Inside Golf Travel March 2014

Issue 05 // MAR 2014

www.insidegolf.com.au

Royal Treatment fiji international: a ‘must visit’ sporting event

Hawaii: Surf’s up for golfers!

MORE THAN JUST A GOLF COURSE EXPERIENCE JOONDALUP RESORT IT’S THE LIT TLE THINGS

Black Mountain Golf Club

in Hua Hin, Thailand

Bintan Island: A “Player’s” Gem

GOLF COURSE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 7 DAYS

TWILIGHTGOLF

$35

FOR 9 HOLES

OF GOLF AFTER 3PM

PLUS MENTION THIS AD AND GET A FREE BUCKET OF DRIVING RANGE BALLS *Offer must be mentioned at time of booking.

Walking only, bookings essential, terms and conditions apply.

COUNTRY CLUB COULEVARD, CONNOLLY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA 6027 | T: +61 8 9400 8811 | proshop@joondalupresort.com.au | www.joondalupresort.com.au

Toowoomba & Darling Downs Scan the QR Code below to see all the golfing antics in Toowoomba

WHERE THE gRaSS iS alWayS greener!

Offering two championship courses in the heart of the city and over 10 charming country-style courses only a short drive from the CBD, Toowoomba & Darling Downs offers a refreshing slice of life for your next golfing getaway!

Toowoomba & Darling Downs is a region of unparalleled beauty, offering the release from big city pressures to enjoy country pleasures. Take the time to indulge your senses with locally-harvested fresh produce to tease the tastebuds, unearth boutique providers, unique cellar doors and experience the character of the regions true-blue country pubs.

From the moment you arrive you will be overwhelmed by the region’s beauty, history and diversity, where you will experience a warm welcome and an opportunity to share our authentic way of life.

For more information contact: Toowoomba VisiTor informaTion CenTre

86 James St (Warrego Hwy), Toowoomba Q 4350 freecall 1800 33 11 55 infocentre@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au www.toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au/events

HampTon VisiTor informaTion CenTre

8623 New England Highway, Hampton Q 4352 freecall 1800 009 066 hamptoninfo@toowoombaRC.qld.gov.au www.toowoombaholidays.info

Toowoomba, home of

The Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship

www.insidegolf.com.au Publisher: Outdoor Sports Publishing ACN 113 836 301 ABN 30 043 104 919 PO BOX 437, Miami, QLD 4220 Editor: Richard Fellner M: 0407 000 440 E: richard@insidegolf.com.au Senior Writer: David Newbery E: david@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Advert Technical Enquiries: Stacey Fortescue M: 0420 319 893 E: stacey401980@gmail.com National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 465 300 F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 E: sam@insidegolf.com.au NSW Sales: Scott Barsby M: 0424 779 199 E: scott@insidegolf.com.au Qld Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: dg.ross@live.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon.perrett@bestingolfgroup.com Sales: Lisa Coleman M: 0406 031 344 E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au National Agency Sales (non Golf): Marc Wilson M: 0419 107 143 E: marc@gypsymedia.com.au COVER PHOTO: Black Mountain Golf Club

Global golf tourism on the rise

A

recent global golf travel survey published by The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) showed that golf tourism grew by an average of 9.3% in 2012. According to the global golf tourism industry organisation, golf travel grew strongly once again in 2013 and all the indications are that this trend will continue in 2014, which will mark three years of consecutive growth.

IAGTO Australian golf tour operators sending golfers on holiday to other countries reported that 2013 was a very strong year and they are forecasting that the demand for overseas golf holidays will continue to grow this year. These same operators report that the newer Asian destinations such as the Danang Golf Coast in Vietnam and Siem Reap in Cambodia as well as China’s Hainan Island could prove popular in 2014.

As an outbound golf tourism market, New Zealand did not perform as strongly in 2013 as Australia, with many golfers opting for holidays closer to home, eschewing long haul golf trips to the USA and Europe.

However, that could be set to change this year.

The strength of the Australian dollar, whilst being a boon to the country’s position as an outbound market, has limited its growth as a golf destination in the past 12 months. When polled last year, IAGTO’s member golf tour operators, who are responsible for over 85% of all golf holiday packages sold worldwide, ranked New Zealand two places above Australia in terms of growth as a golf destination and six places above Australia in terms of importance to their outbound golf holiday business.

“The vast majority of our 2,140 member golf resorts, golf courses, hotels and golf tour

Chase the Sun

operators in 97 countries reported further growth in 2013 on the back of a strong 2012,” said IAGTO Chief Executive Peter Walton.

“Destinations as diverse as Spain, South Africa, Scotland, the Dominican Republic, Malaysia, Ireland, Abu Dhabi, Mexico, Portugal, Turkey and Thailand have all reported year-on-year growth. Our 520 golf tour operators in 62 countries are a good barometer for the coming 12 months and many have indicated that forward bookings for the first quarter of 2014 are looking healthy.”

Walton added: “In very general terms, a long warm summer gets golfers out onto their local courses more often, lowering handicaps and increasing expectations, while a cold and unpleasant winter focuses their minds on getting the golf travel bag out and heading to warmer, greener climes.

So basically, a long warm summer followed by a cold and miserable winter should be good for the golf travel business!”

IAGTO will publish its 2014 Annual Golf Tourism Report at the HSBC Golf Business Forum in April.

Commenting on the impact of golf tourism on golf course development, Walton said: “It was interesting to learn in the National Golf Foundation’s excellent and ongoing study of golf courses under development that approximately two-thirds of the 1,000 or so golf course projects outside of the USA in all phases (including under construction, in planning, in preliminary planning or on hold) are considered to be tourism related (resorts with golf courses, or real estate developments with golf courses that have a resort component).

“This demonstrates clearly the importance of a strong and sustainable golf tourism

Courses like China’s Mission Hills Haikou are predicted to be extremely popular for golf travellers this year. sector to the wider golf business community,” Walton added.

The NGF report cites China’s Hainan Island as an example of one of the golf travel destinations that is enjoying golf course growth and it is to Haikou that IAGTO will be taking its 3rd Asia Golf Tourism Convention from 24-27 March this year.

“Asia continues to be a driving force both as an outbound market of golf travellers and an inbound market of golf destinations.

We can report today that the number of golf tour operator buyers registered for this year’s AGTC has already exceeded the total for last year’s successful event,” said Walton. •

Relax, recharge, unwind . . . Noosa Style Did you know one of Australia’s best Golf & Spa Resorts is right in the heart of Australia’s favourite playground, Noosa?

Discover the perfect golfing getaway for individuals, couples, families and golfing groups with one of our flexible packages.

