IAGTO Directory
2015
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
Your our pleasure pleasure Your leisure, leisure, our What makes golf such a pleasure at La Manga Club, Spain? What makes golf such a pleasure at La Manga Club, Spain? Is it our perfect year-round golfing climate, 3 distinct championship courses, Is it our perfect year-round golfing climate, 3 distinct championship courses, a choice of luxury accommodation, plus our tempting array of 19th holes 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 and fabulous restaurants? Or perhaps it’s because there’s just as much for non-golfers to enjoy too! non-golfers to enjoy too! Whatever the reason, it will be our pleasure to welcome you and your clients. Whatever the reason, it will be our pleasure to welcome you and your clients.
South Course South Course
North Course North Course
West Course West Course
Par 47 Par 47
For more information or to book, call +34 968 17 5577, For more information or to book, call +34 968 17 5577, email reservas@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com email reservas@lamangaclub.com or visit www.lamangaclub.com
WINNER BEST GOLF RESORT SPAIN WINNER BEST GOLF RESORT SPAIN
Dear Friends, Thank you once again for presenting me with the IAGTO Honorary Award and for the wonderful reception that you gave me at the Awards Ceremony in Lake Como last October. I feel honoured to have been given this award and to be recognised as the Father of Italian Golf, particularly as so many of my heroes have received this award before me. To be considered alongside them is a humbling experience and one which has taken some time to sink in. I still play on the European Seniors Tour and visit many new and emerging golf destinations so I was delighted to see and meet so many golf tourism professionals from around the world at the Awards Gala Dinner who wanted to come back to Italy and to promote my wonderful country. Italian golf still has a lot to learn in order to become a major golf destination for international visitors and we are a little late to the table; but after visiting the show and from all the feedback since, I know we will catch up fast! Personally I am working hard to develop the next generation of Italian golfers, so I’m hopeful you will see even more of us on the world’s stage in the not too distant future. Thank you all once again for this prestigious award and I wish you all the best for the year ahead.
Costantino Rocca
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January 2015
Dear Colleagues, As IAGTO enters its 18th year the mood in the industry is generally quite positive but ever vigilant! 2014 marked the third year of consecutive growth in golf tourism globally and we expect 2015 to continue this trend. Take a look through the IAGTO Review section of this Directory and you will get an idea of the many activities that IAGTO has undertaken in recent months. A number of new projects are planned for the coming year including the publication of The Knowledge in the members’ section of our website which aims to present detailed information and current data on all golf destinations and outbound golf markets worldwide. Our first major event of the year will be the 4th Asia Golf Tourism Convention, taking place in Jakarta from 27-30 April, followed by our 7th North America Convention in Greater Palm Springs from 14-17 June. The 18th IGTM will take place in Tenerife from 5-8 October. We are also running six IAGTO Golf Days in Europe and umpteen fam trips and press trips throughout the year. We will continue to work with tourist boards around the world in order to help position their golf destinations in the best possible way to attract more golf tour operator business. Our guiding philosophy has been 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 2015. 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: Bunga Raya Course, Saujana Golf & Countr y Club, Malaysia • www.saujana.com.my 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.
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If you think it’s hard to get here, just wait ‘til you try to leave.
Scotland’s Best Experience Bunkered Magazine Readers
Resort Experience of the Year Golf Tourism Scotland
T
he long and winding road that leads to our door is admittedly no superhighway. But that’s only fitting, because Mach Dunes is the very antithesis of a modern-day golf resort. Its thrilling, GB&I Top-100 links course is a throwback to an age when golfers shared fairways
with shepherds. The award-winning, 4-star accommodations don’t just pamper your clients in luxury, they do so in lovingly restored hotels more than a century old — while the personalized guest service is of a standard that has all but gone extinct. So it’s no mystery why Mach Dunes was named Scotland’s best resort experience — not once but twice — in the last year. In truth, it’s easy to get your clients here — by land, air or sea. But take our word for it: they won’t be keen to leave. To book, contact Stuart Ellis at stuart@machdunes.com, or call +44 (0)1586 810 013.
www.MachDunes.com The Village at Machrihanish Dunes tel: +44 (0) 1586 810 000 | e-mail: info@machdunes.com
Contents
ASIA PACIFIC
U AFRICA , G
LF STATES
& INDIAN
OCE A N
NORTH AMER
ICA & CARIBB
EAN
EUROPE
7
Advertising Index
Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City
61
Bintan Lagoon Golf Club
41
Bulgarian Ministry of Economy & Energy 84
La Manga Club
2
La Quinta CA
95
La Residence Des Cascades Golf, Spa & Thalasso Resort
57
Chervo San Vigilo
87
Machrihanish Dunes
Cornelia Hotels
90
Mediadrive
93
Crowne Plaza Vilamoura Algarve
88
77
Destination Queenstown
53
Mississippi Division of Tourism Development
Extra Golf
94
Pinehurst
23
Reed Exhibitions - IGTM
19
Regnum Carya
86
Royal Isabela
65
Son Caliu Hotel & Spa
89
The Belfry
82
YOB Golf
43
Gardagolf Country Club
6
Giltedge Travel
83
Glenmuir
92
Hala Abu Dhabi / Etihad
29
Iberostar Son Antem
81
Kempinski Hotel Haitang Bay Sanya
39
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2016 IAGTO Directory Advertising Rates Please contact Giles Greenwood if you would like to feature your company within the 2016 IAGTO Directory: ggreenwood@iagto.com Enhanced Listing €135 A cost effective way of enhancing your directory listing with a colour photo, brochure or logo. A5 Full-Page Advert
€1090
Resort & Destination Features (can include an advertisement as one of the booked pages) 2 pages €1590 5 pages €2690 3 pages €1990 6 pages €2990 4 pages €2390 Additional pages €300 / page Directory Bookmark (only 1 available) €2500 A5 colour, double-sided bookmark with laminate protection and extended tab, creating a very strong design.
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IAGTO Review
IAGTO Review Over the past 17 years, since IAGTO was established in 1997, we have applied a philosophy designed simply to help create the conditions for growth throughout the global golf tourism industry. 2014 saw the third year of consecutive growth for golf travel and the forecast for 2015 is very positive.
Annual Golf Tourism Survey For the past two years we have conducted the world’s largest and most authoritative annual golf tourism survey, with data provided by over 650 golf tour operators and suppliers. We were delighted to see that 2014 marked the third year of consecutive growth for golf tour operator sales worldwide. In our first annual report we showed that golf holiday sales by IAGTO golf tour operators grew by a global average of 9.3% in 2012 compared to 2011. In 2013 sales grew by an even greater margin of 11.1% which is a cumulative growth of 21.4% in only two years. Of course, growth rates varied in different outbound markets, as is shown on the right:
Outbound Markets
2013 Average % Growth
Europe Latin America Asia North America Australasia Middle East & Africa
10.1 12.4 12.8 14.6 22.5 25.2
Global Average
11.1
Despite this rapid growth, the forecast by operators was even more optimistic for 2014, and the forecast was right. In the first quarter of 2014, bookings taken by IAGTO operators were up by a staggering 14.5% globally, year on year. The end of year data will be published in March 2015.
10.1%
11.1%
12.8%
14.6%
North America
Asia
Global
Europe
Winners and Losers These numbers are useful as they help operators see how they are progressing relative to the average performance. Suppliers can also see if they are benefiting from operator business in direct proportion to the overall growth in sales. However, we need to bear in mind that not all operators were able to post a growth in business, with 11.9% of golf tour operators experiencing a decline in sales in 2013. Better news was forthcoming early last year when only 4.8% of operators showed a drop in year-on-year bookings taken Jan-Mar 2014, so we can expect the number of operators showing a decline of business in 2014 to have fallen. 9
IAGTO Review
Larger Group Size As far as visible trends are concerned, there would appear to have been more group bookings in 2013, with a definite trend towards larger group sizes. This reverses the trend we identified back in 2008 of a decrease in group size, demonstrating that average group size can now be considered to be a useful indicator of the state of the market. Repeat & Referral Business Repeat and referral business was up across the board last year, which indicates that satisfaction rates are high, and value for money is being delivered. Employment is also up among the golf tour operators, which has enabled them to handle more enquiries and deliver the required personal service. Most Important Golf Destinations All statistics, particularly rankings, should always be viewed in context! However, over half of our golf tour operators listed their most important golf destinations in both 2012 and 2013 which has enabled us to draw some interesting comparisons. Top 10 Most Important Destinations for IAGTO Operators (2013) (Change in rankings from 2012 also shown) 1. Spain 2. Portugal 3. Ireland 4. Scotland +1 5. Turkey -1
6. USA 7. Thailand 8. France +3 9. Morocco 10. Italy -2
Spain was the top-selling destination in 2013, followed by Portugal and Ireland. Scotland leapfrogged Turkey into fourth place. Outside the top 10, Malaysia’s move up to 14th made it the second most important Asian golf destination for IAGTO operators after Thailand, while the Dominican Republic was the leading Caribbean destination, in 15th place, and Indonesia showing the greatest advance – moving up nine places to 20th. 10
IAGTO Review
Rate of Growth of Golf Destinations In the most detailed part of the survey, operators were asked to inform us how every destination that they sell performed in 2013. Combining this data gave us the relative rate of growth in sales to each destination from IAGTO golf tour operators. Top 10 Fastest Growing Destinations for IAGTO Operators (2013) (Change in rankings from 2012 also shown) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
USA +1 Portugal +1 UAE +5 Scotland +2 Morocco +7
6. Ireland -1 7. Spain -6 8. Belgium +10 9. Vietnam +8 10. Italy +3
The USA took poll position as the fastest growing destination in terms of the rate of growth of golf holiday sales in 2013 compared to 2012. Morocco moved up seven places to fifth, whilst Dubai/Abu Dhabi, Belgium and Vietnam also had very good years. Significant Rise in Women Golf Travellers We have also been able to highlight the growth in women golf travellers. In a survey of 350 IAGTO member golf resorts, courses and hotels, 56% said they had seen a significant growth over the past three years. That figure rose to 66% when the answers from golf courses were isolated, and 70% of suppliers in the winter-sun destinations of Mediterranean Europe, the Caribbean, Asia and North Africa reported significant growth. Yet just 39-33% of suppliers in the USA and Northern Europe reported the same growth. We can speculate whether the lower growth rates for women golf travellers in the more northerly destinations is because such growth has already happened or that summer-golf destinations remain more male dominated. That latter seems the more likely. The leading markets generating the greatest number of women golf travellers were Germany, the UK, Sweden, France, USA, Korea, Switzerland and Canada. Tour Operator Bookings outstrip Direct Sales Golf tour operators remain the primary drivers of golf holidays worldwide, with golf resorts, courses and hotels reporting that at least 52% of their golf visitors were booked by golf tour operators, while research carried out in 2014 by Tom Cotter at the University of Ulster put the figure at 66% on the 47 tourist-friendly links courses on the island of Ireland. Globally, the figures vary according to the proximity of the golf destination to the principal outbound markets, but this signals the importance of the knowledge and skills that are required to deliver the best golf holiday experience to the golf traveller.
