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Adrian Morrow
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EDITOR’S COMMENT...
to treat your game to
a total transformation
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FRONT COVER: Main photograph shows
Graeme McDowell celebrating victory in
his crucial singles match against
Hunter Mahan in last year’s Ryder Cup
at Celtic Manor.
Photograph taken by ACTION IMAGES
(London).
The venue for the 2018
Ryder Cup Matches will
be announced in April.
If Portugal’s bid is
successful a spectacular
new purpose-built course
on the Alentejo Coast will
enjoy the international
spotlight. We feature the
stunning new Comporta
links in this issue.
03
It’s that time of the year...Spring is in the air, the countdown
to The Masters is underway and every club golfer harbours
hopes that this will be their year!
Turning those hopes into reality will come naturally for some. Others may need to adopt
a fresh approach and set aside a little quality time on a regular basis for game
improvement. If you fall into the latter category and you are serious about playing better
this year, now is the time to treat your game to a total transformation.
Book a series of lessons with your PGA professional, consider the benefits of having
your equipment custom-fit, improve your fitness and flexibility, and treat the practice
range as your friend!
Golfers in the metropolitan area have absolutely no excuse with the state-of-the-art
Leopardstown Golf Centre in Foxrock - which is featured in this issue - offering
outstanding tour-spec practice facilities, the latest game improvement technology and
expert tuition from five dynamic PGA professionals.
You may not become a world beater overnight, or any time soon for that matter, but
you’ll derive a lot more fun and satisfaction from golf if you make the effort to develop
your skills.
On the subject of world beaters, elsewhere in this issue we commence the countdown
to The Masters by featuring five players who are likely to figure prominently in this year’s
Majors...Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Rory
McIlroy.
Tiger has been off the boil in the Majors since his US Open
PURE GOLF COUNTRY
11th Edition
Cover photo:
CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa
Supplement produced by the team at
BACKSPIN
Golf Magazine
in association with
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Featuring...
CAMPO REAL GOLF RESORT & SPA
CASTRO MARIM GOLF RESORT
ONYRIA PALMARES GOLF
QUINTA DO PERU & SANA HOTEL
TRAVEL EXPERTS CASSIDY GOLF
Onyria Palmares Golf, Algarve
SPECIAL FEATURE ON PORTUGAL’S BID TO HOST THE 2018 RYDER CUP
triumph in June 2008 but don’t bet against him winning a fifth
Green Jacket at Augusta in April...Westwood ousted Woods
from the World No. 1 spot at the end of 2010 and now has his
sights set on winning his first Major...and imagine the odds
you would get on Ireland’s Big 3 claiming a Major apiece this
year. It’s not beyond the bounds of possibility!
Yours in Golf,
DECLAN O’DONOGHUE, Publisher / Editor
RYDER CUP ISSUE 2006
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06
BACKSPIN | 1

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2011 NEW YEAR/SPRING ISSUE
THE 2011 MAJORS
Big year for Ireland’s Big 3
US Open champ Graeme McDowell, threetime
Major winner Padraig Harrington and
rising superstar Rory McIllroy will lead a
strong Irish assault on this year’s Majors.
Left: Graeme McDowell holes a birdie putt on the 16th in his Ryder Cup singles
against Hunter Mahan, which won the European Tour’s Shot of the Month in
October 2010. Photo by: ©Getty Images.
LEE WESTWOOD
Primed for Major No.1
There are great expectations for
Lee Westwood this year following
his dramatic rise to the top of the
World Rankings at the end of the
2010 season. The 37-year-old PING
staff player is playing with great
confidence and primed to make
his big breakthrough in the Major
championships.
LEE WESTWOOD in action at the
Commercialbank Qatar Masters
Publisher / Editor:
Declan O’Donoghue
Guest Writers:
Mark Jones, Ewen Murray, Colm Smith
Photography & Art:
Action Images (London), Alan Bleakley,
Pat Cashman, Noel Kelly
Creation & Design: The Golf Business
Typesetting & Colour Repro: Esther Behan
Printers: Impression Print & Design
Distribution: Easons, Newspread, The Golf Business
Advertisement Sales: The Golf Business
Cover Price: €3.75 (incl VAT)
NEXT ISSUE: Masters Review 2011
DISCLAIMER: The copyright of all matter appearing in BACKSPIN is reserved by The Golf Business, and no matter may be reproduced or stored in any way without the
written consent of the editor. The articles which appear in this magazine reflect the opinions of their authors and the Publisher. The Golf Business assumes no
responsibility for the contents or accuracy of advertisements appearing in BACKSPIN, nor for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, art or photography.
4 | BACKSPIN

DARA LERNIHAN
30
QUINTA DO PERU
PORTUGAL
SUPPLEMENT
FAIRWAY FOCUS
with Pat Cashman
Editorial, Advertising
& Accounts:
“Birkdale”, 4, Rathmichael Manor,
Loughlinstown,
County Dublin, Ireland.
Email: golfbiz@eircom.net
Tel: (00.353.1) 2827269
Fax: (00.353.1) 2827483
SPOTLIGHT ON THE
IRISH GOLF PRODUCT
These are challenging times for the Irish
golf industry, however we’ve great
people driving the game forward and the
quality and variety of our courses ensures
that the domestic golf product will
flourish again as the economy improves.
Young guns could frustrate Tiger
Tiger’s hopes of getting back to winning ways in the Majors this season could
be derailed by a bunch of rising young superstars with lofty ambitions of their
own.
Fáilte Ireland setting new standards
Focus on Fáilte Ireland’s National Standards Framework for Golf, which gives
Ireland a clear advantage in the marketplace.
Portugal bids to host 2018 Ryder Cup
Portugal’s bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup revolves around a spectacular new
€1 billion purpose-built resort course on the lovely Alentejo Coast.
Callaway Golf launches new drivers
Drivers feature prominently in Callaway Golf’s latest product launches. The
Diablo Octane Black and RAZR Hawk lines are reviewed in this issue.
CELEBRATING 11 YEARS ON THE IRISH MARKET
www.backspingolfmagazine.com
BACKSPIN | 5

US Open champ Graeme McDowell,
Left: Graeme McDowell, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy
celebrate Europe’s 2010 Ryder Cup victory. Photo by Action
Images.
Below: Rory McIlroy in action during the Egyptian Open presented
by SODIC at the JW Marriott Mirage City Golf Club in Cairo. Photo
by Jon Walley.
6 | BACKSPIN

Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington have Georgia on their minds
It’s countdown time to Augusta for
This is a time of great opportunity for Ireland’s leading
tour players with our assault on this year’s Major
championships being spearheaded by three of the
most dynamic forces in the game.
Three-time Major champion PADRAIG HARRINGTON is
one of the most accomplished players in the modern era.
Reigning US Open champion GRAEME McDOWELL is
arguably the most improved golfer in the world over the
last twelve months.
And 21-year-old RORY McILROY is one of the most
exciting young prospects in the game.
It is remarkable that a country of Ireland’s size has
celebrated four Major championship victories in the Tiger
era, kickstarted by Harrington’s sensational play-off win
against Sergio Garcia in The Open Championship at
Carnoustie in July 2007.
On the following pages we predict further glory for our
high flying tour players this year as the countdown begins
to The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia
in April. continued...
THE MASTERS TOURNAMENT
Venue: Augusta National, Georgia
Dates: April 7th - 10th
THE US OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Congressional Country Club, Maryland
Dates: June 16th - 19th
THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Royal St. George’s, Sandwich, Kent
Dates: July 14th - 17th
THE USPGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Venue: Atlanta Athletic Club, Georgia
Dates: August 11th - 14th
BACKSPIN | 7

Big 3
Graeme McDowell is not one for sitting
on his laurels and basking in the
afterglow of success.
Following an incredibly successful but
exhausting 2010 schedule he could have been
forgiven for missing the opening event on the
PGA Tour in early January - the Tournament
of Champions - but he chose to travel to
Hawaii and produced a spectacular final
round 62 to get within one shot of forcing his
way into the Jonathan Byrd-Robert Garrigus
play-off.
Despite enjoying just a short Christmas
break and having to adjust to brand new
equipment, the 31-year-old Rathmore star
was determined to hit the ground running in
Hawaii and did just that.
He’s clearly a highly motivated young man
in a hurry to explore his outer limits.
On 10th January last year he was 40th in
the World Golf Rankings. Twelve months
later, to the day, he had soared to 5th place
following the Tournament of Champions and
his sights are set on the No. 1 spot.
G-Mac’s career has gone stratospheric
since he became the first European in
40 years to win the US Open last June.
Following opening rounds of 71+68+71 he
held his nerve and upstaged three of the
greatest golfers of the modern era - Woods,
Mickelson and Els - in a dramatic final round
to triumph at Pebble Beach.
He thrives on pressure, relishes being in
the thick of the action, and stepped-up to the
plate again when the Ryder Cup at Celtic
Manor last October came down to his match
against Hunter Mahan. McDowell’s victory
ensured that Europe regained the trophy.
He rounded off a great season with victory
in the Andalucia Valderrama Masters in
November followed a month later by another
winning performance in the Chevron World
Challenge. He went toe-to-toe with Tiger in
the final round of the Chevron, clawed back a
three shot deficit and bid Woods a merry
Christmas on the first play-off hole!
Significantly, he was named 2010 Player of
the Year on the PGA Tour by the Golf Writers
Association of America. He will be honoured
at the GWAA’s Annual Awards Dinner prior to
The Masters at Augusta in April.
McDowell received 43% of the votes
compared to 32% for Jim Furyk and 25% for
USPGA champion Martin Kaymer.
G-Mac’s first Major victory has catapulted
him to a whole new level and the sky is the
limit with trusted coach Pete Cowen, top
caddie Ken Comboy, dynamic Dublin based
Horizon Sports Management and his family
providing a strong support structure.
8 | BACKSPIN

Rory McIlroy treated himself to a rather
special 21st birthday present last year.
Two days before celebrating his coming
of age he scored his first victory on the PGA
Tour in the Quail Hollow Championship.
No big deal really because when he
turned professional after the Walker Cup in
September 2007 it was generally felt that it
would only be a matter of time before he
announced his arrival on the world stage.
He scored his maiden European Tour
victory in Dubai at the start of 2009 and his
career just took off at that point.
A few weeks later on his Masters debut at
Augusta National he was installed amongst
the favourites and lived-up to those lofty
expectations by finishing in a tie for 20th
place.
It was to get better in 2009. He had a
top-10 finish in the US Open at Bethpage
State Park - one of the toughest courses on
the PGA Tour - and he wrapped-up his first
full season playing the Majors with a tie for
3rd place alongside Lee Westwood in the
USPGA Championship at Hazeltine National
in Minnesota.
Westwood went on to produce a superb
performance in the season-ending Race to
Dubai to deny McIlroy the glory of becoming
the youngest player to win the Harry Vardon
Trophy since Seve Ballesteros in 1976, but
Rory finished 2009 on a high note by
becoming only the second 20-year-old after
Sergio Garcia to achieve world top-10 status
A wonderful opening 63 in last year’s
Open Championship on the Old Course at
St. Andrews laid the foundations for another
3rd place finish in the Majors and Rory came
within touching distance of his big
breakthrough a month later in the USPGA
Championship at Whistling Straits.
He was right in contention after opening
rounds of 71, 68 and 67, but a battling 72 on
Sunday left him one shot shy of getting
into the Martin Kaymer-Bubba Watson
play-off.
Comparisons with Tiger are inevitable and
if Rory won last year’s USPGA Championship
he would have claimed his first Major at a
slightly younger age than Tiger was when he
got off the mark at Augusta in 1997.
Perhaps Rory will not have long to wait.
Left:
US Open champion Graeme
McDowell became a Srixon
staff player at the start of the
2011 season. Pic courtesy of
Srixon Golf.
Opposite page:
Caddie JP Fitzgerald watches
as Rory McIlroy hits balls in
the shadow of the great
Pyramids of Giza in Cairo on a
break between rounds in the
Egyptian Open presented by
SODIC. Photo by Jon Walley.
continued...
BACKSPIN | 9

