Inside Golf Travel - April 2014

Bula!

Issue 06 // APR 2014

www.insidegolf.com.au

gems Fiji’s hidden discovered

Say G’day to St Tropez

Your very own Pro Golf Experience

The Sunshine Coast’s golfing treasures

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December 2013 | INSIDE TRAVEL

1

A ‘miniature’

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: Natadola Bay. (Photo: Rob Rickman)

championship course for Poland The 2014 golf season is set to be the most significant yet for Poland’s top golf resort, according to the team at Modry Las Golf Club. Celebrating its fifth anniversary in July, the acclaimed Gary Player-designed course will be joined by a new nine-hole course later in the year, more accommodation and the first glimpse of the property offering at the resort.

Since the opening of the course in 2009, Poland’s only signature course has won a series of national and international awards and gained recognition from across the globe.

“The first five years at Modry Las have been exceptional,” said Pamela Gromadzki,

Modry Las Golf Club the resort’s International Marketing Director.

“We set out to create one of Europe’s most natural courses and welcome visitors from across the world, and that is what we have done. Now we are creating worldclass facilities to go with it. As birthday celebrations go; it should be one to remember.”

Perhaps the most significant development will be the completion of the nine-hole Orli Las course to be officially opened in 2015.

This championship course “in miniature” has been routed through a peninsula with a lake-side forest which provides incredible

views towards infinity greens.

According to Gromadzki, the course has been designed to provide golfers of all abilities with a real golfing test.

“Visitors to Modry Las should be under no illusions; Orli Las is far from being a pitch-and-putt course,” she explained. “Orli Las has been created so that learners and advanced golfers can play together with each enjoying the challenge for different reasons. More importantly, it is a wonderful course which is big on challenge and easily fits with your schedule - you can play a round in less than an hour.”

New Waterside Course to open in Thailand When Siam Country Club’s new Waterside course officially opens to visitors in May, the golf complex near Pattaya will become the largest in Thailand with 63 holes and an expected 120,000 golfers playing its three courses during the next year.

Described by the developer and owner as a unique and different experience to the existing Old Course and Plantation layouts, the IMG-designed Waterside course sits between the existing two courses.

Waterside is aptly named with 10 of the 18

hotels playing over or beside lakes and ponds, while another two holes have creek crossings.

Despite this, Waterside is expected to be more forgiving than the 27-hole Plantation course and the 18-hole Old Course, which recently hosted the Honda LPGA women’s event.

“Each of the three courses is different in style and thinking,” Siam Country Club’s managing director, Praserthchai Phornprapha, said. “It’s all about happiness.

We want everyone who plays Waterside to really enjoy the experience. People will play

Waterside for the quality, happiness and standard of service.”

Waterside is a par-72 layout that will play 6816 metres from the championship tees. A separate clubhouse, overlooking the greens on the 9th and 18th holes, will be ready by the end of April. Among notable other features are a 2300 square-metre practice putting green that is four times the size of a normal green, a 330-metre driving range and separate chipping green.

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April 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

3

‘sunny side’ On the

of golf

Twin Waters Golf Club

T

he Sunshine Coast’s “Golf Rush” reached its peak in the decade from the mid-1990s to the mid2000s, when an outstanding range of courses, backed by high-quality resort accommodation, sprang up between the Coast and the dramatic Hinterland.

Not only great designers, but great characters, put the ‘Sunny Coast’ on the golfing map.

Jack Newton brought his pioneering Celebrity Classic to Twin Waters. While the emphasis was on fun, there was always a serious side to the event, because the Thomson and Wolveridge-designed course was one of the best links-style courses in Australia.

Set in a beautiful environment, with the beach and stylish resort accommodation just a breeze away, Twin Waters has proven equally adept at staging championships as it has been hosting social golfers.

In the words of designers Thomson and Wolveridge, “The golf course should not be arduous in terrain but rather an attractive walk within a sanctuary where indigenous flora and fauna flourish. The golf course

From an attractive year-round sub-tropical climate to championship courses, topped off by fine food and hospitality, golf on the Sunshine Coast couldn’t be more agreeable. should present a level of excitement and interest to suit everybody …. It should be practical, pleasurable and free of the ‘humbug’ of losing balls.”

Another Sunshine Coast celebrity golf course is Palmer Coolum, former home of the PGA Championship and before that, the Coolum Classic. Many of Australia’s best golfers have launched their stellar careers at Coolum, and the par-72, 6137m course has been graced by the game’s best including the current US Masters winner Adam Scott, as well as past major winners Bubba Watson, Y.E. Yang, and Darren Clarke.

