Champ amongst champions

Barely had a month elapsed since the curtain call on the European Tour that is the race to Dubai than the golfers and their caddies have packed their suitcases and decamped to South Africa for the beginning of another gruelling season.
Volvo, celebrating its 125th event as a sponsor of golf tournaments, is hosting an exclusive winners-only of European Tour events this weekend at the world-acclaimed Links at Fancourt in South Africa: recently voted number one course in the country and originally designed by multiple major winner, Gary Player.
The Volvo Golf Champions is a limited field event with no halfway cut, open only to European Tour winners who triumphed in an event in the previous season; the only exceptions being current members of the tour who have amassed more than ten victories in their careers. Amongst  those competing for the 350,000€ first prize will be a strong Spanish contingent including Jose Mari Olazabal, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Pablo Larrazabal, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño and Pablo Martin. The first two players gained entry virtue of the number of tour wins. Whilst it is good to see Olazabal, apparently fit and well, keeping an eye on his potential charges during Ryder Cup year it was left to Jimenez to elaborate on 2011 from a golfing perspective. In some ways it was a case of so near, so far as, despite some consistent results, he emerged winless for the first time in several seasons. He knows he has to maintain some good form to make the Ryder Cup team for a fifth time just as peers of his would be thinking about winding down and reemerging to join the European Seniors Tour. Not Miguel Angel: ‘I was disappointed not to win in 2011 so will be hoping that I can put this right as soon as possible in 2012… this is the first time we have a season opening tournament specifically for winners of the European Tour and I think the Volvo Golf Champions is a great addition to our schedule. I am really excited to be playing at Fancourt and am ready for a genuine test of links golf.
Other star players in the 35-man field include Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Thomas Bjorn and Simon Dyson. Els, having won 68 professional career titles including three Major titles, is the crowd favourite and is keen to perform well on home soil as South African golf is going from strength to strength: ‘Obviously, I love playing in South Africa and have won five of my European Tour titles here. I have great memories of playing at the Links at Fancourt…and when on holiday here. South African golf is in great shape at the moment which is apparent by the number in the field.’ Meanwhile, three-time Major winner – and self-appointed tinkerman – Padraig Harrington, is also looking forward to a fresh start in 2012 with a return to form boding well for the popular Irishman: ‘I took a bit of a break after a pretty grueling 2011 schedule and, after a relaxing family holiday, I’ve been hard at work… I am itching to see if all the work has paid off.’
Unfortunately, defending champion Paul Casey will not be present after having injured himself showboarding over the festive period and will be sidelined from hitting balls for at least two months. Not a great way in which to begin the year especially as Casey appeared keen to halt the slide in his world rankings himself, traditionally a fast starter in the desert events.

Tags: volvo masters

Golf the “Real Spain” way

Continuing the ham theme this week here is a great reader’s offer for those searching to escape the hustle and bustle of the costas and experience the real Spain as represented by El Quixote and the conquistadores.
There are still plenty of relatively untouched regions in Spain and one of these is Extremadura, located due north of Seville. Known for its harsh climate it enjoys a rich cultural heritage and is home to some fine Iberian Hams. In these times of crisis the UNESCO medieval walled town of Caceres has recently come out top of a survey of 28 Spanish cities which offered value for money. Living there over a decade ago there were only three courses in the region; one of them – Golf Guadiana – was actually home to a short-lived European Tour event. However, that figure has now increased with one of Seve’s last designs in Spain being located in the north of Caceres in Navamoral de la Mata and another – Husa Golf Valdecañas – located within easy driving distance of Caceres.
As can be appreciated from the photo the hotel and golf course are located in an idyllic setting within a reservoir. In fact, it almost appears as if you are staying on an island as there is only one access road in and out of the resort. With no concrete jungles to contend with one has only to take a short stroll from your hotel terrace to the first tee. Between now and February there is a special introductory offer of one night’s bed & breakfast and green fee on Golf Isla Valdecañas from just  53€ per person sharing a double room. Contact Julie or Paul on +34 952 582 943 for more details.

