.

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This is a car that delivers a sense of theatre with much of its specification. Starting the engine causes a cylindrical shaped gear selector to emerge from the dashboard, usurping the perfunctory and denoting a sense of occasion. The dashboard eschews the conventional for state of the art TFT/LCD instruments, which look incredible and deliver peerless legibility.

The seats within the Range Rover bestow sumptuous comfort with armchair-like amenity. The space behind the driver’s seat, adjusted to suit my 6’ 4” frame, meant a similar sized individual positioned behind would have their knees touching the back of the seat. However, a long wheelbase version provides the solution with an additional 186mm of legroom. Nevertheless, for the majority of would-be buyers the standard wheelbase car should prove sufficiently commodious.

AN SUV RELEVANT FOR TODAY. There has been much discussion in the media about the wisdom of SUVs, especially within an urban context. Concerns have been expressed about the scale of some vehicles and their impact on the environment. However, this car has an aluminium body, mitigating mass. Whilst the Range Rover remains no featherweight, weighing 2160kg in standard

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form, on the combined cycle it delivers an acceptable 37.7mpg and its CO2 emissions are 196g/km. Indeed, these figures certainly help to assuage any sense of guilt.

A fundamental benefit of the size and design of the Range Rover is the authoritative presence it has on the road. Visibility is excellent and there is a welcome sense of safety when driving this vehicle.

Clearly, a potential disadvantage of size, once on the open road, is manoeuvrability. However, despite measuring nearly 5m in overall length, the Range Rover remains easy to drive and its handling proves very impressive, especially considering its height.

Moreover, it smooths out any undulations in the road surface, granting limousine-like levels of ride comfort. The set up of the Range Rover rewards the driver with good feedback, despite its leviathan proportions.

Would-be buyers have a broad choice of engines from which to choose, including two diesel variants, a supercharged petrol engine and a virtuous hybrid option with low emissions and parsimonious thirst.

The 3.0 litre TDV6 I drove had an impressive engine, with lots of torque and a swift turn of speed, accelerating from rest to

60mph in 7.4 seconds. The engine acquitted itself well at all times with no obvious turbo-lag. Moreover, the engine never intrudes on the serenity of the cabin.

A BREADTH OF TALENTS. Clearly, part of the appeal of a Range Rover is its go-anywhere ability. I have not driven the current model off-road but I have driven its predecessor and can still recall ascending and descending gradients, which at first glance seemed foolhardy. Yet, despite any anxieties I may have felt, the large SUV handled all obstacles with jaw-dropping aplomb. I have heard it said that Land Rover makes the finest four-wheel drive vehicles; my experience leads me to wholeheartedly agree with this claim.

The latest Autobiography features Terrain Response速 2, which automatically appraises the driving conditions of the vehicle and adjusts its settings accordingly. Few cars offer such a degree of versatility, whether traversing muddy fields, driving along urban roads or covering great distances on motorways.

The seats can be folded to accommodate huge quantities of family paraphernalia. With the rear seats folded forward, the standard Range Rover has a massive 2,030 litres of volume.

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The interior’s luxurious design grants this car an amazing sense of grandeur. A myriad of electronic gizmos come as standard, including parking aids and a user-friendly satellite navigation system. However, with a plethora of factory fit options available to indulge any additional whim, the latest Range Rover has something for everyone.

As winter approaches and the risk of treacherous journeys rears its head, the wisdom of driving a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive and an array of electronic driver aids seems well placed. The benefits of driving a Range Rover when facing arduous weather conditions are manifest.

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BUILT TO LAST. I scrutinised panel gaps, closed doors whilst

seeking a welcome thud and tried switchgear repeatedly in order to validate the sense of quality offered. Rest assured, everything felt hewn from granite with a notable degree of solidity. The Range Rover is clearly built to last. The current generation Range Rover was launched in 2012 and has become an increasingly familiar sight on British roads, despite a starting price of £73,950. This car feels like a solid, well-built vehicle that won’t let you down.

Ultimately, I find myself struggling to find any area to criticise. Indeed, the Range Rover is remarkably accomplished in every area.

GGM

BC_Maurit Great Golf A4 11-14_Layout 1 11/11/2014 12:48 Page 1

Mauritius Paradis Hotel and Golf Club

The best choice of luxury hotels on the island

As the first hotel company in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels had the first pick of the most stunning locations and the best of the beaches when choosing to place its hotels.

We are now fortunate to have a choice of eight individual and exceptional hotels dotted around the island.

We’ve got everything from indulgent luxury to superb all inclusive options.

For families all of our resorts are family friendly offering a great range of free land and water sports, free children’s clubs for 3 to 12 year olds, a choice of spacious family accommodation and family friendly dining options.

For the ultimate luxury stay at the best address in Mauritius, the Royal Palm Hotel. For golfers challenge yourself on the Paradis Golf Course. And for the perfect family holiday choose one of our luxury villas at Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa, Paradis Hotel & Golf Club or Trou Aux Biches Resort & Spa.

For the very best Mauritius holidays call 01483 445 634

www.beachcombertours.co.uk

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auritius is a beguiling destination that, once visited, draws you back again and again. Its allures are many: the beauty of its scenery, dominated by distinctive, craggy mountain peaks; bays of glorious white-sand beaches, fringed by palm trees; the tranquil and shallow turquoise waters of the lagoons beyond, protected by reefs encircling the island, and its friendly, always smiling people.

As the Emirates Airbus A380 took off from Heathrow on a cold, dreary November evening for my fourth visit to Mauritius, via Dubai, I pondered how much change I would see since I last visited, almost 20 years ago.

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I remember huge swathes of the tropical island being covered by sugar cane plantations, and workers out in the fields cutting the cane plants by hand with machetes to load onto oxcarts. But cheaper international competitors, plummeting prices and slashed EU subsidies, have decimated the once-mighty sugar industry. As a result, many plantations have disappeared. Tourism is now the big cash cow.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF. On my last visit, I had passed sprawling

tracts of sugar cane stalks swaying in the sea breeze as I drove through the 6,000-acre Domaine de Bel Ombre, on the southwest coast. This time, it would be my base for the week.

In the intervening years, the estate has closed its sugar mill,

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dug up much of the sugar cane it had grown for 100 years and transformed itself into a luxury hospitality company.

Since 2004, it has operated two five-star hotels fronting a beautiful stretch of beach – the Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort and the adjacent Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort – as well as villas, two spas and the 18-hole Heritage Golf Club championship course.

One of seven 18-hole courses that now grace Mauritius, it is set to really put the island on the global golfing map in May, when it hosts the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, the first-ever trisanctioned pro tour event; a collaboration between the European Tour, Africa’s Sunshine Tour and the Asian Tour.

The four-day stroke play championship, from 7-10 May, will feature at least 40 players from each tour’s 2014 Order of Merit, competing for a purse of £1 million.

PALATIAL VILLA. The Mauritius Open was last held in 2008,

being superseded the following year by the MCB Open, a European Seniors Tour event that evolved into the MCB Tour Championship. This remains on the Seniors Tour calendar as the season’s finale each December. Like the MCB Open and previous Mauritius Open incarnation, it is held on the Legend Course at Constance Belle Mare Plage.

Some 600 million households on five continents will be able to

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watch the pros battle it out for the Mauritius Open honours on live and recorded TV coverage. The result will count towards each Tour’s Order of Merit, as well as official world golf ranking points.

Having been given a palatial three-bedroom villa, complete with its own plunge pool plus the use of my own golf buggy to explore the resort, I felt like a Tour pro. But I was not getting special treatment; all guests staying in one of the villas enjoy the same facilities. You can even have a chef cook a meal in your villa if you don’t want to eat at one of the twin resorts’ 12 restaurants.

ON COURSE. My first pit stop was lunch at the C Beach Club,

which will be the Mauritius Open players’ clubhouse. I met with Heritage Golf Club’s amiable general manager Ryan Dodds, who explained that hosting such a high profile event should raise awareness of Mauritius as a golf destination.

He was preaching to the converted. With its perfect, yearround tropical climate, top-class courses and plenty to do besides lazing on the beach or lounging by the pool, Mauritius really is a no-brainer for golfers who want to combine a beach-based holiday with as much golf as they want to play.

Another two courses are due to open on Mauritius by the end of 2016. For an island just over three times the size of the Isle of Man, having 10 18-hole courses to choose from, by designers including Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer, will please even the most ardent golf nut.

Like the Heritage course, the Avalon course (opening late next year in nearby Bois Cheri) is a design by South African Peter Matkovich. That will give the island’s southwest four courses, the others being Tamarina and Paradis.

PART OF PARADISE. Paradis and Tamarina make enjoyable golfing excursions that are not overly exacting. They offer golfers stunning settings and exquisite views.

Paradis nestles under the towering Le Morne mountain on a peninsula next to two hotels owned by the island’s largest hotel company, Beachcomber. It was a welcome return to Le Morne as I have stayed there twice before, and the Paradis golf manager, Mario, even remembered me from two decades earlier!

Paradis is an ideal holiday golf course, being neither long nor particularly difficult. Care is needed, however, to avoid a waterway that crosses several holes and the beautiful lagoon that edges five of the back nine holes.

It was my first time playing Tamarina and I was struck by the mountain views incorporated into the layout by designer Rodney Wright. The iconic sharp-peaked Mount Rempart, resembling a small Matterhorn, forms the memorable backdrop to several holes, most spectacularly on the dogleg par-4 7th and the tricky par-4 15th.

Another favourite was the par-3 6th, with elevated tee boxes requiring a tee shot over a river to a small, protected green 275 feet below.

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Links courses at the Constance Belle Mare Plage, Langer’s testing Le Touessrok layout taking up the entire offshore island, Ile aux Cerfs, and the Ernie Els-designed Four Seasons Anahita course.

This will share the Mauritius Open with the Heritage, hosting it on alternate years, starting from 2016. The second new course will be in the north.

Els is kind to wayward drivers, with expansive and forgiving fairways, if you can avoid the well-placed bunkers on many holes or the meandering Lazy Burn on the short par-4 9th. Stop off after the 9th green to see the two giant Aldabra tortoises that live in a pen just behind it. They are partial to bananas, and lumber towards you in expectation of a snack.

Accuracy is key for approach shots, with the small and undulating greens heavily protected by bunkers. Anahita’s par-5 4th, called Ocean Drive, and the par-3 8th, Manta Ray, both play directly towards the azure Indian Ocean before the last three holes serve up one of golf’s most drop-dead gorgeous finishes. Keep your eye on your shots instead of the passing boats, the inviting sea or Ile aux Cerfs, across the bay, otherwise your score will suffer.

QUALITY SERVICE. Anahita is managed by the adjacent, luxury Four Seasons hotel, and the service quality is as high on the course as it is in the hotel. A waiter even serves cold lemon juice and cookies at the halfway point.

A five-minute ride in a small ferryboat brings you to Ile aux Cerfs. Make sure you stock up on golf balls as you will need plenty. It is a brute of a course, albeit a beautiful one, with narrow fairways, water hazards galore, mangrove swamps and thick stands of trees to negotiate. The constant wind off the ocean makes club selection and deciding where to aim even tougher.

Amazingly, I belied my 23 handicap and mostly kept it on the short stuff, losing only two balls in the water and getting round one of the toughest courses I have ever played in a gross 91 and 40 Stableford points. Pretty much every hole has the wow factor, as well as the “ow” factor when your ball vanishes into a hazard…

NINE HOLE COURSES. There are also four nine-hole courses on the east coast, among them one designed by golf legend Gary Player, next to the Saint Gerain hotel.

I played two rounds on the Heritage course, one with Heritage’s Ryan Dodds the day before he jetted off to the Algarve to pick up the award of Best Golf Course in the Indian Ocean for the Heritage Golf Club at the inaugural World Golf Awards – a testament to its quality.

Resort guests get golf included. With wide fairways and not too many unfriendly hazards, it is a manageable course for most golfers. Several holes offer commanding views over parts of the course and its pitch and putt sibling, as well as to the ocean.

Matkovich also uses tall grasses to mimic sugar cane on some holes, notably the par-3 8th. Beware the huge volcanic rock just

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GOOD TO KNOW ­ before the 4th green, get stuck behind it like I was and you are as dead as the proverbial dodo, with no shot to the green.

TIME TO INDULGE. The Heritage restaurants are all different. I particularly enjoyed the food, service and beachside views at the Awali resort’s Infinity Blue and the Heritage Le Telfair’s Asianinspired Gin’Ja, where my duck choice was flambéed at my table with panache, not to mention dining under the floodlit branches of a huge ficus tree next to the historic Chateau de Bel Ombre, the grand plantation house which now specialises in local food sourced on the Domaine.

I indulged in a very relaxing spa session, choosing from the Seven Colours Spa Millennium Collection at the Heritage Le Telfair. The treatments are based on a colour and flower you select.

I chose lavender, said to be very calming, and indeed it was.

NATURE RESERVE. The active can explore the Domaine by 4x4, quad bike or Segway. I sat behind tour leader Fabrice on a powerful 700cc two-seater quad bike as he drove me through the Frederica Nature Reserve. The reserve covers almost half the entire estate, and we saw a lovely waterfall, wild boar and deer, as well as an overlook giving a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside, coastline and ocean.

Pointing out the old sugar mill at the entrance to the sister hotels, Fabrice explained that Mauritius once had more than 250 sugar cane factories. Today there are just four left; Bel Ombre’s having closed in 1998.

Sadly, there was no time to visit Belle Mare Plage and play the Legends or Links courses there. That will have to wait until next time.

However, I did catch a traditional Sega show at the Heritage Awali on my final night. The Creole rhythms were every bit as vibrant as I recalled from previous visits, and I was mesmerised by the colourful dresses of the dancers as they whirled to the insistent beat by a bonfire on the beach.

I will make sure I don’t leave it another 20 years before I return to this treasured island.

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GOLF CRUISE

sea OUT TO

By Richard Asher, photos Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Abama Golf, Tenerife and Tecina Golf Club

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y stomach was not relishing another boat ride. My old childhood friend, travel sickness, had come back to town in recent months. We hadn’t seen each other since I was twelve.

Reacquaintance, though, had been swift, and the year leading up to my voyage on the MS Europa 2 had seen too much motion-inspired greenness.

I wasn't sure I should be doing this, but the chance to take my first proper ocean cruise, with golf trips ashore thrown in, was too good to miss. So here I was on Lisbon's quay, pre-loaded with pills. Ready to rock, but hopefully without the roll.

M

AT SEA. What a romantic port Lisbon is for a departure! Under the Tagus bridge and past the statue of Christ we slipped, just after midnight, then swept out into the vast blackness of the ocean. I thought of the great Portuguese explorers, who would have sailed out of here with little clue where they were going, or whether they were ever coming back.

I felt the boat begin to sway as we left the estuary's embrace and the North Atlantic grabbed us. But the pills did their job; I went to bed feeling solid. And the dreaded seasickness never did catch up with me. God bless the pharmaceutical industry.

Day one was spent at sea, so I prowled the decks.

The Europa 2 is small enough that you never feel overwhelmed. It's deliberately designed with a lot of 'wasted' space, indulgent to its core! And the sea is visible almost everywhere on board, so you never forget you're on a ship.

