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GOLF
ESCAPES
2017-2018
IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR UNFORGETTABLE GOLF HOLIDAYS
INSIDE
FROM KENT TO
ANGUS... OUR
FAVOURITE UK
GOLF BREAKS
Paradis, Mauritius
DISCOVER... THE BAHAMAS > MAURITIUS > SOUTH AFRICA > ABU DHABI >
MOROCCO > CZECH REPUBLIC > FRANCE > ITALY > CYPRUS > SPAIN > PORTUGAL
PLUS: THE BEST UNDISCOVERED DESTINATIONS IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE

Murcia · Spain
If there is one thing that
defines La Manga Club, it
is our unparalleled sports
facilities.
Covering an area of
around 1,400 acres, the
resort’s award-winning
facilities include three
18-hole golf courses, a
28-court tennis centre,
eight FIFA-approved
football pitches and
modern cricket amenities.
If that wasn’t enough,
La Manga Club boasts an
array of four and
five-star accommodation,
a luxury spa and
more than 15 bars and
restaurants – plus one
of the best climates in
Europe.
THE END RESULT, A
TRULY UNFORGETTABLE
EXPERIENCE.
Tel. +34 968 17 5577
reservas@lamangaclub.com
lamangaclub.com

Machrihanish Dunes is one of our
appealing GB&I destinations.
Welcome
If you weren’t thinking of taking a golf holiday this year, I can’t believe
you won’t be at the very least considering changing your mind within
the first 20 pages of this travel guide.
I’m not sure we’ve ever made quite such an explosive start to the
supplement, with mouth-watering destination after mouth-watering
destination incorporated into what is a seriously high-powered
‘Worldwide’ section at the front of the magazine.
All of us – even the most discerning connoisseur – surely enjoy absorbing the ‘where
is that?’ kind of pictures that decorate the early pages. Often those spectacular images
show more than a course and while it’s unquestionably true many of the resorts we
feature have many, many more attractions than just golf, be assured that the offering
from every one of them is based around the game we all love. Indeed, in most
instances, golf is the No.1 attraction and nowhere in this supplement do we showcase
a destination or resort that isn’t packed full of quality courses and isn’t golfer friendly.
I hope you agree the intrigue and excitement after this glittering, globe-trotting
start is maintained throughout.
OK, the water isn’t always as flawlessly aquamarine and the sand as sparklingly
white, but in the GB&I section and a very, very strong European collection, there is
genuinely something for everyone.
Young or older, with family or with a group of friends, on a budget or where money
is no object, whether you want sun or soul, I think there’s a good chance you will find
your 2017 golfing utopia in the next 80 pages.
Chris Bertram
Editor, Golf Escapes
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Golf Escapes is published by Bauer Media in
England. Tel: 00 44 1733 468000
www.bauermedia.co.uk
PUBLISHER/TRAVEL DIRECTOR Ken Gill
Tel: 00 44 7810 377146
ken.gill@bauermedia.co.uk
EDITOR Chris Bertram
DESIGNER Paul Ridley
PRINTERS PCP Printers, Telford, Shropshire
GOLF WORLD IS EUROPE’S PREMIER
GOLF MAGAZINE 225,000 READERS
(NRS 2015)
GOLF ESCAPES COVER IMAGE:
Beachcomber Paradis resort, Mauritius.
ENJOY GOLF
WORLD DELIVERED
TO YOUR DOOR
EVERY 4 WEEKS!
Call 01858 438884 or visit
www.greatmagazines.co.uk/GW
for our latest subscription offers
SOME OF THE DESTINATIONS WE TAKE YOU TO...
10 THE BAHAMAS’ LINKS FUN
14 PARADISE IN MAURITIUS
18 SOUTH AFRICA’S NO.1
20 MOROCCO’S WIDE APPEAL
30 10 OF THE BEST UK TRIPS
38 TRUMP INTERNATIONAL
40 CONTINENTAL SECRETS
44 CZECH REPUBLIC FOCUS
50 YOUR GUIDE TO FRANCE
66 YEAR-ROUND CYPRUS
68 PORTUGAL’S FIVE JEWELS
76 ALLURE OF THE CANARIES
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 3

