A welcome return to Valderrama for The European Tour!
Valderrama Golf Course
The event – costing €3million – will be hosted at Valderrama from the 28th – 31st of October 2010 and will be the final event next year on the home continent of The European Tour (followed by The Dubai World Championship in November).
After staging the Volvo Masters for 21 years (until 2007) Valderrama will be looking forward to the homecoming of the great event. The course will be closed for play from Monday the 18thOctober, with the preceding week disallowing cart use and only offering very limited visitor tee-times (between 12pm-1pm); it will re-open on Wednesday the 3rd of November.
Click here for full details on The European Tour News.
Machrihanish Golf Club is one of Scotland’s true hidden gems. Situated on the Southern tip of the Mull of Kintyre, the course is not easily accessible by road and is often excluded from itineraries purely because of its location. The journey time by road from Glasgow Airport is at least 3 hours, but by sea the time can be more than halved. Most people will travel to Machrihanish whilst spending time in Ayrshire – usually in Troon or Turnberry – and with the Kintyre Express making the journey much more achievable, I think it is an excellent addition to any schedule. Check out our website for more information on the Kintyre Express.
PerryGolf team onboard the Kintyre Express
I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to play the course earlier this year and had an outstanding experience. Our departure time from Troon was 9:00am for an 11:30am tee-time – which was ideal as it gave me enough time to travel down from my home and stop for a bacon sandwich en-route. The journey between Troon and Campbeltown was quicker than I thought and Wilson Smith, the captain of the Kintyre Express, gave us a running commentary of the surrounding area as we progressed. When we arrived at Campbeltown Harbour, two taxis were waiting to transfer us to the golf course as Wilson had called in advance and made the reservation. After a short taxi journey, we arrived in time for a quick warm up, a few putts, and were then faced with the first tee-shot over a corner of the Atlantic – no warm up could have prepared me for that. I was delighted to walk to the 2ndtee with a par. The rest of the course did not disappoint; each hole had its own character and offered something a little bit different. Machrihanish is not a long course with the onus put on hitting the ball straight off the tee for good lines to the greens. They have recently added some new tees to the course and I’d recommend single figure handicapped players play from the blue tees – the club is quite relaxed and will accommodate players who wish to do so. After golf there was enough time for a light bite and a couple of pints before the taxis picked us up again to transfer us back to Campbeltown Harbour to meet Wilson and the Kintyre Express.
The entire day was a great experience which I’d recommend to anyone spending a couple of nights in Ayrshire. It is something a little bit quirky and a memorable way to add a course which is in the Top 100 in the World to your schedule.
At this time of year, everyone here in Scotland is wrapping up against the cold climate, while down under they are enjoying the start of their summer. Reflecting on the time I spent in Australia – this time last year – I was reminded of the excellent experience climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge; something I would recommend to everyone.
Alastair Niven, one of the PerryGolf staff members who is responsible for South Pacific programs
Myself and one of my colleagues booked the climb online a few days in advance, but it can be done much further ahead of time, which is recommended if you wish to do the evening walk which is very popular. We walked the short distance from our hotel through the Rocks area of Sydney past the various bars and excellent restaurants to the start point under the main highway of the bridge. After check in and being allocated to our group (around a dozen of us) we were given a safety briefing and were provided with all of the equipment we required based on the weather that day. It should be noted that, for safety reasons, you are not allowed to take cameras and all items have to be securely attached to you to avoid anything falling down onto the highway below.
Our group was a mixed bunch from the UK, Denmark and also a local from Sydney, ranging from around 16 years old to mid 50’s I would estimate (and all in varying degrees of fitness). I was concerned prior to the trip about being fit enough but it really was not difficult and our entire group completed the climb easily. We then set off on a gantry fixed under the bridge to the stone pylons that ‘book-end’ the bridge itself. The Pylons do not serve any structural need and are just there to make the bridge appear more solid.
We made our way up the stairs through the pylons and then up some ladders to the top surface of the arch. From there it is a leisurely walk up to the highest point of the arch. The views of the city and harbour are fantastic – as you can imagine – and the guide kept us amused throughout with various facts about the bridge and its construction (as well as several anecdotes). At the top, after some photos, we headed back across to the other side to start the descent to base.
The whole experience takes around three and a half hours so it was a great way for us to spend a morning and really get to know one of the world’s most iconic structures in a way it is not usually possible to do. Being located so close to the famous Opera House means it is easy to combine these two fantastic sights into the one day. Check out the Bridge Climb site for full details and to book online.
I would say this is must for anyone visiting Sydney!