10 | BACKSPIN
Padraig lines-up a putt with
playing partner Ross Fisher during the
2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
Photo by ACTION IMAGES

Photo courtesy of
FTI Consulting
Big 3
Padraig Harrington is the consummate
professional golfer. He leaves no stone
unturned in his search to get the very
best from his game. He devotes a huge
amount of time to having his mind, body and
swing in perfect harmony.
He looked super fit and ready for action
when he addressed the media at an R&A
event in Dublin the week before he made his
first start of the season in Abu Dhabi.
This is a pivotal season for the three-time
Major champion. He will be keen to end a
frustrating run in golf’s showpiece events.
Since his third Major victory in the PGA
Championship at Oakland Hills in August
2008, Padraig has posted just one top-10
finish in the Majors.
Indeed he went winless on tour for over
two years before getting back on track in the
Johor Open in Malaysia last October.
The old spark was back. He took a five
stroke lead into the final round and closed
the deal with a 69 for a 20-under-par total
and three shot victory margin.
“There is no doubt it was my week to win.
If you had followed me for the four days, I
don’t think anyone would have questioned
that my name was on the trophy,” he said.
Padraig will turn 40 in August. He’s as
focused as ever and confesses that he has
become more relaxed during tournaments.
Winning Majors is all about preparation,
strength of mind and finding the right level of
intensity in the heat of battle. Padraig has
already ‘been there, done that’ three times
and that’s a huge advantage going forward.
IRELAND’S BIG 3 – Tale of the Tape
PADRAIG HARRINGTON GRAEME McDOWELL RORY McILROY
Date of Birth: 31st August 1971
Height & Weight: 6ft 1”, 12 1 ⁄2st
Turned Professional: 1995
Major Appearances (Pro): 50
Major Victories: 3 (2 Opens, 1 PGA)
Major Top-10’s: 13 Top 5’s: 9
Best Major 2010: 22nd (US Open)
World Ranking (mid-Jan): 25th
www.padraigharrington.com
Date of Birth: 30th July 1979
Height & Weight: 5ft 11”, 12st
Turned Professional: 2002
Major Appearances (Pro): 22
Major Victories: 1 (US Open)
Major Top-10’s: 2 Top 5’s: 1
Best Major 2010: 1st (US Open)
World Ranking (mid-Jan): 5th
www.graememcdowell.com
Date of Birth: 4th May 1989
Height & Weight: 5ft 9”, 11st 6lb
Turned Professional: 2007
Major Appearances (Pro): 10
Major Victories: None
Major Top-10’s: 4 Top 5’s: 3
Best Major 2010: 3rd (Open & PGA)
World Ranking (mid-Jan): 12th
www.rorymcilroy.com
BACKSPIN | 11

Major beckons for
If Lee Westwood took time out at the start of this season
to reflect on his career to date he would have had every
reason to feel a great sense of achievement.
He has made seven Ryder Cup appearances, scored
over 30 tour victories worldwide and, of course, he finished
2010 in a blaze of glory by replacing Tiger Woods as World
No. 1.
This is his second shot at glory. He became established
as one of the leading golfers in the world between 1998
and 2001 before his form completely deserted him for a
period. In recent seasons he has regained his confidence
and bounced back in spectacular fashion.
But for all that Lee Westwood has achieved in his
career, particularly in the last two seasons, the ultimate
prize - a Major title - has eluded him to date.
He has come tantalisingly close to cracking the code in
the Majors and this could be his year with his confidence
sky high following an amazing sequence of results.
In the last five Major championships he has contested
the 37-year-old Englishman has really found his mojo with
two runner-up and two 3rd place performances.
Significantly, he has featured prominently in all four Majors
at least once during the past three seasons.
He let a glorious opportunity slip in The Open
at Turnberry two years ago. He bogied the
closing hole and agonisingly missed out on
the Stewart Cink - Tom Watson play-off
by a single shot.
Last year he led The Masters by a shot entering the final
round but Phil Mickelson produced a sensational eagleeagle-birdie
burst on holes 13, 14 and 15. Westwood
birdied the 17th to get within two shots of the lead but
Mickelson produced another birdie at the final hole to
claim his third Green Jacket.
Another runner-up placing followed for Lee in
The Open Championship at St. Andrews in July.
He will be highly motivated for this year’s Majors
at Augusta National, Congressional,
Royal St. George’s and the Atlanta Athletic
Club in Georgia. The smart money will
be on Westwood delivering a winning
performance to complete one
A
of the greatest comeback
hugely
stories in the world
influential
of golf.
factor in Lee
Westwood’s success
has been his commitment
to PING golf equipment since his
youth. He says, “It’s been a
tremendous relationship with PING and
the Solheim family. Their commitment to
engineering equipment that helps me play my best
golf is one of the reasons I’ve reached my goal of being
World No.1.”
12 | BACKSPIN
“
He has come tantalisingly close to cracking
the code in the Majors and this could be his
year with his conf idence sky high
following an amazing sequence of results.
“

Photo courtesy of
Golf Marketing Services
BACKSPIN | 13

RICKIE FOWLER
During the first decade of his tour
career Tiger Woods was absolutely
phenomenal. The fireworks began in his
first Masters as a pro in 1997, which he won
by a record 12-stroke margin.
He claimed six Majors in nine starts
between June 2000 and June 2002. He added
another four to his collection in eight starts
between April 2005 and August 2006. An
incredible strike rate.
However, all that has changed. Woods has
won just two Majors since the start of the 2007
season and he has gone winless in golf’s four
premier events since June 2008, when he
scored his 14th Major victory in the US Open
at Torrey Pines.
In the meantime, of course, he has had
well documented problems. His whole world
has been turned upside down, but 2011 could
mark a fresh beginning. It’s an opportunity to
draw a line under a turbulent phase in his life
and get back to winning ways.
This is definitely a crucial year if he has
designs on emulating the Golden Bear’s
record haul of 18 career Majors.
Woods stands just a handful of titles short
of setting a record that may stand the test of
time, but attaining this incredible goal is going
to challenge every aspect of his make-up as a
person and as a golfer.
Seasoned Major champions Mickelson,
Els, Harrington and Furyk are likely to
compete hard for several years to come, and
the likes of Lee Westwood, Steve Stricker,
Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson could add
further spice to proceedings.
But perhaps the most sustained threat to
Tiger’s future prospects will come from a
sextet of rising young superstars following
fast in his jetstream...Graeme McDowell (31),
Martin Kaymer (26), American idol Rickie
Fowler (22), Rory McIlroy (21), Japanese
sensation Ryo Ishikawa (19) and 17-year-old
Italian Matteo Manassero, who scored his
maiden European Tour victory at the Castello
Masters last October.
continued...
Young guns set to frustrate
Photos by
ACTION IMAGES
14 | BACKSPIN

Tiger and caddie Steve Williams discuss an
approach shot on the 17th fairway during
the second round of last year’s Masters
Tournament at Augusta National.
BACKSPIN | 15

Photo by
ACTION IMAGES
16 | BACKSPIN

continued...
Tiger discovered up close and personal the
level of threat that US Open champion
Graeme McDowell poses following their head
to head duel in the last round of the Chevron
World Challenge in California in December.
Woods must have felt comfortable with a
three shot lead entering the last round but
playing partner McDowell had other ideas.
Drawing on his experience of upstaging
Woods, Els and Mickelson to claim the US
Open title at Pebble Beach in June, G-Mac
dug deep and produced another sizzling
performance to frustrate Tiger.
The manner of McDowell’s victory in the
Chevron was hugely impressive. He was
fearless, relentless and determined to
succeed...the very attributes that set Tiger
apart when he was shooting the lights out
earlier in his career.
And even if Tiger gets back to winning
ways Rickie Fowler is tipped to become the
new poster boy of American golf. This
22-year-old Californian hotshot has talent,
charisma and attitude to burn. He showed a
glimpse of his potential in the Sunday singles
at last year’s Ryder Cup. In a performance
reminiscent of a young Johnny Miller in the
1970’s, Fowler reeled-off four closing birdies
in his match against Edoardo Molinari to seal
a dramatic half point that gave the American
team hope until McDowell beat Hunter
Mahan in the last match.
Golf needs Tiger firing on all cylinders.
Players may not be intimidated by him
anymore, but he is still the one they all want
to beat. He also attracts huge crowds to
events and sends TV audience ratings
through the roof when he plays.
The golfing world eagerly awaits his
opening tee shot at Augusta National in April.
His demeanour and performance in this
year’s Masters will be the subject of intense
scrutiny by the world’s media.
He hasn’t won The Masters since 2005, but
take a moment to look at this sequence of
results at Augusta since 1997...1st, 8th, 18th,
5th, 1st, 1st, 15th, 22nd, 1st, 3rd, 2nd, 2nd, 6th
and 4th last year!
Don’t bet against him donning a fifth Green
Jacket in the Butler Cabin on Sunday April
10th, 2011.
1997
Masters Tournament
1999
US PGA Championship
2000
US Open, The Open Championship
and the USPGA Championship
2001
Masters Tournament
2002
Masters Tournament and US Open
Tiger
Opposite page: Tiger in action
during the US Open Championship
at Pebble Beach last year.
Photo by ACTION IMAGES
2005
Masters Tournament and
The Open Championship
2006
The Open Championship and
the USPGA Championship
2007
USPGA Championship
2008
US Open Championship
BACKSPIN | 17

MAURICE KELLY
with PAT CASHMAN
On these pages we feature a
selection of photographs
taken by Pat Cashman at
various golf events on the
domestic scene.
Visit www.cashmanphotography.ie
VICKI THOMAS
Above: Sophie Harrison
(Sutton Golf Club).
Right: A superb study of the
legendary Welsh golfer Vicki
Thomas in action.
18 | BACKSPIN

SUPER SENIOR MAURICE KELLY...
Left: Maurice Kelly (Killeen) proudly displays some of
the prestigious Seniors trophies he won last year.
He was also a member of the Irish team (above) that
won the 2010 Seniors Home Internationals salver at
Crail Golf Club in Scotland.
Pictured above with the salver are team members
and officials, back left to right, Tom Cleary, Seamus
McParland, Michael Quirke, Garth McGimpsey, Adrian
Morrow, Maurice Kelly and Billy Donlon. Front, Albert
Lee and Barry Doyle.
HAPPY DAYS FOR
PORTUMNA LADIES...
continued...
Right: Jubilant team members
celebrating Portumna Golf
Club’s dramatic victory in the
2010 interclub Minor Cup final
at Donabate.
Below: Hail the three Marys -
Mary Kelly, Mary McDonagh
and Mary McElroy - who made
a valuable contribution to
Portumna’s victory.
BACKSPIN | 19

continued...
Top right: Jimmy Maher (Newlands)
watches a putt slip by the hole in the
Leinster Fourball Trophy final at Waterford
Golf Club but his agony turned to joy as
Newlands were crowned champions.
Right: A group of Milltown supporters show
their delight as team members produced a
winning performance against The Heath in
the semi-final of the 2010 interclub Fourball
Championship. Agony followed as Milltown
lost the final to Thurles on a countback.
DARA LERNIHAN
HOLLY ROBINSON
Photos by PAT CASHMAN
www.cashmanphotography.ie
20 | BACKSPIN
RISING STARS...
Above: Fast improving golfer
Holly Robinson, daughter of the
County Sligo club professional
Leslie Robinson.
Right: Dara Lernihan (Castle),
who won the 2010 Irish Amateur
Close Championship at The
Royal Dublin Golf Club.

