THE WORLD OF
GOLFING Courses, Events & Equipment
Issue 09 2019 | ÂŁ4.99
La Manga Club Grab a half-term sporting bargain at La Manga Club. Five nights for a family of four from â‚Ź592.
David Leadbetter Leadbetter Golf University paves the way for the next generation with a new wave of coaches.
Amendoeira Resort Amendoeira Golf Resort has introduced new long-stay packages after fielding unprecedented interest from guests.
CONTENTS
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Issue 09 Contents
28
Adare Manor to host Ryder Cup 2026
04
30
Grab a half-term sporting bargain at La Manga Club
Reds to Play off Whites for Charity at La Mangfa Club
08
32
Quinta do Lago Juniors excel on National Golf Stage
Former Tour Pro Wall Builds New Future at Foxhills
10
34
Escape for a Golden Golfing Summer at Troia
12
Leadbetter Golf University paves the way for Next Generation
14
Slieve Russell return gives Maguire 20x20 vision
16
Son Gual is ideal preparation for Ritthammer’s Tour ambitions
18
Tandridge Committee approves improvement budget
24
First-Class Slaley ready to deliver the Mail
26
Kiwi blitzes Foxhills to claim speedgolf title
Amendoeira offers an Extended Algrave Escape
36
Andy is Big Cheese at Telford Pro-Am
38
Troia Triumph as Links Leaps into Europe’s Top 10
42
Son Gual takes top spot in European rankings
The Team Editor Winston Goodall editor@theworldofgolfing.com
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Accounts Department Amanda Martin accounts@theworldofgolfing.com
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LA MANGA CLUB
Grab a half-term sporting bargain at La Manga Club Five nights for a family of four from €592 La Manga Club La Manga Club is dishing up a feast of sporting fun in the Spanish sun for all the family this October half-term, with savings of up to 20 per cent across a range of sports and leisure activities and accommodation during the school holidays – plus €100 resort credits.
Guests can enjoy reduced rates of 15 per cent on golf, tennis, spa treatments and at official resort restaurants next month, with additional discounts available when booking an accommodation package.
Breaks are bookable in both La Manga Club’s five-star Hotel Principe Felipe or four-star Las Lomas Village self-catering accommodation, with a five-night stay for a family of four in a two-bedroom apartment starting from just €592 – a saving of around €150.
LA MANGA CLUB
Resort credit vouchers of €100 on holidays of five to seven nights are also on offer, together with discounts on Junior Club places and free dining for children under-five when eating with an adult in one of of La Manga Club’s official restaurants.
And with so many savings on offer, guests will have more to spend enjoying the venue’s array of outstanding sports facilities. These include three 18-hole golf courses and a golf training centre, a 28-court tennis centre and academy, cycling, a 2,000sqm luxury Wellness Centre and a variety of junior half-term
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sports academies including golf, tennis and football. All accommodation packages include complimentary use of the fitness centre, indoor pool, saunas and steam rooms at the Wellness Centre, plus a free resort shuttle bus service.
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Set in Murcia, south-east Spain, La Manga Club has set the benchmark for sports and leisure destinations across Europe for more than 45 years.
LA MANGA CLUB
The official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association and named Europe’s Best Golf Venue at the 2018 World Golf Awards, the resort’s other facilities include a recently-opened
WEBSITE: www.lamangaclub.com
European Cricket Performance Centre and more than 15 bars and restaurants. For more information on La Manga Club and to book, go to www.lamangaclub.com
Dine & Play pool with style Check the other colors and timbers available on www.Fusiontables.com
8 THE WORLD OF GOLFING
QUINTA DO LAGO
Quinta do Lago Juniors excel on National Golf Stage Quinta do Lago Quinta do Lago is leading the race to discover Portugal’s next generation of golfing stars following a period of unprecedented success for its juniors that has seen them win multiple national titles over the last five years.
The world-renowned sports and leisure resort has laid claim to having the most successful junior golf coaching programme in the country, with boys and girls of all ages and abilities enjoying victories on the national stage.
Overseen by head professional and academy manager, Jose Ferreira, and his team of coaches, Quinta do Lago’s junior team features more than 25 children in each development category – elite, competition and beginner – and age group, and each has enjoyed its recent share of the limelight.
QUINTA DO LAGO
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region in their respective age groups after a run of impressive results this season while Maria Afonso and Amélia Gabin are first and second in the girls’ under-10 Drive Challenge Regional Tour rankings. In addition, Tiago Sousa and Arthur Fisher both lie second in the standings in their age categories in the same competition. Ferreira said: “I started creating holiday camps with several levels of development, enabling players of different ages and abilities to have fun and enjoy the game, and we’re now enjoying the rewards. We’re in the middle of a great run and it’s amazing to think that our team includes four national champions in the past three years.” Situated just 15 minutes from Faro airport in Portugal’s famous Algarve region, Quinta do Lago is dedicated to developing young golfers and, as well as staging the annual McGinley Junior Cup this month, will have the honour of hosting the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in November. The resort has been at the forefront of Europe’s elite golf, sports and family destinations for nearly five decades and, with a combination of world-class golf and lifestyle facilities, is the perfect choice for a sporting break. As well as three 18-hole championship golf courses – the North, South and Laranjal – and outstanding practice facilities, guests can stay in shape at the state-of-the-art performance centre The Campus, a world-class sports hub designed for professionals and amateurs alike to keep fit. Three-time Portuguese champion Calvin Holmes – who romped to an eight-shot win in this month’s Paul McGinley Junior Cup boys’ event – began the winning streak by claiming an acclaimed hat-trick of national titles at under-10, under-12 and under-14 levels. Sara Gouveia and Rodrigo Santos built on Holmes’ success in 2017, winning the Portuguese under-18 girls and under-10 boys’ titles respectively, and 2019 is on course to be Quinta do Lago’s best year yet with its group of talented youngsters.