It was a good day to try the quintessential cruise experience, lying on a deck chair, watching the ocean slide by. I could see the appeal, especially with a warm November sun frying my starboard balcony. There was something about this cruising lark that made relaxing a lot easier than usual.

ROYAL AND ANCIENT SLICE. If you've had enough

My experienced cruise companions had already warned me that the Europa 2 might unfairly raise a rookie's expectations. Apparently, cruise ships didn't get much better than this one, a relatively small, German-run vessel, offering an understated, spacious, quality-over-quantity experience. The only way from here would be down. Oh well. I could think of worse problems to have.

SUITE SUCCESS. I didn't know where to look first.

The Spa Suite was a staggering wonderland that put most earthbound lodgings to shame. It was one of those clever, romantic rooms with a giant window between the bathroom and the bedroom. A design which - among other things - lends a great feeling of space to the suite.

Food lay all over the tastefully partitioned lounge area. Welcome champagne, piles of fresh fruit, caviarladen delicacies whose names I couldn't tell you, and far more chocolatey treats than I should be presented with so close to dinner time. As the cruise wore on, I surely disappointed my butler with my failure to keep up with the kitchen's regular snack offerings. If I’d put it all away though, I might have had to leave the room by the balcony.

The suite held other interests too, like a tablet, a sun deck big enough for four, a Jacuzzi bath and enough drawer space to house six months' worth of socks. But I forgot all that when I realized the walk-in shower doubled as a steam room. Simply outstanding.

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ocean-gazing, then there's the perfect antidote if you’re a golfer: a virtual game at the indoor golf centre. Here you can get a lesson from the on-board professional, with the help of the state-of-the-art Full Swing/E6 system. I'd always wanted to try a round at St Andrews, yet kept putting it off. Mainly because I fear my slice will have me miss golf’s widest fairway. This seemed like the perfect time to test my nerve under the imaginary gaze of the R&A members. So pro Roland Milich set me up on the first tee, and sure enough, I promptly blasted it out of bounds. More than once.

I skipped to the 17th and 18th, but things remained dire, which told me the simulator is pretty sharp! The projected flight looked disappointingly true to the mishits I manage in the real world.

CASABLANCA. Casablanca is an evocative name, and

I was off the boat like a shot when we docked. And I liked easing into a new land in this way. Running down the gangway and onto solid land (OK, concrete) really beats the airport thing. Even the crack-of-dawn walk through the deserted harbour was surprisingly atmospheric.

After a spot of sight-seeing, our group lunched at Rick's Cafe, a name instantly recognizable to fans of the film to which this city lent its name. It's a faithful recreation, opened a decade ago by a passionate former US embassy attaché. She’s created a convincing ambience with décor and music, and the food’s hearty too. It's a nice touch for Casablanca, since none of the film was actually shot there.

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Abama Golf, Tenerife

GOLF OUTING. Today was also the first golf day of the cruise,

what a terrific one it was for the game at Royal El Jadida.

Pleasantly warm, with delightful blue skies and no wind, but a long way from the oppressive heat you’d get in summer.

The course was an hour or so up the coast, but certainly worth the ride. The front nine was a lot more wooded than you might associate with golf in a desert country – bad news for that slice of mine! The back nine was more open, though, and the rolling terrain allowed for some magnificent sea and sky views.

Halfway eats were part of the package, and you had to approve of the local touch to the fare. Dates and figs accompanied the cakes and sandwiches, so none of the 20 or 80

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so players could forget they were in Morocco.

It was an altogether fun, easy way to spend one’s day ashore.

And I was pleasantly surprised to find that the crew even give your clubs a thorough clean before returning them to you!

BRIDGE PARTY. Captain Wolter kindly invited us to the bridge

twice. On the first visit, during our at-sea day, we saw dolphins at play around the front of the vessel. And now we savoured the excitement of departing Casablanca, trying - and not always succeeding - not to block the Chief Officer’s view as he pulled away from the pier.

A no-nonsense seaman, albeit one with an incongruously playful

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penguin-motif coffee mug (never rinsed, per German custom), our Kapitän always greeted us with firm handshakes. He and his crew steered a steady ship throughout the voyage. I’d recommend them.

By sunrise, urban Morocco had long disappeared on the port side, replaced by a savage landscape of parched, rocky hillsides dropping straight into the sea. It looked romantic from afar, but not the sort of place you'd want to get washed up needing help.

HIGH MOUNTAINS AND HIGH TEA. Late on the third morning we reached Agadir. Having discovered city life the day before, it was time for a more rural Moroccan experience. So I resolved to climb the bare-looking hillside behind the docks.

I found solitude in abundance. It only took ten minutes to hike away from the bustling coast road and reach a windless scrubland.

There, buzzing flies were the only sound. The views over the Atlantic were epic, as were those of Agadir from the medieval kasbah further along the hilltop. Beyond the city, the coastline swept south as far as the eye could see, to even more exotic places like Mauritania.

Perhaps suffering a touch of sunstroke after my walk, I was more than ready for high tea after hitch-hiking back to the Europa 2. I had to sample unlimited cakes at least once on the trip! For me, too much of the selection had hidden bits of fruit in it, but as an event - a pianist in the corner and a steaming cup of Assam in my hand - tea did not disappoint.

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Tecina Golf Club, La Gomera

RESTAURANTS. As if the relentless replenishment of my suite's

food supplies wasn't enough, I was also expected to eat three multi-course meals a day! For fine diners, the ship offers French, Italian, Japanese, Asian and other international restaurants.

My meal at Elements, which offers an Asian flavour, stood out.

I liked its cosy ambience (although the more airy Tarragon did score points for boasting not one but two paintings of Hungarian Puli dogs, courtesy of German artist Cornelius Völker) and its mouth-watering menu made me an indecisive wreck. Everything from the laksa to the tuna steak to the coconut and honey crème brûlée was a taste sensation. For a more casual dining experience -- though the food quality remains -- the partially al fresco Yacht Club restaurant is a true pleasure, especially for daylight dining.

LAST BATH AND LAST DAY. All that remained on the fourth and

final night was to find time for the Jacuzzi bath, which I’d neglected amid the lengthy to-do list on ship and on shore. I thought I’d been cunning by running it hot well in advance - it takes a while to fill - and then letting it cool for an hour or so.

But the bath laughed in my face with its incredible heat retention qualities. I think I could have evolved cold blood in less time than it would have taken to be useable.

Eventually I found room for enough cold water to allow entry.

A couple of minutes with the jets and the light show were worth the wait though. Especially the white light, which makes you feel like you're bathing in milk.

Next day, it was unexpected rain and chill as we approached Lanzarote and prepared to leave the cruise at its midway point.

Appropriate enough, as those of us departing were pretty miserable about doing so. For me, the idea of missing out playing golf on Tenerife, and of course the quirky Tecina GC on La Gomera, made matters even worse!

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It's surely impossible not to have a great time on the Europa 2.

Maybe I’ve been spoilt, but if that’s cruising, I’ll have some more please! With a side helping of those pills…

GGM

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MONTBLANC

te a m i t l u The

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e c e i p r e t s ma

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amburg H o t s l e v avies tra D s u g to life. c n e A m . o n c s w t o n world-ren writing instrumene.com, photos courtesy Montblan f o n o s i a ury m re fine es, www.escapementmagazi x e u h l w a n s i o i c t Davi B y Angus Montblan s a culture of perfec er and discov

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I

have always exhibited a predilection for goods bearing the words “Made in Germany”. These three words, based on personal experience, bestow peace of mind, conferring quality, longevity and reliability. If I examine my car -buying history, I often succumb to four rings on a grille, a three pointed star, or the blue and white roundel of BMW. Indeed, driving my own 6 Series around the twisty byways of the Cotswolds recently, I perfectly understand the brand’s strapline, “The Ultimate Driving Machine”.

THE ULTIMATE WRITING MACHINE. In 1906, Montblanc was founded in Hamburg and is now an über-luxury maison, synonymous with producing fine writing instruments adorned with a snow-capped emblem. Over the years, Montblanc has enlarged its product portfolio, making luxury watches in Switzerland and producing gorgeous leather items in Italy. Nevertheless, Germany remains the home for the production of, arguably, the most luxurious writing instruments in existence.

I cherish my own Montblanc Starwalker fountain pen. It engenders a sense of well-being each time I use it and represents the very antithesis of a hastily scribbled note with a disposable hotel-issue ballpoint pen. When writing with a Montblanc, each word is bestowed with gravitas and greater meaning. There is no substitute for inscribing words with a fine writing instrument. In my opinion, Montblanc is the ultimate writing machine.

Strolling along the corridors of the extensive Hamburg factory, I noted numerous photographs gracing the walls, showing heads of state signing treaties of historical significance, all using a Montblanc writing instrument.

Other walls were adorned with original works of art, acting as a source of aesthetic inspiration. A word frequently used in the same breath as art is “Masterpiece”, or rather, “Meisterstück”.

THE ICONIC MEISTERSTÜCK. The Meisterstück 149 fountain pen, first released 90 years ago, is made of dark black precious resin, and features a hand-ground gold nib, three gold-plated rings and a gold-plated clip. It is revered by legions of admirers. Since its release, Montblanc has expanded its collection of models. Some models exhibit a traditional aesthetic, whereas others evince a thoroughly modern mien.

The maison also makes limited editions and even bespoke pieces for those who wish to express their own personality. It was with this in mind that I looked at some areas of Montblanc’s vast operation, keen to capture just a soupçon of the savoir-faire which makes this a truly exceptional luxury brand.

NIB PRODUCTION. Nibs are constructed of 14-carat or 18-carat gold and,

in some instances, they are rhodium plated. There are 35 steps necessary to construct a nib.

A long strip of gold, held in a reel, is fed into a pressing machine. Nib shaped metal strips are formed under colossal pressure, to form curved “platines". By subjecting the platines to this pressure, they become incredibly stiff and won’t revert to their former shape. A stamp is engraved by a timeserved artisan and this embellishes the nib with a decorative motif, an inscription or, in the case of some limited edition models, an artistic depiction pertinent to the model.

A hole in the upper surface of the nib permits air to enter the pen, allowing the ink to flow. Some are circular in form, whereas others are delivered in various shapes, including the romantic’s favourite, a stylish heart.

A slit is cut into the leading edge of the tip. This incredibly small gap allows

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In order to assess my writing and ultimately propose the most appropriate nib, Montblanc provided a small passage of text, asking me to replicate it with a special pen linked to a computer and concluding the message with my signature.

the ink to travel to the paper by means of capillary action. Often positioned in the centre of the tip, albeit not always, it’s cut with a high speed circular disc.

COSTLY MATERIAL. At the end of the tip is

a round sphere made of iridium, a platinumlike material, fused with the main body of the nib using a precise pulse of heat. This material is incredibly expensive, costing approximately €4500 per 100g, but is considered the best metal for this purpose.

“Compromise” doesn’t seem to be part of the Montblanc lexicon.

The nib is then subject to polishing by a skilled artisan. It is placed against a revolving grinding wheel and repeatedly guided in a figure of eight until all surfaces gleam brilliantly. Subtle tweaks are then made to the nib with deft use of jeweller’s pliers and, finally, the nib is expertly smoothed by hand and tested, mainly using colourless ink, to ensure everything is perfect. “Perfection” is a word often used at Montblanc, with no signs of economy in evidence.

B E S P O K E N I B S E R V I C E . I ’ ve n e ve r considered my hand writing to be beautiful, sometimes wondering whether I was predisposed to a career as a general practitioner, such is the dreadful ugliness of my scrawl.

In order to assess my writing and ultimately propose the most appropriate nib, my host from Montblanc provided a small passage of text, asking me to replicate it with a special pen linked to a computer and concluding the message with my signature.

A facsimile of the text appeared on the screen of the computer, depicted in an array of colours. A plethora of data was displayed.

The average pressure I applied to the

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paper was light, 0.65 Newtons (N), denoting a “relaxed handwriting” style. My average writing speed was measured at 6.8 cm per second. However, like many individuals, it significantly increased when signing my name. Indeed, it accelerated to 62.3cm per second, making me feel like the Usain Bolt of scribblers.

Other measurements included my “writing instrument angle”, “writing instrument rotation” and my “swing angle”. The state of the art science was very impressive and provided an interesting juxtaposition with the traditional craftsmanship I had just witnessed in the nib production area.

A fine nib was recommended, flattering my handwriting style.

However, trying an extra fine nib and some bespoke options further improved the ease with which I imparted ink to paper. A bespoke nib accords a high degree of personalisation, akin to a tailor-made Savile Row suit.

THE ARTISAN ATELIER. Montblanc’s limited edition models are

much sought after among the cognoscenti. Some collectors purchase two examples, one to use and one to keep in its original packaging, preserving its factory-fresh appearance. However, the ultimate expression of personalisation and luxury is Création Privée produced in the Artisan Atelier.

These writing instruments are unique, limited only by the imagination of the client and the price they are willing, or able, to pay.

This is a world which is remote from the high street offerings I’ve previously seen. The entry to this exclusive experience is €250,000, with a recent example costing as much as €2,400,000.

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However, talk of such matters appears unseemly in this rarefied world, where only a privileged few will breathe the creative air of the Artisan Atelier. Discretion is assured, with my tour guide at no stage revealing the identity of the maison’s clients or the design of their commissioned writing instrument.

The creative process commences with the client meeting the Montblanc designer and a dream begins to take shape in the Artisan Atelier.

THE MONTBLANC CUT. The Master Craftsmen, invariably from the world of high-end jewellery, expertly use a hand-held burin, adding artistic decorations of timeless elegance. Gems are carefully selected, with only the finest passing muster. Each diamond, ruby, emerald or sapphire is exquisitely set with each facet carefully considered. The maison even has its own unique cut of diamond: the Montblanc cut.

A choice of precious metals, exotic materials such as mammoth tusk, jade or wood can be chosen for the pen case and cap, while the nib can be personalised with a unique design, gems or personal motif.

The opportunity to individualise a writing instrument appears to be without limits, with nothing seeming beyond the abilities of this talented group of artists. These are masterpieces made in a centre of excellence and, just like a famous landscape or portrait, they are duly signed, in this instance with a snow-capped emblem with its “six glacier tongues” stylishly depicted. Indeed, this is a signature of a great master’s work, the very special signature of GGM Montblanc..

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BERMUDA

Where dreams

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cometrue

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Golfers who have never had a hole-in-one should take a trip to Bermuda.

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hat’s the secret? Well, all its 18 holes are par threes. And par threes are, of course, where elusive aces are scored. But if you’re thinking ‘pitch-and-putt’ or an undemanding ‘executive par three’, think again because the holes at Turtle Hill wouldn’t look out of place at Augusta, Pebble Beach or Pinehurst.

The Theodore Robinson-designed course measures 2684 yards so the average length of each hole is just under 150 yards. The 14th, however, is over 200 yards long and there’s plenty of tough rough and water hazards in which it’s all too easy to lose balls. I lost three on the front nine alone. And there’s certainly no shortage of bunkers. The dramatic elevation changes and impressive views over the Atlantic also greatly enhance its enormous visual appeal.