DARREN CLARKE’S CHAMPIONS WEEKEND AT PORTMARNOCK
Darren Clarke takes a keen and active interest in the development of junior golf in
Ireland and he is a wonderful role model for talented young golfers.
Each year the Darren Clarke Foundation brings together the cream of Irish junior
golf and the gatherings provide our stars of the future with an invaluable insight to
the mind and skills of a champion golfer.
At Darren’s Champions weekend at Portmarnock Golf Club at the end of last
season a group of boys and girls - all winners at junior level - greatly impressed the
five-time Ryder Cup player with their enthusiasm, dedication and some outstanding
individual performances. The main prizewinners were 2010 Irish Boys champion
Dermot McElroy, Jack Hume (winner of all four provincial Boys titles last year),
William Russell, Rowan Lester and, in the girls section, Tara Gribben and Paula Grant.
Right: Darren Clarke with Joey Purcell, the club professional at Portmarnock Golf Club.
www.cashmanphotography.ie
Left: Darren at his Champions weekend
at Portmarnock Golf Club with, from left,
Laura Grant, Anna Courtney, Tara
Gribben, Sarah Helly, Emma O’Driscoll,
Patrice Delaney, Sinead Sexton, Paula
Grant and Laura McCarthy.
Below: Darren with, back row from left,
Chris Selfridge, Ross Young, Luke
Woods, Gavin Moynihan, Dermot
McElroy, Paul Dunne, Conor Glynn, Jack
Leacy, Garry Walsh, Daniel Murphy, Paul
McBride and William Russell.
Front row, left to right: Jack Hume, Alex
Gleeson, Ciaran Boggan, Niall Foley, Eoin
King, Kieran Lynch and Rowan Lester.
BACKSPIN | 21

MOUNT JULIET
Following an incredible boom period for
Irish golf prior to and after the 2006 Ryder
Cup matches at The K Club, these are
challenging times for the domestic golf
industry with fewer overseas golfers visiting
the country, less golf society activity, the
corporate golf sector at a standstill, golf club
memberships levelling off and the overall
spend on golf products and services in decline.
Even the Irish Open, one of the most
prestigious events on the European Tour, has
been affected by the downturn with last year’s
title sponsor calling time on their association
with the event.
However, adopting a positive outlook is the
way forward and Irish golf is well geared to
flourish again once the economic climate
improves.
There has been a massive level of
investment in the game in Ireland since the late
1980’s with the result that the country now
boasts over 400 delightful golf courses.
There are excellent structures in place to
foster and administer the game in this country.
There are also wonderful people driving the
game forward at club, provincial and national
level, and our tourism authorities are playing a
significant role in promoting the Irish golf
product to international markets.
The message that must be emphasised time
and time again at home and abroad is the
quality and variety of Ireland’s golf courses and
this is the theme of BACKSPIN’s influential
Irish golf course rankings poll.
THE EUROPEAN CLUB, Brittas Bay
22 | BACKSPIN

THE HERITAGE GOLF & SPA RESORT
In 2007, when we conducted our first course
rankings survey, BACKSPIN broke fresh
ground by becoming the first golf publication
ever to rank Ireland’s links and parkland
courses separately. It makes perfect sense to
adopt this approach as they are entirely
different forms of golf.
If you were asked to name your top-20 Irish
golf courses - links and parkland grouped
together - the chances are that it would be top
heavy with our famous links courses.
BACKSPIN’s unique and imaginative
approach to ranking Irish courses showcases
Irish golf in a whole new light to the golfing
world at large. Our top parkland courses are
afforded the recognition they deserve alongside
our magnificent links creations.
Our biennial poll reflects the views of
54 golfers with a deep knowledge and
appreciation of the Irish golf product.
This is a time for imaginative thinking. It’s a
time for promoting and supporting Ireland’s
golf and hospitality products. It’s a time for
taking all necessary steps to ensure that Irish
golf enjoys great prosperity again when the
inevitable upswing in the economy occurs.
Backspin’s 2010 / 2011 Irish Course Rankings Poll
IRELAND’S TOP 20
LINKS COURSES
THE 54 MEMBERS OF BACKSPIN’S
2010 / 2011 VOTING PANEL
IRELAND’S TOP 20
PARKLAND COURSES
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
18th
19th
20th
Portmarnock
Royal County Down
Royal Portrush (Dunluce)
The European Club
County Louth (Baltray)
Waterville
Ballybunion (Old)
Lahinch (Old)
Co. Sligo (Rosses Pt)
The Island
The Royal Dublin
Doonbeg
Tralee
Ballyliffin (Glashedy)
Enniscrone
Ballyliffin (Old)
Old Head Kinsale
Portstewart (Strand)
Connemara
Donegal (Murvagh)
IRISH PROFESSIONALS:
Raymond Burns, Eamonn
Darcy, Eddie Doyle,
John Dwyer, Noel Fox,
Peter Hanna, George Henry,
David Higgins, Liam Higgins,
Francis Howley, Ian Kerr,
Graeme McDowell, Brendan
McGovern, Harry McKinney,
Christy O'Connor Jnr, Peter
O’Hagan, Denis O'Sullivan,
Des Smyth, Gordon Smyth,
Paul Thompson, Simon
Thornton, Philip Walton
IRISH AMATEURS:
Keith Bardon, Michael Burns,
Barry Doyle, Eddie Dunne,
Jody Fanagan, Mark Gannon,
Loyal Goulding, Niall
Goulding, Dougie Heather,
Tony Heverin, Ken Kearney,
Enda Lonergan, Mary
McKenna, Adrian Morrow,
Christy Moylan, Pat Murray,
Sheena McElroy, Paddy
O’Looney, Eddie Power,
Eileen Rose Power,
Niall Quinn
GOLFING MEDIA:
(UK & Ireland)
Pat Cashman, Cathal Dervan,
Paul Gallagher, Brian Keogh,
Dan Murphy, Ewen Murray,
Declan O'Donoghue,
Philip Quinn, John Redmond,
Colm Smith, Liam Spratt
Results first published in BACKSPIN’s Spring 2010 issue.
Next poll to be conducted in October 2011.
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
18th
19th
20th
Mount Juliet
K Club (Palmer course)
Adare
Druids Glen
Killarney (Killeen)
The Heritage
Palmerstown Stud
Headfort (New)
Carton (Montgomerie)
Carlow
Killeen Castle
Fota Island
Lough Erne
Cork (Little Island)
Malone
Slieve Russell
K Club (Smurfit)
Carton (O’Meara)
Hermitage
Westport
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT
BACKSPIN | 23

WOODBROOK ODBROOK GOLF CLUB
Famous 18-hole championship course
Excellent dining & clubhouse facilities
Superb venue for golf & a variety of social occasions
www.Woodbrook.ie
St. Helen’s Bay
Golf Resort
is one of Ireland’s most popular
Play & Stay golf destinations offering
a challenging 18-hole course with
panoramic views of the South Wexford
coastline, an inviting clubhouse and
excellent on-site accommodation.
SOCIETY PACKAGE 2011
2 B&B, 2 GOLF, 2 DINNER €145
WIN UP TO 50 FREE GREEN FEES
JUST ENTER A TEAM OF 4 FOR €40 IN
OUR SOCIETY CLASSIC ON FRIDAY
I8TH MARCH AND FRIDAY APRIL 15TH
For bookings contact
ST. HELEN’S BAY GOLF RESORT
Kilrane, Rosslare Harbour, Co. Wexford
Tel: 053. 9133234
Email: info@sthelensbay.com
www.sthelensbay.com
www.tulfarris.com
For Tee Times Call: 045 867609
24 | BACKSPIN

NATIONAL STANDARDS
FRAMEWORK FOR GOLF
Right: Colin Donovan (Mount Juliet
Golf Club), centre, pictured accepting
the National Standards Framework
for Golf Clubs award from, left,
Richard Bourke (Chairperson, Golf
Approvals Board) and Aidan Pender
(Director Strategic Development,
Fáilte Ireland).
Below: Representatives of three
approved Golf Clubs, from left, Derek
Murphy (Glen of the Downs Golf
Club), Marie Keating (Tulfarris Hotel
and Golf Resort) and Joe Kelly
(Wicklow Golf Club) with Richard
Bourke (Golf Approvals Board)
At a time when there is huge competition
for tourism business amongst golfing
destinations worldwide, Failte Ireland
has hit a new gear lately by introducing some
new initiatives that are designed to promote
the quality and variety of the Irish golf
product to the golfing world at large.
Fáilte Ireland’s golf team is continuously
promoting the value, choice and quality
message to potential golf visitors and a
National Standards Framework for Golf,
spearheaded by Keith McCormack and
Michelle McGreevy, has been created in order
to define and raise tourism standards and
give Ireland a clear advantage in the
marketplace.
The National Standards Framework
embraces hotels, spas, bed & breakfast
businesses and golf courses.
A Golf Quality Assurance Working Group,
chaired by Joe O’Flynn, was established last
year and its “raison d'être” is to underpin the
tourism industry’s desire to project an image
and a reputation abroad of Ireland as being a
world class golf destination. The focus is on
demonstrating to a global audience that
Ireland offers international standards for golf
tourism and related facilities and services.
The new Golf Quality Assurance initiative
enables golf clubs nationwide to be assessed
and approved if they wish to enjoy the benefits
of the scheme.
In year one 65 courses were assessed and
approved by the Board, including links jewels
Ballyliffin, Connemara, Rosapenna, The
Island and Tralee, along with many parkland
creations including Headfort, Mount Juliet,
Rathsallagh, South County, The Heritage,
Woodbrook, Glen of the Downs, Tulfarris and
St. Helen’s Bay. To view the full list of
approved clubs visit Fáilte Ireland’s Discover
Ireland website.
continued...
BACKSPIN | 25