Tags: Golf Extremadura, Golf in Spain

Tasty start to year at Chaparral

Nearly 100 golfers turned up at El Chaparral last Sunday to play in the inaugural ‘I Master Jamones Ibericos Guijelo’ tournament.
Whilst many of us will be thinking of detoxing in January it was interesting to note that all the prizes on offer were cured ‘Pata Negra’ Iberian Hams; after Huelva and Extremadura the area surrounding Guijelo in Salamanca is one of the most sought after for ham aficionados; the pigs earning the right to be called pata negra only being reared on a diet of acorns.
Unusually mild weather conditions saw the competition began just after 09:00 with a shotgun start, some groups having to double up on several holes. The format was betterball stableford and the winning team of Antonio Cecilia and Carlos Carballo scored an impressive 46 points, a  margin of two over Alejandro Garcia and Rafael Gambero. Golf Leisure Breaks was represented by Jimmy Holt and Antonio Tyrol whom, whilst not featuring amongst the prizes, would have agreed that the greens at El Chaparral are back to their true and slick best.
During the prize giving ceremony there was the opportunity to try several ham products as well as raffles. The next open competition at El Chaparral will be for medical personnel and dentists on 25 February, meanwhile Golf Leisure Breaks will be continuing their weekly roll-up competitions throughout the month of January with the green fee, buggy and competition fee pegged back at just 50€. See the competition box on this page for further details.   

Tags: el chaparral golf, Golf in Spain

Don’t toil on the toll

Having heard stories surrounding the introduction of toll payment on the A22 motorway crossing into Portugal from Huelva, I availed myself of a short golfing break to put it to the test.
First the bad news: any golfers from Spain travelling further west than Tavira will have to pay for the toll which is quite a chaotic operation. However, there is a ticket machine just 250m over the bridge where season tickets of different validity dates can be purchased. The good news? Take the A22 motorway a few kilometres without needing to pay monies; exit at Junction 17 then head down towards the N125 main road which leads to Altura and Tavira. Although there are a few potholes to contend with it is generally a pleasant drive – tailgaters aside – alongside orange groves and quaint villages. Stop for a short break and enjoy the Portuguese national pastime of sipping coffee out of miniature cups. Importantly, the region of the eastern Algarve (known as Sotavento) is relatively undeveloped and is home to a number of fine golf courses.
Just across the border is Quinta do Vale – Seve’s legacy – being one of the final courses he designed. Having played a couple of his, how shall we put it, quirkier layouts in Spain this is definitely not in that mode: open, flat with plenty of water hazards: when the wind blows this can be tough.
The only concession to a typical Seve trait is the fact that there are six Par 5’s, six Par 4’s etc. Nearby is Castro Marim which offers good value for money; a fine club house and variety: the Guadiana, Atlantic and Grouse layouts offering green fee combinations.
Next up is Benamor designed by Sir Henry Cotton. Although I would not rate it in the league of his Penina and Vale do Lobo creations this is a pleasant parkland course with a noticeable lack of on-site construction. Another couple of courses worth playing are Quinta da Ria and Quinta da Cima designed by ‘Rocky’ Roquemore. The latter has already held the Ladies Portuguese Open and the signature hole, for me, has to be the 16th where one has to negotiate the water hazards and seagulls! The da Ria course is shorter with spectacular views to the Atlantic and Ria Formosa national park and lagoon.
Perhaps the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ is Monte Rei, a Jack Nicklaus signature course opened four years ago offering a true test of championship golf. The emphasis here is on service with valet parking, courtesy towel, personalized bag tag and locker key as keepsakes not forgetting a courtesy pyramid of Titleist balls on the range. Costing between 150€ and 190€ for a green fee this is certainly at the upper end of the market but does include buggy and is comparable with some of our best in Sotogrande. Many consider the 13th to be the signature hole teeing off from an elevated spot towards a green protected by a lake but, to be fair, every hole has a charm of its own and several are subtle dog-leg rights. Although Portugal lost the bid to host the Ryder Cup, Jack Nicklaus remains on hand to design a further 18 holes at Monte Rei which will be more spectator friendly affording many vantage points.
The land is there, as is the design, all that is missing is a successful campaign. The club house catering is not your typical egg and chips fayre either with the resident chef previously of El Bulli restaurant.
Where to stay? Don’t expect to go to the eastern Algarve expecting Puerto Banus style nightlife. The towns reflect a quiet heritage unchanged for centuries. My advice would be to head to the medieval town of Tavira which lies on a river and previously home to the Algarve tunny fishing industry. This, alas, is all but extinct but relics from the past exist. There is a pleasant old quarter to explore with the remains of a Moorish castle. Should you have more time to explore then take the short ferry ride to ‘Tavira Island’: an unspoiled stretch of beach measuring 11 km in length where one can sunbathe or birdwatch.