IAGTO Annual Survey
Tom Cotter - Ulster University
Forward Bookings encouragingly High It was interesting to see that golf courses, golf resorts and hotels reported that 51% of their golf holiday bookings are made outside of three months from the date of travel with 49% booking less than three months before travel, which will be a surprise for some golf tour operators. 11
IAGTO Review
IAGTO Publishes Golf Tourism Strategy Guidelines We have always stressed the need for both regional and national tourist boards to implement an integrated golf tourism promotional and development strategy in order to be certain of generating sustainable growth. The responsibility for instigating a strategy lies firmly at the door of the tourist board or ministry of tourism. However, at a time when public sector bodies are overstretched and often cash-poor, a golf tourism strategy should not be seen as either onerous or costly. Quite the opposite: it is precisely because tourist boards are under so much pressure to deliver a return on investment that they must avoid lurching from one golf-related event or promotion to another without having first engaged with the private sector to develop an underlying plan. The strategy or roadmap then effectively helps a destination determine whether or not any particular activity is appropriate, timely and cost effective. In order to illustrate how all the different elements of such a roadmap fit together, we have published, for the benefit of our member tourist boards, a guide to the implementation of an Integrated Golf Tourism Strategy. The concept is based on the unparalleled experience that IAGTO has gained from developing golf tourism strategies for more than 30 countries and regions across the globe over the past 12 years.
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IAGTO Review
10 Important Considerations 1. With the requirement for visible results, the objective for tourist board instigated golf tourism strategies must be increased Sales as well as increased Awareness. These twin objectives should be joined at the hip. 2. Developing a consumer-facing Golf Destination Website is an essential tool of any strategy. IAGTO has developed a site-map formula for such websites. Promotion should not begin until a suitable website is in place. 3. Content Development must also precede any promotion. The Content Development guides all promotions and provides a focus for the key messages. IAGTO has developed a Backstory concept for golf destinations. 4. The Content Development informs the Website Content creation and Media Kit development and is a precursor to all Press Releases. 5. Communications (Public Relations) and Press Trips to generate Editorial and Social Media coverage follow Media Kit completion. 6. Any Advertising must carry the Key Message and channel interest to the golf destination Website; 7. The Website Inspires, Informs and Directs the consumer; 8. Trade Marketing support must be given to the local golf tourism industry and to international golf tour operators, enhancing their own sales and awareness activities and facilitating B:B business; 9. In return, the local private sector is responsible for Tracking the growth in sales to the destination; 10. Product Development and Product Packaging remain the domain of the local private sector and result in the overall Product Positioning of the golf destination which then drives all aspects of trade marketing and promotions and has a direct bearing on resultant sales and sustainable growth. 13
IAGTO Review
Recent Developments Website Redevelopment For 18 months our IT team was busy re-developing the members’ section of our website which was updated last year.
Photo Library The IAGTO Photo Library now holds more than 12,000 images and is now accessible to accredited media as well as our golf tour operators. We have made it much easier for suppliers to upload photos by dragging and dropping multiple photos in one go, rather uploading them one by one. China Golf Travel E-Bulletin In cooperation with IAGTO China representatives Travel Link Marketing, IAGTO published the first Golf Travel News Bulletin that was distributed in February and October 2014 to 65,000 Chinese travel agents and 3,000 Chinese travel media. The Bulletin is now scheduled for publication every two months throughout 2015.
New Representatives in Germany, Italy & Australia IAGTO appointed representatives for the first time in Australia & New Zealand, Germany and Italy this year, taking our total number of international representatives to 12 (France, Ireland, Spain, Germany, Italy, Turkey, North America, China, Thailand, Japan, Korea and Australasia).
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IAGTO Review
IAGTO Golf Days Last year we ran four very successful IAGTO Golf Days in the UK, Sweden and two in Germany. These were very well received by our operator in those countries and by the suppliers who sponsored the events. As a result, we will be running six golf days in 2015, adding Ireland and the Netherlands to the list. Location
Date
Venue
UK
19 May
The Grove
Ireland
26 May
The Island Golf Club
Scandinavia
02 June
Barseback Golf & Country Club
Germany - Munich
30 June
TBC
Germany - Frankfurt
02 July
TBC
Nertherlands
08 September
The International
15
IAGTO Review
4th Asia Golf Tourism Convention The 3rd AGTC was our first major event in China, held on the Island of Hainan at Mission Hills Haikou. The event attracted 556 delegates including a record 194 golf tour operators from 32 countries, an increase of over 30% on the previous year’s ground-breaking event in Pattaya. This was without doubt the most important golf travel event ever to have taken place in China, and it was recognised as a milestone for the twin golf destinations of Haikou and Sanya. Jakarta will play hosts to the 4th AGTC from 27-30 April 2015 which is already on course for being the best attended event yet. Enjoy Jakarta Golf is the brand and we will be inviting all delegates to do exactly that! Great City… Great Golf is one of Jakarta’s well-merited taglines and we will encourage all delegates to experience the city’s wonderful golf courses in the company of some of South East Asia’s best caddies. See www.enjoyjakartagolf.com for information on the destination. 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 at the Jakarta Convention Center, located across the road from the Mulia and Sultan Hotels, with the Shanri-La only a short bus drive from the venue. Buyers, all which sell Asian golf destinations, will be invited to play three rounds of golf in Jakarta and participate in post-AGTC fams to Yogjakarta and Bali.
16
IAGTO Review
7th North America Golf Tourism Convention The 6th NAC in Charleston was a complete sell-out, with the 360 delegates including 110 golf tour operators from 24 countries, all promoting and selling golf vacations to North American golf destinations. The convention drew high praise from tour operators and supplier delegates, many of whom described it as the best NAC yet. The 3-day convention culminated in a Ryder Cup-style golf tournament between teams representing North America and the Rest of the World on the prestigious Ocean Course at Kiawah Island – venue for the infamous “War by the Shore” Ryder Cup in 1991. The 7th NAC will take place in Greater Palm Springs, California at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa from 14-17 June 2015. Known as the Capital of Golf in the western United States, Greater Palm Springs, winner of the IAGTO North American Golf Destination of the Year in 2012 is truly a golf oasis with over one hundred world-class golf courses.
17
IAGTO Review
18th International Golf Travel Market As IGTM has grown in size and significance over the years, one of the most satisfying aspects of the event has the positive impact that it can have on the host destination. Lumine Golf Resort in Costa Daurada which hosted the 2013 IGTM, saw their international business increase by a staggering 42% in 2014, 85% of which was driven by golf tour operators. In October 2014 Lake Como in Italy hosted one of the most memorable IGTMs with a record attendance of 1500 delegates from some 60 countries. Overlooking the shimmering Lake Como, Villa Erba proved to be an aweinspiring venue for the event which culminated in the IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner and an IAGTO After Party in the historic Villa Antica, once home to the famous Visconti family. The 18th edition of IGTM, owned and operated by Reed Travel Exhibitions, will take place on the island of Tenerife, from October 5-8 2015, at the Magma Arte&Congresos in Playa de las Americas. 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.
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www.igtm.co.uk
The Premier event for the golf travel industry
Join us at Magma Arte & Congresos, Tenerife, for IGTM 2015. 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 7 key partners who supported all IAGTO activities and events at IGTM 2014.
Golf in Veneto: The New Golf Destination - All in One Winner of the IAGTO 2013 Undiscovered Golf Destination of the year and home to the latest teenage golfing sensation Matteo Manassero, Veneto has more than 40 golf clubs located close to unique “places to be” such as Venice, Verona, Padua, Treviso and the Dolomites. Easily accessible by air, Veneto welcomes you to taste the world known wines Amarone and Prosecco and the Veneto and Italian culinary tradition such as risotto and polenta. So come along and discover this new golf destination which also boasts great shopping, marvellous lakes such as the Garda as well as the world famous wellness spas in Padua and the beaches around Venice. It’s is up to you now to ...Discover the Undiscovered!
Enjoy Jakarta Golf Jakarta offers one of the best City & Golf experiences in Asia with a whole host of stunning golf courses within 45 minutes of the city centre. The clubhouse hospitality, service, food and caddying is second to none and matches seamlessly with the great entertainment, dining and cultural options on offer in the city itself. The Bogor highlands courses are within easy reach of the city hotels providing a rich mix of course experiences, all beautifully presented. Jakarta plays host to the 4th AGTC from 27-30 April 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.
Golf Ireland Ireland offers golfers the complete package with top championship courses, stunning scenery, fascinating history and some of the best craic (good fun) around. Over the years’ Ireland has won six IAGTO Golf Tourism Awards and Irish golfers have been dominating the majors. Find out exactly what it is by playing the courses where these champions shaped their games. World-beating links, exceptional parkland courses.
20
IAGTO Review
Golf GameBook Golf GameBook is an innovative mobile and social live scoring solution for golfers to connect with each other and share their scores and golf experiences on and off the golf course in real-time. With GameBook you can create the best event experience golf has to offer. Set up live scoring for all types of golf games or tournaments with ease using the Golf GameBook app or online Game Manager service. Enjoy hole-by-hole live scoring for unlimited number of players or follow your friends’ play anywhere in the world using the Golf GameBook. www.golfgamebook.com
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.
VisitScotland Scotland is known throughout the world as the undisputed Home of Golf. It is the country where the game of golf began and where it continues to thrive to this day. The golfing world had its eyes on Gleneagles during this year’s Ryder Cup and The Open Championship will be back at St Andrews in 2015. With more than 550 courses the length and breadth of the country it is the dream destination for every golfing visitor, regardless of ability. VisitScotland is the official agency for the promotion of tourism to Scotland. We work with Golf Tourism Scotland and the industry as a whole to provide support and advice for operators wishing to develop existing or create new programs to Scotland.”
To become an IAGTO Partner at IGTM 2015 contact Giles at ggreenwood@iagto.com
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IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards 15th 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, 30 October in front of 1,400 golf industry professionals in the grandiose setting of Villa Erba, on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como. We have taken great care over the past 15 years to ensure that our annual Awards represent the pinnacle of achievement for golf destinations and golf resorts, reflecting the experience of golf tour operators, golf travel writers and, ultimately, the golf traveller. Through the launch last year of our four Sustainability categories, in partnership with the Golf Environment Organization, we also demonstrated how our Awards can act as a catalyst for best practice as well as being a showcase for existing excellence. 120 IAGTO golf courses have now enrolled with GEO’s OnCourse® sustainability programme and are working towards full GEO Certified status. Costantino Rocca, Italy’s most successful professional golfer, with five wins on the European Tour and two wins on the European Seniors Tour, became IAGTO’s 15th Honorary Award recipient. Headline sponsor for the second year was Etihad Airways. It was the first carrier to sign up to IAGTO’s Preferred Airline scheme, launched in 2005 to recognise golfer-friendly airlines that carry golf bags free of charge in addition to standard baggage allowance.
