The London Golf Club Magazine

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LONDON GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

EUROPEAN OPEN THE TOUR COMES TO LONDON STEVE BACKLEY PRESIDENT MAKES THE CUT BOUTIQUE HOTELS CHIC MALLORCAN GETAWAYS

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10 MOUNT STREET, LONDON W1

020 7493 8385

WILLIAMANDSON.COM

CONTENTS EUROPEAN OPEN 12

The Tour finds a new home

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY 17 Hot Houses in Mallorca

TRAVEL 20

Around the world in 25 days with Annabel Trew

BOUTIQUE HOTELS 24 Chic retreats in the best of the Balearics

SNOW GOLF 32

Not just a fair-weather sport

SPA BREAK 35

A touch of Thai

LUXURY BOOKS 36

The biggest reads around

INTERIORS 38

Designs on Kelly Hoppen

ART 41

Genes have never looked so good

TECHNOLOGY 43 Keep your eye on the ball with the latest gear

MUST-HAVE ITEM 47

Improve your driving with Porsche

07

Photography by Sarel Jansen

Photography by Sarel Jansen

CONTENTS 08

48 STEVE BACKLEY London Golf Club President goes the distance

54 MAURITIAN GOLF Sun-drenched tee times in the Indian Ocean

58 TIGER WOODS Alasdair Robertson profiles the golfing great

60 TEACHING TIPS Get on course with London Golf Club Professionals

63 STYLE Attire to make your playing partners green with envy

67 CLUB FITTING Abigail Nance gets to grips with bespoke clubs

68 MOTORING Ultimate car experiences, from racing to rubs

74 OUTDOOR PURSUITS Off the green and into the blue

80 FASHION Hots shots at the Club

88 WEDDINGS A par-fect location for your special day!

90 FOOD & DRINK Best of British with Marco Pierre White

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Adrian Bucknall, Jon Chevalier, George Kiley, Alasdair Robertson, Claudia Rodrigues, Jamie Wooller

A Luxury Lifestyle A Legendary Opportunity

Introducing Raffles St Lucia: An Extraordinary Ownership Opportunity

Raffles St Lucia, West Indies is taking luxury to a whole new level. This is the story of two legends coming together in paradise. Raffles Hotels & Resorts and Jack Nicklaus are combining their respective talents and melding their iconic brands to establish an entirely new living experience in the Caribbean. To learn more about the incomparable opportunity to own a Resort Residence or an Estate Lot at Raffles St Lucia, call today.

Jack Nicklaus Golf Club

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RafflesAmrita Spa

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Private Beach Clubs

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24-Hour Concierge

Contact us to schedule a property tour.

00 1 758 452 0208 www.RafflesStLucia.com Raffles St Lucia (the “Resort”) is not owned, developed or sold by Raffles Hotels & Resorts (“Raffles”) or its affiliates. Point Hardy Development Company Ltd. (the “Developer”) is independently owned and operated and is solely responsible for the ownership, development and operation of the Resort.

The Developer uses the Raffles brand name and certain Raffles trademarks. Under limited circumstances, the licenses may be terminated or revoked according to its terms in which case neither the residential interests nor any part of the Resort will be identified as a Raffles-branded project or have any rights to use the trademarks. Raffles does not make any representations or guaranties with respect to the residential interests or the Resort and is not responsible for the Developer’s marketing practices, advertising and sales representations.

Abigail Nance Editor

LONDON GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

%DITOR Abigail Nance (EAD OF $ESIGN Danya Eltchelebi 0ROJECT -ANAGER Kate Harrison &EATURES %DITOR Natasha Burroughs 0RODUCTION %DITOR Robert Cook %DITORIAL !SSISTANT Josephine Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donoghue %DITORIAL !SSISTANT Annabel Trew -OTORING %DITOR Matthew Carter &ASHION 0HOTOGRAPHER Sarel Jansen &INANCE -ANAGER Annette Habel 3ALES $IRECTOR Eren Ellwood 0 ! TO 3ALES $IRECTOR Ella Kilgarriff 'RAPHIC $ESIGNER Chris Hume 'RAPHIC $ESIGNER Liz Verde -ANAGING $IRECTOR Giles Ellwood

Tel: +44 (0) 1474 879 899 Fax: +44 (0) 1474 879 912 Stansted Lane, Ash, Nr Brands Hatch Kent TN15 7EH

LONDON THE

VISION, IN MY MIND, brings success in any field, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at work or play.

Take golf, for example. All the best players will visualise their shot well in advance of hitting it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just walking up to the ball but even before their round.

At The London Golf Club, we have vision both on and off the course. Within our traditional game, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re conscious of pushing the boundaries and looking to attain the highest standards at every level.

These standards and our continued ambition to be at the top of our game have already produced a significant success â&#x20AC;&#x201C; namely The European Open. This year sees The London Golf Club host the event for the first time.

The European Tourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to holding such a prestigious tournament at the Club is recognition of our improving status as one of the leading golf venues in Europe.

For us, we believe this is just the beginning, and as such, so is this magazine. Over the following pages you will find an eclectic mix of lifestyle and golfing features to both tantalise and inspire.

THE

FROM THE EDITOR

GOLF CLUB MAGAZINE

EUROPEAN OPEN THE TOUR COMES TO LONDON STEVE BACKLEY PRESIDENT MAKES THE CUT BOUTIQUE HOTELS CHIC MALLORCAN GETAWAYS

10 FRONT COVER Photography by Sarel Jansen Clothing by Ralph Lauren Jewellery supplied by Charles Fish and Rocks, Frocks & Cocktails Location: The London Golf Club

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4HE ,ONDON 'OLF #LUB -AGAZINE IS PRODUCED BY

25.7),$ -%$)! ,4$ 4 020 7987 4320 & 020 7005 0045 % lgc@runwildmedia.com 7 www.runwildmedia.com RunWild Media Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and RunWild Media Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

Some choices are less obvious than others

THE 2008 MASERATI QUATTROPORTE The award-winning Maserati Quattroporte is available with a six-speed, clutchless manual transmission or six-speed, ZF automatic transmission to suit your driving style.

Featuring an inspiring 4.2-litre V8 engine, this exquisite, Pininfarina-styled sports saloon is capable of 167 mph* and 0-62 mph in 5.6 seconds*. Handling is a match for its performance thanks to a near perfect weight distribution and the option of the Skyhook continuously adaptable suspension system. For further information, or to request a test drive, contact 01732 747730 or visit www.maseratiquattroporte.co.uk Prices for the Maserati Quattoporte range start at £77,215 on the road, including 3 year/37,000 miles servicing package and 3 year/unlimited mileage warranty.

Car shown is Sport GT S Automatic at £86,505 on the road with metallic paint at £553. The Quattroporte range also includes the Quattroporte at £77,215 on the road, Sport GT at £83,415 on the road and Executive GT at £86,105 on the road. * Performance figures relate to automatic transmission versions. Official fuel consumption for the Maserati Quattroporte Automatic in mpg (litres/100 km): urban 12.9 (21.9), extra urban 26.9 (10.5), combined 19.2 (14.7). CO2 emissions on combined cycle: 345g/km.

Official fuel consumption for the Maserati Quattroporte DuoSelect in mpg (litres/100 km): urban 12.2 (23.2), extra urban 24.6 (11.5), combined 17.9 (15.8). CO2 emissions on combined cycle: 370g/km. Text message and download charged at standard network tariff. Internet access for download required.

Lancaster Sevenoaks 143 St Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3PE Tel: 01732 747730 www.lancastermaserati.co.uk

Te x t V I D E O t o 8 1 0 2 5

OPEN SEASON

AT THE LONDON GOLF CLUB

XX

7th Hole, The Heritage Course Photographer: Angus Gray

EVENT It’s one of the biggest tournaments on The European Tour. Some of the most celebrated names in golf play in it. And, for the first time in 14 years, it has returned to England THE ‘LUCK OF the Irish’ was nowhere to be seen last year, as the country bid farewell to one of golf’s major events.

2007 marked the end of a mammoth 13year run for The K Club as the home of The European Open. What the Irish have lost though, London has gained in 2008, as The European Tour elected to take its flagship tournament back across the waters to England and to a new venue – The London Golf Club.

No stranger to championship golf, having staged The Bendinat London Seniors Masters for the past three years, The London Golf Club was deemed the ideal successor, with its Jack Nicklaus signature Heritage Course. Fending off tough competition from other renowned courses, General Manager Heath Harvey regards The European Tour’s selection as testament to the Club’s improving status as one of Europe’s leading golf venues: “The London Golf Club may not have the history of some of its competitors, but what it lacks in tradition it makes up for with sheer quality. The fact that we are now only the seventh venue to host this prestigious tournament reinforces our continued efforts to establish ourselves as a premier facility, alongside the likes of Wentworth, The K Club, Turnberry and Sunningdale”.

Drawing annual crowds of more than fifty thousand, The European Open is among the Tour’s most significant events.

Often referred to fondly as the jewel in the crown, it’s one of the richest tournaments after The Open Championship. Last year’s total prize fund was nearly £2.5million, putting the fixture not far outside the four world majors. It makes for quite an attractive pot even for some of the bigger golfing guns, such as the 2007 European Tour Order of Merit Winner Justin Rose, Ryder Cup players Paul McGinley and Lee Westwood and 2007 Open Winner Padraig Harrington.

13

Colin Montgomerie at The K Club 2007

Photographer: Phil Inglis Sam Torrance, The Bendinat London Seniors Masters Photographer: Phil Inglis

THE LONDON GOLF CLUB IS CURRENTLY AMONG THE TOP CLUBS IN THE UK AND THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO HOST SUCH A HIGH-PROFILE TOURNAMENT ONLY GOES TO REINFORCE THIS

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Since its inception back in 1978, The European Open has notched up a momentous list of winners. No fewer than eight Major Champions have taken the title, including Nick Faldo, Greg Norman, Tom Kite and Ian Woosnam. Former Ryder Cup player and London Golf Club Member Paul Way has his own fond memories of the day he won back in 1987. “It was a fantastic win for me. I shot 9 under par to beat Langer and Norman at Walton Heath.”

Over the years, The European Open has certainly seen its fair share of drama unfolding on the fairways. Just think back to Darren Clarke’s round of 60 on the second day in 1999 or Bernhard Langer’s sixty foot putt to win in 1995. And then there was last year, when eight-times European Tour Order of Merit Winner Colin Montgomerie shot five under par on the last day and then had an agonising 80-minute wait before securing his 31st victory: “I was delighted to be the 2007 winner of The European Open at The K Club, after coming close there on a few occasions. That victory was very important in terms of my world ranking.”

The Ryder Cup player had previously recommended The London Golf Club as a more than suitable venue for a “big boys’ event” – a good-humoured reference to his fellow players. “It’s great that there’s a London venue back on the schedule now. The London Golf Club’s Heritage Course provides a stern examination of Tour golf.”

The course was mapped out specifically with tournaments of this magnitude in mind.

Designer Jack Nicklaus had this very vision

Colin Montgomerie at The K Club 2007 Photographer: Phil Inglis

when he set about creating the 7,250 yard par 72 back in the 1990s. Studying the course layout, this is plain to see, as Courses Manager Peter Todd explained: “The course was constructed with plenty of natural grandstands and there is substantial spacing between the holes to accommodate large crowds. The amount of water, especially on the tricky par 3s and the short 13th hole, adds to the excitement of tournament golf as well.”

As the owner of The London Golf Club, international property company The Bendinat Group hopes that The 2008 European Open marks the start of many more events of a similar scale being staged at the Club. Sales and Marketing Director Andrew Spence said: “The London Golf Club is currently among the top clubs in the UK and the fact that it has been chosen to host such a high-profile tournament only goes to reinforce this. Since the Club was purchased by The Bendinat Group nearly five years ago, significant and continued investment in the courses and clubhouse facilities has brought it to its current standard and we are proud to be a part of The London Golf Club’s success.”

For more information on The European Open, visit www.europeantour.com

Paul Way, 1987 European Open Champion

15

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MARVEL AT MALLORCA

PROPERTY Balearic charms are discovered as ABIGAIL NANCE experiences the magic of owning a property in Mallorca.

TOUCH DOWN ON the tarmac at Palma de Mallorca Airport and the warmth greets you – a welcome sensation after the typically inclement weather back in the UK. It’s not just the temperature that makes an impression either. Driving past the capital’s sand-coloured, ornate facades and its magnificent marina awash with luxurious liners, any preconceived notions of this isle being a hedonistic hub for holidaying Brits goes out of the window.

Instead it seems the island is reserved for the elite; Spain’s playground for the rich and famous. Certainly members of the Spanish royal family, including His Majesty King Juan Carlos 1, make Mallorca their retreat of choice, while celebrities from Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones to David and Victoria Beckham also grace the shores.

With further exploration of the largest

of the Balearics, it’s not difficult to see why so many choose not only to holiday but to buy in this idyllic hotspot. Golfing enthusiasts have more than twenty courses to choose from, culture vultures can feast on the historical capital and watersport aficionados have all manner of activities to whet their appetites.

Passionate about the island, businessman Nick Le Couteur is one of many Brits who has bought a property and now spends most of his time here: “The locals are friendly, the climate favourable and, if you are an outdoors person, it’s simply a paradise of activity on both land and sea.” The coastline in itself is enough to take your breath away, with glistening clear waters and chic beachfront developments, which are a million miles from the high-rise resorts of Spain.

Perhaps this is just one of the reasons why, while the mainland is suffering

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something of a downturn, the quality end of Mallorca’s market is holding up, according to Andrew Spence of The Bendinat Group, the premier developer on the island and owner of The London Golf Club. Over recent decades, Mallorca has become a much sought-after destination due to its year-round climate, excellent infrastructure, facilities and natural beauty. Frequent and good value flights make it more accessible and, with a secure environment, it’s ideal for second home ownership.

So what would it take to secure your place in the sun? A luxury two-bedroom apartment could set you back anything from €350,000 to a cool €1,500,000. If you’re thinking of buying a house in Palma or further inland, then this could cost between €450,000 and five million at the very top end of the scale, but if you want a coastal bolthole or villa these can range anywhere from one to twenty million euros!

Take Puerto Portals and Puerto Andratx, two of the more desirable south-westerly addresses for those in the Mallorcan know.

Or Puerto Pollensa and the picturesque village of Deya, both on the north-west coast and among the most beautiful spots on the island. You’d be lucky to find

a place for rent in any of these prime locations, let alone for sale.

If you’re set on it though, you generally have to buy off plan before completion.

Not too much of a hardship though, when you stand on-site at The Bendinat Group development Las Vistas de Andratx, for example – an exclusive project of 18 minimalist two and three-bed apartments set in a rocky outcrop. Even before the foundations were put in place, the spectacular sea views made it impossible not to visualise yourself living there – a musthave for any eagle-eyed property buyer.