And you’ll never guess who I bumped into. Three top European tour pros -- Ronan Rafferty, Barry Lane and Bill Longmuir. They and dozens of top amateurs had just been participating in the Grey Goose Par Three World Championship at Turtle Hill.

TONY JACKLIN. Two-time major winner Tony Jacklin has played here and Johnny Miller, also a two-time major champion, holds the course record. His astonishing 49 included two holed bunker shots and, yes, a hole-in-one.

I asked Turtle Hill’s Director of Golf, Anthony Mocklow, if he would like to see more par three tournaments. “Indeed I would.

I’m hoping to start a proper par three tour with around 30 tournaments all over the world.” He’s also hoping a future championship at Turtle Hill will be televised. “One of the most appealing aspects of par three golf is that a round only takes about three hours, which leaves you plenty of time to do other things for the remainder of the day.”

Mine only took two-and-a-half hours but speed rather than low scoring has always been the strongest part of my game.

So what are the chances of you recording that elusive ace at Turtle Hill? There were no fewer than 63 last year with one day producing a record crop of four. With 30,000 rounds played a 94

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year, there’s a total of over half a million attempts annually. Of these, roughly one in 8,600 ends with the ball dropping in the hole, scenes of wild jubilation on the tee and drinks all round in the bar afterwards.

FAIRMONT HOTEL. So if you stay in the fabulous adjoining Fairmont Southampton hotel for a week and play, say, two rounds a day, there’s a fairly decent one in 34 chance that you will achieve the ambition of a lifetime.

By the way, the 11th, which is stroke index 18 and the easiest hole on the course, has given up the most holes-in-one, so take particularly careful aim at this one. Since you ask, I had a solid bogey four there.

The green fees alone will set you back over $1200 and, if successful, there will be a hefty bar bill to settle. Is it worth it? If you fulfil a dream, of course it is. Then, to celebrate your achievement, why not treat yourself to a round at one of the several other outstanding courses in Bermuda?

NOT THE CARIBBEAN. If you’re lucky enough to bag your ace early in the week, leaving you several days of golfing indulgence, then you will have a chance to play a few of the other half a dozen 18-hole and two nine-hole courses on this delightful island.

They are all lovely so you can’t actually go wrong. But before I agonise over which is the best and suggest an order in which to play the others, let’s make sure you know your geography and a few other relevant details about Bermuda.

Perhaps the most important fact is where it is or, more precisely, where it isn’t. Contrary to popular belief, Bermuda is not in the Caribbean but is stuck out in the North Atlantic about 660 miles from the coast of North Carolina.

It enjoys a semi-tropical climate and the near constant breezes render it absolutely ideal for golf. Play is year-round, with October to April the most popular period. The average daytime temperature in January and February, thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Incidentally, although it lies in the hurricane belt and was recently blasted by Gonzalo, Bermuda normally misses the worst

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of the storms. In any case, the best hotels are members of the Bermuda Hotel Association which allows guests to cancel their reservation without penalty if a hurricane is forecast to pass within 200 miles of the island.

NO RUSH. A British Overseas Territory, Bermuda claims to have the highest concentration of courses anywhere in the world.

Because land is so precious, these courses are not overly long, which is something of a virtue as it helps shorten the time taken 96

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to play a round. Not that there’s ever any reason to rush in Bermuda, a point underlined by the extremely modest 20 mph speed limit.

If you think such a limit would drive you crazy and stress you out as you grip the steering wheel ever tighter, fearing you might miss your tee time, relax. Such a situation will never arise as visitors to the island can’t rent cars.

They can, however, hire motor scooters and I nearly wrote mine off driving around the car park of the rental company in a

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All of the 34 fabulous beaches in Bermuda are unique and beautiful in their own ways

futile bid to convince them they could entrust me with one of their machines.

A combination of inexperience and unfamiliarity with driving on the left renders scooters rather dangerous and so taking a taxi is best. In any case, as the island is only 22 miles long and extremely narrow, no golf course is ever very far away.

The Bermuda dollar is pegged to the US dollar and US notes and coins are used interchangeably with Bermudian notes and coins. Because pretty well everything has to be imported, nothing

is cheap and golf is no exception. But, reasonably priced packages are available and offer good value.

WHICH COURSE TO PLAY. Okay, let’s get back to the golf and

make some tough decisions as to which courses to play and in what order. Let’s start with the worst case scenario and imagine you have just one day and time for just one course, which should it be?

Well, opinion is pretty evenly divided between Mid Ocean and Port Royal as to which is the very best in Bermuda. Both have 97

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hosted the prestigious annual battle between the four major winners – the Grand Slam of Golf – and both are truly exceptional and deserve a mention whenever the most beautiful courses in the world are discussed.

If you detect some hesitation and prevarication on my part, it’s only because I don’t want to offend either by preferring the other.

However, I didn’t get where I am today by sitting on the out-ofbounds fence and so, if forced, I would have to say Mid Ocean edges it by the length of a tee-peg.

THE GARDEN OF EDEN. If God had thoughtfully provided Adam and Eve with 18 holes in the Garden of Eden, Mid Ocean is how it would have looked: lovely, lush and not overly long. Designed

by Charles B. Macdonald nearly a century ago, it rolls gently around the hills, benefits from plenty of elevation and enjoys glorious views over the ocean.

Among those who have experienced both the fabulous course and stunning scenery are Dwight Eisenhower, Sir Winston Churchill and George Bush Senior.

Always presented in immaculate condition, the only mild blemishes on an otherwise perfect track occur where local roads cross the course. But even these quirkily add character to a marvellous and totally unforgettable experience. The other thing to remember is that visitors are welcome on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Port Royal lies at the other end of the island. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Senior and owned by the government, it benefited from a multi-million dollar makeover back in 2009 prior to taking over the responsibility of hosting the Grand Slam tournament from Mid Ocean.

Having enjoyed a great deal of TV exposure over the last few years, it would appear unlikely that it will continue to be the venue for this popular event beyond 2014, which is the eighth held in Bermuda.

STRONG NERVES. The stand-out hole is the breathtaking, par-3

16th. With the green perched in the distance, the Atlantic on your left and oblivion in between tee and green, it takes a strong nerve whether hitting from the regular tee (180 yards) or the championship tee (235 yards). Take a moment or two to soak up the view and then calm your nerves by gazing down upon the plump parrot fish basking in the shallow waters below.

Remember we’re working backwards from departure day and, in effect therefore, subtly ranking courses in reverse order. Assuming your ace comes with three days left of your vacation, the choice about where to play next is a tricky one. However, tough choices are an integral part of golf and, in my opinion, Riddell’s Bay just sneaks into third place.

It’s the oldest club on the island and the easiest of the four I played to walk around. Mind you, carts are available everywhere and are well used so pedestrian golfers are sadly still something of a rarity.

Occupying a narrow peninsula, the course is right on the water and the three ocean holes are worth the green fee on their own.

What it lacks in length (it’s less than 6000 yards long) it more than makes up for in character.

TUCKER’S POINT. A lot longer and benefiting from much more

in the way of elevation is the imposing and impressive Tucker’s Point. Right next door to Mid Ocean, it enjoys similarly superb views in what is the most exclusive neighbourhood on the island.

The course is extremely challenging with intelligent bunkering.

A sprinkling of water hazards augments anxiety levels whilst at the same time adding to the considerable visual appeal. The trees, too, are both a pleasure and a pain. And the few blind shots will 98

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excite some whilst irritating others. The magnificent clubhouse occupies a prominent point from which to gaze upon the breathtaking beauty of Bermuda.

You can desperately store that view in your memory bank and summon it up on a miserable winter’s day or, better still, resolve to return, enjoy it all over again and play the courses you missed the last time you were there.

GGM

GOOD TO KNOW ­

In support of

Time for life ―with two limited edition timepieces in support of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins

Sans Frontières. Each watch raises £100 for the Nobel Peace Prize winning humanitarian organization. And still these handcrafted mechanical watches with the red 12 cost the same as the classic Tangente models from NOMOS Glashütte. Help now, wear forever. £100 from every product sold is paid to Médecins Sans Frontières UK, a UK registered charity no. 1026588. NOMOS retailers helping to help include C S Bedford, C W Sellors, Catherine Jones, Fraser Hart, Hamilton & Inches, Mappin & Webb, Orro, Perfect Timing, Russell & Case, Stewart's Watches, Stuart Thexton, Watches of Switzerland, Wempe. Find these and other authorised NOMOS retailers at www.nomos-watches.com, or order online at www.nomos-store.com.

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COSTA RICA

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By Dena Roché, photos by Four Seasons Resort, Hacienda Pinilla Golf and Reserva Conchal Golf Club

life

THE GOO D

IF YOU ARE PLANNING

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erched on five acres of private peninsula in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, Villa Manzu is a yearold, jaw-dropping, 30,000 square foot private estate that you will quickly come to think of as home during your stay. I admit that I did not want to move out after my five-day trip in October.

The word ‘manzu’ comes from the native Chorotegan language and translates as ‘friends’, and you will quickly come to think of your household staff (from Jenifer and Chris, the general managers, to Luis and David, the butlers) as such.

I have covered luxury travel for seven years and Villa Manzu now sits atop my list as the most special place I have stayed. The architecture, which weaves in touches of Chorotegan and Southeast Asian styles, plays a part but it’s the marriage of the exterior designs with the interior touches that make the mansion so amazing.

When I explore the house on my first day I experience sensory

P

overload, unsure what to look at next. Every piece of décor, from the doors, to the light fixtures, to the textiles and knick-knacks are brimming with details, ensuring that each time you look you see something you missed before.

THE GARDEN SUITE. The property has eight suites, including

two, not surprisingly, over-the-top master suites. I am staying in the Naciente, a garden suite where the standout feature is doors that open directly onto the steps of the plunge pool and hot tub.

Inside there are two king-size beds and a modern, stand-alone tub that beckons me on my first night. I also love that the rain shower is the perfect temperature as soon as it’s turned on. The suite is a mix of greens, whites and wood, with both Moroccan and Balinese inspired pieces.

Every stay at Villa Manzu is bespoke – whatever your heart desires can be arranged. For golfers, this means trips to the three courses nearby.

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The top course in the area is just a short drive to the nearby Four Seasons Resort. It is an Andrew Palmer, par 72 course that offers an experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world; ocean views, massive elevation changes and a dry forest setting.

Covering over seven miles, walking the course is not even allowed.

Fourteen holes have such amazing ocean views that the pro Randoll Viquez tells me that while the course is technically on the easier end, the challenge is not to get distracted by the scenery.

The signature holes include numbers three, six, seven and 17.

Number six is considered to be one of the five best holes Palmer ever designed, and there is a 300-foot elevation change from the tee to the hole. This one hole took over a year to build. The Audubon-certified course was just named ‘Best in Central America’, by World Golf Awards and is ranked among the Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses, outside the US. It is also one of the most expensive places to play golf in Central America.

BE AWARE OF SNAKES. If you haven’t had your fill of golf, the par 71 championship course at Reserva Conchal, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr, is an hour away at the Westin Resort. The first Audubon-certified course in Costa Rica has less ocean views than the Four Seasons, but the greens are well protected and challenging and will play well for all skill levels.

Like the Four Seasons course, you’ll often find animals like pizotes (a member of the raccoon family) on the greens and be careful when playing because snakes like to hide in the tall grass.

Another top course, an hour from Villa Manzu, is Hacienda 104

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Pinilla – a par 72, Mike Young designed course that is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. The course has two sides; the ocean nine, with three holes with spectacular views, and other holes that teem with wildlife and otherworldly Matapalo trees.

The ranch side is where you’ll likely hear howler monkeys. During January through March expect big winds to be a factor in your game. Because the Guanacaste region is a desert, during the dry season courses will be drier and the forest less lush.

ACTIVITIES GALORE. Costa Rica is known as an outdoor adventurer’s paradise and when you stay at Villa Manzu you have access to paddle boards, surfing, snorkeling and kayaks. You can take them out on your own or have the naturalist on staff give a lesson on any activity. The staff can also arrange ocean adventures, trips to the volcano, horse riding, excursions to the coffee plantations and pretty much anything else you can dream up.

There are several beaches around the property and guests have access to the Playa Prieta Private Beach Club. One of my most memorable experiences was having Felipe lead a few of us on a hike to a secret beach, a stretch of oceanfront that reminded me of Hawaii with black volcanic rocks jutting up from the water.

Our group said thunder be damned and headed out despite the impending weather…

While the hike is short, a part of it is down a steep rocky trail.

No surprise that it started pouring on the walk there and the rain continued while we frolicked on the sand picking up shells for souvenirs. When we turned to go back we realised our trail had

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Every stay at Villa Manzu is bespoke – whatever your heart desires can be arranged literally turned into a waterfall. Thankfully, laundry is included in your stay and everything, including our tennis shoes, was fresh by the next morning.

RELAXING. I must admit that Villa Manzu was so relaxing that it

was lovely to just slow the pace down. I enjoyed lounging in the infinity pool, drinking in the view (and a glass of wine!), taking part in some of the activities provided and simply reading a good book whilst surrounded by luxury.

Luis, an oenophile after my own heart, lead my small group in a wine tasting of some of the 128 bottles from the villa’s cellar, and also gave us a lesson about Costa Rican coffee, showing us how it is traditionally brewed.

Sous chef Jack Pol offered a hands-on cooking class one afternoon and I tried to convince house manager Jenifer that the shrimp, lobster and rice I made should qualify me for the open executive chef position. Alas, I didn’t even get an interview.

THE CULINARY TEAM. Speaking of food, before your stay at Villa Manzu you will consult with the staff about any food allergies, likes and dislikes your group has and the culinary team will craft a menu. They’ve even gone so far as to have a rabbi certify the kitchen kosher for one group.

My group is simpler, but we do test them with dairy and gluten issues and several pescatarians in the mix. The villa employs an executive chef, sous chef and a breakfast and pastry chef. Sondra, the pastry wizard, whipped up some of the best brownies I’ve ever had and they were dairy and gluten-free.

Lunches of soba noodle salad with jumbo shrimp or fish or 106

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pork tacos were delicious. While at dinnertime we feasted on appetizers like orange and cinnamon caramelized lobster tiradito, with a roasted bell pepper coulis, to mains of grilled baby snapper with port and thyme risotto, mint and a baby zucchini sauce.

Desserts like chocolate cream coconut foam and dried pineapple tulle and wild berries tested my willpower.

With no job to keep me onsite, it was with a heavy heart that I said pura vida to Villa Manzu. Pura Vida is a distinctly Costa Rican phrase that can be used as a greeting or a goodbye – it says ‘this is living’. And boy, is Villa Manzu living!

GGM

GOOD TO KNOW ­

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GREAT GIFTS FOR HIM & HER

Zepp, the leader in sports performance technology, announces the UK availability of the world’s first app-powered multi-sport training platform for golf and tennis. The Zepp training system captures performance data by combining a 3D sensor, sport specific equipment mounts and mobile apps. Zepp consulted with professional players and coaches to develop the sensor and apps, including those from the PGA TOUR. The UK launch coincides with the debut of a new free Zepp Golf app that offers exclusive content and access to video analysis features, allowing players to analyse and compare swings to the world’s best professional golf athletes. The app provides a detailed analysis of the pros’ swings, complete with specific training tips and drills. When paired with the Zepp multi-sport sensor the app delivers a powerful 3D training platform.