WORLDWIDE
Sand Valley,
America
Many have tried to create the ‘next Bandon Dunes’. All have
failed. It’s hardly a disgrace, because to build something as
incredible as the multi-course venue Oregon is hardly easy.
Sand Valley, situated on over 1,700 acres of tumbling sand
dunes in central Wisconsin, has got a better chance than
most. It is located in the heart of America, but offers a hint
of the same playing experience enjoyed by the coast, mixing
wind-blown bunkers, exposed sand dunes and fescue turf.
The first course, by Coore & Crenshaw, is poised to open and
a second by David McLay Kidd – routed through a sand ridge
formed by a pre-historic glacier lake – will follow soon after.
“The sand here is perfect for the creation of naturallooking,
interesting features for golf,” says Bill Coore.
Various accommodation options overlook the two courses.
More: sandvalleygolfresort.com
4 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Wish You Were There?
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 5

CONTINENTAL EUROPE
Praia D’El
Rey, Portugal
Praia D’El Rey was No.14 in Golf World’s benchmark Top
100 resorts in Continental Europe last year... but will be
even higher when the ranking is refreshed in 2018.
How can we be so sure? Because in June this year the
resort – located on the ‘Silver Coast’, 45 minutes north of
Lisbon – will add a second course to its attractions.
It’s not going to be an after-thought either. We’ve seen the
site and we’ve seen the grow-in pictures, and West Cliffs, as
it will be known, promises to be very special. It is not
impossible that it becomes the No.1 course here, surpassing
the existing one that Golf World rank 29th on the continent.
Both offer a sandy, dune-lined experience (the original
starts and ends among pines) and Praia D’El Rey – which
celebrates its 20th anniversary this year – is set to become
one of the stellar venues in Europe given it has a terrific
Marriott hotel and well-appointed villas to rent too.
More: praia-del-rey.com

West Cliffs, which is
poised to open in June.
Wish You Were There?

8 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Wish You Were There?
GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND
Arran,
Scotland
Of all the spots in GB&I, we’ve chosen Arran as the ‘Wish
You Were There?’ that is closest to home. We can’t ever be
accused of simply trotting out the same old destinations...
We are confident anyone taking our advice and visiting
this small island off Scotland’s west coast will understand
why we selected it. This is just one nice view of the many
enjoyed during a round at Whiting Bay, which is just one of
the seven achingly scenic courses on the island. Shiskine, a
12-holer, is the most famous but its beauty is matched by
picture-postcard Corrie, while Brodick, Machrie, Lochranza
and Lamlash also have their breathtaking moments. They
are also cheap, uncrowded and the island’s food is superb.
More: visitarran.com
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 9

Worldwide: The Bahamas

Links golf drama
in The Bahamas
Web.com Tour players do battle on The Abaco Club’s tropical links.
The pot bunkers were all neatly raked. The
sloping fairways immaculately groomed. The
roly-poly greens were set to run at 10 on the
Stimpmeter – as fast as anyone would ever
want them. And the wind was up – gusting to 40
knots. At first glance, it may have looked to Golf
Channel viewers around the world like the 2017
Scottish Open was being contested but for a few things.
The January date, for one. The warm sunshine, for
another. And then there were the palm trees...