It seems Mallorca is still in demand for a very simple reason. Over the past ten years a number of shrewd local authorities have declared building moratoriums in certain areas, which have naturally limited supply. These freezes can be in place for a minimum of two years and are seen as a positive process for both property owners and the island in general; a stark contrast to mainland Spain where the coastal areas were saturated years ago, hence the current situation there. The Bendinat Group’s Andrew Spence explained: “This is where Mallorca is in a league of its own. There isn’t a lot of property for sale, it isn’t overbuilt and it isn’t spoilt. Most of it remains undiscovered and those areas that have been

are far more upmarket than the peninsula.”

Nowadays, where they are permitted, developers such as The Bendinat Group are branching out to pastures new and focusing on the tranquil east of the island. Portocolom, an unspoilt, beautiful fishing village and marina just 40 minutes from Palma with excellent restaurants, is without doubt set to be the next area to attract investors. Bendinat’s project there is a selection of two and three-bedroom apartments and four-bed townhouses with 5-star finishes. As a more secluded alternative to the enviable south-west, such projects mean more superb homes near to some of the Balearics’ best beaches and coves. €380,000 will buy you a two-bedroom penthouse with roof terrace just 120 yards from the water’s edge.

For more information on properties in Mallorca, visit www.bendinat.com

0ORTOCOLOM

MORE THAN 25 YEARS BUILDING FINE PROPERTIES IN MALLORCA

THE BEST LOCATIONS IN MALLORCA PORTOCOLOM o ANDRATX o BENDINAT o PORT ADRIANO

TEL o FAX INFO BENDINAT COM o WWW BENDINAT COM

AROUND THE WORLD IN

25 DAYS

T R AV E L ANNABEL TREW searches out the ultimate holiday experience A MODERN BUSINESS lifestyle, although seemingly international, can in truth only feel as diverse as the inside of one hotel room to another.

At some point everyone has dreamed of taking that lifechanging holiday and leaving the daily grind to explore the wonders of the planet we live in. But who can give up a year to span the globe, on a whim?

Not many, unless of course, you can squeeze it into a few weeks.

Trying to plan a trip but having to wrestle with the flight schedules of commercial airlines is a nightmare when time is of the essence. Forget manic check-ins, crowded airports and exhausting security queues, what Abercrombie & Kent has done is gut a Boeing 757 (normally catering for 187 passengers) and pamper it with 52 extended recline, cradle VIP seats. The private jet then flies to some of the most spectacular wonders of the world in just three weeks, bypassing all the irritations of standard air travel. The aircraft itself has an onboard champagne lounge and, as there is one cabin attendant for every seven passengers, as well a chef and assistant to personally choose local fresh ingredients, the service is unbeatable.

The itinerary is mind blowing. Beginning in one of the trendiest cities in the world, Los Angeles, the holiday opens with an extravagant cocktail party at the Beverley Wiltshire Hotel. The guests then bid goodbye to the West and within hours find themselves in one of the most exotic places on Earth, Tahiti. From four wheel drive safaris to shark spotting, from deep-sea marlin fishing to world-renowned luxurious Sydney Opera House, Australia

spa days, there is something for everyone on the tropical island of Bora Bora. Guests finish the day on the beach, watching fire eaters and Polynesian dancers before retiring to the beautiful private over-water bungalows.

The tour then continues in the sundrenched metropolis of Sydney. Guests can cruise through the worldfamous harbour, learn about aboriginal art, hike through a national park or catch a sea plane. The stay is only short, though; with a brief leap over the International Date Line, the next stop is Myanmar.

Previously known as Burma, this culturally-rich but war-torn country has been hidden from Western eyes for half a century.

Abercrombie & Kent charter a deluxe orient-express river cruiser for their guests, giving an intimate glance into this otherwise secret country. They discover a treasure trove of Buddhist art history, including the massive Mingun Padoga, a 90-ton bell.

Proving that the impossible is possible, the private jet then takes travellers to the aweinspiring Taj Mahal just for the afternoon, before landing in the rich manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise, Dubai.

Starting at the internationallyrenowned polo club, afternoon tea at the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only 7-star hotel is offered along with, bizarrely, indoor real snow skiing. The ladies, however, may prefer to shop until they drop at the Mall of the Emirates (boasting 2.4 million square feet of shops) or spoil themselves at the world-famous Talise Spa. From ultimate decadence to unbelievable beauty, the next stop is Jordan, home of the lost city Petra, one of the most extraordinary historical sites

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St. Regis, Bora Bora

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in the world. Rediscovered in the 19th century after being forgotten for 1,000 years, this magnificent biblical city is carved into huge cliffs. Alternatively, visitors can float effortlessly in the Dead Sea and explore the excavations at Bethany, where Jesus is said to have been baptised.

Again there is another leap of imagination, as the tour moves from the biblical to the cultural. Moving to a different continent and to the city of Florence, the next destination, people can wander through the beautiful piazzas, taste the best ice cream in the world and visit staggering medieval towns. The guests then fly to Prague briefly for a day of sightseeing before the itinerary cuts east to St. Petersburg, the last port of call. Caviar and luxury vodka welcome and celebrate their arrival in this beautiful city that has become immortalised in film and literature across the globe. The day is spent exploring everything, from ancient palaces of the Tsars to antique jewellery quarters. Heralding the end of the tour, a gala evening is held at the opulent Yusupov Palace, where, cocktail in hand, the guests enjoy a stunning ballet performance and dinner. Flying back into Boston, the extraordinary tour from continent to continent, from culture to culture sadly comes to an end.

Spanning ten countries, guests will stand in the presence of Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, sail in the crystalline waters of the Pacific, scramble over 2,000-year-old ruins in the middle of the desert and explore forgotten countries steeped in history.

For those who want to escape and really see the world, The Cultural Treasures Tour is truly the holiday of a lifetime.

The Cultural Treasures Tour. Approx £48,768 ($98,900) per person based on double occupancy, approximately £3,538 ($7,175) single supplement.

Travel dates: Depart 10 October 2008, returning 3 November.

For other A&K private jet tours, see the website.

A&K Private Travel 020 7190 7750 www.abercrombieandkent.com

!LL IMAGES COURTESY OF !BERCROMBIE +ENT

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy

Road to Mandalay, Myanmar

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47 ,% ., . .) /- . 3)/, )(0 ($ ( 1#$& *,)0$ $(" .# ' ($.$ - ( - ,0$ )! !$0 -. , #). & , .$)( & )1( ,-#$* /( , -. 1 , -#$* )! .# 1),& , ()1( ,,$).. , ( &$'$( . - .# /, ( )! ' ( "$(" 3)/, - )( #)' *,)0$ - )'* &&$(" !$( ( $ & )*.$)(- "$0 - 3)/ * ,-)( & !& 2$ $&$.3 ( 2. ( - 3)/, &$! -.3& For more information about this unique residential opportunity, visit www.47parkstreet.com, call +44 (0)20 7950 5528 or email info@47parkstreet.com.

The show residence is open daily by appointment. Prices from ÂŁ109,000.

47 ,% ., . 4 3! $, 4 )( )( 1 7 4 44 (0)20 7950 5528 4 111 47* ,%-., . )'

XX

ULTRA URBANO OR RURAL RELAXATION?

T R AV E L The Mediterranean island of Mallorca has a hotel for every occasion, from rustic retreats in the campo to über-chic hotspots in the capital.

Whichever you opt for, you’re guaranteed a golf course nearby…

IT’S A CASE of different strokes for different folks when it comes to places to stay while away.

Some like it hot and happening in the city, while others prefer to kick back and relax by the coast.

That’s where Mallorca comes into its own.

The Balearic island has moved a long way from the infamous package holiday resorts of the 1970s, which rather fortunately are confined to select, seaside areas. Nowadays upmarket, trendy hotels are increasingly making their mark and leaving destinations like Magaluf well and truly in the shade.

For visitors wanting a city fix, the capital, Palma, will not disappoint. There is currently a choice of around 40 hotels where today’s prerequisites of ‘boutique’ and ‘bijoux’ are top of the bill. The city is an ideal base to get a taste for the Spanish nightlife, do a spot of shopping and feast on the abundance of culture. Equally you’re just minutes from the beach and some top golf courses.

But if the hussle bussle isn’t for you, then the seaside and countryside offer some very attractive alternatives: castles next to crystal blue waters or hilltop ‘fincas’ with knockout mountain vistas.

Whether it’s city chic, cosy country or classic coast, here are a few recommendations for a weekend break or longer…

Maricel, Calviá

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Puro, Palma de Mallorca

Purobeach

26

 

PURO, Palma de Mallorca

WHERE: Located smack bang in the heart of Palma old town, Puro is one of the capital’s trendiest hotspots. La Lonja is the hippest district of the moment, where you’ll find all the top bars, restaurants and shopping. It’s also close to the yacht harbour, which is a sight to be seen – St Tropez, eat your heart out!

WHY: This is one of the most popular haunts for city breakers. It’s modern and funky – the place to see and be seen. It comes into its own at night with the Opio bar, which is one of the liveliest in Palma. DJ-selected music creates a ‘chill out’ atmosphere for the stylish mix of guests and local night owls. It’s certainly not the place for a quiet, secluded weekend!

SPEND TIME chilling out in the sanctuary of the roof-deck, with its sun beds and plunge pool. Or, if you want the real deal, go to Purobeach. The seaside arm of the hotel, this is where you can do yoga, meditate or just experience the Mallorcan heat!

DESIGN: Puro is quite simply about fashion – not function. Swedish owner Mats Wahlström travelled the world on a motorcycle to glean his inspiration for the décor. Branded an “oasis urbano”, the style is a bohemian blend of world cultures nestled in the shell of a 14th century palace. Oriental, African, Arabic and Mediterranean influences are combined to give a self-professed sense of “Marrakech meets Miami meets South East Asia”. Natural woods and stones alongside guinea goose down light shades and beds adorned with parrot feather hats set the trend.

MORE INFO: All 26 rooms and suites have Bose sound systems and free wireless internet. Rates are anywhere from €165 to €515 per room per night, depending on the season. www.purohotel.com

Misión De San Miguel, Palma de Mallorca

MISIÓN DE SAN MIGUEL, Palma de Mallorca WHERE: This modern, urban hotel is located right in the middle of Palma, only a few metres from the main commercial streets and pedestrian shopping strips. Set in the silhouette of some of the city’s grandest monuments, including Bellver Castle and the cathedral, this hideaway caters for business trips during the week and mini breaks at the weekend.

WHY: Rather than plush, Misión de San Miguel is practical. Rooms are functional, the bar simple yet suave and the restaurant reliably good. The general ethos is that the bed is for sleeping in and the city for taking in. If you want a comfortable base to check out the sites, then this is it. You can even hire bikes and Smart cars if you want to give your feet a rest.

SPEND TIME picking at tapas in the quaint courtyard with portcullis-style doorway. Also try a bottle of Rioja from the cave wine cellar in the Mediterranean Trébol restaurant.

DESIGN: From the outside, guests would be forgiven for thinking that Misión de San Miguel was a restored townhouse. It is in fact a new build and the minimalist interior reinforces this. Design concepts came from Bruno Barrione and Philippe Starck. Forget fancy frills and quirky features; lines are clean, colours neutral and lighting atmospheric.

MORE INFO: There are 32 ensuite rooms all overlooking Palma old town. Rates are from €110 to €190 per room per night. Grab one of the hotel’s “What’s on” guides to get the low-down on events while you’re in town. www.hotelmisiondesanmiguel.com

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 

Son Net, Puigpunyent

Son Net, Puigpunyent

 

SON NET, Puigpunyent WHERE: Set in the pine forests and olive groves to the north-west of Palma, this finca is one of the oldest properties in Mallorca. The present building dates back to the 17th century, although a house has been on the hilltop site for more than a thousand years.

WHY: There doesn’t need to be a reason. This is heaven in a hotel. Considered to be among the top 15 country retreats in Europe, Son Net has been lovingly restored, combining both traditional and contemporary design. It feels more like a stately home than a hotel, thanks to the welcoming and comfortable ambiance.

SPEND TIME either relaxing in the private cabañas by the 30-metre swimming pool or walking the corridors, taking in the remarkable fine art collection, which includes Andy Warhol and David Hockney originals.

DESIGN: The chairman of Stein Hotels, David Stein, initially set about restoring the property as his private family residence. Local architect Antonio Obrador was the designer charged with converting the building to its current hotel status. Each of the 31 rooms has been individually decorated with period furnishings and unique colour schemes. The suites are vast, so much so that you can lose yourself and certainly the soap in the accompanying bathrooms! The main restaurant has been created around what was once the largest olive press in the island, with a mezzanine area for private dining. Sunday brunch is a must.

MORE INFO: Classic rooms are priced from €395 per night and the Presidential Suite up to €2,000. Five of Mallorca’s best golf courses are within a 15-minute drive, including Royal Golf de Bendinat, where London Golf Club Members have reciprocal playing rights. www.steinhotels.com/sonnet

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Son Net, Puigpunyent

Maricel, Calviá

Maricel, Calviá

 

MARICEL, Calviá

WHERE: You can’t get much closer to the sea than this; the hotel is literally built on the rocks.

Four kilometres from downtown Palma, Maricel (translated as ‘sea and sky’) stands majestically on the coastline. Its imposing stone and marble façade, single tower and numerous arches give it an air of prominence both on and offshore.

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WHY: Back in 1960, when Maricel first opened its doors, it was considered the most exclusive hotel in Mallorca. Today it’s still the venue of choice for the jet set. All rooms have views of either the mountains or the sea, so guests benefit from unrivalled sunsets and sunrises.

SPEND TIME having an indulgent Oriental massage in the natural, private caves beneath the hotel, with the waves lapping on the rocks around you. Or even better, gorge on the award-winning breakfast. Voted the best in the world, there’s no menu, no buffet and no limits on what you can try or how long you can eat for.

DESIGN: Although minimalist, the hotel’s Mediterranean character permeates the building. The open-plan reception / lounge / bar area is super chic, the rooms are starch white with a touch of chocolate, and the infinity pool falls into the sea. This year marks the completion of a large spa extension, which will be reached by an underground, candlelit tunnel.

MORE INFO: Expect to pay between €410 and €960 per night, depending on the season. www.hospes.es

Maricel, Calviá

PASSION FOR SERVICE

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SWINGING THE WHITE FANTASTIC EVENTS 32

Golf is not just a fair weather sport…

MOWGLI FROM THE Jungle Book playing snow golf? An unlikely picture? Well, perhaps not, considering it was his creator that actually invented the alternative game back in the 19th century. Yes, Rudyard Kipling, the great author and poet himself, took golf from the green to the white in between penning some of his greatest works in the 1890s.

