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New golf escapes in Girona, Spain
PGA Catalunya Resort, home of Spain’s number one1 golf course, has launched a new package, the Golf Escape, enabling golfers to customise their visit to the European Tour Property. Available now until November 2013, guests taking advantage of the offer can stay-and-play from €113 per person per night* including golf on the resort’s Tour Course plus…
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Why changing The Old Course St Andrews is a Valley of Sin
The Global Golfer office was a dangerous place to work this week. There was a moment when hot tea spluttered and lurched through the air swiftly followed by loud banging and a torrent of rage. Nobody was hurt. I simply had an outburst. The calm of my day had been interrupted by the arrival of…
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Historic facelift for Sweden’s oldest golf club
Göteborgs Golf Klubb, the oldest golf club in Sweden, is to be given a major facelift as part of a long term renovation project. The parkland style course is located in a forest in Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city and the biggest seaport in the Nordic Countries. Sweden’s Home of Golf It is well known…
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Golfers prefer half board hotels to all-inclusive packages
Golfers prefer the flexibility of half-board hotel packages to all-inclusive deals, new research for International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) reveals. Almost 10,000 golfers quizzed The survey, commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of IGTM, is based on responses from more than 9,500 regular golfers in Europe’s four largest golf markets – UK & Ireland (UK&I),…
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Love it or hate it, TripAdvisor is damn big these days | Tnooz
We reported earlier on the latest research surrounding what are the top “deal breakers” for golfers when it comes to booking golf holidays and golf resort breaks. Turns out social media isn’t that big, it comes way down the list after what your friends say! Wait a minute though – there is one kind of…
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Survey reveals golf holiday “deal breakers”
A new survey detailing the most important factors influencing golfers’ research and booking of holiday destinations has been launched at the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM). Commissioned by Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of IGTM (November 12-15, 2012, Algarve, Portugal), and produced by SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC., the research reveals that ‘friends’ recommendation’ remains the single most influential factor…
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5 to play before you die – U.S.A Golf Bucket List
You’ve got weeks to live. Where are you going to tee it up before your final hole? We pick 5 of the best for our USA golf bucket list.
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Book Review: Pat Ruddy’s “The Perfect Golf Links”
Guest Blog written by Barry Ward, Editor, Posh Golf Travel – a leading guide to luxury golf resorts and destinations Those golfers aspiring to a deeper knowledge of course architecture should read what will probably become the Golf Book of The Year for 2012. It’s a visual and intellectual delight that will open the eyes, lift…
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5 Winter Warmer Golf Breaks
If you can’t face pulling on mittens, base layers, woolly hats and a full-set of waterproofs to play winter golf on temporary greens and frosty fairways, then you need Global Golfer’s handy guide to Winter Warmer getaways. TENERIFE This volcanic Spanish isle is one of the Canary Islands and is popular holiday destination because of…
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Why Tour Operators buddied up to offer bargain golf holidays
On a recent trip to Crete, Greece, I was impressed by the way local business people mucked in and worked together – especially in the middle of the country’s worst economic crisis since World War II. The Olive Oil producers ran a cooperative and so did the boat captains who ferried tourists across to Spinalonga…
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Why Portugal is still Europe’s #1 golf destination
There were no surprises at last week’s World Travel Awards when Europe’s Leading Golf Destination for 2012 was announced. Hosted at the swanky new Conrad Algarve Resort in Portugal the evening turned out to be as golden as the cliffs that line Portugal’s coastline on the Atlantic Ocean seaboard. Portugal scooped seven awards, including Europe’s…
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Lofoten Links | Midnight golf under the Northern Lights
The world’s most northerly links golf course – on the edge of the Arctic Ocean – has been extended to 18 holes to satisfy growing demand from golfers wanting to tee off under the world famous ‘Northern Lights.’ Lofoten Links, in Gimsoy, Norway, has tiny postage stamp-sized greens and is laid out across and around…
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Par and Spa | Donnafugata Golf Resort | Sicily
Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa is an award-winning golf resort and spa on the Italian island of Sicily and a former DP World Tour venue. Discover golf & spa
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Golf Guide to Lisbon and Portugal’s Silver Coast
Ed Butler reviews the golf courses on Portugal’s Silver Coast, near Lisbon, including Praia Del Rey and Royal Obidos; Seve Ballesteros’ final course design.
