IAGTO Directory
2016
T h e A n n u a l P u b l i c a t i o n of t h e G l o b a l G o l f To u r i s m I n d u s t r y
Dear Friends, It was a very unexpected but special moment to be presented with the IAGTO Honorary Award in Tenerife last October. To be considered alongside the past winners was a humbling experience and one which has taken some time to sink in. I didn’t realise the size of the Awards and was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of golf around the world. Visiting Tenerife, I was surprised by how many guests I’d met in the past or had stories about meeting me at tournaments I’d played in before so it just shows that even though it’s a big business, it still is a community of passionate people. Personally I am developing my own golf schools as well as working to pass on my experience with the next generation of golfers. Thank you all once again for this prestigious award and I wish you all the best for the golfing year ahead.
3
January 2016
Dear Colleagues, In December 2015, IAGTO’s golf tour operator membership topped 600 for the first time in our 19 year history. The share of the golf tour operator market enjoyed by IAGTO member operators now exceeds 90% with tour operator sales representing 52% of golf tourism sales globally. As you will see in the IAGTO Review chapter, 2015 also marked the fourth year of consecutive growth in golf tour operator sales with forward bookings 9.3% up, year-on-year, on 1st October. IAGTO’s 1800 supplier members saw golf visitor arrivals increase, on average, by 7.2% during the first six months of 2015 which is another good sign for the future. In 2016 the 5th Asia Golf Tourism Convention will take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand from 24-27 April, the 8th North America Golf Tourism in North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort from 26-29 June and IGTM in Mallorca from 14-17 November. Our IAGTO Costa Brava Trophy will take place from 23-26 May. Our guiding philosophy remains to help create the conditions for growth across the entire golf tourism industry worldwide, and all of our activities will be geared towards that as we head into 2016. I wish you all the best for the coming year,
Peter Walton - President & Chief Executive
Editor: Peter Ellegard
Designer: Chris Brown
Sales: Giles Greenwood
Print Manager: Giles Aston - Dexterity Cover Photo: Lumine Golf & Beach Club • www.lumine.com • © Kevin Murray Golf Photography IAGTO, Concorde House, Grenville Place, London, NW7 3SA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8906 3377 Fa x: +44 (0) 20 8906 8181 Email: info@iagto.com Website: www.iagto.com IAGTO Ltd. is registered in England as a professional membership organisation No. 3507678. SIC 9112. VAT 710 1940 78. Directors: P Walton, C Carugati, G Greenwood.
4
THE ISLAND OF TOBAGO....
A championship golf course awaits you at Magdalena Grand The lush Par-72, 18-hole Tobago Plantations Golf Course at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort in Tobago has been woven into the landscape with lakes, woodland thickets, beaches, mangroves and wild grass. The flat terrain of just over 7,000 yards has characteristic pot bunkers sunk into the greensides and a Par 4 that heads out into the peninsula where golfers can enjoy panoramic views of Scarborough,the capital of Tobago. Other holes weave their way through mature palm trees and surrounding mangroves. The course is designed to PGA Championship standards.
The Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort has 178 deluxe oceanfront guest rooms and 22 suites, all featuring breathtaking ocean views from large private balconies and terraces. There are 3 oceanfront swimming pools, tennis, spa services, guest activities, a kids club and a variety of excursions, as well as a wide range of dining options.
Ask about our unlimited golf program.
Local: 868-660-8500 • Email: Info@MagdalenaGrand.com
WWW.MAGDALENAGRAND.COM
Contents
ASIA PACIFIC
U LF AFRICA , G
STATES &
INDIAN OC
E AN
EUROPE
NORTH AMERICA & CA
RIBBE AN
7
Advertising Index
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority 23
77
La Manga Club
Almouj Golf at Almouj Muscat
63
Lumine Golf & Beach Club
2
Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism
31
Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort
6
Central Oregon Visitors Association
5
Conrad Algarve
120
Cornelia Hotels
124-125
Crowne Plaza Vilamoura Algarve
57 118-119
Damai Indah Golf
Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club
73
Provo Golf Club
51
Reed Exhibitions - IGTM
19
Sheraton La Caleta Resort & Spa
123
Spice Hotel & SPA
126
Glenmuir
127
Sunderland of Scotland
128
Hipotels
121
The Biltmore Hotel
117
Hotel Viva Zafiro Alcudia
122
Trump Turnberry Resort, Scotland
95
Kevin Murray Golf Photography
67
Viva & Vanity Hotels
116
L’Albereta Relais & Chateaux
97
Wekopa Resort & Conference Center 34
2017 IAGTO Directory Advertising Rates Please contact Giles Greenwood if you would like to feature your company within the 2017 IAGTO Directory: ggreenwood@iagto.com Enhanced Listing €145 A cost effective way of enhancing your directory listing with a colour photo, brochure or logo. A5 Full-Page Advert
€1100
Resort & Destination Features (can include an advertisement as one of the booked pages) 2 pages €1620 5 pages €2690 3 pages €1990 6 pages €2990 4 pages €2390 Additional pages €400 / page Directory Bookmark (only 1 available) €2500 A5 colour, double-sided bookmark with laminate protection and extended tab, creating a very strong design.
8
IAGTO Review
IAGTO Review 50% of IAGTO Members complete new Quarterly Surveys Announced at IGTM 2014, the new IAGTO Quarterly State of the Market Surveys have been a resounding success with more than 50% of all golf tour operators, golf courses, golf resorts and hotels participating in each of the three surveys that have taken place so far in 2015 at the time of writing. Forward Booking reports are the best guide we have to future trends. Golf Tour Operator Forward Booking Reports Operators state how far ahead or behind their forward bookings were at the beginning of each Quarter: Date
Forward Bookings Up/Down Year On Year
% Operators Up Down
1 April 2015
UP 7.1%
50%
1 July 2015
UP 6.7%
54%
17% 14%
1 October 2015
UP 9.3%
58%
12%
There is a clear and positive trend here with forward bookings accumulating during the year with the number of operators reporting lower year on year forward bookings reducing steadily to only 12% by 1 October. Golfers Travelled in 2015 Whilst forward booking analysis is still a form of crystal ball star-gazing, the number of golfers travelled in each quarter, compared to the same period the previous year, is a reality check on business achieved. Figures are provided by both golf tour operators and suppliers in order to give a balanced industry picture: Operator Sales (Arrivals)
Supplier Sales (Arrivals)
% Operators Down
Jan-Mar 2015
UP 8.1% UP 5.0%
UP 7.2% (Jan-Jun)
18%
Apr-Jun 2015 Jul-Sep 2015
UP 7.0%
UP 2.5%
16%
Period
20%
The first supplier survey took place in July looking at the first six months of the year, where the increase in visitor arrivals @ 7.2% was over twice the leisure tourism average and sat nicely between the two quarterly reports provided by golf tour operators. Operators appear to have done better at moving golfers in the generally low-season July-September months, with suppliers experiencing only a small year on year growth. 9
IAGTO Review
4th Consecutive Year of Golf Tourism Growth Even without data from the fourth Quarter of 2015, we can comfortably state that 2015 will be recorded as the 4th consecutive year of growth for IAGTO’s 600 golf tour operators in 60 countries.
Golf Tour Operator Sales Growth 2012-2015 Annual % Growth in Tour Operator Sales
12
11.1 11 10
9.3 8.9
9
9.0
8
7.0
7 6 2012
10
2013
2014
2015
IAGTO Review
IAGTO Teams Up With Brand USA At our North America Convention, Tom Garzilli, the Senior Vice President of Brand USA announced a partnership with IAGTO designed to bring more golf travellers to America. This is by far the most ambitious project that IAGTO has ever undertaken. The first step was to persuade U.S. stakeholders to get involved. So we were delighted when, within just 3 months, 60 state tourist boards and the convention of visitors bureaus, signed up to the project.
Foundation Work is essential in all strategies, and our first task is simply to calculate the value of golf tourism to the USA and to identify its capacity for growth. Already some 250 golf courses have submitted comprehensive data, and the results will be published at next year’s NAC in June 2016.
11
IAGTO Review
IAGTO Destination Conventions IAGTO staged three significant Destination Conventions in 2015, to Ireland, Andalucía and Turkey. 3rd Golf Ireland Convention In conjunction with Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and The Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance, the 3rd Golf Ireland Convention was held at Druids Glen from 25- 27 March which included a Pre and Post Fam supported by The Dublin East Coast Golf Alliance hotel partners. 112 buyer, suppliers and media delegates attended this event with the main objectives of creating the conditions significant increases in golf holiday sales to Ireland for 2015 and 2016 and to celebrate and promote the Dublin East Coast as 2015 European Golf Destination of the Year.
IAGTO Andalucía Trophy Our first IAGTO Spain Trophy was held in Andalucia at The Villa Padierna from 11-14 May. The event was named the IAGTO Andalucia Trophy and it was attended by 60 Tour Operators and 60 local companies from Andalucia’s golf tourism Industry. The Trophy golf tournament was an enormous success with the former US Open winner Michael Campbell participating. Our second IAGTO Spain Trophy will take place in Costa Brava from 23-26 May 2016 and will be named the IAGTO Costa Brava Trophy.
12
IAGTO Review
Discover Turkish Golf Riviera The inaugural Discover Turkish Golf Riviera event took place in Belek from 30 October to 5 November. 32 IAGTO Golf Tour Operators from 15 countries as well as 49 Belek Sellers attended the event, which was a combination of FAM trip, Golf, Hotel sight inspections and business sessions. During the Business Sessions, 874 pre-scheduled appointments were arranged in advance, which represented 90% of all possible meetings.
IAGTO Golf Days IAGTO staged five golf days throughout Europe in 2015 in order to provide IAGTO operators with the opportunity to spend constructive time with IAGTO staff and meet the sponsors. IAGTO Golf Day Sponsors
13
IAGTO Review
4th Asia Golf Tourism Convention Jakarta played host to the 4th AGTC, which took place from 27-30 April 2015. Staged in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, the convention was attended by 510 delegates including more than 180 golf tour operators in 35 countries around the world as well as 266 supplier delegates from 156 golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels, inbound operators and tourist boards from 23 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Besides two days of meetings at the Jakarta Convention Center and a lavish gala dinner for the presentation of the 2015 IAGTO Excellence Awards at Jakarta’s Hotel Mulia, delegates got to experience several golf courses in and around Jakarta, both in the city and the nearby Bogor Highlands. Sixty tour operators then travelled on to Bali for three days after AGTC to experience all four of the island’s golf courses. Thank you to our hosts and our international sponsors:
14
IAGTO Review
7th North America Golf Tourism Convention California desert destination Greater Palm Springs was the hottest ticket in golf as the 7th annual North America Golf Tourism Convention (NAC) descended on the destination. The event drew more than 300 delegates including 103 tour operators from 23 countries and some 180 representatives from golf resorts, golf courses, hotels, receptive operators and tourist boards from 17 states in the USA as well as from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America. More than 2,200 15-minute appointments were pre-scheduled between tour operators and suppliers during event at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, with an equal number of ad-hoc meetings and discussions expected throughout the two days of business sessions. Thank you to our hosts and our international sponsors:
15
IAGTO Review
2016 - 5th Asia Golf Tourism Convention The 5th Asia Golf Tourism Convention (AGTC) will take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from 24-27 April 2016. AGTC is without doubt the premier golf travel event in the Asia Pacific region and our 5th Convention will attract a record number of golf tour operators from around the world, along with golf travel suppliers from every golf destination in the Asia Pacific. AGTC will take place at Chiang Mai’s state of the art exhibition centre, located only 15 minutes from the centre of town. The airport is also only a 15 minute drive from town, making Chiang Mai an incredibly convenient destination for this large multi-national travel trade event. More than 4000 meetings will take place between golf tour operators and golf resorts, golf clubs, hotels, inbound operators and tourist boards over two days. AGTC attracts over 600 delegates from 32 countries including an expected 180 golf tour operators, all selling Asia Pacific golf destinations, from all leading markets. For more event information please visit www.iagto.com/agtc
16
IAGTO Review
2016 - 8th North America Golf Tourism Convention The 8th IAGTO North America Golf Tourism Convention will take place at Pinehurst Resort known as the home of golf in America in North Carolina from 26-29 June 2016. Over 150 golf tour operators selling North America will attend the Convention with some 25% from the USA & Canada and the remainder from more than 24 different countries all with North American golf programs. Over 9 hours of meetings will take place between Operators and golf tourism suppliers from the USA, Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. So if you are developing your domestic or international visitor business, then this event is not to be missed. For more event information please visit www.iagto.com/nac
17
IAGTO Review
19th International Golf Travel Market In October 2015 Tenerife in Spain hosted one of the most memorable IGTMs with an attendance of 1400 delegates from some 60 countries. Tenerife proved to be a perfect venue for the event which culminated in the IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner being hosted outside, the first in history. Tenerife remains one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations with a wonderful year-round climate and nine golf courses for golf travellers to enjoy. The 19th edition of IGTM takes place in Mallorca, Spain from 14-17 November.
18
www.igtm.co.uk
The Premier event for the golf travel industry
Join us at Son Termens, Mallorca, for IGTM 2016. More than 600 golf tourism suppliers from around the globe will meet up to 400 pre-qualified international golf buyers and press, connecting businesses and networks and driving the development of the worldwide golf tourism industry. Find out more at www.igtm.co.uk
Organised by:
IAGTO Review
IAGTO would like to take this opportunity to thank our 6 key partners who supported all IAGTO activities and events at IGTM 2015.
Golf Monthly Established in 1911 by double Open Champion, Harold Hilton, Golf Monthly is the world’s oldest monthly golf magazine. Written by golfers, for golfers, each issue comes packed with expert instruction advice, equipment reviews and advice on where to play and stay, plus star player interviews and coverage of issues affecting every level of the game. Golf Monthly produces an annual golf travel supplement every autumn, this 100 page supplement features some of the best golfing destinations and will be available in the IAGTO room if you wish to have a copy. Quite simply it is the preferred choice of those who are serious about their golf.
Bulgaria Winner of this IAGTO Undiscovered Destination of the Year 2012, Bulgaria is becoming a serious European golf destination. The unforgettable country provides excellent conditions for golf tourism with golf courses, designed by the greatest present day golf designers in the world. The golfers can enjoy the magnificent golf along the Black sea at Thracian Cliffs Golf and Beach Resort who are 2014 European Resort of the Year, BlackSeaRama Golf & Villas and Lighthouse Golf Resort & Spa or in the mountains at Pirin Golf & Country Club and around the historic city of Sofia at Pravets Golf and Spa and St Sofia Golf & Spa.
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority Abu Dhabi was named ‘Golf Destination of The Year Africa & Gulf States 2012’. With fabulous courses carved out of the desert and along spectacular coastlines, diversity of experiences give Abu Dhabi a great golf offering – you can play a different course for a totally different experience every day for six days! Whether it’s championship-ready parkland, ocean or Links facilities, a gentle urban centre course, the sheer uniqueness of a world-class ‘sand’ course, or an attempt at the emirate’s longest-hole on a country facility in the Oasis City heritage heartland - take you choice!
20
IAGTO Review
To become an IAGTO Partner at IGTM 2016 contact Giles at ggreenwood@iagto.com
Lumine Golf & Beach Club Lumine MediterrĂĄnea Beach & Golf Community is a first class resort located in the heart of Costa Dorada (Tarragona), at Playa Larga, Salou. The area consists of the golf courses (Lumine Golf Club), the restaurant areas (restaurant Lumine and restaurant Hoyo 19) and the Beach Club. Lumine Golf Club has 170 acres which includes three golf courses. The Lakes Course, located between beautiful wetlands, with native flora and fauna. On the other side there is the Hills Course, also called the course of sensations, which is situated between rolling hills, surrounded by pine trees and overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. And finally, the Ruins Course, a 9-hole course, which is characterized by its location between amazing archeological Roman ruins. The Troon-managed resort has gone from strength-to- strength and the facilities have an offering for everyone.
Costa Blanca Costa Blanca has become one of the favourite golf destinations, running from Valencia in the North all of the way down through Alicante and Benidorm to Torrevieja in the south. The region has over 17 quality golf courses and a variety of accommodation to suit every golfers needs and its ideal climate allows golf to be enjoyed all year round. The Costa Blanca Golf Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1992. Its main task is promoting the Costa Blanca as an international golfing destination. The new and improved website is a tourist portal dedicated to golf, where you can arrange in advance your stay in the Costa Blanca and know all the entertainment options of the area. www.golfcostablanca.org
TaylorMade Golf TaylorMade Golf is one of IAGTO’s partners for golf equipment, golf merchandise, and golf apparel. Established in 1979 a golf equipment salesman named Gary Adams took out a $24,000 loan on his home and founded the TaylorMade Golf Company. Today, TaylorMade, adidas Golf and Ashworth continue to deliver products that help players of all skill levels reach their potential. Since 1979 their mission has remained the same: Create the Best Performing Golf Products in the World.