Today, his passion for hitting the fairways with the necessary ‘high vis’ balls, snow rackets instead of spikes and a snow wedge rather than a sand iron is somewhat en vogue.

Sure, finding the hole may be tougher than in normal golf (due to the added encumbrance of thigh-high white stuff impinging your stance and hiding the pin), but diehard golfers and outdoor enthusiasts can’t get enough of it.

Tournaments are being held the world over, such as the annual Snow Golf Cup in Megève, France.

Golfing prestige sits rather well in this glamorous ski resort, fondly known as the St Tropez of the Alps, where celebrities own luxury chalets.

The championship, held on the Mont d’Arbois Golf Course, sees a field of more than 250 players getting down under par without falling down first. Nine holes is the recommended round, though – any more and funnily enough you start losing your feel for the game!

Sadly, inclement weather saw this year’s event cancelled. Golf fans, even using the ‘bear necessities’ of thermal gear and woolly visors, couldn’t compete with the elements.

Instead, they were better off playing a round on PlayStation in the comfort of their distinctive holiday home.

Enjoy Megève in the luxury of a Distinctive Holiday Home Chalet. For more information, visit www.d-h-h.com

Interior Chalet, Distinctive Holiday Homes

Courtesy of Megève Tourism

Corsanico, Tuscany

Waya Island, Fiji

Lake Tahoe, California

ENJOY A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME HOLIDAY, EVERY YEAR. www.d-h-h.com Queenstown, New Zealand

Cocktails on the veranda

Noosa, Australia

86ft Motor Yacht

We know your leisure time is precious. Which is why, at Distinctive Holiday Homes, we take great pleasure in providing our members with the most relaxing, rewarding and enjoyable vacation experiences possible. No crowds, no stress. Just world-class luxury, the finest level of service, and meticulous attention to detail every step of the way. Join us now and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take you to some of the most spectacular, intimate and luxurious destinations around the globe.

Membership includes your own personal concierge and butler service (on-site and on-call 24 hours a day), a dedicated maid service, a luxury vehicle and more. Your every need is met, and your expectations exceeded. To find out more, call us or visit www.d-h-h.com today.

A TASTE OF

HEAVEN

R E L A X AT I O N For busy urbanites seeking escape, Thailand’s Chiva-Som spa offers a wealth of ways to relax, says GEORGE KILEY HEAVEN IS A place on Earth and we’ve found it…

Everyone longs to experience seventh heaven and whilst such a distinguished tag has often been handed out rather too lightly, those who have been searching for that one truly idyllic resort need look no further than Chiva-Som. This intimate spa retreat is nestled in peaceful tropical gardens outside the Royal City of Hua Hin on the Gulf of Thailand and is a glorious haven for those who wish to get away from it all. Chiva-Som literally translates as ‘Haven of Life’ and the unforgettable experiences make this secluded world of beauty more than worthy of such a title.

The beachfront health resort offers accommodation that not only boasts positively palatial size and spectacular ocean views but at the same time emphasises blissful relaxation and oozes traditional charm through a harmonious blend of Eastern and Western culture.

Chiva-Som’s innovative yet simple combination of ancient Eastern therapies with the latest Western techniques focuses the mind, body and spirit to achieve

greater well-being and vitality. With an extensive range of contemporary fitness, spa and holistic health facilities on offer, including a bathing pavilion, multi-level steam rooms and hydro pools, visitors can truly relax and restore. On top of this, Chiva-Som boasts a range of bespoke personalised programmes and treatments, ranging from weight management and stress reduction to training classes in Tai Chi, as well as complementary therapies and medical services.

After an early swim, a midday Pilates session and an afternoon of Yoga, there are over 120 wellness and beauty treatments to indulge in. To top it all off, why not treat yourself to the award-winning Spa cuisine, which uses organically-grown fruits and vegetables from the Chiva-Som garden, proving that low calorie, nutritious food can truly be a gourmet experience? Such palatable perfection can be enjoyed in the elegant fine dining Emerald Room or in the more relaxed beachfront setting at the Taste of Siam restaurant.

Chiva-Som is the epitome of serenity and an ideal resort for busy professionals seeking innovative healthy living at the same time as a decadent escape from the hectic world of work – not to mention a great way to detox if you’ve been over-indulging.

For further information, visit www.chivasom.com

35

MORE THAN A BOOK 4HIERRY (ENRY

LIFESTYLE Opus showcases some of the biggest names in sport, entertainment, art and fashion on a monumental scale

36

AFTER A BRACING morning on the golf course, what could be better than settling down at home with a glass of what you fancy and browsing a good book? Well, those who think that little bit bigger might want to pick up an Opus instead (that’s if you can carry it) from a collection of heavyweight publications by Kraken Opus.

Once described by a reviewer as “not so much a coffee-table book as the coffee table”, an Opus is on average half-a-metre square, over 800 pages long and weighs in at over 30 kilos.

The large format of these limited edition publications, on subjects ranging from Arsenal FC to Vivienne Westwood, Formula 1 to Disney, allows photographs, illustrations, artwork and memorabilia to be displayed on an unprecedented scale. Indeed, don’t use the word ‘book’ to describe an Opus when Karl Fowler, the founder and CEO of Kraken Opus, is around.

“An Opus is more than a book, it’s an experience”, he asserts. “The idea is to present a great theme or story in the most cinematic, definitive and luxurious way. The print run of each Opus is strictly limited worldwide, they are personally signed by iconic figures and feature the finest writers in their fields. In addition, a large percentage of the images has never been published before, whether they are photos commissioned by us exclusively for the Opus or a picture sourced from a private collector. An Opus really is a unique piece of art with extraordinary investment value.”

The acclaim for the first two Opuses – XL Super Bowl The Opus, which celebrated 40 years of the Super Bowl, and United Opus on Manchester United FC – published in December 2006, backs up Fowler’s words. GQ magazine raved about the “avalanche of iconic on-and-off-the field photography and fetishistic detail that will enthral – and possibly give a hernia to – any fan” in XL Super Bowl, while Millionaire called it “The ultimate collectible”.

The Daily Telegraph described the design and graphics in United Opus as “superb – everything about it different class”. Britain’s leading art collector Charles Saatchi was moved to say, “This is a work of genius”. Indeed, Saatchi was so impressed that an Opus on art he

has collected and exhibited over the years is now in production.

The burgeoning reputation of the Opus brand was highlighted by an extraordinary charity auction in Dubai last November, when a mystery bidder paid $1.5 million for copy 777 (a number viewed as extremely lucky in Arabic culture) of the United Opus, a new world record for a sporting book.

The normal retail price of the United Opus is a fraction of this staggering figure, but each copy is personally signed by the legendary heroes of the club, Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson.

A special Icons Edition bears the additional handwritten signatures of United’s most iconic players: Eric Cantona, Denis Law and Bryan Robson.

“Getting involved with the production of this extraordinary Opus evoked some great and poignant memories for me”, says Charlton, who spoke for the first time in depth about the tragic 1958 Munich air crash in the Opus. “Younger fans often have difficulty feeling a connection with the club’s past and I think that the United Opus’ mix of rare pictures, interviews and stats is among the best ways I’ve come across to bring this past to life.”

The success of the United Opus was followed by the launch of Arsenal Opus in September 2007 at Emirates Stadium. Detailing

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Kraken Opus is offering a 10 percent discount off all current and future Opuses exclusively to members of The London Golf Club and those who purchase special Opus for Life Bonds. To order or pre-order an Opus, call 020 7213 9587 and quote The London Golf Club. www.krakenopus.com

$AME 6IVIENNE 7ESTWOOD AT THE LAUNCH OF THE 6IVIENNE 7ESTWOOD /PUS &EBRUARY

37

[AN] AVALANCHE OF ICONIC ON-AND-OFF-THE FIELD PHOTOGRAPHY AND FETISHISTIC DETAIL THAT WILL ENTHRAL – AND POSSIBLY GIVE A HERNIA TO – ANY FAN

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the club’s success during the Highbury years and the move to Emirates Stadium, this exclusive publication includes a special Icons Edition personally signed by 11 club legends, including Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira and Ian Wright.

“The Arsenal Opus has had an overwhelming response from the many people fascinated by the club’s rich history and its evolution to the current day”, says Fowler. “However, our next project took us in a completely different direction, working with Dame Vivienne Westwood”.

The Vivienne Westwood Opus, measuring a remarkable 80cm x 64cm, captures the fashion mogul’s most stunning designs as worn by her family and friends, including Kate Moss, Sir Bob Geldof, Naomi Campbell and Tim Burton. The giant photographs taken on the rare Polaroid 20 x 24” Studio Camera are reproduced at full size in the Opus, alongside Westwood’s ‘manifesto’ arguing for “active resistance to propaganda”.

Again, emphasising the idea of Opus as a work of art, the striking pictures have also been exhibited at the Scream Gallery in London.

If cars, not frocks, are your thing, the F1 Opus, giving the inside story of 100 years of motor racing, is now available for pre-order. Limited to only 3,000 copies worldwide, each one is personally signed by F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. A special Champions Edition of just 100 copies within this print run, signed by all living F1 champions, including Sir Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher, is already being snapped up fast.

Numerous other titles are in the pipeline, on subjects ranging from Major League Baseball to Disney, Diego Maradona to Ferrari. Discussions are also well advanced with Augusta National Golf Club about a possible Opus celebrating the Masters’ 70th anniversary.

For those who don’t want to miss out on any of this ever-expanding collection, there’s the ‘Opus for Life Reserve Bond’, strictly limited to the first 50 applicants, which entitles each bond holder to receive one ‘marquee’ opus copy of every title for life.

This is publishing on a grand scale, and, clearly, Opuses are set to loom large over conventional books for years to come.

GRACE KELLY INTERIORS

ANNABEL TREW talks contemporary interiors with entrepreneurial designer, Kelly Hoppen

38

“I HAVE ALWAYS had an eye for interior spaces” explained internationally-renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen, and that is honestly the truth. Having set up her first interior design studio at the tender age of 16 and a half, Kelly now has several multi-million pound projects in the pipeline. Her books have been translated into numerous foreign languages, and she has forged a reputation for being a successful designer, retailer, author, educator, innovator and inspiration, as well as designing spaces from Gary Rhodes’ restaurant Rhodes W1 to the British Airways First Class cabins.

The upshot of this catalogue of achievements is that Kelly Hoppen has become somewhat iconic. Heralded as an example of a successful businesswoman and female artist, she joined other eminent women such as Ellen MacArthur and Paula Radcliffe by winning the prestigious European Women of Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship last year.

Far from renouncing her feminine side, the uniqueness of her creations stems from “female touches... I love using round shapes that soften the room and create a nice flow within it”, she explains.

But don’t be fooled into thinking her designs are overtly girly; her success has been formed because of her versatility: “I guess a neutral colour scheme is attractive to both men and women, as accents can be set in a subtle way without being overpowering.”

Subtlety is definitely a key element of her style, which has been described as simple yet opulent, a combination that is very popular with city dwellers: “I mainly get inspired when I go on holiday and am able to relax. Looking at things from a distance always helps me to put them into perspective. In terms of design inspiration, I always try to keep all my senses open to it, be it the smell of something, the taste or the visual effect. Nature really is the greatest inspiration there is.”

Certainly you can see this in her home. With chocolate wooden flooring set against soft beige simple rugs, the room is clean and fresh. A hanging see-through bubble chair and splashes of orange featured in a vase or a bowl add a little tongue-in-cheek drama to the overall look without dragging the whole design into histrionics.

This manner is also applied to her contract work, her most famous being the inside of the British Airways First Class cabin. “I just tried to implement my trademark style and translate it into an aircraft interior – using dark wood, runners on cushions, luxurious textures and materials, and black and white photography.” So leather and walnut wood effects were used together with delicious velvety fabrics and colours that included her signature taupe and

Kelly Hoppen applies the same design standards to her own home.

The lounge features her own product range and her signature subdued colour palette.

Bar Marfil at the Marmuri Hotel, Barcelona

A suite, at the Marmuri Hotel, Barcelona

Recipe Chairs, Gary Rhodes Restaurant

the much-loved autograph colours of BA: deep blue and rich red. It was not an easy task, though: “What was difficult was the technical restrictions”, Kelly explained to me, “and everything you had to think of in terms of security”. The limitations sound like a design nightmare.

Certainly, you can see why British Airways chose Kelly Hoppen; there is a calmness in her design that you begin to think comes from those moments of inspiration on holiday. Consequently, to Kelly the most important aspect is “the layout – it should always have a lot of symmetrical elements and a balanced feel. Once that is in place, focal points can be added through vintage furniture pieces, art or other statements to create a certain drama and give the room its character.” So the nibbles of orange appear in her own home or the tongues of colour in her suite design for the Murmuri Hotel in Barcelona. But what is at the heart of her design? “Always the fabrics. They are my starting point – they set the mood, the feel and the atmosphere of the image I start creating in my head.” Everything is distinctly tactile, and usually juxtaposed. When you see her interiors, you instantly have a childlike urge to touch them.

Kelly Hoppen also has a number of product ranges with major brands, from Wedgwood to BHS. Her favourite item, which can be found tucked away in her very own home, is from her furniture collection ‘Kelly Hoppen for Century’. The glamorous Art Deco screen comprises three panels formed from playful yet dramatic cut-out rings.

But she does not fall for the latest vogue or trend; instead, she sticks resolutely to her own design personality. So although heavily ornate wallpaper is creeping its way back into fashion, she believes “paint is much more flexible” and advises clients to analyse their living habits in great detail to determine which parts of their home they use the most.

There should also be continuity between the interior and the exterior: “I always partner with landscape architects, who translate my philosophy into the surroundings of the property. My own apartment has a roof terrace, which I gave a real Sex and the City feel, with great chill out furniture and Moroccan lanterns.” Above all she definitely practises what she preaches.

Before I let her go, I was itching to ask for any pointers, any predictions for stylishness in the future. What is the secret to transforming your home? Simple, apparently: “It’s about tailoring it to your personality and living style”. Forget the show home, the most important design aspect of your house is you.

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55

INSPIRED

BY YOU C U LT U R E Modern art doesn’t get more personal than your own DNA code on canvas, says NATASHA BURROUGHS THE PRESTIGE ASSOCIATED with owning or creating original artworks has always been intensely coveted by art collectors. However, nowadays, with modern art veering towards biological forms and processes, ‘original’ no longer constitutes a one-off masterpiece by masters such as Picasso or Matisse.