Two-time World Kids Golf champion Filipa Capelo, the 2018 Scottish Girls’ Under-16 Open champion, tops the Drive Tour national rankings after three victories this season, Swede Maia Samuelsson is also rated first in the Portuguese Under-18 Girls’ Order of Merit standings, while Gouveia – winner of this year’s Paul McGinley Junior Cup girls’ event – is third in this year’s BPI National Rankings. Santos and his Quinta do Lago teammate, under-14 ace Tiago Abrantes, are both ranked second in the Algarve WEBSITE: www.quintadolago.com
Complementing the golf facilities is a choice of 13 first-class bars and restaurants that deliver a range of delicious world cuisines – including the acclaimed Bovino Steakhouse and recently-opened Dano’s Sports Bar & Restaurant – with accommodation on offer at the resort’s recently-acquired boutique Magnolia Hotel. For more information about Quinta do Lago’s junior academies and to book, phone +351 289 390 700 or email academy@quintadolago.com
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TROIA
Escape for a Golden Golfing Summer at Troia Troia An abundance of golden sand on and off the course awaits active families discovering one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets this summer.
food lounge, outdoor cinema and unique beach club with live DJs this summer to add to the, already outstanding, provision on offer.
Set just an hour south of Lisbon on a sand-skirted peninsula, Troia boasts one of the finest golf courses in Europe, beautiful golden beaches, restaurants serving delicious fresh seafood and plenty of activities and excursions to make an unforgettable family holiday. The resort has also introduced a street
Designed by legendary American golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Senior, Troia’s championship links golf course is one of Europe’s best, renowned for its breath-taking Atlantic sea views, and is particularly special when played at sunrise or twilight.
Troia is located just a 15-minute ferry ride from Setúbal city centre, which is filled with a wide range of highly regarded and affordable restaurants, and just a short distance from Comporta – one of the trendiest, and most soughtafter, destinations for Europe’s travelling cognoscenti. The resort has something for everyone, active travellers can choose from picturesque walking, running and cycling trails, beach horse-riding and top
TROIA
sporting facilities for football, tennis, basketball, volleyball and water sports. With an unrivalled tourist offering, including boat trips direct from Troia Marina to see the bottlenose dolphin colony of the Sado River, there are plenty of unique experiences that set Troia apart from other destinations. A trip to the Roman Ruins will give you a sense of Troia’s past and the history that shaped the area over time. Here you can view the remains of dwellings, tombs and hot and cold baths built of marble from one of the largest fish-salting centres known from the Roman world. Guided tours of the ruins are available throughout July and August and there
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will also be special wine and music sunset evenings every Wednesday from mid-July to the end of August. Alexandre Barroso, Troia’s golf director, said: “The amazing thing about Troia is that it appeals to such a variety of people. There really is something for every member of the family at the resort and then some great places to enjoy some quality family time too. “We invite you to spend a summer like no other at Troia!” There are two hotels at the resort – the four-star Aqualuz Hotel and the five-star contemporary Troia Design Hotel – both include comfortable rooms, friendly WEBSITE: www.troiaresort.pt/en/
staff, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The Design Hotel also has a casino with live music and DJ sets throughout the summer. Green fees start at €55 for guests of both hotels, with rooms at the Aqualuz Hotel starting from €85 per night and €104 for a deluxe room at the Troia Design Hotel. Standard green fee rates for 18 holes begin at €102, but if booked, and paid for, more than seven days in advance, the price drops to €65 (non-refundable).
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LEADBETTER GOLF UNIVERSITY
Leadbetter Golf University paves the way for Next Generation Leadbetter Golf University David Leadbetter believes Leadbetter Golf University will provide the grounding for a new wave of coaches to preserve the future of the game. The online platform uses the latest interactive training techniques to educate golf coaches with input from several experts in various areas of the game, including fitness and conditioning, sports psychology, and technical swing instruction. Leadbetter Golf University offers specialist tuition on a variety of topics with access to experts via live webcasts and seminars and some of the modules are also free – including the Els for Autism programme, which was developed by Ernie Els and his charity. Other courses currently start at an introductory price of $156. Courses offer 15 or 30 hours of learning, coaches will be able to study in their own time and courses will also be available in several languages to take quality coaching to all corners of the globe. As a world-renowned coach, Leadbetter remains determined to give something back to the sport and continue to lead the way in golf instruction. And contributors and participants at the Leadbetter Golf University will play their part too with in-depth research to enhance the understanding of golf instruction. Leadbetter said: “The forming of the Leadbetter Golf University is a proud moment. Not only will it aid our network of academy associates to continually upgrade their knowledge base, but importantly it will also allow all coaches wherever they teach and whatever their level, to expand their own development. “Our goal is to provide passionate individuals with the tools necessary for
them to become expert teachers in all aspects of golf, thereby guaranteeing a good income and helping to ensure the future of the game. “I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career, which has enabled me to mix with and coach some of the greatest names in the history of the game. But my greatest satisfaction is the number of coaches around the world I have trained and helped develop who have gone on to enjoy long and successful careers. “And the Leadbetter Golf University allows me to give something back to the game that has given me so much. The future of the sport requires us as gatekeepers of the game to improve levels and standards. If we can get golfers to play better, we will keep the game healthy by attracting new players and retaining current golfers.”
WEBSITE: www.university.leadbetter.com
Leadbetter’s coaching philosophies, which continue to evolve, have also embraced various media down the years, so it’s a logical step to take his knowledge – and that of his trusted contributors – to the interactive digital world. He said: “Whether by individual lessons, academies, videos, books, articles, education seminars, and now the internet, it has enabled me to spread the message. Even at this stage of my career, I know there is still so much to learn and our motto has always been ‘Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn’. “Our goal is to have some of the greatest minds in many different areas contribute their input to provide a platform for coaching excellence.” For more information or to sign up for Leadbetter University, visit our website.