Visit ‘Specials & Packages’ on our website www.noosasprings.com.au or talk to our friendly resort reception staff about planning your next Noosa holiday phone 07 5440 3333.

Links Drive, Noosa Heads, Q ~ resort@noosasprings.com.au www.noosasprings.com.au

March 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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HOT DEALS • Obtain a Great Deal on Mornington Peninsula Golf courses.

• Great Savings at most courses for groups of 4 players includin g carts.

• Full Details: Look for HOT DEALS at www.golfmorningtonp eninsula.com.au

Mornington Penins ula – Australia’s #1 Golf Destin

ation

www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

remaining seven courses within 36 months to be rewarded with a framed photograph of the fourteen courses.

The courses provide exhilarating views over Bass Strait and Port Phillip and Westernport Bays. They also have turf quality that rivals that of the famed Melbourne sandbelt. There is nowhere else in the world where you have the opportunity of playing 18 courses of this quality that are all within one hour’s

Getaway.

Book with Bayplay for your Golf Group Tailored Packages available.

McCRAE BUSLINES

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

Name: Address:

Old Head

Phone: Email: When completed with 7 different stamps, MPGT, PO Box 111, Rosebud VIC 3939

detach and return to:

REWARDS REGISTRATION – SHEET TWO TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

TRAIL STAMP HERE

Buslines is a local Golf Group Transport Specialists – McCrae

by Laurie and Lorraine transportation company owned and operated on the Mornington Williams with 40 years experience of living requirements for day Peninsula. We can organise your transport Peninsula and daily and long term charter, to and from Mornington golf courses. transport from your accommodation to and two covered coaches seat 16 and 21 33, of consists Our fleet in trailers catering for groups of maximum of 30 golfers.

Name:

Tee times have been booked and there are only 4 spots remaining on the upcoming Golf Cruise to Great Britain and Ireland. The golf tour visits nine outstanding courses including Walton Heath, Stoke Park, Formby Golf Club in England, Old Head & Ardglass in Ireland, Castle Stuart, Kingsbarns and The Carrick in Scotland and New Golf Barriere de Deauville in France.

Led by golf professional Robert Stock, the tour begins in London on May 18th, 2014.

The four-night stay in London includes golf, sightseeing and a visit to the Chelsea Flower Show. The cruise departs Southampton on May 23rd. The 12 nights aboard Ruby Princess, sees visits to Liverpool in England; St Peter Port, Guernsey; Cork and Dublin in Ireland; Belfast in Northern Ireland; Glasgow, Inverness and Edinburgh in Scotland and Paris, France. The trip finishes in London and is priced from $7995 a person, twin share. Non-golfers receive a $2000 discount.

More information: 1800 033 436, heathmont@travelrite.com.au, www.travelrite.com.au •

to remember, offering Montalto rewards all visitors with an experience restaurant, kitchen gardens a journey through vineyards, olive grove, An easy drive from the and orchards, sculpture walk and wetlands.

Montalto offers a range of Mornington Peninsula’s best golf courses, and award winning dining options, including a Chef’s Hat restaurant has seen Montalto wines at the Cellar Door. This unique offering Best Winery Tourism awarded the Gourmet Traveller Award for way perfect the is and Destination, to round out your golf day on the Peninsula. Montalto is open every day.

QUEST FRANKSTON ON THE BAY

435-437 Nepean Highway Frankston 3199 Melways Reference: 102 C2 T: 03 8765 2500 questfotb@queststudios.com.au www.questfrankstononthebay.com.au

TEN MINUTES BY TRACTOR

name.

Stunning wines – wonderful food – unforgettable apart, produce outstanding cool Three vineyards, ten minutes by tractor cellar door only releases. climate wines including single vineyard and to 5pm.

The cellar door is open daily from 11am Our restaurant is open Wed-Sun for lunch, Thu-Sat for dinner and daily in January.

1333 Mornington-Flinders Road, Main Ridge 3928 Melways Reference: 190 E11 T: 03 5989 6080 info@tenminutesbytractor.com.au www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au

drive. The Mornington Peninsula also offers world-class wineries, fine dining and accommodation, national parks and beaches.

To swing along the Mornington Peninsula Golf Trail download the Golf Trail now from www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au, pick it up from any of the MP Golf Courses or tourism outlets on the Mornington Peninsula or email info@golfmorningtonpeninsula. com.au for more information. •

of the Portsea Township, sleeps The Portsea Beach Retreat in the heart and six rooms.

20+ with a spacious living area, BBQ, deck sleeps up to 30 with The Bayplay Group Lodge in Blairgowrie large BBQ area and pool.

10 bedrooms, open plan dining plus a

REWARDS REGISTRATION – SHEET ONE

www.bayplay.com.au

MONTALTO VINEYARD & OLIVE GROVE

33 Shoreham Rd Red Hill South 3937 Melways Reference: 256 B2 T: 03 5989 8412 info@montalto.com.au www.montalto.com.au

GOLF GROUP ACCOMMODATION

Office: 3755 Point Nepean Road Portsea 3944 Melways Reference: 156 F2 T: 03 5984 0888 bookings@bayplay.com.au

and stylish accommodation Quest Frankston on the Bay is a modern and central to some of property located in the heart of Frankston Peninsula. Quest Australia’s best golf courses on the Mornington new, New York style luxury Frankston on the Bay features 82 brand walk to beach and famous apartments with modern features. Short property is a great onsite restaurants. This premier accommodation for special Mornington place to relax and unwind. Contact us Peninsula Golf Packages.

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Rewards must be claimed within four rewards provided, dispute resolution The operation of the MPGT Golf Trail, including MPGT Executive Committee and no etc. will be at the sole discretion of the correspondence will be entered into.

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– You need to play seven different courses courses within 36 months from date – You need to have completed all 14 different

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36 hole golf course, Fairways Located on the Rosebud Country Club’s all rooms located within offers 4-star rated accommodation with Tee. 100 metres of the Clubhouse and first fees as well as dining discounts Guests are entitled to favourable green by local golfers and our at the View Restaurant. Fairways is managed is tailored to your golfing expertise ensures your Stay and Play package preferences and budget.

Great golf of Britain and Ireland

Grange Portsea is made up of Located in the heart of Portsea Village, Light and airy, each 23 contemporary 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. living area with own private apartment is appointed with spacious open area. balcony, fully equipped kitchen and meals best golf courses, With close proximity to some of the Peninsula’s choice for golf Grange Portsea makes the perfect accommodation just $195 per starting from groups. With a variety of golf packages and a game of golf), person (include accommodation, meal voucher you’ll surely find something to suit your group.