Membership opportunities now available
The South County Golf Club accepted 50
new members before Christmas and now has
further availability in three categories...
Lisheen Road,
Brittas Village, Co. Dublin
Tel: 01-4582965
Fax: 01-4582842
michael@southcountygolf.ie
www.southcountygolf.ie
* 7-Day Membership (€1600, with no joining fee)
* 5-Day Membership (€800, with no joining fee)
* 1-Day Society Membership (€400 annual fee)
Here is your opportunity to join an established and
progressive members Golf Club conveniently situated
in Brittas Village close to the M50 corridor (10 mins).
The challenging 18-hole golf course, built to
USGA specifications, is playable all year. Other
amenities include excellent practice facilities, a
welcoming modern clubhouse and fully stocked PGA
pro shop.
HEADFORT GOLF CLUB
KELLS, CO. MEATH
Sunday to Friday Rates
Headfort New - €40 Old - €35
Societies and Groups Welcome.
Bookings: 046 9282001
Check our website for late booking
deals and special offers!
www.headfortgolfclub.ie
26 | BACKSPIN
It’s all about the golf….
and membership
This is your opportunity to be part of something special
with annual membership now available at
THE HERITAGE
GOLF & SPA RESORT
The price of a 7-day full membership is €1,375 per annum
at the wonderful Heritage Resort in Co. Laois which offers
golfers of all levels a package to be proud of.
Facilities include our championship golf course,
onsite 5 star hotel, par 3 golf course and
onsite driving range and golf academy.
For details contact the Pro Shop on 057.8642321
or e-mail membership@theheritage.com

03
NATIONAL STANDARDS
FRAMEWORK FOR GOLF
Right: Margaret Bourke (last year’s
Lady Captain at Mannan Castle Golf
Club, Co. Monaghan) receives the
Golf Quality Assurance award from
Keith McCormack (Failte Ireland’s
Head of Golf, Business Tourism &
Events), Dan Flinter and Joe O’Flynn,
right, (Chairperson, Golf Quality
Assurance Working Group).
continued...
The Chairman of the Golf Quality
Assurance Working Group, Joe O’Flynn,
explains how the scheme works and the
benefits for approved clubs.
“The assessment process is fairly simple.
Golf Clubs are given plenty of time and
assistance where necessary to prepare for
the inspection process. At the end of the day
the entire scheme is designed to ensure a
smooth transition and pleasurable
experience for the golf tourist from the time
they enter a club to the time they leave. This
involves everything from the initial welcome
and high quality customer service, to the
condition of the clubhouse and golf course,
food and beverage standards, and attention
to such important details as health and safety
standards. signage, adequate car parking
and facilities for mobility impaired visitors.”
“The benefits of the scheme are many.
From the outset the assessment process
alone can help golf course managers to see
the wood from the tress in terms of small
little things they may be missing or could
improve on. After the inspection process is
completed golf course managers receive a
detailed report which is invaluable in terms
of making improvements and bench marking
a club against other facilities.”
“The promotional benefits of the scheme
are huge for participating Golf Clubs and
justify the small cost involved in participating
in the scheme,” O’Flynn says adding,
”Significantly, Golf Clubs approved under the
Golf Quality Assurance scheme are provided
with such benefits as access to national and
overseas publicity and marketing
opportunities created by Fáilte Ireland...
access to key Fáilte Ireland business
supports including Biz-Check Mentoring &
Advisory Services, E-Business Supports, Web
Supports...along with free listings on various
tourism websites including...
www.discoverireland.ie – Fáilte Ireland’s
home holiday campaign website.
www.discoverireland.com – a portal to
47 micro sites around the world.
2008 SPRING ISSUE €3.75 incl. VAT
TOP IRISH CADDIES
CALLING THE SHOTS
SPECIAL COURSE
RANKINGS ISSUE
SPOTLIGHT ON
RORY McILROY
CORPORATE &
SOCIETY GOLF
SUPPLEMENT
2008 PRO TOUR
CALENDARS
Photograph of
Mount Juliet
Links & parkland courses ranked separately for the first time ever!
9 771393 912010
I SSN 1 3 9 3 - 9 1 2 2
An established and influential
part of Irish golfing life
since 2000.
www.backspingolfmagazine.com
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF LINKS
BALLYCONNEELY, CO. GALWAY
COME AND ENJOY A WONDERFUL GOLF EXPERIENCE
AT OUR FANTASTIC TRUE LINKS CHALLENGE
GREEN FEES: May – September €55 - €70
April and October: €45 • November - March €35
GROUP DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
BAR / RESTAURANT / PRO SHOP/ LOCKER ROOMS
TUITION AND PRACTICE AREAS
PRO SHOP – 095 23502
BACKSPIN | 27

Raise your game at the
Ireland’s premier game
improvement centre
Top PGA team...
The Pure Golf Leopardstown
team of PGA professionals, from
left, Michael Kavanagh, Michael
Allan, Michael McDermott,
Maura Morrin and John Langan.
Get your game in shape for 2011
by booking a series of lessons
now at the Leopardstown Golf
Centre and practice what these
experienced professionals teach.
Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Lee
Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Graeme
McDowell, Padraig Harrington, Suzann
Pettersen, Michelle Wie and all of the world’s
other top golfers have one thing in
common...they devote a huge amount of time
to improving their skills.
Practice may not turn you into a world
beater but club golfers who spend even an hour
each week practising can enjoy great benefits
in terms of performance and pleasure. Just ask
patrons who avail of the magnificent array of
facilities and technology available at the
Leopardstown Golf Centre in Foxrock.
Here, under one roof, is the complete game
improvement facility, one of the finest of its
kind in Europe, where golfers have access to
the most advanced technology and expertise
available.
The Centre has come a long way since the
legendary John Jacobs introduced the concept
of practising under floodlights to Irish golfers
back in the mid-1960’s.
A huge investment by Horse Racing Ireland
has transformed the Leopardstown Golf Centre
into a state-of-the-art facility with a dedicated
team of resident PGA professionals providing a
complete suite of services.
There is an energy and passion about each
member of the highly skilled Pure Golf
Leopardstown team of PGA professionals that
transforms time devoted to game improvement
into pure golfing pleasure.
The structures that are in place and the mix
of skills amongst the five team members -
Michael Allan, Michael Kavanagh, John
Langan, Maura Morrin and Michael McDermott
- creates a great dynamic and a wonderful
game improvement environment.
They employ the most revolutionary tuition
and game improvement technology so that all
aspects of your game can be analysed and
improved.
You can even embrace a healthier lifestyle at
the centre by availing of the expert services of
physiotherapist Orlaith Buckley, who visits the
centre regularly. She works with many tour
players on mobility and stability programmes.
28 | BACKSPIN

So, whatever facet of golf you wish to
improve...your swing, your mind, your body, or
all three...the total golf experience awaits you
at the Leopardstown Golf Centre.
Facilities available at the Golf Centre include
74 modern floodlit practice bays featuring the
fully automated Power Tee dispensing
technology and high performance Srixon range
balls, two fully equipped golf academy rooms,
a tour-spec all-weather short game practice
area, and a dedicated putting studio where you
can discover the secrets to a better putting
stroke.
The Pure Golf PGA team place great
emphasis on the importance of embracing
custom fitting as part of an overall approach to
game improvement.
They provide a fascinating custom fitting
service that employs ultra speed cameras,
sensors and wireless strain gauges to capture
the physics of a player’s swing.
Indeed, you can transform your game by
having your clubs and golf ball custom fit to
your style of play by the Pure Golf
Leopardstown team.
Other striking changes at the Centre in
recent times include the upgrading of the
delightful 18-hole golf course. Over €300,000
has been invested in transforming the course
and work continues all the time to ensure that
it is presented and maintained in top condition.
The green fee is just €15 (including weekends)
which represents outstanding value.
The imposing 22,000 sq ft clubhouse is a
multi-functional facility that includes a PGA
golf shop, fashion outlets, a sports travel
agency and the popular Green Room Café, a
100-seater restaurant which is a perfect venue
for casual dining and special events.
The Leopardstown Golf Centre attracts
golfers from a wide catchment area as it is
superbly situated within the Leopardstown
Racecourse complex in Foxrock just off
the M50 at Exit 14 (Southbound) for Dun
Laoghaire.
Telephone: 01-2895341
www.leopardstowngolfcentre.com
Pro pointer...
Pure Golf Leopardstown PGA
professional Michael Allan (left)
demonstrates a simple warmup
drill to relieve tension in your
swing.
He says, “Take your normal
address position and point the
butt of the club at the tee. With
the club feeling much lighter it
will be possible to create more
freedom in your swing. This will
release tension in the forearms
and wrists.
Forearm rotation and wrist
cock are an integral part of the
swing and these manoeuvres
are difficult to achieve with
tension. Perform this drill after
every 30 or 40 balls you hit on
the driving range to monitor
your tension levels.”
To book a series of lessons phone
the Pure Golf Leopardstown PGA
pro shop on 01-2897452.
Pure pleasure...
Practising is pure pleasure at
the Leopardstown Golf Centre
with the state-of-the-art Power
Tee ball dispensing system
(above) and quality Srixon range
balls.
Great Value!
You can avail of unlimited use of
the centre’s all-weather tourspec
short game practice area
(left) for an annual membership
fee of €100 .
BACKSPIN | 29

Travel experts par excellence
Since the business was founded in the
1990’s Cassidy Golf - a division of John
Cassidy Travel - has become established
as the travel agency of choice for many Irish
golfers travelling abroad.
Whether it’s a trip to Portugal or Spain or
a golfing odyssey to an exotic far-flung
destination or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to The
Masters at Augusta National, Cassidy Golf is
geared to deliver an exceptional travel
experience everytime.
The dynamic Cassidy Golf team has forged
an enviable reputation in the golf travel
industry.
Their wealth of experience and knowledge
of golf on every continent, their extensive
contact network throughout the golf and
hospitality sectors worldwide, and above all
their commitment to the highest standards
of service are the cornerstones of a
flourishing business with a large client base
nationwide.
Of course, dealing with travel experts
rather than going solo on the internet also
affords travellers great peace of mind and
removes the dreaded prospect of having to
rearrange everything if travel plans are
disrupted.
Cassidy Golf can arrange all aspects of
your golf holiday including flights, private
transfers / car hire, accommodation and
confirmed tee-times.
Cassidy Golf has specialised in luxury villa
rentals for over ten years and this has become
an attractive option for families and groups
visiting Portugal and Spain.
Portugal remains one of the most popular
destinations with Irish golfers and Cassidy
Golf provides a huge choice of holiday options
for 2011 in the eastern, central and western
Algarve, Lisbon region and Madeira island.
Visit www.cassidygolf.com before planning
your next golf trip. You will be amazed by the
choice and outstanding value on offer.
Algarve
Lisbon Coast
Madeira
Costa del Sol
Costa Brava
Barcelona
Murcia
Tenerife
Majorca
Biarritz
Lake Garda
Morocco
Dubai
Mauritius
South Africa
USA
Villa Rentals
Golf Classics
The Majors
SAN LORENZO
Just choose your preferred destination
The Algarve, Lisbon Coast or Madeira
and leave the rest to our dedicated
team of golf travel specialists.
TALK TO US NOW ABOUT...
● Tailormade golf holidays including the option of
hiring a Private Villa in the Algarve
● Stay & Play packages at the 5-star Dona Filipa Hotel
with complimentary golf at famous San Lorenzo!
● Great choice of competitively priced villa holidays.
30 | BACKSPIN

Castro Marim
PURE GOLF COUNTRY
11th Edition
Cover photo:
CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa
Supplement produced by the team at
BACKSPIN
Golf Magazine
in association with
Onyria Palmares Golf, Algarve
Featuring...
CAMPO REAL GOLF RESORT & SPA
CASTRO MARIM GOLF RESORT
ONYRIA PALMARES GOLF
QUINTA DO PERU & SANA HOTEL
TRAVEL EXPERTS CASSIDY GOLF
SPECIAL FEATURE ON PORTUGAL’S BID TO HOST THE 2018 RYDER CUP

