IGTM Daily DAY 2: WEDNESDAY 13 NOVEMBER Turkey for Christmas?... KPMG report reveals nation’s new status in golf’s top ten destinations (see page 4)
Q&A with our host... Lumine’s Calle Carlsson on why there’s nowhere better for a golfing holiday (see page 6)
La Manga just gets ‘Better and better
EXCLUSIVE
First Leadbetter Golf Academy on mainland Spain unveiled La Manga Club, Spain’s foremost golf, sports and leisure destination, is to open a Leadbetter Golf Academy in January 2014 – the only such facility in mainland Spain – further enhancing the resort’s status as one of the top coaching facilities in Europe.
& Spa, PGA National Ireland, and The Belfry, believes the choice of La Manga Club as home to The Leadbetter Golf Academy’s only mainland Spanish base is further recognition of the outstanding golf facilities on offer there.
With nearly 30 academies worldwide, at selected premium destinations, The Leadbetter Golf Academy offers the very finest learning and practice facilities. And the selection of the Murcia resort as its latest base is just the most recent fillip to a resurgent La Manga Club which is burgeoning once again under the leadership of director of golf Gary Silcock.
He said: “We are delighted to have been chosen as the new home for The Leadbetter Golf Academy’s only venue in mainland Spain. Such patronage confirms that as well as having the best offering for holiday golfers in Spain, La Manga Club is also, undisputedly, the top choice for golf coaching and tuition – enhancing its overall reputation as the destination of choice for top amateurs and professionals in many sports.
Silcock, who has previously worked at some of the sport’s most prestigious venues, including St Andrews’ Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort
continued on page 3
WEDNESDAY IGTM DAILY 01
IGTM Daily Wednesday Having celebrated its 40th birthday last year, La Manga Club – set in an area three times the size of Monaco – continues to set the benchmark for sports and leisure destinations across Europe. Widely recognised as Spain’s flagship venue, its recent golfing highlights include hosting the 2013 Spanish International Amateur Championship and being voted as the best golf resort in Spain by UK readers of Today’s Golfer magazine for the last two years.
Continued from page 1 “The January opening of The Leadbetter Golf Academy heralds further significant investment into state-of-the-art practice facilities here at La Manga Club and ensures the resort is truly in a class of its own in terms of sports coaching facilities, with world-class amenities, not just in golf, but also in tennis, football, rugby, cricket and many other sports.” La Manga Club’s golf facilities already includes three 18-hole championship courses – host to the Spanish Open five times from 1973-77 – and a ninehole academy course. Its reputation as a major golf destination was enhanced earlier this year when the La Manga Club’s Director of Golf Gary Silcock PGAs of Europe announced the 1st La Manga Club International Pro-Am would be played at the resort from 7-11 March, 2014. It is the second major international event that La Manga Club will stage early next year, with the resort also hosting the 2014 Spanish Seniors Amateur Championship in February.
As well as golf, the resort boasts unrivalled facilities as a sports and leisure destination including a 28-court tennis centre, eight fullsize professional sports pitches – suitable for football, rugby and cricket – and a 2,000sqm spa and fitness centre. Dozens of top professional sports teams use the resort every year and it also offers the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 20 bars and restaurants. For further details about La Manga Club, please visit www.lamangaclub.com.
SCOTLAND
Nation to ‘Ryde’ high on success of famous tournament VisitScotland has produced a comprehensive guide for Scottish businesses, providing them with tips on how to make the most of the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Teeing up for success
Entitled Teeing Up For Success, the guide includes information for businesses on a broad range of subjects, such as finding partners and promoting products.
Helping you make the most of golf tourism in the lead up to and beyond The 2014 Ryder Cup
It also offers advice on services that should provided for overseas visitors, such as staff with sound knowledge of products, facilities that are up to scratch, the provision of online booking and goods and services that represent good value for money.
The event, which will take place at Gleneagles, Perthshire, is expected to entice around a quarter of a million people to the country, while the televised event will be beamed to around half a billion homes in over 180 countries on each day of the competition. VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay said: “The importance for the Scottish economy is huge. For this reason it is imperative we utilise the opportunities afforded to us and ensure we’re ready to welcome golf visitors like never before.”
Cantlay continued: “The Ryder Cup is one of the largest sporting events in the world and creates the optimum platform for us to create a lasting legacy for Scottish golf and Scottish tourism.”
