Best Golf Course in the World?

Donald Trump
Donald Trump

Being based in Scotland, we watch developments with Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire project with particular interest, and it seems like the project is finally getting underway now.  This will no doubt be a great addition to an area that already boasts some fantastic courses such as Royal Aberdeen (host to 2011 Walker Cup matches), it’s lesser known hidden gem of a neighbour, Murcar; and, of course Cruden Bay only 45 minutes up the coast.  As for Mr Trump’s claim that it will be the “world’s greatest golf course”, that remains to be seen!  He has pretty tough competition on his doorstep never mind the rest of the world.

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By Alastair Niven.  Alastair has been with PerryGolf for over 9 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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Lady Golfer Breaks Record for Hole-in-One

Mary Tattersall, a 90 years young golfer from West Yorkshire, broke the British record at the weekend for the oldest woman to achieve a hole-in-one.  Playing the second hole at her home club, Shay Grange, she covered the 181 yards par 3 and found the pin.

Even more amazing, Mary only took up golf two years ago for the exercise and has a handicap of 36.   ‘I’m no Tiger Woods, but I love golf.  I think it’s a great sport, it makes me feel alive, gets my lungs open and my muscles working.’

So it’s never too late to take up the game!

By Yvonne Shaw.  Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.

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Fairmont Hotels Open New Accommodation in South Africa

Fairmont Hotels have recently opened a new hotel in South Africa; the Fairmont Zimbali Resort joins the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge which is set nearby along the beach.  The hotel’s golf course is currently under construction, but once the 18-hole course (which has been designed by Gary Player) opens, it will be a “must” to add to your schedule.

Fairmont Hotels are known worldwide for their excellent service, and we are pleased to see this addition to the group.

For further details, please view the article here.

By Denise McKee.  Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.

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New Chef at the Barceló Troon Marine Hotel

Fairways Restaurant
Fairways Restaurant

The Barceló Troon Marine Hotel has appointed Robert MacGillvray as their new head chef in its Fairways Restaurant.  It’s the first time in 42 years they’ve had to appoint someone to the position, so it’s bound to add an exciting and new aspect to the hotel’s restaurant.  Kevin has been in the industry for 30 years and has a wealth of experience; having worked in some of Scotland’s best kitchens (including Lochgreen House and Ballathie House).  He focuses on traditional Scottish flavours with a modern twist and has twice been voted Scottish Chef of the Year (2000 & 2002), as well as being the President of the ‘Federation of Chefs Scotland’…so it’s a move which can only be a good thing for the hotel.

Barceló Troon Marine Hotel
Barceló Troon Marine Hotel

The restaurant itself is in a spectacular location within the hotel; overlooking Royal Troon Golf Club, with great views over to the Isle of Arran; it’s the perfect place to enjoy the sunset and a fantastic evening meal after a day on one of the area’s great links courses.   If you’d like to make a reservation in advance of your trip to Scotland, please don’t hesitate to contact your Golf Travel Specialist, who will be happy to do so.

By Keith Baird.  Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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150th Anniversary and End of an Era

This years Open Championship at St Andrews will be the 150th anniversary of the event and to mark this, the R & A have arranged for a special 4 hole Past Champions Challenge.  All living past champions will be present with the exception of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Price, Johnny Miller, Kel Nagle, and (sadly) Seve Ballesteros.

The 4 hole event holds special significance for me as my granddad, Willie Aitchison, has caddied for 2 Open Champions – Robert Di Vicenzo and Lee Trevino.  He was ‘on the bag’ for Di Vicenzo when he won at Royal Liverpool in 1967 and won back-to-back Opens with Trevino at Royal Birkdale in 1971 and Muirfield in 1972.  The pairings for the event have still not been announced but it would be special if Di Vicenzo and Trevino were paired together.

It has been estimated that 30,000 fans will be present for the 4 hole exhibition match and I certainly plan on being one of them.  This will definitely be the last time that my Grandad and both men get to meet, and although he will not be able to caddy, he does plan on walking the fairways one last time.  This promises to be a special moment and it’s something that I would hate to miss.  I’ve always been an admirer of Trevino’s game and the way he handled himself on the course; he was a crowd pleaser and certainly someone that the crowds would flock to see.  There was never a dull moment and always plenty to talk about after a round when he was involved and I’m already looking forward to seeing him in action in a few weeks time.

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By Gary Sheppard.  Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 4 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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