Oitavos Golf near Lisbon. #88 on GOLF Magazine's Top 100 World List in 2009
These two siblings of southern Europe couldn’t be more different or more beautifully combined for those who enjoy equal measures of relaxation and celebration in a single vacation. The Portuguese live on easy street, perfectly pleased to pass the afternoon with a carafe of white on their cliff top verandah overlooking the Atlantic after a morning 4 ball. Spaniards own the fast lane. Afternoon tee times are prized because there is never enough night. Both are both wonderfully old world and luxuriously modern. though Portugal is elegant, classical. Spain is a blend of Roman ruins with the newest you-name-it money can buy. Tiny villages dot the coastal cliffs while elegant resorts and swank marinas play in their shadows. You can change the 21st century into the 15th by climbing a flight of 450 year old stone steps. To enjoy them fully, allow yourself 8-10 nights with 4-6 rounds of excellent seaside golf.
Lisbon has honors. Portugal’s capital since 1255 is a city of ancient history and two and a half million Portuguese. It’s framed by a river, the Atlantic and a unique urban forest park so this canvas is a masterpiece readily explored by foot. Lisbon was the most important city in the world 500 years ago during the Age of Discovery. Now it has golf. Trendy waterfronts. Elegant hotels. Europe’s largest casino. The place is tricked out with two thousand years of architecture and art, museums, cathedrals, restaurants and shops. . You’ll day trip to nearby Estoril Coast for continuous beaches with soft surf – not unlike the South of France – and a couple rounds selecting from Penha Longa (Atlantic Course), Oitavos (recently added to the GOLF Magazine World Top 100), and Praia D’El Rey. Arthur Hills Oitavos is mandatory.
The mini mountain town of Sintra is magic and easily earns an afternoon to see how Portuguese royalty made do over the summer in digs like Pena Palace, said to be “a blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Romantic influences which make for a very explosive combination.” Ninety minutes north in Porto, you’ll want a full day. Tour the country’s legendary wine region, sample it with lunch in the Palacio do Bolsa, cruise the Douro River between wine groves and sample it some more. There’s good golf too, Estela Golf Club in particular which is fashioned the Scottish links with nothing but white beach separating its fairways from the Atlantic. If you decide (wisely) to stay the night, or two, the 5-star Hotel Infante de Sagres is always a pleasure for its history, city center location, and king size beds!
After Lisbon, take it down a notch to the Algarve – 2 hours south through central Portugal’s rolling farm country if you didn’t stop; 4 hours when you do to visit Sir Cliff Richard’s wine cellar. Welcome to Easy Street. The Algarve is one of Europe’s preferred holiday destinations known for glorious, year round sunshine, smooth wide beaches shadowed by towering rock cliffs, and the game of golf. Joe Lee’s wonderful San Lorenzo leads the parade with Vale do Lobo (Royal) following closely plus Quinta do Lago (South), Vilamoura Old by British designer Frank Pennick, and Palmer’s impressive new Victoria Club opened in 2004. Five star accommodation is equally available, notably Vilamoura’s Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort which recently opened its new hotel, now a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, along with a third nine by Donald Steel. The resort is also your ticket to one of the most beautiful, sophisticated and sought-after of Portuguese beaches – the famous Vila Sol Beach Club – located within the Ria Formosa Natural Park at Ancão. New to the neighborhood, with 5 stars and just 12 guestrooms, is Quinta Jacinta for those who prefer their privacy.
Out and about you’ll be delighted with Faro, the region’s energetic capital, where international retailers abound beside the handicraft shops of family merchants and cafes serving the day’s catch with wonderful wines you’ve never experienced. Western Algarve offers the City of Silves which came into its own as the region’s capital during the 11th century. Rising way above the town are the red walls of Silves Castle where high ground views of the town and countryside are enjoyed from massive ramparts and the Cathedral which dates back to the 13th century.
Now the stage is set for Spain, a leisurely and lovely 4-5 hour ride away traveling excellent roadways through the beautiful countryside of her Andalucia region. Near the Spanish border you’ll encounter picturesque Tavira with remarkable examples of Roman architecture like the seven-arch Roman bridge. On to Sevilla, Andalucia’s capital city and birthplace of Flamenco dancing, you’ll want to tour the Golden Tower on the banks of the River Guadalquiver, plus the country’s oldest cathedral which is home to Christopher Columbus’ tomb, and the amazing Plaza Espanha to see tile pictures from every province in Spain. The many tapas bars make for a lively, progressive-style lunch as you sip sherry and eat a small dish in one and move on to the next.
Finally, you are on final approach to Spain’s famous Costa del Sol, whose constant sunshine and light air have produced an adult playground encompassing roughly 95 miles of trendy beaches, celebrity marinas, casinos, enough luxury resorts for ten visits, and, more than 80 golf courses. The action is found from Sotogrande to Malaga. Beginning with the golf, Sotogrande Old is the local grandfather designed by Robert Trent Jones, opened in 1964, and a fixture among the continental top ten. The Old Course at San Roque is a frequent host to the European Tour. Next door is mighty Valderrama, host to numerous European and international events including the 1997 Ryder Cup. Each of these layouts is set in the secluded foothills of the Sierra Bermeja mountains offering magnificent views of the Mediterranean, generous greens and fast running fairways frequently framed by cork oaks. It is impressive to note that concerted efforts are taken by the clubs to preserve natural habitat, earning for Valderrama, designation as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
A recent splashy addition to the scene in Spain is Finca Cortesin which hosted the Volvo World Match Play Championships after many years at Wentworth near London. Combine this world class golf course with a hotel which was on the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List for 2009 and you have a worthy addition to consider.