Tags: Play Golf in Portugal

Happy Golfing 2012!!

Luke at the double

Luke Donald made golfing history by  becoming the first golfer to win the order of merit on both sides of the Atlantic. Having clinched the American title there was the small matter of Rory McIIroy standing between him and success on home soil. However, as the young Northern Irishman imploded on the greens, performing a couple of acts of petulance with his putter, Donald lived up to his, ‘Cool Hand Luke’ reputation by shooting a hat-trick of birdies to finish with a 66 and outright 3rd position behind Quiros and Lawrie in Dubai.
His statistics were all the more impressive considering he was bogey-free over the final 46 holes. Before entering the final event of the year in Australia he had played in 36 tournaments, finishing in the Top 10 a remarkable 20 times  winning four tournaments in the process and only missing two cuts. Perhaps, tellingly, one of these was The Open back in July where he has never really been in  contention; his best finish in a major being tied third at the USPGA.
Still, winnings of 4.19 million dollars on the PGA Tour and 3,633,685€ in Europe augur well for next season’s campaign. Certainly he is financially ‘set for life’ and will be able to schedule the  tournaments to,  hopefully, peak at Augusta etc. To cap off an eventful year (his wife gave birth recently not long after the untimely loss of his father at the age of 59) more plaudits came his way in the form of being voted the   ‘European Tour Golfer of the Year’ (voted by a panel of broadcasters and writers) before, two days later, picking up the `PGA Tour Players Award.’ The latter is a poll voted by one’s fellow professionals and      demonstrates the respect he holds within the game. In fact, he became the first Brit to top the poll since it started in 1990 and only the second European after Padraig Harrington in 2008. Luke summed up his feelings: ‘‘Everyone dreams of having a year like this. To create history is   something that will always stay with me.’’

Tags: Costa del Golf Page

Spanish Open for Sevilla

The first good news for Andalusian golf in 2012 is that the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla has been chosen to host the Spanish Open again from 03 -06 May. It has also been the setting for two Andalucia Opens on the European Tour calendar and numerous prestigious national and international amateur events of a high caliber: testament to the Jose Maria Olazabal design, inaugurated in 1992, and recently given a facelift which measures 6529m and is a Par 72. Although fairly flat one needs to pay careful attention to the numerous hazards that litter the  61 hectare site including 90 bunkers and 9 lakes with an onus on short game play.
The tournament’s main sponsor is the Spanish insurance company Reale Seguros whose involvement stretches back to 2007. Spanish fans will be hoping for a local winner like Alvaro Quiros in 2010 although the defending champion is South African, Thomas Aiken, who triumphed at the RCG El Prat in Barcelona. The golf course is only a few kilometers east of the city centre just off the SE-30 ring road and can be accessed via three different routes: the winding Ronda road from San Pedro, the AP4 from Cadiz or the A-92 motorway from Malaga.
To promote the course Golf Leisure Breaks has some super reduced priced green fee offers so you can try out a championship layout at a fraction of the normal cost. In a recent supplement to well-known golf magazine listing, ‘Continental Europe’s Top 100 Courses’, it was the third highest-ranked Spanish entry at 21 behind Valderrama and El Saler. As weekends tend to be busy and reserved for members a midweek green fee in December, January and February will cost you only 60€ (against the normal public green fee rate of 91€) and, should you decide to stay overnight in romantic Seville and see the cultural sights, a replay offer is available for playing golf on the following day at just 45€. Two rounds on a championship course for only 105€…cheap at twice the price! To book contact Julie or Paul on +34 952 582 943.

