Author: Gordon Dalgleish

12 months is a short time

Gordon Dalgleish

As I reflect on the state of the golf world on this Sunday before the Masters, it would be folly of me not to recall 12 short months ago when golf was squarely in the cross hairs of popular commentators and blamed by some as a key element in the demise of the world economy. To paraphrase, golf was the breeding ground for many of the problems of the day as rich white men from Wall Street mixed with Washington politicians on junkets to play golf and devise plans to undermine our economy and enrich themselves. Additionally, the idea for golf to be used as a marketing tool for Northern Trust or Wachovia or Morgan Stanley was completely inappropriate in the minds of the press and in turn politicians. It was a public lynching of an honorable sport.

Fast forward twelve months and the upcoming Masters. The economy is on the mend. We still have a long way to go however but unemployment appears to be have reached it’s peak and there are various indications of an improving economy. Golf is still being played, although many country clubs are in deep financial trouble for various reasons. If Tiger Woods is in contention this coming weekend at the Masters, potentially it may be the most viewed sports broadcast in history…and golf will be center stage. At first when I heard the idea of Tiger’s return at Augusta I was surprised, but as everything has played out it has been a stroke of brilliance by Chairman Billy Payne of the Augusta National Golf Club. It would also appear Augusta National  are taking advantage of this opportunity to be in the eyes of so many “new golfers” by introducing new technologies, such as 3D golf and even more in depth internet coverage of the tournament. While some of these “new golfers” may be more in tune with Entertainment Tonight and TMZ, I believe the Masters will show the world this week another compelling sports spectacle. Twelve months ago, no one could ever have predicted Tiger’s fall from grace nor any of the twists and turns to the story. It is strange world that we live in, and as you often hear, “….you just could not make this stuff up!”.

Seven days from now we shall all be enthralled by the back nine on Sunday at Augusta…enjoy, for doubtless many more sub plots will emerge as the week progresses.

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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The Greatest Golf Shots of All Time

Gordon Dalgleish
As we prepare for the most watched “Masters” of all time and the unofficial opening of the golf season I thought it worthy to reflect on some neat golf video. I looked through various funny golf videos…some with dubious quantities of humor attached but finally settled on a great collection of  the very best shots. For me, each shot brought back recollections of different seasons, great players and special memories surrounding golf and the people who play the sport.
We all have our list of top ten this or that; golf shots are as subjective as the greatest courses or finest wines. Very possibly your favorite shot may not have made this list, but there are some great ones in here. Enjoy.




 

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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Cuba – The next golf frontier?

Gordon Dalgleish

A recent article in Businessweek caught my attention as the travel and hospitality industry recovers from a miserable trading environment. Many of the luxury resorts in the USA are at best struggling and overseas operators are not fairing much better.

I have long thought that Cuba, when she opens her doors to US visitors will be a very popular destination. I have never visited Cuba but I understand it is a very interesting island nation. For a golf perspective, there are many companies aligned to the golf industry who would dearly love to have access to Cuba; from developers who see resorts in Cuba and condos as the next gold rush, to golf course architects who would drool  at the opportunity to build a seaside course unencumbered by the coastal development restrictions of the US and elsewhere; golf course construction companies who are desperately trying to replace the golf course construction boom in the US of the first half of the last decade; course operators like Troon Golf who would happily add to their portfolio….and finally the travel industry which is always looking for the next frontier….and eventually the golfer who is seeking a new golf experience in a hitherto forbidden land!

My understanding is that at the current time there is one golf course in Cuba that is operated by the Spanish Hotel group, Sol Melia. The facility dates back before the revolution…given the manner in which golf has been leveraged by the tourism industry throughout the globe, my sense is Cuba will have substantially more than one course at some point in the future.

I cannot speak to the polotical ramifications of the embargo, but confidently believe the golf industry is ready to begin the invasion.
 

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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A tale of two islands

Gordon Dalgleish
Seabrook Golf
Seabrook Golf

A recent weekend trip with some old friends to Seabrook Island, S.C., approximately 30 minutes south of Charleston was very illuminating. Seabrook Island sits  alongside Kiawah Island at the end of a 12 mile long two lane road. I first visited Seabook Island in the early 1980’s and over the years it has had it’s share of financial challenges and I have long considered it the poor cousin to neighboring Kiawah Island.

Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course hosted the 1991 Ryder Cup alongside a number of other events. The five star Sanctuary (Hotel) opened a number of years ago. and enjoys critical acclaim. They have added the River & Cassique Courses (both private) on Kiawah along with a magnificent clubhouse. Kiawah is also home to a significant collection of uber beach homes. Interestingly, Kiawah has different owners for the resort and private land development elements. It results in some curious arrangements, for example, where a hotel guest must pass through a private (homeowners) security gate to reach the premier resort course (Ocean Course). I am aware of friends being either turned away at this security gate or given a tough time in passing!

On the flip side, Seabrook is far more low key. The golf courses (36 holes) are acceptable. Nothing off the charts either way, but enjoyable and well maintained. On the amenities side they are swimming against the current tide in the golf industry. They just opened a wonderful golf clubhouse and pool/beach complex. Their tennis clubhouse is under construction and the homeowners just opened a health/indoor – outdoor swimming facility/play areas/meeting rooms/library complex. The physical plant at Seabrook is very impressive by any measure. All of this has happened in the last 12 months! Additionally, approximately 5 years ago they managed to pass a change in their  legal structure that mandated any new homeowners to become members of the Seabrook Island Club. This is a hugely significant arrangement that many facilities wish they had put in place on day one.

 As for Kiawah, we played one of their resorts courses on Sunday and I was completely underwhelmed. The service was pleasant but grossly understaffed. They still charged full resort rates however. The course was clearly lacking in maintenance funds although the greens were in good shape, peripheral maintenance was apparently “deferred”.

Bottom line, I would gladly return to Seabrook and my impression of Kiawah Island was damaged. It is still a nice place, but no longer as untarnished as I previously viewed it. Brands are fickle and can easily be damaged without correct investment, conversely, they can be salvaged with some prudent oversight.
 

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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Partnership with Leading Hotels of the World

Gordon Dalgleish
Golf at Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
Golf at Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic, a Leading Golf property

I was delighted that we were able to announce a new partnership with one of the most respected brands in the lodging industry, Leading Hotels of the World. Leading Hotels are currently embarked on a Leading Leisure initiative to grow their resort business as it historically has been more reliant on it’s city hotels aimed at the business traveler.  LHW launched Leading Spa’s last year and the Leading Golf program is the next step for them. We have been helping them conceive, design and implement this plan for the last several months and have very exciting ideas as we move ahead in the coming months.

The properties within the LHW portfolio are impressive and recognizable. We have launched the Leading Golf program with a relatively small number of properties who met certain specific criteria. As the program grows we shall be adding new golf resorts in various locales around the world. The golf resorts range from the recognized stalwarts in Scotland to the new, highly decorated properties in Asia and the Caribbean.

I am particularly excited about the Signature Events which shall be unique, special events at some of their most desirable properties, including Gleneagles and the Old Course Hotel.  Details shall be coming out soon.
 

About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him on Google+

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