22
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
24
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
25
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
15 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
Lisbon 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
Golf Tourism Supplier of the Year 2012
Portugal Algarve Golf Services Lda
2013
Onyria Resorts, Portugal
2014
Dubai Golf, UAE
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
PGA Catalunya Resort
Pinehurst Resort
Casa De Campo
2005
Ireland
Mauritius
Georgia, USA
2006
California, USA
China
Scotland
2007
Portugal
Barbados
Florida, USA
Ireland
South Africa
Florida, USA
Jamaica
Algarve, Portugal Ireland
South Carolina, USA
Scotland
Florida, USA
France
Florida, USA
Bulgaria
2015
Spain
The Grenadines
China
Morocco
New Zealand
California, USA
North Carolina, USA
Dominican Republic
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 Portugal
Emirates Golf Club United Arab Emirates
Bahia Beach Golf Club
Dundonald Links Scotland
Puerto Rico
27
IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
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
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IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
IAGTO Excellence Awards Rewarding Great Golfing Achievements in Asia In 2014 IAGTO launched a new suite of Awards, celebrating the best of Asia’s golfing achievements. The IAGTO Excellence Awards ceremony took place at Mission Hills Hainan during the 3rd Asia Golf Tourism Convention, Asia’s No.1 Golf Travel Trade convention.
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IAGTO Awards & AGTC Awards
The IAGTO Diamond Award for Excellence was presented to Indonesia’s Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, Vietnam’s Danang Golf Club and China’s Mission Hills Shenzhen & Mission Hills Haikou.
The IAGTO Platinum Award for Exceptional Achievement was presented to Mission Hills Hainan recognising the resort as the World’s Outstanding Golf & Spa Resort.
The IAGTO Pearl Award is presented to an individual that has made a unique contribution to society and the industry. The first recipient of this award, Kullatorn Mesommont, President of East Coast Golf Course Management Association in Thailand, was honoured for the tangible difference that he has made to the quality of people’s lives with his contribution to Pattaya’s Golf Industry and specifically the region’s Caddy Program over 17 years.
The first ever IAGTO Legacy Award was presented to the Chu Family in recognition of the pioneering vision and leadership that the family behind Mission Hills have demonstrated through two generations. Quite simply no other family has made a more important contribution to China as a golf destination and they continue to shape its future and secure its destiny.
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Sanya
Sanya China’s only tropical resort city is now a focal point for golf The rising economy in China has generated numerous high-powered world-class sporting markets – and golf is one of them. With the country’s economy of scale and the prospect of being the world’s biggest market for the sport, China has become the focus of the international golfing community. Being the only tropical resort city of China, and with the central government’s support to turn Hainan into a center for golf in China, the focus has naturally been directed heavily on Sanya. Sanya has attracted numerous domestic and international golfers with its newly-developed golfing facilities and infrastructure, its geographical position and its natural tropical endowments. With its perfect air and beautiful landscapes, Sanya has been attracting more and more high-class golf operators who have developed challenging courses in this new golf destination. Hainan Island is now home to over 29 golf clubs with about 51 courses. These include no fewer than 10 quality courses located in Sanya, including one that meets world-championship standards – the Yalong Bay Golf Club designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. These courses take full advantage of Sanya’s fantastic natural features; from Luhuitou Peninsula in the city centre to Yalong Bay, the mountains around Baoting and all along the coast to Haitang Bay, all are within one hour drive from Sanya and appeal to every level of golfer, each with its own identity and environment and catering to everyone from professional to enthusiast. Even for the beginner it’s game on, with courses offering wide fairways and safe passages around water. Nowhere else in the region is there such a broad choice of play available in different and friendly surroundings and on such high quality courses. Sanya is also competitive in terms of hospitality and services. As a beach resort destination, it has one of the highest proportions of deluxe hotels anywhere in the world, offering more than 20,000 deluxe hotel rooms. Many of the hotels offer excellent facilities and can provide a well-deserved golf break.
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Sanya
www.banyantree.com
conrad.com.cn/sanya
www.daysresor tsanya.com
www.intercontinental.com/sanya
www.kempinski.com/haitangbay
www.luxur ycollection.com/royalbegonia
www.mgmgrandsanya.com
www.mandarinoriental.com/sanya
www.renaissancesanya.com
www.sanya.park.hyatt.com
www.pullman-sanya-oceanview.com
www.raffles-cn.com/hainan
www.ritzcarlton.com/zh-cn/Sanya
www.sanya.anantara.com.cn
www.sanya.hilton.com
www.sanyamarriottresor t.com
www.shangri-la.com/cn/sanya / shangrilasanya
www.sheraton.com/sanya
www.star woodhotels.com/sheraton/ shenzhoupeninsula
www.stregis.com/sanya
www.westin.com/sanyahaitangbay
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Sanya
The additional attractions of spa treatments, fishing, snorkelling, forest trekking and shopping, along with a plethora of culinary delights, ensure that there are endless activity options for golfers to enjoy. The discerning golfer has the choice of playing on either a championship-standard course or those more friendly to the club stalwart – but always in a unique environment and with the high standards expected by visitors. For golfers who bring their families, children can be provided with fully-qualified coaches. They can then return to their hotels to relax by the pool and sample the variety of foods for which Sanya is famous. Sanya welcomes everyone to visit this beautiful tropical city, to enjoy golf on the many beautiful golf courses and take advantage of the many culinary delights and shopping facilities available, as well as the eco-friendly natural tourist attractions. Come and see for yourself—you will not regret it. Here are some of the choices available for excellent golfing in Sanya:
Yalong Bay Golf Club Yalong Bay Golf Club is one of the masterpieces created by the eminent course designer, Robert Trent Jones Jr. It has hosted a total of 12 professional tournaments, including the Sanya Open in 2003, 2004 and 2006, the Volkswagen China Masters in 2006, the TCL Classic in 2005, 2006 and 2007, and the Sanya Ladies Open between 2010 and 2014. Since its opening, Yalong Bay Golf Club has won dozens of prestigious awards and accolades, including making the Golf Digest’s “Top 10 Golf Clubs in China” list for three years running, and being named as one of the Best Tournament Golf Courses in Asia. The clubhouse covers an area of almost 108,000 square feet (10,000 square metres). Encompassing the only beach lagoon and grass tennis courts in Yalong Bay, a relaxing and fun stay at Yalong Bay Golf Club is guaranteed. The close proximity of many fantastic international-brand hotels offering world-class luxury accommodation, including the Hilton and Ritz Carlton, is another important factor that has cemented Yalong Bay Golf Club’s reputation as an unparalleled golfing destination. Holes: 18 Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr Address: Yalong Bay National Resort District, Sanya, Hainan, PRC Traffic: 30-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 20-minute drive from downtown. Tel: +86 898 8856 5888 Fax: +86 898 8856 5052 welcome@yalongbaygolfclub.com www.yalongbaygolfclub.com
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Sanya
Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club The Sanya Luhuitou Golf Club course was designed by Nelson & Haworth, an American golf design company. It is a standard par-72 golf course with a total length of 7,310 yards (6,684m). The course and the greens are all covered with seashore paspalum, which grows favourably in tropical areas. With the beautiful Luhuitou Park in the back, the golf course faces the spectacular South China Sea. The azure sea, the silvery beach and a wide expanse of green meadows add to the beauty of the course and the place as a whole under the blue sky. It is another crown pearl of the fabulous seaside city of Sanya. Owned by the Shanghai Mingshen Group, the golf course has a total area of 2,600 acres (about 1.7 sq km). It is a comprehensive project that integrates golfing, hotels and real estate. Holes: 18 Designer: Nelson & Haworth Address: Luhuitou Development Area, Sanya, Hainan, PRC Traffic: 30-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 5-minute drive from downtown. Tel: +86 898 8833 8888 Fax: +86 898 8828 8966 rc@lhtgolf.com www.lhtgolf.com
Hongtang Bay International Golf Club With a convenient location close to Sanya City between Tianya Haijiao and Nanshan Temple, Hongtang Bay Internatioal Golf Club is about a 30-minute drive from downtown Sanya and just a 10-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix Airport. The Scottish-style seashore golf course was designed by the world-famous designer Robert Trent Jones Jr, who took advantage of the natural ecological environment and factored in his own golf strategy in the creation of the course. The 7,196-yard-long (6,580m) golf course is an international-standard 18-hole par-72 stadium course, which gathers together all the natural advantages of Sanya – the seaside, lakes and mountains. The northern part is dominated by mountain scenery, overlooking a mountain range, while the southern part faces the sea. Set on a 4.5km (2.8-mile) coastline with riffling sea breezes, it is the only links-style golf course in Sanya with panoramic sea views. Using the ecological environment as the theme, the masterful design uses Hawaiian grass and has fairways that look flat but hide deep troughs, with fast and smooth Bermuda putting greens. A challenge that incorporates the features of traditional links, it can be enjoyed by golfers of many different levels. Holes: 18 Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr Address: Hongtang Bay, Sanya, Hainan, PRC Traffic: 10-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 30 minute drive from downtown. Tel: +86 898 8891 3355 Fax: +86 898 8891 3322 www.hongtangwangolf.com 35
Sanya
Sanya Begonia Bay Golf Club Opened in September 2011, the Sanya Begonia Bay Golf Club course is located in the Haitang Bay C10 Area and is the newest golf course in Sanya, designed and constructed by the world-renowned golf course design company Nelson & Haworth. This 18-hole international championship course is the appointed golf course in China for the US PGA TOUR. The club has a par 72 championship course with a total length of 7,345 yards (6716m). Both the open sea and the inland sea surround the course. The sea, beach, mountain, rocks and many local plants make a unique natural environment that can’t be found at any other courses in China. Holes: 18 Designer: Nelson & Haworth Address: Bowei Ridge, Qingtian Village, Haitang Bay Town, Sanya, Hainan, PRC (Close to the Chinese Army General Hospital and Wuzhizhou Island) Traffic: 45-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 30-minute drive from downtown. Tel: +86 0898 3150 1999/3150 2999 Fax: +86 0898 3150 1919