Diverse and exciting, the course offers contrasting landscapes, from lakeside holes to manicured fairways that weave their way through native bushland.

The course was designed by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr, and is supported by luxury accommodation at Palmer Resort, a quality proshop, a modern fleet of carts and an extensive restaurant and bar facilities – as well as a top-class spa.

Greg Norman left his mark on the Sunny Coast with his design of Pelican Waters at

Chase the Sun

Golden Beach.

Currently ranked number 8 in Australia (Public Access Golf Courses), this spectacular 18-hole, 6,359m championship course provides thrilling challenges and welldeserved rewards throughout the round. The undulating fairways weave in and around wetlands and the large deep bunkers, with their contrasting white sand lend a dramatic contrast to the lush fairways and water surrounding the course.

Pelican Resort also boasts excellent clubhouse and practice facilities, including the T on Course restaurant, indoor and outdoor bar areas and a large terrace overlooking the course.

Noosa is a magical name that instantly conjures up what makes the Sunshine Coast such an attractive destination. A worldrenowned beachside destination, Noosa has become as well regarded for its food and fashion as for its leisure attractions and golf.

Noosa Springs will help work up a hearty appetite. The course meanders through lush pockets of rainforest and is surrounded by Lake Weyba, the Noosa National Park and

the spring-fed lakes of Noosa Springs.

The course is consistently rated one of the best in Australia, helped by the design of golf course architect, Graham Papworth, who was committed to preserving and enhancing the natural environment.

The undulating fairways are home to an abundance of wildlife, making golf at Noosa Springs a constantly changing and rewarding experience.

Peregian may not be as well known as Noosa, but watch this space! The beautiful beachside village now boasts stylish restaurants, an eclectic weekend market and quality accommodation.

It’s also home to the Peregian Springs Golf Course, which was built in 2003 by Adam Scott’s father Phil Scott. The course takes players through native bush, stands of eucalyptus trees and strategically situated water. The course presents golfers with memorable challenges. From long, narrow par-5s to short par-4s with sloping greens, Peregian Springs puts a premium on accuracy and shot making. A full length driving range, chipping green, practice bunker and putting green are all available. •

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4

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2014

Say G’day to

St Tropez

By Tracey-Lea Tiley It’s eight o’clock and I’m elegantly (I hope) perched in a bar, deep in the resort town of St Tropez. The view is spectacular, one of the best people watching opportunities I’ve had in a long time.

Sports cars pass by at dizzying speeds in European grandeur, puffing up their chests and showing their shiny wheels and fancy badges - Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Porsches. And being seen in one is the ultimate sport for the champagne set of the French Riviera.

Don’t get me wrong, surrounding oneself

with an armada of luxury yachts and sunset cocktails overlooking the harbour is not hard to take.

The passing parade of glamorous women and men tanned and dripping in gold is a feast for the senses. In such a stylish setting befitting the rich and famous, restaurants, French bistros and cosy cafes line the streets.

French wines and delicate flavours have become my mission du jour! For foodies, Maison Lei Mouscardins is worth dipping your fork into. St Tropez is still a working fishing village, the seafood here is a standout and perfect accompaniment to the view of

these exotic creatures, stalking past.

Time to investigate what’s beneath the opulent exterior of St Tropez, and it’s a tale of halves. Its lavishness sits comfortably alongside the working village of fishermen and bohemian artists.

It goes without saying shoppers will be in paradise and all of the luxury brands are well represented with palaces dedicated to dressing the beautiful. Brigitte Bardot famously had a villa in the 50’s and she is attributed to single-handedly igniting the retail industry here. Some may say that the true art is on the hangers, that St Tropez

is all fizz and bubble, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of culture brimming below the surface.

During the 18th century, St Tropez was once a naval port and the city pays homage through a collection of historical documents, artefacts and paintings. The classic brushstrokes of Henri Matisse are immortalised at the art museum and a trip to the Céramique 1900 where Picasso’s signature ceramic works are on show keeps art buffs happy.

Strolling through the old town you’ll come across a wonderful square which hosts a market each Tuesday and Saturday stocked with a bountiful harvest of fresh local fruit, baked goods and much more. One of the more popular places to visit as much for its unique architecture and military design as for the incredible scenes from the top of the hill is the Rue de la Citadelle – magic views of St Tropez stretching out below like a twisted, cracked 3D road map and the glistening sea dotted with party boats is a heavenly vision I was sad to say goodbye to.

Say G’day to St Tropez this September.