Along with golf, The Abaco Club
offers an extraordinary beach,
water sports, spa, tennis, and some
of the best saltwater fishing in the
world. Simply put, it’s paradise.
HOW TO
PLAY ABACO
But no, this wasn’t the Scottish Open – it
was the inaugural Bahamas Great Abaco
Classic, a new Web.com Tour event, which
played out in thrilling fashion on the
Scottish-style “tropical links” course at The
Abaco Club on Winding Bay.
Over 150 of the game’s top players teed it
up here, all looking to enhance their resumes
and move them one step closer to playing on
the PGA Tour. But first, they’d have to
tackle the Donald Steel-Tom Mackenziedesigned
course at The Abaco Club.
The week began with a festive players’
party on the beach in which the players hit
from the strand toward a rowboat (actually
the club’s floating bar), which had been
stationed 85 yards offshore in the pristine,
aquamarine waters of Winding Bay.
You can stay at this private club up to three
times as a visitor. After that, International
Membership has a join fee of $10,000. All
members get 20% off accommodation and
reciprocal privileges at Southworth
properties including Mach Dunes. Fly to
Marsh Harbour (MHH) via Atlanta,
Miami, Orlando and
many more.
Later there would be a barbecue featuring
southern-style ribs, live music, and a
Junkanoo performance by a troupe of
Bahamian locals. Note: people in The
Bahamas know how to party, and if you’re
not on their level when you arrive, you will
be by the time you leave.
Strong winds were evident throughout the
first three days (with a brief tropical rainy
spell thrown in for good measure) – so the
7,011-yard course gave the players all they
could handle. Only a few broke par on Day
1, but by the time the final round kicked off,
several players were double-digits under-par
and the wind had abated.
The course could be had by these
sharpshooters then – and it was.
One player who proved that he knows
a thing or two about scoring in such
conditions was Jimmy Gunn, the 36-yearold
journeyman pro from Dingwall,
Scotland who finished second at 13-under.
“It was designed by a Scotsman, so I could
see the similarities to links courses in
Scotland,” he said. “I loved the links-style
bunkering and the links feel of the course.
“It’s a great test of golf in a beautiful
setting by the ocean.”
Gunn’s massive drives made mincemeat
12 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Worldwide: The Bahamas
out of The Abaco Club’s dog-leg holes and
par 5s, and it took a feat of magic to beat
him. That magic was provided by Andrew
Landry. Remember him? The young Texan
came into the 2016 US Open ranked 624th
in the world, but on the final day teed off in
the last pairing with Shane Lowry.
Neither player prevailed that Sunday at
Oakmont, but Landry’s stretch run at The
Abaco Club was the stuff of legend. He
proceeded to go seven-under for his last 11
holes (including two eagles) and outshot
Gunn by three. Naturally, Landry had nice
things to say about the course, too.
“The Abaco Club is a great mixture of
holes from short to long,” he said. “Precision
is key on the approach shots, and you have to
put yourself on the right shelf. It’s a straight
beauty of a course.”
Whether Landry will be back to defend
his title next year remains to be seen. He’s
hoping he’ll earn his way onto the PGA
Tour in 2018. But if he does come back, it
won’t just be the course he looks forward to.
“It’s a fantastic place to come with family
or friends to enjoy golf, and there were plenty
of activities on one of the greatest secluded
beaches I’ve ever seen.
“I’d like to have a home here.”
Fifth-place finisher Jack Maguire echoed
Landry’s sentiments: “The whole Abaco
Club is awesome,” Maguire said. “From the
great layout to the condition of the course,
it’s as good as it gets in the Caribbean.
I could have used an extra week there to get
everything done off the course that I wanted
to, but we got to do a lot of snorkelling,
paddle boarding, kayaking, spearfishing, and
off-shore fishing. It was very cool...”
If you’re looking for a golf destination that
offers a bit of Scottish flavour, along with the
very best of everything tropical, you’d do
well to visit The Abaco Club, too. With a
course like this, a beach like this, plus the
freshest seafood on the planet and tropical
drinks galore, you’ll feel right at home. Even
if you don’t hail from The Bahamas. n
Want to find out more?
t: (242) 367 0077
e: info@TheAbacoClub.com
w: theabacoclub.com
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 13

INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
Mauritius
Sun, sea, sand… and an awful lot of golfing pedigree, as it happens.
Le Touessrok
W
ould you be surprised to learn
that golf was first played on
the island of Mauritius 173
years ago?
This paradise destination in the Indian
Ocean conjures up visions of sprawling
luxury resorts, still sparkling from being
built little more than two decades ago.
And that is of course largely true.
But golf was first introduced to the island
– just over 1,000 miles from the east coast of
Africa – by the Royal Navy in 1844, when
golf-mad officers laid out a nine-hole course
that is now known as the Gymkhana Club.
It is the oldest golf course in the Southern
Hemisphere and the fourth oldest in the
world.
The Gymkhana Club still exists and you
can play there for around £35, a worthwhile
dash of golfing history to go with your highoctane
excitement that Mauritius is more
widely known for.
Within the resorts on the island, there are
seven 18-holers and these courses, allied to
the magnificent non-golf attractions (and
surely also the year-round splendid weather)
helped to make the tiny island of Mauritius
Travel essentials
The climate Their winter is our summer and
thus vice versa – and although you can get
rain in December and January, it is likely to be
sharp but heavy showers. Usually breezy.
When to go We like September; hot enough
to be in the pool but the driest month.
Getting there Air Mauritius fly direct from
Heathrow four times a week. Time GMT +4
– whose 1.3m population speak English as
well as French, Creole and Indian – the ‘Golf
Destination of the Year in Africa, the Indian
Ocean and the Gulf States’ in the IAGTO
awards of 2008.
This heavenly scene is an 11-hour direct
flight from Britain and its most famous
destination is Le Touessrok, owing to its
location on an island just off the mainland.
The journey to Île aux Cerfs – which
translates as Deer Island – is an experience in
itself, crossing the impossibly clear water on
a small boat from a jetty next to the
eponymous hotel to get to your tee time.
Yet the course, designed by Bernhard
Langer, is actually very demanding!
A lot of work has been done recently to
make it a little more forgiving for the visiting
holidaymaker and accentuate the real
14 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Worldwide: Mauritius
Beachcomber Paradis
attractions here; not Carnoustie-like
difficulty but views of the glistening ocean
and white-sand beach.
A short walk along the beach from Le
Touessrok’s sister hotel Long Beach is the
Belle Mare Plage resort. It has two 18-hole
courses, the Links and the Legend.
Since December 2009 the two courses
have hosted one of the tournaments on the
European Seniors Tour – the MCB Tour
Championship, which has lured former
Open champion Tom Lehman from
America to compete on Mauritius.
The Legend, by long-time South African
tour pro Hugh Baiocchi, is laid out along
one of the most picturesque beaches on the
island, while The Links, opened in
November 2002 and laid out by Rodney
Wright and Peter Alliss, is a more gentle test.
Beachcomber Paradis was one of the first
of the new wave of courses when it opened in
1990 but remains one of the best on the
island. It sits on the Le Morne peninsula in
the south west of the island, squeezed
between iconic Morne Mountain and the
lagoon of the Morne Peninsula.
Laid out by tour pro turned commentator
Tony Johnstone, it is a stunning course and,
being part of the renowned Beachcomber
group, is one of Mauritius’ finest resorts.
We offer more about Beachcomber
Paradis’ myriad attractions on and off the
course in more detail over the page.
Elsewhere, Golf du Chateau is attached to
the Heritage Resort in the heart of the
picturesque Domaine de Bel Ombre, also on
the south-west coast. This Peter Matkovich
design climbs and falls successfully, offering
superb views from its lofty spots. It’s
routinely in good condition too, with notably
slick, sloping greens.
Tamarina is further up the west coast and
is a new Wright design with a classic par 3 at
13, the River Rempart to the left of a green
which sits well below the tee.
Part of the Four Seasons group, the Ernie
Els-designed Anahita is the most recent
addition to Mauritius’ portfolio.
Opened in 2008, it has six stunning
ocean-side holes culminating in a spectacular
closer. The rest of the course weaves through
tropical landscape.
The nine-hole Gary Player design at the
One & Only Saint-Geran complex completes
the picture on a small island that is
impressively stacked with courses.
Mauritius is not all about golf...
n De-stress in one of the many fabulous
spas on the island or chill out on a whitesand
beach. For something slightly more
active, take a stroll through one of the
stunning nature reserves.
n In the blue water and under blue skies,
kite-surf, deep-sea fish or charter a boat. For
an adrenaline rush, take a spectacular
tandem 3,000m sky-dive.
n Mauritius’ cosmopolitan populations give
it a varied cuisine, incorporating Indian,
Chinese, Creole and European influences.
All the resorts boast top-drawer chefs.
n On the north and west coast there are
plenty of nightclubs, pubs and restaurants –
or head to a casino such as the Caudan
Waterfront in Port Louis. n
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 15