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14 THE WORLD OF GOLFING
SLIEVE RUSSELL
Slieve Russell return gives Maguire 20x20 vision Slieve Russell Up-and-coming Ireland professional Leona Maguire took time out from her busy schedule to make a return visit to her home club, PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell, to host an event aimed at inspiring the next generation of Irish female golfers. Maguire, who is currently playing on the Symetra Tour in America, treated a group of nine girls of all ages and abilities to an exclusive golf clinic at the venue in Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan, in her role as KPMG ambassador for the 20x20 campaign.
As well as playing nine holes and taking part in a question-and-answer session, the group – which included Ireland’s current under-16 reigning champion, Beth Coulter, as well as three complete beginners – also had the opportunity to receive some individual tuition from the Irish star. Maguire grew up in close proximity to Slieve Russell and its highly regarded Patrick Merrigan-designed 18-hole championship course, which provided the ideal setting for her introduction to golf and the early development of her game, as well as that of her twin sister
and fellow professional golfer, Lisa. Speaking at the event, Maguire said: “Returning to my home club of Slieve Russell, the new PGA National Ireland, is always a treat. “The driving range and course provided the backdrop to my introduction to golf and the development of my game. I have no doubt that having such a fantastic course and golf facilities available to me from an early age was a significant factor in my ultimately becoming a professional golfer.
SLIEVE RUSSELL
“I am really enjoying the challenge of carving out a career in professional golf and would love to see more Irish women and girls having similar opportunities in professional sport. I am thrilled to have had the chance to meet, play and talk with some of Ireland’s aspiring female golfers. “It was also great to meet some girls who are new to the game and, hopefully, in
some way, I can inspire them as to what is possible when opportunity combines with passion, hard work and dedication.” Gordon Smyth, head professional at PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell, said: “All of us at Slieve Russell are so proud of Leona and her sister Lisa and all that they have achieved so far in golf. “It has been a privilege to watch their
WEBSITE: www.slieverussell.ie
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journey from young girls here at the golf club to becoming professional golfers playing all over the world. We were delighted that Leona chose to fulfil her 20x20 pledge and support her efforts to inspire a further generation of Irish female golfers here at PGA National Ireland Slieve Russell, where the development of young Irish golfing talent remains a key motivation for us with our world-class golf facilities.”
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SON GUAL
Son Gual is ideal preparation for Ritthammer’ s Tour ambitions Son Gual European Tour player Bernd Ritthammer is keen to extend his fruitful partnership with Son Gual in Mallorca to provide the platform for future golfing success. The 32-year-old German has been associated with the Palma course since 2017 and hails from the same
region as the Pamer family, which built a remarkable layout on what was previously agricultural land in 2008.
particularly challenging greens, which were once likened to Augusta by former Masters champion Ian Woosnam.
Designed by Thomas Himmel, the 7,240yard, par-72 course features large lakes, 66 bunkers, 800 olive trees – some more than a thousand years old – and
And Munich-based Ritthammer, who claimed a top-10 finish in the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama in June, believes his regular practice stints in Mallorca
SON GUAL
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“I’ve practiced in Dubai in the winter but it’s very expensive and Mallorca is so much more enjoyable. It’s become a very easy way to practice and enjoy some time away with the family. It feels like a second home to me now.” Ritthammer, who has won three events on the Challenge Tour, has shot a sixunder-par 66 from the back tees during practice at Son Gual but admits it is by no means an easy place to score well. He said: “I think it’s a great design. You can make it accessible for everybody, depending on which tee box you choose. It’s certainly very tough from the back tees. “It’s challenging but it’s a lot of fun at the same time. I think a course should be fun and easy to play from the forward tees and really challenging for better golfers from the back tees. Son Gual achieves that balance – there is something there for everyone. “The greens at Son Gual are definitely very good, which helps me prepare for Tour events as they are very big and very complex – there are some big slopes to contend with. “But some of the shots in are really challenging and sometimes I’m thinking ‘maybe I should have played from the yellows here’. I love it there though.”
play an important role in his progress at a place he calls his ‘second home’. Rittammer said: “I hope it’s a long-term arrangement with Son Gual. I can always get on the course early, get a buggy and I can play a round in two-and-a-half hours. It gives me time to work on my practice as well and it works really well for me to use the time effectively to prepare for tournament golf.
“I try to get there as often as I can – especially during the winter when the weather isn’t good in Germany. I was there with my family for about three weeks this winter but I want to get down there for maybe four to six weeks this year to practice and to enjoy a family holiday as well. “It’s ideal – it’s such a short flight to Palma from Munich. From my doorstep in Munich, I can be on the tee at Son Gual in maybe five or six hours.
WEBSITE: www.son-gual.com
Ritthammer’s recent success in Valderamma came tinged with disappointment as he narrowly missed out on a possible place at The Open, which would have been his first appearance at a Major. He said: “I had a horrible first half of the season but played well at Valderrama recently. I dropped two shots in the last five holes, which really stung. Had I finished two shots better, I would have got into the Irish and Scottish Open and it would have probably meant I would have got into The Open as well. “Hopefully, playing at my first Major tournament is not far away.”
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TANDRIDGE GOLF CLUB
Tandridge Committee approves improvement budget Tandridge Golf Club Members have approved a budget for autumn and winter refurbishment work on the first and ninth holes at Tandridge GC, in Oxted, Surrey. Work on the Harry Colt-designed course, under the auspices of golf course architect Tim Lobb, of Woking-based Lobb + Partners, will see the removal of some bunkers and the refurbishment of the rest, including drainage, liners and new sand. Run-off surrounds around the first green will also be improved changes which will include some new irrigation. The meeting also saw the approval of the club’s ‘Course Design Policy’ document - the blueprint for all
future work on the course. It covers objectives for daily presentation, routine maintenance and the more significant improvement work. Eventually, an updated woodland management policy will also be included. The members also approved the lease of a second-hand excavator with the capability to perform almost all of the club’s regular jobs, including all bunker re-shaping. Members agreed the leasing would have a significant beneficial impact on the cost of bunker refurbishment programme over the coming years. Colt’s original course dates from 1924 and Lobb has been engaged by the WEBSITE: www.tandridgegolfclub.com
club to carry out a course-evolution programme, while retaining its natural and historic character. The Melbourne University graduate, who has been a course architect since 1996, has been gathering extensive historical data on the course, including aerial photography, from English Heritage, from the 1940s, ‘60s and ‘90s, as his team looks to assess changes in a systematic way. The delightful Tandridge course, near Oxted, affords spectacular views of the Surrey North Downs and the High Weald, with the front nine running along relatively gentle land and the back nine sited in more rolling and dramatic terrain.