Finally, continue moving east toward Malaga is the luxurious coastal resort town of Marbella which lays claim to 26 km of sun bathed beach, a steady stream of the rich and famous, and a yachtload of good golf. Premier among your choices is the Marbella Club, another fine design by Dave Thomas accented by striking views of Gibraltar, the Mediterranean and the African coastline. Accommodation of choice in the area is Hotel Puente Romano, a condominium community turned 5-star hotel in 1979, offering oversized guestrooms and baths, sitting areas, kitchens and each a private terrace. Its every comfort of home, made all the more remarkable by 120,000 square feet of subtropical gardens that surround the property with streams, ponds, waterfalls and over 400 different species of plants and flowers. Just minutes from this paradise is Puerto Banus, Mediterranean marina to celebrity, royalty and plain old ordinary, extraordinary wealth. Designer fashion boutiques and open air restaurants line quaint streets; the night reaches dawn at discotheques, alfresco bars and piano clubs. It’s a sight to see, through a pair of tortoise pattern Guccis…of course.
About the Author: Gordon Dalgleish is the Co-Founding Director of PerryGolf, the leading provider of international golf vacations. You can find him onGoogle+
While Dubai made headlines last week over its rescheduling of massive debt, from a golf travel perspective it remains an exciting and vibrant city to visit with outstanding hotels and golf courses, plus of course beaches, bars and restaurants. Their state airline, Emirates, covers the globe and offers direct service from a huge number of the world’s principal cities. The weekend before last I made a trip there for the 2009 Dubai World Championship, the final event of the European Tour’s inaugural “Race to Dubai”. We stayed in the Westin Hotel on the beach. It was excellent and I can recommend it highly.
The Race to Dubai is effectively a ramped up version of the European Tour Order of Merit, taking some inspiration from the PGA Tour Fedex Cup, and which brings the leading sixty players together for a season ending event in Dubai with large bonus money at stake.
There was concern expressed in advance in some quarters over the Dubai World Championship due to the level of economic crisis affecting Dubai even before the recent announcement. It did ultimately turn out to be a significant success for the European Tour, although it may have been a little fraught in the lead up in that much of the infrastructure, roadways included, were constructed only shortly before the Tour rolled into town. The tournament itself was splendidly staged with spectators extremely well catered for, the media centre unusually enjoying a grandstand view over the 18th green, and fabulous hospitality also available (I was fortunate to have been a guest of the European Tour for hospitality on the Saturday-:). TV cameras beamed pictures around the world of an exciting contest staged on a beautifully presented golf course, and gave little sight of the massive number of newly built, or half built homes which lay empty and unsold nearby and along the edges of a number of the holes. Vast swathes of empty desert for the remainder of the planned golf courses (Wind, Fire, and Water being the three courses planned to join the current Earth Course) and accompanying hotel and home developments, were also conveniently out of view.
My personal interest in attending the event was in watching a few of the players who have played under my captaincy of the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup Team over the past 4 years. Of the 58 players in the final starting lineup, four had played or been involved in the squads (Chris Wood, Danny Willett, Ross McGowan and most notably Rory McIlroy) proving that the highest performing amateurs can very quickly go on to compete at the higher levels of pro golf).
Going in to the Dubai World Championship there were four possible Race to Dubai winners in Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher. Leading the race was 20 year old Rory McIlroy seeking to become the youngest winner of the European Order of Merit (now the Race to Dubai) since Seve Ballesteros way back in 1976 won it as a 19 year old. Quickly it became a two horse race between McIlroy and Westwood. Despite a highly creditable third place finish, McIlroy was overtaken by an extraordinarily on form Lee Westwood who shot a final round 64 to carve out a six shot victory and secure the inaugural win of both the Dubai World Championship and the Race to Dubai, taking his 2009 European Tour earnings to €4,237,000 Also playing outstanding golf in the company of Lee Westwood on the final two days, and quietly finishing in second place for the tournament as well as securing 12th place in the Race to Dubai, was the highly impressive Ross McGowan, whose finish here coupled with his win of the Madrid Masters in September, opens up many new doors for him in the golfing world. As our houseguest in July for the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond I was delighted to be in Dubai to witness his success.
On the final evening we attended a small beach party at the Mina A’Salam Hotel hosted by Andrew “Chubby” Chandler, Managing Director of International Sports Management (ISM) to celebrate Lee Westwood’s win. In as much as ISM managed the first, second and third placed players (Westwood, McGowan, McIlroy) it was certainly a night of celebration!
It was a weary group which then took their places on the following morning’s British Airways flight back to London. A few glasses of champagne were however raised in the toasting of the new champion -:)