PORTUGAL
Wait no longer for the improved Penha Longa
The five-star Penha Longa Resort in Portugal, a renowned golfer’s getaway, has announced the completion of major work, including a new covered driving range and drainage works over a number of holes at the Penha Longa course. Three paths are also available on Penha Longa’s 27 holes, allowing golfers to play to
their strengths and adjust the level of difficulty. The accommodation at Penha Longa has also been given a chic makeover, including work to enhance its public areas, suites and restaurants also. Within the hotel’s 194 bedrooms, the 14 Executive Suites and 27 Premium rooms now
all boast new furnishings and promise an upgraded accommodation experience. Penha Long is located close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra, with Cascais, the Atlantic coast at Estoril and historic Lisbon all within easy reach. Visit: www.penhalonga.com WEDNESDAY IGTM DAILY 03
IGTM Daily Wednesday SCOTLAND
Turnberry academy sets new standards
A new centre of excellence – the Turnberry Performance Academy – has opened at the famous club and Luxury Collection Resort in Ayrshire, Scotland. The centre offers a holistic coaching approach, aiming to help players not only with the technical aspects of their game, but also with assessing their equipment and examining the mental approach to fulfilling potential and achieving goals. Adhering to the principles of the renowned Titleist Performance Institute (TPI), golfers at the new centre are able to book one-to-one tuition from TPIqualified coaches. The academy is also promoting a brand new initiative with a series of Tour Master Class events, in which more mature players have the opportunity to meet and play golf with Senior Tour Players. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences will include practice sessions, playing on the Ailsa course and socialising in the bar and restaurant with senior pros.
TURKEY
Editor Mike Hayes Art Direction
122 Design
Commercial Director Parminder Johal Senior Reporter Keith Osborne Production Manager Julie Ebsworth Digital / Web Production 3S Media IGTM is published by Limetree Media for and on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions. Limetree Media Ltd 44 Culverden Park Road Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9QY United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)203598 9652 email: parminder.johal@ltmpublications.com web: ltmpublications.com 04 IGTM DAILY WEDNESDAY
Report highlights golfers talking Turkey in 2013 Turkey is now the fourth most popular destination for golf tourists, according to a new survey from KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice. The report, Golf Travel Insights 2013, placed Spain in top spot, followed by Portugal and Scotland, and also revealed that the package price is the most important factor when choosing a golfing holiday. Of the 110 golf tour operators surveyed, 54 per cent said they have maintained the price of their golf packages, while 35 per cent had increased their prices. Growth was reported by 57 per cent of respondents, while 80 per cent were confident that they would see business increase in 2013. Andrea Sartori, Head of KPMG’s Golf Advisory Practice, said: “It’s encouraging to
see the golf travel market continue to grow and recover from the economic downturn. “What’s interesting is that consumers are now saying price is the most important factor when choosing a golf holiday, although the quality of courses is still extremely important. In part, this is why we are seeing emerging destinations such as Turkey being able to position themselves effectively for the market – the quality of the golf courses is high and the packages represent good value for money.” Although not as prevalent as in other sectors of the travel industry, the golf tour operators reported a significant increase in the use of smart phones, along with increasing influence of digital and social media platforms. visit: www.golfbusinesscommunity. com
JUMEIRAHGOLFESTATES.COM
Walk in the footsteps of champions Tee off at the legendary home of the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Jumeirah Golf Estates – home to Greg Norman’s Fire and Earth, two iconic courses that have tested the game’s biggest names. And now you can join the privileged few when you book a round at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Full access to both courses is available with advance tee time reservations, complimentary golf cart, unlimited use of the practice facilities and Titleist range balls. To book your round, or for information on preferential rates for tour operators, please call +971 4 375 9999 or email: info@jumeirahgolfestates.com today. And follow in the footsteps of champions.