Zepp Multi-Sport Sensor. The Zepp 3D motion sensor is extremely small, at 1-inch square, less than half an inch thick and weighing just 6.3 grams, so it never impedes performance.

Constructed of a rugged rubber exterior and shock-resistant core, the sensor is also extremely durable to withstand all types of abuse on the golf course or tennis court. Each sensor contains a powerful ARM processor, multiple motion sensors, storage for up to 2,000 swings and up to eight hours of battery life. Using innovative sport-specific mounts, the Zepp sensor easily attaches to any tennis racket or golf glove. It captures 1,000 data points per second and transfers all of this data to a user’s smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.

Zepp products are sold in thousands of retail stores around the world including Apple, Curry’s/PC World, Argos and John Lewis in the UK. For more information, visit www.greatgolfproshop.com

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TomTom Golfer TomTom has launched the TomTom Golfer, a GPS sports watch designed to make it easier for golfers to improve their game. Unique course graphics clearly show accurate distances to hazards and layups, and the best approach to the green.

The TomTom Golfer uses key golf course data from more than 34,000 golf courses across the globe with course updates delivered wirelessly via a unique smartphone app, so golfers can trust they are playing with the most up-to-date information.

“Understanding the challenges ahead will help golfers to improve their score,” says Corinne Vigreux, managing director at TomTom Consumer. “The TomTom Golfer provides at-a-glance graphics to critical course data, helping golfers to make smarter decisions and improve how they play.”

The TomTom Golfer is designed for golfers, with a lightweight and slim appearance. It uses GPS technology to automatically recognize nearby courses and finds the next hole. A golfer can also keep track of the score, distance and time of a round.

The TomTom Golfer is available in white/green or dark grey/green priced £199.99 from American Golf, Direct Golf, John Lewis, Argos and Amazon.

Visit www.tomtom.com for more info.

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Treccani Milano luxury golf line

GOURMET TROTTER The Galloway The Galloway by Gourmet Trotter will revolutionise the way you picnic. It is a fantastic new way to enjoy picnics and outdoor eating with less fuss and far more style, even the Royal family agrees. The Queen bought one for Prince Philip after she saw the one Prince Andrew received for Christmas!

The product is designed for prestigious events such as Ascot, Glyndebourne, Henley Regatta, Equestrian events, School Speech, Sports days and Shooting Parties.

Versatile and easy to manoeuvre, especially designed to fit a standard golf trolley (included with every Gourmet Trotter). There are three modules, which fit together or can be used separately. Contents include stainless steel storage bowls, teaspoons, bottle opener, linen napkins, chopping board, plates, bowls, wine glasses, tumblers and cutlery for 4.

Price £399. Available from www.cuckooland.com

Couture silk robes

Treccani Milano offers an unprecedented level of craftsmanship and elegance through its luxury golf line with multiple product categories including ready-to-wear and bespoke tailored polo shirts, leather golf bags, golf shoes and leather accessories such as weekend bags, garment travel bags and tennis rackets holders.

Treccani Milano is rooted in the principles of individuality and custom couture, sourcing only the finest fabrics and leathers from leading European mills and tanneries. Each item is handmade by highly skilled artisans in the northern Italian city of Milan.

The company’s golf line is treasured by an exclusive group of golf connoisseurs who each year seek the joy of their own masterpiece that is not a result of mass production.

Clients are often on a waiting list to receive their personalized leather creations and special care is taken to ensure each item is bold, confident and assured – soughtafter features that are not easily offered by mainstream retailers.

For any golf enthusiast, Treccani Milano offers the ideal luxury golf line.

Clients can choose from hundreds of leathers and colors (including alligator, ostrich or calfskin). Each custom item features delicate touches and an Italian greyhound in bronze, solid silver, 18-karat gold or platinum.

Fiona Clare the award-winning couture designer has launched a limited-edition range of elegant and stylish silk robes which are perfect for taking on your travels or relaxing at home in. They are available in a range of Liberty prints and make luxurious presents for yourself or a loved one.

They come beautiful packaged and cost £295 each including registered post in the UK. For more details see www.fionaclare.co.uk

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Tresor Paris Jewellery Drawing upon the rich experience, Tresor Paris has unveiled its new range of exceptional

Duncan Taylor Whisky Duncan Taylor is a family-owned luxury Scotch whisky company with more than 75 years of whisky history behind it. As a blender, bottler and cask broker, the multi-award winning company has also built a reputation as one of the most innovative and dynamic Scotch Whisky companies operating in the world today. Owning one of the largest privately-held collections of vintage and rare whiskies, Duncan Taylor has a reputation for offering the most complex and authentic whiskies without compromise. In its collection, they hold some of the world’s most sought after casks from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s era. These whiskies are in their most authentic and natural form; which means, they are not chill filtered or coloured in any way. From the pantheon of these priceless casks comes one of the most prized whiskies in the world – The Tantalus.

The story of Tantalus is the origin of the English verb tantalise; having something desirable always just out of reach. This was a key concept in the creation of this modern product. Given the rarity of the whiskies used in this Duncan Taylor range, it is fitting to house these special whiskies in a range of handmade Tantalus.

The Tantalus is created using four pieces of wood, a base and top made of Scottish Elm and two sides made from the staves of the cask that matured the very whisky in the bottle. Brass screw hinges are incorporated to create a secure lock on the Tantalus. The precious whisky is contained in a bespoke hand-blown decanter, and the complete package is finished off with a holdall made out of the finest leather, displaying the Duncan Taylor stamp of approval.

The Tantalus range from Duncan Taylor is an inventive and innovative take on a lost convention from the past.

Prices range from £950 to £5,000, and stockists include Harrods, Fortnum & Mason, Hedonism Wines, Nickolls & Perks, Royal Mile Whiskies, and online, MasterofMalt.com and SingleMaltsDirect.com

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diamonds. This is the first Tresor Paris diamond collection including engagement rings, classic set diamond pieces in a mid-range price bracket and spectacular one-off large diamonds commanding sky-high prices from thousands to millions.

240 The sweetheart collection of engagement rings start at reasonable prices for young couples with stunning solitaires and trilogy rings with three equal size diamonds going up to a couple of thousand pounds. This set of rings is called 240, after the 240 reasons why young couples love each other.

12 This selection of classic jewellery is slightly more luxurious and therefore in a higher price bracket. Made up of pieces which are worn to special occasions when a lady wants to add a bit of sparkle, whether it is a ball, a romantic rendez-vous, a dinner party or a wedding.

7 A group of incredible and impressive one-off large diamonds and stones are housed in the 7 premium cluster of rare individual discoveries. Each of these has been meticulously laboured into exquisite creations. This is a collection like no other. It defines excellence.

Director Salim Hasbani comments, “Diamonds are the basis of the Hasbani family heritage so we are able to draw upon these decades of knowledge and expertise to design these spectacular gems for Tresor Paris at varying price points according to the budget constraints of our customers. We hope that they enjoy wearing these pieces as much as we have taken delight in creating this special collection of jewellery.”

See www.tresorparis.co.uk for all the collections.

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L’Etolie

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For L'Etoile Sport's Fall/ Winter 2014 collection, Creative Director Yesim Philip draws inspiration from her Mediterranean origins.

Using light and dark teal as well as the classic tennis whites, Philip looks to the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas to continue the strong and feminine silhouettes that define L'Etoile Sport's brand. Cool blues and greens are crisp against a background of tennis whites and ivories. Always offering both luxury and comfort, L'Etoile Sport redefines tennis gear as it celebrates the long, rich history of classic tennis athletic wear.

The collection offers stylish, comfortable separates in both stripes and solids, like tiered skorts and fitted tank tops as well as beautiful tennis dresses, cardigans and sweaters. Each piece is created with luxurious fabrics; from cashmere to the finest jersey knits. Perfectly stylish dresses can take you from lunch right onto the court for an afternoon game. Throw a cashmere cardigan on when the weather turns crisp. L'Etoile is dedicated to creating clothing that is highly functional, effortlessly chic and simply classic.

Look beautiful on and off the court as you "play all day".

Can be bought through www.net-a-porter.com or www.letoilesport.com

Kick Back in Style with Royal Albartross Golf Shoes One of the most exclusive golf shoe manufacturers in the world has seen its new men’s collection on greens all over the world this summer. Described as “Freakin’ awesome” by Clay Buchholz, pitcher of the Boston Red Sox USA, there’s no one doing quite what Royal Albartoss are right now.

Not only is every shoe handmade over an eight-week period of intense craftsmanship; they’re also highly engineered for complete precision. Waterproof, breathable and with removable cleats for street wear, a Royal Albartross golf shoe is a brilliant design classic.

That said, every shoe in the range has a very different vibe from your usual golf shoe.

With styles bouncing from a 20s wingtip to a square-toed patent Bugatti of a shoe, there’s a look for any golfer’s taste.

So after Royal Albartross’ grand tour of the finest greens this Gatsby summer, our thoughts are finally turning towards winter. And what do you get the golfer who has everything this Christmas? Start at www.albartross.com and you won’t go far wrong. www.greatgolfproshop.com

Aether Cone - The Thinking Music Player Aether is proud to introduce its first product into the UK market with their thinking music player, Cone. Aether Cone (RRP: £349.00) learns what you like and plays what you’ll love, creating a personalised music experience that gets better over time. In addition to Rdio’s full on-demand subscription service with a catalogue of over 30 millions songs, Cone now allows you to enjoy Rdio’s free adsupported internet radio, personalised to you. Today, Aether also announced the launch of their beautiful new white and silver Cone, which alongside the original black and copper, is meant to fit into the décor and style of any home, apartment or office.

This is music made simple.

Cone’s learning software across music and content services creates a new kind of listening experience . Aether creates products that work hard so you don’t have to, with the ultimate goal to make everyday life easier.

Cone combines hardware and powerful software with music and internet radio in a beautiful and striking product that positively changes the experience of listening to music at home.

Turn the dial and Cone instantly plays the music you love. Turn the dial a little to hear something similar or give the dial a big spin to hear something completely different. With Nuance’s industry leading voice recognition technology, you can tell Cone to play exactly what you want to hear. Alternatively, you can control Cone remotely from their iOS device.

Available for purchase at Aether’s primary retailer, Selfridges and at www.aether.com

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New Bentley fragrance is in a class of its own

A beautiful new British timepiece brand for golfers…

ETIQUS is a new British brand of distinctive, quality timepieces exclusively for golfers, which combines beautiful design with Swiss made movements. Brainchild of entrepreneur Gary Butler, each timepiece in the range contains many subtle details that will be recognised and appreciated by golfers, from the unique dimple patterned face that gives the 3D effect of a golf ball to a unique bezel inspired by the Pace of Play guidelines published by The R&A. With a choice from 24 different designs - 17 for men and 7 for women – there is an ETIQUS timepiece that will suit your taste. For a sporty look, opt for the beautifully crafted ETIQUS Ionic or SPORT PRO. Those who prefer a more elegant looking timepiece will love the ETIQUS Classic Tour range, a sophisticated and timeless design that is perfect for any occasion.

The brand name ETIQUS is derived from the spirit for which the game of golf is universally known - etiquette - respecting the written and unwritten rules of the game, which is part of what makes golf so special and fraternal.

Keen to share the social and personal benefits playing golf can bring (something Gary Butler experienced first-hand), ETIQUS donates £5 from each purchase, and supports other charitable events, to raise money for The Golf Foundation, which gives children and young people the opportunity to experience golf and the life skills it has to offer www.golf-foundation.org Discover the collection at www.etiqus.co.uk

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The men’s fragrance collection from Bentley is now enhanced by the creation of a limited Blue Crystal edition by renowned French crystal manufacturer Lalique.

The impressive initial visual impact derives from the square shape of the flacon and the legendary “Flying B” Bentley wings mascot. Hand-crafted in gleaming crystal, the dynamic of its wings epitomises timeless beauty.

A masterpiece of crystal As the Blue Crystal name suggests, the artistic bottle shines in magical midnight blue. To achieve this, Lalique applied its tremendous expertise in the area of pigments to create shimmering blue reflections in the magnificent crystal. The flacon’s base follows simple angular lines and is discreetly adorned with the distinctive Lalique for Bentley lettering, in a pure and contemporary design. The contrast between matt and polished crystal is one of the outstanding features of the unique Lalique style, reflecting light in a sensual manner and creating astounding plasticity.

Crafted with pure natural essences Like other top-quality fragrances, Lalique for Bentley Blue Crystal Edition is made from the finest, primarily pure natural essences. The top note is stimulating, with pink peppercorns and juniper berries, accompanied by a hint of fresh pear. In the heart note, Haitian and Javanese vetiver unfold their concentrated power, woody and invigorating. The base note includes essences of harmonious ambergris and musk, partnered with precious cedar wood and frankincense to round off the sensual experience.

The Lalique for Bentley Blue Crystal limited edition fragrance is available this autumn and is priced at £3,500 (€4,500).

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Tee off in style with Maui Jim If you are an avid golf enthusiast and enjoy an active lifestyle on and off the course, Maui Jim offers a wide range of frames that are stylish and durable resulting in a premium range of eyewear perfect for both golf spectator and player.

The Hawaiian born brand is the world’s only company to protect your eyes with up to nine layers of glare-cutting, UV-eliminating and colour-enhancing technology and offer unrivalled protection using its patented PolarizedPlus2® lenses. Only Maui Jim eyewear blocks out 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays and 99.9 percent of glare from above, below and behind each lens, enhancing your view of the game regardless of the weather conditions.

Using three rare earth elements and other compounds Maui Jim lenses significantly enhance colour, definition and depth perception, making them the perfect sporting accessory come rain or shine. Not only that, but their patented bi-gradient mirrors on select lenses in effect “squints” for the wearer and can also help to reduce eye fatigue during an intense game.

But if you don’t believe us just listen to the pros! Two of the top twenty golfers in the world, Brandt Snedeker and Matt Kuchar wear the Banyans style (RRP £149.00) whilst playing: “Banyans is perfect for golf,” said Kuchar. “I like the Maui HT™ lenses because the light palm green colour is good for sunny or dark days and it increases my view of the variations in the greens and fairways. Overall it enhances everything I see on the course. I love how super light they are. I forget that I’m wearing them!”

Maui Jim offers more than 98 different styles of sunglasses with lenses in a range of colours for all outdoor activities. “For Maui Jim, it’s not about how the world sees you, but how you see the world!” says Martijn Van Eerd, International Marketing Manager at Maui Jim. For more information, visit www.greatgolfproshop.com

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Colin Montgomerie range

G/Fore’s new ranges have the UK covered in 2015 Luxury designer brand G/FORE has launched in the UK with a stunning new shoe line to complement its already popular brightly coloured gloves.

The aspirational and colourful brand was launched in the USA in 2011 by renowned fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli – an avid golfer and the founder of the billiondollar clothing company Mossimo Inc – who created the brand in order that he could combine exceptional craftsmanship with a modern vision across a range of products.