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cut off section. you can claim your first • After seven different stamps collected Registration’ section, reward by cutting off the completed ‘Rewards Email and post to: fill out your Name, Address, Phone and MPGT, PO Box 111, Rosebud VIC 3939 us to contact you to • Please ensure email is legible to enable arrange reward. courses you can seven remaining the • After you have completed rights amongst all your claim the final reward and have boasting

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Peninsula courses (you only • Play any of the participating Mornington and at the completion of need to play one course at each location) your Trail Map where the your game request the Pro Shop to stamp the ‘Rewards Registration’ course details are shown and again on

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info@bluemini.com.au www.bluemini.com.au

winning night at the FAC. bar and pre-show dining Enjoy: direct access parking, a fully stocked at selected performances. the FAC – theatre; exhibitions; There’s always something happening at workshops; functions.

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FAIRWAYS RESORT ACCOMMODATION

207 Boneo Road Rosebud 3939 Melways Reference: 170 C7 T: 03 5950 2111 frontdesk@fairwaysresort.com.au www.fairwaysresort.com.au

Blue Mini Café Eatery-Emporium-Events Cnr Boneo and 2 Colechester Rds, Rosebud

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● ● ● ● 18 Frankston Art Centre ● 3 Moonah Links ● 19 Golf Group Accommodation ● 4 Mornington Golf Club ● 20 Grange Portsea ● 5 Mount Martha Golf Course ● 21 Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove ● 6 Portsea Golf Club ● 22 Peninsula Hot Springs ● 7 RACV Cape Schanck Resort ● 23 Quest Frankston on the Bay ● 8 Rosebud Country Club ● 24 Searoad Ferries ● Park Golf Course Rosebud 9 ● 25 Ten Minutes by Tractor ● 10 Safety Beach Country Club ● 11 Sorrento Golf Club ● McCrae Buslines ■ Course 12 St Andrews Beach Golf ● Your Shuttle ■ Golf Links Dunes The 13 ● 14 The Flinders Golf Club ● 15 The National Golf Club ●

www.golfmorningtonpeninsula.com.au

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olf Mornington Peninsula has launched the inaugural Golf Trail for the Mornington Peninsula with the support from their Premier Partner - Yamaha Golf Cars.

The Mornington Peninsula (only 75 minutes from Melbourne) is quickly gaining national and global recognition as a golf destination the equal of anywhere in the world. Golf enthusiasts are discovering that the combination of courses, their accessibility, their variety and the sheer number of them (18 courses and 15 golf clubs) provides a package that is hard to resist.

World-famous architects have delighted in the opportunity to work with Mother Nature to create wonderful examples of links, resort and traditional courses.

Among these are Moonah Links (designed

by Thomson Perrett), St Andrews Beach (designed by Tom Doak), RACV Cape Schanck (designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr), to name just a few. Nine of the Mornington Peninsula courses have been named by Golf Australia magazine as being in the Top 100 Australian courses for 2014.

Fourteen of the Peninsula clubs are participating in the Golf Trail and players need only play seven different courses within 18 months to receive a reward of a golf polo shirt and cap. Then play the

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To Melbourne

T: 03 5986 2471 Laurie: 0427 301 868 Lorraine: 0414 301 868

mccraebuslines@bigpond.com www.mccraebuslines.com.au

PENINSULA HOT SPRINGS

Address:

Phone: Email:

When completed with 7 different stamps, MPGT, PO Box 111, Rosebud VIC 3939

detach and return to:

PREMIER PARTNER

and day spa centre. Enjoy over Victoria’s only thermal mineral springs including a Turkish steam 20 bathing experiences in our Bath House sauna, and Hilltop pool with bath (Hamam), cave pool, underground Centre, indulge in a spa 360 degree views. Relax in our Spa Dreaming mineral pools or enjoy one treatment, unwind in our tranquil thermal of our private pools and baths. daily and lunch Two cafés are open for breakfast and dinner Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.

Open daily from 7.30am to 10.00pm.

140 Springs Lane, Fingal 3939 Melways Reference: 169 A11 T: 03 5950 8777 relax@peninsulahotsprings.com www.peninsulahotsprings.com

SEAROAD FERRIES

and passenger ferry is a Searoad Ferries, Australia’s favourite car Peninsula. Experience great way to get to and from the Mornington minute crossing between Melbourne’s Port Phillip Bay on the 40 coastline, dolphins, whales Sorrento and Queenscliff. See spectacular breathe incredibly fresh air. in winter and enormous ships – as you facilities, comfortable viewing Relax and enjoy easy drive on/drive off depart daily, every hour on lounges, a tempting café and WiFi. Ferries the hour from 7am to 6pm.

Sorrento Pier & Queenscliff Harbour Melways Reference: 157 C5 & 499 J10 T: 03 5258 3244 travel@searoad.com.au www.searoad.com.au

YOUR SHUTTLE

Whether it’s as When no one wants to drive call Your Shuttle. transfer or a comprehensive simple as an accommodation to dinner vehicle and our local service for your entire stay, your dedicated Purpose built for golfers, knowledgeable drivers are at your service. leg room with upright our luxury 10 seater offers extra head and storage for eight golf bags.

Call us now to explore the myriad of options.

Note: Larger vehicles also available.

T: 1300 798 488 shuttle@yourshuttle.com.au www.yourshuttle.com.au

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Aquabelle Apartments Beach Retreats Blue Mini Café Dromana Hotel

R.T. Edgar Real Estate Pty Ltd Fairways Resort Golf Select

Golf Tourism Australia Grange Portsea Village Great Golf Getaways Hotel Sorrento

McCrae Buslines Moonah Links Golf Academy Mt Martha B&B By the Sea One Four Nelson Rye Hotel Peninsula Hot Springs

1300 880 319 0419 301 928

03 5982 1455 03 5987 1922

03 5985 9988 03 5950 2111

03 9563 6776 03 9018 9038

1800 803 377 0414 418 415

03 5984 8000 03 5986 2471

03 5988 2047 0417 238 311

03 5985 7222 03 5950 8777

South AfricAn GolfinG SAfAri 28 october – 15 november

ItINERARY

GOLFERS:

DAY 1: 28 Oct: Arrival The Bay Hotel - Camps Bay DAY 2: 29 Oct: Golf @ Steenberg - N/G Tour Cape Town DAY 3: 30 Oct: Golf @ Erinvale N/G Table Mountain etc DAY 4: 31 Oct Whole group tour Wine Estates Stellenbosch DAY 5: 1 Nov: Golf @ Pearl Valley N/G - Tour Batholomeus Klip DAY 6: 2 Nov: Golf @Arabella - N/G Spa treatment optional DAY 7: 3 Nov: Transfer to Fancourt Hotel and resort George DAY 8: 4 Nov: Golf @ Fancourt Montague N/G - Leisure DAY 9: 5 Nov: Golf @ Pezula N/G - Tour to Hermanus DAY 10: 6 Nov: Golf @ Fancourt Links - N/G Tour Prince Albert town DAY 11: 7 Nov: Whole group tour Knysna DAY 12: 8 Nov: Pumba Private Game reserve all Inclusive DAY 13: 9 Nov: Pumba Private Game reserve DAY 14: 10 Nov: Pumba Private Game reserve DAY 15: 11 Nov: Departure - transfer to PE Airport for connecting flight

Accommodation (B&B), Golf, Pumba (all inclusive) All transfers (incl. excursions & entry fees) as per itinerary.