HEAVEN ON EARTH
Paradise at Paradis
Enjoy the trip of a lifetime at the truly sensational Paradis Beachcomber Golf Resort & Spa.
Mauritius is the verdant isle that is
often described as the inspiration
for heaven – and the appropriately
named Paradis Beachcomber Golf
Resort & Spa is one of its premier resorts.
Even by the standards of this most
beautiful of island nations, it enjoys a
fortunate location. Jutting out into the
Indian Ocean from an imposing 1,700ft
rock – one of Mauritius’ most famous
landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage
Site – Le Morne is an idyllic peninsula,
fringed with three miles of sandy beaches.
The waters of the surrounding lagoon are
calm and inviting, and the resort’s position
on the south-west coast delivers spectacular
sunsets. Couples looking for an exclusive golf
escape and families seeking luxury are
equally well catered for thanks to an array of
activities and accommodation.
Deluxe Rooms and Tropical Suites are set
in lovely beachfront gardens. Two-bedroom
Family Suites are generously proportioned
and feature smart touches such as child
locks, bed guards and even a teddy bear for
the little ones. For the ultimate getaway,
choose a plush Paradis Villa – opulent, selfcontained
houses with private gardens where
the palm trees meet the white sands.
The hotel has four excellent restaurants:
the Blue Marlin, specialising in ultra-fresh
seafood; the relaxed, Italian-themed La
Palma; La Ravanne for a sophisticated take
on Mauritian cuisine; and the international
Le Brabant, at the poolside. Guests can also
dine at a further four restaurants along the
READERS’
OFFER
Book at least 30 days in advance and save
a superb 20% on accommodation costs.
Seven nights at Paradis Hotel sharing a Deluxe
Room on a bed and- breakfast basis including
Economy Class flights with Air Mauritius and
private hotel transfers from £1,512 per person
sharing (June Price). In addition, travel
between 24 April and September 30,
2017 and you will enjoy free
green fees.
16 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Worldwide: Mauritius
beach at sister hotel Dinarobin Beachcomber
Golf Resort & Spa. Whether you’re seeking
an activity break, total relaxation or a mix of
the two, Paradis makes the perfect retreat.
Water sports include windsurfing, kayaking
and waterskiing, plus scuba diving and
snorkelling for those who want to see the
lagoon’s rich, colourful wildlife close-up.
On land there’s free flood-lit tennis courts,
a full-equipped gym and super relaxing spa.
The golf, however, remains one of the
resort’s main draws. Just a 30m stroll from
reception lies the Paradis clubhouse and its
18-hole championship course, which
stretches out amid the lush greenery of the
stunning Le Morne Peninsula.
The course is set up with holiday golf in
mind, a test for strong players but just as
enjoyable for higher handicappers. Five holes
include at least one shot over the Indian
Ocean. The green fees for hotel residents are
just £20; in the quieter May to September
period they are free (and hotel rates at their
best so it’s a terrific time to stay).
The courses’ signature is the par-5 16th,
with the ocean forming a dog-leg on the
right that asks how brave you want to be off
the tee. Your second, or in most cases your
third, is to a green at the very tip of the
ocean-lapped peninsula. Hotel guests also
enjoy VIP access and reduced green fees at
a further three local courses (all within 30
minutes), Heritage, Tamarina and Avalon.
New Beachcomber golf option in 2017
In addition to the superb Paradis golf
course, Beachcomber will soon also be able
to offer guests staying at Trou Aux Biches
Resort, in the north west of the island, a
further golf option at Mont Choisy, an
exciting new Peter Matkovich design that
is due to open in November 2017. n
Want to find out more?
To book your holiday, call leading Mauritius
specialist, Beachcomber Tours, on 01483
445618 or log on to beachcombertours.uk
Getting to Mauritius
Direct flights with Air Mauritius depart from
London Heathrow four times a week
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 17