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20 THE WORLD OF GOLFING
ART BY BEX
50th ITALIAN JOB ANNIVERSARY ART by BEX Bex celebrates the iconic italian job anniversary with her exclusive signed artwork ART by BEX Time to forget Brexit and let’s go back to 1969 when the Mini was the star, the mini skirt was the fashion, and everyone wanted to be Michael Caine or to be exact, Charlie Croker in ‘The Italian Job’. “Hold on a minute Lads, I’ve got a great idea !” became the catch phrase we never forget, together with ‘Not a lot of people know that!’ Sir Michael Caine is our legendary British film star but even
Sir Michael was totally out classed by the Real Star, The Mini, which hogged the limelight in every screen of ‘The Italian Job’. The Mini was now driven by every Celeb, Film Star and now we could all afford this British Icon ourselves. The swinging sixties came alive and we could all drive the dream; The Mini Dream.
Unbelievably this year is the 50th Anniversary of one of the greatest British Films ever made – The Italian Job. How many of the scenes in the 1969 Italian Job film can you remember? Which would you say are the most iconic? Which scenes have never been repeated in any other movie? Which would you like to have driven yourself? Epic fun, timeless joy.
ART BY BEX
All the Mini’s in the Italian job were Mini Coopers. The stunt drivers made these Coopers ‘fly’ around back streets of Turin before they jumped into the Ford Thames Trader minibus singing, “This is the self preservation society,” you know words, then sing along. We have so much to thank John Cooper and Paddy Hopkirk for, turning this revolutionary car into the Race & Rally & Film icon, everyone wanted drive and own. We all love the Mini. So what has our well known artist, Bex, created to celebrate ‘The Italian Job’ 50th anniversary? “I’ve painted, what I feel are the most memorable screens from the Italian Job Movie and I’ve brought them all together into a single exclusive artwork print that captures the fond memories of the Mini in this film caper.”
So what does this Exclusive 50th Anniversary Artwork feature, Bex? “The scenes of the Mini Coopers driving down the Cathedral steps, driving across the weir, through the sewer, in the shopping mall and many more. I’ve painted some in colour, others are drawings and I brought them all together into this single exclusive artwork print all created, with my heartfelt passion for the Mini that encapsulates the feeling of this fun film, to keep alive forever.” Why the Italian Job Movie Bex? “Because it’s the greatest Mini movie of all time. The original film is still the best and I wasn’t going to let the 50th anniversary pass by.” What makes this latest artwork so collectible Bex? “I’ve put my heart & soul into this exclusive artwork and I’m so pleased that my artwork prints have been supported & signed by such celebrities who acknowledge my work. I’ve created only 50 prints to celebrate the 50th anniversary, truly exclusive and collectible”
WEBSITE: www. ArtbyBex.co.uk
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What else Bex? “I’ve also created a single exclusive artwork print of the 3 Mini Coopers escaping through the Turin sewer. Wow, what a scene! Not only have I only created 50 of these prints but they’re also signed by both John Cooper and Dominic (David Salamone) who was the actual stunt driver of the Red Mini in the Italian Job Film.” Bex is a regular at our Mini Celebration events around the country. Why not go up to Bex and say, ‘Hello’, she’ll be so pleased to meet you. You can catch up with Bex and Paddy Hopkirk at the IMM. Six decades on, we celebrate the 60th Anniversary of this Iconic Legend at the IMM (International Mini Meeting) in Bristol – see you there. Bex is a Mini owner herself, and shares our passion for the Mini. Want to know more about Bex and her Exclusive Artwork? Visit her website www.artbybex.co.uk, or email Rebecca@artbybex.co.uk. Capture your Mini on Canvas forever by Bex of ArtbyBex.co.uk
22 THE WORLD OF GOLFING
SHOWCASES
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24 THE WORLD OF GOLFING
STALEY HALL HOTEL
First-Class Slaley Hall ready to deliver the Mail Slaley Hall More than 120,000 golfers had their sights set on Slaley Hall, in Northumberland, when they signed up for the ever-popular Daily Mail Foursomes in February - and, with just two rounds left to complete, a place in the last 16 is beckoning. The magnificent four-star hotel, which is part of the QHotels group, will host the final four rounds of the event - last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and grand final - between October 6 and 8.
The Daily Mail Foursomes is the oldest national sponsored event in amateur golf and celebrates its 55th anniversary, this year. Since its launch some 5.5 million golfers have taken part in the club qualifying competitions and more than 100,000 play annually in the national inter-club knock-out rounds. Both of last year’s competition winners have already been defeated on the road to Slaley Hall: women’s champions Forest of Arden lost 4&3 to Bloxwich, in round three, while the 2018 men’s winners, Cosby, crashed out in the
sixth round, defeated 3&2 by Ramsey (Cambs). Tournament organiser Hamish Webb said: “The standard of competition in this year’s event is as high as ever - which is illustrated by the fact both reigning champions have been eliminated already. We’re getting to the sharp end of business now, with the final inter-club qualifying round beginning on August 16. By the second week of September we will know the names of the 32 pairs heading to Slaley Hall - and it promises to be a fabulous experience.”
STALEY HALL HOTEL
Jonny Mould, Slaley Hall’s head of golf, added: “Everybody here at Slaley Hall is really looking forward to hosting the finals of the Daily Mail Foursomes. Amateur club-golfer events do not come any bigger or more prestigious than this and we can promise two courses in tip-top condition, traditional northern hospitality and an award-winning resort.”