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April 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

5

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Imagine teeing it up with the pros at events like The Tahiti Open (1-10 June). This four-round stroke event is open to male and female amateurs, and takes place at the beautiful island paradise of Tahiti. In addition, you’ll travel to Moorea Island to play a round of golf at the stunning Jack Nicklaus-designed Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2014

I l❤ve to travel,

says Natalie

By David Newbery

G

olf and travel have been a wonderful combination for PGA of Australia Fiji International General Manager Natalie Ritter.

Currently, Natalie spends up to 80 per cent of her time in Fiji working on the $US1m Fiji International.

Inside Golf caught up with Natalie in Fiji where she happily answered a range of travel-related questions.

What is your favourite travel destination in Australia?

I have a couple of favourite places. One is Darwin – I love the atmosphere and the culture and it has a lot of history to it. It’s a unique city and the people are friendly. It’s one of Australia’s hidden gems. I also love Perth and Western Australian down the east coast. The coastline is superb and there are some great wineries and lots happening over there.

What about overseas?

Too many to mention. I was lucky enough to travel to Egypt, Jordan and Turkey in 2009. I think Turkey is extremely diverse in what it has to offer from the inland area to a place like Cappadocia with its caves and rock formations through to the Mediterranean coastline and Istanbul is a very cosmopolitan city.

A destination you would love to visit?

South America – the culture is very

different to Western European countries, Africa and Australia. I think I could learn a lot and have a lot of fun over there.

When travelling, what do you enjoy the most?

Meeting the local people and learning about the day-to-day lifestyle of that particular place.

What’s the best food you’ve eaten while travelling?

I am a big seafood buff so Fiji tops the list.

The seafood in Fiji is outstanding. Second would be Croatia for their seafood as well.

Best place you’ve ever stayed at?

Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa because it mixes modern resort-style living with that traditional, tropical Fijian feel.

The rooms have an outdoor bath, which is spectacular. The service is fantastic and the view over Natadola Bay is amazing.

Do you enjoy sightseeing?

Absolutely! Wherever I go, I try to mix it up. I try to immerse myself in the local culture, tick all the boxes of the historical sites and learn about the history of the place I am visiting.

Do you prefer organised tours or would you prefer to do your own thing?

Depends where I am and what I’m doing, but mostly I prefer doing my own thing. The more I travel the more confident I become in knowing what I’m doing and where I’m going. I prefer to make my own adventures.

What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made while travelling?

Not booking buses or accommodation in Morocco and taking the local bus as opposed to tourist bus from Marrakesh to Essaouira – no airconditioning or shock absorbers on this bus and a four-hour bus ride in 48 degree heat. In the end it was not so much a mistake, more of an adventure.

M o s t m e m o ra b l e g o l f tournament you have seen?

My first visit to a major – the 2006 Open Championship at Royal Liverpool, Hoylake. I remember walking through the gates in an English heat wave and feeling as if I had walked into my television screen after 20 years of watching it in the dead of night. The atmosphere was amazing with so much tradition, and the magnitude of everything was just unbelievable. That year Tiger won and it was the first time I had seen him play live, plus my childhood hero Ernie Els was up there on the leaderboard so I was like a kid in a candy shop.

Do you collect souvenirs?

I used to collect shot-glasses (laughs), but I have too many now. I also collect postcards because I find the photographs are much better. My photos don’t do justice to the beauty of where I am compared to professionally taken photos on postcards.

TRAVEL BUG: Natalie Ritter has South America in her sights.

What has travel taught you?

Patience … and to roll with the punches.

I have also learnt not stress too much. As long as you have your wits about you and a bit of common sense, it’ll all work out fine.

Travel has also taught me how to be grateful for what I have, to be appreciative and have the understanding of how other people live.

Everyone in this world is different. •

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April 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

7

Fiji’s

hidden gems discovered NEW BALLS, PLEASE: Who can resist buying a few golf balls from these delightful children? Tip: Stock up.

PUT YOURSELF IN THE PICTURE: Keeping your eye on the ball can be a challenge at Natadola Bay’s fourth hole.

Photos: Rob Rickman (Three Loose Coconuts)

Nothing excites more than stumbling upon a magnificent five-star luxury resort, championship golf and an inviting tropical island, writes David Newbery

D

eep in the heart of the middle of virtually nowhere, 50 kilometres south of Nadi International Airport, is the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa and the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course.

But what an undiscovered nowhere it is.

Overlooking the sparkling backdrop of coral reefs and the aqua-blue Pacific Ocean, the five-star resort and championship golf

course is the centrepiece for the $1m Fiji International Championship later this year.

Arriving in Fiji, the first thing you notice is how friendly everyone is. Even the customs officers smile and give a friendly “Bula” welcome.

Little wonder tourism has taken over from sugar as the number one industry.

The journey from the airport down Fiji’s biggest island, Viti Levu, takes you

through small communities, farmlands and mountains.