The new marker of sophistication set to revolutionise the art world is DNA ART UK – a company that allows discerning art connoisseurs to become the centrepiece of their own art, turning a sample of their genetic code into a stunning abstract piece. These funky, edgy works are, quite literally, unique-as-you objects, enabling collectors to commemorate their singularity in the most personal way possible.

The process is quite simple: customers are sent a swab kit which allows them to swipe DNA samples from inside their own cheeks. The kit is then sealed and shipped to the DNA ART laboratory in the Netherlands. After an intricate technical process, in which the person’s unique DNA strings are located and highlighted, a remarkable image is created which is then inscribed onto a quality, hand-finished canvas. The process is strictly confidential, and once the finished product has been produced the DNA sample is destroyed.

Revealing your ‘bare necessities’ might not be an enticing concept in theory, but the resulting genetic print is truly captivating, especially because you are able to visualise the ‘hidden’ you for the first time. And just when you thought art couldn’t get more personal, the company can even craft the masterpiece to your exact specifications. The blocky patterns can be illuminated in nine standard colours or in custom hues, and there are three sizes of canvas to choose from, with larger ones available on request.

If you think this all sounds a little narcissistic, customers also have the option to commission ‘One for the lovers’ – an exclusive split portrait where your DNA image is juxtaposed onto someone else’s, such as a spouse or partner’s. But what really seems to have captured the imagination of art aficionados is the ‘21st century family portrait’, in which canvases of parents and children are joined together. “The family portrait puts a modern spin on traditional representation and has had a fantastic response”, says Frank Scolaro, founder of DNA ART UK. “It’s a different, novel way of displaying yourself and your loved ones in a bright, colourful light.”

You don’t need an artistic eye to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of DNA on canvas. The striking images not only make a dramatic addition to any interior but also act as quirky conversation pieces. With their ultra-modern look and deep-rooted personal significance, they are truly impressive gifts, especially for someone who has everything. Genes have never looked so appealing…

DNA ART UK Ltd. 1st Floor, The Annexe, Locke King House Balfour Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8HD Tel: 0844 800 2710 www.dna-artuk.com

STATE OF THE ART

TECHNOLOGY

CLAUDIA RODRIGUES PRESENTS STYLISH NEW GADGETS TO KEEP YOUR LIFE UP TO DATE

SUNGLASSES WITH A TWIST   These cool MP3 sunglasses from Oakley undoubtedly win out in terms of both style and versatility. A series of understated controls have been built into the sunglasses’ arms, along with detachable custom Mylar speaker units.

Containing up to 2GB of NAND-based internal storage capacity, they offer music on the move without the need for unattractive trailing wires.

Oakley Split Thump 2GB, £250 www.oakley.com

British company Hoverit Ltd has changed the rules of conventional furniture. The stylish, contemporary lounger is the first in a revolutionary magnetic ‘hover’ range from Hoverit.

It received its UK launch at The Ideal Home Show in London this March, unveiled by company directors Keith Dixon and Steve Wild.

Keith, the inventor, states it is “a must-buy for those who dare to be different”. It is certainly a sci-fi writer’s dream. The lounger is precision-engineered from clear acrylic and hovers through the use of powerful magnets, floating up and down on two guide bars to give the sensation of lying in mid-air.

Permanent magnets within the chair may also help back and muscular problems, as well as headaches.

When users lie back and close their eyes, the sensation they feel should be totally different. It’s the closest you can get to floating on a cloud.

Hoverit Lounger, £7,500 Additional delivery cost applies www.hoverit.co.uk

 

SNAP IT UP

Nikon’s new D60 digital SLR camera provides stunning picture quality and versatility packaged in an easy-to-use, compact design. The D60 joins Nikon’s award-winning line of D series digital SLR cameras and shares a form factor similar to the D40 – Nikon’s smallest D-SLR camera ever. The camera’s 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor delivers crisp, high resolution images with astounding colour and clarity, while Nikon’s advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II ensures that images are exposed beautifully and automatically, even in challenging lighting conditions. It has a wealth of innovative and user-friendly features, enabling both photo enthusiasts and those new to digital SLR photography to capture incredible images like never before.

SIDEWINDER

 

 

LET YOUR STRESS FLOAT AWAY

Microsoft has recently released the Sidewinder mouse with interchangeable teflon feet for a smoother glide. Boasting a whole host of tailoring options, it has to be the most comprehensive wired-mouse out there. You can switch cursor speeds live in any game with three adjustable buttons on the top, giving ultimate control for any serious player.

Sidewinder mouse, £40 www.microsoft.com

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Nikon D60, £449.99 www.nikon.co.uk

BESPOKE

ENTERTAINMENT TECHNOLOGY JOSEPHINE O’DONOGHUE finds out more about top entertainment systems from the experts at Audio Vision

44

IT IS COMMONLY acknowledged that everybody has wished, at least once, that they could have the cinema experience at home.

Not just a big screen of course (that would be simple), but the real deal – dimmed lighting, crystal clear picture and the most realistic surround sound available – all controlled via Beo5 remote control from the comfort of your seat.

The ultimate in technological luxury, the home cinema experience is an interior feature countless companies have tried to perfect. The most successful of these endeavours has resulted in the creation of BeoLiving, a sophisticated home entertainment system which easily outstrips the competition.

The advanced technology in the BeoLiving concept includes a movie projector that descends from the ceiling, alongside a 100” screen that materialises on a solid wood back wall. Curtains in the entertainment room are motorised and glide silently closed as the special mood lighting system automatically dims. High specification loudspeakers, including those which analyse the acoustics of the room and adjust accordingly, provide full Dolby 7.1 digital theatre surround sound.

Fitted with stylish leather sofas and coffee table, the BeoLiving Room is a comfortable and relaxing place to enjoy a movie or some

TV. Enabling integration of all the Bang & Olufsen entertainment sources in the room, one remote control can be used to operate the TV, DVD, CD, satellite and radio, together with a range of supporting elements such as lighting and curtains, to alter the atmosphere.

Superior to even a private screening at an exclusive cinema complex, once visitors to the Audio Vision showrooms have experienced the BeoLiving Room, it will seem the only way to enjoy films in style.

Located in both the Oxted and Wimbledon Village stores, Audio Vision houses two of the very few BeoLiving showrooms, displaying the ultimate in dedicated luxury entertainment suites.

Of course, Audio Vision is no stranger to luxurious experience; as one of the UK’s leading entertainment systems installers, it boasts an impressive client list and portfolio of cutting-edge projects. With four showrooms around London, Audio Vision is known for high-specification installations across the world; over the past six years the company has created an experienced marine design and installation division which has been involved in some of the world’s most famous super yachts, including the prestigious Maltese Falcon. Audio Vision specialises in custom entertainment solutions and is a leading agent for high-quality brands such as Lutron lighting system and Crestron control systems, as well as Bang & Olufsen.

A thorough and meticulous service, Audio Vision provides assistance in all stages of entertainment installation: site surveys, close communication with interior designers, detailed proposals, user-friendly wireless systems and attention to the smallest detail can all be expected from this exceptional company.

The newly-refurbished Long Bar at The London Golf Club showcases an excellent example of an Audio Vision entertainment system in use. Located upstairs in the Clubhouse, the Long Bar overlooks the Club’s two stunning courses and is the perfect setting in which to enjoy their sophisticated entertainment system. The BeoVision 7-32” with BeoLab 7.4 on a motorised floor stand, BeoLab 3 and BeoSound 9000 have all been installed by Audio Vision to create a sleek and stylish finish to the bar, and provide guests with an exceptional quality of sound and truly sophisticated atmosphere.

For more information, visit www.audio-vision.co.uk or call 01883 718104

SLEEK CHIC TECHNOLOGY DO YOU WANT TO BE SEEN WITH THE ULTIMATE IN SEXY, CLASSY AND STYLISH ACCESSORIES? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THIS PIECE OF MOST-WANTED TECHNOLOGY, SAYS CLAUDIA RODRIGUES WEIGHING JUST 140g, the Vertu Constellation is the haute couture of mobile phones. How so? Luxury manufacturer Vertu combines market-leading expertise in mobile technology with the craftsmanship of seasoned watchmakers and jewellers. The Constellation is worked entirely by hand and made from the finest materials including leather sourced from luxury European hides.

Elle Macpherson, owner of a Vertu Constellation phone, said “The satin steel and tan leather back make the Vertu Constellation unique, elegant and very chic.”

Thandie Newton, Dougray Scott, Ralph Fiennes and Naomi Harris have been among a select handful of other celebrities in possession of a Vertu Constellation, with positive reviews.

The phone is not just a pretty face though, with a quadband engine that ensures connection in more than 180 countries worldwide, it is the ultimate international handset and ideal for those who travel. Practicalities are also at the heart of this technological must-have. There is a dedicated button that connects directly to Vertu Concierge, allowing users to obtain priority bookings and emergency assistance worldwide with amazing simplicity. As well as this, it has a personal service offering expert information that can easily be accessed on a high resolution, sapphire crystal display.

Constellation owners can use their phones to discover a whole range of travel info both before they embark on their travels and whilst abroad; these stylish devices let them check up on the weather, track their flights, have a global clock at their fingertips, access a real time currency converter and be able to contact 1,500 people if needs be.

By now, you must be at the point where you want to sneak out and buy one. It’s a great way to acquire an element of classy perfection.

Vertu Constellation, £2,950 www.vertu.com

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GOLFING GADGETS AND GIZMOS TECHNOLOGY CLAUDIA RODRIGUES SUGGESTS SOME CUNNING DEVICES TO EASE YOUR PROBLEMS ON THE COURSE

  TAKE AIM FROM OUTER SPACE

 

Need to know exact distances from tee to green, wherever you are playing golf in the world? Then get hold of a SureShot GPS. Compact, hand-held with a Global Positioning System device specific to golf, this gadget, which you can clip on your belt, golf car or buggy, will help you prepare for that perfect shot.

CAPTURE THE FLAG

Designed by golfers for golfers, The Laser Link Distance System is the most efficient and accurate way of finding that distance to the flagstick. The handheld rangefinder works together with a specially designed flagstick-mounted target and patented reflector to provide fast, precise results from anywhere on the course.

The Laser Link Distance System is available at The London Golf Club www.laserlinkgolf.com

SureShot GPS, from £349 + VAT www.sureshotgps.co.uk

 

AS EASY AS RIDING A BIKE The x2 Golf is a great way to get a-round without damaging the golf course. With LeanSteer technology and a wireless InfoKey controller, a bag carrier, a scorecard holder and special low-pressure tyres, it is not only convenient but kind to the turf.

Apparently it’s as easy as riding a bike, so hurry and get on the wheels.

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Segway x2 Golf, £4,499 + delivery www.segway-uk.net

 

TRACK THAT BALL

During the PGA Show 2008, Trackman was rated the number one coolest thing to have. Based on Doppler radar technology, Trackman measures the exact three dimensional club movement, ball flight and ball landing. It charts the full trajectory of any shot, ranging from short pitches to 400-yard drives, measures the actual spin rate of the ball without marking and assesses the landing position with an accuracy of 1 foot to 100 yards. The device takes less than two minutes to set up. Perfect.

Trackman, Pro model outdoor: £15,869.05 Launch model (indoor): £9,519.84 www.trackmangolf.com

  THE GOLFER’S IPOD The Caddy Lite is the hand-held golfing equivalent of an iPod onto which you can download course maps and professionally-plotted information to get the very best from yourself as you out-think the ground and the opposition. Pocketsized, this is sure to make a huge difference to your game.

Caddy Lite, £129 including VAT www.golf-plus.co.uk/ product_caddylite.php

Porsche Golf Gear available at The London Golf Club Professional Shop

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THE PORSCHE GOLF TROLLEY & PORSCHE GOLF BAG LIFESTYLE THE MUST-HAVE golfing accessory of the season is Porsche’s sleek, light and compact titanium golf trolley, measuring 72 x 126.5cm.

It is designed as the ideal accompaniment to the company’s luxurious cars; two trolleys can be stowed snugly in the front luggage compartment of the Boxster, Cayman S and 911 models.

Sporting magnesium wheels and the iconic Porsche crest, the trolley is compatible with

the Porsche golf bag, which is mounted easily and securely using a special adapter. This chic, black, lightweight golf bag offers plenty of storage space and boasts an accessories pocket and isolated drinks and clothes compartments.

Comfortable to carry, the bag has a double strap and an automatic stand mechanism.

The trolley can also be ordered with both Porsche scorecard and umbrella holders – the perfect partner for players driving out on the course.

Porsche Golf Trolley: £1,025 Porsche Golf Bag: £173 01732 590118 shop2.porsche.com/uk/sports/golf

STEVE BACKLEY INTERVIEW 6ft5, decked from head to toe in sequins, sporting a spray tan and a thong. Not the typical look you’d expect from one of Britain’s most successful athletes or The London Golf Club’s Honorary President! But Steve Backley has always liked to push the boundaries, especially on the golf course…

MEAGRE MAKINGS OF A CHAMPION

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“I wasn’t naturally good at the javelin. I actually wanted to be a long distance runner like my Dad. I was pretty good. I got to county standard, but then I was knocked down by a car when I was nine and that sort of changed things a bit. I broke my hip and was in hospital in traction for eight weeks. I did run again, but at 14 I discovered the javelin and thought it was the coolest thing ever.

I managed to get my hands on a battered old javelin from The Cambridge Harriers. It didn’t have a grip and it was all bent out of shape, but I resurrected it and used it to practise in the field opposite my house. It wasn’t a glamorous start and I was rubbish at it. My first throw was only 25 metres! But I was determined to be the best at whatever I did. By September of the same year I came 5th in the country for my age group.”

INSULT TO INJURY

“Not long after that, I snapped my elbow because I wasn’t throwing the javelin correctly. The break actually helped my career funnily enough, it helped my technique. It’s a dangerous and damaging sport though. I have actually had nine operations as a result – on my Achilles, my knees, my hip (I had a replacement when I retired at 35), my groin, my shoulder. Normally at the end of every year something was hanging off and needed to be reattached – quite unpleasant really!”

TOUGH AT THE TOP

“At 20, I threw 89m58 and broke the World Record. I was up there among the top five throwers for 15 years. That was one of the hardest things for me – living up to that for the rest of my career. That’s why I respect Tiger Woods so much, because it’s all very well climbing the mountain and getting to the top of your sport, but staying there? That’s the tough bit. It’s very uncomfortable because who do you chase? You’re

used to trying to get to the top, beating people.

Then you’re the one everyone wants to beat.”

HECK OF A HIGHLIGHT

‘‘Certainly the highlight of my career was throwing an Olympic Record in 2000. Sadly I didn’t hold on long enough to win the medal though. Having said that, I guess really the fact that I am the only British athlete to win three consecutive medals at the Olympics is the most satisfying thing that I have achieved. It was nearly four medals too!”