AU $5,900 excl. International and Domestic flights.

NON-GOLFERS: Accommodation (B&B), Pumba, (all inclusive All transfers (incl. excursions & entry fees) as per itinerary.

AU $5,250 excl. International and Domestic flights.

HOtELS:

*N/G = Non Golfers

The Bay Hotel Camps Bay 2 night Lanzerac Hotel Stellenbosch 3 nights Arabella Hotel & Golf Resort 1 night Fancourt Hotel George 5 nights Pumba Private Game Lodge 3 nights

We also specialise in personalised S E Asia Vietnam/Cambodia Golfing Tours M 0423 306 481 +61 (0) 7 3814 5448

EMAIL jeanw@thecapeclub.com WEBSITE www.thecapeclub.com

4

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | March 2014

Joondalup Tee it up at

S

et amongst natural bushland a short 25-minute drive north of Perth CBD, Joondalup Resort has gained worldwide fame for its spectacular championship golf course crafted by the internationally renowned Robert Trent Jones Jr. Few courses anywhere in the world offer the dramatic contrasts, the scenic beauty and the sheer golfing challenge of the course at Joondalup Resort. The course presents a tough, uncompromising layout, featuring great variation in setting and style. Its 27 unforgettable holes consist of three nine-hole loops which are aptly named the Dune, Quarry and Lake.

Sweeping through dense bushland this spectacular course cuts through steep limestone quarries and skirts picturesque lakes to present surprises and challenges at almost every turn. One minute you’re playing an approach shot beneath a 30-metre limestone cliff, the next you’re adapting to the ocean fresh breeze on an undulating links style fairway.

The Quarry course, the most popular of the three loops, is exactly what the name suggests – a series of golf holes

built around the former limestone quarry.

Every hole on the nine is a treat, but for most golfers the par-3 third is perhaps the most memorable. Standing on the tee you can’t help but admire Jones’ creativity and vision.

Joondalup Resort has a large fleet of motorised golf carts and if there’s one loop you’ll want to reserve a cart for, it’s the Dunes. The par-3 fourth is arguably the best hole on this nine. Measuring 224 metres from the back markers, there’s virtually no room for error. You’re either on the green with the tee shot or you’re in trouble. To play it safe, it’s best to lay up short and then try and chip the ball up close. The beauty of Joondalup Resort is being able to play a combination of holes.

Another advantage is that you can stay on course and play the three sets of nine over consecutive days.

Enjoy your golf in a magnificent setting, with the natural charm of kangaroos, birds and the colourful scene of wild flora. Voted “Australia’s No.1 Resort Golf Course” six consecutive years running, Joondalup Resort offers public access as well as a range of membership options, a day/night

The par-4 second hole on Joondalup’s Quarry course. driving range, putting greens, Pro Shop, Café, Club House, the onsite services of David Milne Golf Academy, as well as the facilities to cater for corporate golf days of up to 216 people.

Joondalup Resort provides a number of outstanding leisure ser vices to complete your golfing experience. With

70 luxuriously appointed accommodation rooms and suites offering spectacular views, function rooms catering for up to 450 guests, an outdoor lagoon style pool and heated spa, tennis courts, mini gymnasium, a café, restaurant and bar, Joondalup offers the perfect place to work, rest and play. •

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Alice Springs Golf Course part of a sporting Mecca

Alice Springs Masters Games Be a part of it!

This is your chance to compete in with your fellow athletes in a fun and social environment. If you are in search of your first ever gold medal in or regularly compete to win, the Games also offer a more competitive level.

What’s the cost?

$70 Games Fee and $150 Golf Sports Fee

Getting To Alice Springs

Flights: There are affordable daily flights with Qantas and Tiger Airways Bus: Daily services available and this is a scenic relaxing way to visit the Red Centre.

Adventurous Travel: If you are adventurous and want to experience Central Australia, consider driving or travelling on The Ghan. You can drive via the accessible sealed road from both the north and south on the Stuart Highway or travel on The Ghan, one of Australia’s most exciting and breathtaking train trips.

Accommodation

Katie Kelly

T

here are many beautiful elements to Alice Springs, and for many golf enthusiasts, it’s the Alice Springs Golf Course that attracts many visitors as they travel through the Red Centre.

Situated on the easterly banks of the famous Todd River with views of the majestic MacDonnell Ranges, you quickly realise why this course is currently rated 53rd in Australia by Australian Golf Digest, in the world’s top ten desert

courses and one of Australia’s top 25 golf resorts.

The course includes green desert vegetation, eucalyptus trees and rocky outcrops with resident wallabies often spotted by players.

This 18-hole golf course is conveniently located on the back of Alice Spring’s most coveted hotels and restaurants. The club facilities include restaurant, bars, pro-shop, floodlit driving range and putting green.

The Alice Springs Masters Games is Australia’s longest running multisport masters games.

It is known as ‘The Friendly Games’ because of the camaraderie and good spirited nature of the competitors.

The Masters Games features four days of Golf competition including a 4BBB 18 hole warm-up event, a 54 Hole Stableford and a 36 Hole Gross Event, played concurrently.

During the Alice Springs Masters Games, the Alice Springs Golf clubhouse is one of the most popular venues, with participants from other sports enjoying their evenings at the club with fellow Masters participants. •

Join PGA Golf Professional Robert Stock on two unique golf tours of some of the world’s most spectacular golf courses

Golf Cruise

of Britain & Ireland

Discover some of the British Isles most breathtaking golf courses as you cruise through England, France, Scotland, Ireland and Guernsey aboard the magnificent Ruby Princess. Enjoy confirmed tee times at 9 outstanding courses including the spectacular Old Head.

18 May to 6 June, 2014

Italy Golf Tour

visiting Rome, Florence, Lucca, Portofino, Como, Verona and Venice

Explore the hidden jewels in Italy’s golfing crown. Experience some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the world including teeing off on 17th-century ramparts at the magical Circolo golf Venezia.