My transport driver Peta, who played rugby league for Fiji, tells me it’s a leisurely 45-minute drive to the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. “Sit back and relax,” he says, handing me a bottle of water.

Arriving at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa, I’m welcomed by the

drummer and guitar-strumming singers.

Fijians love to sing as much as they love to smile and at the resort the staff emerge spontaneously to welcome guests.

The Intercontinental is a magnificent luxury retreat nestled among tropical gardens overlooking a stretch of white sandy beach.

There are five restaurants and bars, a luxury spa, three swimming pools, dive pool, kids’ club, wedding and conference facilities and, of course, the championship golf course.

The resort’s 271 air-conditioned rooms and suites feature generous private terraces or balconies allowing guest to relax on their day bed or in the private Cleopatra bath and watch the sunset.

I checked in to my hilltop suite, which has that “wow” factor.

The suite has spacious indoor-outdoor

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2014

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SUNDOWNER: Natadola Bay Golf Course’s clubhouse is the perfect place to enjoy a meal or cold drink.

living with guest rooms and a private plunge pool – perfect for a tired golfer after a day on the course.

There’s a surround sound system, DVD player and iPod connection, high-speed cable and wireless internet access, flatscreen TV, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and in-room safe.

I could easily have settled here for the evening, but I was ravenous and keen to rendezvous with a group of like-minded enthusiasts.

When it comes to dining, there is a choice of fine-dining in the award-winning signature Navo Restaurant or relaxing open air beachside alternatives.

I’m told seafood, sourced daily from the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, is Fiji’s signature dish and kava, produced

from the roots of the plant, the popular drink among locals.

For the record, you can buy kava powder and indulge in the intoxicating drink at your leisure.

On day one, we dined outside and were treated to an entrée of Fijian Kokoda of Spanish mackerel, bongo chilli, coriander and sugar cane.

The shared platters included Mahi-Mahi fillet steamed in dalo leaf with lemongrass coconut milk, wok fried prawns and baby squid with Fijian fern leaf, bean shoots and a Citrus ginger sauce.

Then we feasted on Indo Fijian chicken curry, Masala blue pea vegetable curry served with coconut ride, eggplant and chickpea relish cucumber and coriander salad.

PARADISE FOUND: An aerial view of five-star Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

Speaking of dining, the award-winning Navo Restaurant is fine-dining at its best as we discovered at our farewell dinner.

Breakfast is a choice of three venues – a la carte in Club InterContinental Lounge, full buffet at Sanasana Restaurant or continental breakfast at Toba Bar and Grill.

Of course, keen golfers itching to slip away for a round can secure brownie points by booking their partner in at Spa InterContinental.

There are a number of choices including the signature indigenous Fijian therapies – warm seashell massage and banana leaf wraps in locally produced coconut oil.

This is a resort within a resort.

I could have lolled about here for weeks on end, but I was keen to experience the championship golf course – host to the $1m

COOL OFF: Golfers can cool off in their own private plunge pool.

Fiji International, which is co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia from August 14-17.

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.

This is where a bevy of resort and golf course-friendly staff will spoil you rotten.

April 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

9

ISLAND RETREAT: This is what awaits intrepid travellers to Castaway Island.

PADDLE POPS UP: Tom Hanks’ paddle from the movie Cast Away.

It’s where people hand out ice-cold face towels and cold drinks to overheated golfers.

Natadola Bay, close to the ocean, is a seriously good test of golf.

From the tee blocks, the fairways appear narrower than they really are. That’s because the metre-high thick shrubbery hugs the short rough at every turn.

Apparently, the bush is alive with mongooses, which is why there are few, if any, snakes around.

Still, golfers are reluctant to go searching for “lost” golf balls.

Our group lost a number of golf balls, but were able to replenish stocks thanks to three generations of locals who find and resell them for $FJ1 (60 cents) each.

“I’m not too concerned about losing a

few golf balls,” said one group member. “I see it as making a contribution to the local community and economy.”

Don’t worry about wayward drives because your next shot could be with your camera as the ocean comes into view on 14 of the 18 holes as you journey through the Fijian landscape.

Carved out of virgin bush, the 6566m golf course packs a punch, but is free of gimmicks.

All have multiple tees, tailored to suit golfers of all abilities.

We could have been heroes and gone off the tiger tees, but we left our egos in the locker-room and played off the blue tees (6089m) while the ladies played from the reds (5038m).

“

“

I finally found happiness through the Fijian people

For tough golf holes, the par-4 first is an intimidating 454m brute off the tips and is correctly indexed number one while the par-4 second (400m) is index two.