Portugal has several
top class golf courses
that would serve as
excellent host venues
for the Ryder Cup, but
it’s a spectacular new
purpose-built resort on
the beautiful Alentejo
Coast that will enjoy the international spotlight if
Portugal’s bid to host the 2018 Ryder Cup Matches
is successful in April.
Here we focus the spotlight on Portugal’s bid and
the stunning new Comporta Links Championship
course.
Below: from left: Manuel Agrellos
(President, Portuguese Golf
Federation), Richard Hills (Ryder
Cup Director), José Sócrates
(Portuguese Prime Minister),
Manuel Pinho (Bid Chairman), Keith
Waters (European Tour Chief
Operating Officer) and Bernardo
Trindade (Portuguese Tourism
Secretary of State).
32 | BACKSPIN
There are high hopes that Portugal’s bid
to host the Ryder Cup will be successful
when the venue for the 2018 Matches is
announced in April.
Portugal’s bid revolves around a spectacular
new resort course which is presently in the early
stages of development at Herdade da Comporta
on the magnificent Alentejo Coast.
The bid has the full support of the Portuguese
Government and is designed to create a lasting
legacy for Portugal and its people.
Portugal is currently one of the world’s most
popular golf destinations and attracts around
300,000 golf tourists each year.
At present, the country has two main golfing
areas, the Algarve and the Lisbon Coast. Under
the auspices of the 2018 Ryder Cup Bid the grand
plan is to develop a third destination on the
majestic Alentejo Coast, which is situated 110 km
from Lisbon and 140 km from the Algarve.
The region is easily accessible from the
Iberian motorway network, the proposed highspeed
rail system, Lisbon’s Cruise Terminal and
two international airports (Faro and Lisbon).
The proposed venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup,
a purpose-built 18-hole Comporta Links
Championship course designed by the legendary
Tom Fazio and European Golf Design, will form
the centrepiece of a new €1 billion golf
destination which will occupy just 6% of the
25,000 acres at Herdade da Comporta.
The golf course will be designed to provide
excellent viewing for upwards of 50,000
spectators a day and the site will provide ample
room for a tented village, hospitality, media
centre, TV compound and on-site car parks.
The resort will also embrace state-of-the-art
teaching facilities, two 5-star hotels, two Apart-
Hotels and a wide range of real estate all built to
the highest environmental standards.
Herdade da Comporta is owned by the
Espírito Santo Group, owners of the country's
second largest private bank, Banco Espírito
Santo.

The Herdade da Comporta landscape
What sort of course will
the Comporta Links be
The design concept and strategy will be
based on pure links golf, the oldest and
most natural form of golf played. The
turfgrass will be selected specifically for
natural links land and the irrigation
programmed to maintain hard and fast
playing surfaces. Natural indigenous
shrubbed areas will be retained as features
and hazards, and the benefit of coastal sea
breezes will add more character to the
strategy of the course
Each hole will be crafted to make the
player think of links golf strategy. Control
will be required to play each golf shot and
the turf, wind and designed undulations
will add to the challenge. It will be more
about how to stop the ball on the firm
greens than how far the ball can be hit.
The par-72 Comporta Links golf course
will be built on 145 hectares of land close
to the sea front. It will measure 7,867-yards
from the back tees. The course is being
specifically designed with the Ryder Cup
in mind.
The course will be planned, designed
and maintained following the criteria
codified by the Golf Environmental
Organization (GEO), but the implementation
of the project will also take advantage
of the knowledge and experience
obtained from the environmental impact
assessment (EIA).
The objective of Comporta Links is to
become the benchmark in environmental
sustainability.
Herdade da Comporta is a low-density
tourism concept, with a strong emphasis on
sustainability, and blends perfectly with the
area’s traditional agricultural activities, which
include rice and wine production. The project
also entails restoring and improving the natural
heritage, fostering commercial activity and
involving the local community by means of
educational and training initiatives.
The development of the Comporta Resort and
its bespoke Ryder Cup course is seen as the
catalyst which will accelerate the establishment
of the Alentejo Coast as a major new golfing and
sustainable lifestyle destination.
The Alentejo Coast is one of the least
developed coastlines in Europe. It is blessed with
spectacular scenery and, with 2,785 hours of
sunshine each year, a climate that is perfect for
the game of golf.
The Ryder Cup is the third largest sports
event in the world, after the Olympic Games and
the Soccer World Cup. A successful bid will
introduce the Alentejo area to millions of golfers
worldwide, will consolidate its reputation for
quality, and provide a huge economic and
environmental legacy.
Another spin-off would be the creation of up
to 15,000 jobs in one of the most underdeveloped
regions in Europe. Of the five bids
being considered, it is the only bid that will
significantly affect the growth of the GDP of the
host country. Also, through a series of major
initiatives, to be organised in conjunction with the
Portuguese Golf Federation, it should lead to a
huge increase in the number of golfers in
Portugal, currently hovering at around 15,000.
There are many reasons why Portugal
deserves to be awarded the 2018 Ryder Cup
Matches, not least because a successful bid will
guarantee the European Tour support for 36 golf
tournaments over a 12 year period and provide
an asset-based return that would set the
benchmark for sustainable resort developments
in Europe.
Photographs courtesy of
Herdade da Comporta.
Below: Portuguese sporting legend
José Mourinho, who hails from
Setubal close to Comporta, is the
Ambassador for Portugal’s 2018
Ryder Cup bid.
BACKSPIN | 33

The magnificent
Quinta do Peru
course on
Portugal’s lovely
Costa Azul has
teamed-up with
the luxurious
4-star SANA
Sesimbra Hotel
to create very
attractive play
and stay options
for golfers.
Deciding where to play and where to stay
on a golfing holiday is never easy with
so many tempting options and this is
certainly the case if your destination of choice
is the Lisbon Golf Coast.
Many Irish golfers will be familiar with and
great admirers of the Costa Azul region which
offers a wonderful mix of golf courses, top
class accommodation and a lovely relaxed
way of life whilst also being close to the
vibrant and alluring cosmopolitan capital city
of Lisbon.
The Costa Azul is a beautiful part of
Portugal. This enchanting region, situated on
the south bank of the Tagus river, is steeped
in history and tradition, famous for its
gastronomy and wines, and equally famous
for the warmth of the welcome extended to
visitors.
With an idyllic climate the Costa Azul is
an ideal holiday destination for sports
enthusiasts and, in addition to golf, it is a
great region for scuba diving, skydiving,
windsurfing and fishing.
Quinta do Peru is not just one of the Costa
Azul’s finest golf courses, it ranks amongst
the finest in Continental Europe.
With the Arrabida mountain range serving
as a spectacular backdrop, the course is
situated in a private residential condominium
in the Azeitao region to the south of River Tejo
close to the castles of Sesimbra and Setubal.
American course architect Rocky
Roquemore maintains that this was one of his
finest creations. Trees, lakes, large bunkers
and undulating greens are amongst the
features that define this thrilling course.
Quinta do Peru Golf Club should be on your
‘must play’ list if you visit the Lisbon coast and
the perfect base for golfers exploring this part
of Portugal is the attractive 4-star SANA
Sesimbra Hotel, complete with refurbished
rooms and excellent guest facilities, which is
situated on the seafront in the charming
fishing village of Sesimbra just 30-minutes
from Lisbon.
IRISH GOLFERS...COME TO SESIMBRA
Enjoy a delightful golfing break on Portugal’s Blue Coast
Stay at the SANA Sesimbra Hotel
B
etween the blue of the sea and the lush green of the
mountain, there is a dedicated team waiting to provide a
warm welcome at our hotel which is a haven of relaxation.
The hotel offers 97 rooms and 3 suites. From the sobriety
and discreet elegance of the decoration to the design of the
chosen pieces, everything has been done to create a
comfortable and peaceful atmosphere.
Close your eyes and dream you are amidst everything you
wish for. Make your dream come true and organise your event
or your leisure moments at SANA Sesimbra Hotel.
www.sesimbra.sanahotels.com
QUINTA DO PERU
34 | BACKSPIN
SANA SESIMBRA HOTEL
Play golf at lovely Quinta do Peru...
With the Arrabida Mountains as its
backdrop, the course is perfect for the
golfer on holiday. The new Clubhouse
includes pro-shop, bar & restaurant. The
off-course facilities includes a two way
driving range, putting & chipping greens. The
friendly family atmosphere makes this club one of the most
highly regarded in Portuguese golf. A must see.
www.golfquintadoperu.com

PORTUGAL’S SILVER COAST
The opportunity to get away from it all is one
of the most appealing aspects of any
vacation and that is certainly the feeling one
enjoys on a visit to the magnificent CampoReal
Golf Resort & Spa on Portugal’s stunning Silver
Coast, an enchanting region characterised by
vineyards, gently rolling hills, cliffs and dunes,
wide stretches of sand and deep blue sea.
Portugal’s western countryside is just 30
minutes north of the cosmopolitan capital city of
Lisbon but it’s a haven of relaxation and
tranquillity for guests at this 5-star resort.
Although just 20-minutes from the beaches of
the Silver Coast, CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa
is set in delightful rural surroundings on land
which was previously used by the Portuguese
Royal Family as hunting ground.
All the elements that combine to create a
totally relaxing vacation can be found at
CampoReal Resort with an inspiring 18-hole
championship golf course designed by the
legendary Donald Steel serving as a dramatic
centrepiece and the main attraction.
Visitors can stay in the state-of-the-art 5-star
CampoReal Resort Hotel, which has 151
bedrooms in a mix of suites and units in
courtyard and golf settings, or you can choose to
stay in one of the 126 Residences (apartments,
townhouses and villas) which is an attractive
proposition for guests with families who prefer to
have their own door key.
The hotel is an oasis of comfort and relaxation
that exudes modern elegance and style. It has 3
restaurants, 2 bars, an indoor heated swimming
pool and 3 outdoor pools.
Other facilities include the DiVine Spa, a
gymnasium, FunLand (activities for adults and
children), 2 tennis courts, an equestrian centre
and a multi-purpose playing field.
The golf course is a pleasure to play
throughout the year. It starts and ends with a
par-5 hole and a round takes you on a wonderful
journey through a natural landscape of beautiful
valleys framed by vineyards. Dramatic features
include elevated tees with great views and
undulating greens.
The championship golf course has been
developed in association with environmental
planning experts at the renowned Audubon
International Institute. Environmentally sensitive
management practices create a hospitable and
sustainable habitat for flora and fauna while two
new reservoirs supplement the natural wells
around the resort
The resort offers superb practice facilities,
managed by resident PGA professionals,
including a golf academy, a 300-metre double
ended practice range, a short game area, 4
target greens with bunkers and putting greens.
You can unwind over drinks, lunch or dinner
in the clubhouse, which provides a delightful
aprés golf environment with lovely views of the
course and surrounding vineyards from the
terrace.
A fully stocked golf shop offers equipment for
hire, the latest golfing fashions and a fine range
of resort souvenirs.
CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa has also
become recognised as an excellent venue for
mixing business and pleasure with state-of-theart
conference and exhibition facilities geared to
cater for groups of all sizes, up to 650
delegates.
Resort contact details
ADDRESS:
CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa
2565-770 Turcifal, Lisbon
TELEPHONE:
+351 261 960 900
FAX:
+351 261 960 999
EMAIL:
golf@camporeal.pt
GETTING THERE:
CampoReal Golf Resort & Spa
is just 30-minutes drive from
Lisbon International Airport.
You take the A8 Highway and
drive 36 kms to Exit 7 (Torres
Vedras Sul). To arrive at the
resort follow the signposts
indicating “Campo de Golfe”.
www.camporeal.pt
BACKSPIN | 35