The tours visits Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Portofino, Como, Verona and Venice. This is the golf trip of a lifetime!

31 Aug. to 18 Sep., 2014

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | March 2014

Options include accommodation houses from backpacker hostels to international hotels, all within minutes of the town centre. Contact Tourism Central Australia on 1800 645 199 or visit www.centralaustraliantourism.com.au

Plan your holiday

Be inspired by the energy, colours and natural beauty of the red centre. Take a balloon flight over the Alice, enjoy a camel ride in the outback, check out the beauty of the West McDonnell ranges and Kings Canyon, or make the spiritual journey to Uluru and see it in all its grandeur. Contact Tourism Central Australia on 1800 645 199 or visit www.centralaustraliantourism.com.au

INFO

Web: www.alicespringsmastersgames.com.au Twitter: twitter.com/friendly_games Facebook: facebook.com/alicespringsmastersgames Phone: 1800 658 951

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Fancourt Links, South Africa

Your exclusive South African Golfing Safari Tour awaits

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iscover the majestic South Africa on a 14-night Golfing Safari tour with The Cape Club, 28 October – 15 November.

Cape Town, South Africa’s ‘Mother City’, located at the southern tip of the continent, enjoys a matchless setting. It’s there that your Golfing Safari begins. Unsurpassed for natural beauty, your rounds of golf include Steenberg Golf Club, Erinvale, Pearl Valley, Arabella, Pezula and Fancourt Montagu & The Links. All these premier designed courses have pedigrees that are testament to their world-class standards and ability to offer players a memorable and scenic golfing

experience. Your tour ends in Port Elizabeth, after travelling up the Garden Route, the most famous of routes in South Africa.

This fourteen night tour includes fivestar accommodation at Bay Hotel – Camps Bay (two nights), Lanzerac – Stellenbosch (three nights), Arabella – Hermanus (one night), Fancourt – George (five nights) and Pumba Private Game Lodge (three nights).

Your Safari experience will have you relaxing in absolute comfort. Malaria free, with big five Pumba’s Game Lodge an unforgettable experience, you’ll witness the South African sun burn into the sky, and hear the grunt of hippos as they meander

off into the distance. Once the sun is down, enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with vintage wines under the African stars – all included in your package.

The Cape Club have also included a full non golfer’s programme which includes Table Mountain, Cape Point, Lunch in the countryside, visit to a typical Karoo town, Hermanus, Spa treatments, etc., plus a daily concierge.

The tour is priced at just $5,900pp for golfers and $5,250pp for non-golfers - twin share which includes many extras (excluding International and Domestic flight, further details on request).

The Cape Club use local fully registered tour operators who offer customised, co-ordinated, very professional tour services, with local knowledge so you’ll be in safe hands, guaranteed.

Contact The Cape Club today for your full tour brochure and booking form. Deposits due end of June, and final amount end of August. Small group guaranteed.

Note: They can also put together an exclusive small group Golfing tour to visit Vietnam/ Cambodia. Their next Golfing Tour to Vietnam is 2015.

More: Jean Wethmar , 07 3814 5448, 0423 306 481, www.thecapeclub.com, jeanw@thecapeclub.com •

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Royal treatment in

Thailand

Hua Hin,

Black Mountain 4th green

Paul Myers

F

or almost 90 years, since King Prajadhipok (Rama V11) built a summer palace in Hua Hin, the beachside holiday destination 200 kilometres south of Bangkok has been famous for its royal connections, an abundance of recuperative spas and the town’s attractive five-kilometre beach.

While wealthy and well-connected Bangkok residents have long appreciated what Hua Hin has to offer, international visitors have also discovered its secret: few locations in Asia within easy of reach of a major city can match Hua Hin’s friendly, safe, laid-back atmosphere,

Experience

stable climate and eclectic mix of dining, leisure, sporting and lifestyle experiences.

In the past decade, golf has become one of Hua Hin’s major attractions. With nine courses in the area, the greater Hua Hin-Chaam region is one of Thailand’s premier golf destinations, boasting two of the best courses in the kingdom.

Late last year Hua Hin was named Golf Destination of the Year for Asia and Australasia at the annual International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) convention, held in Spain.

A Merimbula Golfing Holiday! .....for a golfing week with friends or a fantastic vacation

But there’s so much more to Merimbula: ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡ ‡

In June, Australian company Go Golfing will hold the Centara World Masters, an amateur event for golfers over 35, at four Hua Hin courses. Modelled on the Mitsubishi Masters held each October on the Gold Coast for the past 18 years, the event is expected to attract 600 golfers from around the world, including 200 or more from Australia.

Bringing the event to Hua Hin further confirms the region’s growing status as a world-class golf tourism destination.

After all, what could be better than a morning round of golf at Black Mountain

or Banyan golf clubs, lunch on site with exhilarating views towards the Burmese mountains, an afternoon spa or massage followed by a relaxing evening meal in one of Hua Hin’s hundreds of boutique restaurants, including a new in-town dining venture by Black Mountain Golf Club?

It’s a formula that brings thousands of Europeans – many of them from Scandinavia, Germany and the United Kingdom – to Hua Hin during the so-called “dark months� in their homelands between November and February.

This is when Hua Hin is really buzzing, its narrow car-free streets in the town centre packed with holiday-makers and the many outdoor and indoor restaurants filled with people. It’s also the time of year you’re much more likely to hear Swedish, German or

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For enquiries and bookings visit - www.merimbulatourism.com.au or FREECALL 1800 150 457 8

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | March 2014

Merimbula A place for all seasons!

Black Mountain view from clubhouse French being spoken, or a broad northern English brogue, than Thai.

The low season, from May to October, is equally appealing. Located in a dry area of Thailand, the region experiences no wet season. Occasional, and usually brief, afternoon rain at this time of year is the worst you can expect.

Just 15 minutes from town, aptly-named Black Mountain Golf Club opened in 2007, quickly began picking up awards: best new course in Asia (2007), second best course in Thailand (2008) and, in 2011 and 2012, the premier accolade of Thailand’s best course.

Thanks to natural creeks running through the course and stunning black rock mountain backdrops, Black Mountain is not just Thailand’s best golf course, but one of its most beautiful. Numerous downhill

Banyan clubhouse

and uphill holes, several with difficult water carries, and interesting man-made rock formations make it a wonderful visual as well as playable golf experience.

As host of the 2009 Black Mountain Masters it can be among the most challenging golf courses in Thailand when played from the back tees – a whopping 7550 yards in total. But don’t let this put you off: there are four other forward tee options that make the course easier for higher handicappers, down to just 6084 yards from the easiest. Whichever tee you choose, the views are always scintillating.