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Big golf plans for Whisky Isle
A super rich Ozzie financier has announced plans to build a golf course on one of Scotland’s most famous Whisky producing islands. Greg Coffey, a 41-year-old Australian hedge fund manager, has bought Ardfin Estate on the small Hebridean Isle of Jura for £3.5m. He has drawn up the ambitious plans to build an 18-hole championship…
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Crazy Golf Video: 178mph Mercedes golf ball catch
Mercedes 178mph golf ball catch attempt featuring Formula One driver David Coulthard Anyone who has been around golf for a while knows the folks at Mercedes love the game and love sponsoring golf tournaments. The latest experiment from the German luxury car giant sees an ex-Formula One driver, Scotsman David Coulthard, attempt to speed past…
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Indonesia’s Lonely Links – New Kuta Golf
New Kuta Golf is Indonesia’s only links golf course. Danny Bowerin travelled to Bali to tackle its tiger tees and savor sensational sunsets at its 19th hole
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New IPad app saves shots and cash
Tech-savvy golfers can enjoy the best courses in Spain and Portugal at bargain prices thanks to the launch of a new iPad app by Just Tee Times. The free app gives travelling golfers a choice of nearly 200 courses on the Iberian Peninsula, and the ability to view stunning videos and images of each, as…
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In-Focus: La Manga Club turns 40
This week’s In-Focus comes from La Manga Club in Spain. A popular favourite with European golf holidaymakers, the luxury resort has celebrated its 40th anniversary by commissioning new photography of its three 18-hole championship courses by renowned golf course photographer Mark Alexander. Alexander spent three days at the five-star venue in July taking images of…
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PGA Coach Jeremy Dale on the art of scoring and why you can improve at any age
Matthew Moore spent a day with PGA Pro Jeremy Dale learning the art of scoring and the simple mind hacks anyone can use to play better golf
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Forest of Arden: Fearsome or Friendly?
The Marriott Forest of Arden course in Birmingham used to be a regular European Tour venue and so reader Pete Joyner was a little nervous about what he would find when he entered the Forest…. For a mid-handicapper there are few more frightening descriptions of a course than a ‘tough challenge.’ As we all tend…
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Golf Caddies vs Apps: Technology vs Tradition
Technology and tradition are two powerful fault lines in golf today. Battles rage between distance and shotmaking and course designers vs club engineers – but one of the most fascinating for us is the unlikely conflict brewing between career caddies and digital apps. There’s something romantic and mystical about the wizened, weather beaten face and…
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Hickory Open tees up in Home of Golf
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to belt a mashie or whiff your featherie with a niblick? Well, here’s your chance to play golf the old school way. Organisers of the 2012 World Hickory Open Championship have announced the tournament will be played over the Monifieth Medal and Carnoustie Burnside courses in…
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In-Focus: Las Colinas Golf, Spain
Global Golfer’s brand new In-Focus feature gives our readers a chance to see stunning golf course photography of featured courses and destinations that are making golf headlines. Our first In-Focus is Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, in the Alicante region of Spain. This coastal resort is managed by Troon Golf and announced last week…
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Makeover for Q-School Course
The venue for the European Tour’s Qualifying School tournament is set for a makeover. PGA Catalunya Resort, the 36-hole golf venue near Barcelona, Spain, is undergoing significant upgrades to its award-winning Stadium Course as part of a three-year partnership with The European Tour. The deal will see Qualifying School Final Stage played there until 2014.…
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Airlines upfront on online booking charges
A dozen airlines have decided to add debit card charges to their total flight fares rather than including the charges at the end of online bookings. The carriers, which include popular budget airlines Ryanair and Easyjet, will also clearly declare credit card costs at the start of a customer’s booking. The changes have come about…
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Whisky training for staff at Trump’s golf resort