TUESDAY IGTM DAILY 10
IGTM Daily Wednesday
INTERVIEW
Calle Carlsson General Manger LUMINE Golf & Beach Club
Originally a tournament professional with appearances on the Challenge Tour, Calle later moved into management and becoming a Director of Golf & Leisure at two resorts in Egypt – Stella di Marde and Mirage City Golf Club. In 2010, he took up his current post at Lumine Golf & Beach Club. What was it about this resort that attracted you? I completely bought into Lumine’s potential and the owners’ vision to turn it into one of Europe’s most sought-after golf destinations. It seemed a great challenge on all levels. You recently announced a record 400 rounds in one day at Lumine. How has the resort coped with the depressed economy and managed to continue to attract golfers and other tourists? Four hundred rounds in one day has always been a benchmark number we have been striving to hit and we were delighted to achieve it last month. One of Lumine Golf Club’s most appealing aspects is our multidimensionality. We have such a diverse product range and our packages are gaining traction because our guests can tailor-make their holiday. We remain focused on service, presenting consistently wellconditioned courses and on experience and value for money to exceed expectations for all those who visit. We can offer visitors an enriched golf holiday experience with the array of attractions in the surrounding region, which are playing an important role in our growing reputation. Guests can relax after golf at Lumine Beach Club, taste the superb local Mediterranean cuisine and powerful reds synonymous with the region. For the adventurous there is PortAventura theme park, the Roman town of Tarragona or the picturesque fishing port Cambrils. Do you feel that golf (especially the golf tourism industry) is having to adapt itself to the new economic circumstances? Clearly falling disposable income levels have affected the liquidity of many courses. The challenge is managing costs without compromising on quality. However, I also believe there are wider issues in the industry impacting the game. Time and work pressures, pace of play and accessibility are all matters we need to address to grow the game. Here at Lumine we strive to do our part to increase the uptake of the game among the younger demographic and among women. We have no dress code and we are focused on creating a friendly atmosphere so the course is an enjoyable place to be. Last winter we welcomed the elite squads from Finland and Austria for their winter training and this winter we will also host the Danish national team. Where do most of your visitors come from, and which markets will you be targeting over the next 12 months? As was found by Sports Marketing Survey’s recent study of European golfers, Spain remains the number one travel destination for visitors from the UK, France, Germany and Scandinavia and our consumer profile at Lumine is reflective of this. 06 IGTM DAILY WEDNESDAY
We have particular success with the traditionally strong markets, including steadily growing interest from British golfers as well as longerterm stays from Scandinavians during the winter months. We have had fantastic opportunities to showcase our facilities with stage two of the European Tour’s Qualifying School and this week’s International Golf Travel Market and we are continuing the momentum into 2014. Beyond 2014 we plan to continue to diversify in order to be less dependent on traditional markets and grow our appeal in emerging markets. Are you finding things changing in terms of visitor behaviour - ie length of stay, number of rounds of golf, more families? We have seen a general increase in long stays among Scandinavians in the winter months, who stay a minimum of 28 days. On the whole we are finding consumers are becoming more diligent in seeking out value for money options and are also placing a greater emphasis on the experience. Catering to this, our packages are set at a selection of price points and are centred on delivering a memorable trip with the ultimate aim of developing customer loyalty and repeat visits. Could you describe Lumine’s golf offering? What does each course offer and how do they differ? Our 45 holes of championship golf is led by the Greg Norman-designed Lakes Course. A venue for the second stage of the European Tour Qualifying School, the course is a challenging test that features a network of water hazards, which wind around the picturesque Sequia Major wetlands. Our second championship course, the Hills, sits in pine woodlands and groves, putting emphasis on shot making and course management. Designed by the Spanish course architect, Alfonso Vidaor, the layout offers great views over the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding region. Our nine-hole Greg Norman-designed Ruins course completes the golf here at Lumine and would arguably fit into a ranking of the Continent’s top nine-hole layouts.
IGTM Daily Wednesday
IGTM reception The reception for the first IGTM to be held on the Costa Daurada was a treat for all the senses. Drawing from the region’s wealth of cultural delights, guests enjoyed a recreation of the Ball dels Gegants, giant costumed figures dancing
to traditional folk music, along with a wealth of culinary specialities. The climax of the evening was a dynamic fireworks display with a band of drummers driving a lively and colourful team of dancers in costume accompanied by some spectacular pyrotechnics.