It is set in 1,000 acres of Northumberland moorland and forest. It is a magnificent four-star hotel in an elegant Edwardian mansion, with two challenging championship courses - the Hunting and the Priestman - which have played host to no fewer than 18 European Tour and European Senior Tour events.
Managed by Almarose, one of the UK’s leading independent hotel management companies, Slaley Hall was voted ‘best golf hotel/resort in the north of England’ for the fifth successive year in the 2019 Today’s Golfer Travel Awards.
The 7,000-yard, par-72 Hunting, designed by Dave Thomas, has lush sweeping fairways, streams, lakes, towering trees and banks of rhododendrons - but, aesthetics aside, it will catch out the unwary. Well-placed bunkers and tricky greens make this USGA standard course a real challenge.
WEBSITE: www.slaleyhallhotel.com
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The quality of Slaley Hall’s elder layout is illustrated by the fact the course is often dubbed ‘The Augusta of the North’. The Priestman course was designed by Neil Coles and opened in 1999. Beautifully maintained, the course has matured magnificently. It sits on the west side of the estate, with panoramic views of the Tyne Valley and some daunting water features, and wind can be a factor on a course which hosts regularly European seniors’ events. Almarose - part of Aprirose - is one of the UK’s leading independent hotel management companies, managing a diverse collection of 20 branded and private-label hotel properties.
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FOXHILLS
Kiwi blitzes Foxhills to claim speedgolf title Foxhills New Zealand had their sporting revenge over England in the 2019 British Open Speedgolf Championship, hosted at Foxhills Club & Resort. Just two weeks after the nail-biting World Cup final between the two nations in the cricket when England edged home in a thriller at Lord’s, Jamie Reid sealed success for the kiwis as he scampered home for victory ahead of home favourite Chris Benians. The high-octane sport lived up to its name on the Longcross with an incredible mix of athleticism and golfing ability on show with five players finishing 18 holes in under 50 minutes. The 28-year-old Reid’s superior pace over his rivals was the key, as he shot a nine-over-par 81 in just 40 minutes
and 57 seconds to post his Speedgolf Score of 121.57. Perhaps even more remarkably, he did it without using a conventional putter to save weight and completed his round with just three clubs: a four-iron, seven-iron and pitching wedge. Defending champion Benians, meanwhile, shot a superb two-over-par 74 in just under 50 minutes (123.59) for second place ahead of reigning world champion, Mikko Rantanen from Finland, who also shot 74 in 51.07. In other categories Kathy Leppard won the women’s division, whilst newcomer Chris Fenn scooped the amateur title with competitors from USA, France and Germany also among the international field across the categories.
WEBSITE: www.foxhills.co.uk
Chris Fitt, director of golf and leisure at Foxhills, said: “It was a pleasure to host the event and congratulations to Jamie and to everyone else who took part. These golfers are amazing athletes and it’s a worthy sport in its own right. “I think most people would struggle to run round the course in under 41 minutes, let alone shoot nine-over while you’re doing it. And to shoot two-overpar round the Longcross is no mean feat at the best of times – to do it in 50 minutes is nothing short of incredible.” Pam Painter, co-founder of British Speedgolf, said: “It was another fantastic showcase for our sport at a fabulous venue. It was a blistering pace – this is golf at full throttle!”
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ADARE MANOR GOLF CLUB
Adare Manor to host Ryder Cup 2026 Adare Manor Golf Club What a week for golf on the island of Ireland. First we had Shane Lowry’s spectacular win at The 148th Open in Northern Ireland. Now, the magnificent Adare Manor in County Limerick has been announced as host of The Ryder Cup 2026. Golf and how great it is for players and spectators alike – it’s all anyone can talk about on the island after Lowry’s stunning victory at Royal Portrush.
As Julie Wakley, head of Great BritainTourism Ireland, explained: “Coming hot on the heels of the truly superb Open at Royal Portrush and the fantastic win by Shane Lowry, today’s announcement that the Ryder Cup will take place at Adare Manor in 2026 is excellent news for tourism. “The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world and this promises to be a wonderful sporting occasion, which will undoubtedly bring significant exposure globally for Ireland as a golfing destination.”
Why everyone loves the Ryder Cup The Ryder Cup is the premier golf team event in the world. The event comprises a series of “matchplay” matches played between teams representing Europe and the USA over three days. The event is held on a biennial basis and hosting the event alternates between Europe and the USA. This means it’s not just pitching player against player, it’s continent versus continent and the competition is immense – not just for the pros, but for those watching from around the world.
ADARE MANOR GOLF CLUB
River Maigue. The closing hole demands an approach shot over water to a green adjacent to the magnificent, turreted 19th-century Adare Manor. It has previously hosted The Irish Open, where Dubliner Paul McGinley claimed victory in 2007, and it has quite a lot in common with The K Club already... adaremanorgolfclub.com Adare Manor’s designer: Robert Trent Jones It has been jokingly said that, “The sun never sets on a Robert Trent Jones golf course” and, while that is not strictly true, the late architect designed (or redesigned) some 500 golf courses in at least 40 US states and 35 other countries all around the world, including Ireland. Jones’ course at Adare Manor is widely regarded as one of the best parkland courses in Ireland alongside Arnold Palmer’s Ryder Cup course at The K Club and it’s little wonder. “Golf is a form of attack and counterattack,” Jones often said. “It offers a golfer his personal challenge of combat. He attacks the course and par; the architect creates fair pitfalls to defend its easy conquest. The architect calls on his ingenuity to create a hole that will reward only achievement.