In late 2011, Black Mountain added to its already-formidable golf reputation when it opened a new nine-hole par-3 course that has quickly become recognised as one of the world’s best and has since added a water

park and wakeboard park for family fun. A spa and excellent restaurant at the main clubhouse add to its appeal.

Designed by Australian Phil Ryan’s Pacific Coast Designs, which also laid out the main championship course four years earlier, the par-3 course is a “must-do” experience for any golfer. Water on every hole, steep slopes off most greens and strategic bunkering make it a challenge for any player.

Even European tour pros Johan Edfors, Pelle Edberg and Alex Noren, who tested out the par-3 layout soon after its completion, rate it extremely highly.

“You don’t often see something so challenging and yet so enjoyable,” Edfors said after his first round on the course. “It’s great practice for tour players like us, but also heaps of fun for the average golfer.”

10th fairway at Banyan

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March 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

9

Cha-Am beach

Black Mountain condos

Where to stay Black Mountain water park

Hole distances range from 90 to 150 yards, so you certainly don’t need to bring your driver with you, nor even a long iron. But be sure to have plenty of balls in your bag as anything slightly off direction can easily end up in the water.

A few kilometres away, Banyan Golf Club and Resort, which opened in 2009, also has collected its share of plaudits and awards.

It was named third best course in Thailand at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit in 2011 and last year picked up the accolade for the best clubhouse in Asia Pacific.

Pineapple patches, bougainvillea beds and banyan trees come into play on the course, which is built on a hillside layout. Due to its often-sloping fairways and thick rough, many keen golfers believe Banyan plays a few shots harder than Black Mountain.

The clubhouse, situated on the highest part of the property, offers stunning vistas

of the Burmese Mountains, especially at sunset. Set in several linked “pods”, Bangkok-based architect Smith Abayawat created a design that general manager, Stacey Walton, says will never age.

“The design gives visitors a true Thai golf, leisure and dining experience,” he says. “Banyan is a resort course, not a members’ facility, so it’s important visitors can relax and enjoy themselves. Trip Advisor lists Banyan as the number one tourist attraction in Hua Hin. A lot of people come out for food and beverage and for the total experience.”

Among the other golf courses in the Hua Hin area, Springfield, Majestic Creek, Imperial Lake View and Sea Pine are among the best, while Royal Hua Hin – dating back to 1924 and the first golf course built in Thailand, is just a kilometre from the centre of town. •

Banyan Resort, on the other side of a mountain from the golf course, is ideal for families, couples and groups. Featuring self-contained one and two-bedroom villas, meandering central swimming pools, restaurant and bar, the resort is ideal for Hua Hin visitors who want resort amenities at an attractive price.

Black Mountain has on-site villas for rent that are ideal for families and groups. There is a supermarket under the clubhouse as well as a restaurant, spa, tennis courts and a nearby wakeboard park and waterboard park that make the resort a true family vacation option.

Beside the beach near Cha-Am, 18 kilometres north of Hua Hin, Veranda Resort & Spa is a sumptuous 118-room resort featuring modern Asian architecture and a relaxed ambience. With nine room categories ranging from deluxe to an exclusive sky spa pool villa, the resort is perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations.

If you would rather stay in Hua Hin itself, try the Hilton Hua Hin Resort & Spa, located just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. With 10 bars and restaurants, there is plenty of choice for a casual meal or drink, or something more formal if you fancy.

Where to eat Italian is the way to go when it comes to dining in Hua Hin. There are seemingly endless authentic choices from which to choose.

One favourite is La Villa, the first Italian restaurant in town that opened its doors in 1987 thanks to an Italian expat’s craving for home cooking. Almost all of

the ingredients are imported from Italy, so you can expect top quality products and an impressive selection of freshly-made regional Italian dishes. Peppino and Mama Mia are other Italian eateries well worth trying.

The newly-opened Black Mountain Gourmet Restaurant features wonderful steaks, seafood and European cuisine.

Nelson Bay Golf Club PO BOX 33 Nelson Bay NSW 2315 (02) 4981 1132 www.nelsonbaygolf.com

★ Rated Top 50 Courses in Australia for Under $50 ★ Host of the 2013 NSW Men’s and Ladies Mid Amateur Membership Available

• Country membership $375 • Mid Week Membership $375 • Conditions Apply

Full golfing membership $700.

Social play available 7 days per week.

10

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | March 2014

$100

*

*Conditions Apply. This offer valid Sunday to Thursday Only (Friday & Saturday $110).

Per person twin share - executive room. Note: A full buffet breakfast can be organised for group bookings of 20 or more.

A golf course making a difference I

t’s not unusual in Asia to play on a golf course next to paddy fields of rice.

It’s also quite common for golf clubs to have a close relationship with their local community, especially as a source of permanent and casual employees.

But it’s uncommon – indeed almost unknown – for a golf club to have a rice paddy as part of the course and almost as rare for a club to fund and supply equipment for a local community’s health services.

This is part of the remarkable story about Laguna Lang Co Golf Club near Hue, Central Vietnam, where taking care of the rice crop and the health of local schoolchildren is as important as maintenance and presentation of the recently opened Sir Nick Faldodesigned course.

Laguna Lang Co’s three-hectare rice paddy fields are located in the centre of the playing area, between holes three and four and 13 and 15. This area, as with most Vietnamese countryside, was traditionally used for growing rice before the golf course, which officially opened in March this year, was built.

Not only did Sir Nick Faldo want to retain the “rice-paddy look” in his design, he was also eager to have the real thing growing on the course. It also made sense for the course’s owner, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, which

Laguna Lang Co’s landscape director Stuart Donald with local workers wanted to preserve and enhance the natural environment as much as possible, to plant several million native trees and shrubs and extensive areas of native grasses.

This “best of both worlds” result means Laguna Lang Co can produce up to 30 tonnes of rice from two harvests each year, much of which will be used by the resort itself and donated to local orphanages.

Visiting golfers, many of whom may have never been so close to a rice paddy, may have more of a rice-growing education than they’d planned if a shot goes wild!

The rice project is under the watchful eye of Laguna Lang Co’s landscape director,

Stuart Donald, a Scot who is being guided by a an eager group of local workers familiar with rice production.

Meanwhile, a water purification project sponsored by Laguna Lang Co in five local schools is helping to improve health services at local communities near the resort. Each school has been provided with reverse osmosis water filtration systems to ensure school children have clean, fresh drinking water.

“It’s a very practical way of helping these communities,” explains David Campion, Banyan Tree’s group director of corporate social responsibility. “Water and

sanitation-related illnesses are common in Vietnam and lead to school absenteeism.