Staff at Donald Trump’s new $750m golf resort have been signed up to a prestigious Whisky training course so they know a single malt from a blend. Trump International has signed up to The Whisky Ambassador, a new scheme seeking to boost tourism and Scotland’s whisky and hospitality industries by training bar staff to become…
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Jack Nicklaus happy with Gleneagles changes
Jack Nicklaus says he is happy with tweaks made to Gleneagles – venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup – after flying in to oversee alterations to the Scottish course he originally designed nearly 20 years ago. Nicklaus is widely thought of as the greatest player ever to play the game, with 18 majors to his…
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Hotels boost for Scotland’s Whisky and Golf Town
Two historic golfing hotels have been refurbished as part of plans to boost golf tourism to Campbelltown and Macrahanish in Scotland, an area once known as the “Whisky Capital of the World.” The Kintyre Development Company, owners of the Macrahanish Dunes Village, have refurbished both the Royal and Ugadale Hotels as part of the first…
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Reader Review | St Mellion Golf Club | Cornwall
Reader Greg Hall reviews St Mellion Golf and Country Club, Cornwall, England St Mellion Golf and Country Club nestles in England’s Cornish country side, a short drive over the border from Devon and readily accessible to the golfing tourist. A former venue of the European Tour’s Benson and Hedges International Open, this golf course has…
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Abu Dhabi Resorts unveil five-star packages
Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club have joined forces with five star hotels The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and The St.Regis Saadiyat Island Resort to offer a series of exclusive summer golf holiday packages. The exclusive golf break packages include Superior Rooms at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort…
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Golf trail is linked in to success
A golf trail of links courses on England’s South Coast is celebrating after three of its courses were named in the best 100 courses in Great Britain and Ireland by an influential golf magazine. The Atlantic Links courses of Saunton East, St Enodoc and Burnham & Berrow have all been named in the latest Golf…
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Oceanico launch frugal family golf breaks
Golfing families can now save hard earned cash on their summer holiday thanks to a new family golf promotion at Oceanico’s Amendoeira Golf Resort. Inventively called the ‘Summer Family Golf Break 2012,’ prices start at €1,400 for a family of four staying seven nights´ in a luxury apartment or villa, with golf on both the Oceânico Faldo…
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Why Ireland’s golf courses are world class
Ireland’s reputation as one of the world’s best golf destinations has been confirmed by a new poll ranking eight of its courses inside the top 100 in the world outside America – including number one Royal County Down. Golf Digest magazine – the number one distributed sports title in the United States – asked its…
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Open Championship links unveils golfers lodge
Prince’s Golf Club, on England’s Kent coast, has unveiled its new Lodge at Prince’s accommodation for stay-and-play golfers. The Kent links hosted The Open Championship in 1932 and is situated between the historic coastal towns of Deal and Sandwich, the latter being home to Royal St George’s Golf Club. The 38-bedroom lodge was opened on…
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Golf set to grow in Oman
A new golf academy at Oman’s first-ever green grass course is set to grow the sport in the Gulf Arab Sultanate. The new facility is based at Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, a Braemar Golf managed property, which cost £400m to build and opened in Oman’s capital city in 2009. More than just sand…
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Braid classic unveils golf course renovations
Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club has unveiled a three year program of golf course renovations and improvements to its James Braid designed heathland course on the Suffolk Heritage Coast, England. Thorpeness officials have chosen this week to unveil the renovations by Creative Golf Design and Scottish architect Ken Moodie because the course is co-venue for…
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£7.3m apartment for sale at “Home of Golf”
Scotland’s most expensive property has gone on sale in St Andrews, the “Home of Golf,” for a hefty price tag of £7.3m. What does £7.3m get you in today’s real estate market? Well, the property is a four bedroom apartment with access to a roof garden, comes with a butler and a concierge and there…