Tags: golf tee times spain, golf tournaments spain

II Open de Golf Fuengirola

The sun shone on El Chaparral with milder than usual temperatures for the time of year, setting the scene for a great day to celebrate the II Open Golf Fuengirola un Sol de Ciudad” Quite apt considering the name of the competition!
Special thanks to the nearly ninety players who made the effort to get up early, to be ready for the 09:00 shotgun start to play at El Chaparral Golf; fast becoming a ‘must-play’ event in the amateur schedule on the Costa del Sol.
There was three separate categories: In the first division, local players Gary Walsh, Cristian Gil and Christian Far were the runaway victors with 37 and 34 points respectively.
In the second division, the situation was much the same: ‘local knowledge’ coming to the fore with Rafael Vega scoring a fine 40 points followed by Juan Gomez. Last, but not least, in the third division Jose Antonio Gomez and Jose Vidal de la Peña made it a one-two and joined their fellow members on the winner’s podium .
As usual, El Chaparral Golf Club was in optimum condition with many kind comments received about the greens being fast and true, hardly surprising since they are PGA standard. The local Fuengirola TV station was on hand to record images for a programme in an aim to promote  golf in the area.
After the competition all the players  were treated to a great 3 course lunch, followed by prize giving and raffle.
The course would like to express its gratitude to Fuengirola Council and Club de Golf La Bandera for their trust and support.

Tags: golf holidays spain, Golf in Spain, golf tee times spain

Back to school

This year the golf page – in association with Golf Leisure Breaks –  has offered Sur in English readers some great golfing ‘stay and play’ deals in Cadiz, currently starting from as little as 49€ per night for double hotel room, breakfast and unlimited golf. Many of you, as a result, have become familiar with Montecastillo and have taken advantage to revisit this championship Jack Nicklaus designed course several times over: not surprising since just the green fee only can cost in the region of 90€.
However, there are some ‘hidden gems’ which, perhaps, are not as well known but stand up in their own right as stiff golfing tests. Chief amongst these is the Costa Ballena Ocean Club which has just hosted the Second Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School where dreams are made and dashed in equal measure as in the region of 1000 qualifiers attempt to win one of the 30 coveted spots on tour. A measure of the difficulties involved is that a player progressing through all three stages will have to play 252 holes under the most intense pressure.
The Qualifying School is held in three stages – dependant on the individual’s status – at a series of venues in the UK and Continental Europe. Since the Final Stage will be held at the PGA Catalunya from December 10-15 comprising 76 exempt players and 80 qualifiers only 20 spots are available from each of the four venues the length and breadth of Spain. Local interest was represented by Roderick Bastard, who some of you might have come across in his capacity as golf director of the Marbella Club Resort located in the foothills of Benahavis?
Going into Monday’s final round Chilean Emiliano Grillo shot an incredible ten under par 62 to take a share of the lead alongside Thomas Nørret of Denmark who, not to be outdone, also carded an astonishing nine birdies and an eagle to eventually score a nine under par 63 and join Grillo at 13 under par. The Dane’s round could have been better but for a bogey at the final hole. Englishmen Sam Hutsby and Jason Levermore teed off just one shot behind the co-leaders at twelve under par, after finishing the third round with a three under par 69 and a five under par 67 respectively.
We are offering Sur in English readers the chance to go one better and play the course under tournament conditions. Lying adjacent to the golf course is the Elba Costa Ballena Beach & Thalasso Resort, a four star hotel renowned for its unique salt water spa. From now and well into February 2012, golfers can spend one night in B&B accommodation and play unlimited golf on Costa Ballena for just 65€ per person/night sharing a double room. As the course boasts 27 holes you could play a round in the morning, lunch, and then go back for some more holes in the afternoon. The driving range is certainly one of the most expansive in Spain. Aside from the golf there are plenty of places to visit nearby: El Puerto de Santa Maria is only 20 minutes away and famed for its wine cellars just like Jerez.  Equidistant and heading westerly is the old town of Rota where, along the narrow streets, one might be surprised to hear a variety of American accents on the streets. Under Franco’s rule the United States was leased an important naval base and airfield for its Sixth Fleet en route to manoeuvres and security operations in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. The officers and ratings are also privileged to have their own golf course which, alas, we can’t book green fees on but feel that Costa Ballena offers ample golf opportunities. Call Julie or Paul on +34 952 582 943 for further information and to reserve.