Sanya Forest Valley Golf Club Sanya Forest Valley Golf Club is a world-class 18-hole, par 72 mountain golf course taking advantage of Hainan’s exclusive tropical rainforest and natural lakes and using the tranquillity of nature as its theme. It was created by the famous design company ATDL to present an intelligent and challenging golf course and fully utilises the natural surroundings to balance the course’s natural features. Relying on a primitive eco-environment, the golf course is tailored with a fairway layout and smooth curves to satisfy golfers of various levels. The course covers a land area of over 200 hectares (494 acres) with 6,903 yards (6,312m) of total fairway length. With largest fairway fall distance being over 50 metres (164ft), augmented with 87 bunkers, this course is very challenging. The extremely delicate greens also offer a great putting experience. The clubhouse has a restaurant accommodating up to 150 people and facilities include 114 lockers and six shower rooms for men and 32 lockers and four shower rooms for women. Holes: 18 Designer: ATDL Address: Damao Area, Jiyang Town, Sanya, Hainan Province Traffic: 45-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 60-minute drive from the railway station, 30-minute drive from Yalong Bay beach and downtown. Tel: +86 898 3188 8899 Fax: +86 898 3188 8898 services@fvgolfclub.cn www.fvgolfclub.cn 36
Sanya
Dragon Valley Golf Club Dragon Valley Golf Club is a 19-hole course designed by US design corporation Schmidt-Curley. It is set on 215 acres and is surrounded by green mountains, lakes and grasslands. The course has a total length 7,276 yards (6,653m) and has a par of 75. The fairway design skilfully fuses with the physiognomy of the natural valleys and hills to create the objective of venturing out into nature. The club is located in Nanding Village, Taindu Town, Sanya City, adjacent to College Road. It enjoys convenient traffic conditions and an excellent geographic location, being a 10-minute drive from Sanya downtown and a 20-minute drive from Yalong Bay. Holes: 19 Designer: Schmidt-Curley Design Corporation Address: Nanding Zhongcun, Lizhigou, College Road, Sanya, Hainan, PRC Traffic: 10-minute drive from Sanya Railway Station, 20-minute drive from Yalong Bay and Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 15-minute drive from downtown. Tel: +86 898 3886 8800 Fax: +86 898 3886 8100 service@dragonvalleygolf.com www.dragonvalleygolf.com
Sun Valley Golf Club Covering an area of 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres) and with an investment of RMB 20 billion, this 7,875 yard (7,200m) par-73 championship golf course is designed by the world famous golf design company JMP and is known for its large greens. The course is quite a tough test and the greens are huge. This course also boasts the longest hole in China, with the par-6 18th hole measuring 828 yards off the championship tee. Nearby attractions include Butterfly Park, the Seashell Museum and Yalong Bay Central Square. All the famous star ranked hotels are within five minutes’ drive. Holes: 27 Designer: JMP Golf Design Group Address: Sun Valley Sanya Golf Resort, Bohou Village, Yalong Bay National Resort District, Jiyang Town, Sanya, Hainan, PRC Traffic: 25-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 15-minute drive from downtown, 5-minute drive from Yalong Bay beach and world famous five-star hotels, including the Ritz-Carlton, MGM, Marriott, Hilton, St.Regis, Sheraton, and Pullman. Tel: +86 898 8856 6698 Fax: +86 898 8856 6699 info@sunvalleygolfresort.com www.sunvalleygolfresort.com 37
Sanya
Sanya Mystic Springs Golf Club The course is situated on a 150-hectare (370-acre) site adjacent to Nantian Hot Springs and overlooking Haitang Bay. The 36-hole golf course, designed by worldrenowned golf course design company Nelson & Haworth, is divided into two 18-hole courses – the Mystic and Springs courses, with lengths of 7,175 yards (6,560m) and 7,442 yards (6,805m) respectively. The design takes full advantage of the surrounding landscape of mountains and sea. From high vantage points in the area, the shoreline and Wuzhizhou Island can be admired in their natural splendour. World-class hotels such as the Renaissance Hotel and Sheraton Hotel are located within a 30-minute drive of the golf course. Holes: 36 Designer: Nelson & Haworth Address: Sanya Hot Springs Resort & Leisure Park, Haitang Bay, Nantian Hot Spring, Hainan, PRC Traffic: 40-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, 30-minute drive from world famous, five-star hotels including the Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Renaissance etc. Tel: +86 898 3188 8008 Fax: +86 898 3188 8001 www.mysticsprings.com.cn
The Dunes at Shenzhou Peninsula Designed by Tom Weiskopf, The Dunes is honoured to have been recognised as one of the world’s top golf resorts along with being declared one of China’s top-rated courses by Great Golf Resorts of the World in 2014, an alliance of the world’s very best golf resorts which scours the world for the highest calibre courses. The Dunes was created with a composite tournament golf course in mind, blending holes from both the East and the West courses into a unique composite course of 18 holes. The courses are set upon the natural tropical landscape, mixing in large palm trees, native plants, natural waterways, undulating sand dunes, majestic natural rocks, natural elevations and a spectacular ocean view along the edge of the South China Sea. The golf course is also equipped with a stunning clubhouse, a golf academy and other facilities that offer a full range of services to members and visitors alike. Holes: 36 Designer: Tom Weiskopf Address: Shenzhou Peninsula Resort, Wanning City, Hainan, PRC Traffic: 40-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix International Airport, and next to the world-famous, five-star hotels, Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula Resort and Four Points by Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula. Tel: +86 898 3622 0000 Fax: +86 898 3621 5001 enquiry@shenzhengolf.com www.shenzhougolf.com Copy supplied by Sanya Tourism
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Bintan Lagoon Resort
Bintan Lagoon Resort Designer championship golf courses a ferry ride from Singapore Just a 75-minute direct ferry ride away from Singapore, Bintan Lagoon Resort is world renowned for its exceptionally-designed championship 18-hole golf courses. The Jack Nicklaus Sea View course and Ian Baker-Finch Woodlands course offer spectacular signature holes, fast greens, undulating fairways and scenic water hazards. For golfers wishing to improve their swing or course management skills, our team of golf professionals is available for coaching all year round. Immaculately maintained, the pristine courses are set amongst lush landscapes and breathtaking environs. Services and facilities for the players include the following: • Superbly-appointed clubhouse • Halfway house • Golf pro shop • Locker room • Golf club and shoe rental • In-locker room massage service with • Golf carts and caddies techniques customised for golfers • 31-bay under cover driving range • Haskell’s – Indian, Indonesian and other • Practice putting green Asian Cuisine
Ian Baker-Finch Woodlands course Designed with the front nine holes snaking out from the resort and the back nine returning to the clubhouse, the Ian Baker-Finch Woodlands golf course is laid over dramatically-changing terrain, and was recently returfed to further enhance the playing experience of the golfers. Offering five different tee locations to suit golfers of all abilities, the par 72 Ian Baker-Finch Woodlands golf course measures 6,211 metres (6,792 yards) and includes tight fairways on rolling landscapes and a myriad of daring greens with sand traps and flowing waterways. Many of the tees are surrounded by steep slopes and mounds that create a stunning amphitheatre effect around many of the greens that not only entice, challenge and reward the most seasoned of golfers, but also offer flexibility in play to the less experienced. The course highlights include the elevated tee at the 526-metre (575-yard) par 5 8th hole, which is a favourite with many. Stretching downhill into the distance before rising to the green, it demands absolute precision from golfers who must negotiate their shots past bunkers, a lake and a solitary tall tree. The elevated 13th tee presents golfers with an enticing vista of seaside villas and ocean.
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Bintan Lagoon Resort
Jack Nicklaus Sea View course Designed by the masterful “Golden Bear”, the course offers majestic sculptured bunkers, strategic use of the natural landscape and some unique water hazards. The par 72 Jack Nicklaus course measures 6,420 metres (7,020 yards) with five different tee locations to suit golfers of all abilities. Designed to be enjoyed by players of all standards, the premium highlights of this course includes the 12th hole, a par 3, with a stunning backdrop of the South China Sea. Due to the high winds at certain times, club selection can be increased by at least four clubs, especially from the championship tees. Another highlight hole, the par-4 13th, has a unique feature of a split green, as one of the streams on the course runs through the middle. This makes it the most difficult and challenging hole on this course. The 18th hole is a tough hole characterised by large bunkers and rolling mounds.
Golf Academy Bintan Lagoon Resort’s Golf Academy offers comprehensive golf coaching to players at all levels. Conducted by professionals, all lessons are structured to cater to each player’s ability. A wide variety of programmes is offered, from an introduction to the fundamentals to improving the short game. Lessons are available for individuals or groups of up to three people. For further information on golf, visit: www.mozaichotels.com/#/en/hotels/bintan/golf/overview
About Bintan Lagoon Resort Sprawled over 300 hectares (740 acres) of beachfront gardens in the tropical paradise of Bintan, Bintan Lagoon Resort is the premier lifestyle destination for leisure, golf and corporate meetings and incentives with its own ferry terminal. Bintan Lagoon Resort boasts 470 contemporary rooms, suites and villas complemented by an impressive range of 12 dining options, nine function rooms and a dedicated MICE centre. For leisure, two world-renowned 18-hole golf courses, various sea sports and land activities including spa treatments are available. Bintan Lagoon Resort is owned and operated by Mozaic Hotels & Resorts. Copy supplied by Bintan Lagoon Resort
Contact details Bintan Lagoon Resort Singapore Corporate Office Tel: +62 770 691 388 Tel: +65 6750 2280 Fax: +62 770 691 300 Fax: +65 6534 5157 reservations@mozaichotels.com reservations@mozaichotels.com www.bintanlagoon.com www.mozaichotels.com Media contact: Udeet Datta Udeet@mozaichotels.com Tel: +65 6750 2281
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Malaysia
Malaysia Malaysia a haven for tourists Malaysia is a haven for attractions and activities that continues to draw millions of tourists to its shores. Catering to visitors of every kind who travel to Malaysia, it has an excellent tourism infrastructure maintained by the Government and the private sector, including transportation system, hotels, shopping places, nightlife, variety of food and drinks, festival, outdoor activity and many more. Malaysia is gifted with abundance of natural resources to support tourism industries. The industries maintain its sustainability because of Malaysia’s strong economy, stable political system and businessfriendly environment. There is also renewed focus to develop and increase tourism, which is one of the major sources of foreign exchange. Golf is a major attraction, with more than 200 golf courses spread out in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak that offer varying degrees of challenges and excitement. From resort-style golf courses offering manicured fairways and greens with five-star accommodation to remote golf courses carved out of sprawling rainforests, they all bring excitement and challenge to golfers. The Sepang International Circuit offers local and foreign motorsports fans the opportunity to watch adrenaline-pumping action such as the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix, Shell Advance Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix and other major events. It is recognised as one of the most aweinspiring tracks in the world, challenging even for the finest drivers and riders in the world. Malaysia also has numerous beaches and great dive locations that offer spectacular experiences under the sun and under water. Among the top dive areas are Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai islands in Sabah, Langkawi (Kedah), Tioman (Johor) and Perhentian (Terengganu). As a shoppers’ paradise, Malaysia has many popular international brand stores in shopping malls in the major cities with products ranging from luxurious designer clothing and accessories to exclusive bags, watches, trendy footwear and every type of electronic equipment imaginable.