Its popular range of brightly designed golf gloves – seen widely on worldwide professional tours – and the new exciting range of stunning leather golf shoes will be available in pro shops or can be purchased online from www.greatgolfproshop.com The bright, colourful and immediately recognisable range of G/Fore golf gloves is extended, for 2015, to 26 different, distinctive colourways, with the introduction of 10 new ‘flavours’. These include longhorn, scarlet, ice, capri, mint, olive, ivory, nimbus, Onyx Patent and Old Glory, a white glove, with blue thumb and red tab. The gloves retail at £25 RRP. The brand is already worn by 2014 US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson, two-time PGA Tour winner Jonas Blixt, multi-European Tour winners Robert Rock and Alex Cejka, and fashion model and former LPGA Tour pro Anna Rawson, among many others.

G/FORE’s design and array of colour delivers on both comfort and style. With precision-cut, premium AA cabretta leather, the gloves are hand sewn to perfection to produce an unparalleled construction, quality and fit.

The Edinburgh Woollen Mill presents an exciting range of quality golf clothing designed exclusively in partnership with golf legend, Colin Montgomerie.

Each piece within this distinguished collection of golf fashions is emblazoned with the famous golfer’s family tartan branding.

Colin’s collection includes a number of lambswool products which are naturally breathable, offering comfortable all-day wear that will keep golfers warm in the winter months.

The lambswool range is available in both crew, v-neck and slipover styles. The pieces come in a selection of co-ordinated seasonal colours of rich green and bold blue, which will set heads turning both on and off the course.

For a more classic look, the collection also includes a number of knitwear products with traditional intarsia designs made from 100 per cent cotton that are sure to give golfers that clean, smart look.

This great range of quality polo shirts, knitwear and shirts reflect Monty’s classic, winning style and will make anybody feel like the record breaker himself when stepping up to the first tee. www.ewm.co.uk

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GREAT GOLF PRODUCTS Like our articles on golf fashion and products?

Want to know where you can find all these items in one place?

We will soon be launching GREAT GOLF PRODUCTS on our website giving you the opportunity to buy the items that you read about, some of which are unavailable anywhere else in the UK. There really is only one place to purchase great quality fashion & products.

GREAT GOLF PRODUCTS, COMING SOON!

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Great Spa

Been in the rough?

Time to relax...

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The Golf Spa

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anyon Ranch is an award-winning destination spa which also happens to boast a golf performance centre, the only dedicated spa I’m aware of to do so. The Golf Performance Center is run by two PGA-certified teaching pros, and focuses on simplifying the golf swing in an indoor training centre. This helps dismiss the importance of the golf ball and the success of a shot to concentrate on fundamentals.

Training aids, technology and top-notch instruction come together in boot camp classes focusing on the full swing, the short game and conditioning. Additionally, there are daily golf classes and full-blown golf packages that include individual golf lessons, allowances for other Canyon Ranch services and rounds of golf at the nearby Ventana Canyon Resort, a property boasting two Tom Fazio courses.

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The Golf Performance Academy weaves general fitness into its programs as well. “Flexibility is primo for golfers,” says John Bell, one of the PGA pros on staff. “For women, upper body strength is also key, and there are exercise physiologists on staff, who are also golfers, who can help with that.”

FOURTY CLASSES. Whether you’re at Canyon Ranch to golf or simply to enjoy the experience, the emphasis on fitness here is stronger than at any other destination spa I’ve been to. A typical day offers up about 40 complimentary classes from yoga and meditation, to TRX and Tabata, to aquatique and dance and everything in between.

I’m a gym rat so I’m excited to try some things outside my normal routine, including Fit Strip, a dance class that gives you a workout while learning how to shake what your mama gave you.

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Admittedly a bit daunting, the class pushed me outside my comfort zone, but when I let go about whether I was doing it “right” and just moved, it became fun.

Without a doubt, my favorite class was aerial yoga. While it provokes images of Cirque du Soleil launching a new show called Namaste, in actuality the class is simple and can be done by any beginning yogi.

Playing with poses in the hammock allowed more range of motion and reminded me of being a playful five-year-old. I actually found swaying in the silks more relaxing than many massages I’ve had.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY. While Canyon Ranch hits the

physical harder than most spas, in recent years it has cultivated more of a focus on mental and emotional well-being, evidenced by the new Spiritual Center and lots of lectures on topics like Living with Conscious Intention, The Soul of Communication

and Decision Making, and The Feng Shui of Health. The week I’m at the Ranch there is an entire series dedicated to exploring what truly makes us happy and how to cultivate it.

One thing that I know makes me happy is a spa! And like any destination spa worthy of being called the best in the world (an award Canyon Ranch has won 11 times from Condé Nast Traveler) there is quite a diverse spa menu to choose from. Stays at Canyon Ranch include a set number of dollars guests can allocate to spa, medical, golf, spiritual, fitness and metaphysical services. I do all my spa services at night to maximize the opportunity to enjoy the other Canyon Ranch services during the day and to hopefully induce good sleep. Canyon Ranch offers special sleep programs, a 20+ pillow menu, and a white noise machine in the room. Sleep seems to be as important to the Ranch as it is to me.

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KNOTS AND TENSION. The first night of my stay I choose the

Connective Tissue Rebalancing service. This 80-minute service uses a combination of a vibrational instrument and myofascial and craniosacral techniques that encourage connective tissue to relax.

Much of the knots and tension in our bodies are due to years of stress, postural imbalance and injuries that make our myofascia compensate in often dysfunctional patterns. I noticed that even days after the service, my left glute muscle, which had been very weak, was now firing as strongly as the right. Years of booty building moves at the gym hadn’t accomplished this.

For a more relaxing service, I opt for the Muscle Melt the next night. The name alone sounds luscious. Using a combination of warm herbal poultices, Thai massage and other massage modalities, the knots in my neck and back are coaxed into a more relaxed state.

THE WATSU SERVICE. While many repeat guests continue to get

the basic Canyon Ranch massage, I think that when you’re at a place that offers such diversity, you owe it to yourself to try something new. A great option for that is the Watsu service.

The treatment takes place in a heated pool with underwater music and a therapist who guides you through motions that make your body relax so completely that the effect is almost womb like.

Healing Energy is a unique treatment conducted by a nurse and designed to harness energy to reduce stress, anxiety, fatigue and pain. I had this service at the Ranch years ago and the experience is one of my top spa memories.

TWO DINING OPTIONS. When Canyon Ranch was founded 35years ago the emphasis on food was on restriction, but today it is on wellness, health and pleasure. There are two dining options: a main dining room and the Double U Cafe. Each restaurant offers a wide variety of choices from carnivore to vegan to gluten- and dairy-free. Nutritional information is available on each item so guests can make informed choices.

There are a few no-no’s at Canyon Ranch: you won’t find alcohol or soft drinks served in either restaurant, nor a salt shaker on the table (clued in guests know they can ask for that).Truthfully, none of the food I had needed additional flavoring.

YEAR-ROUND SUN. Canyon Ranch is set on more than 200 acres in the Sonoran Desert with the Santa Catalina Mountains rising up nearby. The hiking program at the Ranch takes advantage of the surroundings with a variety of hikes for all abilities. Since the 120

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weather is sunny nearly year-round, three outdoor pools beckon travelers from wintry destinations like England.

Accommodations are comfortable and reflect a Southwestern aesthetic. In all three room types there are cloud-soft feather beds outfitted with luxury Italian linens, robes, and Lather toiletries (including dental floss!).

Canyon Ranch’s motto is “the power of possibility” and this world-class spa proves that not only is it possible for a golf fanatic and spa diva to enjoy the same holiday, it’s possible to learn, grow and get more healthy all while luxuriating in a stunning setting designed to relax, rejuvenate and open you up to more possibilities in your own life.

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Great Food

After great golf comes good food...

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Executive chef Vichit Mukura

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SPICE IT

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esting in the heart of Asia, Thai cuisine has borrowed much from its neighbours over the centuries; China contributed noodles and wok cooking, India introduced curry and the Vietnamese developed the special Phad Thai noodle. But the Thai people have given all these dishes a unique twist and made them their own.

Today, as in the past, food is an essential part of the social fabric. Meals are eaten family style and while there is one dish for each person, every dish is shared with the group. And if you want to look native, don’t use a knife – Thais use a spoon.

Unlike many cuisines, indulging in a food fest in Thailand

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won’t add kilos to the scales as so many components of traditional dishes centre around vegetables, spices, herbs and other good-foryou ingredients. So feel free to indulge. I sure did on my tour of Bangkok and Chiang Mai. SHANGRI-LA. Bangkok is a bustling city of over 10 million people so the sheer number of restaurants, not to mention hole-in-thewall street food outlets, is mind-boggling. I am staying in a gorgeous suite at the Shangri-La Hotel overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

The river is revitalising as a lively part of the city and I decided

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to take a free teakwood shuttle boat to the nearby Mandarin Oriental to experience Sala Rim Naam on my first night in the city. The restaurant, housed in a northern Thai style pavilion, serves up traditional Thai cuisine along with a lavish dance show.

When I was there, the restaurant dining room was under renovation (it’s open now) but it was serendipity because it was a perfect night for dining al fresco at Terrace Rim Naam. I enjoyed the river to my right and dancers to my left.

While the show dazzles with gorgeous women in opulent costumes, it’s executive chef Vichit Mukura’s food that is the real showstopper.

Opt for the chef’s tasting menu or do as I did and go a la carte.

My dining companion and I shared appetisers that included Chor Muang (steamed flower shaped dumplings filled with herbed crabmeat) and Guay Tiew Goong Hor (steamed prawns and salad wrapped in rice noodles with chilli lime sauce). Our main courses included deep-fried fish with chilli tamarind and sweet and sour sauce and red chicken curry. I ended the meal with the most traditional Thai dessert, mango sticky rice.

ONE FULL DAY. With just one day to spend in Bangkok, I had to make the most of it. My guide, George, from Thai Tour Guide, dutifully took me to the Grand Palace and Reclining Buddha 125

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temples, which were madhouses because it was the start of Lent.

Both were stunning and must-sees, but I was thrilled when he suggested a small, family-owned restaurant for lunch.

It was the kind of place you want to go to but don’t because without insider knowledge you’d be too worried about getting sick. I knew George wouldn’t steer me wrong and we took a table in the very small space where I was the only Western face in the crowd. The owner created a delicious vegetarian noodle dish for me and offered up an array of spicy seasonings to add to it. The tab, including a drink, came to about two pounds. Not bad!

FINEST FLAVOURS. That night for dinner I did a 180° turn and

went to one of the hottest tables in town, “nahm,” in Como’s 126

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Metropolitan Hotel. Helmed by David Thompson, “nahm” was awarded the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants honour.

There used to be one in London, but now Bangkok is the only outlet.

Nahm focuses on authentic cuisine created from centuries-old recipes to which Thompson is privy. His food perfectly balances the flavours of Thai cuisine, resulting in sophisticated, mouthwatering dishes. My companion and I tried several plates including a salad of wild mushrooms with grilled prawns and chilli jam; coconut and turmeric curry of blue swimmer crab with calamansi lime; scallops stir-fried with spring onions and chillies; and stirfried pork with dried prawns, apple eggplants and chillies.

My Thai dinner partner tried to warn me away from the durian

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and sticky rice, but I assured her that I’m ok with the stinky fruit.

She opted for the lychees in scented syrup with Thai cup cakes.

Despite the sharing mentality, she didn’t ask for any of the durian!

CHIANG MAI. Going on the philosophy that it’s better to teach a

man to fish (or rather a journalist) than it is to give it to him, I decided to learn how to make Thai food so I could bring these intoxicating flavours home as my souvenir. I enrolled at Anantara Resort’s Spice Spoon Cooking Class in Chiang Mai. The morning began with me jumping in a tuk-tuk rickshaw with a line chef and heading to the San Pha Khoi market to collect some vegetables and spices to use later.

Each person in the small class had the opportunity to choose

what they wanted to cook, and ultimately eat, from several selections. Chef Songpol Ponkaew and I began making the Tod Man Pla, or Thai fish cakes. Unlike crab cakes there is no breading used, just fish, curry paste, spices and an egg.

As I fried them up, Chef organised the ingredients for the Tom Yum Goong (spicy prawn soup). Lots of lemongrass, lime leaves and chillies go into this soup, so Chef was busy trying to teach me how to cut the spices correctly. This was by far the most challenging part of the dish for me.

The main course was Pla Kapong Nung Manow (steamed sea bass) – Chef taught me how to fillet a fish and I was shocked when I did a decent job of it. We added spices into the fish and used the sous-vede technique to cook it, while I also whipped up a spicy 127

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chilli sauce. I was encouraged to taste throughout the cooking process to decide if I wanted to add more heat, acidity or sweetness to my dishes. Since we modified several things, I realised just how important it is to keep on tasting as you cook.

“Everybody thinks Thai food is difficult to make, but it’s not if you know the right techniques,” says Chef Ponkaew. I agree.

When I sat down to eat my dishes, I was pretty surprised – it wasn’t just palatable, it was good!

GINGER KAFE. Despite my budding culinary career, I decide to leave dinner to the experts at Ginger Kafe, a local hangout.

This colourful, quirky café is located in an old house that local legend says used to house a royal family. Today it is both a store featuring unusual goods with Scandinavian flair (the owner is from Denmark) and a restaurant serving up both Western and Thai food. When I dined there the kitchen had just formed a partnership with Chef Ann, the beloved woman who runs the cult favourite Green Chilli food stall on weekends at the Chatuchak Market in Bangkok.

Green Chilli is the place where all the trendy Bangkok chefs go to eat. Chef Ann is now sharing her flair for curry, dispensing some of her secret recipes and tricks with Ginger Kafe. You could really taste the results in the duck red curry and the seafood green curry.

ANNA AND THE KING. The next day is spent seeing the sights, temples and handicraft factories of Chiang Mai with my guides from Chiang Mai Local Tours. I had worked up quite an appetite and decided to spend my last meal at Pillars 137. A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, the hotel is arguably the most luxurious in the city. The 30-room boutique property was once home to the son of Anna Leonowens, who was immortalized in Margaret Landon’s book Anna and the King of Siam.

Its main restaurant is simply called The Dining Room and was named the best restaurant in Thailand in The Thailand Tattler.

The kitchen has a new chef in Amporn Cherng Ndarm, the former private chef to the princess of Saudi Arabia.

The opulent Dining Room makes guests feel like royalty and is typical in northern Thailand. The food was less spicy than I was 128

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expecting. Start with dishes like Yu Som-o Pou Nim (a pomelo and crispy soft shell crab salad) or Nuea Yang Yuma-gun (a zesty Charolaise-Simmental Thai beef, lemongrass and grape salad).

For main courses we tried Gaeng Tay Pho, a pork confit curry with Siamese morning glory and grilled kaffir lime; Kao Soy, a Lanna inspired curry with yellow egg, crispy noodles and seafood; and Larb Hed Song Krueng Jay, marinated tofu, mushrooms in a nonoiled chilli-lime dressing. Dessert was parched coconut, soft meringue, mascarpone and marinated berries and a selection of sorbets.

A visit to Thailand will overwhelm all your senses – from the stunningly ornate temples to the city sounds of busy Bangkok to the intoxicating smells of the food and the memories that the flavours leave on your taste buds.