The par-3 (197m) fourth that runs parallel to the beach is considered the signature hole, but the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth holes are extremely good.

What sets Fiji apart is its friendly people, but not far behind is the country’s salubrious winter weather, with its mild, calm days and low humidity.

It makes a day on the golf course

extremely pleasant.

In summer, well, it’s hot and playing golf in the middle of the day can be uncomfortable, but travelling in a golf cart does help especially when there’s a cool breeze off the ocean.

From Natadola Bay Golf Course it’s just a hop, skip and a jump to the magnificent island resorts frequented by not only the rich and famous but by honeymooners, families, holidaymakers and adventurers.

It’s where they go to escape the moody city-life blues.

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2014

TAKE A DIP: Visitors to Castaway Island can choose to relax in the resort’s swimming pool.

Fiji, I discover, is where everyone works to “Fiji time” and clock-watching isn’t practised.

It’s where happy hour often extends to two happy hours, but, hey, who’s clock-watching?

The country has more than 300 islands (many uninhabited) scattered in a group throughout the Pacific Ocean.

Uninhabited Monuriki Island was made famous by the Tom Hanks movie Cast Away.

Day tours to the island are available, but the paddle Hanks used in the film is on display on tropical Castaway Island, which is located in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca Island group.

Our intrepid group travelled by helicopter to Castaway Island, but most travellers take the charter boat.

Covered in rich tropical rainforest, the 174acre island is surrounded by pristine sandy white beaches and swaying palm trees.

Here you can swim in crystal clear water, snorkel over coral reefs, stroll along deserted

beaches, fish, canoe, stand-up paddle board, take a trip in a glass bottom boat or explore the island’s rainforest.

More than 60 air-conditioned bures (bungalows) featuring traditional Fijianstyle thatched roofs are nestled amongst lush gardens and along the water’s edge.

Castaway Island also offers a Fijian cultural dining experience thanks to Chinese/ Australian chef Lance Seeto.

The award-winning chef arrived on the island five years ago.

“I had a one-year contract, but I’m still here,” he said. “I finally found happiness through the Fijian people.”

He happily swapped his western upbringing for the simplicity and the clarity of a living ancient civilization.

Seeto even has his own cooking show seen in 13 countries.

He has discovered flavours and cooking techniques that are unique to the region

The writer was a guest of Tourism Fiji and the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

Mexican Sunrise Golf Tour 23 July - 8 August 2014 If you are looking to combine relaxation with your golfing holiday, you’ll be perfectly positioned to do so from our beachside hotels in Cabos and Playa Del Carmen.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • 16 nights luxury accommodation including 7 nights all inclusive package at the Melia Cabo Real (meals and beverages) • 8 rounds of premium resort golf inclusive of motorised cart • Los Cabos Sunset Tour with dinner and open bar • La Noria village tour and Tequila factory visit • Day tours including Mexico’s Mayan Pyramid, Chichén Itzá and Guadalupe Shrine • Dinner and show in Mexico City • Internal flights Los Cabos - Mazatlan - Mexico City - Cancun • Air conditioned group airport, golf and sightseeing tours • Fully escorted by Go Golfing’s experienced tour escort • Expert English speaking local guide Golfer package Non golfer package Single supplement

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and has pioneered a culinary revolution on Castaway Island and across the entire island archipelago.

Seeto certainly whet my appetite with his pre-lunch chat about the fresh, locallyproduced food.

Then he served up delicious Peking duck kokoda in scorched coconut milk; seawaterinfused pork belly; lemongrass tea chicken; steamed wild fish in green bamboo; masala and mango sea prawns. He’s a genius in the kitchen.

I can’t wait to get my hands on his cookbook, which comes out later this year.

The island offers a number of restaurants and bars. The Lali Bar is where everyone gathers until late in the evening. Bula Happy Hour is from 5pm-7pm. That’s right, two happy hours. Vinaka (thank you).

Yes, Fiji certainly has a lot to offer and what make it even more attractive is it’s only a short, four-hour flight away. •

GETTING THERE Fiji Airways flies direct from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

– www.fijiairways.com WHERE TO STAY Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa. – www.intercontinental.com/fiji WHERE TO PLAY Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course - www.natadolabay.com GOLF – NEED TO KNOW The one shot you need: A straight tee shot.

Toughest hole: The 454m par-4 first hole is rated index 1 for both men and women.

It’s 417m off the blue tees and 326m off the red tees.

Best chance for a birdie: The 300m (black tees) par-4 12th hole followed by the 502m par-5 17th.

Practice facilities: Excellent driving range and large putting green.

Ammunition (balls) quota: Load up.

What it costs: FJ$170 ($A100) for Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa guests.