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Olympic golf course dispute deepens
Plans for a new golf course for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro were thrown into uncertainty last week when city officials failed to present documents in court proving ownership of the land on which the course is to be built. A Brazilian court had issued a search warrant for the contracts on…
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Celebrities play Britain’s fastest ever round of golf
A team of celebrities including TV presenter Chris Evans and European Tour legend Colin Montgomerie has set a new British record for the fastest ever round of golf. The star-studded team, which included eight of the world’s top golfers, played18 holes in under 11 minutes at the London Golf Club in Kent, England, on Saturday.…
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S.O.S for Scorecard Bob
Scotsman Bob Davies is, by his own admission, no world beater on the golf course. A Glaswegian by birth, Bob took to his local 9-holer to keep him busy during retirement in Melbourne, Australia. One day after finishing his round a playing partner handed him an old scorecard from New Zealand and something clicked in…
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Review | Golf in Belek | Turkey
Ed Butler headed to Belek in Turkey’s Antalya province for a romantic couples break and couldn’t resist playing golf, lots of golf. I first heard about Belek when researching destinations for my one year wedding anniversary. Back then, it was early days, so my initial pitch was a resort without golf. After discovering the wealth…
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Busy tees in the UAE
Golf courses in the United Arab Emirates have clocked up over 50,000 rounds in a single month for the first time. Only a month after KPMG’s Golf Travel Insights report revealed that the global golf tourism industry is holding firm – with bookings for golf breaks on the up – leisure firm Dubai Golf announces…
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The golfer who scored 66 at TPC Sawgrass’ 17th hole
When you are watching the final round of the Players Championship this evening spare a thought for Angelo Spagnola, the grocery shop owner from Pittsburgh, U.S.A, who scored a 66 on the par 3 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass. Don’t believe us, watch Angelo’s story here!
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Spirit of Seve: The Shire London
Seve Ballesteros (1957-2011) was golf’s artist and its warrior. The Spaniard was arguably the most creative and daring player to ever tee up a ball. His mark on golf’s history will never fade. He thrilled galleries with shots that nobody else could play or even attempt – and so it is no surprise that his…
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Severiano Ballesteros | The Final Hole | Golf Poem
The “Final Hole” is a poem in honour of Seve Ballesteros (1957-2011).
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Design for Life
Jonathan Gaunt talks about his life as a golf course architect and his latest course design overlooking one of the world’s most famous Cathedrals Yorkshireman Jonathan Gaunt has been designing golf courses for over a quarter of a century. His golf footprint can be found on four continents and his portfolio includes renovating classic courses,…
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Reader Review | Goswick Golf Club | Northumberland
Paul Atkinson, from Newcastle Upon Tyne reviews Goswick Golf Club on the Northumberland Coast. Valhalla, as my golfing pals call it, sits around two miles off the A1 just short of Berwick upon Tweed on the cusp of Scotland. It’s one of the last golf stops in Northumberland, England’s spacious and beautiful border county. An…
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Scottish Golf Passport given historic stamp of approval
A new passport scheme has been launched to encourage golfers to explore Scotland, the Home of Golf. Musselburgh local Alan Webb chose the historic Old Course in the East Lothian town to unveil his new Scottish Golf Passport. Historic stamp of approval The Musselburgh Old Links course is the “oldest golf course in the world,”…
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Golf travel industry bouncing back says KPMG
Despite news that Britain has slipped back into recession and the Dutch government has collapsed amid financial crisis, golfers have reason to remain upbeat. According to a new survey from global financial services company KPMG, golf tourism is on the increase and bouncing back from economic downturn. Bookings up say Tour Operators The Golf Travel…
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