2011
BOOK YOUR GOLF NOW AND
GET FREE GOLF CART*
(*) Offer valid between January and February´11
reservations@onyriapalmares.com almares.com | Phone (+351) 2822 790 500 | Fax (+351) 282 2 790 509 | www.onyriapalmares.com
om

The Algarve has a new ‘must play’
course which is sure to appeal to
Irish golfers as it offers a rich blend
of parkland and authentic links
characteristics in a spectacular setting.
As part of a major redevelopment
programme by the Onyria Group the long
established Palmares golf complex near
Alvor in the Western Algarve has been
completely transformed by master
craftsman Robert Trent Jones Jnr and the
results are absolutely stunning.
Palmares has been welcoming Irish
golfers for many years and the new-look
27-hole lay-out is set to delight those
making a return visit and greatly impress
those making this discovery for the first
time.
Eighteen of the 27-holes have been
refurbished and create a wonderful golfing
landscape. The other 9 holes will be
unveiled in mid-2011.
Course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr
warmed to the challenge of creating a
course that can host prestigious
international tournaments and yet provide
holiday golfers of all standards with a
pleasurable experience.
He says, “Palmares Golf Course is
special on so many levels. The expansive
ocean vistas, dramatic elevation changes,
intimate valleys, and expansive dunes gave
us an environment from which we could
craft a golf course with enormous depth of
character and challenge.“
The higher part of the course features
unforgettable views of the Ocean and Alvor
estuary. There are sea views from 90% of
the tees. The lower holes near the beach
incorporate links dunes and long grasses
and the sound of the sea.
With panoramic views across the Bay of
Lagos. the course is presented in superb
condition. Undulating fairways and fast,
true greens are strong design features.
Each nine-hole loop has its own
character and ambience. They can be
played in any sequence which creates
three completely different golfing
experiences.
The Alvor Course is located primarily in
the northern section of the property. It
assumes a parkland character playing
through corridors lined with mature pine
trees. Elevation change is integral to the
design of this nine as a majority of the golf
holes ascend hillsides or descend through
intimate valleys.
The Lagos Course begins with the
same parkland character. It incorporates
the only two lakes on the entire site which
are features of the short par 3 third hole
and the long par 4 sixth hole. Holes seven
and eight immerse golfers into the
expansive dunes lands on the
southwestern portion of the site. The
round concludes ascending to the
clubhouse and transitioning back yet again
into a more parkland setting.
The third nine at Palmares - the Praia
course - presents the golf experience
every great designer dreams of having the
privilege to create: a seaside dunesland
exposed to the elements. The four seaside
holes are bracketed by the beach and the
rail line. The course opens descending
from a parkland setting. Abruptly, the
second hole whisks golfers into true
coastal dunesland. This dunes character
is carried forward through the remainder
of the golf course with the closing hole, a
strong uphill par 5, rising back out of the
dunes through a deep valley to an
amphitheatre just below the clubhouse.
The off course facilities are equally
impressive. There is a dedicated practice
area in a valley setting. The bright and
welcoming clubhouse incorporates a busy
Pro Shop, fine locker room facilities and an
excellent restaurant offering a selection of
international and Portuguese dishes along
with arguably the best views of any
clubhouse in the Algarve from its terrace,
Palmares is easy to reach. The A22
motorway, which stretches the length of
the Algarve, means Onyria Palmares is
only just over an hour by car from Faro
airport. The vibrant, popular holiday town
of Lagos, with its excellent choice of
restaurants, is just ten minutes away.
It’s a discovery you simply have to make
on your next Algarve visit.
New Jewel of Western Algarve
BACKSPIN | 37

SPECIAL WINTER PACKAGE
INCLUDING GOLF CLUBS
DON’T FLY WITH THEM AND SAVE €80
ONLY AT CASTRO MARIM GOLFE AND COUNTRY CLUB!
LUXURY LINKED VILLAS
3 BEDROOMS ALL WITH PRIVATE BATHROOMS
PRICE P.P.D. €94.17 MINIMUM 4 PAX
PRICE P.P.D. €71.67 MINIMUM 4 PAX 4 NIGHTS
PRICE INCLUDES
BED AND BREAKFAST AT OUR RESTAURANT (CLUB HOUSE)
1 ROUND OF 18 HOLES INCLUDING THE BUGGY.
valid until 28th of February 2011

EASTERN ALGARVE’S
It was only a matter of time before the
international leisure and property
sectors recognised the wonderful
potential of the eastern Algarve, and in
recent years this largely undiscovered
landscape has been totally transformed
into a booming tourism region with a
burgeoning reputation.
Suddenly Tavira and other enchanting
towns and villages are awakening to a
whole new pace of life as huge
investment in the tourism product begins
to reap a rich harvest.
Golf is playing a central role in the
changing face of the eastern Algarve with
several outstanding courses in beautiful
settings attracting a huge influx of
golfers to the region.
Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club is
one of the most delightful discoveries in
the entire Algarve region. You'll be
captivated by its beauty.
Whether you're looking to book a
classy villa holiday with your own pool
and daily maid service, or thinking of
buying a luxury holiday home of your
own, Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club
is a dream location. The resort has a low
density profile. All villas have lovely open
views.
The resort is situated near the
medieval town of Castro Marim with its
Moorish castle and close to the Spanish
border. There are spectacular views of
the Algarvian Mountains, the Atlantic
Ocean, the Guadiana River and the
Castro Marim nature reserve. Perched
high on a hillside, the course has been
cleverly carved out of the local
topography.
Castro Marim has three nine-hole
loops - the "Atlantic", the "Guadiana" and
the "Grouse".
The new 9 hole loop (the Grouse
Course) was inaugurated in April 2008 by
the Koninginnedag (Queen's Day)
Tournament. The dramatic par-3 sixth
hole features a "beach" of white sand and
palm trees around the green. The new,
longer 9-hole Grouse loop complements
the original 18 at Castro Marim with
sloping, funnel-like fairways, large
variations in elevation through the
fairways and greens, and spectacular
views of the surrounding countryside and
down to the coast.
The emphasis is on strategic play at
Castro Marim with long hitters likely to
encounter lots of fun if the wind blows!
This is holiday golf as it should
be....challenging, invigorating and
immensely pleasurable.
The castle-style Castro Marim
clubhouse, which serves top quality food,
provides a convivial atmosphere for
aprés golf relaxation.
There’s plenty to do in the local area,
like walking and bird watching in the
nearby Sapal nature reserve, or you can
play tennis, go horseriding, biking,
sailing or windsurfing. And there are
some great places to eat nearby, like the
beach restaurant, O Pescador. You can
pop over the border to Spain for tapas
and culture, or enjoy the fresh fish and
laid back lifestyle of Portugal. As the
club’s Director of Golf Antonio Cavaco
says, “We’ve got the best of both worlds
and we're just half an hour from Faro and
an hour from Seville international
airports.”
You can check-out the latest news and
offers and take a video tour of the resort
by visiting www.castromarimgolfe.com
Resort contact details
Address:
Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club
Apt 70, 8950-909 Castro Marim
Eastern Algarve
Telephone: 00.351 281 510340
Fax: 00.351 281 510338
Email: info@castromarimgolfe.com
castromarimgolfe.com
***********
East Algarve Specialists:
www.oconnorgolftours.com
www.cassidygolf.com
Castro Marim Golfe & Country Club
BACKSPIN | 39

Twenty years after revolutionising the driver
market with the original Big Bertha Driver,
Callaway Golf has introduced another
innovative breakthrough in the form of a
new material called Forged Composite,
developed in collaboration with
Lamborghini and found in the
company’s new line of Diablo
Octane Black Drivers.
CALLAWAY &
LAMBORGHINI
JOIN FORCES
George Fellows, President and CEO, Callaway
Golf and Lamborghini President and CEO
Stephan Winkelmann at the Paris Motor Show.
The strategic partnership between
Callaway and Lamborghini was
announced at the 2010 Paris Motor
Show, with Forged Composite being
the first collaborative element of this
new alliance. The collaboration dates
back several years; in pursuing lighter
and stronger materials that improve the
performance of their products, the R&D
teams from both companies cultivated similar
areas of expertise, particularly in advanced
composite structures. By sharing knowledge
both companies will be able to benefit. Both
companies have already used
the material in
new high-performance products, with Callaway
deploying it in the crown of the Diablo Octane
Black drivers and Lamborghini featuring it in the
new Sesto Elemento supercar. Using Forged Composite in the monocoque,
suspension arms and internal panelling saved more than 100kg, allowing for
unforeseen power-to-weight ratio and acceleration capability. Sesto Elemento
translates as Sixth Element, which carbon is on the Periodic Ta
able.
“
The introduction of the Forged
Composite technology allows for
unforeseen power-to-weight ratio
and acceleration capability.
Maurizio Reggiani,
Director Research and Development of Automobili Lamborghini
“
An exploded view of the Diablo
Octane Black driver
Turbostratic Fibres