Best time to visit: Late March to early November.

Souvenirs: The well-stocked pro shop has a huge range of logoed apparel, golf balls, ball markers, hats, caps etc.

The clubhouse offers: A stunning view of the 18th hole with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop. Food and beverages.

Don’t leave home without your: Camera.

April 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

11

Cape continues to

blaze golf’s eco trail

C

ape Kidnappers has solidified its place among the top-ranked courses in the world, along with its standing as the game’s most ambitious environmental golf property.

In January Audubon International renewed Cape Kidnappers GC as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, golf ’s highest environmental designation. Only 873 of the world’s approximately 35,000 courses have achieved this certification. Earlier, Golf Digest issued its first-ever global top 100 and Tom Doak-designed Cape Kidnappers came in at #22.

There are three Audubon-certified courses ranked ahead of Cape Kidnappers on the Golf Digest list, all in the U.S.: #1 Pine Valley GC, #14 Merion GC, and #15 Pebble Beach.

However, it’s unlikely that any course ranked above or below Cape Kidnappers is home to as many endangered species introductions or wildlife protection zones, to say nothing of kiwi footprints in bunkers and rare kakariki birds nesting in the maintenance shed.

“We’ve recently added bee hives to the property, which will help pollination of all the Cape’s plant species and we plan to extract our own ‘Cape Honey’ for the restaurant at some point,” said Cape Kidnappers course superintendent Brad Sim. “We’ve also added some 1,689 native plantings in the last year, representing 11 different species, and a wildflower field, which is more a point of interest for our non-golfing guests, perhaps, but it looks pretty spectacular. It’s this combination of world-class golf, lodging

and environmental programs that makes Cape Kidnappers so unique.

“On the golf side, we do take notice of new world rankings,” the Australian-born Sim continued. “We’re quite proud and definitely have high goals to maintain our spot, or improve it. With Kauri sneaking up a few places, too [sister course Kauri Cliffs GC in Bay of Island, NZ is ranked #39 on the same list], we’re obligated to keep pace.”

Cape Kidnappers is more than an elite golf and resort venue -- it’s an actual landform unto itself, a triangular headland whose white cliffs jut 8km into the Pacific from the North Island, wine-region community of Napier. Owned by American hedge-fund legend Julian Robertson, the golf course and adjoining lodge (the 5-star Farm at

Cape Kidnappers) occupy but a fraction of a 2,400-hectare property that represents one of the largest privately owned wildlife preserves in New Zealand.

The resort itself, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, has earned a lofty reputation in its own right. In 2010, it was named to Travel+Leisure’s “World’s Top 50 Hotels”. It earned Gold List status from Condé Nast Traveller for 2012. Soon the celebrated dining room will serve its own honey alongside the meat and vegetables raised on property.

Yet Cape Kidnappers also maintains the largest gannet colony in the world.

Populations of rare kiwi and pateke birds -- plus the very rare brown teal duck -- are routinely released and nurtured there, on land protected by a predator-proof fence some 13 km in circumference. Guests are invited to hike and explore the vast property -- even track kiwis now living in the Cape Sanctuary.

Sim’s maintenance staff routinely works alongside Farm and Cape Sanctuary staff to ensure the on-course environment complements work carried out across the wider property. This means, among other things, carrying out pest control, monitoring

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INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2014

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water quality in old farm dams, maintaining the integrity of the predator-proof fence, restoring habitat for native species, and removing invasive species like blackberry, pink ragwort and boxthorn.

“We on the golf staff get involved with wildlife conservation efforts as much as possible,” Sim said. “Prior to my arrival, the staff helped with building the bird-breeding aviaries and also installed their water supply, something we continue to maintain. We got a nice thank you for that effort when we found the kakariki trying to nest in our maintenance shed last year.

“We always have a couple staff at any release of new species. Recently there was a release of a predominately ground-dwelling bird, the Saddleback, which for many years only survived on a predator-free offshore island. They were brought in by helicopter

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When he and his staff aren’t releasing rare species or nurturing highly sought after makuna honey, Sim does what all superintendents do: He tends to his golf course. They are working hard this season at organic matter reduction/control, which includes coring fairways for the first time since the club opened in 2004. (“Good, solid organic tactic. All about increasing turf health.”) As part of Cape Kidnappers’ recent recertification, Audubon International enlisted the help of Craig France of the Sustaining Hawkes Bay Trust. France visited the course and observed first-hand, and in great detail, Sim’s environmental practices on course and off.