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Great WHISKY

A good round is worth celebrating

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GREAT WHISKY

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Photos by Mark Alexander and Kingbarns Distillery

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hisky and golf were made for each other.

Perhaps it’s the aroma of the spirit blended with the exhilaration of the game, but their compatibility is unquestionable. Tournament sponsorship is the most obvious upshot of this bond, but the link between round and dram runs far deeper than simply advertising.

Clinking glasses at the end of a round is as customary as a handshake on the 18th green. It’s part of the fabric of the game.

And now St Andrews, the Home of Golf, is getting its own distillery right on its doorstep, and I am one of the first journalists to pay the project a visit before its official opening.

STUNNING SCOTLAND My appointment is scheduled on a raw November day, and although it’s approaching 1pm, the sun is scattering shadows everywhere. On the left of the meandering driveway that will lead me up to Scotland’s newest whisky distillery, bare trees and a stone wall mark my route. On the other side is rich, rolling farmland.

This is golfing country. Beyond the woods is the famed Kingbarns Golf Links and seven miles beyond that the hallowed turf of St Andrews. To my right, the East Fife coastline reaches its most easterly point at Crail – the seventh oldest golf club in the world.

Carry on round the East Neuk and you’ll find places like Elie, Lundin Links and Leven harbouring a series of links classics. This is a place where birdies rule, so it seems fitting that Fife’s newest export should have its origins among its gorse bushes and undulating fairways.

”I was inspired to create this distillery by the comments I got from the people I caddied for” – Douglas Clement

SUPPLYING DEMAND Douglas Clement’s idea for a new single malt whisky distillery came to him while out caddying. After fielding a steady stream of requests from clients wanting to visit nearby distilleries – of which there were none – he decided to build his own one. “There wasn’t a particular instant on the golf course when I had that Eureka moment,” he says. “It developed over a year or two of people asking me if they could visit a distillery after their round. I would always send them on an hour and half drive to Tullibarine, near Gleneagles, or back down to Edinburgh and Glenkinchie.”

He continues: “I remember caddying for one chap who asked to visit a distillery and I told him there would be an hour and half drive. He shook his head and blurted out some expletives. Golfers are usually on a tight schedule so they don’t have much time after their game. I was inspired to create this distillery by the comments I got from the people I caddied for, especially his.”

FINDING FUNDING I haven’t seen Clement since we last met

up in St Andrews more than 12 months ago. As ever, there is an intensity about him that compels me to find out more about his remarkable journey from bag carrier to whisky entrepreneur.

After all, less than five years ago Clement was hanging out at the local caddieshack. Today he is wearing a tailored tweed jacket and carries the title of founder.

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“I came up with the idea back in 2009 and spent a year or so trying to find a site near St Andrews,” he recalls. “Eventually I found this piece of land on the Cambo Estate next to Kingsbarns golf course. It took me two years to get planning permission and then I released an investment document to raise £2 million.”

As with any venture, raising funds can be the biggest hurdle to overcome and speaking to Clement, it’s clear this project was no exception. The 37 year old spent almost two years presenting Dragons’ Den-type pitches, while applying for every suitable state grant. Eventually in September 2012, he secured £670,000 of funding from the Scottish government and his world changed.

“Earlier that year I sent my business plan to the Wemyss family,” Clement recalls. “They had been thinking about it for six months or so, but once I secured the grant it suddenly became a far more attractive proposition. I had a few options, but the Wemyss family were the ideal fit because not only is their ancestral home in Fife but they are already in the whisky business, which gives us a huge advantage in having products to sell.”

The Wemyss (pronounced ‘Weems’) bought the Kingsbarns Distillery project in January 2013. As Clement admits, he couldn’t have found a better match. The family’s history stretches back over six centuries taking in wars, the Jacobite uprising and, of course, whisky. John Haig built his distillery on the family’s land and today the barley grown on the family’s estates is sought by leading distillers around Scotland.

“It was a marriage made in heaven,” says William Wemyss, a director of the family firm. “We were attracted by the idea of combining whisky and golf and we’ve had huge interest from golf tour operators, particularly those focussing on St Andrews and playing Kingsbarns. It’s a pretty strong proposition, so we’re optimistic about the future.”

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isn’t one to deliver the kind of short-term returns most investors seek. In fact, the first batch of Kingsbarns Single Malt Scotch whisky won’t be available until the brew has matured in oak casks for at least three years. The earliest dates for tasting will be 2018 and even then no one really knows what it will be like.

As both Wemyss and Clement quickly point out, the new tipple will be classified as a Lowlands whisky with light floral notes which is just the kind of malt my palette gravitates towards. Their passionate descriptions certainly arouse my interest and raise the prospect of the Kingsbarns Single Malt Scotch Whisky being one to savour, somewhere down the line.

So far, Clement’s toil and the Wemyss family’s commitment have produced renovated farm buildings and landscaped driveway.

The once dishevelled barns and dovecot have been transformed into an operational distillery and a clever visitor centre that explores the origins of local nobility and the joys of the ‘water of life’. As yet, no bottles have been filled and no drams taken.

“We haven’t got a fixed time horizon in mind,” says Wemyss.

“We will release the single malt when we feel it is right to bring it to market in terms of the quality of the spirit – we’re not expecting a big return in year one. Whisky is a long-term business and we see this from a family perspective as a generational-type investment.”

PASSION AND PROGRESS As for Clement, you get the sense the idea he had while caddying had very little to do with creating a fortune or feathering his nest. “For me, it was never about the money. It was about the adventure and the idea,” he says. “From having no experience in anything, I have built up a nice team of people and learnt as I’ve gone along. As long as you have a good idea and passion and don’t give up – no matter how many times people tell you it will never work – if you have belief in your idea, eventually things will happen.”

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CARIBBEAN GOLF PROPERTY

n a e b Cadrribeam aradise, piece of p a n w o land of looking to ribbean is a C l fu If you are ti u ea to live the trikingly b e chance th then the s u o y rs perty... ia offe luxury pro n Saint Luc w o ry e m Bay your v ses Freedo dream in

by Six Sen Kaas-Stock

By Camilla

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CARIBBEAN GOLF PROPERTY

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t Lucia is the probably the ultimate island paradise with its towering volcanic peaks, tropical rainforest and white sandy beaches bordering crystal clear waters. No wonder then that it is becoming the darling of the rich and famous, attracted by the stunning scenery, its luxury hotels and prime real estate.

LUXURY RETREAT. Nestling amongst 65 acres of tropical rainforest in the foothills of the majestic volcanic peaks of the Pitons, Six Senses Freedom Bay is an exclusive, five-star boutique spa resort. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage site, on the most desirable, unspoilt southwest coast, the resort occupies a breath-taking setting.

The bay, with its pristine white sandy beach, is surrounded by a natural habitat of colourful indigenous trees, a cascading waterfall and warm, therapeutic natural mineral springs. This is the ultimate escape destination.

SECLUDED VILLAS. Set in the hillside, the one and two bedroom

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villas within the resort nestle amongst lush, tropical trees and command magnificent views of the sea and the Petit Piton mountains. Go higher and you’ll find an exclusive estate of luxury four and six bedroom private residences.

The architecture of the villas incorporates elements of local stone and warm woods to reflect the surrounding natural beauty.

The boundaries between the interiors and outdoor living spaces merge to offer space and seclusion. Large private decks and gardens include shaded chill-out areas with plumped up daybeds and an infinity edge plunge pool.

The interiors are stylish and elegant, combining natural textures with uncompromising design. From each bedroom a doorway leads to an adjoining dressing room and bathroom, with access to a private, outdoor shower and sun deck.

BODY AND MIND. The Six Senses spa has a holistic outlook and is set

amidst the rainforest and the nearby natural thermal sulphur springs (with curative and healing properties) are incorporated into the pools.

Each treatment suite has a secluded garden to provide a calm

Property _Layout 1 11.12.14 12.31 Side 4

and peaceful haven, and relaxation areas have swings and hammocks. There is an alchemy bar offering ingredients from the organic herb and spice garden, enabling the Six Senses’ therapists to create personalised products for their signature treatments.

AT YOUR LEISURE. Should you tire of lounging by the pool, having

massages and swimming in the crystal clear waters, there are plenty of things to do. No need to worry about getting bored (as if...).

There are three restaurants which offer both local and international cuisine, several cocktail bars, an ice cream parlour and chocolatier for those with a sweet tooth, as well as a tennis club, gym, diving school, kids club, observatory and even an outdoor cinema.

If you feel a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of places to explore – experience the day-to-day running of a cocoa plantation, wander through beautiful botanical gardens, zip-wire through the emerald canopy of the rainforest or learn to cook Caribbean-style.

Snorkelling comes highly recommended if you want to enjoy the coral reefs that are home to a magnificent array of colourful

marine life. Another must-do for your list is to visit the sulphur springs in the crater of the world's only drive-in volcano.

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF. Not far away is the St Lucia Golf &

Country Club, perhaps offering the most demanding 18 holes of golf in the Caribbean. This championship course, which has recently been improved, is now under Troon Golf Management and is a challenge for both amateur and skilled players alike. The undulating par-71 only plays 6,685 yards off the Blues, but attracts a USGA rating of 74.3, taking well into account the strong winds, numerous water hazards and fast greens.

Gracious hospitality is also found on the list of amenities here.

The elegant new clubhouse greets guests with a sweeping staircase, arched windows and classic Caribbean plantation architecture.

HEAD TO TOWN. If you are longing for a bit of hustle and bustle, Soufrière, the former capital of Saint Lucia, has a rich culture and is the nearest town to Freedom Bay. It evolved on a plantation

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CARIBBEAN GOLF PROPERTY

economy when the French settled on the island in 1645. After a devastating hurricane in 1780, the Brigands waged a war for freedom and chose Soufrière as their headquarters; Freedom Bay is named in commemoration of this movement. Set along the pretty shoreline, it is an interesting place to while away the afternoon.

CAPITAL GROWTH. The Six Senses resort presents an opportunity for all types of people – whether you want to own your residence outright or just a fraction of it – and it should provide an excellent opportunity for ongoing returns. Once the resort is opened, owners will benefit from the rental programme managed by Six Senses, which delivers a rental return of 50 per cent of the net room revenue, and is marketed worldwide.

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The resort is managed by the award-winning Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, internationally renowned for providing luxury guest experiences and for the importance they place on sustainable development. The organisation currently runs nine resorts and 28 spas, located in far-flung locations all over the globe.

Development opportunities in this location are limited, and the number of villas being built is restricted. This means demand is high and supply is low. Compared with other Caribbean locations, land in St Lucia is currently less expensive, but as demand increases this may not last for long. So if you fancy dipping your toes into the property investment waters, St Lucia is worth checking out.

GGM For more information about Freedom Bay please go to www.greatgolfproperties.co.uk

O F F I C I A L AC C E S S O R I E S S U P P L I E R TO T H E P G A E U R O P R O T O U R 2 0 1 4

BUILD BRAND VALUE EVENTS • CLUBS • SOCIETIES

10 0 % B r iti s h M a d e • L i f e ti m e g ua r a nte e w w w.g ro ov e f i x .co m • 0 2 0 8 24 0 0 527

COME AND PLAY GOLF…

IN THE CITY

ON CHAMPIONSHIP COURSES

GOLF TOURISM MALAYSIA

BESIDE THE BEACH

ALONGSIDE WILDLIFE

ABOVE THE CLOUDS

IN THE ROLLING HILLS

AT NIGHT

Welcome to Malaysia. No other country offers golf above the clouds, beside the beach, in virgin rainforests, at night and on world class championship courses. Come experience golf in Malaysia for your next holiday, adventure, corporate getaway or to learn from the experts in the best settings on Earth

IT’S PLAY TIME IN LUXURY RESORTS

www.golftourismmalaysia.com AND ON WORLD-CLASS COURSES

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Great Adventures

Because golf should be an Adventure...

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Great Golf

Adventures

Because golf should always be an Adventure EXPERIENCE GOLF AND SO MUCH MORE

Now it’s easy for you to visit the locations that are featured in Great Golf Magazine and experience it for yourself. In partnership with The Tailor-Made Groups Company we bring you “Great Golf Adventures” WHY ARE WE OFFERING HOLIDAYS?

So many of our readers have told us they would like to experience what our journalists cover in the editorial: the excursions, adventures, side-trips and food delights that they try as part of their visit to a country. For them, and now for you, the trip is much more than just several rounds of golf without touching the heart of the country they are visiting and so much more than would be possible on a golf holiday booked through a regular tour operator. So we now give you the chance to book that golf holiday with a difference, a Golf Adventure.

THREE TYPES OF GREAT GOLF ADVENTURES:

Escorted Group tours - With a group size of around 16, you will depart on published dates a few times a year to each destination. You can book a place on one of these tours and thus team up with a group of like-minded players who want some time on the fairways mixed with other adventures. Each Great Golf Adventure group is led by a local Tour Manager, who oversees the logistics of your tour and will help to organise the competitions that add a little spice to our golfing journey.

Private Group tours - Get a group of your friends together, ideally at least 10 people, and we will operate one of our group tours on a departure date of your choice. The tour operates 144

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exactly the same as our regular departures but it’s your own private party.

Private Car Tours - If our group departures don't suit you, we offer on most tour programmes, the opportunity to travel in one of our Private Car tours. The itinerary is the same as our group departures but you can travel on any date of your choice, subject to hotel and tee-off availability. We can take 2, 3 or 4 people in one of our private cars and for a slightly higher cost you have the freedom to travel in a small private party, following our regular itinerary but subject to your own timings each day.

Non-playing partners -If you get into trouble with your partner for leaving them behind when you take a golf holiday, then bring them along on a Great Golf Adventure. Whilst you are on the fairways they can be exploring the local area, and then you can spend time together on the adventures and excursions that are built into a Great Golf Adventures itinerary. Non-playing partners travel at a reduced cost of course.

MORE TO COME

We will be expanding our roster of locations and combinations to bring even more unique golfing choices, look out for new and exciting holidays on our website and in the magazine.

If you just want a regular golfing holiday, then don’t book with us, but if you want a Great Golf Adventure, this is the place for you! www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays

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INDIA

Taj & Tees

TOUR SUMMARY A golf tour with a difference, this is the perfect holiday to experience the rich history of the country and in particular to the world of the Mughul rulers who left such dramatic reminders of their rule. As well as golf, you will visit the Red Forts, the deserted Fatehpur Sikri, and the incomparable Taj Mahal at Agra.

Tour Duration – 9 days starting and ending in Delhi.

Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Delhi; guided tour of Old Delhi.

Day 2. In Delhi; play golf; guided tour of New Delhi.

Day 3. In Delhi; play golf; drive to Jaipur.

Day 4. In Jaipur; play golf; guided tour of Jaipur.

Day 5. Visit Amber Fort; drive to Bharatpur; game viewing.

Day 6. At Bharatpur; early morning game viewing; drive via Fatehpur Sikri to Agra where you will visit the Taj.Mahal.

Day 7. Morning in Agra; play golf with the unforgettable image of the Taj Mahal in the background; visit Red Fort; drive to Noida.

Day 8. In Noida; play golf; drive to Delhi.