DIABLO OCTANE
BLACK DRIVER
DOC HOC SAYS . . .
Here, Dr Alan Hocknell, Sr. Vice President,
Research and Development, Callaway
Golf, talks us through this groundbreaking
development.
Forged Composite is the lightest, strongest, most
precise material ever used by Callaway and is far
superior to the metal alloys – typically steel and titanium
- usually used in golf clubs. It’s made up of more than
500,000 intertwined turbostratic fibres per square inch
and has an incredibly high threshold for withstanding
extreme forces.
DIABLO OCTANE BLACK DRIVER
Callaway has unveiled its new range of Diablo Octane Black drivers, marking the debut of Forged Composite - the lightest,
The performance characteristics of Forged Composite, a material developed in conjunction with Research and Development partner
Automobili Lamborghini, has allowed Callaway engineers to develop an advanced clubhead with a greater transfer of power at
impact and more accurate trajectories versus its all-titanium predecessors.
Employing Forged Composite in the crown of the Diablo Octane Black driver has enabled the R&D team to precisely set the
clubhead’s Centre of Gravity (CG) and Moment of Inertia (MOI) in order to promote accurate trajectories. This lighter, more
efficient clubhead is then paired with a longer shaft to increase head speed and power at impact for longer distances.
Additionally, Diablo Octane Black Drivers include Callaway’s proprietary Hyperbolic Face Technology, which utilises a chemical
milling process to provide a larger sweet spot and improved impact efficiency. Overall, Callaway’s Diablo Octane Black powers
drives beyond those of the Diablo Edge by an average distance of five yards.
Neil Howie, President of Callaway Europe, Middle East and
Africa, said: “Forged Composite represents another
great innovation in the use of new materials and
is the first product of our groundbreaking
relationship with Automobili Lamborghini. In
addition to this revolutionary material, the
Diablo Octane Black drivers also feature
a striking black finish that is unique to
the European market. With this level of
technical, performance and aesthetic
excellence, Octane Black drivers will
appeal to golfers of all levels across
the Continent. ”
DRIVER FEATURES
Revolutionary material that is lighter and stronger than
titanium. Crown contains 10 million turbostratic fibres,
reinforcing 33% of clubhead Thickness precisely
controlled for lighter, more stable head
Dark Physical Va
apor Deposition (PVD) finish unique to
Europe produces a stunning non-glare finish
Chemical milling process selectively removes excess
material for precision thickness control across the face
Result is a larger sweet spot, improved impact efficiency
and
higher
ball speeds
Project X Graphite Shaft
Higher performance shaft designed as the ideal
complement to the Octane Black Optimises performance
and enhances feel
Tour models feature a slightly smaller head size
and a full hosel. One degree open clubface preferred
by skilled players. 45.5-inch Project X Graphite Shaft
on both versions
Forged Composite is one-third the density of titanium,
yet features a greater load carrying capacity per unit
mass in bending. That means it is far stronger and
can therefore be used in much thinner amounts. The
implementation of a new, proprietary isothermal forging
process enabled us to incorporate Forged Composite
into our designs with a level of precision that was
previously unachievable.
Carbon fibres take on two forms: graphitic (featuring a
regular arrangement of carbon atoms) and turbostratic
(featuring an irregular arrangement of carbon atoms).
Turbostratic is the stronger of the two forms. In Forged
Composite, the composition of millions of intertwined
turbostratic fibres is incorporated into a proprietary
thermoset resin formula. The result is an incredibly
strong yet pliable material that can be precisely
moulded and set to within one thousandth of an inch.
We used Forged Composite in the crown of the Diablo
Octane Black – approximately 33% of the clubhead,
more than 10 million turbostratic fibres - which enabled
us to lower the total head weight and precisely set
the clubhead’s Centre of Gravity (CG) and Moment
of Inertia (MOI) in order to promote more accurate
trajectories.
Applying Forged Composite in tandem with a
proprietary isothermal forging process has generated
a measurable performance advantage over the metal
alloys generally used to manufacture golf clubs. When
combined with a longer shaft, the Forged Composite
head offers improved head speed and power at impact.
Overall, Callaway’s Diablo Octane Black is longer
than the all-titanium anium Diablo Edge driver by an average
distance of five yards.
The materials used to make drivers have evolved over
time from wood to steel to titanium — each one lighter
and stronger than its predecessor. Forged Composite
is the next step and is a perfect complement to
Callaway’s proven method of employing multiple
materials in order to enhance the performance of
its products. We continue to use titanium in the
Hyperbolic face, which h provides consistently high ball
speeds for long distances.
Forged Composite provides us with the ability to
engineer performance enhancements like never before,
and we’ve only just begun to tap the potential of this
material. We’re looking forward to collaborating on
future applications that push our designs beyond any
preconceptions.

In addition to the Diablo
Octane Black, Callaway
is also launching the new
RAZR Hawk - the most
advanced driver the
company has ever produced. The
RAZR Hawk line of drivers also
feature the revolutionary new material Forged
Composite, resulting in the fastest driver we've ever tested and
giving you an extra seven yards off the tee compared to the FT-9.
DRIVER FEATURES
Hyperbolic Face Technology
* Chemical milling process selectively removes excess
material for precision thickness control across the face.
* Produces consistently high ball speeds for long distance.
Aerodynamic Head Shape
* Streamlined surface contours reduce energy loss from drag during
the downswing by 43% compared to the Callaway FT-9 Driver.
* Creates higher impact speeds for added distance.
Forged Composite
* Sole and crown contain over 23 million
turbostratic carbon fibres that reinforce 67% of the
club head.
* Allows our engineers to precisely control
thickness like never before, resulting in a club
head thatʼs lighter but still has an extremely high
MOI.
RAZR Weighting System
* Each standard driver is available in either a Draw or Neutral
configuration.
* Allows golfers to select a model that works best with their ball
flight.
Aldila RIP Graphite Shaft
* Lower torque with better tip stability.
* Gives better players the ideal performance and feel they want
from their shaft.
For full details of the
DIABLO OCTANE BLACK
and the
RAZR HAWK DRIVERS
Contact: 01-605 0395, www.callawaygolf.com
42 | BACKSPIN

I S S N 1 3 9 3 - 9 1 2 2
9 771393 912010
06
06
Padraig a great choice as R&A’s
first Working for Golf Ambassador
Two-time Open champion Padraig
Harrington is set to make a
significant contribution to the
game in his role as the R&A’s first
Working for Golf Ambassador.
He will use his position in the global
game to promote the work of the St
Andrews-based governing body.
Harrington will display The R&A
Working for Golf logo on his clothing or
equipment on Tour periodically during
the season. He will coach young people
in R&A-funded golf development
programmes, appear in Rules of Golf
multimedia productions, promote the
etiquette of the game, take part in
biomechanical equipment testing
sessions and support the work of The
R&A Foundation at events spread
throughout his global playing schedule.
Announcing the appointment at a
media gathering in Dublin, The R&A’s
Chief Executive, Peter Dawson, said:
“Padraig is a role model in the game
and, when he offered his time to
support our golf development and rules
education activities, we recognised the
potential to reach the widest possible
audience. His active involvement in
golf’s bid to rejoin the Olympic Games
was an important factor in our success
in what is a key development for the
future growth of the game”.
Padraig commented, “The R&A has
been a constant feature of my
development in the game, from playing
in boys and amateur events through to
winning The Open Championship, and I
appreciate all the guidance and
opportunities they provided along the
way. I am delighted to have this
opportunity to give something positive
back to the game, particularly in those
countries around the world where golf
2009 SUMMER ISSUE €3.75 incl. VAT
Focus on
Royal Birkdale
DISCOVER ENGLAND’S GOLF COAST
SLAM BECKONS FOR
MASTER CABRERA
INSIDE: TIGER CLOSES-IN ON JACK’S MAJOR RECORD
Below: Two-time Open champion
Padraig Harrington with Peter Dawson,
Chief Executive of the R&A at the
announcement that he is The R&A's
first Working for Golf Ambassador.
Photo by: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
is still in its infancy, introducing boys
and girls to golf so they can benefit
from the values that the game teaches
you.”
“I am constantly amazed at how
much The R&A do for the game
worldwide from development to the
rules, etiquette and other areas. The
more I learnt, the more I wanted to get
involved in their work, and, given that I
play a global schedule, I am wellplaced
to assist on various projects
around the world,” Padraig added.
In his first act as R&A Working for
Golf Ambassador, Padraig announced
The R&A’s continued support for
grassroots development programmes
in Ireland, worth more than €250,000
over the next three years.
THE IRISH GOLF MAGAZINE
WITH REAL BITE!
www.backspingolfmagazine.com
NEWS
Desk
PEOPLE * PLACES * EVENTS
Email your news items and
hi-resolution jpeg photos to
golfbiz@eircom.net
The R&A’s Working for Golf
programme is valued at approximately
€10 million annually and encompasses
grassroots development support, rules
education, golf heritage interpretation
and conservation and sustainable golf
course management advocacy.
Padraig, winner of back-to-back
Opens in 2007 and 2008, has previously
given his time as Open Champion to
meet the competitors in The R&A
Junior Open and last year he presented
an R&A online film on golf etiquette
which has been downloaded from the
Internet more than 250,000 times.
Two-thirds of all R&A development
funding is channeled through 141
national affiliated organisations from
126 countries worldwide.
2010 SUMMER ISSUE €3.75 incl. VAT
with Pat Cashman
Japanese star
Ryo Ishikawa
SPECIAL FEATURE ON PGA CATALUNYA RESORT IN SPAIN
BACKSPIN | 43
9 771393 912010
ISS N 1 3 9 3 - 9 1 2 2

NEWS
Desk
PEOPLE * PLACES * EVENTS
Email your news items and hi-resolution jpeg
photos to golfbiz@eircom.net
A superb travel guide
Golf Journeys & Culture is a collection
of golf trips to some of the most
beautiful and interesting golf courses in
the world. During an 8-year period,
Andrew and Paul Marshall travelled to 13
countries and played 65 golf courses from
the wild, sheep-tended links of the Outer
Hebrides in Scotland, the tropical palmfringed
fairways of Jamaica to the lowest
golf course on earth in Death Valley,
California.
The 13 chapters are superbly illustrated
and provide a guide to planning your own
golf journeys to the featured countries.
Visit www.golfjourneys.net
Castle Hume, winners
of the 2010 Musgrave
Club Challenge.
Front: Joe Quinsey
(Our Lady’s Children’s’
Hospital, Crumlin),
Dermot Burns,
(Captain, Castle
Hume) and
Séamus Scally
(Musgrave Group).
Back: Pat Cashman
(Tournament
Organiser) and the
team members,
Anthony Fitzpatrick,
Dara McManus and
Mathew Doran.
Photo: Ronan Quinlan
Sutton’s history...
44 | BACKSPIN
Sutton Golf Club is one of the most
famous and celebrated institutions
in Irish golf and the history of the club
has been beautifully captured in a new
book titled, ‘A Unique Place in Irish Golf
- A History of Sutton Golf Club’ by Roddy
Guiney.
The golfing exploits of the legendary
Joe Carr are an important part of Sutton
Des Smyth
Pic by © Getty Images
courtesy of the European Tour
Des Smyth a tour winner
in five decades
Des Smyth has enjoyed a great deal of
success since he turned professional in
1974 and he continues to set records as he
approaches age 58 in February.
He won his first pro title in 1979 and his
victory in the Travis Perkins Senior Masters at
Woburn last season established him as a
tournament winner in five decades.
In 2001, when he won the Madeira Open, he
became the oldest winner on the European
Tour at the age of 48 years and 34 days.
He has celebrated eight European Tour,
two Champions Tour and two European Senior
Tour victories.
Musgrave Charity Classic
The Musgrave Club Challenge, now in its
14th year, has raised over €1 million for
St. Anne’s Ward (dedicated burns unit) at
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.
Clubs can enter the 2011 event by including
the three person ‘Rumble for Crumlin’ day in
their competition diary (teams can be all male,
all ladies or mixed) or clubs can charge an
extra €10 per person during a specific singles
event with the winner, runner-up and gross
winner representing the club at the Provincial
Final of the Musgrave Club Challenge.
The four provincial winners qualify for a
grand final in Portugal each year. For full
details email Pat Cashman at litia@eircom.net
Golf Club’s fascinating history.
The superbly illustrated book also
celebrates great Sutton teams and a
host of other club members who have
left their mark on Irish golf including
two Presidents of the Golfing Union
of Ireland (Willie Gill and Michael
Fitzpatrick) and the 21st President of
the LGU (Catherine Booth).