“Craig applauded your continuing efforts to maintain naturalized areas on the golf course, which provide valuable water, food and habitat for local and

migratory wildlife in the area,” wrote Doug Bechtel, Audubon’s associate director of Environmental Programs. “He noted your extensive native plantings, sighted kiwi prints in a sand bunker (!), and was impressed by the diverse and extensive wildlife corridors and buffer habitats around all water bodies.

“Your pest management methods and chemical use practices at the course are exemplary, and we applaud your use of scouting, setting thresholds for turf diseases and pests, and creative use of cattle for Porina grub control. These are great examples of integrated pest management. Craig recorded all your appropriate IPM methods, and noted your rotation of low toxicity pesticides and wide no-spray zones. We applaud these efforts and consider them good role models for other facilities.” •

Best of Europe Golf Tour 7 - 28 September 2014 Our exciting tour through France and Italy hits all the highlights - Paris, Provence, Rome, Venice, French Riviera, Florence.

TOUR INCLUSIONS • 21 nights deluxe and chateau accommodation including daily breakfast • Welcome & presentation dinner including beverages • 10 rounds of golf at premium resort courses (incl cart) • Les Chateaux Course Medoc, Royal Mougins Course, Ugolino Course • Sightseeing including Paris, Loire Valley Castles, Saint Emillion, French Riviera, Venice, Florence and Rome • 2 wine tasting experiences and authentic cooking classes • Internal flights, 1st class train tickets and boat transfers • Commemorative tour shirt • Experienced local guides & Go Golfing host • Luxury coach travel and much more....

Golfer package Non Golfer package

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DID YOU KNOW?

and lots of locals came to witness the release, which was months in the planning.”

Iwi representatives [Maori tribal elders] from both the bird’s island of origin and Hawkes Bay region performed a karakia, which is a blessing or prayer.

“All watched over the release with great pride. The whole process is quite spiritual actually, as most of the releases are,” Sim said. “The Saddleback in particular didn’t go so well at first, but we’ve recently got evidence they’re breeding: chicks and hatchling remnants. These are groundrunning birds. They don’t fly far, but they found a pair outside the Sanctuary in a local’s garden down in Te Awanga, 10-15 kilometers away. This pair was released back into the sanctuary. The population will be ‘topped up’ in August, with a release of more saddleback collected from Bushy Park in Wanganui.”

April 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

13

Banyan celebrates 5 years of success

Tee off on 17th century

Venetian

ramparts Travelrite International’s Italian Golf Tour explores Italy’s most captivating courses.

W

hilst renowned for its spectacular scener y and gastronomic delights, Italy also happens to host some of the world’s most captivating golf courses. Travelrite International’s Italian Golf Tour, hosted by Australian PGA Professional (and ex-Italian local) Robert Stock, explores the hidden jewels in Italy’s golfing crown. And it’ll give your epicurean tastebuds a good tickle too.

Here is just a taste of what’s on offer for those joining Robert on his Italy Golf Tour next September.

Experience the unique Tuscan splendour

14

INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2014

of il golf di Ugolino, just outside Firenze.

Officially recognised as one of fifty golf courses to play before you die, the course rolls out through olive groves, vineyards and orchards. Enjoy a post-game Chianti and tortellini in brodo in the centro storico of Florence.

Next, explore Golf Club Castelfalfi, a 27 hole golf course set slightly off the tourist track amidst 1100 hectares of beautiful countryside between Pisa and Florence. The estate, set around the borgo and castello (town and castle), dates back 2500 years to Etruscan times.

You will also experience a unique and magical stop in Venice, where you can enjoy your pre-game espresso in Circolo golf Venezia’s original 1820’s clubhouse and tee off on the surrounding 17th century ramparts. Venice has been awarded the 2013 Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year by the IAGTO. For more information about Travelrite International’s Italy Golf Tour, which runs from 31 August-18 September 2014, call Travelrite International on 1800 033 436 or email heathmont@travelrite.com.au •

It may have seemed a bold step at the time.

But the vision of a group of businessmen from the Netherlands to build a golf resort near Hua Hin, which opened five years ago, has been one of the region’s great tourism success stories.

Banyan Golf Club has celebrated its fifth anniversary with an invitational charity event and dinner that attracted 170 golfers and visitors. The event raised more than USD20,000 for the Bright Dawn Foundation, which provides health care and educational support to disadvantaged school children in the Hua Hin area.

With 200 members and a large regular customer base of golfers from western Europe, South East Asia and Australia, Banyan has recorded more than 150,000 rounds since opening in early 2009, the year it was named as best new course in Asia Pacific.

The club is ranked number one by Trip Advisor among places to visit in Hua Hin. For the past two years its contemporary Thai clubhouse, designed by Bangkok firm Smith Abayawat, has been named at the Asia Pacific Golf Summit as the best in Asia Pacific. www.golfinakingdom.com

Joondalup Tee it up at

The par-4 second hole on Joondalup’s Quarry course.