WEDNESDAY IGTM DAILY 07
IGTM Daily Wednesday SCOTLAND
Birthplace of golf aims for top spot VisitScotland, EventScotland and the Scottish Golf Union have joined forces to launch a campaign aimed at making Scotland the number one destination for global golf tourism. The plan is simple, but ambitious: take two of the world’s premier golf tournaments – ie The Open and the Ryder Cup; then use them to generate global exposure for Scotland, highlighting its rural beauty, cultural heritage, world-class accommodation and unbeatable golfing experiences.
visit golf destination in the world and grow the value of the industry to the economy.” Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing launched the collaborative strategy at Murrayshall Hotel and Golf Course in Perthshire. He said: “Golf in Scotland has never been more in the spotlight thanks to an envied schedule of world-class events taking place at the home of golf. Stewart Walker of Golf Tourism Scotland
The timing is key, as next year’s Ryder Cup will be played at Gleneagles, while the 2015 Open Championship will be hosted by St Andrews. Campaign chiefs will hope these two iconic courses serve as a platform to both increase summer bookings to the country by golf enthusiasts, and to extend the holiday season. According to a report published earlier this year, if the plan is successful, Scottish tourism could stand to increase golf tourism revenue from its current £220 million, to around £300 million by 2020.
Stewart Walker, chairman of industry body Golf Tourism Scotland, which is also involved in the campaign, said: “There is no doubt that the golf tourism industry in Scotland already has the greatest collection of assets anywhere in the world as well as an enviable history and heritage in the game. “What this strategy is designed to achieve is ensuring all partners involved in growing the golf tourism industry are working together in order to sell and market Scotland as the home of golf to its full potential. “Each partner involved in the strategy brings an area of expertise to the table and together we can ensure that Scotland is known as the must-
“These events are played on many of the world’s top-ranked golf courses but Scotland also has many hidden gems too, giving golfers of all levels a variety of courses to play. “These events, including the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, bring with them a terrific opportunity to highlight Scotland to hundreds of millions of potential visitors worldwide and to grow what is already a hugely important sector in terms of income generation for Scotland. “The collaborative approach between various organisations in pulling this strategy together is exactly what Scotland’s golf tourism sector requires and demonstrates that we are all working towards one single aim: to make Scotland the must-visit destination for every golfer.”
WALES
Vale Resort – making golfers Appy
A combination of 3D, GPS and smartphone technology is giving the Vale Resort in Wales the (cutting) edge over its rivals.
SPAIN
Son Vida at 50 The legendary course at Golf Son Vida, near Palma de Mallorca, will celebrate its golden anniversary in 2014. Almost 50 years ago, in 1964, Prince Rainier of Monaco took the inaugural tee shot at the island’s first course. Since then, Golf Son Vida, designed by FW Hawtree, has seen many emotional scenes, including Severiano Ballesteros winning the Balearic Open in 1990. Now, the resort boasts 63 golf holes – comprising as it does the Son Vida, Son Muntaner and Son Quint 18-hole courses, as well as a pitch and putt course – making it the largest of its kind in Spain.
08 IGTM DAILY WEDNESDAY
The club, which boasts the Wales National and Lake Courses, has installed the technology used by broadcasters Sky Sports HD and Matchroom Sport, and the PGA Europro Tour, to give golfers a birds-eye view of the course before they play. Once on the course, the smartphone technology continues to assist them with pin positions, club selection and other helpful hints for getting the most out of the round.
said of the innovations: “We are the first club in Wales to have the full system installed – not only the Golf Flyover technology and the GPS app, but access to the system in our golf buggies and on screens at the resort.”
Available on screens secured to the resort’s golf buggies, the app and GPS technology could prove particularly useful for first-time visitors to the Wales National, which is one of the longest championship courses outside of America.
He added: “Our golfers can now see holeby-hole what’s on offer, be it the mixture of wide and narrow fairways, water features or wooded areas – a unique system of technology which sets the stage for anyone coming to visit us.”