Tags: Golf Beginners, Golf in Cadiz, Golf in Spain, Tee times spain

Cold Turkey

No, not the John Lennon penned song but a fair reflection on the weather in Belek, Turkey, which hosted the International Golf Travel Market last month.  Sitting on the south-eastern Mediterranean coast the brochures promised temperatures of near 20 degrees the reality was considerably cooler with plenty of rain to boot. Unfortunately, the tourism officials had not planned on this freak weather and were powerless to stop scores of delegates – admittedly some fair-weathered ones included – walking off the courses used for the official pre-event tournament after only a few holes.
The resort of Belek used to be largely swampland with pine trees alongside an unspoiled part of the Med. About fifteen years ago the local government believed that this, coupled with high humidity essential for the watering of golf courses, would make an ideal resort once the marshes were removed. The latter have gone although some water hazards remain on the courses in an area about the combined size of Mijas and Fuengirola. The big difference is that there is low level residential housing density alongside the construction of twenty five 5* hotels (apparently the Turks don’t do 4*!), many of which are top-drawer all inclusive, and 14 golf courses including several by top designers.
At Carya Golf Club it appears that Peter Thomson, five-time Open winner, has transported a little bit of `heathland´ Sunningdale to Turkey. Definitely one to play. Other popular courses include the Cornelia by Nick Faldo and `The Montgomerie.´ The latter club house is notable for a tower accessed by lift which affords panoramic views over the resort. In splendid isolation half an hour up the coast is the Lykia Links designed by the prolific Perry Dye. This layout makes a welcome change and, as transfers are reasonably priced, is not a  taxing journey.
If anything demand has exceeded supply especially as several of those hotels are exceptionally grand affairs placing a strain on available starting times. However, plans are afoot for a further 16 courses to be built in the future with no brake in the rise of golf tourism. Until that happens the concept of last-minute bookings simply does not exist resulting in many holiday-makers booking their green fees at least a year in advance.
Furthermore, one should be prepared to wake up at the crack of dawn: sunrise was about 6am whilst it was getting dark at around 4.30pm. No reduced price twilight rates, I’m afraid.  What was not in doubt was the superb manicuring of the golf courses. Playing Sueno Golf with Domingo Gavira of El Chaparral (pictured on the Andalucia Stand alongside IIdefonso Esquievel of Valle Romano and myself) we were amazed to find thirteen green keepers replacing divots…on just one fairway!
Obviously labour is much cheaper than in Spain.   The village of Belek is nothing to write home about – the remains of a fake ancient wall hide a row of bazaars and bars and that, to be honest, is about it. Returning to the airport 45 minutes away is the larger town of Antalya which boasts a walled old town plus a spectacular waterfall  gushing into the sea over a cliff face. As opposed to the sandy beaches at Belek here they are of the shingle variety but the backdrop to the town is worth the visit itself: snowcapped mountains an hour into the distance ideal for more extreme sports.
What about the IGTM show? Lasting three full days it was a chance for 1500 delegates and suppliers to get together – the latter to showcase their hotels and golf courses, attend seminars on new worldwide destinations and generally discuss the extent of the crisis and ways to overcome it. During the Gala Dinner Sam Torrance made an appearance to receive an achievement award for his services to promote Scottish tourism. Looking at the Costa del Sol one major downside was the lack of institutional support which meant that courses and hotels travelled independently. Aside from some sterling PR work from Mr. Marco Polacci, revelling in his position fronting the official IAGTO Spain Chapter, I counted fewer than ten Costa del Sol golf courses present against triple that number from the Algarve and the wider Lisbon coast. Well done to those suppliers from Spain who went to some considerable expense to attend and fly the flag.
Next year it is the turn of the Algarve to host an event which goes from strength to strength. Due to the short driving time lets hope the Costa del Golf does itself justice there. Turkey – a relatively new destination has already fired a warning shot across the bows of its competitors whereas the Algarve is already firmly established.

Tags: golf costa del sol, Golf in Spain, Golf Leisure Breaks