A WINNING MIND

“With the javelin, practice is limited; you can only do so many throws. So it’s visualisation which is important. You visualise each throw ten times before you do it and a thousand times before each competition. Working with hypnotist Paul McKenna helped me with that. I’m very interested in the psyche. I even wrote a book on it called The Winning Mind. It’s amazing how powerful it is and it was certainly vital for me.

For example, I shouldn’t have been at the 1996 Olympics because I snapped my Achilles tendon 14 weeks beforehand. I came away in second and that was all down to visualisation, running things over a thousand times in my head.”

DICING WITH DEATH

“I’ve had a lot of near misses. Similar to being on a golf course, sometimes shots just go astray. I have scattered the long jumpers before. It’s not like golf though – you can’t shout “fore” – there’s no recognised etiquette for an incoming javelin other than ‘get the hell out of there!’ Not a great feeling in a packed stadium! I actually nearly killed Tessa Sanderson when I was 15 and she was World Champion – fortunately she ducked!”

SKATING ON THIN ICE

“Lycra, a thong, a spray tan, feeling slightly uncomfortable in every aspect… what on earth was

Image courtesy of: Golf Monthly

Image courtesy of: Golf Monthly

I thinking when I agreed to do Dancing on Ice? It will haunt me forever. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad I did it though. Again it was the challenge. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 6ft5, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never ice-skated, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dance, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a hip replacement â&#x20AC;&#x201C; everything about it said donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it and suddenly there I was doing it.â&#x20AC;?

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A DIFFERENT PAIR OF SPIKES

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I was quite a late starter when it came to golf. Would you believe I played my first round when I was 20? That was on Malibu Golf Course in California. Not a bad start in terms of the course! It was enough to get me hooked â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so much so that I chose a round of golf in Hawaii over finishing my degree! I was studying Sports Science at Loughborough and after throwing at the Commonwealth Games in New Zealand I decided to defer a yearâ&#x20AC;Śand, well, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been deferring ever since. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve given me an honorary doctorate now though!â&#x20AC;?

A TRANSFERABLE SWING

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;My javelin throwing has certainly helped with my golf. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of synergy between javelin technique and swinging a golf club. As a result, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve worked a lot with Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood among others on this, as well as the psychological side of the game.â&#x20AC;?

STEVEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S STATS 4HREE CONSECUTIVE /LYMPIC MEDALS

+NOCKED DOWN BY A CAR AGED NINE #HOSE GOLF OVER HIS DEGREE

(IP REPLACEMENT .EARLY KILLED 4ESSA 3ANDERSON

A CONSISTENT HANDICAP

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never been great with consistency, but who is? Having a good day or a bad day and not knowing why used to frustrate the hell out of me. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really play as much now but I seem to be more consistent as a result. I thoroughly intend to get down to The London Golf Club more this summer and play some serious golf. I really want to get down to five. What would have happened if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d discovered golf before the javelin? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably be a very average golfer who would be frustrated because Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d want to be a javelin thrower! But Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d probably try to turn professional just to prove I could.â&#x20AC;?

LONDON GOLF CLUB LINKS

7ORE A THONG .INE OPERATIONS FROM THROWING THE JAVELIN 7RITTEN A BOOK 0AID ĂŁ FOR A COPY OF THAT BOOK 'OLF HANDICAP OF SIX

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It was a very pleasant surprise to be asked to be Honorary Club President. General Manager Heath Harvey asked me to come to the Club for a meeting, so I thought Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d done something wrong like park in the Captainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bay by mistake. What an honour to be asked though! The Club is on my doorstep, as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve said many a time, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my sanctuary. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s somewhere that I love coming to and of course, with everything that is happening this year with The European Open, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clear that the Club is going places and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great to be involved.â&#x20AC;?

Immortalising greatness

AMPIONS CH

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www.krakenopus.com

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They chose the bestâ&#x20AC;Ś

Photographer: Ian Lowe

membership@londongolf.co.uk

A GOLFING PAR-ADISE T R AV E L Flying over the idyllic isle of Mauritius, it’s ‘greens’ for as far as the eye can see, discovers ABIGAIL NANCE

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RENOWNED FOR ITS sugar cane and tea production, the lush undergrowth of this island comes as no surprise, but carved in and amongst the plantation fields lies a host of holes which seek to give this tourist beach retreat an alternative dimension.

That’s not to say that golf in Mauritius is a new phenomenon. In fact, the island boasts the fourth-oldest course in the world and the first to be created in the Indian Ocean.

Originally a polo club with six token holes, The Gymkhana Club was created back in the 1840s and now has some 2,000 members.

Then there’s the infamous Le Touessrok, the course that people go out of their way to recommend when they know you’re heading to Mauritius. Found off the west coast, on its own island no less, this championship course, which is only accessible by boat, was designed

by Bernhard Langer and is undeniably a stern test of golf. Fringed by white sands and crystal blue waters, its holes snake up and down the island. Tight fairways, water hazards and tricky greens mean golfers require every shot in the bag to get around.

History and reputation aside, players have another five Mauritian courses to choose from, three of which are located in the south east and offer special reciprocal deals.

Le Paradis for one is a sight to behold.

Set between the impressive backdrop of the imposing Le Morne Mountain and its stunning peninsula, this par 72 not only blends into its unique tropical surroundings but offers golfers of all abilities an enjoyable round.

Standing on the signature 16th green, you feel as if you are quite literally in the middle of a lagoon, surrounded by 7km of sandy beach and accompanying turquoise sea. With vistas of this ilk, you can be forgiven for missing that three footer! At 6,451 yards, what it lacks in length it certainly makes up for in quality. So much so

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THE ISLAND BOASTS THE FOURTH-OLDEST COURSE IN THE WORLD AND THE FIRST TO BE CREATED IN THE INDIAN OCEAN

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56

that when you putt out on the last, you don’t feel physically or mentally exhausted. Rather, you want to get straight back out there and shoot a lower score! Having said that, the two Beachcomber hotels which make up this unique golfing spa resort may tempt you away with a seaside cocktail or luxurious massage.

Neighbouring Tamarina Golf Club again rests at the foot of one of the island’s dramatic mountains, while being only a wedge shot to the cool waters of a nearby surfing bay. It may be among the newest of Mauritius’ golfing setups, only officially opening last year, but it has already gained a reputation as a premier championship destination. The 7,530-yard par 72 nestles naturally in what was once sugar cane and hunting ground terrain. Each hole has five different teeing options, making the course accessible to all playing standards, although your fitness levels need to be up to scratch to take on the undulating fairways – you’re on holiday, so opt for a buggy instead! “Out of Africa” aptly sums up the Tamarina experience. You half expect a giraffe to be browsing by the green while you putt out.

This sensation is enhanced yet further when you relax in the modern yet rustic treetop-style clubhouse after play.

Drive south down the coastline and you reach Golf du Chateau. Unlike Le Paradis and Tamarina, this par 72 is set further back into the isle’s rolling green hills and volcanic mountains. Its inspiration is wholly colonial, emulating the area’s previous grandeur as a sugar estate. Despite being only three years old, this 7,148-yard course has matured effortlessly.

It’s a little more forgiving off the tee than its counterparts, with significantly wider fairways, although the occasional feisty off-shore breeze and the testing two-tier greens can soon get you into trouble! The views out to the coast from the more elevated spots on the course are breathtaking. From there you can also see the luxurious 5* Heritage Hotel, which offers allinclusive green fees to guests.

With such choice in such close proximity (you can get luxury limousine transfers between the three courses), there’s no need to venture elsewhere. To all intents and purposes, Mauritius serves up some pretty good ‘tee’ times!

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THE TIGER LINEâ&#x20AC;Ś.

GOLF You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t talk about golf without mentioning him. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dominated the game for more than a decade and has become a global sports star as a result. But is Tiger Woods the greatest athlete of all time? The London Golf Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ALASDAIR ROBERTSON analyses what makes him the man to beat on every level

58

WHEN IT COMES to sporting greats, how do you compare greatness? Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not an easy task. But Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s honed body and mind, in my eyes, make him unquestionably the most formidable sportsman who has ever lived â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whether playing for himself or for the US team in the Ryder Cup. It could be said that, as a golfer myself, I am biased towards a fellow professional, but hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the basis for my argument.

Certainly if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at level playing fields, I would say that Woods has more to contend with than your average sportsman. For one, he starts his tournament week knowing that he has to beat 150 of his fellow golfers.

He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the benefit of a seeding system (unless itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Matchplay), so he has to take all of his opponents out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; generally without going head to head with them.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, he has to perform without the luxury of consistent playing conditions. The courses he competes on are clearly different and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s constantly at the mercy of Mother Nature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially since, unlike tennis, rain very rarely stops play in the golfing world!

Thirdly, in contrast to a racing driver, whose successes to a large extent have to be apportioned to his car and his team, Tiger doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rely on such specialist equipment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pretty much down to him and his clubs.

But, while the odds appear to be stacked against golfers, Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overwhelming talent takes him to another sporting level. You only need to look at the results and the records to know heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a force to be reckoned with.

Since the world ranking system began some 20 years ago, no other golfer has stayed on top for such a lengthy period of time. After turning professional in 1996, it took only 42 weeks for Woods to become World No 1. He was just 21 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the youngest golfer to take the top slot, and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been on that podium ever since. In fact, the gap between Tiger and the world No 2, Phil Mickelson, is the same as the distance between Mickelson and the

golfer ranked 1,000. Good luck catching him, Phil!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s therefore pretty understandable why even Woodsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; playing rivals feel that heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s untouchable, so much so that they resignedly compete among themselves for second place. Even when the odds are stacked against him, The Tiger quite simply should never be ruled out â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something he demonstrated at the 2008 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. At the start of the penultimate day, he was in 61st place. Your average player probably wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come back from that, but he went on to win the tournament, sinking a 40ft putt on the last to seal the deal: quite incredible.

So, what is it that sets him apart? Is it his exhausting practice regime, his gruelling physical fitness plan or his superior playing status which now allows him to choose the tournaments he competes in?

In truth, there is all of the above and more in Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s makeup, which creates the winning machine that we see weekin, week-out on our television screens.

But, to my mind, what makes him the ultimate competitor is his ability to produce the goods whenever required, under any circumstances. In one recent miraculous victory in the golfing Mecca that is Dubai, he managed to snake another 40ft putt downhill to take the title. That in itself is pretty impressive, but there was equally something rather magical about it. Earlier in the day, two other golfers had had the same putt, but while theirs moved from left to right Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s went from right to left! Is there an argument for divine intervention here?

Since turning pro, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Chosen Oneâ&#x20AC;?, as heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s affectionately become known on Tour, has won in excess of 85 tournaments and amassed winnings somewhere in the region of $100 million.

Now, all he really has left to do in his career is win more than 18 majors to take the record still held by Jack Nicklaus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the legendary Golden Bear that designed The London Golf Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heritage Course. This golfing great is realistically Tigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only hurdle â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one I see him

clearing not before too long.

Woods has indeed reached another sporting echelon. He is a money-making machine, both on and off the course, not just for himself but for the companies that he promotes. The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greatest golfer has a presence which doubles ratings, making him a sponsorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream.

Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s put Nike on the golfing map, plus heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increased sales for Buick and Tag Heuer among other brands. Put simply, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a marketing icon; whatever he touches reaps a financial reward.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no question that Tiger has transcended his field of expertise and become a global star worth millions purely as a result of his sporting accomplishment. He has at least another 17 years before he even has to start thinking about the Seniors Tour, where he could play for a further two decades, should it take his fancy. As with any golf tournament, my money would always be on Woods to leave a lasting impression.

Best athlete ever? If he isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see another competitor take him on!

TIGER PROFILE (well, at the time of print!)

s -AJOR #HAMPIONSHIPS s TOURNAMENT WINS s 0'! 4OUR 0LAYER OF THE 9EAR TIMES s ,OWEST ADJUSTED SCORING AVERAGE AT s 9OUNGEST EVER GOLFER TO complete career Grand Slam OF MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS s 9OUNGEST -ASTERS #HAMPION AT YEARS s 0'! TOUR WINS BEFORE HE WAS YEARS s -ISSED THE CUT TIMES IN HIS career

DOWN TO A TEE GOLF TIPS Get driving in the right direction with a little help from The London Golf Club Professionals Picture the scene. You are playing in your regular Saturday morning 4ball. One of your partners announces that he has purchased the latest Callaway driver and that it will transform his game! 18 holes later he is back in the Pro Shop demanding an explanation as to why his tee shots still fly low right and travel the same distance. As the saying goes, a bad carpenter always blames his tools.

60

Basically, the most likely reason for a poor tee shot is that the ball is positioned too far back in the stance and that there is too much weight on the front leg. The result is a steep descending blow to the back of the ball. Plus you finish off balance.

Photography by: Mark Newcombe

To maximise your chances of hitting a solid tee shot, you need to adopt a professional setup at the address. Move the ball position to the inside of the left heel. Tee the ball so that half of it is above the driver. Place 60% of your weight on your right leg and tilt your hips slightly so that your left is higher than your right.

Make your normal swing but concentrate on sweeping the ball off the tee and finishing in a balanced position.

You can see how all the weight transfers onto the left leg, resulting in a full body release and the chest facing the target.

A good practice drill to help you achieve this feeling is to tee the ball up just outside your left foot. In order to strike the ball cleanly, you must be fully committed to turning your upper body and transferring your weight through the shot into a well-balanced finish.

Now take it to the teeâ&#x20AC;Ś For more swing tips, contact the professional team at The London Golf Club.

we know

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We are proud of our association with The London Club and other major venues, helping to make our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; events truly memorable.

We offer a turnkey operation providing solutions from print & design to branding & signage, scoreboard systems to golf professionals and entertainment, gifts & prizes and much much more.