Vale Resort’s golf manager Clive Coombes
Visit: www.vale-hotel.com
IGTM Daily Wednesday
What’s on
Wednesday 13 November 10:00 - 12:50 Appointment Session 4 (7 appointments)
PortAventura Convention Centre - Stands
12:50 - 14:05 Lunch/Open Networking Session
Hotel PortAventura (5 mins wak)
14:05 - 15:40 Appointment Session 5 (4 appointments)
PortAventura Convention Centre - Stands
15:20 - 15:40 Destination Wales Briefing
Harvard Room
15:45 - 16:30 Golf Monthly Open Networking Session
PortAventura Convention Centre
16:30 - 18:10 Appointment Session 6 (5 appointments)
PortAventura Convention Centre - Stands
Evening Free
COSTA RICA
Reserva Conchal – where greens are truly ‘green’ Reserva Conchal Golf Club in northern Costa Rica has performed a ‘golf course audit’, aimed at enhancing its strict programme of lower water utilisation. The club worked closely with the original course architecture firm Robert Trent Jones II (RTJII), to ensure the environmentally-friendly nature of the design is being preserved and that flora and fauna are flourishing. During the construction phase of Reserva Conchal – listed by Condé Nast as one of the top four golf resorts in the world – attention was paid to elements such as water storage capacity, preservation of unique topographic features and native vegetation. Another important factor in the sustainable nature of the course was the fact that natural drainage patterns and corridors were incorporated into the layout of many holes. The team at RTJII reported they had created a course that “meets Costa Rica’s strict preservation requirements…our team set all golf terrain back at least 150 feet from the beach and built the golf holes over the course of four years without cutting down a single Banyan tree. We created several lakes and lagoons to work as a filtration system for run-off.” Visit: www.reservaconchal.com
WEDNESDAY IGTM DAILY 09
IGTM Daily Wednesday ITALY
Lake Garda – the world’s most beautiful water hazard An association has been formed in Northern Italy, to promote golf tourism to the region around the country’s largest lake. Golf Region Lake Garda comprises a group of eight golf clubs and resorts located between Milan and Venice, that have come together to promote golf tourism in the territory around the famous lake. The association’s members are: • Arzaga • Bogliaco • Chervò San Vigilio • Colli Berici • Franciacorta • Gardagolf • Il Colombaro • Paradiso del Garda Among the eight golf courses at the heart of the group are a number designed by legendary players and designers, while many of the picturesque holes boast impressive views over Lake Garda itself. Pietro Apicella, president of Golf Region Lake Garda, says: “Within our group we have 180 holes of golf, but we also have much more to offer visitors, who
GameBook wins new friends at IGTM Golf Tournament IGTM’s annual Golf Tournament stepped into another dimension this year as teams did battle not just on the greens, but on their mobile devices too. The award-winning Golf GameBook app saw teams across the four tournament courses could keeping up with each other’s scores and offer words of ‘encouragement’ to friends...and rivals. In addition to up-to-the minute live scores and leaderboard, GolfGameBook allows players to send messages to competitors and share photos. Mikko Rantanen, CEO of GameBook Inc, says: “We hope everyone enjoyed the new social dimension to the IGTM Golf Tournament this year – there were certainly a lot of comments and photos being shared.” Callum Taylor, who organized the event for IAGTO, added: “Golf GameBook superbly ran all scoring [and] also made the tournament more fun as players at each course were able to make comments and poke fun at their colleagues’ scores. IAGTO will definitely be using Golf GameBook at future tournaments.” visit: www.golfgamebook.com
10 IGTM DAILY WEDNESDAY
can pursue their love of the game while discovering the Lake Garda territory – its history, culture, beautiful natural surroundings and, of course, its incredible food and wine specialties.” Visit: www.golfregionlakegarda.com
PORTUGAL
Discount guaranteed… if you don’t improve your swing A resort in Portugal is offering golfers a three-day tuition package, complete with a tempting financial incentive. The new promotion, from Onyria Marinha Edition Hotel & Thalasso in Lisbon, promises golfers with handicaps between 12 and 36 that they will lower their scores by three shots or more during their stay – or give them a 30 per cent discount. The tuition includes video analysis, mental and strategic applications, and three rounds of golf with the resort’s head professional, Gary Nairn. Nairn, an Australian PGA pro with 25 years’ experience, is confident those who take up the offer will not be sorry. He explains: “I’m inviting golfers to Quinta da Marinha to learn golf the Australian way and am sure that the combination of time on the range, video analysis and three full playing lessons will send golfers back home with a smile on their faces and the ability to shoot lower scores.” The five-star Onyria resort is situated on the Lisbon coast, overlooking the Robert Trent Jones Sr-designed Quinta da Marinha golf course. The golf packages include four nights’ twin-share accommodation with breakfast and are priced at €746 per person. Visit: www.onyriamarinha.com
IGTM Daily Wednesday
Talking shop Experts give their views on the state of the industry (and more), and tell us why they’re here… Shannon Odom
Andy Burgess
General Manager CHARLESTON & RESORT ISLANDS GOLF
CEO Meldrum House Country Hotel & Golf Course
“Each year I attend IGTM to reacquaint our destination to our partners. Sometimes, this is my only face-to-face meeting with them each year, so I make the most of the appointments and after-hours networking events. I hope to gain a couple of new partners each year and build on those relationships from previous years.” www.charlestongolfguide.com
Laurent Boissonnas
Managing Director Open Golf Club
“For Meldrum House and Scotland generally, events like IGTM are crucial; especially ahead of 2014, when the Scottish Open comes to Aberdeen and the Ryder Cup will be contested in Perthshire. More specifically, IGTM gives you the opportunity to communicate with the golf travel industry in its entirety. Taking part is critical particularly in these challenging economic times when clients are looking for value but still desire something special. Like no other show, IGTM gives you an international platform.”