Legends Golf Society celebrates anniversary
Ireland’s high profile Legends Golf Society, which has honoured several legends in
golf, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a visit to three of the world’s premier links
courses - Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool and Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s.
Reducing costs for clubs
is par for the course
At a time when many golf clubs nationwide
are exploring ways to reduce costs it is
timely that an excellent new concept - Par Four
Purchasing - has been established to assist
clubs achieve their expenditure goals.
Par Four Purchasing is a scheme which
allows Irish golf clubs to cut costs by purchasing
goods and services from suppliers who have
agreed preferential rates for scheme members.
The launch follows a highly successful pilot
scheme which involved 26 golf clubs. One club
saved over €23,000 in a year.
Tiernan
Byrne
Members of the
Legends Golf Society
at Royal Liverpool
The scheme, which is the first of its kind in the country and the brainchild of golfing
entrepreneur Tiernan Byrne and procurement specialist Stephen Pitcher, promises
to deliver significant savings without compromising quality and has secured
preferential deals with a range of suppliers across the board.
Tiernan Byrne, Director of Par Four Purchasing, says “Golf clubs across the
country have been impacted by the economic downturn and budgets are under
pressure. This group procurement concept has been tried and tested in the hotel,
farming & education sectors and has already proven itself as a mechanism for cutting
costs among golf clubs as our pilot project has shown. Membership affords golf clubs
specialist procurement advice and access to bulk tendering opportunities as well as
exclusive supplier deals delivering savings not achievable elsewhere.
Visit www.parfour.ie. Email: info@parfour.ie Also see ‘Club Choice’ advert on P. 46.
Let it roll with new
Karsten 1959 Putters
Iconic Designs with a Modern Twist
Leading golf equipment manufacturer,
PING has drawn inspiration from its
rich heritage of designing some of the
most recognisable and successful
putters in professional golf to create a
completely new Karsten 1959 series.
Iconic and instantly recognisable
designs like the Anser, Zing, B60 and
Craz-E have been upgraded using
high-performance and modern
manufacturing processes to produce a
stunning modern collection of putters.
The Karsten 1959 putters are
confidence-builders from the moment
they’re placed behind the ball. A thin,
satin-finish top line offers a clean look
and spot-on alignment. At impact, an
elastomer insert behind the face
softens the feel while a traditional steel
face delivers solid response,
consistency and feedback that golfers
can rely on.
Representing the most up-to-date
advancement in feel, forgiveness and
alignment, the Karsten 1959 putters
have been designed, like every PING
golf club, so that they can be custom
fitted to suit individual putting strokes.
These fantastic value putters are
available for both right and lefthanders
in the following well-known PING
designs; Anser 2, B60, Zing, Craz-E, My
Day and Anser X.
RRP: €109 for Anser 2, B60, Zing,
My Day and Anser X models
€135 for Craz-E model
For further information on all putters
in the current PING range visit
www.ping.com
Pat Errity will set out on an exciting
journey of discovery when he turns
50 in March having secured a place on
the European Seniors Tour.
For many years one of Wicklow’s
leading amateur golfers, the European
Club stalwart showed his class by firing
a final round 66 to finish runner-up at
Q-School in Portugal in November.
Mary McKenna’s annual Golf Classic
in aid of the Dyslexia Association of
Ireland will take place at Donabate Golf
Club on Friday May 27th.
Magnificent7.com is an excellent new
concept created by Michael Hoey
which offers golfers great deals on seven
of Ireland’s finest championship courses.
BACKSPIN | 45

Mount Juliet
An Extra Special Golf Experience
Reach a huge community of
golfers by advertising in the
Leopardstown Golf Centre’s
quarterly magazine...
THE LEOPARDSTOWN GOLF CENTRE’S COMPLIMENTARY MAGAZINE
Issue No. 8 Winter/New Year 2011
Golf Las Americas,
Tenerife
A Delightful Golf Destination
CHERVO
See page 14
Spotlight on Tenerife as Spanish Tourist Board
announces sponsorship of ladies 2011 GOY event
Ladies...you’ve got to have Faith.
Check out PING’s exciting new equipment range
Sharpen your skills with the centre’s resident professionals
Lough Erne Resort welcomes Leopardstown golfers
Mount Juliet, Ireland’s Best Parkland Golf Course
NOW only 1 hour from Dublin on the M9 (exit 9).
Fantastic Packages Available
Call 056 777 3010 or visit mountjuliet.ie/golf
Contact
THE GOLF BUSINESS
Tel: 00353-1-2827269
Fax: 00353-1-2827483
Email: golfbiz@eircom.net
www.backspingolfmagazine.com
Choose Value, Quality and
some of Ireland’s best Golf;
Choose Club Choice!
Club Choice Ireland is a new alliance of
quality golf courses that include some
of Ireland’s best kept secrets!
Our clubs will offer you a welcome you
will not forget, service you’ll appreciate
and an experience you’ll remember for
years to come!
2 Nights Bed & Breakfast
and 2 Rounds of Golf
from only €145 pps
For more information on our member
courses and available packages please
see our website...
Tel: 00353 85 1091765
Email: info@clubchoice.ie
www.clubchoice.ie
46 | BACKSPIN
SPECTACULAR IN EVERY ASPECT
As General Manager of Bray Golf Club I look forward to having the opportunity to welcome you to
our beautiful 18 hole parkland course. We aim to make your golfing experience as spectacular as
the views which surround our magnificent course. In addition to the golf course we have wonderful
practice facilities and a modern clubhouse with a relaxing ambiance.
Our Team, including our PGA Professional, Ciaran Carroll, and our Caterers, Ian & Siobhan
McEntaggart, are at your service and we believe that our experience will enhance your experience.
I would encourage you to choose Bray Golf Club for your next golfing experience. Savour a golfing
gem only minutes from the N11.
Alan Threadgold
SPECIAL WINTER OFFERS ON PRESENTATION OF THIS ADVERT
(Valid until 31st March, 2011)
Weekday Rates – Golf Only
9 Holes €10 – 18 Holes €20
TRY OUR FRIENDLY FOURBALL 4 FOR 3 OFFER FOR 9 OR 18 HOLES
EXTRA OFFER!
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE FROM THE COMFORT OF A BUGGY.
€5 extra per person. (*Max. 2 buggies per fourball).
TELEPHONE (01) 2763200
Web: www.braygolfclub.com Email: info@braygolfclub.com

David Higgins receives the 2010 Race to
Mount Juliet prize from Kevin O’Reilly.
Pic: MOUNT JULIET
Top Irish Parkland Course
BACKSPIN Rankings 2008-2011
Above: Former Ryder Cup player
Eamonn Darcy won last year’s IPGA
Southern Branch Championship.
Photo by PAT CASHMAN
IRISH PGA
ORDER OF MERIT
(Final positions at the
end of the 2010 season)
Lexus Race
to Mount Juliet
in association
with PING
& Fáilte Ireland
It was an inspired decision by the Irish PGA
last year to create an end of season finale
with the top-30 in the Order of Merit
rankings qualifying for a shoot-out in mid-
October.
The inaugural Lexus Race to Mount Juliet in
association with PING and Fáilte Ireland was a
great success and produced a fitting climax to
a thrilling season.
Waterville professional David Higgins fired
a red-hot seven-under-par 65 at Mount Juliet
to secure a runaway victory with Damian
Mooney and David Mortimer next in line.
They were closely grouped at the start of
play but Higgins pulled away with a hat-trick of
birdies from the 10th hole. Mooney battled
bravely for a closing 69, but Mortimer
struggled to mount a challenge.
Higgins displayed remarkable consistency
throughout the 2010 season. He posted no
Pos. Player & Club
Points
1 David Higgins (Waterville) 45,388
2 Damian Mooney (Unattached) 37,073
3 David Mortimer (foreireland.com) 35,975
4 John Kelly (St. Margaret’s) 30,892
5 Darren McWilliams (Unattached) 29,012
6 Barrie Trainor (Team Ireland) 27,469
7 Michael Collins (foreireland.com) 22,947
8 Eamonn Brady (Clontarf) 21,794
9 Mark Staunton (foreireland.com) 21,762
10 Glen Robinson (St. Helen’s Bay) 21,577
11 Robert Giles (Greenore) 17,981
12 Philip Walton (foreireland.com) 16,035
13 Jimmy Bolger (Kilkenny) 16,013
14 Peter Martin (Riverside Academy) 15,970
15 David Ryan (Cahir Park) 15,523
fewer than 25 top-10’s in 32 starts on the Irish
circuit with impressive wins in the Quinn
Insurance, Monkstown, Wexford and Fota
Island Pro-Ams before adding the finishing
touch with victory at Mount Juliet.
The 37-year-old Kerryman, who suffered a
wrist injury during the autumn, scooped a
€10,000 jackpot. He also gained a starting
place in this year’s PGA Championship at
Wentworth and Irish Open.
The 2011 Lexus Race to Mount Juliet in
association with PING and Fáilte Ireland will
embrace 36 Irish region events commencing
with the Woodbrook Pro-Am on Monday May
16th. The climax is set to take place at Mount
Juliet in mid-October.
It is an excellent concept that brings
together four premier international brands and
adds spice and prestige to the domestic PGA
circuit.
Pos. Player & Club
Points
16 Brendan McDermott (Castlecomer) 14,867
17 Ted Higgins (foreireland.com) 14,419
18 Mark O’Sullivan (Ashbourne) 14,011
19 Michael McDermott (Leopardstown)13,958
20 Neil Manchip (GUI Academy) 13,071
21 Connor Mallon (Narin & Portnoo) 11,585
22 John Dwyer (Ashbourne) 11,457
23 Brendan McGovern (Headfort) 11,426
24 Donal Gleeson (Old Conna) 10,275
25 Seamus McMonagle (Edms’town) 9,656
26 John Dignam (Slade Valley) 9,645
27 Peter Jones (Coollattin) 9,434
28 John.P. Dolan (Dunfanaghy) 9,226
29 Cian McNamara (Limerick) 9,158
30 David Hughes (Massereene) 9,136
BACKSPIN | 47

PARTING SHOT from the Editor...
These are exciting times for the spectacular Lough Erne
Resort in County Fermanagh which is gaining a glowing
international reputation.
Rory McIllroy
Ireland is blessed with some of the
finest golf courses in the world and
they’re not all links creations.
Several of our parkland jewels are
every bit as spectacular with Lough Erne
Resort in County Fermanagh the latest
to set exceptionally high standards.
Lough Erne Resort opened in October
2007 and in a short space of time it has
gained a wonderful reputation.
A world class 18-hole championship
course designed by six-time Major
champion Nick Faldo is the centrepiece
of the resort and it is creating quite an
impression.
Recently one of the most respected
golf publications in America joined the
chorus of international approval.
Golfweek magazine, established over
30 years ago, has voted Lough Erne
Resort 7th in the category of Best
Modern Classic Courses in Great Britain
& Ireland for 2011.
The influential American magazine
has been compiling course rating lists
since 1997 and has distinguished itself
from other publications in terms of the
depth of rating criteria which includes
ten specific topics.
Golfweek defines “Modern Classic
Courses” as courses designed after
1960. They are evaluated by a large
group of overseas raters. Their brief is
Course designer Sir Nick Faldo and Lough Erne
Resort’s tour professional Rory McIlroy
to consider various features including
routing, conditioning, quality of
shaping, greens and surrounds, hole
memorability, tree and landscape
management, and the “Walk in the
Park” factor, which captures the overall
sense of enjoyment during the course of
a round.
Lough Erne Resort owner Jim Treacy
is delighted with the international
recognition.
He said, “We are all incredibly
proud of this rating in Golfweek. It is
even more special being honoured
internationally and coming so soon
after being voted one of the top-three
‘best international courses’ by Sports
Illustrated and Golf magazine, also in
the US.”
No fewer than six Irish courses
feature in the elite top-10 in Golfweek’s
2011 assessment of Great Britain &
Ireland’s top modern courses.
The top-10 are Kingsbarns (1st),
Loch Lomond (2nd), Waterville (3rd),
Castle Stuart (4th), The European Club
(5th), Renaissance Club at Archerfield
(6th), Lough Erne Resort (7th), Old Head
of Kinsale (8th), Carne (9th), Tralee
(10th).
Photos courtesy of Lough Erne Resort
48 | BACKSPIN

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