Our commitment is to supply filtration systems and three years of filters and hygiene training. Already, we are seeing the benefits as schools get behind the program.”

Binh An primary school, just a few kilometres from Laguna Lang Co, is one of the beneficiaries, its filtration system now ensuring a much healthier water supply for several hundred students from the local village.

Laguna Lang Co Golf Club is also beginning free golf classes for local schoolchildren to help develop the game in Central Vietnam. •

March 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

11

COURSE REVIEW:

Ria Bintan:

A Player’s gem The Par-3 9th at Ria Bintan’s “Ocean Course” is one of the most beautiful holes in Asia

Gary Player’s magnificent Ria Bintan golf course offers some of the most spectacular and memorable holes you’ll ever play, as Richard Fellner discovered.

S

tanding on the first tee of the Gary Player-designed Ria Bintan golf course, one cannot help but feel in awe. With magnificent jungle views at every angle, gentle ocean breezes kissing your cheek, and the exotic sounds of tropical birds (and pesky monkeys) in the trees, you can easily be lulled into a relaxed, hypnotic trance.

But the trance is instantly broken when you realise the task at hand.

“Watch out for those trees on the right,

or you’ll have no shot at the green,” advises my playing partner, a local. “But don’t hit it too far to the left either, or you’ll end up in the lake,” he adds. “Best to just hit it up the middle – but avoid those deep bunkers in the centre of the fairway.”

“Um…sure. No problem,” I reply shakily.

In truth, the par-5, 529m first hole is just a sample of the challenges that lay ahead on this magnificent 27-hole course, found on Bintan Island, Indonesia. With water on almost every hole, it may be best to

Moss Vale Golf Club is a golfer’s paradise Winter Golf Package

$220 per night for 2 people includes daily: 4 course dinner, breakfast, Accommodation, 18 holes*

*Offer based on 2 persons per room in a standard room. Minimum 2 night stay, mid-week only. Valid 1st June 2014 - 30th September 2014.

For bookings at these exclusive rates quote Inside Golf Ph: (02) 4868 1800 | www.dormiehouse.com.au 12

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | March 2014

bring plenty of balls with you on the day.

Maybe bring every ball you own.

Comprising three 9-hole courses (Ocean Blue, Ocean Green and Forest), each with their own character and challenges, Ria Bintan Golf Club offers a tremendous challenge – and real playability – to golfers of every level.

It also features some of the most scenic golf holes you’ll ever play, including a three-hole set on the Ocean Course that would rival any course in the world.

It starts at the par-4 8th hole. After a strategically-placed drive to a blind landing zone, you come around the corner to an absolutely breathtaking view of the green tucked gently in front of the sea.

Next up is the Par-3 9th hole. Rated one of Asia’s best par-3s, this 155m jewel forces you to contend with the bay inlet short of the green, a sloping hill/jungle on the right, and the open sea on the left. Oh, and if you go long there is a deep bunker and even MORE jungle. (Hint: Don’t miss …anywhere!)

Finishing up the set is the par-4 10th, a 346m gentle dogleg left that borders the beach. And I mean REALLY borders the beach. (Hint: get the sand wedge ready before you tee off.)

But the fun doesn’t end there. In fact, I can comfortably say that my round at Ria Bintan was one of the most enjoyable rounds of holiday golf in recent memory.

The course was in fantastic condition, and the Zoysia fairways were like hitting off a lush carpet. The pro shop is fully stocked, and the staff are all tremendously helpful and friendly.

So it’s no wonder why the course is regularly rated one of the best in Asia and Indonesia (a “Must-Play ” course in our eyes). Do yourself a favour and check it out. You won’t be disappointed. • Course Notes: Ria Bintan Golf Resort Jl. Perigi Raja, Lagoi North Bintan, Kepulauan Riau Bintan Resorts, Indonesia 29152 Tel: (62) 770-6928 39/42 Fax: (62) 770-692837 www.riabintan.com

2 Day Golf School at Moss Vale Golf Club Receive expert tuition from club professional Robert Kennedy in all facets of the game, while staying on course at the beautiful Dormie House.

Package Includes: • 3 Nights accommodation • Morning tea & Lunch on • 3 Buffet Breakfasts two days • 3 Dinners • Professional Tuition Dates: 15th-16th May 2014, 24th-26th September 2014 and 3rd-6th December 2014

Cost: $599 p/p twin share, $699 single

Bookings through Dormie House phone: (02) 4868 1800

*Group sizes are limited to 8 people

Hawaiian style!

Surf's up for golfers,

Tracey-Lea Tiley

F

amous for its iconic pipeline and roaring, mega waves–the surf culture is synonymous with Hawaii, its people and laid back charm.

Hawaii still enjoys enviable waves and a relaxed lifestyle, however golf has become the number one sporting attraction on the islands. And what islands they are!

Gentle Pacific Ocean breezes roll in off the volcano-crusted coast to create the ideal golfing weather. The natural terrain and soil has allowed golfing luminaries to carve spectacular golfing masterpieces.

Blessed with ideal growing conditions boosted by endless days of sunshine, Hawaii’s islands have generated a fertile and robust golfing industry fuelled by overseas visitors eager to challenge themselves on these unique layouts. The number and calibre of the courses on offer makes Hawaii a popular destination and a great travel mid point for golfers from Europe and Australasia. An easy flight from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne direct will have you on the greens of Hawaii in 10 hours.

Hawaii hosts the opening events of the PGA Tour each year and the worldwide

attention and media coverage fuels a peak tourism season. In January, Waialae Golf Club on the island of Oahu hosts the Sony Hawaiian Open.

Whilst on Maui, the New Year action focused on the mighty Kapalua Plantation course operated by Troon Golf for the 15th consecutive year of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. An elite field of PGA Tour 2013 champions assembled in Maui preparing to battle for supremacy in paradise and it was Zach Johnson who emerged triumphant. Perhaps he was the only one that didn’t stop to admire the remarkable coastline and expansive views of the mountains surrounding the course and it’s an easy prospect to be completely disarmed by the beauty of the course and its impressive layout.

As it is with the vast majority of courses on the islands. The Big Island has its own collection of ‘big’ courses in its artillery and none sticks out more than the South Course at Mauna Lani. Winding its way through prehistoric volcanic lava, it’s hard to believe that such a piece of beauty was created where life could not. Be sure to bring your camera, the 15th hole is not one of the most photographed without reason.

Wailea Resorts Gold Course It is rugged, with pock-marks stretching into the ocean; you’ll need to go large to cross the water and land it dry. If you do you’ll be handsomely rewarded, your ball set on lush Bermuda and your heart lost to the islands of Hawaii.