21
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards 16th IAGTO Awards Ceremony The prestigious IAGTO Awards are the official annual awards for the golf tourism industry. This year’s honours were presented during a spectacular IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner on Thursday, 8 October in front of 1,200 golf industry professionals at the spectacular Siam Park, Europe’s biggest Water Park. This was a joint first for the Awards, as not only did the ceremony take place outside under the stars, but it was the first time the ceremony has been held on a beach, making it one of the most memorable venues to date. Once again, the shortlisted nominees and the final winners were a roll call of Resorts & Destinations representing the pinnacle of achievement which reflected the experience of golf tour operators, golf travel writers and, ultimately, the golf traveller. Preceding the IAGTO Awards, we recognized three Sustainable Golf Resorts, in partnership with the Golf Environment Organization. Our Sustainable Awards, now a fixture in the ceremony highlight Sustainable excellence, For 2015, the winners were courses that had already achieved GEO Certified Status. Michael Campbell, the 2005 US Open Winner and one of the world’s most recognisable golfers joined us in Tenerife where we could celebrate his past achievements in person. Michael became IAGTO’s 16th Honorary Award recipient.
22
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
24
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
25
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
16 Years of Winners Golf Destination of the Year Established
Emerging
Undiscovered
2001
Myrtle Beach
Costa Brava
Argentina
2002
Northern Ireland
Dubai
New Zealand
2003
Lisbon Golf Coast
South Africa
Wales
2004
Ireland
Italy
British Columbia
2005
Scotland
Las Vegas
Austria
Algarve
Thailand
Egypt
2006
Africa, Indian Ocean & Gulf States
Asia & Australasia
Europe
Latin America & The Caribbean
North America
Undiscovered
2007
South Africa’s Cape Garden Route
China
Lisboa Golf Coast
Mexico
British Columbia
Czech Republic
2008
Mauritius
Malaysia
Turkey
Argentina
Arizona
Vietnam
2009
Dubai
New Zealand
Andalucia
Dominican Republic
Coastal South Carolina
Kenya
2010
Morocco
Thailand
Provence & Côte D’azur
Jamaica
Orlando
Brazil
2011
South Africa
Australia
North West Ireland
Argentina
Scottsdale
Prince Edward Island
2012
Abu Dhabi
Pattaya
Fife
Los Cabos
Palm Springs
Bulgaria
2013
Dubai
Vietnam
Gran Canaria
Dominican Republic
Monterey County
Veneto, Italy
2014
The Garden Route, South Africa
Hua Hin, Thailand
The Algarve, Portugal
Costa Rica
Naples, Marco Island & The Everglades, Florida
Sweden
2015
Marrakech
Sanya
Dublin East Coast
CancunRiviera Maya
Charleston
Slovenia
2016
Mauritius
Vietnam
Lisboa Golf Coast
Dominican Republic
Hilton Head Island
Tasmania
26
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
Golf Resort of the Year 2004
Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate South Africa
Europe
North America
Rest of World
Druids Glen Golf Resort
Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
Belle Mare Plage
The Westin Turnberry Resort
Pebble Beach
Mission Hills Golf Club
Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort
The PGA National Resort & Spa
Sandy Lane
2008
Carton House
Ginn Reunion Resort Florida, USA
Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa
2009
Hotel Dona Filipa & San Lorenzo Golf Resort
Doral Golf Resort & Spa
Half Moon
2010
Doonbeg
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Raffles Canouan
2011
The Celtic Manor Resort Wales
La Quinta Resort & Club and PGA West California, USA
PUNTACANA Resort & Club
Dominican Republic
2012
Fairmont St Andrews
Turnberry Isle Miami
Mission Hills • Haikou
2013
Terre Blanche Resort
Sawgrass Marriott
Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort
2014
Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers
2015
PGA Catalunya Resort
Pinehurst Resort
Casa De Campo
2016
Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge
Banyan The Resort Hua Hin
2005
Ireland
Mauritius
Georgia, USA
2006
California, USA
China
Scotland
2007
Portugal Ireland
Barbados
Florida, USA
South Africa
Florida, USA
Jamaica
Algarve, Portugal Ireland
South Carolina, USA
Scotland France
Bulgaria Spain
Portugal
The Grenadines
Florida, USA Florida, USA
China
Morocco
New Zealand
California, USA
North Carolina, USA
Florida, USA
Dominican Republic
Thailand
Golf Tourism Supplier of the Year 2012
Portugal Algarve Golf Services Lda
2013
Onyria Resorts, Portugal
2014
Dubai Golf, UAE
27
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
Sustainability Awards
2014
Community Engagement
Efficient Use of Resources
Nature Conservation
Sustainable Golf Course of the Year
Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa
Lumine, Mediterranea Beach & Golf Community
Montego Bay, Jamaica
The Tryall Club
Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
Arizona, USA
Florida, USA
Costa Daurada, Spain
2015
Vidago Palace Golf Course
Emirates Golf Club United Arab Emirates
Portugal
Bahia Beach Golf Club
Dundonald Links Scotland
Puerto Rico
Sustainable Golf Course of the Year
2016
Europe
Americas
Asia
La Galiana Golf Course
PGA National Resort & Spa
Mission Hills Haikou
Spain
China
Florida, USA
Honorary 2001
Arnold Palmer
2009
José María Olazábal
2002
Gary Player
2010
Nick Price
2003
Severiano Ballesteros
2011
Colin Montgomerie
2004
Jack Nicklaus
2012
Sam Torrance
2005
Robert Trent Jones Jr
2013
Tony Jacklin
2006
Nick Faldo
2014
Ernie Els
2007
Greg Norman
2015
Costantino Rocca
2008
Annika Sorenstam
2016
Michael Campbell
28
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
29
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
IAGTO Excellence Awards Rewarding Great Golfing Achievements in Asia In 2015 IAGTO once again celebrated the best of Asia’s golfing achievements. The IAGTO Excellence Awards ceremony took place at Hotel Mulia Senayan during the 4th Asia Golf Tourism Convention, Asia’s No.1 Golf Travel Trade convention. The Excellence Awards were created to recognise the outstanding achievements of golf courses and Golf destinations in the Asia Pacific & Middle East regions. They form an addition to the prestigious annual IAGTO Awards which take place at the International Golf Travel Market and regarded as the golf tourism industry’s “Oscars”. In 2015 IAGTO presented its first Diamond Award for tourist boards. The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board received the IAGTO Diamond Award for support of its golf tourism industry. In 2011 Tourism Malaysia supported the establishment of the Malaysia Golf Tourism Association (MGTA) and funded a five-year golf tourism strategy. The IAGTO Diamond Award is presented to Golf Courses that consistently deliver an exceptional experience to visiting golf travellers. In order to qualify for this accolade, the course must have been inspected by IAGTO. For the 2015 Excellence Awards, IAGTO selected one golf course in each of eight different countries to receive this recognition.
2015 IAGTO Excellence Recipients Angkor Golf Resort Black Mountain Golf Club Damai Indah Golf BSD & PIK Course Kota Permai Golf & Country Club Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Spring City Golf & Lake Resort
30
Cambodia Thailand Indonesia Malaysia Malaysia Abu Dhabi China
A discovery to share
Banyan The Resort Hua Hin
Banyan The Resort Hua Hin Award-winning golf resort now an icon in Thailand Banyan The Resort Named Golf Resort of the Year – Rest of the World in the prestigious 2016 IAGTO Awards and winner of the Luxury Golf Resort and Best General Manager honours for Asia in the 2015 Luxury Hotel Awards, Banyan The Resort is the ideal holiday destination for families, couples and golfers and is located minutes from the centre of Hua Hin in a beautiful landscaped environment. The idyllic resort comprises luxurious villas, tropical gardens, swimming pools, spa, fitness and five-star dining venues serving Thai and International cuisine. Activities such as cycling around the resort and monthly events enhance a stay. Golfers enjoy preferred rates playing the Banyan Golf Club course. Accommodation Enticing pool villas offer guests a “home away from home” ambience in one-bedroom or two-bedroom Pool Jacuzzi Villas, overlooking a tropical garden and an infinite pool with private Jacuzzi, or onebedroom Pool Villas. Dining Coral Restaurant is an all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites, from international buffet selections at breakfast to an extensive a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Take your dining experience to the next level with a private, full service poolside barbecue in your villa, for as few as two people or up to a group of 10 or more. Spa experience and massage treatments Enjoy a relaxing beauty and spa experience, being pampered with a selection of services at The Spa Villa. A variety of massage treatments guarantee that after a round of golf, a tour of the town or a swim at the beach, your body will be relieved of pain and stress. Get around by tram Take our courtesy tram to go to your villa, the golf club or just get around. Banyan The Resort is Hua Hin’s only resort to have this in-resort transportation.
32
Banyan The Resort Hua Hin
Banyan Golf Club Opened in 2008, the golf course was named Best New Golf Course in Asia Pacific in its first year and has won many more top awards since then. The 18-hole championship course was designed and built by Thailand’s leading golf course architect, Pirapon Namatra, Managing Director of Golf East. It is acknowledged by the R&A as a best practice case study for being well maintained, designed and built. • • • •
Total distance: 7,361 yards, par 72 Practice range and two large practice greens with bunkers Grass types – tee boxes: Paspalum; fairways & rough: Zoysia; greens: TifEagle Signature hole: 15th, 139 yards, par 3 with ocean views to Singtoh Island
This world-class facility offers golfers an outstanding golf experience. The golf course is in immaculate condition all year round. The club is one of the best-managed operations in the region and is perfectly complemented by the team’s dedicated five-star service and Thai hospitality. Spectacular sunset views of the Burmese mountains from the clubhouse make the perfect “wish you were here” tweet or Facebook post to friends. Banyan has become an icon for golf in Thailand and TripAdvisor has ranked it as Hua Hin’s top tourist attraction. A visit is highly recommended, whether you are going to Hua Hin to play golf or just on a relaxing a holiday. Banyan is Thailand’s number one lifestyle golf and resort destination. Contact details Banyan The Resort Hua Hin, Thailand Tel: +66 32 616 200 (golf club) +66 32 538 888 (resort) reservations@banyanthailand.com www.banyanthailand.com Adapted from copy supplied by Banyan The Resort Hua Hin 33
Malaysia
GOLF IN
MALAYSIA With so much diversity in one golf destination, all you have to do is choose! Situated close to the equator, Malaysia offers four amazing golf experiences for you throughout the year: Up in the highlands, down by sun-drenched beaches, surrounded by tropical rainforests or simply “down town” in and around the major cities. The après-golf is just as memorable with sophisticated living and exquisite food all served up amongst a cultural diversity that lies at the heart of this multinational country. With over 200 golf courses, you will never have to travel far to find a wonderful new golf experience.
35
Malaysia
GREAT ESCAPE TO THE
TROPICAL ISLAND GOLF IN MALAYSIA Malaysia’s 200 golf courses are not limited only to highland and jungle areas. There are courses to be found even on islands! The local islands offer an ideal environment for relaxing rounds of golf: warm and sunny, with the occasional welcome breeze. Play golf beside white sandy beaches while listening to the sound of lapping waves. When not playing golf, you can go island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, and many more island activities for the adventurous. On Penang Island, Bukit Jawi Golf Resort features two 18-hole layouts – the Lake and Hill courses – as well as a 48-bay driving range and practice putting green, leisure facilities including swimming pool, tennis, and badminton courts, and an on-site 66-room hotel. Besides that In Langkawi, you can find The Els Club Teluk Datai which has been voted as one of the best golf course in the world. In Kelantan, you can find Resort World Kijal Revel in an exciting game of golf against the backdrop of sparkling white sands and glittering turquoise waters. This championship golf course consisting of the Palma and Rimba Nines is truly a sight to behold. Rise to the challenge and enhance your precision with every shot as the changing seasons will likely play havoc with your game. Discover the excitement of golfing by the sea!
36
Golfing in Borneo is just as exotic as it sounds and is not an experience to be missed! Nestled within Karambunai Resorts in Sabah is Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai’s 18-hole course, set alongside the South
Malaysia
China Sea. The course is player-friendly, with wide landing areas and contoured fairways while water provides the elements of risk and reward. Sabah Golf & Country Club is the oldest in the East Malaysian state. Originally opened in 1976 with a design by Robert Muir Graves, it was remodeled in 2004 by Nelson and Haworth and is reputed to be one of South East Asia’s toughest golf courses. Set amidst a residential development, the course features hilly terrain and undulating fairways with hazards including lakes and hidden bunkers. Also in Sabah is the 27-hole Sutera Harbour Marina Golf & Country Club. Its three nine-hole courses were designed by Graham Marsh and built on undulating, reclaimed land. The courses vary in difficulty and are open for play by members of guests of the Pacific Sutera Hotel and Magellan Sutera Resort. 37
Malaysia
Playing Golf in
Kuala Lumpur
Even in the hustle and bustle of the city, a good game of golf can be enjoyed. Although
Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort On
this 18-hole course of championship calibre,
located in the city center, many of Kuala
natural and deceptive challenges that tease
Lumpur’s golf courses retain a quiet and
and excite the golfer abound. Against a
serene environment to ensure a round of
picturesque backdrop of a mangrove swamp,
undisturbed, distraction-free golf. This also
lakes, ponds and trees, the thrill to tame the
means you won’t have to be away from all
course is simply irrepressible. Here is golfer’s
the conveniences of being in a city.
paradise discovered.
Everything from the biggest shopping malls,
The Mines Resort & Golf Club Founded
five-star hotels, restaurants, and more is but
by Malaysian business entrepreneur Tan Sri
a stone’s throw away in the city, whether
Lee Kim Yew, The Mines Resort & Golf Club
you’re here on holiday or a business trip.
was built upon the world’s largest open cast
Combine that with an excellent transportation
tin mine in 1993 and opened to the public
service and you will have a hassle-free golf
the following year. The parkland style, par-71
experience right in the heart of the city.
course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Jones Jr, covering 6,966 yards of tifdwarf
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Golf Club
bermuda and features wide fairways, grassy
KGSAAS’s 27-hole course is designed
roll-offs, hollows and tight chipping areas.
Thompson Wolveridge and Associates
Templer Park Country Club, Selangor
by world-renowned golf course designers which is helmed by five-time British Open champion, Peter Thompson. 38
Designed by world renowned golf professional Jumbo Ozaki, Templer Park Country Club
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Highland Golf Experience
is set in the midst of a natural sanctuary surrounded by virgin forest, with the famous Bukit Takun rising majestically to the left and breathtaking views of the many lakes. This club has been described as one of the most scenic and challenging courses. There are also courses such as Palm Garden Golf Club, Danau Golf Club, Tropicana Golf & Country Club, Bukit Unggul Coutnry Club, Glenmarie Golf & Country Club, Kelab Golf Perkhidmatan Awam Kuala Lumpur and more for golfers to explore. Please visit Malaysia Golf Tourism Association official website www.mgta.com.my to know more about Malaysia’s golf courses.
Mountain ranges line Malaysia’s geography and makes for some of the most breathtaking views for golf courses. The most notable highland areas are Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, the former being one of the most popular hill resorts in the country. This highland paradise still retains much of the charm of an English village. Although massive development in the last decade has changed the landscape of the highlands, it remains a popular destination for those who want to escape the hot weather of the lowlands. Located on the Titiwangsa Range at about 1,500 meters above sea level, the temperature here can drop to 16 degrees or lower. The weather here remains at the lower 20’s most of the time. Just 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur, Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort is a tranquil escape 3,100 feet high on Malaysia’s longest mountain range. With picturesque green mountain views and a refreshingly cool climate, a relaxing game of golf can be enjoyed all year round. Besides its 18-hole golf course, you can take a ride on Asia’s longest cable car system or explore the surrounding, ancient rainforest. 39
Malaysia
ABOUT
MALAYSIA
Each year, Malaysia hosts five major international golf tournaments which bring the biggest names of golf around the globe to the country. These prestigious events are held at award-winning golf clubs with world class championship courses designed by renowned course architects. Malaysia will be helding Maybank Championship Malaysia which is jointly sanctioned by the European and Asian tours on the Febuary of 2016 with a prize worth of $3 million and is the stage for many of the world’s top golfers to experience the best of Malaysia and golf herein. Recently this year, the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM made its debut in Malaysia. The tournament is a Ryder Cup-styled team matchplay golf event between Asia and Europe which took place at the Glenmarie Golf & Country Club in Kuala Lumpur. Golf legends Thongchai Jaidee and Miguel Angel Jimenez captained the Asia and Europe teams respectively in a three-day contest featuring five fourball matches, five foursomes and ten singles. The Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia is a women’s professional golf tournament on the LPGA Tour. The inaugural tournament was played in October 2010 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club. The debut tournament was a limited field event with 50 players invited from the official LPGA money list and an additional ten invited sponsor exemptions, including two ASEAN nations’ local qualifiers. First played in 2010, the CIMB Classic was the first ever PGA Tour sanctioned event in Southeast Asia. With an elite field of 40 players, the tournament boasted the largest prize purse for a professional golf event in the region. The following year saw the field grow to 48 players, and the winner’s purse increased to USD1.3 million. In 2012, the tournament grew to higher standards, attracting some of the biggest names in the world of golf like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, past champions Ben Crane, Bo Van Pelt, and Nick Watney. Held in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor, the Iskandar Johor Open is one of the fastest growing tournaments on the Asian Tour and continues to attract the biggest names from across the globe. The
40
Malaysia
tournament has firmly established itself as one of the premier competitions on the Asian Tour calendar, and a mighty popular one with the players too. In 2011, the tournament enjoyed even greater prestige having cemented its position as a tournament jointly sanctioned by the Asian and European Tour.