Ireland previously hosted the event in 2006 at the K Club, County Kildare. After a 20-year gap, this showcase event will be coming back to Ireland – this time to Adare Manor in County LImerick in 2026. All about: Adare Manor Golf Club, County Limerick The last major golf course design by celebrated architect Robert Trent Jones Senior and opened in 1995, Adare Manor Golf Club in County Limerick has just undergone a complete revamp intended to position it at the very top of Ireland’s golf facilities. The course meanders through 230 acres of lush parkland and majestic mature trees, bisected at various points by the
“You look at a piece of ground and you know instinctively what makes a great hole. There is a flow and rhythm that you can feel. You think how to stake it out, then use logic to make the right choice. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle. But you have to play golf well, too.” That philosophy has been taken to its finest expression at Adare, hard by the River Maigue in County Limerick. What you need to know about Adare Manor and County Limerick 1. Five-star Adare Manor, which overlooks the stunning golf course, won Hotel of the Year 2018 in the renowned Global Virtuoso Best of the Best awards – beating luxury hotels from as far afield as Mauritius, Morocco and France. You can see why everyone loves this venue just by WEBSITE: www. adaremanorgolfclub.com
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watching this video. Aside from golf, you can enjoy falconry, fishing and archery in the Manor’s grounds. 2. Its closest airport is Shannon Airport, just 33 mins drive away; while Cork Airport is 1.5 hours away, and Dublin Airport 2 hours and 20 mins away. 3. Adare village surrounding Adare Manor is filled with picture postcard thatched cottages and ancient stone walls, and is a pleasure to explore. It’s got antique shops, cafés and cosy pubs, as well as a Heritage Centre, where you can find out more about the town’s rich and varied history, including Desmond Castle; a 15th century Franciscan Friary; a 13th century Trinitarian Abbey; and a 14th century Augustinian Priory. 4. The nearest city to Adare is Limerick. Sitting at the mouth of the River Shannon, Limerick city is the third largest urban centre on the island. It once formed a bleak backdrop to Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes, but nowadays it’s a revitalised city full of art galleries, slick new hotels and the legendary Thomond Park, the home of Munster’s passionate rugby union team. 5. County Limerick, on the Wild Atlantic Way, is also where chef Joe Sheridan invented something very special back in 1943. On a dreadful night, the coffee-shop welcomed a weary captain and passengers in – their flight to Newfoundland had been delayed. Joe was asked by the owner Brendan O’Regan to prepare something to warm their tired visitors. Joe served them a cup of coffee, with a surprise glug of whiskey added in – and in doing so, invented the Irish Coffee! Golf: Find out more about golf on the island of Ireland. More than just a golf trip: Find out why it’s not all about the golf here on the island of Ireland – there’s plenty of fun to be had on and off the fairways. For images, please visit Irelandscontentpool.com or browse the gallery on Adare Manor’s website.
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LA MANGA CLUB
Reds To Play Off Whites For Charity At La Manga Club La Manga Club Three of Liverpool FC’s living legends will be among the celebrities supporting a UK children’s charity when they tee up in a fundraising tournament at La Manga Club, in Murcia, Spain, this week. Former European Cup winners Mark Lawrenson, Ronnie Whelan and Alan Kennedy – who scored the winning goals in the 1981 and 1984 European Cup finals – are playing in the Caudwell Children Celebrity Golf Classic, on September 26 and 27. Previous celebrity captains have included former England footballer, now
Strictly Come Dancing contestant, David James, and TV presenters Ant & Dec and Ben Shephard, and they’ve been joined, down the years, by many other celebrities from the worlds of sport, stage and screen.
“It’s for a great cause because Caudwell Children has just launched a specialist sports equipment programme that provides disabled children with the sports equipment they need to participate, which is simply fantastic.
Five-time title winner Lawrenson, who like his former manager Kenny Dalglish, is a regular visitor to La Manga Club, explained: “It will be fabulous meeting up with lads again and it’s going to be a really enjoyable couple of days. La Manga is arguably the world’s best sports resort and the golf courses are superb.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to play sport as it’s vital for their physical health and mental wellbeing, so I’m delighted to be supporting the charity.” Established in 2000, by entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell, the Staffordshire-based Caudwell Children charity provides practical and emotional
LA MANGA CLUB
support to disabled children and their families so they can lead happy, active and independent lives. Caudwell, who co-founded mobile phone retailer Phones 4u, is the charity’s main benefactor and his generosity ensures every penny raised at such events goes directly towards specialist equipment such as powered wheelchairs, specialist buggies, therapy tricycles, specialist car seats and disability sports equipment. The charity also provides funding for treatments not currently available from the NHS, and life-changing therapy programmes for children with brain injuries, like cerebral palsy. It has recently created an autism programme to assess, diagnose, and support children with the condition. In the 19 years since its inception, the charity has supported more than 45,000 children, with 652 conditions, at a staggering cost of £43m.
Lawrenson, now a TV and radio pundit, added: “The other lads play much more golf than me. Ronnie and Dave are never off the course and Bruce rarely refuses a game, so if I get anywhere near their scores it will be a moral victory for me.” Nick Montgomery, general manager at La Manga Club, added: “We’re used to having footballers at La Manga Club but having four former European Cup winners in one event is quite something. And it’s all for a fabulous cause, too, so we’re delighted to host the Caudwell Children Celebrity Golf Classic.” Set in an exclusive corner of Murcia and three times the size of Monaco, La Manga Club is regarded as a golfing Mecca by players across the world. Named as ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ at the World Golf Awards the last two years in a row, its extensive facilities include three 18-hole golf courses, a nine-hole, par-47 academy course and first-class golf training centre.