If you would like to find out how NGL can enhance your golf event, please contact Mike Pearce on 0118 973 5969

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GOLF SET including golf tee bag, key chain, belt and a golf ball, Ame & Lulu, approx £35 www.ameandlulu.com

CHINCHILLA BLACK JACKET with white detail, La Coste £325, visit website for more stockist details www.lacoste.co.uk

BLACK WANDA BELT Galvin Green, £25, www.galvingreen.com

CANE GOLF HEAD COVER Ame & Lulu, approx £50 www.ameandlulu.com

SNEAK PORKPIE HAT Puma £15, www.puma.com Ame & Lulu

AIMLINE

ECOMFORT WHITE LEATHER GOLF SHOES FootJoy, £50 www.footjoy.co.uk

FASHION TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON COURSE BLACK AND PINK CART BAG Green NV £60, visit website for stockist details www.greennvgolf.com

63 WHITE SUNGLASSES La Coste, £99 visit website for stockist details www.lacoste.co.uk PINK GOLF LITE Peak Performance, £165 call for stockist details 0800 389 8655

CHROME WEEKENDER BAG Puma, £60 www.puma.com

CALEB BLUE JUMPER Galvin Green, £59 www.galvingreen.com

Hugo Boss

CREAM AND BLACK VERTICAL STRIPES COTTON TANK La Coste, £135 www.lacoste.com

MAKE THE CUT

FASHION TIPS TO KEEP YOU ON COURSE CORBIN GREY HAT Galvin Green, £79 www.galvingreen.com

ADIVISTA SUNGLASSES Adidas, £92 www.adidas.com

NEWTON CHECKED TROUSERS Galvin Green, £129 www.galvingreen.com

WHITE PLIMSOL BOSS Green, £99 visit website for stockist details www.hugoboss.com

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GREY TRAINERS BOSS Green, £139 visit website for stockist details www.hugoboss.com WHITE GOLF BAG BOSS Green, £249 www.hugoboss.com

BELT Puma, £17.50 www.golf.puma.com

HERRINGBONE WEEKENDER Puma, £60 www.golf.puma.com

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OFFICIAL FERRARI DEALER

Lancaster From the racetrack to the road, Ferrari symbolises the pinnacle of performance engineering. The passion that inspires each individual Ferrari continues well after taking delivery of a new car, through the dedicated and professional support of the Official Ferrari Dealer network.

As the Official Ferrari Dealer for the Kent region, Lancaster Sevenoaks provides a host of services to ensure the Ferrari ownership experience remains unsurpassed. Whether you are seeking a brand new car, or a Ferrari Approved model that has passed a stringent 190 point inspection, we can provide tailored finance packages to suit your requirements.

For further information contact Lancaster Sevenoaks on 0844 6680 349, visit our website or call in to our showroom located just 10 minutes from junction 5 of the M25.

Lancaster Sevenoaks 143 St. Johns Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 3PE Telephone: 0844 6680 349 www.lancasterferrari.co.uk All trademarks and copyrights are exclusively rights of Ferrari S.p.A.

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1

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HIM

SHOES THESE 66

FA S H I O N

MEN’S SHOES

WOMEN’S SHOES

1. Golf shoe, BOSS green, £179 www.hugoboss.com

1. V-Lite Venice golf shoe by Jodi Kidd for Hi-Tec, £50, 01702 541 711

2. Spikeless golf shoe, Porsche Design, £170, 020 7495 2938

2. SP – 3.5 Lite Golf Shoe, Nike Golf, £50 www.nikegolf.com

3. SP 2 Saddle golf shoe, Nike Golf, £50 www.nikegolf.com

3. ACE Hydromax golf shoe, ECCO, £110 www.eccogolf.com

4. FootJoy Classics Dry Premiere Golf Shoes, FootJoy, £199 at The London Golf Club www.footjoy.co.uk

4. Nike Air Charmer golf shoe, Nike Golf, £50, www.nikegolf.com

5. V-Lite Typhoon golf shoe, Hi-Tec, £60 01702 541 711

6. Ace GTX golf shoes, ECCO, £120 www.nikegolf.com

A SELECTION OF THE LATEST GOLFING SHOES FOR HIM AND HER

5. Contour IV golf shoe, Footjoy, £75 www.footjoy.co.uk

HER

6. Air Zoom Elite golf shoe, Nike Golf, £110 www.nikegolf.com

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THE RIGHT FIT GOLF With more than 80% of players using the wrong golf clubs, it’s no wonder manufacturers are spending millions on developing technology and offering consumers a bespoke service.

ABIGAIL NANCE gets a lesson on club selection…

AS A GIRL playing golf, I have constantly felt an overwhelming pressure to prove my worth at what is still a fairly maleorientated game. To that end, I have always opted to play with men’s clubs: standard length, standard loft, standard lie, standard grip, standard steel shafts.

You name it. I was adamant that I had to have standard masculine fit to show that I meant business out on the course. But how wrong could I be?

Recently the opportunity arose to go for a club-fitting session at the Callaway Performance Centre in Chessington – the only outfit of its kind in the UK. Initially I was fairly reluctant; after all, my clubs were men’s and fairly new to boot – there was no need to change.

On entering the centre, I was amazed to learn that I was surrounded by more than 400 clubs, equating to more than 3,000 possible interchangeable club combinations. I soon realised that

perhaps buying my set off the rack had been a little ill-conceived. But following an hour and a half session with professional Steve, I was sure to rectify my error in judgement.

“Just take a few practice shots to warm up” was the command. Little did I realise that for each swing I made, a sensor with 10,000 multiple exposures per second was monitoring my every move and pin-pointing the errors in my stroke. At least I was in good company: Ernie Els no less had been there the week before, looking for a new driver to keep his spin rate down.

All a bit technical for you? Well, Callaway club-fitting can go into as much or as little detail as the customer requires. The main aim is to measure the efficiency of your swing (ball speed versus clubhead speed, if you want to get into the mechanics of it) and ball flight.

By all accounts my swing isn’t terribly

efficient. Too much back spin, too much height, too much side spin and consequently not enough length. If I needed proof, there I was, analysed frame by frame alongside the best players in the world. The footage was there on full screen for all to see, thanks to Callaway’s new “See your Game” feature, which the company kindly sends to you via e-mail or prints out there and then.

Within seconds, Steve had sussed out what I really needed (apart from the obvious solution of selling my sticks and giving up golf). Based on my original Fusion irons, he moved me onto the latest head shape, but changed the shaft. He assured me that aesthetics are vital, and that’s not just because I’m a woman. You have to feel comfortable looking down at the club, you have to be happy with the sound it makes when you make contact with the ball. A little sticker on the clubface tells you exactly where that is, as well.

At last, a positive. All my shots were coming out of the middle!

Graphite shafts were the conclusion.

“Isn’t that for old fogies?”, I heard myself mutter. But, the fact is, I was striking the ball a dream with my new Callaway X-20s. Everything about them was still standard men’s after all, apart from my grip, which I’m glad to say is “universal women’s”.

But it didn’t end there. Spending in excess of £35 million on research and development, Callaway doesn’t do things by halves. Rather, the company assesses every club in your bag, from driver to putter, and so I was led from the artificial tee to the indoor green, where the Odyssey Putt Lab awaited me: another high-tech gadget which takes 28 measures of your stroke.

Amazing to think, standing there hooked up with wires and gizmos, that this machine basically decides, after a few dubious putts, which putter is the one for me. And I’ll take the advice, thanks very much, considering putting accounts for about 50% of the game.

Another hour’s analysis on my weakest area and I walked away with a new set of clubs.

Would I recommend it? Well, I went out on The London Golf Club’s International Course and shot three over gross off my 7 handicap, so the clubs seem to fit!

As a preferred Callaway retailer, The London Golf Club can help you book a fitting session.

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ROCK MY WORLD 68

MOTORING Europe’s fastest circuit, Rockingham provides a host of thrilling racing experiences, culminating in a meeting with the ultimate automotive beast – a Formula One knockout, says JON CHEVALIER IF YOU ASK any avid motor enthusiast to make a list of ‘ten things to do before you die’, a dream racing experience would clinch the number one spot. And at Rockingham, you really do live the dream.

Located in Corby, easily accessible from London, Birmingham and Manchester, this colossal racing complex is the place to thrash out some of the best vehicles on exhilarating tracks and feel like Lewis Hamilton for a day. The atmosphere combines American Nascar intensity and Indy 500 hype with roaring engines and no fewer than ten spine-

tingling circuits. Various packages are available, including 4x4 rally driving, supercars and a wet grip area, but if you really want to indulge in motor fantasies, the Formula One day experience is nothing short of mind-blowing.

Kitted out in professional racing suits and helmets, drivers commence with an intensive training session in the new MINI Cooper under the guidance of a professional racing instructor. The ‘crash course’ is designed to allow you to familiarise yourself with the track, learning to locate curves and corners, and, most importantly, when to break.

There’s no time to catch your breath as you move quickly on to the Lotus Elise; it’s normally a humble, inexpensive sports car, but when driven by the professionals it defies the laws of gravity.

Belting down the track in the Lotus yourself, your ears are assaulted by a cacophony of engine roars, screeching and constant yells from your instructor telling you to BRAKE! BRAKE! BRAKE! After these two hair-raising experiences, you are left on your own to tackle even greater beasts. The Formula Fords, the equivalent of mini F1s, are popular amongst drivers, given their hands-on, manageable feel. Quite forgiving around corners, you can get some serious ‘back out’ action on hairpins as you become more familiar with the track. F3s, however, are a different species altogether. Possessing more pace and poke, these giants feel comparatively larger and more powerful than the Fords; if you don’t behave on

corners, brace yourself for some wet-yourpants moments.

As anticipation of the F1 experience continues to build, there are two more cars to handle before the big cat. Out on the ‘Bowl’ – the largest circuit – it was time to meet Mr. Macho, otherwise known as the Porsche 911 Turbo. One of the fastest road cars available, expect a German sledgehammer on wheels, capable of reaching speeds that can rocket you into the future and set the track on fire. After several satisfying laps, we swapped to a car not many experience in their lifetime – a hot red Ferrari.

Taking the bull by the horns, you proceed to chase the Porsche around the track, and there’s nothing more satisfying than pursuing such a vehicle in an Italian Stallion.

Driving the Ferrari back into the paddock, it dawns on you that the moment to tame the Minotaur has finally arrived. In the background, a ferocious

growl echoes all around – a mythological beast chained in a cage, being poked with sticks. Throughout the day, we were warned that every move had to be calculated and perfectly executed with an F1; this monster had to be treated with more respect than The Godfather. The moment you step into the driving seat, you are Schumacher, smothered by an F1 team flicking switches, buttons and nifty gadgets. This baby takes off like a fighter plane, and before you know it, the first corner is immediately in your lap. Power delivery is brutal, giving the feeling of driving on snow and positively gliding around the track at speeds you never thought imaginable. Once the hairpin is out the way, you won’t be able to resist the urge to floor it down the opening straight, watching the rev metre hit double figures in milliseconds.

Whizzing around, your eyes are pushed right to the back of your head, and if you’re not careful, you can find yourself

pirouetting past the pit lane in a spin of 130mph. You’ll come out pumping with adrenalin and the sheer ecstasy of having skilfully managed such an awesome car, possibly playing Eye of the Tiger in your head as well.

The Rockingham experience will teach you more about racing than any other day out, and it definitely beats bungee jumping or go-karting. Professional tuition from the experts will fine-tune your everyday driving, but ultimately coaches you to the standard required to control the most coveted car in the world.

Lewis Hamilton, eat your heart out.

Rockingham Motor Speedway Mitchell Road Corby Northamptonshire NN17 5AF 01536 500 500 www.rockingham.co.uk

-!9/2!, -!33!'% MOTORING The Lexus 600h has a treat in store for rearseat passengers, says MATTHEW CARTER

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THIS IS NOT really the done thing on a new car launch. I’ve just forgone the opportunity to hurl the car around a local racetrack in favour of a massage.

Tramping down a billiard table-smooth straight with the revs bouncing off the limiter, before throwing the car at a tricky offcamber left/right flick, is a regular feature of many launches.

Ostensibly we do it to test some of the vehicle’s advanced electronics, to see how they prevent a skid, for example. But, if I’m honest, we do it because it’s huge fun. It gets the adrenaline going and has precious little to do with how the car behaves on the open road.

This time, however, I’ll leave the on-track heroics to others.

Instead, I’m off for some relaxation therapy. Bear with me… it’s far more relevant to this particular car.

The Shiatsu session, you see, will be taking place in the back seat of the car and my Japanese masseuse is mechanical rather than human. The car is the flagship Lexus LS600h and the ‘relaxation rear seat’ is just one of the tricks up its voluminous sleeve.

Lying there in Club Class luxury with the front passenger perch pushed well out of the way, I slide the footrest of my airconditioned seat out to turn the chair into a virtual bed.

I choose a DVD from the car’s library as the screen lowers itself from the roof. And then I press the massage button on the remote control and unseen fists start to pummel my back. The sensation is… absolutely… soporific.

Most of these cars will be driven by chauffeurs, so it’s little wonder Lexus has spent so much time making sure the rear compartment is up to scratch. But they’ve spent even more time (and money) up front. The ‘h’ in the model’s name is the clue; it stands for hybrid, for this is the latest in an ever-expanding line of petrol/electric cars being produced by Lexus and its parent, Toyota.

Like the Toyota Prius, the LS600h uses an environmentally-friendly electric motor (this one develops 224hp) to provide emission-free motoring at city speeds. Out of town, it’s back to petrol power. In this case, it’s a potent 394hp 5.0-litre V8 which drives all four wheels and a generator to recharge the electric motor’s battery.

Put the two horsepower figures together and you get more than 600hp… hence the car’s name. It also underlines that the combined power output is what you might expect from a conventional 6.0-litre petrol engine. It’s certainly quick. Rapid acceleration is assured as the electric motor joins forces with the petrol one to whisk this luxury barge along at a sports car pace.

And given its sheer bulk, this Lexus is surprisingly agile. The combination of standard four-wheel drive, oodles of power and a sophisticated adjustable air suspension system means it handles tidily at the same time as ensuring its occupants – especially those in the back – enjoy ride comfort of magic carpet proportions.

Seal of

APPROVAL MOTORING Annabel Trew explores the world of Bentley ownership

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Bentley Kent 92 London Road Sevenoaks Kent, TN13 1BA 0870 4103 740

WHETHER IT’S A tailored suit or a bespoke holiday, the ultimate in luxury indulgence is the opportunity to own something that has been designed and crafted especially for you. That is what separates Bentley from the rest. Even in the 21st century, these unique cars are still lovingly hand-built in Crewe, Cheshire.

For the ultimate in bespoke car making, Bentley offers the Arnage. With at least 20 standard hide colours to choose between, the option of twocolour upholstery permutations, up to 40 standard paint finishes matched to the customer’s request, and any number of amazing wooden trims, no two cars will ever be the same.

However, we have to face facts – buying the ultimate in anything will always come at a price. But there is another option. What about a pre-owned Bentley? Buyers do not need to compromise on quality; a preowned Bentley that is part of the Approved Bentley Programme is fully validated for both mileage

and ownership. So what they’re getting is a well-maintained car that’s little more than run-in at a great price. If ever a Bentley could be called a bargain, an Approved Bentley is just that.

Whatever the model and whatever the mileage, the quality and craftsmanship put into the creation of each Bentley, whether it is pre-owned or not, is breathtaking. For example, each Bentley engine is assembled by hand and run for at least thirty minutes on a test rig. The wood veneers are hand-selected and polished. Even a Bentley steering wheel has been double-stitched by hand, a process that can take four hours or more per wheel.