41
Malaysia
Saujana Golf & Country Club Founded in 1984, Saujana Golf and Country Club offers two 18-hole golf courses namely ‘Palm Course’ and ‘Bunga Raya Course’. These courses are exquisitely designed for championship play by the renowned golf course landscaped architect, Ronald Fream Design Group California, USA & Ted Parslow of E&G Parslow, Australia. Saujana Golf and Country Club has been voted constantly to be Malaysia’s No. 1 Golf Club and is one of the 100 Best Golf Resorts in the world. These Par 72 courses sprawl over 400 acres of Bermuda Fairways and Bermuda TifEagle and Mini Verde green. A Golf School with a 300 meter driving range, putting greens and bunkers compliment the course The two world renowned courses, the Palm and the Bunga Raya have been accorded countless international accolades including “The best Championship Course in Asia (Palm Course)” by Asian Golf Monthly 2005 and # 69 “Top 100 Best Courses outside the USA (Bunga Raya Course)”by Golf Digest 2005. Further voted in the World’s Top 1000 Golf Courses by Rolex & 6th Toughest Course in the World ( Palm Course) by CNNGo.com 2012 SGCC is the 15th Member of the exclusive European Tour Properties, only the third outside of Europe and the first in Malaysia to be an official European Tour Destination. The view is scenic and the play is exciting for beginners and pros alike. Saujana Golf & Country Club is also nestled alongside the beauty of two hotels, namely The Saujana Kuala Lumpur and The Club Saujana Resort. 42
Malaysia
PALM COURSE Long hitters may be tempted to take the tiger line over the trees on this sharp dogleg hole but a poor drive will severely be penalised by the heavily wooded ravine. The safer course would be to follow the fairway route to set up a short iron approach to the elevated, narrow green. Deep bunkers protect both sides of the green. BUNGA RAYA COURSE This straight forward opening hole requires a drive and a second shot that should avoid a line of fairway bunkers on the left. A short iron should then be sufficient to land the ball onto a large, elevated green which is protectd by a body of water on the front and right side. Two large deep bunkers also guard the front of the green which slopes from left to right.
FOR MORE INFO VISIT US at : http://www.saujana.com.my/ 43
Malaysia
A WA R D W I N N E R - W O R L D’ S B E S T N E W G O L F C O U R S E
Els Club Teluk Datai,
designed as a tribute to nature is an 18hole Par 72, 6,750 yard championship golf course set in the beautiful island of Langkawi, just off the Northwest Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Marked as one of the most incredible courses within the Els Club collection, Els Club Teluk Datai is nestled within a centuries-old rainforest with towering lush tropical foliage, meandering its way towards the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Overlooking the marbled limestone peaks of the Mat Chinchang Mountain range, it is a sight to behold. Complete with a well-appointed open air clubhouse, it’s easy to imagine spending a leisurely afternoon on the terrace with your favourite beverage or indulging in some retail therapy in our logo shop which carries the latest in both golf and lifestyle apparel.
44
Malaysia
Located on the island of Langkawi just off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia, The Els Club Teluk Datai, with it’s Ernie Els designed golf course, is one of the world’s most uniquely captivating golf projects . Designed a tribute to nature, The Els Club Teluk Datai meanders it’s way through Million year old rainforest cascading down to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and is overlooked by the marbled limestone peaks of the Mat Chinchang Mountain range. With natural streams flowing throughout the golf course, it’s easy to lose focus on your game as you’re immersed in such a serene environment. Very latest Club Car Precedent buggies equipped with state of the art Visage GPSunits. The practice facilities include: an extensive putting green, 6 target greens, a 50m x 40m grassed tee, as well as a short game area to hone your skills. PGA Professionals are available on site to offer the very best in golf instruction.
FOR MORE INFO VISIT US at : http://www.elsclubmalaysia.com/ 45
Malaysia
Kota Permai
is the perfect getaway for golf and recreational pleasures. Our country club is the talk of the town offering arguably, the best golfing experience in Malaysia. You will be overwhelmed by our fast greens, challenging international 18-hole course, numerous sporting facilities, food and beverage facilities and backed by the friendly staff you’ll ever meet. Kota Permai Golf & Country Club is a lifestyle in itself, situated in Kota Kemuning, an up-market suburb of Shah Alam ideally located along the Kesas highway linking the city of Kuala Lumpur to the bustling port of Klang. Kota Permai is only 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s CBD and 35 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. Singapore, down south is just under four hours by car. We have hosted numerous tournaments including the Maybank Malaysian Open which is sanctioned by both the European and Asian Tours, as well as the World Cup Qualifying round, the Volvo Masters and most recently, the Selangor Worldwide Masters which is another Asian Tour event.
46
Malaysia
FOR MORE INFO VISIT US at : http://www.kotapermai.com.my/ 47
Malaysia
Els Club Desaru Coast offers 27 holes of championship golf designed by Ernie Els. Situated along the Desaru Coast in the southern state of Johor the Els Club Desaru Coast is comprised of 3 Nine Hole Courses aptly named the Ocean, Ridge and Lake with each playing to a Par 36 providing a challenge for all skill levels.
The 50,000 square foot clubhouse at Els Club Desaru Coast is contemporary in design yet casually sophisticated in appointment providing the perfect location for relaxation or perhaps even a business meeting. With views over the golf course as well as the South China Sea, the hallmark of the clubhouse will be the signature restaurant of Ernie himself, the Big Easy Wine Bar and Grill, which provides a modern twist on comfort food ranging from Steaks to Pastas as well as local Asian favourites. Els Club Desaru Coast also boasts the Els Performance Academy offering the latest in golf instruction and coaching from qualified PGA and LPGA instructors. As if that were not enough, the practice facilities are second to none and come complete with a 9 Hole Par 3 Course that is easily accessible for juniors and lady golfers. Opening soon in 2016. FOR MORE INFO VISIT US at : http://www.elsclubmalaysia.com/ 48
Malaysia
Danau Golf Club
A walk through the 18 holes of will lead to the amazing revelation that the course is nature designed. With the introduction of indigenous flora, even the ubiquitous palm and rubber trees, from the plantations which the course was created, have blended in to give that added aesthetic charm. The layout consists of tree-lined rolling fairways; large, multiple-choice tee boxes; huge lakes; plenty of greenside bunkers and generous greens. The course ranges from 5,217 meters (red) to 6,357 meters (blue), designed to accommodate players of all skill levels. Right from the first tee, a forestate of the beauty and challenge of this intrepidly designed course is in store. With tall, matured trees flanking both sides of the fairway, one is simply awed to distraction.
FOR MORE INFO VISIT US at : http://www.danaugolf.com/ 49
PLANNING PLANNING TOHAVE TO HAVE HAVE PLANNING TO AA A GOLF GOLF HOLIDAY HOLIDAY IN IN GOLF HOLIDAY IN MALAYSIA? MALAYSIA? MALAYSIA? Malaysia
E XE P ERX LO GO O OLRLFE F CO CO GO LRFR RTO SUERSUO& RPTO O E URRATO OSPW ERRISTATO WUI TSRHS U WSI T H U S X LO P LO REEPM MO ORRREE EM G UU S ESCO SE S & U& TO E RPATO R H I NI NMM AALI N MSA I IAAL AYS G TO G OUULRR FI SI TO S MAUSAR ISSC O MI C AI AT SI O SO I OC N I !OWN ! N O W ! LAYS AY GO O LLI A FF TO M SSO AT N NNIOAT WO
ATW OAT RO ON L TOM AYS WWHHAT DDH O PP R OFO FEESPSSRSI O I ON G OFA LEF SAY U M AU LI AAY I AL?AY S I A ? D O FNA EA SL SLGI O LRESGRSO LSFSAY AYS EARSBSOASUBAY S ATALB O T? MS A
MICHELLE WIE : I love Malaysia, they have wonPAULA CREAMER : I’m so excited to derful golf course and I went shopbe touring Malaysia and exploring the MICHELLE MICHELLE WIEpeople. : I love WIE Malaysia, : Ifor love they Malaysia, have they won-have wo PAULA CREAMER PAULA CREAMER : I’m so excited : I’m so to excited to pings and the mall are huge! The food is great and wonderful conservation projects in Malaysia. derful golf derful course golf and course people. and I went people. for shopI went for shopbe touringbe Malaysia touringand Malaysia exploring and the exploring the this is the thing i love about Malaysia. It was incredible to go to Sepilok Orang Utan pings and pings the mall andare thehuge! mall The are huge! food isThe great food and is great an wonderful wonderful conservation conservation projects inprojects Malaysia. in Malaysia. Sanctuary, especially to be there during feeding this is the thing this isi the lovething about i love Malaysia. about Malaysia. It was incredible It was incredible to go to Sepilok to go to Orang Sepilok Utan Orang Utan time! There’s so much to see here.
Sanctuary,Sanctuary, especially especially to be theretoduring be there feeding during feeding time! There’s time! so There’s much tososee much here. to see here.
NICK WATNEY: Yeah, I’m definitely very excited PHIL MICKELSON: I had a wonderful bus tour to be back. I have a lot of good memories from of the city of Kuala Lumpur. It’s a beautiful area. last time I was here. The golf course is in great Had an up close look at some of the milestones shape out there. It’s very challenging ! in the city. It wasMICKELSON: spectacular, NICK WATNEY: NICK WATNEY: Yeah, I’m definitely Yeah, I’m very definitely excited very excite PHIL MICKELSON: PHIL I had a and wonderful II’m hadenjoying a wonderful bus tour bus tour here. The is aa great test have back. a lotI have of good a lotmemories of good memories from from of my thetime city of of the Kuala citygolf Lumpur. of course KualaIt’s Lumpur. beautiful It’s aof area. beautiful area. to be back.toIbe golf. it’s was time here.I was Thehere. golf course The golf is incourse great is in great Had anIt’supdifficult, Had closeanlook upchallenging close at some lookof!atthe some milestones of the milestones last time I last
there. out It’s very there.challenging It’s very challenging ! ! in the city.inIt the was city. spectacular, It was spectacular, and I’m enjoying and I’m enjoying shape out shape my time here. my time The here. golf course The golf is acourse great test is a of great test of golf. It’s difficult, golf. It’sit’sdifficult, challenging it’s challenging ! ! F O R M O R E I N F O, P L E A S E V I S I T
WWW. PLAYMA LAYSI AG O L F.CO M F O R M O R EF O IN RF O, M OPRLEE A I NSFEO, V I PS L I TE A S E V I S I T playmalaysia.indd 16
W50W W.WWW. P L AY M P LAAY L AYSIAGO MA L AYSIAGO L F.COLMF.CO M
11/11/15 6:01 PM
DAVID FEHERTY
Provo Golf Club Ambassador
5 Star Regent Grand on Grace Bay Beach is the only property in The Turks and Caicos to offer Complimentary Golf. www.theregentgrand.com • 877 288 3206
Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort
Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort
Two golf courses and a brand new hotel beyond ordinary Opened in April 2014 by Regnum Turkey, an associate of the Öztürk Group of companies, Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort is a 1,200-bed resort that combines the green of its two golf courses with the blue of the Mediterranean to create a heavenly mix in rising tourism star Belek. Located in the pine-tree landscape of Carya Golf Club, the resort played a central role during the recent G20 Summit. It harmonises state-ofthe-art technology with amazing elegance to ensure that guests’ every need is met. All rooms have sea and golf views, offering guests a unique accommodation experience. The golf residence, next to the five-storey main building, consists of single-floor rooms with their own pools. Eight room types in the hotel range in size from 50-250 square metres, providing cosy yet spacious accommodation. There are also four exclusive villas and an exceptional three-storey 3,500-square-metre villa lavishly equipped to host presidents and world stars. Europe’s first golf hotel to be awarded the LEED Gold Certificate, Regnum Carya offers facilities where guests can swim outdoors both winter and summer, have a holiday full of sports, enjoy an amazing view of the Mediterranean and pristine pine forests and relish fine international cuisine with four à la carte restaurants and a main restaurant. The GreenDoor Spa & Wellness Centre offers a Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, ice room and a wide variety of organic and natural treatments. Carya also has an Adventure Park, offering various activities on 32 platforms, an entertaining fitness activity programme, live music, DJ performances and shows at night, and a kids club and Aquapark for youngsters. Guests can enjoy golf at Regnum’s two courses: Turkey’s first golf course allowing night-time golf with 18 floodlit holes, Carya Golf Club, and the 27-hole National Golf Club. The resort offers training camp facilities for professional football teams on three FIFA-standard football pitches and the chance for new talent to be discovered at the Chelsea Football School, established with top club Chelsea FC. 52
Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort
Carya Golf Club Recognised among the world’s top 100 golf clubs by prestigious golf publications and open since November 2008, Carya Golf Club is not only Europe’s first and only floodlit golf course but is also one of the few golf clubs that plays host to international championship tournaments in Turkey. The 18-hole, par 72 layout is a striking and naturally-beautiful course set on undulating sand hills and designed by Thompson Perrett & Lobb, the golf course architecture firm founded by five-time Open Champion Peter Thompson. Inspired by classic heathland courses such as Sunningdale and The Berkshire, nearly one million heather sprigs were planted around the course, giving it its distinctive appearance.
National Golf Club The National was Belek’s first golf course when it opened in November 1994 and has been part of Regnum since 2014. Designed by Ryder Cup player David Feherty and Seniors Tour player David Jones, it hosted the PGA European Turkish Seniors Open in 1996 and 1997. The course is now 27 holes following the opening of a further nine holes in November 2015. Carved through a forest of eucalyptus and pine trees with the backdrop of the snow-capped Taurus mountains and an abundance of natural lakes, the National tests the abilities of all golfers. In addition, its nine-hole Executive Course allows golfers to sharpen their short game. The National also has a team of PGA professionals offering individual and group lessons, a 40 bay driving range, two chipping and putting greens, and practice bunkers.
Tel: +90 242 710 34 34
info@regnumhotels.com www.regnumhotels.com
Adapted from copy supplied by Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort 53
Terrace Downs, New Zealand
Terrace Downs, New Zealand A stunning golf resort in a truly majestic setting Nestled at the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Terrace Downs is a unique golf resort in the heart of Canterbury’s beautiful High Country. Flanked by the ice-blue Rakaia River, this is a destination for any golfer’s bucket list. Regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier golf resorts, this amazing property showcases the best of its majestic setting. Being less than one hour’s drive from Christchurch International Airport, Terrace Downs is secluded yet accessible. Transportation is available from the airport to the resort, or self-drive through the scenic Canterbury Plains.
High Country golf at its finest The resort’s defining feature is the championship golf course, sculpted to fit perfectly within this unique environment. The course was carefully designed by the talented Sid Puddicombe and associates, and was officially opened in December 2001. The manicured fairways, well-maintained greens, and roughs of native New Zealand grasses create a challenging yet rewarding round of golf. The par-72 course tests the abilities of all players, from the novice to the professional, with 9 lakes and over 60 bunkers. The rustic luxury resort features sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, and is renowned for the difficulty golfers face in keeping their eye on the ball when there is so much beauty surrounding them. A practice green and driving range complete the experience, and a large fleet of high-quality motorized carts is available to accommodate groups of any size. This gorgeous High Country resort course will truly make for a round of golf you’ll never forget.
54
Terrace Downs, New Zealand
Clubhouse & facilities Complementing the spectacular golf course is a well-appointed clubhouse housing luxury locker rooms, a brand-new gym, pro shop and two signature restaurants. The Café at Terrace Downs offers all-day casual dining with balcony views and a warm atmosphere, while Hunter’s Restaurant features the best of New Zealand’s High Country cuisine, enhanced by picture-window views, exposed stone and a roaring fireplace. The pro shop sells a range of golfing apparel and accessories including souvenirs and branded items, and has hire equipment available including standard club sets, premium Titleist club sets with Scotty Cameron putters, shoes, electric carts and push trundlers.