Day 9. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE ITINERARY. 7nights accommodation in mid-range hotels; 1 night in Golf Resort hotel; sightseeing tours of Old and New Delhi; Jaipur, Amber fort, Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri; 5 rounds of golf; other transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Leader throughout your journey in India.

• START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Delhi/Delhi • SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

• INCLUDED MEALS – 8 breakfasts.

• TRANSPORT – Coach, Metro and Cycle rickshaw.

• GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

• TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Leader from Delhi back to Delhi; local guides on sightseeing tours, and drivers.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697 or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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INDIA

A drive from the Tees to the Taj TOUR SUMMARY Travelling in your own private car, this is the ultimate way to experience Golf in India.

Soak up the rich history of the country and in particular the world of the Mughul rulers who left such dramatic reminders of their rule, including the Red Fort, the deserted Fatehpur Sikri, and the incomparable Taj Mahal at Agra.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR • Two half day guided tours of Delhi.

• Three rounds of golf at Delhi golf clubs.

• Full day guided sightseeing of Jaipur and Amber Fort.

• A round of golf at Jaipur’s premier golf course • Guided tour of Fatehpur Sikri.

• Guided tour of the Taj Mahal and Agra Red Fort.

• A round of golf at a course next to the Taj Mahal TOUR DURATION – 9 days Delhi to Delhi.

Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Delhi; guided tour of Old Delhi.

Day 2. In Delhi; play golf; guided tour of New Delhi.

Day 3. In Delhi; play golf; drive to Jaipur.

Day 4. In Jaipur; play golf; guided tour of Jaipur.

Day 5. Visit Amber Fort; drive to Bharatpur; game viewing.

Day 6. At Bharatpur; early morning game viewing; drive via Fatehpur Sikri to Agra; visit Taj Mahal.

Day 7. Morning in Agra; play golf; visit Red Fort; drive to Noida.

Day 8. In Noida; play golf; drive to Delhi.

Day 9. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN INDIA: 7 nights’ accommodation in mid-range hotels; 1 night in Golf Resort hotel; sightseeing tours of Old and New Delhi; Jaipur, Amber Fort, Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri; 5 rounds of golf; other transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adnentures Driver/Escort throughout your journey in India.

• START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Delhi/Delhi • SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

• INCLUDED MEALs – 8 breakfasts.

• TRANSPORT – Private car; Train; Metro and Cycle rickshaw ride in Old Delhi, and in Bharatpur sanctuary.

• YOUR PRIVATE CAR – Great Golf Adventures will provide you with an Ambassador car, the iconic Indian automobile based upon the British Morris Oxford of half a century ago but still built in India until recently. You will travel, therefore, in the classic Indian luxury car; a reminder of earlier times but with the comfort you would expect on your own personal tour.

• GROUP SIZE – Your private party can consist of from one to three passengers. If your party is slightly larger a further car, or cars, would be provided at additional cost.

• TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Great Golf Adventures Driver/Escort from Delhi to Delhi; local guides on sightseeing tours.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697 or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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INDIA

Golf in the Vale of Kashmir

TOUR SUMMARY Have you ever wanted to combine a trip to India with some great golf? This trip offers you the chance to play four contrasting golf courses that lie amidst the stunning mountain scenery of the Vale of Kashmir.

Flying up to Srinagar you will play golf nearly every day, whilst staying overnight on one of the houseboats that line the waterfront near Dal Lake.

TOUR OPTIONS Escorted Group tours Private Group tours Private Car Tours TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • PLAY PAHALGAM GOLF COURSE – the longest in India.

• PLAY KASHMIR GOLF CLUB – the second oldest outside the UK. • SRINAGAR – guided tour of the city.

• PLAY GULMARG GOLF COURSE – highest green golf course in the world.

• PLAY ROYAL SPRINGS GOLF COURSE – regarded as one of the best in India.

• HOUSEBOATS – stay aboard a DeLuxe standard houseboat at Dal Lake.

• Shikara -ride on Dal Lake.

TOUR DURATION – 9 days Delhi to Delhi.

Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Delhi; afternoon tour of Old Delhi.

Day 2. In Delhi; morning tour of New Delhi; afternoon fly to Srinagar.

Day 3. Drive to Pahalgam; play golf at Pahalgam Golf Club.

Day 4. In Srinagar; play golf at Kashmir Golf Club.

Day 5. In Srinagar; morning - city tour; afternoon - shikara ride on Dal Lake.

Day 6. Drive via Tangmarg to Gulmarg; Play Gulmarg Golf Club.

Day 7. In Srinagar; Play Royal Springs Golf Club.

Day 8. Morning flight to Delhi; afternoon at leisure.

Day 9. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN INDIA: 6 nights’ accommodation on houseboats in Srinagar; 2 nights in a Delhi hotel; Sightseeing tour of Srinagar; 4 rounds of golf; Flights Delhi/Srinagar/Delhi; Other transport; Services of a Great Golf Adventures representative in Srinagar Tour Leader/Staff – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Representative in Kashmir; local guides on sightseeing tour, and Shikara boatmen.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697 or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

Tour REF: INK

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TURKEY

Golf, Gallipoli and a Gulet

TOUR SUMMARY This 9 day tour offers a typical Great Golf Adventures mixture of golf courses and other adventures. Starting in Istanbul we combine a round of golf with a look at the old city and the Bosporus. Then making our way via another round of golf and a vineyard wine-tasting visit, we pause at Gallipoli before heading south to explore both the ruins of Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus and a few nearby golf courses.

We finish our week at Bodrum with two more courses and time to cruise on a gulet, lazing away our last day off the shores of the Turquoise coast.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR • FIVE ROUNDS OF GOLF DURING THE 9 DAY TOUR. • ISTANBUL CITY TOUR. • CROSS THE BOSPORUS ON A LOCAL FERRY. • VISIT TO A VINEYARD WITH WINE-TASTING. • GUIDED VISIT TO GALLIPOLI. • GUIDED VISIT TO TROY. • GUIDED VISIT TO PERGAMUM. • GUIDED VISIT TO EPHESUS. • GULET CRUISE. • GREAT GOLF ADVENTURES TOUR MANAGER THROUGHOUT THE TOUR. TOUR DURATION – 9 days Istanbul to Bodrum.

Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Istanbul. Welcome Dinner.

Day 2. In Istanbul: morning golf; afternoon city tour; evening crossing of the Bosporus by local ferry.

Day 3. Drive to Tekirdag; play golf; wine-tasting.

Day 4. Drive to Gallipoli; guided visit to site; drive to Canakkale.

Day 5. Drive via Troy and Pergamum to Kusadasi.

Day 6. At Kusadasi: morning visit Ephesus; afternoon play golf.

Day 7. Drive to Bodrum; afternoon play golf.

Day 8. In Bodrum: morning play golf; afternoon gulet cruise; evening Farewell dinner Day 9. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN TURKEY: 8 nights accommodation in boutique hotels; 5 rounds of golf including buggy; guided tours of Istanbul; Gallipoli; Troy; Pergamum; Ephesus; cruise on a gulet; transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout your journey in Turkey.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Istanbul/Bodrum.

SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

INCLUDED MEALS - 8 breakfasts; 2 Dinners.

TRANSPORT – Coach, gulet.

GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF - Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager; local guides on sightseeing tours, drivers and boatmen.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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BRAZIL

Golf, Waterfalls & Beaches TOUR SUMMARY A golf tour with a difference, this 9 day tour offers a journey across Brazil, from the world-famous waterfalls at Iguacu, via the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, to the Atlantic coast at Paraty, before we finish our journey at the iconic beachfront city of Rio. As well as several rounds of golf our tour includes the chance to see Iguacu falls by helicopter, a look at Sao Paulo by night; a boat cruise off the coast of Paraty, a city tour of Rio, a dinner at a churrascaria restaurant and a night at the legendary Plataforma samba club. A taste of several sides of Brazil, both on and off the golf course.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR • Five rounds of golf during the 9 day tour.

• Guided tour of Iguacu Falls National Park.

• Explore the nightlife of Sao Paulo • Boat cruise at Paraty.

• Two guided tours of Rio, to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf.

• Dinner at a Rio churrascaria restaurant.

• A night at Plataforma Samba club.

TOUR DURATION – 9 days Iguacu to Rio. Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Iguacu; welcome drink and Dinner.

Day 2. In Iguacu: morning round of golf; afternoon guided tour of Iguacu Falls.

Day 3. In Iguacu; optional second round of golf, or visit to Argentinian side of the Falls; boat ride or helicopter ride over the Falls. Late afternoon flight to Sao Paulo.

Day 4. At Sao Paulo: morning round of golf; afternoon drive to Paraty.

Day 5. At Paraty; morning guided city tour; afternoon boat cruise.

Day 6. Drive to Angra; play golf; drive to Rio. Day 7. In Rio: morning play golf; afternoon tour to Sugar Loaf.

Day 8. In Rio: morning visit to Corcovado; afternoon play golf. Evening prize-giving, dinner and show at Plataforma samba club..

Day 9. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN BRAZIL: 8 night’s accommodation in 4 or 5 star hotels and a Pousada; 5 rounds of golf; sightseeing tours of Iguacu Falls and Rio; transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout your journey in Brazil.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Iguacu/Rio. SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

INCLUDED MEALS – 8 breakfasts; 1 lunch and 2 dinners.

TRANSPORT – small coach, internal flights, boat.

GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager; local guides on sightseeing tours, drivers and boat crew.

ACCOMMODATION STANDARD – Hotels on this tour are all 4 or 5 star standard; except in Paraty where we use a local Pousada; all properties have bar and restaurant facilities.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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THAILAND

Golf, elephants, long-tail boats and other adventures TOUR SUMMARY This 11 day tour offers a look at a selection of the golf courses of northern Thailand but with some interesting activities between the golf rounds. Splitting our time between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai we alternate our days between playing golf, riding elephants, river rafting, riding the roads through the highlands, taking a long-tail boat, and visiting nearby Myanmar and Laos. There’s even time for a cookery lesson.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Five rounds of golf during the 11 day tour.

• Full day visit to an elephant centre.

• River-rafting excursion.

• Long-tail boat to Chiang Rai. • Visit to the Golden Triangle at the border with Myanmar and Laos • Thai cookery lesson or visit to craft villages.

• Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout the tour.

TOUR DURATION – 11 days Chiang Mai to Chiang Mai. Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Chiang Mai. Welcome Dinner.

Day 2. In Chiang Mai: golf at Chiang Mai Inthanon golf club.

Day 3. In Chiang Mai: Visit to elephant training centre; elephant riding; river rafting; visit to Orchid Farm.

Day 4. In Chiang Mai: golf at Mae Jo golf club and Resort.

Day 5. Drive to Tha Ton; take long-tail boat to Chiang Rai. Day 6. In Chiang Rai; golf at Santiburi Country Club.

Day 7. Full day visit to Myanmar and Laos at the Golden Triangle.

Day 8. Golf at Santiburi Country Club; drive to Chiang Mai.

Day 9. In Chiang Mai: full day cookery lesson or full day visit to craft villages.

Day 10. In Chiang Mai: golf at Chiang Mai Highlands Golf and Spa Resort; evening farewell dinner.

Day 11. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN THAILAND: 10 nights’ accommodation in 5 star hotels; 5 rounds of golf including buggy; visit to elephant centre ; river rafting; long tail boat ride; excursion to Golden Triangle to see Myanmar and Laos; cookery lesson or visit to craft villages; transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout your journey in Thailand.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Chiang Mai/Chiang Mai. SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

INCLUDED MEALS – 10 breakfasts; 2 Dinners.

TRANSPORT – Coach, elephant, river raft, long-tail boat.

GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager; local guides on sightseeing tours, drivers and boat crew.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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SOUTH AFRICA

Golf, wine, whales and wildlife.

TOUR SUMMARY This 9 day tour offers a typical Great Golf Adventures mixture of top class golf and other adventures. We will play some of the best courses in Capetown, around Hermanus and George, but between our rounds of golf are visits to wineries and a brewery; a visit to a motor museum; a chance to go whale-watching; and an afternoon on a game drive.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR • Five rounds of golf during the 9 day tour.

• Guided tours of Table Mountain and Capetown.

• Full day visit to the wine-lands region with 3 tasting sessions.

• Visit to the Franschhoek Motor museum.

• Visit to Birkenhead Brewery including tasting session.

• Whale watching and marine big 5 excursion at Hermanus.

• Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout the tour.

TOUR DURATION – 9 days Capetown to George.

Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Capetown. Welcome Dinner.

Day 2. In Capetown: morning golf; afternoon tour of Table Mountain and the city.

Day 3. Full day visit to the wine-lands region, including 3 tastings and a visit to Franschhoek Motor Museum.

Day 4. Drive to Pearl Valley; play golf.

Day 5. Drive to Hermanus; afternoon whale-watching and big 5 marine excursion.

Day 6. At Hermanus: morning play golf; afternoon brewery visit and beer-tasting.

Day 7. Drive to George; afternoon play golf.

Day 8. At George; morning play golf; afternoon game viewing. Evening Farewell dinner Day 9. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN SOUTH AFRICA: 8 nights’ accommodation in 5 star hotels; 5 rounds of golf with buggies included (except at Fancourt Links where buggies not allowed); guided tours of Capetown and Table Mountain; visit to wine lands and 3 tastings; visit to Franschhoek Motor Museum; visit to Birkenhead Brewery; whale-watching and marine life excursion; game-viewing drive; transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout our journey in South Africa.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Capetown/George.

SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

INCLUDED MEALS – 8 breakfasts; 2 Lunches and 4 Dinners.

TRANSPORT – Coach, game viewing vehicle.

GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager; local guides on sightseeing tours, drivers.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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ITALY

Golf, Vineyards and Vintage Cars.

TOUR SUMMARY Our 9 day journey through northern Italy offers a typical Great Golf Adventures mixture of golf courses and other activities. We meet up in a delightful hotel in the centre of Venice and after an initial game of golf, spend part of the next two days driving our vintage cars to a golf course each day and then, returning the cars, we spend an afternoon wine-tasting. Finally, taking a boat to Garda we spend our last few days enjoying a mixture of golf, wine-tasting, oliveoil tasting and learning to cook a little Italian food.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR • Six rounds of golf during the 9 day tour.

• Driving a vintage car on two days.

• Two visits to local wineries including wine tasting.

• Boat cruise on Lake Garda.

• Visit to medieval villages and to Este in the Eugenian Hills.

• A Third wine tasting and olive oil tasting.

• Cookery lesson in a medieval castle • Evening visit to Venice.

• Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout the tour.

TOUR DURATION – 9 days Venice to Venice.

Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Venice; transfer to hotel in the centre of the city. Welcome Dinner.

Day 2. In Venice; transfer by motorboat to golf course; play golf; drive to hotel in Val Policella, near Verona.

Day 3. Drive to Desenzano; collect vintage cars; drive down west side of Lake Garda. Afternoon play golf.

Day 4. Drive vintage cars to Ca Degli Ulivi; play golf.

Afternoon visit 2 wineries for wine-tasting.

Day 5. Drive to Sirmione; boat cruise to Garda; drive to Abano Terme.

Day 6. At Abano Terme: morning golf; afternoon visit Medieval villages; wine and olive oil tasting.