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Malaysia
Malaysia offers a wide variety of local, delicious food that reflects the multi-racial roots of the population while international dishes are also common and popular in the country. With a population of 30 million, Malaysia consists of many ethnic groups, including Malays, Chinese, Indian, Iban, Kadazan and others who contribute to the unique Malaysian culture. The melting point of the diverse cultures has also brought about a sharing of values and celebration of different types of festivals and events throughout the year. Tourists can visit the Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC), which offers a wide range of facilities and services to assist tourists in planning unforgettable holidays in Malaysia. It also hosts cultural shows and demonstrations. Those visiting Kuala Lumpur can use the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service which brings tourists to all the major attractions within the city while specialised tour packages are available to bring foreigners to other states around the country to enjoy unique sights and sounds. Among the tourists’ choice are: Penang, where old and new infrastructure blend and which is a haven for food; Malacca, where historical buildings expound the legacy of bygone eras; the tropical islands of Langkawi, where 99 islands and the sea offer breathtaking scenery; Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah, the highest mountain in South East Asia; and the Niah and Mulu caves in Sarawak. Malaysia has many island and marine parks, national parks that claim the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, and cool hill resorts where tourists can enjoy a temperate climate setting. With a myriad of attractions to offer, the beauty of the country and the hospitality of the Malaysian people need to be experienced first-hand to appreciate it, and the nation continues to be a destination of choice for tourists from all over the world. 45
Malaysia
Malaysia wins Asia’s Best Golf Destination award Malaysia is “Asia’s Best Golf Destination” – an honour bestowed on the country at the inaugural World Golf Awards, held in Portugal in November, 2014. Recently-opened The Els Club Teluk Datai, designed by the golf legend Ernie Els within the 10-millionyear-old rainforests of Langkawi, also won the Best New Golf Course in Asia and Best New Golf Course in the World honours at the awards ceremony, held at the Conrad Algarve Hotel. Winning the accolade is a thrill for the Malaysian tourism industry, and especially the nation’s golfing fraternity, as it follows the tremendous efforts that have been undertaken during recent years to promote the country as “Asia’s Best Kept Secret” with reference to golfing holidays. The Malaysia Golf Tourism Association (MGTA), which has been playing a key role in extensively promoting and marketing Malaysia as a golfing destination to international tourists, attributed winning the awards to Malaysia’s natural elegance, challenging golf courses designed by top golf designers and the welcoming hospitality of its people. MGTA president Eushen Ng expressed his pride over the international achievements and felt happy about the awards won by local golf industry players as the winners are active MGTA members.
MGTA president Eushen Ng 46
“We wouldn’t have been able to achieve this without the continuous support of Tourism Malaysia in promoting Malaysia as a golf destination,” he said. “These awards are recognition of Malaysia’s excellent development in the golf industry, its top-notch services and facilities and cooperation from the private sector.”
Malaysia
He attributed Malaysia being voted as a great golf destination to the fact that it was not just because of the great golf courses in the country but because Malaysia also had products and services that were value for money. “These victories show that there is an overall perception that Malaysia has value for money in hotel rates, airline connectivity and other tourists’ products. “We also have less traffic congestion compared to other countries in the region, and Malaysia is an English speaking nation, endowed with political stability with no civil unrest and protests and a wide array of culinary and sightseeing experience where tourists can enjoy themselves, feel safe and be relaxed here.” “Hall of Famer Ernie Els has a great reason to build Asia’s first Els Club here; he knows what’s good and the tremendous natural surroundings that Malaysia is blessed with where he can design an award-winning golf course,” added Eushen. Responding to Malaysia’s success in the awards, Malaysia’s Minister for Tourism and Culture, Dato’ Sri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz said he was pleased with these recognitions. “The awards will motivate us to strengthen our efforts to promote Malaysia as a popular year-round golf destination. This achievement also signifies the result of our National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) initiative under the Entry Point Project 9B (EPP9b), which identified golfing as a focal activity for the future growth of quality tourism,” he said. “We sincerely hope that more golfers from all over the world will discover the value and experience of golfing in Malaysia.”
The Els Club Malaysia Senior Vice President, David Townend, (second from left) received both awards in Portugal 47
Malaysia
Malaysia Golf Tourism Association (MGTA) Malaysia’s lure as a tourist destination has never been in doubt, since the nation is endowed with natural and man-made attractions, great food and warm and friendly people. The Malaysian Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, has over the past few decades been promoting Malaysian tourism worldwide and these efforts have been complemented by the private sector, which has been introducing new tourism products and promotional campaigns. Realising the potential for golf to draw more tourists to the country, the Government in recent years began re-strategising its tourism campaigns to focus on niche markets that involve golfers.
Awana Genting Highlands Golf & Country Resort
Thus golf was identified as a key area under the Government’s Tourism Transformation Plan 2020 to increase tourism dollars and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture increased its focus on the sector with its growth being closely monitored and its progress reported to the relevant authorities separately from other tourism products. The Malaysian Golf Tourism Association, established in March 2011, plays a central role in coordinating efforts by the various local golf tour operators, golf clubs, golf courses, hotels and media to promote Malaysia as a desired golf destination and increase the number of visiting golfers. MGTA also acts as a facilitator for the industry by implementing various programmes to boost the number of visiting golfers. Being, a non-profit organisation, MGTA has the goal to create greater international awareness of Malaysia as “Asia’s Best Kept Secret” when it comes to golfing holidays. It was formed under the initiative of the National Key Economic Area (NKEA) in March 2011 under the Entry Point Project 9-B (EPP 9-B). It is funded by Tourism Malaysia to serve as their golf tourism marketing arm, and it comes under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) and PEMANDU (Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit).
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Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club
Horizon Hills Resort
Sabah Golf & Country Club
Damai Laut Golf And Country Club
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
It has been actively involved in participating in local and international golf expositions and golf events around the world to further promote Malaysia as a golfing hub and help the local golfing industry members to reach out to foreign tourists. According to MGTA president Eushen Ng, the association is focused on bringing the golfing industry together to be stronger and to improve the relationship between the golf clubs and other organisations involved in the golf industry so that they can work closely for the betterment of the industry.
Templer Park Country Club
“We have golf course operators, hotels, the golf retail industry, tour operators and the media as our members who are now working like a family to bring the local golfing industry to new heights,” he said. During major international events such as the CIMB Classic, Maybank Malaysia Open, Sime Darby Ladies Professional Golf Association Tournament and the Iskandar Johor Open, overseas tour operators and foreign media are hosted by the MGTA to enable them to expose Malaysia’s golf tourism products more extensively. To add to the thrills of playing golf in Malaysia, MGTA launched the “Play Malaysia Golf” website as part of its five-year strategy to increase the number of visitors travelling to the country for the primary purpose of playing golf.
Saujana Resort
Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club
“There are hundreds of thousands of golfers with easy access to Malaysia who really love their golf and play as often as they can. Playing on great golf courses in a range of different environments is what they like to do when they travel and this is exactly what Malaysia offers,” Eushen added. “I don’t think there is another golf destination that provides such a wide range of golfing challenges of the highest quality.” More details can be found on the website: www.playmalaysiagolf.com Copy supplied by the Malaysia Golf Tourism Association 49
The Westin Blue Bay Resort
The Westin Blue Bay Resort A sensory-rich and welcoming respite overlooking the South China Sea Offering sweeping sea views of the sparkling South China Sea, The Westin Blue Bay Resort is located at the heart of Blue Bay Town in Qingshui Bay, a prestigious resort community with white sand beaches and a stunning, art-shaped coastline bisected by sandstone rock formations. T h e c o m m u n i t y’s wo r l d- c l a s s resort facilities include the 18-hole championship Jian Lake Blue Bay golf course, a golf club, commercial centre and upscale properties. Located 40 miles from Sanya Phoenix Airport, The Westin Blue Bay Resort is convenient to several natural scenic spots in Lingshui, such as Tufu Bay, Yezi Island, Xiangshui Bay, Nanwan Monkey Island, Diaoluo Mountain, and Xiaomei Lake. The sensory-rich environment at Westin offers a respite from the rigours of travel and sets a welcoming tone. The Westin brand’s innovative programmes and instinctive service transform every aspect of a guest’s stay into a revitalising experience. The unique focal point of the lobby at The Westin Blue Bay Resort is the custom-designed vertical garden featuring lush flora indigenous to Hainan, selected for its detoxifying, high-oxygen properties that improve overall air quality and create a calming, more natural environment to improve overall wellbeing.
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The Westin Blue Bay Resort
The resort’s 356 Deluxe Oceanfront Rooms, Oceanfront Studio Rooms, Renewal Oceanfront Suites and Royal Villas all feature balconies with stunning views of the South China Sea. Guest rooms are outfitted with the world-renowned Westin Heavenly ® Bed – featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Guests will revive in the Heavenly® Bath enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly® Shower, Heavenly® Robe and White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room amenities include a refreshment centre, a generous work area with flat-screen LCD television and high-speed internet access. Travellers who wish to continue their fitness routines on the road can explore the resort’s coastal RunWESTIN™ route or enjoy Hainan’s year-round tropical sunshine while taking a dip in the resort’s outdoor pool. For those who prefer indoor workouts, the WestinWORKOUT® studio features the latest cardio and fitness equipment from world-class brands for all levels of fitness and performance, including a well-equipped spinning room. In partnership with New Balance®, the resort offers workout clothing and shoes for guests to borrow during their stay, as part of the Westin brand’s Gear Lending Programme so that they can pack light and stay fit on the road.
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The Westin Blue Bay Resort
The Westin Blue Bay Resort will soon open China’s largest Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Spanning more than 24,000 square feet, the spa will include private treatment villas as well as a VIP spa villa, where guests can enjoy a series of rejuvenating therapies and treatments. In addition, morning meditation sessions will be offered in the resort’s tropical gardens and Yoga room, enhanced by sea views. The Westin Blue Bay Resort offers several dining outlets and the brand’s signature SuperFoodsRx™ menu, proven to nourish and replenish the body for guests who wish to eat well on the road. The resort’s signature restaurant, Seasonal Tastes, features a nourishing menu of fresh and healthy creations with interactive show-cooking elements and energising fresh juices and smoothies from Westin Fresh by the Juicery. Five Sen5es provides the perfect venue to sample local Hainanese delicacies, as well as cuisine from Hangzhou and other regions of China. Guests can opt for a delicious variety of noodle dishes from The Noodle Bowl, or relax with a cocktail, organic fresh juice or brewed coffee at Lobby Lounge or Poolbar. For a taste of island night life, guests can head up to Mix Bar, the rooftop bar boasting breathtaking 360 degree views of the sea. An ideal venue for business meetings and social functions, The Westin Blue Bay Resort offers more than 28,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and more than 10,000 square feet of beautifullyappointed lawn areas with views of the sea for outdoor events. It is also the first Westin Resort in China to offer Tangent™, the Westin brand’s innovative workspace concept for small groups, designed to support today’s mobile traveller. Additional amenities include a Westin Kids Club®, where children can enjoy supervised playtime while their parents enjoy their own well-deserved relaxation time. Copy supplied by The Westin Blue Bay Resort
Contact details The Westin Blue Bay Resort, Area C, Qingshui Bay Beach Resort District, Lingshui, Hainan 572426, China 52
Tel: +86 898 8338 8666 westin.bluebay@westin.com www.westin.com/bluebay
With scenery like this... the challenge is keeping your eye on the ball! If playing golf amongst stunning landscapes is your client’s passion, then look no further than Queenstown, New Zealand. Home to five stunning courses, all within 25 minutes drive to town, Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere’s premier week long golf destination.