Joining the Arnage in the ultimate Bentley stable is the Continental GT, a 198mph, all-wheel-drive, 552bhp coupé, launched in 2003. The impact was incredible; within weeks the waiting list stretched for more than two years. Designed at Crewe by Bentley’s in-house team, it shares its DNA with the iconic R-Type Continental of

1952 – at the time the fastest fourseater in the world. Today, the first examples of the Continental GT are making their way back to the marketplace as Bentley Approved cars.

Tempted? For either the Arnage or the Continental GT, potential purchasers can get in touch with Andrew Howes at Bentley Kent who will show them the national database of approved Bentleys across the entire UK dealer network.

Each car will come with a 154point inspection by a Bentley technician, full provenance check, at least 12 months’ unlimited mileage warranty and free delivery, whatever the location of the supplying dealer.

Bentley Kent can also arrange part exchange for clients’ current cars. But here’s a word of warning; whatever you do, don’t call their stock of Approved Bentleys ‘used’, because hand-crafted items don’t wear out, they wear in.

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Grange International Aviation introduces a fixed price private charter for 2008 from London to Palma Mallorca linking the London Golf Club and its partner course, the prestigious Royal Golf de Bendinat.

As the premier European service for private light jet aviation we offer a seamless connection to the world of business jets and helicopters including brokerage, block hours programs, charter, management and sales.

Grange International Aviation jet charter Route Aircraft Flight time Cost

London – Palma Light jet (up to 6 seats) 2hrs 30mins One way £8000 Weekend return £12,500 (Friday to Sunday) Fixed price for Summer 2008

The new way to charter | occupied time only pricing | guaranteed availability | pay-as-you-go Grange International Aviation, Sunseeker Wharf, West Quay Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1HW England t +44 (0)1202 670419 | m +44 (0)7824 390320 | nick@grangeaviation.com

www.grangeaviation.com

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LAND, SEA &AIR LIFESTYLE

JOSEPHINE O’DONOGHUE discovers the best outdoor pursuits in the UK

LAND: Mountain Biking 74

SERIOUS MOUNTAIN BIKING is an endurance sport; off-road and over rough terrain, this hard-core hobby requires high levels of stamina, excellent bike handling skills and self-reliance.

Group rides are most common in this sport, as the lengthy duration spent in the ‘wilderness’ provides a good environment for improving teamwork skills and survival techniques. Often combined with camping, rides can last for days, making this one of the more intense outdoor hobbies.

Divided into either cross-country or downhill, mountain biking provides both a cardiovascular and muscular workout. Cross-country is the most common type and involves riding a set trail across varied terrain. Completed either against the clock or with a group, these courses will test riders’ skill, concentration, stamina and strength. They can even cross the world to explore new trails.

Countries with mountainous regions, ideal for this type of activity, often rely on such visitors for sports tourism (visit www.exodus.co.uk for information on cycling holidays).

Downhill mountain biking challenges riders to descend a trail in the quickest possible time, usually under fifteen minutes. For beginners, the trails (coloured like ski runs) might include

obstacles such as small rocks and tree roots, whilst more complex courses aimed at semi-professionals can be extreme and include sharp turns, rock gardens, 2 - 5ft cliffs and steep slopes.

Numerous mountain bike courses are on offer in the UK, structured to teach basics to beginners or complex skills and instructional qualifications to more advanced riders. Cycle Active is one company that offers courses, from personal riding skills to leader awards, youth development to corporate entertaining. Riding skills weekends are an excellent way to improve mountain bike techniques in an intense session of cycling; taking place in the Lake District, there is a fantastic range of trails to get round, challenges to overcome and beautiful scenery to take in.

Open to anyone of any age, mountain biking is one of the most exciting and demanding sports on land, and is certainly not for the fainthearted. For those in search of a high energy and motivational hobby, it is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore the UK, and maybe even the rest of the world.

For more information on courses, visit www.cycleactive.co.uk

SEA: Sailing SAILING IS PERHAPS one of the oldest sports around; it may not have always been considered a ‘sport’, but men across the world have certainly sailed for many centuries. Now not simply a mode of transport, a means of fishing or a way of discovering unknown lands, sailing can be refined to an extremely precise set of skills. Environmentally friendly, physically challenging, mentally stimulating and with a lot of fresh sea air, it is an exhilarating and enjoyable hobby.

Sailing is something of an umbrella term; covering dinghy racing to yachting, sailing a catamaran to inland waterways, there is a wealth of choice. Most popular is offshore sailing, alongside dinghy and yacht racing – fast-paced adrenaline sports which often feature at the main events of many sailing regattas across the world.

Whether the sport is taken up as an individual, couple or group, the first step when sailing in the UK is to gain competent crew member certification from the Royal Yachting Association; during the initial trips, students can expect to learn how to steer, set and trim sails, tack and jibe. The RYA has schools across the country and all UK coastlines; the courses offered by RYA are the best to take when learning to sail and later developing additional skills. The programmes in the UK are planned around long stretches of the coast and allow participants to explore areas of the country they may not have visited before – ports are chosen for their beauty, local attractions and/or history, and many courses allow some flexibility to stop and explore.

As sailing becomes more natural and more time is spent on the water, there is the opportunity to get involved in some rather more interesting aspects.

Perhaps most popular are the races. The Tall Ships Race is held every summer in European waters, where 70 100 vessels from 15 - 20 countries are crewed by some 5 - 6,000 under 26’s. These budding sailors take part in a unique event that combines four days of activities in each port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports. Sailing regattas are held all year round, from the UK and Europe to the Americas and the Caribbean – some highly competitive and some just for fun, there’s a race to suit everyone.

Sailing is also perfect for anyone looking to improve their fitness levels without having to suffer the everyday atmosphere of the gym. Most of the time, sailors use bodyweight to balance in small racing dinghies and yachts. This increases muscle strength, especially regular pulling of the sail ropes. Sailing in a fast-paced race burns 400 calories an hour and will heighten heart rate and stamina.

However, as well as a sport, sailing may also be taken up as a more leisurely hobby. If you are not one for the manic rush of a race, why not consider catamaran or yacht sailing for pleasure rather than sport? Particularly suitable for those who wish to combine an interest or hobby with travel, leisure sailing offers the opportunity to explore the most beautiful coastlines in the world at your own pace. Sit on the sundeck of a beautiful yacht, sipping wine and watching the sunset, or alternatively indulge in a spot of Croatian island-hopping; why not try sailing with dolphins, or maybe socialising at the chic marinas in the south of France?

Details and prices of all sailing courses can be found at www.rya.org.uk

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A ‘HANDS ON’ APPROACH MEANS THAT FLYING IS A GREAT HOBBY FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GET IN AND HAVE A GO FROM THE VERY START

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AIR: Flying FOR A NEW challenge every weekend, an edge of exhilaration and a bit of escapism, flying really is the only activity to get involved in. A ‘hands on’ approach means that flying is a great hobby for those who want to get in and have a go from the very start. Students learning for their Private Pilot’s License (PPL) walk out to their aircraft for the first time and from then on are involved in almost all aspects of the flight: external and instrument checks, taxying, take-off and flying. Controlling the aircraft from the pilot’s seat, a good QFI (Qualified Flying Instructor) allows as much control as students can handle, teaching through a combination of example, trial and error and step-by-step instruction.

A PPL will usually cost somewhere in the region of £6,000 - £8,000 +VAT for 45 hours’ tuition and can be undertaken over a period of six weeks to two years, depending on your enthusiasm and free time. However, the average student will require 50 - 60 hours to achieve the PPL and additional tuition can be purchased at around £130 - £180 per hour including aircraft, fuel and QFI (lower prices can be found outside London; Pilot Flight Training is based in Oxfordshire, www. pilotflighttraining.co.uk, and SFC runs a flying school in Sussex, www.sfc.ac). Flying offers a different kind of freedom, and once students have gone solo (at around 10 - 15 hours), the ability to fly becomes an unrivalled means of escapism and exhilaration not found anywhere else (quite literally) on Earth. After all, problems tend to look a lot smaller from 2,500 feet up!

The completion of the PPL (and examinations in Air Law, Human Performance, Meteorology, Radio Telephony, Aircraft Technical, Aircraft Performance and Navigation) provides the opportunity to get into some more interesting flying; land-away trips take newly-qualified pilots island-hopping around the Channel Islands or to mainland Europe for a change of scene. Borrow a plane for the day and jet your family and friends off for lunch in Le Touquet, take a loved one flying at sunset or, progressing further, why not plan and pilot a trip around Europe or Africa?

Owning an aircraft is often the most exciting part of flying and this is certainly becoming more common; unlike buying a car, rather surprisingly aircraft tend not to depreciate dramatically in value, so are therefore a better investment. Greatly reducing the hourly cost of flying and very often available to PPL holders as shares, owning your own aircraft makes flying a truly enjoyable experience.

For information on lessons in the London area, visit www.cabair.com More information on buying aircraft can be found at www.aerotrader.com

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Fuel consumption/emissions in accordance with 80/1268/EC. l/100km (mpg), Urban 14.1 (20.0); Extra Urban 7.1 (39.8); Combined 9.5 (29.7). CO2 emissions (g/km) 227.

Advertised finance offer available on a Porsche Boxster Sport Edition through Porsche Financial Services on a Porsche Preferences Plan, at participating Porsche Centres. Terms and conditions apply. Other finance offers are available but cannot be used in conjunction with this offer. All finance subject to status to over 18’s only. Subject to availability. £75 acceptance fee is included with first payment and £25 option to purchase fee is included in Guaranteed Minimum Future Value. Contract is based on annual mileage of 10,000 miles. Excess mileage will be charged at 14p per mile. Porsche Financial Services, Bath Road, Calcot, Reading, Berkshire, RG31 7SE. Registered in England number: 3708834. Porsche Financial Services Great Britain is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

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FA S H I O N JOSEPHINE O’DONOGHUE heads to Burlington Arcade in search of a real vintage timepiece

OLD FATHER

TIME

IF DIAMONDS ARE a girl’s best friend, you can forget about canine companions – watches are most definitely a man’s soul mate. Buying or receiving a new watch is one of life’s great pleasures, but perhaps even more so is the miraculous discovery of the antique, vintage or rare limited edition timepiece.

Whether such a treasure has inspired years of searching or comes as a unique and thoughtful gift, vintage watches are firmly back in vogue.

Of course, from all the watch families there are particular names that stand out when hunting for that classic timepiece.

Rolex has been a brand synonymous with luxury and class for just over a century, and it comes as no surprise that a whole host of A-list celebrities, royalty and watch collectors list these timepieces as the most valuable, collectable and, perhaps more importantly, the most exquisite.

The first company ever to receive official chronometer certification for a wristwatch, Rolex is certainly a prestigious name.

Its numerous achievements in the field include developing and patenting the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster; creating the Perpetual Rotor, a self-winding mechanism that allows the wristwatch to run continuously powered by the motion of the wrist; and launching the Submariner (invented originally for deep sea divers and adopted by the British Royal Navy) and the Sea Dweller (the first watch with a helium gas escape valve designed for saturation divers). Surely owning one of the firstmade Oyster or Submariner watches is akin to possessing a piece of technological history?

This concept has proved popular with many, and in recent years speciality stores have been established to concentrate on this aspect of the watch market; The Vintage Watch Company is one of the most reputable suppliers in the city, and is situated in the Georgian splendor of the Burlington Arcade. An impressive collection, The Vintage Watch Company houses the largest number of vintage Rolex watches in the world, and is the destination store for anyone looking to purchase a vintage timepiece. Over the last 13 years, the company has been dedicated to creating Vintage Rolex as another brand; its collection features over four hundred exquisite wristwatches created between 1915 and 1960, and for all those who value rarity, it is easy to appreciate that they are unlikely to meet an identical watch elsewhere.

Visitors to the Burlington Arcade store are often interested to hear the glamorous history of Rolex, as well as the company’s notable technological past. Fans of the vintage Rolex may choose after their favourite actor or celebrity; Paul Newman favoured a Daytona model, Sean Connery wore a Submariner as James Bond, and Steve McQueen sported an Explorer II for many years.

For those in search of a particularly individual timepiece or an extra-special gift, The Vintage Watch Company excels in assisting its customers in a search for the perfect birth-year watch. Clients can select a Rolex from the year of their loved one’s birth or, if buying for a special occasion, they can hunt for a vintage watch from the year of their marriage or another memorable date.

The Vintage Watch Company is located at 24 Burlington Arcade, W1J 0PS and the vintage watch collection can be viewed online at www.vintagewatchcompany.com

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HOT SHOT PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAREL JANSEN

Shot on location at The London Golf Club The London Golf Club Professional Shop stocks Ralph Lauren, J.Lindeberg, Hugo Boss, Footjoy & Callaway Photographic Assistant: Marte Lundby Rekaa Stylist: Savannah Barthorpe Hair & Make-up: Vincent Sylvester & Deborah Curwell Models: Ibbi Andersen, Tim Dorans from Nevs

HIM: J.Lindeberg blue sleeveless sweater; J.Lindeberg blue polo shirt; Hugo Boss Green blue and white striped trousers; Footjoy Classics Dry Premiere shoes; watch supplied by Charles Fish HER: Polo Ralph Lauren white shirt with blue collar detail; Polo Ralph Lauren white skort; Footjoy Weathersof glove; necklace and earrings supplied by Charles Fish; bracelets by Rocks, Frocks & Cocktails; hat and belt – Stylist’s own

HIM: Ralph Lauren RLX black trousers; J.Lindeberg blue polo; J.Lindeberg blue diamond sleeveless; Ralph Lauren shoes; MW Bremont watch supplied by Charles Fish; red neck tie p Stylist’s own HER: Polo Ralph Lauren red skort; Polo Ralph Lauren red polo; Footjoy Contour IV shoes; Footjoy Weathersof glove; Reiss black & white patent leather belt; neckties and bracelet p Stylist’s own

HIM: Hugo Boss Green white/taupe T-shirt; Hugo Boss RLX white trousers with black piping detail; watch supplied by Charles Fish

HER: Polo Ralph Lauren beige wide leg pant; Polo Ralph Lauren beige cashmere hoody; Jen Ryan necklace; ring supplied by Charles Fish

HIM: Ralph Lauren black linen suit; Ralph Lauren white shirt; Reiss purple tie; watch supplied by Charles Fish HER: LK Bennett purple dress; pendant, ring and earrings supplied by Charles Fish; bracelet, Rocks Frocks & Cocktails

Photography by: Sarah Gawler

Go The

COURSE

Photography by: Dave Cosens, PhotoGenic

Photography by: Dave Cosens, PhotoGenic

LIFESTYLE Be a golfing bride – not a golfing widow

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MOST WOMEN WILL know it’s on the cards before they tie the knot; weekends of desertion while their other half opts for a little white ball and a pair of spikes instead of a romantic stroll or ‘open wallet surgery’ at Harvey Nics or the Pantiles of Tunbridge Wells. It seems almost inevitable that once they’ve walked down the aisle, the groom’s next strides will be up the fairway. Some even sneak a round or two into their honeymoon itinerary.