“France has all the potential to become a world-class golf destination. It is already the leading touristic country in the world with close to 80 million tourists every year. Top golf courses are also in evidence: 18 of them were listed in the latest Top 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europe (Golf World November 2011) – no less than Spain. Yet, in many markets, it is still little known that you can play good golf in France. It is mostly a matter of developing worldwide awareness and communication. No doubt the Ryder Cup will help as it helped Andalucía 15 years ago.”
www.meldrumhouse.com
www.opengolfclub.com
Enjoy your golf story
in the shadow of castles, in the heart of unspoilt nature or in the spa regions.
Meet us at the stand A474 and decide for your unforgettable golf experience in the Czech Republic. MONDAY IGTM DAILY 11
IGTM Daily Wednesday
Best in show
Golf holes that make you say ‘Wow!’
Hole
8
The Show Daily team spread the word to this year’s exhibitors that we were looking for some of the most attractive, intimidating, tricky, aweinspiring and downright impossible golf holes from the courses being represented at IGTM. The response was overwhelming and the quality, as you will have seen from yesterday’s showing, is extremely high. Here we have another hot half-dozen from around the world that are anything but below par…
Hole
Portugal
16
Royal Óbidos Spa & Golf Resort “This beautiful par 3 epitomises the tremendous views at Royal Óbidos. Arriving at the 8th tee there is a tremendous ‘wow factor’ as you are introduced to the truly breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean, out to the Berlenga Islands. The hole lays out in front of you with a downhill approach guarded by two bunkers. Relatively short in length and with a downhill descent the hole requires a mid-iron for most players – and a birdie here will leave you wanting to do it all over again.” www.royalobidos.com
Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Spain
Club de Campo del Mediterráneo “This is a 176-metre, par 3, from the championship tees. A spectacular hole with a lake on the left-hand side that covers the entire front of the green. At the back of the green is a very dangerous bunker, as well as rough and uneven terrain. Getting the club selection right and catching the ball sweetly will be the difference between this being your most memorable hole and the one you most want to forget.” www.ccmediterraneo.com
12 IGTM DAILY WEDNESDAY
The par-4 5th hole on this Troon-managed course has one of the most fear-inducing tee-shots ever created by Gary Player. Water runs down the left-hand side, encouraging players to favour the right half of the fairway – but several well-placed fairway bunkers make that tricky too. With a narrow approach and water still in play on the left-hand side, a second shot down towards the beach is usually played with a long to mid-iron. Coming up short of this relatively-flat green is worth considering. ww.sbgolfclub.ae
Hole
17
Italy
Modena Golf & Country Club
6
“Be brave as you’ll play one of the scariest shot on the round. The good news is that the island green of this short par 3 is a monster. Don’t be short, don’t be long, don’t be wide left and don’t be wide right – if you can achieve all that, you might get away with a par. This gem of a hole is the brainchild of German champion Bernhard Langer, assisted by the American architect Jim Eng from Boulder, Colorado.” www.modenagolf.it
Spain
Hole
Las Colinas Golf & Country Club
13
“Within the Troon-managed Las Colinas course, the 13th is a standout 363-metre par 4, providing a unique challenge for golfers at all levels. The 13th’s expansive bunkering, which creates a striking and dramatic contrast between the white sand and deep greens of the undulating fairway, has made it the most photographed hole on the course. Although hitting green in regulation initially seems straightforward, the gaping bunkers surrounding the green are truly intimidating – and how you deal with them could make or break your score.” www.lascolinasgolf.es
United Arab Emirates Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club
Hole
16
“Measuring 421 yards from the Championship tee the par 4 16th hole at the AESGC is not overly long but challenges players with the large water feature that dominates the left side of the hole and the bunkers and out of bounds to the right. A well struck tee shot will leave only a mid iron to the green on the left to right dog leg hole but anything to the left or right will find trouble and could put the end to the player’s chance of a good round.” www.aesgclub.com