Kelvin Heights, Queenstown
Enjoy Queenstown and Arrowtown Golf Clubs, Millbrook Resort, Jack’s Point and The Hills. And when you call it a day, relax and indulge or seek out adventure. A vibrant food and wine culture and accommodation to suit every taste awaits.
queenstownNZ.co.nz VISIT OUR MOBILE SITE
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.
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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, 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
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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
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Tel: +64 3318 6943 info@terracedowns.co.nz www.terracedowns.co.nz
the cascades championship golf course top 10 golf courses in africa
cnn travel
La Residence Des Cascades Resort is located at the center of a beautiful golf course which combines the best of links and desert features. The Cascades Championship Golf Course is designed by Gary Player. The 18 hole, par 72 course has lush green fairways that dramatically contrast with the rugged desert and the clear blue waters of the surrounding sea. It has been ranked the best golf course outside of Europe for the third year in a row by the readers of “Golf Journal.� And recently ranked one of the top 10 golf courses in African by CNN Travel.
f o r r e s e r vat i o n : r e s e r vat i o n @ r e s i d e n c e d e s c a s c a d e s .c o m t e l + 2 0 6 5 3 5 6 2 6 0 0 f o r i n f o r m a t i o n : w w w . r e s i d e n c e d e s c a s c a d e s . c o m - w w w . s o m a b a y. c o m
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 the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – along with the Greg Norman-designed Almouj Golf in Muscat, Oman, the first 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 only 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 26-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. 58
Dubai 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 padel tennis 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, and 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.
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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 over two kilometres of beach. The 7,342-yard championship course is fast receiving international recognition and the breathtaking views of the Sea of Oman and the Hajar Mountains are visible from everywhere on the course. 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 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 60
STAY PLAY AT AT AA STAY AND PLAY WORLD-CLASS GOLF WORLD-CLASS GOLF COURSE COURSE
Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City provides a breathtaking retreat within grounds of Robert Trent designed golfa breathtaking course. The Al Badia Golfthe Club by InterContinental DubaiJones FestivalII City provides Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City provides a breathtaking facilities encompass equipped pro shop, world-class golf academy boasting retreat within thea fully grounds of Robert TrentaJones II designed golf course. The retreat within the grounds of Robert Trent Jones II designed golf course. The a fully Performance equipped pro Lab, shop,themed a world-class academy boasting the facilities region’s encompass only TaylorMade dininggolf outlets and extensive facilities fully equipped pro shop, a themed world-class academy boasting theencompass region’s onlyaTaylorMade Performance Lab, dininggolf outlets and extensive event venues. the region’ only TaylorMade Performance Lab, themed dining outlets and extensive events venues. event Just venues. a few minutes away, InterContinental and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City a fewday minutes andinCrowne Plazalifestyle Dubai Festival City endJust a good of playaway, with InterContinental an exceptional stay a premium destination. good dayaway, of playInterContinental with an exceptional stayCrowne in a premium Just a end fewaminutes and Plaza lifestyle Dubai destination. Festival City endOverseas a good day of play with an exceptional stay in a premium lifestyle destination. Membership options also available. Overseas Membership options also available.
Overseas Membership options also available. For more information or to make a booking, For more information or to make a booking, please call +971 (4) 601 0101, please call +971 (4) 601 0101, emailemail albadiagolf@ihg.com or or albadiagolf@ihg.com Forvisit more information or to make a booking, www.albadiagolfclub.ae visit www.albadiagolfclub.ae please call +971 (4) 601 0101, email albadiagolf@ihg.com or visit www.albadiagolfclub.ae
Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City is home to the European Challenge Tour Grand Final is home to the European Challenge Tour Grand Final “Where Heroes are Made” “Where Heroes are Made”
Al Badia Golf Club by InterContinental Dubai Festival City is home to the European Challenge Tour Grand Final “Where Heroes are Made”
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.
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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. 63
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 1010
golf@elsclubdubai.com
Copy supplied by The Els Club 64
www.elsclubdubai.com
#1 Hotel in Puerto Rico by
For reservations, please contact our Concierge at 787.609.5888 or toll free 1.855.609.5888 www.royalisabela.com
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico The all-star island golf experience! Known as the “Island of Enchantment”, Puerto Rico has so much to offer visitors – whether they come for golf or to experience its perfect year-round weather, rich cultural heritage, glorious white-sand beaches, natural attractions, Caribbean rhythms or delicious criollo cuisine. A varied and vibrant destination full of exuberant natural beauty, it is a veritable golfer’s paradise that has been home to the Puerto Rico Open presented by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company since 2008. The first surprise for many will be that in Puerto Rico golf resorts with one or more golf courses are the norm. Out of the island’s total of 25 golf courses there are 14 different courses open and attractive to golf visitors in nine golf facilities, of which eight are integrated golf resorts. There are four distinct golf experiences to be enjoyed in Puerto Rico: • Simply staying and playing at one golf resort has never been easier with eight golf resorts to choose from. • Puerto Rico’s premier golf experience is also second to none, incorporating three spectacularly-appointed resorts and award-winning courses. • A cluster of six great courses can be found within 20 minutes’ drive of the hotels along the north-east coast, presenting a veritable golf feast for avid golfers. • And finally, the drivability of Puerto Rico provides golfers with an opportunity to enjoy a complete island golf experience, visiting all courses around the coastline. What better way to get to know this iconic Caribbean getaway?
Puerto Rico Premier Golf Experience The top-end golf and holiday experiences on offer in Puerto Rico are truly second to none. For the golfer looking for a spectacular oceanside course with challenging yet rewarding holes, all coupled with a deluxe or exclusive resort experience, there is more than one choice in Puerto Rico. Royal Isabela Golf Resort is a jewel carved into a stunning cliff-top setting with more remarkable views and awe-inspiring holes than you can shake a golf club at… Just as importantly, the individual casitas are idyllic and the personal service and catering are of the highest calibre while at the same time being understated and friendly. You are just as likely to find yourself enjoying a glass of wine with the owner as you are wandering around the grounds enjoying the views. Getting back to the golf, Royal Isabela is a genuine one-off. Make no mistake that this is a challenging course but it is also likely to be one of the most spectacular, entrancing and memorable that you will ever play. 66
Royal Isabela Golf Resort
Puerto Rico
Royal Isabela Golf Resort
Royal Isabela is a two-hour drive from San Juan but is also only a short drive from Borinquen’s Rafael Hernandez Airport, that doubles as a private aviation terminal. Guests will also be able to enjoy a visit to the nearby town of Isabela or a drive around the winding coastal roads through this surfers’ haven. In total contrast to the immaculate creation of Royal Isabela, the nearby Punta Borinquen Golf Club manages a low-maintenance course which visitors can play for less than $35, but it too is perched atop a cliff with a tremendous view of one of the Caribbean’s most popular surfing bays down below. The first public golf course in Puerto Rico, it was a favourite of President Eisenhower. Driving east from Royal Isabela, about 30 minutes before reaching San Juan is the well-established resort of Dorada. There is a village atmosphere here and it is easy to see why many visitors have made it their home. The stand-out resort is the Ritz Carlton at the Dorado Beach Resort & Club. A beach resort with three golf courses on site and the most comprehensive gym and spa facilities that you are likely to find, the Dorado Beach Resort & Club provides the golfer and golfing family with everything they need without needing to break sweat!
Dorado Beach Resort & Club
Dorado Beach Resort & Club 67
Puerto Rico
The old town of San Juan is only a short drive away and for those wishing to have an extra night here, the Convento Hotel is not only within walking distance of San Juan’s world-class museums, historic landmarks and vibrant nightlife, it is the city’s finest boutique hotel, combining old-world charm and elegance with contemporary comfort. San Juan’s international airport is located just to the east of the city, and continuing in that direction a further 30 minutes along the winding coastal road, or 20 minutes on the highway, takes you to the wonderful Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club. Another stunning deluxe eco-friendly resort, the Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club, along with the St Regis Bahia Beach Resort, has a comprehensive nature conservation programme. The golf course is a certified Silver Signature Sanctuary within a 483-acre Certified Gold Audubon International Signature Sanctuary, and its commitment to environmental conservation won the Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club the Nature Conservation category award in the 2015 IAGTO Sustainability Awards, run in conjunction with GEO (Golf Environment Organization). The course is an incredibly well-maintained and challenging layout that meanders through the oceanside woodland with rivers and inlets often left or right, with the final three holes set right on the ocean.
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Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club (top & bottom)
Puerto Rico
Caribbean Golf has never been more convenient! The three top-of-the-range golf resorts previously mentioned are a little bit spread out, with Dorado and Bahia Beach on either side of San Juan and Royal Isabela on the westernmost tip of the north coast. The opposite is true for the courses on the northeast shoreline. Golfers who like to play a different course every day will be spoilt for choice with a cluster of six golf courses centred around the Rio Mar area, easily reachable within 45 minutes of San Juan’s international airport.
Trump International
The Bahia Beach & Golf Resort, mentioned above, is the closest to San Juan in this cluster of six. A further 20 minutes’ drive to the east are the 36 holes of Trump International, site of the Puerto Rico Open and another great run of golf holes including more spectacular oceanside vistas. While there is no management or ownership connection, the beachside Gran Melia Hotel sits perfectly adjacent to the two Trump courses, and is ideally located not only for the 36 holes but also for all other courses in the cluster.