WEBSITE: www.lamangaclub.com
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Widely regarded as Spain’s flagship resort, the venue has won numerous leading accolades in recent years, including being named as ‘Europe's Leading Luxury Resort & Villas’ for the third year in a row at this year’s World Travel Awards as well as retaining its title as ‘Europe’s Leading Sports Resort’. The official overseas training base of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), La Manga Club’s extensive other facilities include a 28-court tennis centre, a recentlyopened European Cricket Performance Centre and a 2,000sqm Wellness Centre. The resort is host to Spain’s only official Chelsea FC Foundation Soccer School while, in addition, it features the choice of a five-star hotel, four-star serviced apartments and townhouses and more than 15 bars and restaurants. For further information on the Caudwell Children charity, visit www. caudwellchildren.com/celebrity-golf
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FOXHILLS
Former Tour Pro Wall Builds New Future At Foxhills Foxhills Anthony Wall is ready to pass on a wealth of European Tour experience in his new role at Foxhills Club & Resort. The 44-year-old, who came through the junior ranks at Foxhills in the early 1990s, is returning to where it all began at the Surrey club after an impressive career on the European Tour. After turning professional in 1995, Wall went on to play in 523 tournaments, recording 48 top-10 finishes with two European Tour victories – the Alfred Dunhill Championship in 2000 and the Paul Lawrie Match Play in 2016. He also competed in 11 Major championships,
with his best finish coming in the 2006 Open at Hoylake when he earned a tie for 11th place, while he was also 12th at St Andrews in 2015. With two decades as a European Tour pro behind him, he has built up huge knowledge as he targets some big improvements among the golfers at Foxhills and beyond. Wall said: “Nothing replaces playing and competing with the world’s best but I always wanted to stay in the game in some capacity – I’ve never done anything else. In golf, there’s nothing I haven’t seen in 22 years and I love the
thought of continuing that journey after I came through myself as a kid at Foxhills. “There is a certain pleasure in helping people improve. It’s actually pretty special seeing someone’s face when they hit a draw, when they have never been able to do it before.” Wall was part of the Foxhills Foundation from 1987 to 1991 – as was fellow graduate Paul Casey – which provides coaching and guidance for talented youngsters. Wall believes his Tour expertise can be applied to any level of golfer as they bid to improve.
FOXHILLS
Wall said: “I was playing off 10 when I was 12 and by the time I left there, I was playing off plus-two and an England international. Paul was a year behind me but I would say we were the two golfers who worked the hardest when we were there together. “He did more putting that me, whereas I hit more balls. But we were doing the most graft. In my experience, it’s the people who put the most work in who tend to go on to really achieve things. “When you are on Tour, everyone has that same level of knowledge. But when you step away from that, you realise not everyone has had the same sort of experience. Making changes to someone’s game is not easy, there are no shortcuts, but there are ways of doing things and I’m really looking forward to it.” Foxhills director of golf and leisure, Chris Fitt, said: “It’s fantastic to bring Anthony back to where it all started at Foxhills and a player of his calibre will add an
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exciting new dimension to our coaching staff. I’m sure our members and guests will be keen to book in for one-to-one lessons with a former Tour professional who has competed with – and beaten – the very best golfers in the world.” One-hour lessons cost £90 for members and £100 for non-members, while youth rates for aspiring players are £70 per hour. Wall will also be joined by another new face in the Foxhills coaching staff. Adam Burwood returns to the UK from Dubai Creek – a Peter Cowen academy – after previous spells in Saudi Arabia and New Zealand and has built an impressive reputation in helping amateur golfers make huge improvements to their game. Burwood said: “I’ve worked in diverse places around the world and I see Foxhills as a great opportunity for growth. It’s a fantastic club, very family orientated and with superb coaching facilities.”
WEBSITE: www.foxhills.co.uk
Fitt added: “Adam is another excellent addition to our pool of professionals and his expertise can only improve the all-round quality of coaching available at Foxhills.” For more information or to make a booking with any of the Foxhills coaches, email proshop@foxhills.co.uk or call 01932 704465.
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AMENDOEIRA RESORT
Amendoeira Offers An Extended Algarve Escape Amendoeira Resort Amendoeira Golf Resort has introduced new long-stay packages after fielding unprecedented interest from guests eager to get away for several months at a time. The Algarve resort has responded to enquiries for longer bookings at one of the resort’s exceptional apartments or villas, after some guests even requested a 10-month stay to enjoy the outstanding facilities. As a result of the interest, several new long-term packages have been announced, which start at less than €50 per person, per night.
Visitors from northern Europe, the UK and Ireland were keen to inject some of the Algarve’s year-round sunshine into their calendars to avoid the winter blues and enjoy the superb Amendoeira facilities. With a wealth of on-site facilities including tennis courts, running trails, swimming pools, gym facilities and a relaxed location just a few kilometres from the stunning golden beaches of the Algarve, it makes for an inviting proposition get away for an extended period at any time of the year.
But it also represents an ideal opportunity for golfers to work on their game during northern Europe’s winter season with 45 holes to play and discounted green fees on offer: The two championship courses – designed by Sir Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor Jr – and the nine-hole parthree course, which allows golfers to shine their skills in the dark as the only floodlit course in Portugal. A selection of villas is also available to choose from to suit couples or larger groups.
AMENDOEIRA RESORT
Monthly rates (with a minimum twomonth stay, excluding July and August) start from €2,901.60 for a two-bedroom apartment – less than €100 per night. A three-bedroom standard villa with private pool costs €4,932.72 per month, while a four-bedroom superior villa with private pool is €5,500 per month. Rates include utilities (water, electricity, WIFI) and weekly cleaning with bed linen and towels change.
Sérgio Duarte, general manager at Amendoeira Golf Resort, said: “For the first time this year, we were surprised by several guests requesting a much longer stay with us. So it made sense to find new packages, which represent such great value and acknowledge the loyalty of those who wish to stay longer with us. “Snow, rain or cold temperatures are not a golfer’s friend but we are pleased to say we don’t have this problem in the
WEBSITE: www.amendoeiraresort.com
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Algarve. And, of course, we have many reasons aside from golf to come and enjoy our resort. “Several villas have already been booked for six months or even 10 months and we are sure there will be many more who like the sound of this idea. Most people prefer to keep winter as short as possible and this is the perfect way to do it.”