Terrace Downs championship golf course Par:
72
Tee positions:
4
Distance:
6,406 metres / 7,006 yards
Holes:
18
Designer:
Sid Puddicombe
Greens:
Various Brown Top strains
Fair ways:
NZ Brown Top
Roughs:
NZ Native grasses, Hard Fescue
55
Terrace Downs, New Zealand
Luxury accommodation This stunning High Country resort is the perfect stayand-play location, with luxury accommodation available on-site. Stay in Villa Suite apartments, all featuring jawdropping views across the 18th fairway and back nine holes to the majestic Mt Hutt beyond. The villas sleep up to 6 people and feature all modern conveniences including full kitchens, separate living and dining areas, a spa bath, bathrobes, and laundry facilities. For larger gatherings, the Chalets house up to 13 people in luxurious comfort in large private houses.
Resort activities Terrace Downs is a complete resort destination featuring a wide array of on-site and nearby activities. Take a break from the golf course with a visit to the relaxing and indulgent day spa, play a round of tennis, or take a walk in nature, on foot or horseback, to truly experience the scenery that surrounds the resort. For the more adventurous, have a go at clay shooting, archery, or take a jet boat ride along the beautiful Rakaia River. Whatever your dream golfing vacation looks like, Terrace Downs will deliver the experience of a lifetime. The friendly and professional team are ready to make guests’ visits an experience to remember! Copy supplied by Terrace Downs Resort
Images Š Kenichiro Tenjinki
Contact details Terrace Downs Resort, Windwhistle, Canterbury, New Zealand
56
Tel: +64 3318 6943 info@terracedowns.co.nz www.terracedowns.co.nz
The Algarve with an average of 300 days of sunshine a year is the most popular and cosmopolitan region of Portugal, with a wealth of natural and man-made attractions, from superb beaches and dramatic scenery to some of the best golf courses and marinas in Europe. The Crowne Plaza Vilamoura Hotel has a privileged location in the well known destination of Vilamoura... - Only 20 minutes away from Faro International Airport - Some of the Algarve’s best courses are a matter of minutes away - Dedicated golf reception desk for making bookings and offering course advice - Outdoor putting green - Free shuttle service between Vilamoura Golf Courses and the Hotel -
To find out more about Crowne Plaza Vilamoura, including TO terms & Golf Groups, please feel free to contact our sales team on 00351 289 381 909 or sales@cpvilamoura.com
www.crowneplazavilamoura.com
The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa
The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa A sensory-rich sanctuary on a white-sand beach with world-class golf Offering sweeping sea views of the sparkling South China Sea, the Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa is located at the heart of Greentown Blue Bay in Hainan Island’s Qingshui Bay, a prestigious resort community with white-sand beaches and a stunning, crescent-shaped coastline bisected by sandstone rock formations. Each of our 356 inspiring guest rooms, suites and villas offers a large balcony. You can enjoy the 180-degree sea views over the South China Sea in each room. Our dining and entertainment options are yours to explore. With breathtaking views of the pool and sea, the signature restaurant – Seasonal Tastes – proves itself to be a perfect venue for buffet lovers. Five Sen5es serves authentic Hangzhou and Shanghai cuisine. The Noodle Bowl is heaven for noodle lovers, treating you to a plethora of noodles from around the world. The outdoor swimming pool and surf pool, on the first floor, are a great way to generate the energy and focus you need to excel throughout the day. Guests can take a refreshing dip in our WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio. The hotel is home to Westin China’s largest Heavenly Spa by WestinTM, measuring 2,300 square metres and including one VIP spa villa and 12 private spa villas. Those are designed to let you to be at your best.
Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course Next to the beautiful resort, there is the 18-hole championship Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course, which is a 7,555-yard par 72 golf course designed by Mark E Hollinger of JMP Golf Design Group, featuring sand dunes and love grass. Jian Lake Blue Bay incorporates links golf elements into a tropical seaside environment. At Jian Lake Blue Bay, the golf architect maximized the sand dune areas, which not only gives the course a special and agreeable feel for the golfers’ experience, but also reduces the consumption of water and fertilisers. 58
The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa
The 18-hole championship Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course was host course to the prestigious 2014 Blue Bay LPGA tournament. The Ladies Professional Golf Association is one of the longest-running women’s professional sports associations in the world. Founded in 1950, the organisation has grown from its roots as a playing tour into a non-profit organisation involved in every facet of golf.
Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa golf packages Getting your game back with a golf package at the Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa, challenging yourself on this championship course, enhancing your wellness, and then restoring yourself in our Deluxe Oceanfront Room – whether you choose to golf the day away or explore our finer dining options, you can relax and enhance your wellness in the Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa. Treat yourself to a well-cared-for Westin experience with a golf package: • • • • • • •
One night stay in our stylish 180-degree sea view Deluxe Oceanfront Room Daily buffet breakfast for 2 One session of 18 holes at Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course Complimentary driving range with 50 golf balls Complimentary Wi-Fi in-room and in public areas Complimentary round-trip shuttle bus to Sanya Phoenix International Airport Late checkout until 3pm (subject to availability) The sensory-rich environment of the community of fers a respite from the rigours of travel and sets a welcome tone. The instinctive service transforms every aspect of your stay into a revitalising experience, including free airport shuttle bus and even complimentary Greentown shuttle, to offer you complete peace of mind.
Copy supplied by The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa, Area C, Qingshui Bay Beach Resort District, Lingshui, Hainan 572426, China
Tel: +86 898 8338 8666 Fax: +86 898 8330 6565 www.westin.com/bluebay
59
Almouj Golf
Almouj Golf An iconic masterpiece A Greg Norman masterpiece, Almouj Golf is the Sultanate of Oman’s first 18-hole championship US PGA standard links style golf course. Set along two kilometres of pristine beach with stunning ocean views and dunes shaped like the surrounding Al Hajjar Mountains, Almouj Golf delivers an outstanding one-of-a-kind golfing experience for golfers of all abilities. Regarded as one of the region’s leading golf courses, Almouj Golf is the iconic centrepiece of Oman’s leisure and lifestyle community, Al Mouj Muscat. Since opening in 2012, the excellence of Almouj Golf’s facilities and services has received an impressive array of international accolades. They include being named Top Golf Club in the Middle East and North African (MENA) Travel Awards in 2014, fourth-best Middle East golf course by Golf Digest in 2013 and Best International Golf Development at the International Property Awards in 2012-2013, while the Almouj Golf Academy won the Best Interior Design honour at the Dossier Construction Awards in 2013. Oman’s top-rated golf course in terms of customer satisfaction, Almouj Golf accounts for over 60 per cent of total visitor golf rounds played in the Sultanate. Eco-conscious and dedicated to sustainability in all aspect of its management, operations and everyday activities, Almouj Golf is proud to be the first golf course in the MENA region to be certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary – achieved through its implementation of environmental management practices, including water conservation, environmental planning, and wildlife and habitat management. Almouj Golf recently received the internationally-recognised Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certificate for its stringent implementation of food safety measures. The new accreditation, the first of its kind for a golf club in Oman, means Almouj Golf continues to lead the way as a world-class golf and leisure destination.
60
Almouj Golf
Considered by Greg Norman to be one of the best golf courses he has been involved in, Almouj Golf has been enthusiastically embraced by the golfing community, regularly receiving rapturous reviews on Trip Advisor where it is typically described as ‘fantastic’, ‘breathtaking’, ‘my favourite’ and ‘the best course in the Middle East’. Almouj Golf recently hosted the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, the first European Challenge Tour event to be played in the GCC. The field was comprised of some of the world’s finest golfing talents including previous winners Roope Kakko in 2013 and Max Orrin in 2014, as well as Almouj Golf regulars and course record holders Byeong Hun-An and Lucas Bjerregaard. This year’s champion, Ricardo Gouveia, sealed a stunning double as he claimed his second victory of the season and climbed to the summit of the Road to Oman Rankings. During their visit, tour players noted that Almouj Golf was the best course and event among the 27-Challenge Tour venues.
61
Almouj Golf
The Clubhouse Academy Restaurant, with its driving range views, laidback atmosphere and warm Omani hospitality, is the perfect place to unwind and dine, while reviewing your’s day’s play. For extra-special occasions, the Al Majlis Tent at Almouj Golf is an exceptional facility, available to hire for private functions, receptions and corporate events. For golfers who also enjoy sightseeing, Oman offers an incredible variety of options. Regarded as the jewel of Arabia, it is a land of immense natural beauty – from white-sand beaches and rolling desert dunes to lush wadis, spectacular caves and towering mountain ranges. Oman’s underwater scenery and treasure chest of marine life is an oasis for diving enthusiasts. For lovers of culture, this ancient land renowned for the warmth and friendliness of its people has a rich and vibrant heritage to explore and experience. In addition, the Sultanate boasts a plethora of historic monuments, forts and souqs. In 2015, Oman was voted one of the world’s safest countries for tourists and was among both the New York Times and National Geographic’s Top 20 must-see destinations. Almouj Golf is an exceptional course, in an exceptional location, in an exceptional country. This masterpiece will continue to set the bar high as a world-class destination for tea and tees, leisure and sporting lifestyle, while positioning Oman as a must-visit golfing destination. For more information, visit www.almoujgolf.com Copy supplied by Almouj Golf
62
World Class World Class Golf in Oman! Golf in Oman! “One golf course that is close to my “One courseGolf, that is close to my heartgolf is Almouj The Wave in heart is Almouj Golf, The Wave in Muscat (Oman). It’s one of the finest Muscat (Oman). It’s one of the finest golf courses I have designed golf coursesinI have designed anywhere the world…” anywhere in the world…” Greg Norman Greg Norman “The best course and event among “The best course and event among the 27-Challenge Tour venues.” the 27-Challenge Tour venues.” European Challenge Tour Players European Challenge Tour Players “Almouj is a Jewel”, “Fantastic!”, “Almouj is a Jewel”, “Fantastic!”, “Breathtaking!”, “An amazing Golf “Breathtaking!”, “An amazing Golf Course”, “I don’t play golf but I Course”, “I don’t play golf but I love the place.” love the place.” Trip Advisor Review Titles Trip Advisor Review Titles “BestCourse Courseininthe theMiddle MiddleEast; East;I live I live “Best inDubai Dubaiso sohave haveplayed playedallallthe theDubai Dubai in and Abu Dhabi courses too, but this and Abu Dhabi courses too, but this coursehas hasnow nowbecome becomemy my course favourite…” favourite…” TripAdvisor AdvisorReview Review Trip
For more more information, information, visit For visit www.almoujgolf.com www.almoujgolf.com For reservations, call: +968 2200 5990 For reservations, call: +968 2200 5990 or oremail: email:golf@almoujgolf.com golf@almoujgolf.com THE GOLF GOLF COURSE COURSE THE
••
THE THE ACADEMY ACADEMY
••
55STAR STARFACILITIES FACILITIES
Al Zorah Golf Club
Al Zorah Golf Club A natural haven for world-class golf in the UAE The United Arab Emirates hadn’t welcomed a new championship golf course for nearly six years, but in December 2015 a truly unique layout spectacularly changed that trend and is now being met with the seal of approval from visiting golfers across the world. Meet the stunning Al Zorah Golf Club, part of Al Zorah, a partnership between Solidere International and the Government of Ajman. Al Zorah is Ajman’s most diverse, mixed-use, lifestyle destination with an emphasis on natural and healthy living. The golf club is managed by Troon Golf and located just 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport. The incredible golf course is not only a world-class facility for golfers, but lends itself to natural and contemporary living, one of Al Zorah’s most unique propositions, for residents, as well as visitors staying at one of its many luxury hotels. To add to this there will be marinas, restaurants, and a wellness centre that visitors will be able to make the most of, making Al Zorah a truly holistic development. A world-class course set amidst a beautiful, naturally-preserved environment of striking mangroves and sheer tranquillity – that’s the special proposition that has been magically created by the famed Nicklaus Design group and which awaits golfers making the short trip from Dubai and other UAE regions to play Ajman’s first ever golf course.
64
Al Zorah Golf Club
The spectacular, par-72 Al Zorah Golf Club offers a truly sensational design with pristinely-manicured fairways and greens; however, it is the way that Al Zorah and the Nicklaus Design team have protected the natural environment while creating the layout that really catches the eye. Those living around the golf course in Al Zorah’s Golf Villas will certainly have spectacular views! The natural landscape of the entire project is unique for its walkable environments, beaches, mangroves, creek and, of course, its golf course. More than 58 species of birds have made Al Zorah their home and this is certain to make the golfing experience truly unique and incredibly peaceful. In total, one million square metres of mangroves characterise the Al Zorah Golf Club and underline that notion of embracing rather than intruding on the natural layout of the land. A plethora of native sandy areas, an abundance of wildlife and 12km of waterfront add to that sense of rich beauty and biodiversity that makes Al Zorah a truly unique destination for those looking for both serenity and luxury. Vast coastal areas with a constantly changing tidal system also present a unique challenge for players, altering the look and feel of the back nine, in particular, on an hourly basis. “Thanks to the incredible work of the Nicklaus Design group, visitors can experience a golfing paradise set in a stunning natural environment,” says Philip Henderson, General Manager of Al Zorah Golf Club. “The facility has been positioned in line with our nearest competitors and below the current rates set in Dubai – so affordable luxury is another main attraction to members and visitors coming from within the UAE and overseas.” And when you consider all of this is located within a stone’s throw of high-class hotels such as the Fairmont Ajman, it’s no surprise that the Middle East’s newest course is already attracting interest from golfers coming in from around the world.
65
Al Zorah Golf Club
“When you get out on the course, it’s hard to believe you’re so close to superb hotels in Ajman and in the hub of Dubai,” adds Henderson. “Dubai International Airport is just 25 minutes from Al Zorah Golf Club, but there’s also Ras Al Khaimah International Airport which is less than an hour’s drive going the other way along the coast.” “Attracting international visitors is of paramount importance for Al Zorah Golf Club and, thanks to our partnership with Troon Golf, we can promise our guests not only a world-class golf course, but also impeccable service and hospitality for the duration of their visit,” adds Henderson. Central to the Al Zorah Golf Club project has been Nicklaus Design’s Senior Design Associate, Dirk Bouts, who has also mastered a number of impressive golfing venues across Europe, Africa and Asia. “The main strategy with the Al Zorah Golf Club project was to work with existing mangroves and the sensational views to facilitate world-class golf – so we kept that respect for the natural landscape, which really does distinguish the course,” says Bouts. “The setup worked very well in that it was easy to locate the golf course along the existing natural reserve without causing any disturbance. The tidal element is another characteristic that distinguishes Al Zorah Golf Club from other courses in the area – it will significantly change the aesthetics during the round and, of course, the playability will change too. “With Al Zorah Golf Club being the first golf course in Ajman, I think it sets the standard for the region, but also right across the UAE, too. Working with Troon Golf has been crucial to setting that high standard.” Visitors to Al Zorah Golf Club can also experience a welcoming and magnificently-structured Pavilion clubhouse, as well as a Shakespeare and Co. restaurant, with plans also in place for more off-course attractions in the coming years. “By 2017, a brand new clubhouse will be in place,” states General Manager Henderson. The Al Zorah Golf Club site has also been designated a Free Hold Zone by the Government of Ajman, meaning the land is not only legal to build on, but also to live on. Constructed in conjunction with real estate developer and property manager Solidere International (SI), there are 42 Al Zorah Golf Villas as part of an initial development. For more information on Al Zorah Golf Club visit www.alzorahgolfclub.ae Copy supplied by Al Zorah Golf Club 66
K E V I N M U R R AY G O L F P H O T O G R A P H Y
kevin@ba nditdesign.com +44(0)7970074094 ke v i n m u r r a y g o l f p h o t o g r a p h y. c o m
Desert Adventures Tourism
Desert Adventures Tourism Travel With The Golf Experts! At D e s e r t Ad ve ntu re s we create the finest golf experiences in the Middle East. Benefit from some ex tr a ‘Te e To G re e n’ treatment from touchdown to take off. Our on-site experienced European golf team will book all tee times, transfers, hotels, excursions and much more to ensure a smooth, enjoyable and trouble free stay. As we are a leading Destination Management Company in the Middle East and part of the Kuoni Group, we offer the below to our valued clients: • • • •
‘XML’ full connectivity into your website ‘One Stop Shop’ interactive B2B system The best possible rates and value-adds Extensive annual ‘Desert Swing’ Brochure put together by our in house Professional Golfer • Dedicated multilingual golf hotline for on-site guests
Tel: +971 (4) 450 4450 Mobile: +971 52 918 3024 richard.mason@desertadventures.ae www.desertadventures.com facebook.com/desertswingbydesertadventures
68
Desert Adventures Tourism
69
Dubai Golf
Dubai Golf It’s all in the experience! With over 25 years of golfing traditions, Dubai Golf manages two of the most internationally-renowned and established golf clubs in Dubai – Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – along with the Greg Norman-designed Almouj Golf in Muscat, Oman, the first Dubai Golf-managed course outside of the United Arab Emirates. In addition to world-class golf courses, the clubs also boast luxurious clubhouses, a wide choice of restaurants and award-winning golf academies, offering some of the most spectacular locations for golf, events and entertainment in the world.