Only a short distance further east is another twocourse golf resort on the beach, the Wyndham Rio Mar. Just to demonstrate the close proximity of the Trump and Wyndham properties, there is a private road that connects the two resorts in a matter of minutes, but only for property owners. For hotel guests, a 20-minute journey is all that is required to get from one resort to the other. The final golf course in this cluster of six is located on the easternmost point of the north coast – the Wyndham Rio Mar wonderfully-named El Conquistador Resort Golf Club. Another golf resort with a large familyorientated hotel, it perches on the cliff-top with spectacular views and a whole host of activities for the family to enjoy. El Conquistador golf course is the epitome of the variety to be found in this short stretch of coastline. Don’t forget your buggy because there are more ups and downs here than on many a roller coaster ride! There are some El Conquistador Resort Golf Club great tee-box views and the aspiring nature of the course means that you will be sure to want to have another go once the round is over. Just like a roller coaster… These six great and quite different courses are all within easy driving distance from any one of the hotels mentioned, and all are at most an hour from San Juan airport. But don’t forget the three-course cluster that is the Dorado Beach Resort & Club, 30 minutes west of San Juan. Here we have one resort with a choice of three golf courses and three hotels – the Ritz Carlton, Plantation Resort Residencies and the Hyatt Vacation Club – as well as countless rental properties nearby.
El Conquistador Resort Golf Club
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Puerto Rico
The complete island golf experience Driving around Puerto Rico is very easy to do with lots of hire car options and multi-lane highways connecting most points around the coast and across the centre of the island. Rental companies such as Hertz also include electronic toll-gate passes so the self-drive golfer never needs to stop to pay at a toll booth; they can just drive on through. There are also many opportunities to go ‘off-piste’ and explore some of the windy coastal roads to get that real island experience, using the onboard GPS to keep you on track. Driving the fairways of Puerto Rico brings into play a few more golf courses. Heading south down the east coast from El Conquistador, you soon reach the Palmas del Mar Resort, an expansive resort estate with 36 holes of golf and some of the best tennis facilities on the island as well as everything that visitors might need, whether staying for a few days or a long break.
Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club
Approaching the south coast from the northeast takes you over the coastal hills which become the backdrop for the Costa Caribe Golf & Country Club and Ponce Hilton Hotel. The 27hole resort course has both mountain and sea views situated in a natural setting with attractive landscaping and very little real estate to interrupt the view. Here, the beach life can be enjoyed at Playa Santa and Playa Sucia as can the La Guancha boardwalk in Ponce some five minutes’ drive from the Hilton.
Golf the way you like it Puerto Rico is such an easy golf destination to enjoy. For the US market, there are no visa complications or passport requirements, airfare to Puerto Rico is 30% to 50% less than to many other Caribbean destinations, and for flight accessibility it could not be more convenient. The golfer can stay put and play up to three courses without getting into a car, or play six great courses within a 20-minute drive, tour the island or indulge in the luxury of one of the island’s premier resorts. Puerto Rico allows for so many combinations, so whether the golf traveller is looking for a buddy trip, a romantic top-end break with mouth-watering golf, golf & spa, golf for families, golf & casinos, golf & fishing, golf & exploring or even golf & surfing, this all star island makes it easy… Palmas del Mar Resort
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Puerto Rico
Featured golf courses & resorts/hotels
Palomino Beach
Punta Borinquen Golf Club A public course, Punta Borinquen is situated in a unique cliff top location which golf travellers venturing to the north-west coast of the island will enjoy just for its location and views and the winding coastal road between the course and the town of Isabela. Holes: 18; Par: 72; Yardage: 6,633 Designer: Ferdinand Garbin www.puntaborinquengolf.com Royal Isabela Golf Club Without doubt one of the most spectacular and memorable golf courses in the Americas, not just the Caribbean. It is a challenging course and would definitely be most enjoyed by the avid golfer, although no golfer will leave without appreciating the views and aspects from tee to green. Holes: 18; Par: 72; Yardage: 6,181 Designer: David Pfaff www.royalisabela.com Dorado Beach Resort & Club A well-established, iconic Caribbean golf resort with the unmistakeable signature of the Robert Trent Jones dynasty. The famous East and West Golf Courses are located in a secluded seaside sanctuary running along two miles shoreline, amidst lush jungle and oceanfront coconut groves. The resort has tremendous spa and family facilities. Holes: 54; Par: 72 each course; Yardage: 7,119 / 7,190 / 7,030 Designer: Robert Trent Jones Sr / Robert Trent Jones Jr www.doradobeach.com Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club The course is immaculately maintained and is in a glorious verdant setting of mature forest, rivers, lakes and the beach. The St Regis resort provides top-of-the-range luxury for its guests. Holes: 18; Par: 71; Yardage: 7,014 Designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr www.bahiabeachpuertorico.com 71
Puerto Rico
Trump International Golf Club Located at the heart of the north-eastern cluster of golf courses, this has brought more high quality golf to the island and exists specifically to provide a great golf experience to the golfer – visitor or resident. Holes: 36; Par: 72 each course; Yardage: 7,526 / 6,884 Designer: Tom Kite www.trumpgolfpuertorico.com Rio Mar Country Club Nearby the El Yunque Rain Forest, the two championship golf courses, designed by Tom & George Fazio and Greg Norman, are delightfully set in this 500 acre resort that includes a mile long beach front. No hotel or resort is closer to El Yunque Rain Forest. Holes: 36; Par: 71 / 72; Yardage: 6,716 / 6,902 Designer: Tom & George Fazio / Greg Norman www.wyndhamriomar.com El Conquistador Resort Golf Club The unusually high elevation changes of El Conquistador make it a visual and challenging treat for any golfer looking for a special experience in the Caribbean. Avid golfers will love the challenge and the experience. It is an exceptional facility for hotel guests and a must-play for golf visitors. Holes: 18; Par: 72; Yardage: 6,746 Designer: Arthur Hills www.elconresort.com Palmas Athletic Club Reminiscent of many large gated communities familiar to US visitors, visitors who pine for the familiarity of the American-style resort in a Caribbean setting will find the resort very tempting. Holes: 36; Par: 72 each course; Yardage: 7,117 / 6,675 Designer: Rees Jones / Gary Player www.palmaspac.com Costa Caribe Golf Club This is a natural jewel of a golf course, offering 27 holes to visitors. Located on site at the Ponce Hilton Hotel, golfers will enjoy the serenity of this beautifully landscaped course in tranquil surroundings. Holes: 27; Par: 72; Yardage: 6,937 Designer: Bruce Besse Jr www.costacaribe-resort.com The featured golf hotels are: Royal Isabela Ritz Carlton (Dorado Beach) Plantation Inn (Dorado Beach)
St Regis Bahia Beach Gran Melia Golf Resort Wyndham Rio Mar
by Peter Walton, edited by Peter Ellegard 72
El Conquistador Resort Wyndham Palmas del Mar Ponce Hilton Hotel
Puerto Rico
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Punta Borinquen Golf Club Royal Isabela Golf Club Dorado Beach Resort & Club Bahia Beach Resort & Golf Club Trump International Golf Club Rio Mar Country Club El Conquistador Resort Golf Club Palmas Athletic Club Costa Caribe Golf Club
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WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center
WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center Spectacular golf in the Sonoran Desert The WeKoPa Experience begins miles from the golf club, where the city ends and the beautiful Sonoran Desert begins. Here at WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center, the landscape is open, the colours are more vibrant and the mountains are seemingly within an arm’s reach away. Upon arrival, golfers are greeted by WeKoPa’s award-winning clubhouse that rises from its desert surroundings. Inspired by the Yavapai culture, the clubhouse features a “desert vernacular” styling with unique detail contributions that draw inspiration from the natural environment. Sloped entry walls and a wood beam canopy create a canyon-like feel entryway, followed by a fire feature that is designed to symbolise the importance of woven baskets within the Yavapai culture. The clubhouse is replete with stylized detailing and yields spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, Red Mountain, Four Peaks and the Superstitions. From the moment golfers arrive until the time they leave us, they receive the kind of customer service that has helped make the WeKoPa Experience so special for every one of our guests. Whether they are a “local,” or in the valley on business or pleasure, our staff is here to help make their visit memorable. Unlike other Arizona golf courses, there are no homes, condos or town homes lining these fairways. At WeKoPa, the Sonoran Desert is your neighbor and the term “high-rise” is either used to describe the ancient saguaros in the foreground or the magnificent mountains in the distance. In fact, the views are so spectacular at WeKoPa that the sound, strategic playing value of the holes could possibly get overlooked. The variety in the routing and placing of holes will keep all levels of golfers entertained from opening tee shot to final tap-in. Both courses – Cholla and Saguaro – feature an ideal blend of doglegs and straight holes, a mix of slender and ample fairways, a balance between benign and rugged green complexes. Yet without exception, both courses offer a host of shot-making options and plenty of grassy bail-out areas when the occasional shot gets away. WeKoPa’s two courses have much in common; both are meticulously maintained, both have received high praise from the golf media and consumers alike and both offer a tranquil golf experience free of houses and roads, thus preserving the unobstructed mountain views of the Sonoran Desert. That is where the similarities end. The Cholla course is recognised as the reference course for the quintessential target-style desert golf course. Whereas the Saguaro course was designed as a more traditional-style golf course where greens are close to tees, ideal for walking, and the course follows the natural movement of the land.
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WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center
Cholla course
It was Scott who selected a tract of land that is dominated by a series of natural desert washes originating in the nearby McDowell Mountains. And it is within these washes that Scott chose to route the majority of his golf holes, either “up or down” these native waterways, and displayed an amazing imagination in moving some 500,000-plus cubic yards of material to create the wonderful course we enjoy today.
© Lonna Tucker
The Cholla course was designed and built in 2000 and 2001 by noted golf course architect Scott Miller, who tutored for 10 years as a design associate with Nicklaus Design before starting his own design firm in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1988.
© Lonna Tucker
It is a testimonial to Scott that any and all of the landforms his team built have been so expertly created that a stranger playing the course today is unable to distinguish them from nature itself. And it is within the unique environment of these lower elevations that the player is able to view and truly experience the many and varied forms of native desert plant life such as the cacti, creosote, brittle bush and the Mesquite and Palo Verde trees. While the Cholla course can play to a demanding championship length of 7,240 yards, the other four sets of available tee boxes and the 84 acres of manicured turf grass allow for a multiple of options if a player so chooses, to avoid the “heroic path” that constantly tempts all golfers.
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WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center
Saguaro course
© Lonna Tucker
The immense popularity and success of the Cholla course was the “father of the idea” to create yet another unique golf experience at WeKoPa. The internationally-renowned design team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw was engaged to create the Saguaro course in 2005 and 2006 with the intention of providing a completely different look and feel to the Cholla course. Their respect and enthusiasm of the natural beauty of the desert was evidenced by the fact they continuously walked the land of the new golf site for two months in an effort to locate the most desirable green sites before deciding upon their routing plan. They ultimately decided upon the present-day routing plan because it afforded them a front nine loop moving clockwise and a back nine that played in a counterclockwise motion moving in and out of the hundreds of large Saguaro cacti that dominate this site.