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TELFORD HOTEL & GOLF RESORT
Andy is Big Cheese at Telford Pro-Am Telford Hotel & Golf Resort Professional Andy Cheese walked away with the £1,000 winner’s cheque at the recent Budgen Motors Pro-Am at Telford Hotel & Golf Resort. Lichfield-based Cheese, who is attached to the Robert Rock Golf Academy, shot a three-under-par 69 to take the professionals’ pot, while the team prize went to the fourball of Ryan Wallace, Dean Riley, Luke Bryan, and Charlie Roberts, who amassed 92 Stableford points and won an overnight stay for four at the resort, including two rounds of golf. Among the competitors on the day was former Southampton, Crystal
Palace, West Ham and Northern Ireland footballer Iain Dowie. He played with Telford professional Luke Towler who finished tied fifth. Dowie played solid golf and narrowly missed out on the nearest-the-pin prize on the third hole. Telford Hotel & Golf Resort’s director of golf, Matt Robbins, said: “The pro-am was a huge success, attracting more than 100 amateur golfers. Once again we have to thank Budgen Motors’ managing director, James Martin, for his company’s support in putting up the prize money. It’s relationships such as that between Budgen Motors and Telford Hotel & Golf Resort that help to keep this sort of event alive.”
WEBSITE: www.telfordhotelgolfresort.co.uk
Telford Hotel’s wonderfully picturesque course measures 6,741 yards along treelined fairways, through open greens and over strategic water hazards. The course’s signature hole is the eighth, a 382-yard, par-four which requires the drive to be landed to perfection to miss two fairway bunkers, before negotiating a pond with a beautiful mature oak tree … all placed to make the approach shot that little bit more interesting.
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TROIA RESORT
Troia Triumph As Links Leaps Into Europe’ s Top 10 Troia Resort Portugal’s Troia Resort has further established itself among Europe’s elite golf courses by making an impressive nine-place climb to number eight in Golf World’s prestigious ‘Top 100 Golf Courses in Continental Europe 2019’ rankings. The stunning Robert Trent Jones Senior links made a sensational ascent up the rankings into Europe’s top 10, as golfers and industry experts finally rightly acknowledge one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets. Assessed over six different categories – design quality, setting, playability, presentation, memorability and hole consistency – Troia scored an impressive 82.9 points out of a possible 100, with the magazine’s judging panel scoring the course highly in all criteria.
Troia’s new ranking puts it among the top two in Portugal – an amazing feat considering the standard of golf courses across the country. The par-72 layout stretches 6,317m along the beach, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Arrábida mountain range throughout the 18 holes.
When announcing Troia’s impressive rise up the rankings, the Golf World judging panel remarked: “Troia comes with a fearsome reputation, but it’s as honest as you get. The course zigzags across the northern slice of a peninsula, subjecting you to different wind directions and changes in topography and vistas.
But it’s not just the picturesque scenery that makes it one of Europe’s best.
“It’s an entertaining layout over a fairly compact piece of land that rewards sharp course management and approach play.”
The challenging and diverse holes test even the top pros, as players are required to play a multitude of shots through a combination of pine trees and indigenous coastal plants, on a course with small, narrow greens and bold bunkering.
Alexandre Barroso, Troia’s golf director, said: “Everyone at Troia is understandably delighted with our new ranking and all the hard work and sustained investment in maintaining the natural beauty of the course is paying off.
TROIA RESORT
“It’s an honour to be listed among some of the biggest names in European golf, but anyone who has played the course probably won’t be surprised, as it really does deserve to be there. We invite golfers from across Europe to come and discover Troia for themselves. “It’s always been our long-term aim to achieve this, and give golfers the best possible experience at the resort; so now the real hard work starts to make sure it stays where it belongs.” Located just an hour south of Lisbon on a beautiful sand-skirted peninsula, Troia’s
excellent location is only a 15-minute unique ferry ride from Setúbal city centre, which is filled with a wide range of highly regarded and affordable restaurants, and just a short distance from Comporta – one of the trendiest, and most sought-after, destinations for Europe’s travelling cognoscenti. Special packages that combine green fees with accommodation at the four-star Aqualuz hotel are available between September 23 and October 31. Starting from €244, golfers can enjoy three nights and two green fees, with
WEBSITE: www.shotelscollection.com/golf
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breakfast and transfers to the course from the hotel included. For more information or to book the above packages, please contact golf@troiaresort.pt
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SON GUAL
Son Gual takes top spot in European rankings Son Gual Golf Son Gual in Mallorca is celebrating another accolade after it was voted as the top course in Europe by readers of highly-respected German magazine Golf Journal.
the popular Mediterranean island was named as the top golfing destination ahead of fellow golfing heavyweights: Portugal’s southern coast of the Algarve, Belek in Turkey and Spain’s Costa del Sol.
Designed by Thomas Himmel, the 7,240yard, par-72 course boasts particularly challenging greens, which were once likened to Augusta by former Masters champion Ian Woosnam. The dramatic layout topped the list in the publication’s 18th edition of the coveted Golf Journal Travel Awards.
Son Gual’s managing director, Andreas Pamer, said: “To be named as the Most Popular Golf Course in Europe by the readers of Golf Journal is a source of great pride to us.
More than 1600 votes were registered by readers and visitors to www. golfjournal.de, where Son Gual was voted ahead of Mallorcan neighbours Club de Golf Alcanada and Real Golf de Bendinat in second and third place respectively. So it was no surprise that
“A lot of work goes on behind the scenes in ensuring the experience is as enjoyable as possible for all of our guests and it’s fantastic to receive this sort of recognition. Course rankings are often down to personal opinions but these mean more when they are voted from people who have actually visited us and rated the experience so highly.”
WEBSITE: www.son-gual.com
Günter Reiter, deputy chief editor of Golf Journal, added: “Four times, Golf Son Gual has been second in the category of the Most Popular Golf course in Europe, so congratulations to them on finally making it to the number one position. “Participants justified their choice with the varied and challenging golf holes and the beautiful clubhouse terrace of Golf Son Gual.” Built on agricultural land at a cost in excess of €30m in 2008, Son Gual has since established itself as a leading European venue and features large lakes, 66 bunkers, 800 olive trees – some more than a thousand years old – a superb collection of par-threes and one of the most memorable finishing holes to be found anywhere on the continent.
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