Emirates Golf Club Emirates Golf Club, host of the annual Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, was the first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988. Taking pride in its 36 holes of world-class golf, the club sports two of the city’s finest must-play courses, the Majlis and the Faldo. The Faldo Course is fully floodlit and is the first 18-hole course in Dubai to offer a night golf experience. Both courses feature natural, rolling desert terrain for a serious golfing test, while the signature clubhouse remains the most eye-catching in the region. The Majlis Course has been p re s e nte d w i th n u m e ro u s accolades over its 27-year history, including a ranking by Golf World magazine as one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World and its award for Best Course Middle East in the Asian Golf Monthly Awards. In 2015, Emirates Golf Club became the first club in the Middle East and North Africa to become GEO Certified®. 70
Dubai Golf
Besides the 36 holes of championship golf, Emirates Golf Club also offers a challenging nine-hole par 3 course and renowned Golf Academy run in association with Peter Cowen, one of the world’s most respected golf instructors. Off the course, Emirates Golf Club offers everything from fine dining to bar bites, available alongside top-notch pool and fitness facilities, squash, tennis and Padeltennis courts and a spa.
Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club is the premier golf resort in the Middle East and is located in the heart of Dubai. The 18-hole championship golf course was voted one of the world’s Top 100 Must-Play Golf Courses and offers a memorable journey from the first tee to the 18th green. There is a unique charm to Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, nestled between the serene settings of the tranquil Creek and just a short drive away from the bustling city centre. A round of golf at this sporting oasis in the heart of the city is a delightful journey across the fabled landscape of Dubai, a city that thrives in all seasons. Well-groomed fairways lined with date palms and coconut trees, as well as attractive water hazards and shrubbery lend a tropical air to the club’s magnificent 18-hole, par 71 championship course. The club also boasts a floodlit nine-hole par 3 course, golf academy, 18-hole putting course, state-of-the-art golf simulator, seven restaurants and bars, gymnasium, tropical swimming pool and a 121-berth marina. The clubhouse, modelled on the sails of a traditional Arab dhow, became an internationally-recognised landmark and was named Best Clubhouse in Golf World’s Best of the Best awards.
71
Dubai Golf
Almouj Golf Almouj Golf is an exceptional Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole championship golf course located at The Wave, Muscat in Oman and is Dubai Golf’s first managed course outside of the United Arab Emirates. Norman has captured the essence of the surrounding environment and enhanced it to produce a links-style course that runs alongside more than two kilometres of beach with breathtaking views of the Sea of Oman and the Hajar Mountains that are visible from everywhere on the course. The 7,342-yard championship course is the annual host to the NBO Golf Classic Grand Final, the climax to the European Challenge Tour, and is fast receiving international recognition. Almouj Golf is also home to a golf academy with a state-of-the-art swing studio, driving range and private golf lesson area. Dining facilities are also available and offer true Omani hospitality. Copy supplied by Dubai Golf
Emirates Golf Club
For reservations at Dubai Golf, contact +971 4 380 1234 or email golfbooking@dubaigolf.com For more information, visit www.dubaigolf.com 72
Els Club Dubai
Els Club Dubai A design masterpiece by a golf legend Nestled in the heart of the world-renowned Dubai Sports City, the beautiful Els Club is a links-style desert course combined with a traditional ‘classical era’ design measuring 7,538 yards from the tips. The holes all constitute characteristics from Els’ favourite courses around the world; bunkers from Royal Melbourne, greens resembling Pinehurst No. 2 and wide, rolling links fairways. Combine this with strategically placed tee-boxes, strong course management, soft sand, hard sand and carefullydeveloped undulation, and you are presented with a true masterpiece in golf course design. The course features undulations and strong elevation changes for visual and strategic interest. Extensive use of dunes, sandy waste areas and native grasses and vegetation between wide fairways, along with a classic style of bunkering, add to the links effect. It is a test for the best, but four sets of teeing areas means players of all standards can enjoy the challenge, while the greenside protection system consists of sculpted bunkers, grassy swales and imaginatively-designed greens featuring fine-textured Bermuda grass that are conducive to smooth, fast putting surfaces all year round. Winning accolades in 2008 as the Best New International Course by Links Golf Magazine and Best New Facility of the Year by Troon Golf in the same year, with Best Golf Course in Dubai by CNBC Arabian Property Awards in 2009, the Els Club has proven its charm to golfing enthusiasts and promotes Dubai as the leading golf destination of the world. The Els Club prides itself on offering the most innovative facilities and for providing unparalleled hospitality to members and guests. The clubhouse officially opened on November 2012. At 60,000 square feet, it features world-class facilities including two restaurants, members’ private lounge, a fully-stocked pro shop and substantial locker rooms for men and women complete with Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna as well as personalised lockers. The facility is fitted out to extremely high standards, backed up by Troon, the world’s largest golf management company, making this a truly five-star golfing experience.
74
Els Club Dubai
Set on 50 million sq ft within the Dubailand development, Dubai Sports City is the world’s only integrated sports city and offers a dazzling array of recreational sporting facilities, while state-of-the-art venues host top class international sporting events all year round. Globally-recognised brands run academies in cricket, rugby, football, swimming, hockey and golf. The Els Club’s championship golf course is also housed within the exclusive golf course villa community, Victory Heights. The development features extensive trails for biking and walking alongside a panoramic view of the golf course as well as a number of prestigious schools, including the Bradenton Prep, a GEMS school, and Victory Heights Primary School.
The latest in golf fashion and equipment The excellence on the course is matched by a pro shop bursting with the very latest golf equipment from the world’s best manufacturers and high-end branded apparel and lifestyle products, from the likes of Ralph Lauren, Galvin Green and J Lindeberg. Also offered is the Ernie Els apparel collection including a wide assortment of clothing and accessories. Just like the design of his golf courses, Ernie Els’ apparels exude sophistication, luxurious feel and classic golf. The pro shop is also the first and only shop in the UAE to carry Vega Golf. Vega is a premium manufacturer of perfect golf clubs, and first to produce forged cavity-back irons offered in a diverse range. Vega can also be found at other luxury retailers such as Harrods and Queenwood.
Learn from the pros The Butch Harmon School of Golf, the first-ever teaching facility of its kind in the Middle East, offers the most technologically-advanced facility and helps enhance a golfer’s game. The school’s professional staff utilises Butch Harmon’s time-tested approach to help refine a golfer’s unique swing, taking the game to an entirely new level. The school’s modern approach to golf as an athletic sport also utilises Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) processes to help players improve physically as well as technically. TPI, the golf world’s leading educational organisation and research facility, is dedicated to improving the golfer’s functional movement to allow a player to swing a golf club in the most efficient way possible. The school’s director of instruction, Justin Parsons, has worked closely with the world’s top players including Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Ernie Els and aims to provide an educational environment for golf instruction leading a team of career coaches whose collective passion is to improve players’ golf performance. The Butch Harmon School of Golf also offers a successful junior programme with three members of the programme competing in the Dubai Desert Classic and many pursuing college golf education. The school caters for developing the skills of children from five years old and above. 75
Els Club Dubai
Planning your event From exclusive boardroom meetings to corporate gala events, the Els Club offers unique venues for every occasion. With impeccable event management expertise gained from specialists with over 25 years’ events experience through Troon Golf, the Els Club manages every facet of your event. With a state-of-the-art audio and video system, host your business meetings in the Muirfield Boardroom, comfortably accommodating up to 10 attendees. Or impress up to 100 guests in the Oakmont and Congressional meeting rooms for product presentations, a round-table luncheon or a training session. The Oakmont and Congressional rooms can each serve as a single space for large events or can be split into two small breakout rooms. Adjacent to the clubhouse entrance is the Events Lawn. This grassed venue offers views of the surrounding Victory Heights community and is capable of hosting up to 1,000 fully-catered guests. The Events Lawn is the ideal venue for weddings, art fairs, sporting events or family fun days.
Dining at the club Named after Ernie Els’ record-breaking low score in a 72-hole PGA Tour tournament, achieved with his 31 under par total at the 2003 Mercedes Championship, the 261 Restaurant is located at the ground level of the clubhouse. Serving a diverse choice of food including a selection of delicious sandwiches and burgers, authentic pastas, baked pastries, local and foreign cuisines and with a panoramic view across the course, 261 is the perfect place to unwind after a round of golf. The newly-opened members-only lounge is furnished with thick leather, oversized chairs and features that make the room and the venue feel more like Ernie’s home than a “designed” lounge. Named after Ernie Els himself, the Big Easy Restaurant opened its doors in October 2013 on the mezzanine level of the clubhouse. The Big Easy places importance on serving fine steaks and South African-themed dishes, with a Malaysian and European gastronomic twist, and showcases Ernie Els’ magnificent wine portfolio including Ernie Els Signature, Ernie Els Proprietor’s Blend, Ernie Els Proprietor’s Syrah, the Ernie Els Cabernet Sauvignon and the Ernie Els Merlot.
The Big Easy
This exciting new restaurant is the second branch from Els, who initially established The Big Easy in December 2008 at La Gratitude in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Contact details The Els Club, Dubai Sports City, Emirates Road, PO Box 111123, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 425 1000 Copy supplied by The Els Club 76
info@elsclubdubai.com
www.elsclubdubai.com
unforgettable experiences What makes golf such a pleasure at La Manga Club, Spain? Is it our perfect year-round golfing climate, 3 distinct championship courses, a choice of luxury accommodation, plus our tempting array of 19th holes and fabulous restaurants? Or perhaps it’s because there’s just as much for non-golfers to enjoy too! Whatever the reason, it will be our pleasure to welcome you and your clients.
South Course
North Course
West Course
Par 47
For more information or to book, call +34 968 17 5577, email reservas@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com
Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay & Tazegzout Golf
Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay & Tazegzout Golf An outstanding resort and golf course overlooking the Atlantic Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay is part of Morocco’s new sustainable Taghazout Bay Resort development, which is set in the peaceful foothills of the Atlas Mountains and overlooks the stunning Atlantic coastline. The resort is located only 40 minutes from Agadir International Airport, and a range of activities are offered throughout the year at the on-site surf camp and at the golf academy at the beautiful, new 18-hole golf course designed by architect Kyle Philips, as well as hang-gliding, hiking and mountain biking. As with all Hyatt Place hotels, guests at Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay are welcomed by Gallery Hosts, available 24/7 to ensure guests enjoy a smooth and enjoyable stay. Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay offers 152 guestrooms and suites, each offering a balcony giving impressive views of the coast. Additionally, guestrooms offer the Hyatt Grand BedTM, a Cozy Corner sofa sleeper, and a 42inch flat screen TV. The hotel also offers two outdoor swimming pools and a 24-hour Gym. After a busy day, guests can relax and unwind in the ASENFO Spa and its authentic Hamman, hot tub or sauna, or enjoy a pampering session in one of six treatment rooms. A number of food and beverage options are offered at Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay. Guests enjoy complimentary hot breakfast. The Coffee to Cocktails Bar features speciality coffees, premium beers, wines and cocktails. The 24/7 Gallery Menu serves made-to-order entrees and appetisers around the clock, in addition to all-day food and drinks available at the swimming pools.
78
Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay & Tazegzout Golf
Tazegzout Golf Course Located just 15km north of Agadir and set in the heart of the Taghazout Bay Resort, the new Tazegzout golf course presents a number of spectacular holes set amidst Argan trees with the stunning Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop, each hole enjoying breathtaking ocean views. The 6,675-metre course is open every day of the year in a climate offering over 300 days of sunshine per year and temperatures averaging 15-25°C. Designed by Kyle Phillips, Tazegzout means “green and beautiful nature” in the local Berber dialect, the perfect name for this spectacular new course that embraces the natural lie of the land and the typical Argan ecosystem. It meanders through the natural Argan vegetation, rising to a crescendo on the final three holes. Playing over two deep rocky ravines and finally along the 80m cliff edge, these finishing holes will test every level of golfer and provide endless stories to retell on the terrace of the magnificent clubhouse. The golf course fosters a sustainable approach based on environmentally-friendly products and the reuse of waste water. Opened in October 2014, Tazegzout’s facilities include: a welcoming and friendly clubhouse in which golfers can relax in a stylish atmosphere and enjoy the splendid ocean view after their round; a 150-seat restaurant offering creative, tasty and refined cuisine based on fresh products and local specialities; golf academy with qualified instructors; training and practice areas; rental clubs, trolleys and buggies; and a pro shop stocked with a wide range of clothing, golf equipment and accessories, as well as golf and destinationbranded products and souvenirs.
Taghazout Bay Taghazout Bay is part of the Vision 2020 national strategy, managed by SAPST. Highly committed to sustainable development, the resort design takes into account the preservation of natural resources and respects the socio-cultural authenticity of host communities. As a resort on a rich coastline, within an exceptional natural environment, Taghazout Bay offers tourists tremendous experiences focused on the sea, culture, sports, nature and eco-tourism. With investment exceeding $1 billion, Taghazout Bay Resort will offer 7,450 tourist beds, allocated in nine modern hotels and various tourist residences, as well as world-class sporting and leisure facilities within five years. Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay Tel: +212 528 29 68 68 taghazoutbay.place@hyatt.com http://taghazoutbay.place.hyatt.com
Tazegzout Golf Tel: +212 671 81 81 89 reservation@tazegzout.com www.tazegzout.com
Adapted from copy supplied by Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay and Tazegzout Golf 79
Morocco
Morocco More sun, more golf, more time… Celebrating 100 years of golfing history, the Kingdom of Morocco offers golfing visitors a very different experience, blending courses old and new with beaches caressed by Atlantic and Mediterranean waves, majestic mountains, arid deserts, exotic culture, mouth-watering cuisine and ancient royal cities. Few countries can boast a golfing heritage as rich as that of Morocco. Fewer still come even close to offering the incredibly diverse array of experiences that visitors can enjoy, both on and off the fairways. Quite simply, Morocco is unique as a golf destination.
Royal Golf Marrakech
The first greens opened in 1914 in Morocco’s northernmost city, Tangier, at what is now the Royal Country Club of Tangier. By 1933 there were two more courses – Royal Golf Mohammedia, near Casablanca, and Royal Golf Marrakech, whose construction was ordered by the Pacha of Marrakech and whose fairways played host to luminaries including Sir Winston Churchill and Dwight D Eisenhower, later to become British Prime Minister and US President respectively.
In the 1970s, Morocco’s visionary king, Hassan II, set a renaissance of the country’s golf industry in motion with the opening of Royal Dar Es Salam, in the capital, Rabat. The momentum has been stepped up under King Mohammed VI, with new courses sprouting up throughout the country, many by famous designers.
80
Morocco
Today, golfing visitors can choose to tee off on more than 35 courses, located in clusters around key cities and holiday resorts as well as in new leisure resort developments. They can find every type of course to play, from parkland-like fairways lined by stately pine, palm and eucalyptus trees to Scottish links-style courses, layouts winding through arid desert scrubland, cork oak forests or olive groves, sculpted American-style designs, others following the natural lie of the land, and more besides. Some coastal courses offer panoramic Atlantic or Mediterranean views, while soaring peaks of the nearby Atlas Mountains, snow-capped in winter, form a memorable backdrop to courses in Marrakech and Agadir. Morocco is not only easy to get to, with frequent flights to its major cities from airports around Europe and flights typically taking just two or three hours from key European markets, it is also now easier than ever to get around. Fast, new expressways have dramatically cut travel times, allowing for twin-centre or multiple-destination itineraries without golfers enduring long road transfers. Africa’s closest part to Europe – Spain is visible from Tangier – Morocco serves up an intoxicatingly-rich cultural experience to visitors. Age-old traditions endure in Berber villages, with donkeys and horse-drawn carts still widely used. The bustling medinas of its ancient cities are full of history, hubbub and colour, while cacophonous souks beckon for those who want to try haggling for bargains with street-wise stallholders.
Karnoussa restaurant, PalmGolf Club, Marrakech
Morocco’s cuisine is rightly celebrated; you can try exotic dishes in many restaurants, accompanied by musicians playing traditional instruments in the courtyards or gardens of venerable riads. Historic riads are among the many accommodation options for golfers, others including luxury resort hotels with golf on-site. Morocco is safe, its people are famed for their hospitality and it suits every type of visitor. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, its golf destinations offer a welcome escape to the sun, particularly for golfers in northern climes – and temperate winds make its coastal resorts playable year-round.