This routing also allowed for a sufficient blend of short and long par 4 holes along with an interesting collection of four par 3 holes running in all four directions of the compass playing to a wide array of distances. And finally, this routing plan reveals the rather important fact: the prevailing south-westerly wind direction blows across or sideways to the majority of the holes while the course plays across the natural drainage direction of the site. Saguaro is yet another excellent example of Coore and Crenshaw’s design philosophy that the “lay of the land” dictates their end result because they moved less than 25,000 cubic yards of material to create 68 acres of turf grass that plays to a championship yardage of less than 7,000 yards. We invite golfers to play both courses at WeKoPa so that they can experience these two very distinct layouts first-hand.
Contact details WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center 10438 North Fort McDowell Road Scottsdale/Fountain Hills Arizona 85264
Tel: +1 480 789 5300 Fax: +1 480 789 5333 cpolo@wekoparesort.com www.wekoparesort.com
Copy supplied by WeKoPa Resort & Conference Center 76
The Preserve Golf Club, Biloxi
Mississippi offers some of the highest ranked public courses in the United States. That’s hospitality. From lush woodlands to white coastal sands, it’s easy to find great golf – and a great time. Enjoy home cooking or refined southern cuisine. Go out on the town, live it up at a casino or get down at a juke joint. Best of all, you can play year-round in Mississippi. Plan your trip at VisitMississippi.org and grab your clubs.
VisitMississippi.org
Son Gual Golf
Son Gual Golf Son Gual is up there with the best That Son Gual is now regarded as the best course on the sunshine island of Mallorca is testament to the effort and foresight of its owner. When German businessman Adam Pamer was disappointed by the courses he played on holiday in Mallorca, he went about putting it right. He decided he would build a golf course that came up to the standards he and his friends would demand. Pamer, who had been visiting the island since 1974, bought a track of attractive land just east of the island’s capital, Palma, engaged the threetime German amateur champion, Thomas Himmel, to design a course and dug deep to fund the development which opened officially in October 2007. It features large lakes, 66 bunkers, 800 olive trees – some more than a thousand years old – wild flowers in the rough areas and vineyards in several areas around the course. As investments go, it has proved sound. Just four years after Golf Son Gual opened, it was recognised by Golf World magazine as the number one on the island and ninth best in Spain – quite an achievement given that much of the competition has been around a lot longer. The magazine’s review stated: “When Golf World visited, we could not have been more impressed – hence the significant rise up the rankings. Son Gual could have hosted a European Tour event the following morning by doing nothing more than take out the white tee markers and send the pros off the tips…”
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Son Gual Golf
That is a stunning testimonial for a golf course prepared only for a normal day’s play for members and visitors, and the outstanding condition was clearly one of the reasons for Son Gual’s leap to 44th position in Europe in Golf World’s Top 100 courses in Continental Europe 2014 – making it now the eighth-best course in Spain – and, still, the best in Mallorca. The latest review went even further, describing it as “one of the finest inland courses on the continent” and stating that it “can stand comparison with … The Grove and The Belfry, which is no mean achievement”. In May 2009, it hosted the Mallorca Senior Open and received gushing praise from a number of the participants; former Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam even compared the greens to those at Augusta National. The 1991 Masters winner said: “It’s a bit like Augusta. There are a lot of slopes on the greens. You’ve got to get the ball on the right side of the hole – if you don’t you’ll be struggling. Miss it on the wrong side and you’re dead.” His sentiments were echoed by European Tour pro Chris Wood, who visited Son Gual and wrote on his blog: “The place [Son Gual], which is just outside Palma, is immaculate, while the course is similar to the ones we play on tour.” Compliments like that must have been music to the ears of Pamer and designer Himmel, and the Pamer family – Adam’s son, Andreas, is the club’s general manager – has refused to rest on its laurels and continues to push the boundaries as far as customer satisfaction levels are concerned. Andreas explained: “From the very first day my father envisaged this golf course, the priority was to enhance the golfing experience, whether you were a member or just a day visitor. That was one of the reasons we instigated the 15-minute gap between tee times.
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Son Gual Golf
“We feel we have a championship course here but it is essential that a visit here can be enjoyed by all: low-handicappers or high-handicappers; golfer and non-golfers – which is why we also put such effort into the quality of the off-course experience, too, and continue to work hard on further projects to enhance the overall enjoyment.” That outstanding off-course experience includes exceptional food which may be enjoyed on an expansive terrace with wonderful views across the course. Last year the world’s third logical golf learning centre opened at Son Gual. Created by South African golf professional Robert Baker – who has worked with, among others, four-time Major winner and former world number one Ernie Els; actors Sylvester Stallone, Michael Douglas and Samuel L Jackson; and sports stars Nigel Mansell, Charles Barkley and Wladimir Klitschko – logical golf is a simple teaching method that focuses on visualising the complex golf techniques and develops a greater understanding of the bio-mechanics involved in making a solid swing. Big names are no strangers to Son Gual, with the course regularly hosting corporate events for the likes of Rolex, Mercedes Benz and Porsche. And the “big-name” visitors aren’t just in the guise of major brands – celebrities are also a regular sight. Tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, who was born on the island, is a frequent visitor when his schedule allows, while another tennis legend, Boris Becker, has been seen walking the fairways. Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning captain Lothar Matthäus and Joachim Löw, manager of the World Cup-winning German football team this summer, have both visited, as has the former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg. “The secret of our success isn’t really a secret,” smiled the affable Andreas Pamer. “We work constantly on the quality of the golf course and the service in the clubhouse and restaurant – and that is what everybody in our position should be looking to achieve. We aim to offer a high-quality golf experience at fair prices with the best service. Plus, being on a wonderful sunshine island like Mallorca helps too…” Copy supplied by Son Gual 80
Contact details Son Gual Golf, Finca Son Gual, Palma de Mallorca, 07199, Spain
Tel: +34 971 7858 88 Fax: +34 971 7858 99 info@son-gual.com www.son-gual.com
Golf Experience with IBEROSTAR
IBEROSTAR Son Antem
S
atisfying a passion for golf whilst on holiday is simple at many IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts hotels where, in addition to enjoying some well-earned rest and relaxation, guests can improve their handicap on some of the finest golf courses in the world.
IBEROSTAR SON ANTEM is the perfect place to enjoy that unforgettable golfing holiday. The hotel sits in a beautiful, natural setting in Southern Majorca very close to the city of Palma, and just 20 minutes away from Es Trenc and Sa Rápita, two of the best beaches on the island. This traditional Mediterranean hotel offers guests and golfers an exceptionally refined atmosphere in contemporary surroundings, and also boasts the Son Antem Golf Course, including: • Two 18-hole courses, East and West • The largest Driving Range on the island with a capacity of up to 200 golf players
• Discounted rates for introductory and advanced courses • Special discounts on green fees • 7 more golf courses within 30 minutes distance
If time away from the golf course is also desired, indulge yourself with complimentary access to the 3000sqm spa which is open around the clock, and includes saunas, thematic showers, Turkish baths and heated indoor and outdoor pools. Or if you wish for a change of scenery, you’ll be delighted by its beautiful gardens and exquisite gastronomic experience. Great gastronomy
Spacious rooms
Golf Breaks at the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup Combine a round on some of the most iconic golf courses in Europe, with a stay in our spectacular hotel and resort Following a recent ÂŁ26m refurbishment, The Belfry Hotel & Resort has now been restored to its former glory as a world-class hotel and golf destination Book your golf break today to experience the legend for yourself
For more information email Golf.Sales@thebelfry.com or call 0844 980 0600 www.TheBelfry.com
Belfryhotel
TheBelfryHotel
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G O L F
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Giltedge Golf & Safari has recently been awarded “South Africa’s Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator” at the inaugural World Golf Awards; the reasons being: ■ We provide the very best tailor-made golf & safari itineraries ■ We offer personalised service from our knowledgeable tour consultants ■ We negotiate the best possible rates and value-adds Put us to the test, and contact our team for your next South African enquiry: golf@gilt-edge.com | +27.21.7130296 | www.giltedgegolf.com
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The most iconic golf destination in Italy Enjoy your “Golf Full immersion” in Lake Garda!
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It is the virtuous combination of antique and modern that makes the Chervò Golf Hotel Restaurant Spa & Resort San Vigilio so unique. Our efficient services and features work in partnership with nature, comfort and enhancement of your body and spirit on your quest for wellness and relaxation. Our resort is in Pozzolengo, just south of Lake Garda, between Sirmione and Desenzano, in the center of the most important cities in northern Italy.
At its heart is the ancient Benedictine abbey of San Vigilio built in 1104. New buildings and historic residences have been constructed around the abbey in a harmonious fusion of line and form, providing facilities for the hotel, restaurant, spa, resort and the 36-holes golf course. AIRPORT CONNECTION: VERONA 18 KM - BERGAMO 58 KM - MILANO/VENEZIA 120 KM. Transfer from/to airports - On request.
GOLF SPECIAL OFFERS “Invitation to Golf in Lake Garda”
from € 125*
Enjoy time with family and friends in sunny Italy with these golf packages and special offers from Chervò Golf Hotel Spa & Resort San Vigilio. * Rate for day, 1 person in double room and includes: continental buffet breakfast, 1 dinner with half board treatment, unlimited green fees, complete wellness pathway, 10% discount on wellness treatments and 20% discount on spa products, free Wi-fi, free parking place or garage. Minimum Length of stay is 3 nights.
Subscribe to Special Offers Contact + 39 030 91 801
info@chervogolfsanvigilio.it visit www.chervogolfsanvigilio.it Chervò Golf Hotel Spa & Resort San Vigilio
N. 1 ITALY GOLF DESTINATION
N. 1 ITALY GOLF DESTINATION
TOP 20 GOLF & HOTEL RESORT IN THE WORLD
TOP 20 GOLF & HOTEL RESORT IN THE WORLD
Loc. San Vigilio, 1 - 25010 Pozzolengo (Bs) N. 1 ITALY Lago di Garda - Italy GOLF DESTINATION TOP +39 20 GOLF &030 HOTEL RESORT Tel 91 801 - Fax +39 030 91 80 999 IN THE WORLD
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
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ExtraGolf & Travel is partner of IAGTO since the early days. We are featuring international Hotels and Golf Courses from all over the world since 1994! ExtraGolf is published 4 times a year with a circulation of 36.000 copies each distributed by mail to more then 30.000 golfers in Austria, available in the Lounges at the Vienna Airport and sent to all Austrian Golf Clubs. We have special discounts to all IAGTO Members! Just send us a mail – office@extragolf.at – we are happy to send you our mediadata, a magazine and a “taylormade” offer!
ExtraGolf & Travel Appearance 2015 No. 1 – spring – March, 25th No. 2 – early summer – May, 27th No. 3 – summer – July, 29th No. 4 – winter – October, 28th
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