N

o golfing trip to Western Australia is complete without a round at Joondalup Resort.

Set 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 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 if

not the most impressive, 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 one, it’s for the Dune.

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. 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.

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 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.

Wi t h 7 0 l u x u r i o u s l y a p p o i nte d accommodation rooms and suites, 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, it is the perfect place to work, rest and play. www.joondalupresort.com.au

7 - 17 November 2014 TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • 10 nights accommodation including breakfast daily - Perth, Mandurah, Margaret River • 5 rounds of premium resort golf • Full day winery and sightseeing tour • Half day at Rottnest Island • Interactive cooking class and dinner with winemaker • Welcome Cocktail Reception • Farewell dinner with beverages • Luxury air conditioned coach • Fully escorted by Go Golfing’s experienced tour escort Golfer package Non golfer package Single supplement

from $3,799 per person (twin share) from $3,359 per person (twin share) $1,340

Go Golfing Travel PTY LTD Lic No 2TA5414. Go Golfing Travel PTY LTD is a member of the Travel Compensation Fund

# 1. FOR ESCORTED TOURS

Grapes and Greens Margaret River Golf Tour

April 2014 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

15

MAKE THE MOST OF THE MOMENT on the Sunshine Coast The Sunshine Coast is a hub for golf lovers, and no matter whether you are a beginner or professional, you will be spoilt for choice with over 20 courses to choose from. Perfect your game under blue skies on a choice of large greens, wide fairways and challenging holes for both low and high handicappers.

COOluM CApriCE

rAMAdA HOTEl & CONFErENCE CENTrE MArCOOlA bEACH

Coolum Stay 4 nights in an ocean view apartment.

Play 3 rounds of golf at championship Sunshine Coast courses including cart and green fees.

Marcoola Beach Ramada Marcoola Beach is offering a Bed and Breakfast rate of $175 per night. (2 people with twin bedding in a Hotel Room and subject to availability).

4 NigHTS iNCludiNg gOlF - $480 pp

$175 pEr NigHT (bEd & brEAKFAST) 2 pEOplE

1300 883 134

07 5412 0100

Subject to availability. Price is based on 4 people. Not available during peak periods and school holidays.

Twin bedding in a Hotel Room. Ocean views available at an upgrade fee & subject to availability. Valid 3/3/14 - 31/3/15. Subject to availability. Block out dates apply.

www.coolumcaprice.com.au

www.ramadamarcoola.com.au

pErEgiAN SpriNgS gOlF Club

TWiN WATErS gOlF Club

Peregian

Twin Waters

Play 18 Holes with a shared cart including range balls prior to play $69 per person.

Social Club offer. Bring your group to Twin Waters Golf Club Green Fees, Shared Cart Hire, burger & fries and group prize pack.

$69 pp WiTH CArT

SOCiAl Club OFFEr - FrOM $80 pp

07 5471 5471

07 5457 2444

Does not apply to a Saturday and is valid until October 30th 2014.

Applies Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays only.

www.peregianspringsgolfclub.com.au

twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

pEliCAN WATErS gOlF Club

NOOSA SpriNgS gOlF & SpA rESOrT

Caloundra

Noosa

20% off full green fee rate, includes motorised cart.

Normally $95.

Unlimited Golf Getaway. Two - four nights accommodation.

Unlimited daily golf includes motorised cart.

Buffet breakfast daily.

20% Full grEEN rATE - $75 pp

uNliMiTEd gOlF gETAWAY FrOM $170 pp

07 5437 5002

07 5440 3333

Valid 7 days until 24th December 2014. Not valid with any other offer.

Excludes peak periods.

www.pelicangolf.com.au

www.noosasprings.com.au

bEACH Club rESOrT

puMiCESTONE bluE rESOrT

Mooloolaba

Caloundra

15% off all room rates, discounted golf, free bottle of cellar master wine & 1GB broadband.

10% off your stay for booking of 3 nights or more in 1, 2 or 3 bedroom fully self contained apartment with great water views.

5 NigHT STAY FrOM $600

ApArTMENTS FrOM $138 p/N

1800 682 181

07 5492 8989

Minimum 5 night stay, not valid over long weekends or public holidays.

Valid until 20/12/14.

Conditions apply. Low season only. Not available Easter, Long weekends, School and Xmas Holidays. Prices are based on 7 nights.

www.beachclub.com.au

www.pumicestonblue.com

For more information about holidays on the Sunshine Coast visit www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au/moments

December 2013 | INSIDE TRAVEL

1