Day 7. At Abano Terme: morning golf; afternoon cookery lesson in medieval castle.

Day 8. At Abano Terme; morning golf; afternoon drive to Venice; prize-giving and Farewell Dinner.

Day 9. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN ITALY: 8 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels; 6 rounds of golf; driving vintage cars on two days; boat cruise on Lake Garda; three wine-tasting sessions; one olive oil tasting session; tour to medieval villages; cookery lesson; transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout your journey in Italy.

Vintage cars available: 1959 MG Roadster; 1962 Noleggio Alfa Romeo Guilietta Spider; 1966 rare Triumph Spitfire Mark 2; 1969 Alfa Romeo Duetto ‘Osso Di Sppia’; 1970 VW Beetle; 1971 Fiat 500L; 1976 Noleggo Duetto Aerodinamica, Noleggio Alfa Romea Duetto Coda TRona, Morgan 4/4; 1978 Spitfire 1500. Fuller details of these cars are available if required.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Venice/Venice.

SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

INCLUDED MEALS – 8 breakfasts; 2 Dinners.

TRANSPORT – Coach, motor boat, vintage cars, boat.

GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager; local guides on sightseeing tours, drivers and boatmen.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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CHINA

Golf, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and much more.

TOUR SUMMARY A golf tour with a difference, this 10 day tour offers a journey across China. We start our journey in Beijing with our first round of golf and a look at the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and, after another round, the Great Wall.

We fly then to Xi’an for more golf and a visit to the worldfamous Terracotta Warriors. Continuing with golf in Guilin we then finish our journey in Shanghai where we play our final round. For those who wish there is the option of extending our stay for a further week to sail the Yangtse Gorges and visit the Panda research centre at Chengdu.

Day 8. In Guilin; morning play golf; afternoon fly to Shanghai; Evening cruise on HuangPu River.

Day 9. In Shanghai; morning play golf; afternoon city tour.

Day 10. Tour ends.

16 day tour Days 1 to 9 as above.

Day 10. Fly to Yichiang; board cruise vessel.

Day 11-13. Cruise through the 3 Gorges on the Yangtse River.

Day 14. Disembark at Chongquing; train to Chengdu.

Day 15. In Chengdu: visit Panda Breeding Centre.

Day 16. Tour ends.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Six rounds of golf during the 10 day tour.

• Guided tour of the Forbidden City in Beijing.

• Guided visit to the Great Wall outside Beijing.

• Guided tour of the Summer Palace in Beijing.

• Guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors at Xi’an.

• Guilin: boat cruise on Li River to Yangshuo.

• Guided city tour of Shanghai.

• Evening cruise on the HuangPu River at Shanghai.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN CHINA: 9 or 15 nights accommodation in 4 or 5 star hotels; 6 rounds of golf; sightseeing tours in Beijing, X’ian, Guilin and Shanghai; river cruise at Guilin; River cruise on Yangtse (15 day itinerary only); visit to Panda Research Centre (16 Day itinerary only); transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout your journey in China.

TOUR DURATION – 0 days Beijing to Shanghai or 16 days Beijing to Chengdu.

Outline itinerary 10 day tour Day 1. Arrive Beijing; visit Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.

Day 2. In Beijing: morning round of golf; afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven.

Day 3. In Beijing: morning round of golf then drive to the Great Wall; visit to the Beijing Summer Palace.

Day 4. Morning flight to Xi’an; afternoon play golf.

Day 5. In Xi’an: morning visit to terracotta Warriors; afternoon visit to Xi’an City Walls; evening visit to Tang Dynasty Show.

Day 6. Fly to Guilin; afternoon play golf.

Day 7. In Guilin; cruise on Li River; visit to Yangshuo.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Beijing/Shanghai (10 days) or Beijing/Chengdu (16 days).

SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

INCLUDED MEALS – 9 or 15 breakfasts; 2 or 6 dinners.

TRANSPORT – Coach, internal flights, boat.

GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager; local guides on sightseeing tours, drivers and boat crew.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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SCOTLAND & N.IRELAND

Golf, Whiskey across the North Sea. TOUR SUMMARY This tour offers a long weekend with a difference. We start with a round of golf on the Mull of Kintyre followed by a Scotch whisky tasting afternoon; then the next day we take a fast RIB across the Irish Sea to play a course at Portrush followed by an Irish whiskey tasting. And then we return to Scotland on the RIB. A chance not only to compare two golf courses but also to compare the delights of two distilleries.

This is not a tour for golf fanatics looking only for world class courses, but it offers a chance for the average golfer to play a few rounds as a part of the experience of visiting Scotland and Ireland. Since there are several interesting ways to pass the day away from the golf courses this tour is ideal for nonplaying partners who can sample other delights of the area, such as the Spa at Machrihanish Dunes, and then join their partner for our adventures after the golf is over each day.

Please note the sequence of golf rounds and sightseeing may on occasion vary from that described below, in order to fit in with our tee-off times.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR • Two rounds of golf; one in Scotland and one in Ireland.

• Guided tour of the Springbank distillery in Campbeltown • Guided tour of the Bushmills distillery in Portrush.

• Return crossing of the Irish Sea by RIB. TOUR DURATION – 4 days.

Outline itinerary Day 1. Arrive Campbeltown. Optional round of golf (must be pre-booked) if arriving on early flight. Welcome Dinner.

Day 2. At Campbeltown: Morning round of golf at Machrihanish Golf Club; afternoon visit to the Springbank Distillery.

Day 3. Early morning departure by RIB to Portrush; round of golf; visit to the Bushmills Distillery; return on RIB to Campbeltown. Prize-giving and Dinner.

Day 4. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY: 3 nights accommodation in a 4 star hotel; 2 rounds of golf; tours and tasting at Springbank and Bushmills Distilleries; transport as detailed below.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Campbeltown.

SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available subject to space.

INCLUDED MEALS – 3 breakfasts; 2 dinners.

TRANSPORT – Car or coach, RIB boat GROUP SIZE – approximately 16.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF – local guides on distillery tours, drivers and boat crew.

ACCOMMODATION STANDARD – The hotel used for this tour is 4 star standard, with bar and restaurant facilities.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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PERU AND BOLIVIA

Golf & more in the Andes.

TOUR SUMMARY Our 9 day Peru and Bolivia tour offers a mixture of the fairways of Peru and Bolivia, the stunning scenery of the Andes and Lake Titicaca and the fascinating culture of the Quechua and Aymara people, as we journey from Lima on the Peruvian coast to La Paz high on the Bolivian Altiplano in the heart of the Andes, stopping along the way to play the best of the local golf courses.

For those who wish there is the option of extending our stay for a further six days to visit Cuzco and the incomparable Machu Picchu before enjoying an additional round of golf in Lima.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Four rounds of golf during the 9 day tour; five rounds during the 14 day tour.

• Tour of Lima.

• Visit to the Lurin valley and Paso Horses.

• Guided visit to Larco Herrera Museum • Guided tour of Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery.

• Excursion on Lake Titicaca to visit Uros Indians.

• Visit to Tiahuanaco site.

• Guided tour of La Paz. • Visit to Chacaltaya.

• Guided tours of Cuzco, Machu Picchu and the Urubamba Valley (14 day itinerary only).

• Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout the tour.

TOUR DURATION – 9 days Lima to La Paz or 14 days Lima to Lima.

Outline itinerary 9 day tour Day 1. Arrive Lima; Welcome Dinner.

Day 2. In Lima: morning city tour; afternoon visit to Lurin Horses.

Day 3. In Lima; morning play golf; afternoon visit to Larco Herrera Museum.

Day 4. In Lima: morning play golf; afternoon fly to Arequipa.

Day 5. In Arequipa: morning city tour; afternoon play golf.

Day 6. Fly to Juliaca; drive to Puno; afternoon excursion by boat on Lake Titicaca.

Day 7. Drive from Puno, via Tiahuanaco, to La Paz;

afternoon La Paz city tour.

Day 8. In La Paz: morning play golf; afternoon visit to Chacaltaya; evening Farewell dinner Day 9. Tour ends.

14 day tour Days 1 to 8 as above.

Day 9. Fly from La Paz to Cuzco Day 10. In Cuzco; city tour; visit Sacsayhuaman.

Day 11. Full day visit to the Urubamba Valley.

Day 12. Full day visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 13. Fly from Cuzco to Lima; afternoon play golf.

Day 14. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY IN PERU AND BOLIVIA: 8 or 13 nights’ accommodation in 5 or 4 star hotels; 4 (9 day itinerary) or 5 (14 day itinerary) rounds of golf; guided tours of Lima, Arequipa and La Paz; visits to Lurin valley and Paso Horses, Larco Herrera Museum, Tiahuanaco and Chacaltaya; boat excursion on Lake Titicaca; transport as detailed below; visits to Cuzco, Urubamba valley and Machu Picchu (14 day itinerary only); services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager throughout your journey in Peru and Bolivia.

START/END OF LAND ARRANGEMENTS – Lima/La Paz (9 days) or Lima/Lima (14 days).

SINGLE ROOM OPTION – available at all night-stops.

INCLUDED MEALS – 8 or 13 breakfasts; 2 Dinners.

TRANSPORT – Coach, flights, boat; and train on 14 day itinerary only.

TOUR LEADER/STAFF – Local Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager; local guides on sightseeing tours, drivers and boatmen For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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Lisbon Golf & Football Weekend

TOUR SUMMARY This tour offers a long weekend with a difference. We include two rounds of golf, and tickets to watch Sporting Lisbon play Benfica, but between the rounds there’s time to explore the city of Lisbon.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY • Two rounds of golf • Visit to watch the Lisbon Derby • Free time to tour the city • 3 nights’ accommodation For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44(0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com, or go to www.greatgolfadventures.net and fill in the online form.

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GREAT GOLF WEEKEND CLUB

Lisbon Long Weekend

TOUR SUMMARY This tour offers a long weekend with a difference. We include four rounds of golf, one each day, but between the rounds there’s time for some wine-tasting, and a rather different tour of Lisbon by motor-bike and sidecar. There will be a competition covering the four included rounds on the tour, for those who want to take part, with a trophy presentation at our last meal together.

This is not a tour for golf fanatics looking only for world class courses, but it offers a chance for the average golfer to play a few rounds as a part of the experience of visiting Lisbon for the weekend.

Tour Duration – 4 days.

Outline itinerary • Day 1 Morning arrival in Lisbon. Afternoon round of golf. Welcome Dinner.

• Day 2 Morning tour of Lisbon by motor-bike and sidecar; afternoon round of golf.

• Day 3 Morning round of golf; afternoon wine-tasting.

• Day 4 Morning round of golf; prize-giving and Farewell Lunch. Tour ends.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN TOUR ITINERARY: Long weekend: 3 nights’ accommodation in a 4 star boutique hotel; 4 rounds of golf with use of buggy; vineyard tour and wine-tasting; tour of Lisbon by motorbike and sidecar; Welcome Dinner and Farewell Lunch; transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager.

Short weekend: 2 nights’ accommodation in a 4 star boutique hotel; 2 rounds of golf with use of buggy; vineyard tour and wine-tasting; tour of Lisbon by motor-bike and sidecar; transport as detailed below; services of a Great Golf Adventures Tour Manager.

For more information and reservations, call Great Golf Adventures on +44 (0)1992 579 697, email us at info@greatgolfadventures.com or go to www.greatgolfmagazine.co.uk/golfing-holidays and fill in the online enquiry form.

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Scotland

DUNDONALD LINKS he West coast of Scotland is famous for its

T

amateur tournaments, including pre-qualifying for the European

stunning championship links and Dundonald sits

Tour for four consecutive years and the Senior British Open

right up there alongside the very best of them.

Championship. The course is located at the very heart of Ayrshire’s

Owned by Loch Lomond Golf Club and opened

golf coast, just 10 minutes from Prestwick Airport, 30 mins from

in 2003, this modern day classic links was inspired

Glasgow, and 90 mins from Edinburgh Airport, A wide selection of

by the timeless architecture of the great Ayrshire links courses of

accommodation to suit all budgets can be recommended within easy

Royal Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes, all connected by the

reach, including the 4 star Gailes Hotel on its doorstep.

historic rail line. Acclaimed architect, Kyle Phillips, also known for

Players can benefit from good accessibility to weekend tee-times

Kingsbarns and Yas Links, intimated from the outset that it was his

and an online booking system ensures you can book in advance and

intention “to create a championship Ayrshire links that felt and

guarantee the best rates and availability.

played as though it was an old, rediscovered course.” The course is featured in the Top 100 in UK and Ireland.

Dundonald Links is now recognized as one of Europe’s “must play” links having played host to a number of professional and

A team of PGA Professionals will co-ordinate group golf days to suit your individual requirements whether it’s to impress clients or simply for pleasure. The course is renowned for its exceptional standards of service and a warm welcome awaits.

CONTACT

DUNDONALD LINKS, Ayrshire, Scotland T: +44 (0)1294 314000 E: reservations@dundonaldlinks.com • www.dundonaldlinks.com The course has recently been awarded the prestigious title of UK Environmental Golf Course of the Year and GEO Certification, in recognition of its sustainable practices.

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Spain - Cadiz

SHERRY GOLF JEREZ esigned by Stirling & Martin from Global Golf Company, Sherry Golf appears like an accessible course for amateurs and challenging for professionals. Proof of this are the many important tournaments we have had the honour to host, like the Spanish Open Amateur Championship, two years in a row, and the Seniors International Championship. We are also the official venue of the 2nd Stage of the PGA Qualifying School.

The layout is characterized as being one of the most pleasant walkthroughs in Spain: - 18 holes Championship course: 6572 meters, Par 72 - Pitch & Putt course: 911 meters, Par 3 Sherry Golf is within the new concepts of American golf course design: fun but safe in the game with undulations and well placed hazards, without making it too hilly, in order to ensure a pleasant

D

walkthrough. Wide fairways and ample greens, puts Sherry Golf into the category of a luxury course.

The Clubhouse counts more than 2,800 sq metres designed under the Sherry flair, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere just like the city of Jerez. Its facilities caters to every single aspect of the sport as well as tournaments, including pro-shop, club storage room, locker rooms, restaurant, terrace grill, cafeteria, spike bar, lounges, golf academy, and much more.

The exceptional geographic location of Jerez and its surroundings make this area the perfect destination for the visitor.

3,200 hours of sun light per year, gives this area of the coast its name, Costa de la Luz (Coast of light).

Sherry Golf is located only 5 minutes from the international airport of Jerez, 50 minutes from Seville airport and 1 hour from Malaga International, thanks to the new motorway from Jerez to Los Barrios.

CONTACT

SHERRY GOLF JERE Z, 11407 Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz Telephone +34 956 088 330. Fax +34 956 088 331 Email info@sherrygolf.com • www.sherrygolf.com

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Dundee and Angus. Where we’ve got discovery down to a tee

LONDON STANSTED

TO DUNDEE

£74

FROM

.99 EACH WAY

The Old Course, St Andrews - 30 min drive

RRS Discovery , Dundee

For great fares and ideas for your Dundee break go to visitscotland.com/flydundee Scotland. A land of brilliant moments

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