WEDNESDAY IGTM DAILY 13
IGTM Daily Wednesday
FEATURE
THAILAND
Black Mountain, Hua Hin, Thailand The elegant coastal town of Hua Hin lies on Thailand’s east coast, a two-and-a-half-hour drive south from Bangkok. A burgeoning yet still relatively sleepy holiday resort, a number of awardwinning golf courses are adding to attractions such as wine-tasting and watersports, to put Hua Hin firmly on the tourist map. In 2007, the course at the Black Mountain resort opened, and has been setting new golfing standards for the area ever since. Created by renowned Pacific Coast Design architect Phil Ryan, the par-72 course lies within undoubtedly stunning terrain and incorporates a tricky yet eminently playable combination of interconnected waterways and constantly undulating fairways. Black Mountain is a perfect example of why the term ‘risk and reward’ has become common parlance in golf, although in surroundings such as these, thinking ones way around a course will generally take second place to admiring the scenery. The course boasts native red grass throughout, not only adding a charming splash of colour, but also providing a stern test for the wayward. In the six years since the course was opened it has been honoured twice by Golf Monthly magazine, with a Best New Course in Asia Pacific award and Best Championship Course in Thailand. In 2010, the club was voted The Host Venue of the Year by Asian Tour players. Last year, Black Mountain took an unprecedented leap into the big time, entering the list of 100 Top Golf Courses Outside the United States, compiled by the US Golf Digest. Winning awards was now becoming a habit at Black Mountain;
14 IGTM DAILY WEDNESDAY
nonetheless, having the first course in Thailand to make it onto the prestigious list was cause for serious celebration, not only for the resort, but also for Thailand’s standing as a golfing nation. Now, to add further fuel to Black Mountain’s fiery challenge, the resort has added a nine-hole par-three course, again designed by Phil Ryan. While golf aficionados are often inclined to get sniffy about short courses-, at Black Mountain it simply cries out to be taken on. Ryan used a natural valley with a meandering stone-walled watercourse running through the centre of the course to create another stunning layout and a lot of fun for golfers at all levels of the game. Triple European Tour winner Alex Noren says: “It’s awesome, the best par-three course I have played … the world’s best driving range.” Noren goes on to say: “It compares more than favourably to Valderama’s par-three course in Spain.” Of course, if you’re thinking of playing Black Mountain, you will doubtless consider staying at Black Mountain. The resort boasts several styles of contemporary-styled luxury villas, created with couples, families and larger golfing groups in mind. Each villa is set within a private modern-style compound, featuring a swimming pool. Guests can also avail themselves of the resort’s restaurant, with options on the menu including classic Thai food and European favourites. Black Mountain also has a stylish spa, delivering a golfing antidote for those who prefer not to hit balls, as well as a much-needed de-stresser for those who have hit too many.
We always look forward to welcoming you on the first tee
Castle Stuart Golf Links near Inverness.
Scotland, the Home of Golf. With over 550 courses within one hour’s drive of an airport, there’s no shortage of options for a golfing break to Scotland. From Open Championship venues to hidden gems, classic links courses to stunning parkland layouts, you’ll always find somewhere to play at a time that suits. Scotland will welcome the world, with a yearlong programme of events including The Ryder Cup, during the Year of Homecoming 2014. Keep up to date with all our news and use our homecoming toolkit to help you www.FairwaysGolfVacaaons.com
promote Homecoming Scotland 2014 to your clients www.visitscotland.org/homecoming2014 To further help you develop your Scotland business visit our dedicated trade website to find supplier contacts, images, videos and itinerary suggestions and our destination specialist programme - SCOTSagent www.visitscotlandtraveltrade.com
Just a few of the places we can help GTO’s in the USA.
Sponsor of the IAGTO N.A. Conference