Category: Classic Golf Courses

Davies So Close at Celtic Manor

PerryGolf Staff

A week ago I witnessed some of the best golf on the European Tour so far this season.  Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell shot 64/63 (15 under par) over the weekend and won the Wales Open by 3 shots from Welshman Rhys Davies.  On the last day of the tournament the 2 players conjured up rounds of 63 and 62 respectively over the 2010 Ryder Cup Course with 62 being the new course record.

I’m not taking anything away from Graeme McDowell’s fantastic weekend display, but the fact that Rhys Davies, a rookie who has just burst onto the scene with 5 top 3 finishes in the last 2 months, shot the course record in tough conditions on the final day of a major tour event, and on the Ryder Cup course is amazing!  This has put him in a great position to claim one of the places in the European Ryder Cup side when the golfing world converges on Celtic Manor in October.  There is no doubt about it; Rhys is ‘the form player’ on the European Tour right now and someone who I would certainly have in my team.  People have questioned if he is ready for the Ryder Cup as he is relatively inexperienced; however bear in mind that he had a glowing amateur career before turning pro and was in the Walker Cup team which was captained by one of PerryGolf’s founding directors, Colin Dalgleish.  I hope Rhys keeps up the excellent form which he has shown in the first half of the season and qualifies for the Ryder Cup in a few months time.  The fact that he is a Welshman will also help to draw some local fans which I’m sure will add to atmosphere.

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

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Gleneagles is new Home for PGA National Academy

PerryGolf Staff

Gleneagles is already well-known throughout the world as a fantastic golf destination; and with them hosting the 2014 Ryder Cup, their great reputation should only become more widespread.

To add to this, Gleneagles have now been selected as the home of the PGA National Academy for Scotland.  This should provide an outstanding facility for golfers and coaches in Scotland.  Congratulations!

See full article here.

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

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Villa d’Este – Italy

PerryGolf Staff

One of our most popular hotels in Italy has to be Villa d’Este; the hotel is set on the shores of Lake Como and more than deserves the many awards it has received over the years – the most recent being presented by Forbes Traveler 400 in 2009 for World’s Best Hotel.  

Lake Como, Italy
Lake Como, Italy

The main building was built in 1568 as the summer residence of Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio and was then changed to a luxurious hotel in 1783.  Villa d’Este has 153 bedrooms and with several dining outlets you are spoiled for choice.  It is also in an easily accessible location, only 60 minutes away from Milano Malpensa Airport!

Even with the building’s various upgrades, they have managed to keep the history and garden true to their past and it has proven very popular with our clients and a “must” while in the Lake Como area.  While staying here, golfers could play Villa d’Este Golf Club which is located just 6 miles away – a course that was designed in 1926 by Peter Gannon.  The course is a stunning (but challenging) play. 

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

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The Pub at Nefyn

PerryGolf Staff

Nefyn and District is a great links course in the North West of Wales.  It’s often regarded as the signature course for Wales in terms of image, as it’s very reminiscent of Old Head or Pebble Beach in the way that it’s perched on top of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.   

Nefyn and District Golf Course
Nefyn and District Golf Course

I had the pleasure of playing it on my recent trip to Wales…and enjoyed every minute of it.  The personal highlight for me came at the 12th green – we’d lost a few balls by this point and were in need of a bit of respite, when Bryn, our host for the week, suggested a quick pint and a bite to eat before we pressed on.  I was slightly confused as to where we’d be getting this, but Bryn led us down a small path to the foot of the cliffs where a pub awaited us.  It was packed with golfers and locals, many of whom were sitting outside dipping their toes in the ocean; such was the good weather, so we joined them for what is without doubt the best half-way house I’ve ever experienced.  If you’re ever at Nefyn, make sure you take a time-out at the 13th tee via the bar.  It’ll turn any bad round into a good one!

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

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