Assoufid Golf Club, Marrakech 81
Morocco
Samanah Golf Club, Marrakech
From Moorish to moreish - Morocco’s alluring appeal to golfers More sun Morocco is the closest guaranteed sunshine destination to Europe. Less than a three-hour flight from most major European capitals, golfing visitors can enjoy teeing off on Morocco’s courses in balmy temperatures and under vivid blue skies when their home courses are under snow or being buffeted by winter gales. Golf hotspots Agadir and Marrakech, among other destinations, enjoy well over 300 sunny days a year and the cooling winds blowing off the Atlantic and Mediterranean make for pleasant, year-round weather for golf on the coast. Agadir’s average daily high temperature changes little year-round, ranging from 20C in January to 26C in July and August, while Essaouira’s climate is similar to that of San Francisco, with an average temperature change of just 4C between summer (22C) and winter (18C). If you think of golf in Morocco as like being in a desert cauldron, think again.
Pullman Mazagan Royal Golf & Spa
Even in inland destinations Marrakech, Fez and Meknes, you can comfortably play golf from early autumn until late spring.
More golf Although golf in Morocco began a century ago, the last decade has seen huge growth in the number of its courses. There are now over 30 venues offering 18 or more holes, in addition to several nine-hole courses. They are spread around the country in clusters, so that golfers can easily combine playing several courses during their holiday.
Robinson Club Agadir
The biggest concentration of courses is in Marrakech, which currently has a dozen golf clubs and others imminent. Agadir has four golf clubs with at least 18 holes, while others are located in Atlantic beach destinations Essaouira and El Jadida, in and around the cities of Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, Meknes and Tangier, and along its Mediterranean coastline. 82
Morocco
More time With short flight times from major European markets, an early flight gives golfers most of their arrival day at their destination and plenty of time for a round. Morocco is also on the same time zone as the UK, Ireland and Portugal, and just an hour’s difference to Central Europe. In Marrakech and Agadir, most golf courses are within 20 minutes of the airport and some just a five-minute drive. Golfers can be teeing off an hour after landing, while a late flight home gives time for a round on their departure day before checking in. Toll expressways opened in recent years have dramatically cut travel times between major cities. Marrakech to Agadir now takes under three hours while Essaouira is just two hours from both Marrakech and Agadir. Rabat to Casablanca will take 50 minutes on an expressway nearing completion. Amelkis Golf Club, Marrakech For those who prefer rail travel, Morocco’s first high-speed TGV line will whisk passengers between Tangier and Casablanca in only two hours from 2017, compared to four hours by road and up to six hours by normal trains. What’s more, it takes just half an hour by fast ferry from Spain to a ferry port near Tangier. Thanks to easy access from Europe and little time on the road, it gives golfing visitors more opportunity to visit Morocco’s cultural sites and historic attractions, admire its Moorish architecture, go shopping or simply relax at their hotels when they are not on its fairways.
Agadir’s Golf du Soleil 83
Morocco
Mazagan Golf Club
Morocco - a very diverse golf experience Beach and mountains Morocco’s southern golf courses offer an entrancing contrast of experiences, and backdrops, for golfers. The High Atlas Mountains, just south of Marrakech and inland from Agadir, serve up a spectacle for golfers on most courses as their tall peaks loom large on the horizon. The views are especially striking in winter, when snow-covered slopes contrast crisp blue skies and the verdant fairways, tees and greens.
The High Atlas Mountains
Named Golf Destination of the Year for Africa, the Indian Ocean and Gulf States in the 2015 IAGTO Awards, Marrakech not only offers golfers plenty of choice, there is also fantastic variety. Perhaps no more is that demonstrated than in the contrast between the venerable Royal Golf Marrakech, lined by cypress, palm, eucalyptus, olive and fruit trees, and the desert-style layout of Assoufid, one of the city’s newest courses. Agadir’s collection of clubs also offers an eclectic mix, despite their close proximity.
Tazegzout Golf Club 84
Some coastal courses give superb Atlantic vistas. Among t h o s e, A g a d i r n e w c o m e r Tazegzout Golf Club delivers sea views from every hole, its closing holes perched on the edge of high cliffs. Mazagan Golf Club skirts the sweeping sands of Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, and the final three holes of nearby Royal Golf El Jadida line the ocean after the course emerges from a pine and eucalyptus forest.
Morocco
Imperial cities Morocco’s four imperial cities – Marrakech, Fez, Meknes and Rabat – are all historical capitals, Rabat remaining the country’s capital today. All of them have golf courses, although Marrakech has by far the most. Rabat’s Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, the country’s largest golf complex, offers 45 holes of golf and hosts the prestigious Hassan II Trophy event again in May 2016, having staged the annual tournament from its inception in 1971 until 2010, when it became part of the PGA European Tour calendar. Other courses include two 18-hole layouts in Fez – Royal Golf Fez and Oued Fez Golf – as well as the nine-hole Meknes Royal Golf Club, set inside the grounds of a royal palace. Although not an imperial city, Casablanca is the country’s economic capital and has several courses nearby, both established and in developing golf communities. Royal Golf Dar Es Salam
Mediterranean trail The so-called White City, Tangier, is home to Morocco’s first course, at the Royal Country Club of Tangier. Along its 500km of Mediterranean coastline are a 40-year-old course near Tetouan and a new golf resort near its eastern border, at Saida. An hour by road south of Tangier is another new golf resort, Port Lixus, with its course overlooking the Atlantic. Welcome to Morocco, the Kingdom of Golf. By Peter Ellegard 85
Dreamland Golf Club
Dreamland Golf Club Stunning new course puts Azerbaijan’s capital Baku on the world golfing map The words “golf” and “Baku” don’t often appear in the same sentence, but that’s about to change: the capital of Azerbaijan’s first golf club, Dreamland Golf Club, has just introduced Baku to the world as an ultimate golf destination.
Dreamland Golf Club’s premium 18-hole, par 72 course has made an impressive impact since its opening with golf legend Colin Montgomerie in October 2015. The event, launched by President of Azerbaijan H E Ilham Aliyev, drew internationally-televised coverage from Golfing World, Transworld Sport and more. Already the course is receiving visitors from neighbouring Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkey, and is proving popular among golfing expats, from new juniors to seasoned players. At the heart of the wider Dreamland County & Life residential project, the 66-hectare golf course is a Cynthia Dye championship masterpiece featuring 10 lakes, 125 bunkers and more than 300 native olive trees. The tapered fairways, course hazards and multiple tees have been carefully designed to balance challenge and accessibility, to cater to all players from beginner to elite level. Located close to the Caspian Sea, prevailing winds provide unique and varied conditions, challenging new and experienced golfers each time they step on the course. Baku itself lies within easy reach in Eurasia, just a five-hour flight from the UK and a three-hour flight from Dubai. Here, a blend of 12th-century UNESCO-listed Old City sites and fashion powerhouses and skyscrapers such as the iconic Flame Towers provide an exciting, ultra-luxury lifestyle, of which Dreamland Golf Club is a major new component.
86
Dreamland Golf Club
The club is world-class Dreamland Golf Club Overview s t a n d a rd th ro u g h o u t Par: 72 and is positioned to Tee positions: Green / Gold / White / Blue / Black become a go-to venue for Total distance: 6838 metres / 7478 yards international tournaments, Holes: 18 aspiring national players Designer: Cynthia Dye and discerning golf Greens: Creeping Bentgrass travellers. Backed by Fair ways: Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass Roughs: Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass management agency IMG Academy: 24-bay driving range with floodlights – which owns, manages or operates more than 30 of the world’s leading golf courses – the Dreamland Golf Academy features two IMG performance studios with leading tuition software including SAM PuttLab and FlightScope launch monitor, to combine top-level innovation with the highest standards of PGA professional tuition. The popular double-tiered driving range, fun Splash Zone and unique nine-hole, par 3 course are special touches that make Dreamland an advanced, modern home of golf for the club’s members and guests to enjoy. In a country where golf is in its infancy, Dreamland Golf Club is working with the Azerbaijan Golf Federation (AQF) to spread local awareness of the great game and access to play. Together, through a programme of country-wide school initiatives, they aim to encourage and develop a national golf star to represent the country in open championships – a joint mission to bring the game of golf to the Land of Fire. Speaking about the resort on his visit, Montgomerie said: “As the first golf club in Baku, the impact that Dreamland Golf Club will have on the golfing landscape of the country is unprecedented. Not only will the course raise awareness of the game to the locals but the fantastic facilities will help those who want to improve or take up the sport.” For those wishing to visit for business or leisure, Dreamland Golf Club has partnered with the exquisite Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers offering exclusive deals to stay and play. Situated close to downtown Baku’s luminous shopping scene and cypress-lined boulevard, the iconic hotel is equipped with health club, spa by ESPA, exquisite dining and rapturous views – perfect for golfers with non-golfing family, a memorable experience awaits for all. For more information, visit www.dreamlandgolfclub.com or www.dreamland.az Copy supplied by Dreamland Golf Club
87
England
England Glorious golf in England’s green & pleasant land... The world, it seems, is finally waking up to the glorious golf available in England’s green and pleasant land – thanks to Golf Tourism England, which was established last year to promote the quality and variety of the country’s golf courses to golfers around the world. Despite the fact that England is home to around half of Great Britain and Ireland’s top 100 golf courses, it has not to date enjoyed the benefits of having an organisation to represent the multi-million pound English golf tourism industry that exists in the country. This is however changing with the work of Golf Tourism England. After all, England’s golf offering is a strong and immensely viable one: it is home to more than 1,900 golf courses, many of which are widely recognised as some of the finest in the world. With its long association with the game that dates back to over a century ago, England possesses some of the oldest golf courses in existence that ooze a sense of history and tradition which has developed over time and cannot be easily replicated. Take Royal North Devon, designed by Old Tom Morris and England’s oldest links, having been founded way back in 1864. Incredibly, the golf course has hardly changed in 150 years and to play it is like taking a step back in time and experiencing how golf was played in Victorian England.
Royal North Devon Golf Club 88
England
Ganton Golf Club
Given its golfing history, it is no surprise perhaps that two of the game’s most respected golf course architects, Harry Colt and Alister MacKenzie, were English and created some of England’s greatest masterpieces that make this destination so special.
St Georges Hill Golf Club
Colt left his mark on many of England’s most cherished courses, including Royal Lytham & St Annes, Sunningdale New, St George’s Hill and Swinley Forest, while Mackenzie, creator of Augusta National, designed the inland gems of Ganton, Alwoodley and Moortown. Other notable course designers who have contributed to England’s rich tapestry of courses include James Braid, Donald Steel and William Herbert Fowler and, more recently, Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros and Sir Nick Faldo.
Testament to the enduring quality of its courses, England boasts four venues on the current Open Championship roster – Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal St George’s – with two other English courses (Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s) having staged the event in the past. It has also staged the prestigious Ryder Cup on no less than 14 occasions over nine different courses, including Southport & Ainsdale, Lindrick and Walton Heath.
Royal Birkdale Golf Club
England has also hosted numerous European Tour and Senior Tour events over the years and continues to be the home of the European Tour’s flagship event, the BMW PGA Championship, at Wentworth.
The Lindrick Clubhouse 89
England
St Enodoc Golf Club
Over time, England has turned out some of the most illustrious professional golfers in the history of the sport such as JH Taylor, Harry Vardon and Henry Cotton and, more recently, Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Justin Rose. England’s key attraction for travelling golfers is however that it is one of the most varied golf destinations in the world with its fine mix of links, heathland, parkland and cliff-top courses. One of its best-known clusters of stunning courses is England’s Golf Coast in the north west, where besides a trio of Open Championship courses, a host of classic championship links including Formby, Southport & Ainsdale, Hillside and West Lancashire can be enjoyed from the bases of Southport, Liverpool and Manchester. Fine championship links can also be enjoyed in Kent, where Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports and Prince’s can be found along a three-mile stretch of the east coast around Sandwich and Deal. Augmented by Littlestone, another links gem on Romney Marsh, and the distinctive clifftop course at North Foreland with views over the iconic White Cliffs, and its numerous inland courses, Kent is a golfer’s paradise in the Garden of England. Meanwhile in the south west, England’s Atlantic Links offers a string of the six premier links set against the dramatic backdrop of the north Atlantic Coast from Burnham & Berrow in Somerset through to Devon’s Saunton and Royal North Devon and down to St Enodoc and Trevose in Cornwall. Other unforgettable links can be found on the North Norfolk coast, where the wild and windy Brancaster, Hunstanton, Sheringham and Royal Cromer never disappoint, while the Northumberland Golf Coast includes the likes of Alnmouth, Goswick Links and Bamburgh, offering truly unspoiled yet stunning links experiences. England is also revered for its traditional heathland courses that, with their trademark swathes of colourful heather, gorse, rhododendrons and pines, make for some of the most picturesque layouts in the world. Five of the finest in southern England have joined forces to market themselves as the Southern Counties Heathland Golf Tour. Together, West Sussex, the number one course in the county, Hampshire’s Liphook and Blackmoor, and Hindhead and Hankley Common in Surrey make for a tremendous golf tour in the heart of the English countryside. 90
Hindhead Golf Club
England
Not far from this “must-play” group lies a host of venerated heathland tracks in Surrey and Berkshire that include Sunningdale, Worplesdon and The Berkshire, while the Dorset Heathland Tour is another treasure trove of heavenly heathland tracks. More heathland stars can be found at Aldeburgh in Suffolk, designed with input from Willie Park Jnr, JH Taylor and Colt, Notts Golf Club in Nottinghamshire, seen as one of England’s bestkept secrets, and Staffordshire’s Beau Desert, a course once owned by the Marquess of Anglesey who commissioned Fowler to design it. The list goes on and on. For golfers wanting to combine golf with Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) accommodation, England has a diverse range of resorts, such as the luxurious Bovey Castle in Devon, Close House in Northumberland, St Mellion in Cornwall, The Belfry Hotel & Resort in the Midlands and The Lodge at Prince’s on Kent’s east coast. Conveniently located not far from London are numerous options that include the well-appointed Stoke Park, The Grove and Golf at Goodwood. England’s wide spectrum of courses is complemented by a rich range of historical and cultural attractions, such as castles and cathedrals, bustling market towns and quaint seaside villages, stunning gardens and ancient monuments, fascinating museums and art galleries. The numerous national parks and spectacular natural landscapes of England are ideal for outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling and horse riding as well as the many water sports that the nation has to offer. Moreover, easy access in and out of England – thanks to its many international airports all over the country, Eurotunnel and ferry ports to and from Europe, as well as excellent motorway network – make it an attractive proposition from wherever you are travelling. Together with its glorious golf, these various components make England one of the most compelling golf destinations in the world and now, thanks to Golf Tourism England, it is looking forward to making its mark on the golf tourism map. For more information, go to www.golftourismengland.com Edited from copy supplied by Golf Tourism England
St Mellion International Resort
91
Sotogrande
Sotogrande An extraordinary lifestyle in a unique location For decades, Sotogrande has been one of Europe’s most desirable and distinctive year-round destinations. Fusing Andalucían culture and history with a world-class lifestyle, Sotogrande stretches from the Mediterranean into the foothills of the Sierra Almenara. Scattered amongst its beaches, marina, cork forests, rivers and mountains are world-class golf, polo and sailing facilities. The magic of Sotogrande lies in its unique mix of elegance, action, style and serenity, set in a spectacular sea-front location. As one of Europe’s premiere international sporting destinations, Sotogrande offers an extraordinary lifestyle in a unique location. Whether it is yachting, golf, water sports, tennis or polo that light your fire, all are welcomed and celebrated here. Sotogrande boasts more than 25 annual polo tournaments as well as multiple equestrian centres and stables alive with activity over the summer. Sotogrande Marina has 1,400 berths and a 70-metre docking capacity. The area also has two tennis and racquet clubs, two beach clubs, the Sotogrande Tennis Academy, a rugby club and a sailing club. Sotogrande has some of the finest golf courses in Europe. Whether you are a professional or amateur golfer, when it comes to golf, Sotogrande has something for everyone. Visitors enjoy a climate that is ideal for year-round golf as well as the option to receive professional tuition at the prestigious Sotogrande Golf Academy. Three world-class golf course options in Sotogrande: • Real Club Valderrama is a private members club, which has been ranked number one in Europe since the 1980s. It is not an easy course, nor was it intended to be. Robert Trent Jones Senior designed it in 1974, before being redesigned by him 10 years later. In 1997 it was host to both the European Tour’s Volvo Masters and the 32nd Ryder Cup. Then in 1999 and 2000, Valderrama was chosen to host the first two editions of the World Golf Championships, won by Tiger Woods and Mike Weir respectively. Since 2010, it has been home to the Andalucía Masters, one of the European Tour’s most prestigious tournaments. • La Reserva Golf Club opened in 2003 and was designed by Cabell B Robinson. It is a wonderful challenge for any golfer, both professionals and amateurs, thanks to its numerous tee options and imposing, fast greens. It was host of the PGA NH Collection Open. • Real Club de Golf Sotogrande is Robert Trent Jones’ first course designed in Europe and is a fascinating course for players of any level.