But rather than sit back and accept their imminent ‘golfing widow’ status, many brides are reading the breaks before their partners and going for a golfing wedding instead.

That’s not to say they’re swapping their veil for a visor or their bouquet for a bag of clubs (although some have). Rather, they’re embracing their loved one’s passion for the game and incorporating it into their special day. Having an award-winning clubhouse and two championship golf courses as the backdrop to the all-important wedding photos is certainly one way to guarantee

a happy husband, especially when he can even play a round (of golf that is!) before the service.

Last year alone, more than forty couples decided on The London Golf Club as their wedding venue.

With an in-house coordinator, toastmaster, licensed ceremony room and large banqueting facilities, the Club has every aspect down to a tee. The breathtaking vistas from the terrace really are the icing on the cake for any bride.

Starting married life with such a sporting compromise must go a fair way to ensuring a monogamous marriage. But if he can’t be kept off the course, at least while he’s studying the borrow of the greens, she’s got an excuse to borrow more on his credit card.

For more information on weddings at The London Golf Club, contact the Wedding Coordinator on 01474 879899 or e-mail weddings@londongolf.co.uk

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RULE BRITANNIA FOOD & DRINK ANNABEL TREW meets our very own devil in the kitchen, Marco Pierre White

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“DO YOU HAVE high standards?” This was the innocent, if rather unnecessary, question that a Radio Times journalist recently put to Marco Pierre White. What followed was something every writer dreads – the premature termination of the vital ingredient of your article: the interview itself. He walked out on her.

Fearing the worst as I entered his sparkly Italian restaurant in Knightsbridge, I hoped that I would fare better. And then there he was: The man who allegedly made Gordon Ramsey cry, who has an autobiography packed with extreme outbursts, who is renowned for his bad temper. “Come on, Annabel”, I said to myself, “say something clever and whatever you do, don’t ask him about his standards. Or the affectionately-nicknamed ‘Big Sweary’. Or his ex-wives.”

Marco Pierre White won three Michelin stars at the age of 33 (making him the secondyoungest to have done so in the world), but despite this noteworthy achievement, most know him as the bloke who trained Gordon Ramsey, or the guy on Hell’s Kitchen.

Others remember the good old days of a prima donna who famously charged a guest £25 for a bowl of chips. In actual fact he is completely and maddeningly indecipherable.

Firstly he is virtually impossible to follow, with a train of thought that verges on the Picasso-esque, jumping, leaping from the mundane (“Ketchup is a great sauce”) to the philosophical (“We’re all boring”) to the ridiculous (“I never swear, I’m never rude”).

He also comes across as something of an oxymoron; previously shunning the stratosphere of TV celebrity chefs, he suddenly became one last year (although he assured me many times, “I’m not a celebrity chef, I’m an acclaimed chef”). Then there are the horror stories bandying about that paint him as a vicious monster. However, the

man sitting opposite me, though initially a little condescending, was actually very polite and wished me well as I left.

So, what was the great man up to? Ascot, apparently. “Quintessentially British” and of course “posh”, using Marco’s words, he explained that Ascot is one of the greatest of our institutions because it includes “all quarters of society… My love affair with the races goes back to when I was a child. I spent a lot of time at York Races”, he mused. “I love horse racing, I’m privileged to be asked to do Ascot.”

Certainly he has a long friendship with worldfamous jockey Frankie Dettori and the very restaurant I found myself in – Frankie’s – was conceived from this partnership.

However, Ascot to Marco is more than just an opportunity to feed those who are lucky enough to find themselves at the Carriages Restaurant on Ladies Day; it is the springboard for his latest culinary campaign. With that signature glint in his eye, he leaned forward and said intensely “I’ve turned 360 degrees”.

Yes, at points he has fallen into the bracket of those who associate haute cuisine with anything not conceived in this country, but now he seems to be on a one-man-mission to resurrect the love of our nation’s grub. “If I want French food I would go to France, if I want a great risotto I’ll go to Venice”, he adds with furious semaphore. “I love England and I don’t want to serve something that is posh but has nothing to do with this country. It’s ridiculous to serve foreign food at Ascot.”

Great British food, I thought, shuddering at the idea of spotted dick, but apparently I’m wrong; who would have thought anyone could get so excited about kedgeree? In fact, at his Yew Tree Pub he serves all the British greats, from potted shrimp to sardines on toast, from roast pork belly to something wonderful called omelette Arnold Bennett. “The best beef in the world is from Scotland, my eggs come from around the corner. It’s all here”, he enthuses before taking an about-turn to snootiness in general: “I hate food snobs. There’s nothing wrong with HP or ketchup, I want Worcestershire sauce with my food.” “How very Delia Smith”, I thought, which makes sense, as he furiously defends her opinions on food.

“Chefs have got on their high horses”, he says.

“I wish journalists would leave her alone. Delia

Smith has done more for the food industry in this country than anyone.” Although he is less positive about female chefs in general – we have a good nose apparently, but we’re not physically or mentally strong enough to cope with the big bad world of… cooking.

However, it is his selfproclaimed mission, starting with Frankie’s, to provide “affordable glamour”, and what glamour it is. Frankie’s is bespeckled with enormous, shimmering, fascinating and fantasy-making glitterballs whose glints and glistens are reflected in the wall upon wall of mirrors. It’s very Vegas meets Michelin-ed Pizza Express.

Tiptoeing around the subject of his contemporaries (especially Big Sweary), we sashayed onto memories of the “golden era”.

The epoch of the mighty chef who slaved behind his stove, terrified his kitchen assistants into submission and never abandoned his place to court the public has passed, mourned Marco. I wondered, secretly, if he was referring to his own life.

But the interview was drawing to a close. “I’m in the business of feeding people and of fun”, he asserted, regurgitating his favourite line: “Wine and food are a by-product”.

For those who experience his menu at Ascot this year, or one of his many excellent restaurants, I know this for sure: affordable or not, no-one can accuse Marco Pierre White of compromising on quality; expect the most sumptuous of feasts, that is, thoroughly British.

Marco Pierre White is at Carriages Restaurant on Ladies Day at Ascot.

Call 020 3002 3222 for more details.

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5 OF THE BEST…

DRINK So, you’ve just finished your round and the urge to celebrate in style is too strong to resist. Our recommendations will take you to the best crowds and scenery in London, says JAMIE WOOLLER

 

The Donovan Bar forms part of the first-ever hotel in London-Brown’s; as such, you can expect all the quality appropriate to such an established place.

Taking its theme from Terrence Donovan’s monochrome photographs of the swinging sixties, you will find a decidedly trendy vibe along with the finest choice of wines, spirits and beers conceivable to man…

Brown's Hotel 33 Albermarle Street, W1S 4BP 020 7518 4062 www.brownshotel.com

ZEBRANO

 

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THE DONOVAN BAR

A rich slice of Vegas deep in Soho, this is the ideal warm up or cool down for a night out celebrating a great round. Take your drink out onto the terrace to enjoy a lively atmosphere and discuss the day’s heroics before heading back inside to the fray. DJs keep the atmosphere lively on weekends and you certainly couldn’t find a better place to get the party started; with Soho’s epicurean delights at your doorstep, your night will not be lacking the potential to go all the way.

14-16 Ganton Street, W1F 7BT 020 7287 5267 www.zebrano-bar-london.com

 

The Blue Bar at The Berkeley Hotel is the place to go for the follower of fashion who wants to feel they are at the top of their game. A frostily cool décor and black crocodile print floor convince one on entrance that to be here is to be at the height of style. A special extra touch is the ‘Grape and Smoke’ menu, which pairs off wines and cigars to give the ultimate celebratory vibe.

The Berkeley Wilton Place Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RL 020 7235 6000 www.the-berkeley.co.uk

THE ELK BAR

 

THE BLUE BAR

Right in the heart of Fulham you will find this most elusive creature, the bar which doesn’t take itself too seriously yet does offer the type of quality you would expect from a truly classy drinks experience. Its rural theme, complete with a pair of antlers and pastoral prints, will make you feel as though you’ve just rolled off the golf course and into a local country pub. However, don’t be deceived – this bar provides a wealth of choice and attracts a very young, fun and well-heeled crowd, who by the weekend will have filled the joint with a high-energy vibe and plenty of dancing.

Ideal for a mid-week drink, especially for the younger golfers who have been playing in packs.

587 Fulham Road Fulham, SW6 5UA 020 7385 6940 www.elkbar.com

 

NO. 5 CAVENDISH SQUARE This sumptuous hotel, located within the former Spanish embassy, offers the ideal setting for a convivial round of post-golf drinks; a by-word for luxury, its downstairs bar’s deep red colour provides rich, warm environs in which to heat up after braving the elements on the course. Members and hotel guests can also take the chance to use its exclusive upstairs whisky bar to cement any business concerns they may have been thrashing out on the golf course.

After all, if Donald Trump can rule his property empire from the golf course, why shouldn’t you go one better?

5 Cavendish Square, W1G 0PG 020 7079 5000 www.no5ltd.com

Yering Station, Photograph by Danya Eltchelebi

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GRAPE ESCAPES WINE

Unless you plan on spending your entire Australian holiday in the outback, you will never be too far from a vineyard. From Perth to Adelaide, Sydney to Melbourne, there are cellar doors in abundance. ADRIAN BUCKNALL looks at the vineyards close to the two east coast cities, Sydney and Melbourne

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AUSTRALIAN WINE BECAME an overnight success in the UK in the 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: easy drinking, affordable, fruit-driven wines with clearly understandable labels promising the consumer a little bit of antipodean sunshine in their glass. Today, supermarket shelves are widely stocked with an extensive range of well-made Australian wines, but if you scratch beneath the surface, you will find hundreds of small, often family-run, boutique wineries making exciting, handcrafted wines with personality and regional identity.

Some of these wines can be found in your independent wine shops, but for those of you planning a trip down under, nothing beats a visit to one of Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many breathtakingly beautiful wine regions and enjoying the warm welcome and hospitality that awaits.

Visitors to Sydney have so much to look forward to that fitting everything into a short break can be a challenge.

You can tour the Opera House, climb the Harbour Bridge and watch the surfers catch a wave as you dine at Icebergs overlooking Bondi Beach.

If you want Michelin-standard restaurants, then make sure you visit Rockpool, Tetsuyas or Marque. If you prefer to relax and have a drink with a view, then try the Harbour bar or the revolving Orbit bar high above the city. For shopping, look no further than the chic and bohemian boutiques of Paddington, and when it comes to sampling the local wines, the Hunter Valley is an easy drive away and is a wine loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream.

Just two hours north of Sydney, the Hunter Valley is so well geared towards tourism that it may be likened to the Disney World of wine regions.

However, the wines are far from Mickey Mouse in quality. If time is short, an organised coach trip will get you there and back in a day; if time is on your side, then spending a few days in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; can be very worthwhile. Choose from a private cottage among the vines to a five-star spa resort: the Hunter Valley caters for every need.

Once there, with vineyards in close proximity, you can hire a bike to travel from one cellar door to the next. Be sure to sample as many of the Semillons and Shiraz on offer as you can. These two varietals are what the Hunter does best. Its Semillons are light and citrussy with a refreshing acidity in youth, but transform into rich, honeyed, complex wines if you can hold off drinking them for five years or so. Try Tyrells Vat 1 or the Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon to taste these distinctive and underappreciated wines at their best.

Hunter Valley Shiraz is typically medium bodied, with black fruits, spice and more savoury characteristics than its South Australian counterparts.

Brokenwood, Petersons and Meerea Park are classic examples.

STAY atâ&#x20AC;Ś Tower Lodge, an awardwinning five-star boutique hotel with 12 exclusive rooms.

EAT atâ&#x20AC;Ś Roberts and Esca at Bimbadgen.

DRINK atâ&#x20AC;Ś Mount Pleasant Tyrells, Brokenwood, Margan.

Melbourne, Southbank

WINES TO TRY HUNTER VALLEY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tyrrells Vat 1 Semillon 1999 Displaying all the desired characteristics of aged Hunter Semillon, Vat 1 is the standard by which all other Hunter Semillons are judged. It is bright, pale and gold in appearance, with lovely limetinged honey-on-toast aromas. On the palate more honey and toast combine with a nuttiness and a slight citrus lift to provide a very complex and long-lived finish. (ÂŁ22.99, Harvey Nichols) YARRA VALLEY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Yering Station Pinot Noir 2005 Bright ruby in the glass, aromas of cherries and plums lead into a velvety palate of raspberries, liquorice and creamy oak. A very sophisticated Pinot Noir for the price. (ÂŁ9.99, Majestic Wines)

Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second city, Melbourne is very different in look and feel to Sydney. The architecture is much more European in style, while trams ferry people in and around the city or further afield to the trendy St. Kilda beach and its restaurants and cafes.

Whether you are in one of the many covered lanes in the city centre or in one of the fashionable Melbourne suburbs, meeting friends or people watching is best done over a cappuccino or a flat white (cappuccino without most of the froth).

Melbourne also boasts the best shopping that Australia has to offer and a lively arts scene â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is a place to unwind, chill out and indulge. As part of that indulgence, Melbourne is blessed with having not one but two world-class wine regions on its doorstep â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the Yarra Valley and the Mornington Peninsular.

One hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive east of Melbourne, you

arrive in the relaxed and laid back Yarra Valley. Its rolling hills provide a picturebook backdrop to tasting top quality wine and dining on fresh local produce. The Yarra Valley is considered a cool climate

by Australian standards, and is famous for its Burgundian varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The wines here are characterised by their elegance and restraint. If you are partial to a bit of bubbly, then a visit to Domaine Chandon is a must. This is MĂśet & Chandonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Australian sparkling wine outpost, under the label of Green Point.

STAY atâ&#x20AC;Ś Château Yering, a luxurious Victorian mansion house.

EAT atâ&#x20AC;Ś Tarawarra, Yering Station.

DRINK atâ&#x20AC;Ś Coldstream Hills, Tarawarra, De Bortoli, Domaine Chandon.

!DRIAN AND 6ICTORIA "UCKNALL RUN 7INE 5NEARTHED A COMPANY SPECIALISING IN WINE EDUCATION TASTINGS AND EVENTS

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