Tag: golf

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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Old Head Golf Links, Ireland

PerryGolf Staff
Old Head Suite
Old Head Suite

Old Head Golf Links has gone through a massive refurbishment over the past few years; transforming into a beautiful five star resort.  With 15 brand new suites, all overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the golf course, or both, it’s proving to be one of the most charming golf resorts in Ireland.  I was privileged to be invited to stay overnight shortly after the suites opened…and what a visit it proved to be.  The rooms are as good as any you’re likely to find in Ireland; tastefully decorated, and extremely spacious with everything (and more) that you’d expect from a five star hotel.  The highlight for me was the relaxing in the bath while enjoying watching golf on the bathroom’s flat screen TV…the perfect way to finish the evening after a mouth watering seafood platter in the main restaurant. 

Old Head Golf Links
Old Head Golf Links

Having never played the course before, it made the trip even more special as it’s a fantastic links, and possibly the most spectacular I’ve ever played.  It stands at the top of the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  9 holes play directly along the cliff tops and all 18 have views out to sea.   Add that to the beautiful lighthouse at the far end of the course, and you have an awe-inspiring view no matter which way you’re facing.  Don’t be fooled though, as the Old Head Golf Links is much more than just an exceptionally scenic course – it’s a great test of golf, with some mind blowing holes.  It’s also an immaculately looked after course and so tends to be in absolutely perfect condition all season.  Even the weather was exceptional and my golf was up to the test for once, having carded a gross 75…so it was a great trip all round.   If you’ve never been to Old Head before, be sure to add it to the list of ‘must plays’.  With the fantastic new suites, it’s got to be considered a ‘must stay’ as well.

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

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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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Golf Lesson at Turnberry

PerryGolf Staff

Working for PerryGolf for 10 years has opened up my interest in golf; learning about all of the courses and ‘golfing regions’ but having never played a game of golf, I realised it was time to change that.  On a visit to the Turnberry Resort I was lucky enough (when you see my clip you will understand) to have a golf lesson at The Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy’.  It is a great facility showcasing an open-air driving range with a landscaped target area,  a state-of-the-art audio-visual theatre, simulator and swing analyzer.  After my consultation and a few practice swings, the problem with my swing was clear…to put it bluntly…it was awful!  Once the professional advised where I was going wrong and made a few small changes to my swing, a definite improvement was evident.  Spending a further 20 minutes in the teaching bays hitting balls found that my swing was massively improved; there’s a long way to go, but certainly with practice I could be better.

It was a great experience and they have the space and capability to take groups for lessons and offer different options depending on your skill level and what you need to improve on.  This is an ideal addition to your stay at Turnberry and will no doubt improve your round and your experience on the Ailsa Course.

Click below to view my experience at Turnberry’s Golf Academy:

Denise’s Golf Lesson

By Denise McKee.  Denise is a member of PerryGolf’s admin team.

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Kittocks Course, Fairmont St. Andrews

PerryGolf Staff
The Kittocks Course at Fairmont, St. Andrews
The Kittocks Course at Fairmont, St. Andrews

The Fairmont Hotel in St. Andrews is a 5* Resort on the outskirts of one of the most famous towns in the world.  The hotel is situated about 2 miles outside of the town centre and offers views over St. Andrews Bay and the medieval skyline.  It is also home to 2 championship golf courses; The Kittocks and The Torrance.  Both courses are very enjoyable and are worthy inclusions in any schedule based in and around St. Andrews.  Even if you don’t happen to be staying at The Fairmont, these courses are worth considering.

The Kittocks is sometimes overshadowed by The Torrance which has recently been renovated and is now home to the Scottish Seniors Championship as well as a final qualifying venue for the British Open.  I played both courses at the tail end of last year and I found The Kittocks a slightly tougher test of golf and, from a personal point of view, I’d say I enjoyed it more.  I played the course with my Dad and while it was wet underfoot and a windy climate, we both had a great day.  We agreed that the course was tough but fair and we hope to get another chance to play it in the future (in drier conditions with a bit of luck).  Fingers crossed I can avenge the 3 and 2 defeat!

I’d also recommend that you use a golf cart when you play as some of the walks between greens and tees are longer then usual.

Click here for information on the course.

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

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