92
Sotogrande
Recent significant improvements are to be noted in several facilities. Cabell B Robinson’s challenging La Reserva course now has top-quality silica sand in its bunkers, while all maintenance equipment has been overhauled and service levels provided by the golf club’s staff enhanced. Guest services are now fully prepared to iron out little details and ensure a sensational experience, and buggies have been fitted with top-quality GPS systems. La Reserva’s clubhouse has seen tasteful changes to its exterior, landscaping, terrace furnishings, and the cuisine. The interior of the clubhouse underwent a major renovation at the end of 2015. As an established, high-end destination, on the cusp of the Costa del Sol, Sotogrande provides the perfect setting for a bespoke hotel. Located in this luxurious enclave in the southwest shores of the Mediterranean, with year round sunshine, the Almenara Hotel and its nearby golf courses provide the perfect destination for an exclusive golf holiday. With world-class golf courses such as La Reserva, Valderrama and Real Club de Sotogrande a few minutes from your hotel room combined with a convenient layout of 145 rooms set around the main building – all with commanding views of the greens, the gardens or the Mediterranean – this hotel is a golfer’s dream. The Almenara Hotel includes the Elysium Spa, a sanctuary of rest and relaxation offering innovative treatments and a wide variety of wellness and beauty therapies. Hotel guests can enjoy the fine cuisine offered in two on-site restaurants. Other facilities include the piano bar, a golf academy, the beachside Racquet Centre, the beach club and four meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 800 people. This variety creates the sense of wellbeing that the Almenara Hotel is known for. Next to the Almenara Hotel is a range of accommodation options for guests. There are hotel and villa accommodation options at Hotel Sotogrande and the elegant private villas including full staff and concierge services. Reservations are now easier via our new Group Desk, with a specialised team dedicated exclusively to assisting golf booking agents and 48-hour response service guaranteed Monday-Saturday. For more information, visit www.sotogrande.com Copy supplied by Sotogrande
93
Trump Turnberry
Trump Turnberry Transforming an icon into one of the world’s most inspiring golf experiences In September 2015, work began on the biggest changes to the Ailsa course since its inception in 1901. Known the world over for its signature holes and legendary moments, architect Martin Ebert from Mackenzie & Ebert, has been tasked with making this iconic course even more impressive. T h i s f o u r-t i m e O p e n Championship course will see three of its most renowned coastal holes improve d to b e c om e the golfing world’s most inspiring and exciting playing experiences. The 9th hole will be transformed from a par 4 to create one of the most exhilarating par 3s in golf. A new, lengthened par 5 10th hole will play around Castle Port Bay, with new championship tees providing a number of options with the driver, the boldest being a 280-yard carry over the bay. A new green will be pushed back to the site of the existing 11th tee, providing a new, elevated position with the ocean as its immediate and stunning backdrop. The 11th hole will remain a par 3 but the green will be moved back left, meaning players will tee off across the bay in a phenomenal test of strength and ability.
94
TRUMP TURNBERRY THE AILSA COURSE REBORN JUNE 2016
For more information, please visit trumpturnberry.com/ailsa-course-changes
Trump Turnberry
In addition, changes are planned to the existing 18th. It will become a lengthened and straightened par 4, offering a new, elevated championship tee position on the dunes to give golfers a full view of the hotel for their final hole. This positioning will also give spectators and viewers a perfectly framed scene of players silhouetted on the horizon with the exceptional Turnberry seascape behind. Alterations will also take place at all other holes, including the reshaping and positioning of bunkers, new tees and green positions and the softening of green contours to provide for more options for flag positions. The changes for the Championship Ailsa course have been eagerly awaited for many years and, on the 1st of June 2016, the course will reopen, reborn. Along with the newly renovated clubhouse, it will provide golfers with what will undoubtedly be the world’s best golfing experience. To view the course changes, please visit www.trumpturnberry.com/ailsa-course-changes Copy provided by Trump Turnberry
96
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel A palatial resort with three courses and a US Open champion’s golf academy Villa Padierna Palace Hotel in Marbella, Spain, is located in a privileged setting overlooking the Mediterranean and offers 130 rooms, including luxurious suites and nine beautifully-appointed villas, some of them with private swimming pool.
Junior Suite
Reminiscent of a Tuscan palace, it provides a selection of unique on-site experiences. They include: a 2,000-square-metre Medical Wellness Spa with 11 exclusive treatment rooms, eight steam and sauna rooms; five restaurants, among them its fine dining restaurant, La Veranda; and Club de Mar, Villa Padierna’s private beach club serviced by a shuttle. The resort is also an ideal venue for corporate events and special occasions, featuring 1,131sqm of dedicated venue space, as well as its own outdoor Roman amphitheatre.
Tramores Golf
98
Villa Padierna offers golf players the perfect setting to fully enjoy the game, with the most advanced facilities, great atmosphere and personalised service down to the smallest detail. It features three golf courses – Flamingos Golf, Alferini Golf and Tramores Golf – and the Michael Campbell Academy, Europe’s only academy specialising in the short game and with personalised classes by the famous New Zealander, who beat Tiger Woods to win the 2005 US Open. The academy offers private golf lessons, group golf tuition, golf and junior coaching, and corporate golf trips, and can adapt to every level as it is directed by fully-qualified PGA professionals.
Villa Padierna Palace Hotel
Flamingos Golf
Flamingos Golf is a 5,714-metre par 71 course that was designed by Antonio Garcia Garrido. It boasts a pristine landscape with lots of vegetation, lovely views to the Mediterranean Sea and bunkers filled with crushed white marble. It has a generous size and the fairways are narrower on the first nine holes of the course, where more precision is required than on the back nine.
Michael Campbell Golf Academy
Alferini Golf is a 6,641-metre Flamingos Golf par 73 course designed by Cristobal Guerrero and ideal for large competitions and tournaments as well as to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing day. The third Villa Padierna Golf Resort course, Tramores Golf, measures 3,486 metres and has a par of 65. It is home to the Michael Campbell Golf Academy and is a fast and very technical course yet is also very entertaining. The long fairways surrounded by mountains make this course a beautiful challenge.
All three courses have hosted prestigious tournaments, such as the European Seniors Tour Final in 2002, 2003 and 2004 and the Spanish Women’s Open in 2010 on the Flamingos Golf, or for the qualifying competitions for the Open de AndalucĂa Costa del Sol 2012, which took place at Alferini Golf course. For more information, visit www.villapadiernapalacehotel.com Copy supplied by Villa Padierna Palace Hotel
Alferini Golf 99
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic Play the Caribbean’s most spectacular golf destination – with 86 ocean view holes IAGTO Golf Destination of the Year for Latin America & the Caribbean in 2009, 2013 and 2016, the Dominican Republic has it all for golf visitors. With a wide array of inland and coastal courses for the golf traveller to enjoy, the Caribbean nation has more oceanside golf holes than any other comparable destination, their spectacular settings leaving golfers with indelible memories. There are 17 tourist-friendly golf courses offering nearly 350 holes of golf. Most courses are part of golf resorts in popular tourist areas and close to other golf resorts and hotels, allowing golfers to play a different course every day during their stay if they want while still leaving time for them to enjoy the resort’s facilities, relax on the stunning beaches or do other activities.
Cabeza de Toro Golf Club
For those who want more freedom, villas offer an excellent alternative for families, couples travelling together, or male or female groups. Some even come with their own private butler, maids and chef.
Easy access is also a key, thanks to eight international gateways, where six of them have courses close by, so golfers can get a round of golf in both on the day they arrive and the day they leave if flight times allow. New roads have dramatically reduced travel times between key resorts such as Punta Cana, Bávaro and La Romana as well as with the capital, Santo Domingo, so golfers can now comfortably combine playing courses in different areas without having to change hotels.
100
Dominican Republic
Teeth of the Dog
The country’s courses carry the world-class designer labels of Pete Dye, PB Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr, Tom Fazio, Gary Player and Nick Price. Six courses feature in Golfweek magazine’s top 50 courses in the Caribbean and Mexico for 2015, including three in the top 10, with Nicklaus masterpiece Punta Espada taking the number one spot – a position it has held every year since 2009, when it took over from Casa de Campo’s veteran layout, Teeth of the Dog. Perfect for serious golfers, the Dominican Republic is great for women, whether golfers or non-golfing partners, and for families. The courses are female-friendly, with clubhouses offering excellent facilities, and a number of the courses have spas offering extensive treatments and beauty therapies either within the clubhouse complex or in the adjacent hotels. In resort areas and town centres, visitors can also indulge in some Punta Espada Golf Club retail therapy and visit bars, restaurants and nightclubs, including Dom Rep’s famous car wash discos. There are plenty of options for golfers once they have finished their round. The Caribbean’s second-largest country is one of the most e c o l o g i c a l l y- d i ve r s e nations in the world, boasting stunning vistas, including waves crashing over dramatic coastlines, coconut palm groves, waterfalls, caves, forested mountains and lush, exotic nature which visitors can enjoy on excursions. There are also many other activities to take part in, quite apart from sampling the country’s famous cigars and rum and seeing how they are made. 101
Dominican Republic
Punta Espada Golf Club
East Region: Punta Cana, Cap Cana & Bávaro The glittering East Coast comprising Punta Cana, Bávaro and the Cap Cana Resort area has 189 holes of golf all easily accessible from a wide range of sumptuous beach-front resorts, enough to make the Caribbean golf enthusiast’s heart melt! La Cana Golf Club
Location: Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana La Cana Golf Club was established in 2001 as an 18 hole course with a new nine-hole Holes: 27 Hacienda added in 2012. The Tortuga and Designer: PB Dye Arrecife nines capture the Caribbean’s stunning scenery thanks to 14 ocean-view holes including four remarkable holes that play right on the beach. Hacienda is both challenging and beautifully designed and takes the golfer inland through dense, colourful tropical vegetation.
Corales Golf Club
Location: Puntacana Resort & Club, Punta Cana This Tom Fazio creation, the second Holes: 18 oceanfront course at Puntacana Resort & Designer: Tom Fazio Club, was inaugurated in 2010. It features cliff-top holes along the north shore of the resort’s luxury Corales enclave. Fazio’s breathtaking, distinctive design has quickly established Corales as one of the Dominican Republic’s must-play courses, featuring six ocean-front holes set between rocky cliffs, coral reefs and the Caribbean Sea.
Punta Espada Golf Club
Location: Cap Cana Nicklaus’ first Signature Course in Holes: 18 the Dominican Republic opened in Designer: Jack Nicklaus September 2006 and continues to make top golf course lists including Golfweek magazine’s number one course in the Caribbean and Latin America in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Nicklaus’ gem boasts eight holes playing either alongside or over the Caribbean Sea and a further five with ocean views. Punta Espada also hosted the PGA Tour’s Champions Tour event, the Cap Cana Championship, in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
102
Dominican Republic
Caribe Golf Club
Cabeza de Toro Golf Club
Location: Catalonia Bávaro Resort, Cabeza de Toro The 18-hole Caribe Golf Club is open from Caribe Golf Club: 18 holes November to April and Cabeza de Toro Golf Club: 9 holes features a large lake, Designer: Alberto Sola and Jack Corrie five lagoons, numerous mature shade trees and ample fairways, with a mix of uphill and downhill holes. The nine-hole Cabeza de Toro Golf Club is adjacent to the resort. This challenging executive course is surrounded by swaying palm trees and pristine waterways.
The Lakes Barceló Golf Course Location: Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort, Bávaro The Lakes Barceló Golf Course, which Holes: 18 Designers: Juan Manuel Gordillo/PB Dye opened in 1991, was redesigned by PB Dye in 2009 and is a beautiful and well-maintained golf course, within walking distance from the hotel itself. The inland course is set alongside the Bávaro lagoon with some holes bordered by lush vegetation and others completely open. Cocotal Golf & Country Club Location: Meliá Hotels & Resorts, Bávaro Opened in 2000, Cocotal Holes: 27 Golf & Country Club’s three Designer: José “Pepe” Gancedo nine-hole courses – Hibiscus, Bouganvillea and Benjamina – each possess memorable routings designed by José “Pepe” Gancedo. The six-time Spanish champion utilises the natural terrain of an old coconut plantation for all 27 holes, including serene lakes and swaying palm trees, with strategically-placed trees, bunkers, mounds and gently rolling terrain, as well as generous fairways.
Caribe Golf Club
103
Dominican Republic
Iberostate Bávaro Golf Club Location: Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Bávaro Golfers of all levels will delight at PB Dye’s Holes: 18 Iberostate Bávaro Golf Club. The inland Designer: PB Dye course is within the 1,800-room, familyfriendly Iberostar complex which includes the 276-room Grand Hotel for adults, popular with golfers. The course itself is well known for its excellent greens and is set in naturally-lush surroundings and dramatically-undulating elevated terrain. Location: Macao Inaugurated in May 2007 and the first Holes: 18 design in the Caribbean by three-time Designer: Nick Price Major championship winner Nick Price, the fairly-open, inland course is built around natural wetlands within Macao’s Punta Blanca residential development and features wide fairways with large bunkers and lakes.
Punta Blanca Golf Club
Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay Location: Hard Rock Hotel, Macao The first golf course to carry the iconic Holes: 18 Hard Rock brand, this NicklausDesigner: Jack Nicklaus designed golf course, which opened in March 2010, is challenging, memorable and enjoyable, located just inland from the beach-front Hard Rock Hotel. Flamingos add colour to the 18th hole.
Cayo Arena (Paraíso)
Cayos Siete Hermanos
Montecristi
Bahía de Manzanillo
Osvaldo Virgil
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GOLF MAP
Maimón (Amber Cove)
Los Mangos (9) Luperón Costambar Gregorio Luperón Sosúa (POP) Puerto Playa Cabarete Plata Dorada (18)
Playa Grande (18)
NICAN REPUBLIC GOLF MAP Santiago
Cabrera
Río San Juan
Cibao (STI)
Las Aromas (18)
San José de las Matas
Pico Duarte
Jarabacoa
Las Terrenas
San Francisco de Macorís
La Vega
Haiti
Atlantic Ocean
Nagua
El Catey (AZS)
Samaná
Arroyo Barril
Bahía de Samaná
Jarabacoa (9)
Constanza
El Portillo
Bonao Bella Vista (9)
Cayo Levantado
Miches
Monte Plata
Hato Mayor
La Isabela (JBQ)
Lago Enriquillo
Laguna Rincón de Cabral
Isabel Villas (9) Cayacoa (18) Guavaberry (18)
Santo Domingo Country Club (27) San Cristóbal
Azua
La Romana Juan SANTO Boca Dolio Los DOMINGO Las Américas Chica Marlins (18)
Cabo Rojo Oviedo Laguna de Oviedo
Caribbean Sea
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Haiti
Caribbean Sea
Jamaica
104
KEY
Atlantic Ocean Gulf of Mexico
Cuba
Isla Beata
Bayahibe
Teeth of the Dog (18) Isla Saona The Links (18) Dye Fore (27) La Romana Country Club (27)
United States
Mexico
Hard Rock (18) Punta Blanca (18) Iberostate Bávaro (18) Cocotal (27) The Lakes Barceló (18) Catalonia Cabeza de Toro (9) Punta Cana Catalonia Caribe (18) Higüey (PUJ) Punta Cana Corales (18) Boca Cap Cana La Cana (27) de Yuma Punta Espada (18)
Isla Playa Nueva Catalina Romana (9)
Baní
María Montez (BRX)
Pedernales
El Seibo
San Pedro de Campo de Macorís Casa(LRM)
(SDQ)
Salinas
Barahona
Las Galeras
Puerto Rico
Golf Course (# holes)
Domestic Airport
City or Town
Cruise Port
BeachesInterest
Marina or Port
International Airport
Highest Peak
@2015 Dolores Vicioso [2] Email: doloresvicioso@gmail.com
Dominican Republic
The Links, Casa de Campo
South-East Region: La Romana The South-East Coast lays claim to a combination of picturesque beaches, chic accommodation and a variety of exciting attractions in addition to its famous golf courses. Golfers can play at some of the world’s best courses designed by the Dye family dynasty’s Pete Dye. Three courses are open for public play at Casa de Campo Resort. Once a sugar-producing region, La Romana area charms with azure Caribbean seas, exotic islands, the Chavón River valley and palm-tree covered national parks. Teeth of the Dog
Location: Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana Pete Dye’s first Casa de Campo creation, in 1971, was the course that initially put Holes: 18 the Dominican Republic on the world’s golf Designer: Pete Dye stage. Over 40 years later, Teeth of the Dog consistently ranks among the world’s best courses. There are seven ocean-front holes. Dye sharpened its teeth in 2005 by lengthening some holes and upgrading greens and bunkers.
The Links
Location: Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana The second Dye course at Casa de Campo opened in 1975 and has drawn comparisons Holes: 18 to traditional British and Scottish links Designer: Pete Dye courses thanks to firm fairways and open putting surfaces that invite golfers to play shots along the ground. The moderately-hilly course features several lagoons and lakes, dense bahia and guinea jungle-grass rough and numerous bunkers.