Magic golf courses, magnificent scenery and the friendly locals are waiting to welcome you. Come, dip your toe in!

Come and join Go Golfing and a group of like-minded golf travellers keen to explore the natural beauty, stunning golf and the pleasures of the holiday playground that is the Hawaiian Islands. The Go Golfing

Hawaiian Islands Golf Tour takes place 27 June – 7 July 2014. 10 nights deluxe accommodation awaits you along with 7 rounds of golf including carts, at Kapalua Plantation & Bay Courses and Mauna Kea and much, much more.

Early bird pricing has been extended for Inside Golf readers until 31 March 2014. Golfer Packages start at US$6,320.

A handful of spots remain so get your registration in now.

More: www.gogolfing.net.au/tour/148/ Hawaiian_Islands_Golf_Tour, email: info@gogolfing.net.au •

March 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

13

By David Newbery

B

ULA! Welcome to Fiji – the home of the $US1m Fiji International, the newest tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia tours.

The tournament will be played at the stunning Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, Fiji from August 14-17.

General Manager Fiji International Natalie Ritter told Inside Golf it’s the first international golf tournament of its kind to be held in Fiji.

The resort atmosphere will provide the players and their families with five-star service in a family-friendly, laid-back holiday environment.

The entertainment precinct is first-class and has the potential to generate a wonderful atmosphere where players can relax, wine and dine at a number of restaurants.

“It’s exciting times for golf in the region,” Ritter said.

“Over the next five years, the Fiji International aims to be cemented in the calendars of players, media and spectators and regarded as one of the ‘must visit’ sporting events of the region.”

The Fiji International has the full support of the Fijian Government,” said Ritter, who now spends up to 80 per cent of her time working on the tournament in Fiji.

“When Sports and Entertainment Ltd (SEL) and PGA of Australia CEO Brian Thorburn 14

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | March 2014

pitched the tournament idea to the Fiji Government they liked it.

“They (Fiji Government) saw the benefits and economic impact of bringing an event of this magnitude to Fiji and agreed to work with us.

“The support for the tournament has been outstanding. Tourism Fiji, golf industry, resorts and on-ground tour operators are also behind the tournament.

“Everyone sees the potential benefit of it and wants to be involved.”

said. “Certainly we are looking to target key players.

“We are working on a few big name players everyone will know but can’t announce anything yet. It’s too early, but we’ve already had some promising responses from some of the players.”

Ritter said Australasian and OneAsia Tour players as well as players from China, Japan, Korea, India and Fiji should predominantly make up the field.

“Everyone knows Fiji and given that

The support for the tournament has been outstanding.

Tourism Fiji, golf industry, resorts and on-ground tour operators are also behind the tournament.

Even in a rugby-mad nation, local support has started to gain momentum.

It’s early days, but the Fiji International has the potential to attract some big name players.

Ritter said a number of internationally recognised players had already been approached to play in the tournament.

One obvious target would be Vijay Singh.

His presence would be enormous but with the US PGA Tour and Champions Tour events in full swing, it could be a bridge too far.

“It would be great to get Vijay,” Ritter

it’s a five-year deal we want to build the reputation of this event so that it is the type of tournament the players want to come to.”

So, what can the players expect?

Well, one look at the golf course, which opened in 2009, and they will know it’s a noticeably different layout compared to other tour venues.

Natadola Bay, which is not dissimilar to Hamilton Island golf course, is a challenging layout even when the wind isn’t blowing.

With the sparkling backdrop of coral reefs and the Pacific Ocean on 14 of the 18 holes,

Natadola Bay is a journey through the Fijian landscape.

Carved out of virgin bush, the course stretches to 6556m from the back blocks with metre-high bush hugging the short rough.

On many holes, the smart play is to hit irons from the tee.

The welcoming clubhouse, styled on traditional South Pacific architecture, is the ultimate vantage point for breathtaking views across the course, coral reefs and rolling surf breaks. • Inside Golf in-depth on explain why golfing and Stay tuned!

Travel will go the course and Fiji is the perfect holiday destination.

Did you know?

Though some may be hard pressed to find it on a map, at 501m deep Lake Tahoe is the second deepest lake in the United States, and the twelfth deepest lake in the world. With a surface area of 495 sq km (35 km long by 19 km wide) the lake holds enough water that, if it were tipped over, would cover the entire state of California in over 14 inches of water!

Links: www.visitinglaketahoe.com www.squawcreek.com www.edgewood-tahoe.com

Lake Tahoe: California’s playground Richard Fellner

N

estled at the top of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, at 1900m above sea level, sits the majestic Lake Tahoe. Famed for its crystal-clear water, panoramic views and year-round outdoor activities like golf, skiing, fishing and cycling, Tahoe is regarded world-wide as a must-visit, must-enjoy destination.

A short three-hour drive from San Francisco, resting on the border of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe is best known for its numerous winter activities, including some of the best skiing in the Pacific Northwest. The top ski resorts in

Edgewood Tahoe

the area comprise Squaw Valley (home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, summit elevation: a staggering 2758m), Alpine Meadows and Heavenly Valley, though there are dozens of mountains to choose from, catering to every level of ability.

And with an average snowfall of over 10m, there is always plenty of the white stuff for skiers and snowboarders alike.

In the non-snow months, Tahoe is a utopia for outdoor enthusiasts, offering mountain biking, hiking, golf, fishing, river rafting, water-skiing, and a variety of other water sports.

The great author Mark Twain once remarked that boating on the lake was akin to floating on the air, due to its remarkable clarity and vivid blue hue. As most of the basin is designated

as a National Park (protected by the United States Forest Service), many hiking/biking adventurers regularly enjoy the unspoilt, tranquil surrounds of centuries-old pine trees, towering peaks and fresh mountain air.

For golfers, Tahoe’s championship courses rival some of the best in the industry. Apart from the PGA Tour’s annual Reno-Tahoe Open (held in Reno’s Montreux Golf and Country Club), the area’s top courses include The Resort at Squaw Creek, Edgewood Tahoe (host of the yearly celebrity proam) and a pair of top-rated Robert-Trent Jones courses in Incline Village. Best of all, at such a high altitude (and with such thin air), the ball flies forever!

After a long day ‘being one with nature’, most visitors and locals venture out to the many ‘open 24-hours’ casinos lining the Nevada state line. The North Shore features the Cal Neva Resort (once owned by Frank Sinatra) which sits directly on the California/Nevada border (hence the name).

On the South side of the lake, the bustling South Shore rivals nearby Reno for its collection of Hotels/Casinos. Either way, Tahoe’s nightlife is buzzing and energetic. •

March 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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