Category: Classic Golf Courses

My Round on the 2010 Course at Celtic Manor

PerryGolf Staff

I recently had the pleasure of playing the 2010 course at Celtic Manor, which is due to host the Ryder Cup later this year.  What a great day it turned out to be – helped by the fact the sun was splitting the sky! 

The course has been specifically designed for the tournament with many classic match play holes which begin straight from the start with a tough 465 yard par 4.  The greens were slick and the fairways lush – which for April was a real treat.  Many of the holes include strategically placed water hazards; no more so than the tough 14th where there is water on left and right.   At only 413 yards off the back tees it doesn’t sound tough, but the landing area is so narrow that anything off line is heading for trouble. 

2010 Course at Celtic Manor
2010 Course at Celtic Manor

Then follows the 15th which is very much like the famous 10th at the Belfry.  It’s officially a 377 yard par 4, but, as the crow flies from tee to green, it’s a good deal shorter than that, so many of the pro’s will be pulling out the driver and going for the green.  The safe play is up the left with an iron, but in the fourball…expect fireworks!  I didn’t play off the back tees, so it was a bit shorter and I felt brave so had a go at the green and very nearly made it.  A chip and a putt later and I’d made a birdie three.  I’ll be watching with great interest come the end of September to see how many of the USA and European team members can better that! 

The finishing hole will make for a grandstand finish for any matches lasting the distance.  It’s a long par 5, not too dissimilar to the fantastic 17th at Valderrama with a massive water hazard directly in front of the green.  The brave pros will go for it in two.  The more conservative one’s will lay up and play a wedge to the green.  I chose the latter and my wedge shot found the green – only for it to spin back into the water.  A personally disappointing finish to a thoroughly enjoyable round; but it gave me a taste of what was in store for what will be a fantastic tournament.  I know I can’t wait for it…I’m sure you can’t either.

For more information on how you can attend the Ryder Cup with PerryGolf, please click here.

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

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Portmarnock Golf Club, a true test awaits

Cameron Reid

Portmarnock Golf Club, is arguably the most distinguished club in the Republic of Ireland.  A private members club that has a proud history and is built on the traditions of the game but at the same time is most welcoming to the visiting golfer.  I recently played the links on a soft April day in short sleeves and enough of a breeze to really add to the challenge.  A recent spell of dry weather has left the links firm for this time of year and downwind you need to allow for the ball rolling out.  This is fine as the greens at Portmarnock are vast, but you do need to have a good feel for distance and hit the right sort of approach to get it close.

Portmarnock is consistently ranked in the top 100 in the world and in the top 3 courses in the whole of Ireland.  It is a strong layout calling for accurate driving and a tidy short game.  With very few exceptions (tee shots at the 5th & 12th) what you have to do is out in front of you.

Work is nearing completion on a new green at the first.  It adds a new dimension to the approach shot as the green has been reset bringing it set closer to the water on the right.   They have also removed some trees at the back of the green which will expose the hole more to the wind.  A rough management program has recently began, allowing a little more margin for error from the tee than before, this is intended to please both the members and visitors alike as the rough was really penal last summer.  I think the only person not too happy may be Joey the Club Professional, ball sales were strong last year!

For those you visiting Portmarnock this summer you are in for a treat.  Further reading on Portmarnock can be found on this article.  Click here.

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Brooks Brothers to Join with St. Andrews Links Trust

PerryGolf Staff

It was recently announced that America’s oldest retailer, Brooks Brothers, will join forces with the St. Andrews Links Trust in 2011 and become the ‘Official Partner’ in the production of apparel and accessories. This will be an exciting new venture for both parties and highly anticipated on both sides of the Atlantic.

Click here for more details.

By Gary Sheppard.  Gary has been with PerryGolf for over 3 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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Dornoch Town, Scotland

PerryGolf Staff

No trip to the Highlands is complete without visiting Dornoch; a small historic town with spectacular architecture and steeped in history.  Most famous recently for Madonna’s wedding and her son’s Christening in late 2000.  It’s easy to see why this was her chosen venue; with Dornoch Cathedral a stunning center piece to the town.  

I have visited Dornoch several times and never tire of browsing around the small antique shops not to mention the great walks that the town hosts in the Sutherland Hills.  Part of the town’s magical history involves witchcraft as Dornoch is home to the last execution in Scotland for witchcraft.  

The town is ideal for both golfers and non golfers, with Brora Golf Club and Royal Dornoch located close by…it’s the ideal place to spend time during your golf trip.

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

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2018 Ryder Cup

PerryGolf Staff

Six European nations have announced their intention to bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup; the deadline for which is April 30th, 2010. 

With Spain, Portugal, Germany, Sweden, France and Holland keen to stage the event, it’s going to be a Ryder Cup played at a mainland European venue for only the second time – with Valderrama in 1997 being the only other exception. 

Seve Ballesteros, who captained the winning European team at Valderrama in ‘97, was yesterday given a standing ovation as he was unveiled as the patron of Madrid’s bid for 2018.  It’ll be interesting to see if any of the other nations can top this…and even more interesting to see which country comes top of the pile when the host venue is eventually announced in early 2011.

Click here to read more.

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

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