Dye Fore
Location: Casa de Campo Resort, La Romana Pete Dye’s third masterpiece at the luxurious Holes: 27 Casa de Campo Resort, built in 2005, will Designer: Pete Dye take your breath away with the dramatic Chavón River valley – where scenes from Apocalypse Now were filmed – as a backdrop. The course boasts seven cliff-side holes dropping 300 feet to the Chavón River below, the replica Mediterranean village of Altos de Chavón, the Dominican mountains (the Caribbean’s highest) and amazing views. 105
Dominican Republic
South Region: Santo Domingo & Juan Dolio Home to the capital city of Santo Domingo, the South Coast offers golfers rounds of world-class courses within a thriving metropolis that overflows with vivacious culture. The beach town of Juan Dolio is only 30 minutes from Las Américas International Airport (Santo Domingo’s airport) and a bit further from the city itself, and now less than an hour’s drive from Casa de Campo thanks to a fast, new highway. Cayacoa Country Club
Location: Santo Domingo Located 25 minutes from Holes: 18 Santo Domingo, Cayacoa Designer: Pete Dye and Jack Corrie Country Club was built in 1989 but remains a wellkept secret that golfers will find a joy to discover. The course is spread over hilly terrain with many lakes amid lush vegetation providing a great challenge, including long water carries and some terrific par 3s.
Los Marlins Golf Course
Location: Metro Country Club, Juan Dolio Located about 25 minutes east Holes: 18 of Santo Domingo’s airport, at Designer: Charles F Ankrom the Metro Country Club, the well-maintained Los Marlins Golf Course features numerous artistic bunkers, lakes and mounds. Golfers can take advantage of the private Beach Club just five minutes’ drive away or relax in the clubhouse after their round.
Guavaberry Golf & Country Club Location: Juan Dolio This Gary Player design is located 30 minutes east of Santo Domingo’s airport Holes: 18 near the resort town of Juan Dolio and Designer: Gary Player borders a tropical forest and nature preserve. Opened in 2002, Player included some unique features into the design, such as a 15-foot waterfall cascading into a quarry pond (on the par-3 13th signature hole, where two separate greens are rotated daily), and indigenous coral rock formations on holes 9 and 18.
For more information, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com By Peter Ellegard. Additional material by the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism
106
Dominican Republic
North Region: Puerto Plata & Río San Juan The North Coast beckons not only with sunshine, eco-adventures and miles of water sport beaches, but also two Robert Trent Jones Sr masterpieces – Playa Dorada Golf Course and the newly-reopened Playa Grande Golf Course. The forest-clad hills provide a stunning backdrop for Puerto Plata’s collection of all-inclusive resorts. While not golfing, visitors will find plenty of cultural influences including the rhythms of spicy merengue, prehistoric amber, exotic waterfalls and more. Playa Dorada Golf Course
Location: Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata Opened in 1976, this beautiful creation by legendary architect Holes: 18 Robert Trent Jones Sr is Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr located in the popular Playa Dorada resort complex in Puerto Plata, providing easy accessibility and numerous accommodation and package options. The relatively-flat course is known for its outstanding conditioning and exceptional greens.
Location: Playa Grande, Río San Juan Playa Grande G o l f C o u r s e, Holes: 18 which opened in Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr/Rees Jones 1997, is the last golf course Trent Jones Sr designed. Fittingly, it’s also considered among his best. The course is set on high cliffs overlooking the ocean and 10 of its holes play along the Atlantic Ocean, hence why it is often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of the Caribbean”. The course reopened at the end of 2015 after a complete revamp of its back nine holes by Rees Jones to create space for the new Amanera resort with 36 luxury villas, adjacent to the golf course clubhouse. Playa Grande Golf Course
Playa Grande Golf Course
107
Horseshoe Bay Resort
Horseshoe Bay Resort A Texas lakeside haven with three acclaimed Robert Trent Jones Sr courses Horseshoe Bay Resort is Texas’s premier full-service AAA four-diamond golf and lake resort located 45 minutes northwest of Austin, Texas on the beautiful shores of Lake LBJ. With three award-winning Robert Trent Jones Sr golf courses to choose from, Horseshoe Bay Resort is known for exceptional golf, ample meeting spaces, a variety of dining options, multi-surface tennis courts, full-service spa and marina, an 18-hole Bermuda grass putting course and a private executive airport. The Resort’s three famed Robert Trent Jones Sr layouts (Slick Rock, Ram Rock and Apple Rock) are known for their scenic Hill Country views cut through granite outcroppings and beautiful water features that draw repeat visitors year after year. Slick Rock’s heralded “Million Dollar Hole” is a par-4 where players must drive over a double-waterfall to the fairway and then take an interactive drive through the waterfalls to get to the fairway to play their second shot. All three courses are currently ranked in the Top 20 of the annual Dallas Morning News list of the top golf courses you can play in Texas. Perhaps one of the most intriguing areas at Horseshoe Bay Resort is the Whitewater Putting Course, an 18-hole, par-72 dwarf Bermuda grass putting course complete with waterfalls and exotic birds. Whitewater Putting Course is designed like a regulation 18-hole golf course, complete with fairways, bunkers, water hazards and the finest of putting surfaces, but on a miniature scale. Every shot is played with a putter but, unlike a practice green, Whitewater is a fully-landscaped competitive course. It’s the perfect complement to a golfer’s vacation.
108
Horseshoe Bay Resort
The resort is located in the heart of the Hill Country wine region, with more than 30 wineries within 90 minutes of the resort. Live music and special events are common throughout the year and are highlighted by an annual Craft Beer and Music Festival, Hot Air Balloon Festival and Food and Wine Festival. Accommodation includes 349 rooms and suites within the Horseshoe Bay Resort Tower and the Paseo Suites, adjacent to the hotel. Amenities include elegant dĂŠcor, flat-screen TVs, granite bathroom countertops, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high-speed internet access. The resort also offers luxurious, lakeside condominium rentals at The Waters, with spacious, one, two and three-bedroom floor plans.
The Horseshoe Bay Resort Tower offers more than 27,500 square feet of indoor meeting space, including a 12,000-square-foot ballroom. Windows and patios from most meeting rooms bring the outdoors inside and the variety of breakout rooms and hospitality suites allows for events of all sizes. The resort’s signature spot is the Yacht Club, boasting indoor and outdoor meeting and function space. Located on the shore of Lake LBJ, the Yacht Club has more than 25,000 square feet of multi-level outdoor deck space. Among additional resort amenities are seven dining outlets including two waterfront restaurants, a full-service marina that includes a fleet of Wave Runners, pontoons and ski boats, and a spa featuring eucalyptus steam rooms, a spacious dry sauna, whirlpool and indoor resistance pool and a wide array of massage and body treatments. Horseshoe Bay Resort, 200 Hi Circle North, Horseshoe Bay, Texas 78657 Tel: +1 830 598 7880 meet@hsbresort.com http://hsbresort.com Copy supplied by Horseshoe Bay Resort
109
The Pinehurst Area, North Carolina
The Pinehurst Area, North Carolina History, festivals, great food and fairways galore in the Home of American Golf® The Pinehurst Area of North Carolina, centrally located in the state, has entertained travellers from all over the world for more than a century. It is best known for its 40-plus championship golf courses, the Home of American Golf®. But, besides great golf, you can find historic sites, seasonal festivals and a wonderful blend of today and yesteryear. Villages and towns offer a variety of shopping options – pottery, jewellery, antiques, and art. If a relaxing spa treatment will rejuvenate your spirit, a world-class spa is waiting for you. Award-winning, independently-owned dining establishments have tables set for you to enjoy innovative menus with southern style.
Tobacco Road Golf Club
110
The Pinehurst Area, North Carolina
Talamore Golf Resort
Old and young, groups and couples have discovered the secret of the pines. It’s the gentle breeze through the pine boughs, the mild climate, and a chance to stop and smell the roses, or magnolias, or wisteria. It’s the smiles exchanged between strangers. It’s live music and a relaxing beverage to enjoy in the evening. It’s a casual walk through the morning dew in a sleepy village or through horticultural gardens. Discover the secret of the pines for yourself.
G olfe rs are challe nge d by courses designed by Ross, Palmer, Nicklaus, Maples, Fazio and Strantz, to name a few. And golf history buffs can learn more about the lifestyles of the founding families by visiting the Tufts Archives, located in the Given Memorial Library. See artefacts of golf events dating back to the first North & South Amateur, held at Pinehurst in 1901 when it was known as the United North and South Championship.
Pinewild Country Club
The best way to find information about the area is www.HomeOfGolf.com Copy provided by the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 111
Puntacana Resort & Club
Puntacana Resort & Club World-class golf on two courses right on the Caribbean For the avid golfer, there is no better golf experience than oceanside golf on the Caribbean shores of the Dominican Republic. With award-winning resort accommodations, residences with private golf views, glorious landscapes, and 45 holes of oceanside championship golf, Puntacana Resort & Club is the premier destination of choice in this magnificent golfer’s paradise. PB Dye’s La Cana Golf Club offers challenging play on its three different nines set against the beauty of the Caribbean. The exclusive Tom Fazio-designed Corales Golf Club features a spectacular oceanview setting with six of its holes overlooking the Caribbean and the blue waters of the bay of Corales. Play is available to residents of the Corales residential community, club members and their guests, and all registered guests of Tortuga Bay and The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club.
La Cana Golf Club – designed by P B Dye • A 27-hole course consisting of three nines: Tortuga, Hacienda and Arrecife • The original 18 holes were opened in 2001 and the last nine, Hacienda was completed in 2012 • Four holes are played on the Caribbean Sea and 10 additional holes have ocean views • Paspalum grass throughout the course • La Cana features the Golf and Beach Clubhouse, designed by Oscar de la Renta • A club grill, bar and beverage cart service is offered • World class practice areas with PGA instruction • Caddies are available but optional at La Cana • Tee times can be made by Guest Services or emailing golflacana@puntacana.com • A la carte rates for registered Guests are US$135 in season and US$105 in the off season
112
Puntacana Resort & Club
A world-class golf experience made even better! Our Golf Experience Plans are available for our avid golf resort guests and include the Deluxe Plan that is a golfer’s turnkey all-inclusive golf plan. If our golf plans are not your choice then combine play on both courses with our Golf Enhancement packages or choose your favourite course and purchase the Multiple Day packages. Both opportunities offer reduce pricing. For the casual golfer, we offer half-price rental golf clubs to our hotel guests paying the a la carte daily golf fees. Same-day replays of the courses are available at a lower price to our guests as well
Corales Golf Club – designed by Tom Fazio • An exclusive 18-hole, par 72 course opened in 2010 • Six holes on bluffs overlooking the Caribbean Sea • The last three holes played on the Bay of Corales are appropriately named the Devil’s Elbow • Blue water, rocky cliffs, crashing waves, coral reefs and the Bay of Corales highlight the views • Over 200 acres of paspalum supreme grass, ever-changing elevations, strategically-placed bunkers and massive elevated greens are the course’s features • A club grill, bar and beverage cart service is offered • World-class practice areas with PGA instruction • Caddies are mandatory at Corales Golf Club • Tee times can be made by Guest Services or emailing golfcorales@puntacana.com • A la carte rates for registered guests are US$295 in season and US$195 in the off season For more information, go to www.puntacana.com Copy supplied by Puntacana Resort & Club 113
The Resort at Pelican Hill
The Resort at Pelican Hill ® Every hole is a signature at Pelican Hill® When jaw-dropping scenery is par for the course, you’ll need to remind yourself to keep your eye on the ball. But once you find your focus, players of every skill level are rewarded with 36 holes that test your mettle, quicken your pulse and stir your soul. Pelican Hill Golf Club® is more than just a round of golf. It’s a two-course feast to make you feel as if golf is your sole reason for being. And from the moment you tee off, it absolutely is. With the Ocean North and Ocean South courses at Pelican Hill, Tom Fazio’s vision has been brought to life in its purest form. Thirty-six holes of worldclass golf weave their way through stunning terrain and breathtaking vistas, with every lie, every shot and every hole designed to perfectly complement the natural landscape. Fazio has more designs on Golf Digest’s list of “America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” than any other living course designer, and Pelican Hill proudly features two of his best. The 7,000-yard Ocean North course features panoramic views from every hole, while the 6,580-yard Ocean South course takes you right to bluffs on the ocean. Included with both are: Pelican Hill’s unmatched service and amenities, featuring professional forecaddies; impeccable practice facilities; golf shop; plush men’s and women’s locker rooms; shoe attendants; clubcleaning service; complimentary valet parking; Caffé II; and Pelican Grill. Pelican Hill Golf Club awards players all the benefits more commonly found at a private club that’s open to all. Green Fees (US$) Weekday Weekend
Holes
Ocean Nor th
18
71
6945
270
Ocean South
18
70
6580
270
114
Par
Length (yards)
Golf Course
Buggy Hire
Caddies
Visitor Access
270
included in fees
included in fees
Visitors welcome
270
included in fees
included in fees
Visitors welcome
The Resort at Pelican Hill
Should an individual or group wish to improve any aspect of their game, a team of highly-skilled PGA professionals is readily available to instruct them on how to hone and sharpen their skills. The Golf Academy, which is known as the preeminent training facility in Southern California, offers an expansive selection of different clinics for each shot and custom programs. Led by Glenn Deck, one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers in America and Southern California’s PGA Teacher of the Year, the Academy has respected and talented instructors in the field to guide and develop players of all skill levels. The Resort at Pelican Hill is one of the world’s finest five-star, five-diamond destinations offering unparalleled service and spaces to enjoy time on your own terms. Gather in one of the residentialstyle Villas or airy Bungalow Guest Rooms both with stunning ocean views. Enjoy the coastal scenery and seize rare time reconnecting over inspired cuisine at any of our four restaurants and two cafés. Indulge in an hour or the day at The Spa or playing a round of championship golf. Children even have access to a space made just for them at Camp Pelican™ and Latitude. Whatever your motivations are for needing a retreat, you’ll be reminded how you should do this kind of thing more often, tucked away in our Tuscaninspired seaside village along the Southern California coast. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Beach, California 92657 Tel: +1 855 315 8214 reservations@pelicanhill.com www.pelicanhill.com Copy supplied by The Resort at Pelican Hill 115
The golfer’s dream holidays
Club de Golf Alcanada
Vanity HotelGolf **** & SPA
Vanity HotelSuite **** & SPA
Our exclusive hotels Vanity Golf in Puerto de Alcudia and Vanity Suite in Cala Mesquida, provide ideal opportunities for your golf customers to be pampered. MORE INFORMATION: T. +34 971 897 008 · info@vanityhotels.com · vanityhotels.com
Exclusive Hotels 18+ in Mallorca
Since 1926, Presidents and celebrities have gathered at The Biltmore. Today, we are poised to give you the royal treatment. Come and see why The Biltmore has been at the top of worldwide “Best of the Best� lists since 1926. Immerse yourself in luxury and our endless amenities including the historic championship, Donald Ross 18 Hole golf course, a world renowned spa, one of the largest hotel swimming pools in the continental U.S. and award winning dining options. For more information visit
www.biltmorehotel.com/IAGTO or call (866) 988-2162 or email wholesalers@biltmorehotel.com.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Hipotels Barrosa Palace *****
Hipotels Hipocampo Hipotels Eurotel Palace ***** Punta Rotja ****
MALLORCA | CADIZ | LANZAROTE golf@hipotels.com +34 902 200 180
A BLEND OF LUXURY AND GOLF Located just 3.5 Km from the Club de Golf Alcanada, designed by Trent Jones Jr.
Puerto de Alcudia (Mallorca) 路 T. +34 971 897 008 路 F. +34 971 897 007 info@hotelsviva.com 路 hotelsviva.com
Michael Campbell IAGTO’s 2016 Honorary Award Recipient 129
The global trade organisation for the golf tourism industry Established in 1997
The golf tourism industry’s annual trade show partnered by IAGTO 19th IGTM: 14-17 November 2016 - Mallorca
The most important golf tourism event in North America 8th NAC: 26-29 June 2016 - Pinehurst Resort, North Carolina
The most important golf tourism event in the Asia Pacific region 5th AGTC: 24-27 April 2016 - Chiang Mai, Thailand
The golf travel industry’s most prestigious annual awards Established in 2000
The world’s leading golf travel writers brought together by IAGTO Established in 2000
Media platforms approved by IAGTO for their golf travel content
Annual Membership Golf Tour Operator Industry Partner
€ 475
€ 795
One-time Joining Fee
€ 150
“I have never been part of an organisation that takes its service commitment to members so seriously and I’m continually impressed with the work the entire IAGTO team does.”
Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, GM, Raffles Hainan
Concorde House, Grenville Place, London, NW7 3SA, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 8906 3377 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8906 8181 Email: info@iagto.com Website: www.iagto.com IAGTO Ltd. is registered in England as a professional membership organisation No. 3507678. SIC 9112. VAT 710 1940 78. Directors: P Walton, C Carugati, G Greenwood.