FANCOURT GOLF ESTATE
South Africa’s No.1
With 54 holes and a luxury hotel on site, it’s hardly surprising this resort is renowned globally.
F
ancourt is located in George, part
of the captivating Garden Route
region in the Western Cape of
South Africa. It stretches for
400km along large expanses of panoramic
Indian Ocean beaches, with beautiful
mountain ranges and natural forests.
Fancourt has become a global landmark
for golfing and leisure travel, but its gradual
expansion can be traced back to the
establishment of the Manor House by its
first custodian, Henry Fancourt White in
the late 1880s. The estate was transformed
into a hotel and golfing destination in 1989.
Today, Fancourt is owned by Dr and Mrs
Plattner, with award-winning courses and
unparalleled service, against the backdrop of
the ever-present Outeniqua mountain range.
Golf takes pride of place at Fancourt, and
deservedly so. Designed by a team led by
Gary Player, all three of the estate’s 18-hole
courses – Montagu, Outeniqua and The
Links – have garnered praise from the
international golfing community and their
fairways attract players from all corners of
the world. Montagu and Outeniqua, both
sprawling parklands, are ranked No.6 and
16 in South Africa respectively, while The
Links, inspired by Scottish courses, is at
No.1. Voted among the World’s Ten Best
Golf Resorts on CNNGo, Fancourt has
supplemented its courses with its own Golf
Academy, practice facilities and every
modern convenience, allowing golfers to
immerse themselves in a five-star experience.
It should be every avid golfer’s desire to
play in this famed leisure and lifestyle
destination, and to stay at The Manor
House boutique hotel, the jewel of the estate.
Representing the epitome of romance, The
Manor House offers a true feeling of
mystery, excitement, and remoteness from
everyday life. Exquisitely furnished and
decorated with sensual metallic finishes, the
Manor House offers accommodation of
uncompromising quality. It incorporates ecofriendly
design features and provides a
refreshing outlook on modern golf travel.
Golfers can also stay at the Fancourt hotel,
recently announced as the global winner of
Luxury Golf Resorts, as well as Country
winner Luxury Garden Resort at the 10th
World Luxury Hotel Awards. With a luxury
spa, four restaurants, and two five-star hotels,
Fancourt delivers an extraordinary leisure
experience. It is the perfect place to rest
before and after your rounds.
Sculpted into what Player has described as
his ‘greatest feat as a course designer’, The
Links is the golfing hallmark of the
Fancourt Estate. Featuring an undulating,
windswept terrain and dune-style landscape,
The Links holds top spot in South Africa by
18 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Worldwide: South Africa
Golf Digest SA, and is No.43 in Golf Digest
US’s list of the world’s 100 greatest courses.
A slice of environmental and golfing
heritage, The Links is considered a
masterpiece, and has hosted a range of golf
legends including John Bland, Justin Rose,
Retief Goosen, Branden Grace and Ernie Els.
Apart from its distinctive design, The
Links – which incorporates significant rises
and falls – has been lauded for its vital role
in environmental sustainability and
designated as a Certified Audubon
Cooperation Sanctuary. This certification
necessitated a degree of ecological value that
includes wildlife and habitat management,
outreach and education, chemical use
reduction and safety, water conservation, and
other environmental factors. The Links is a
private club, but limited tee times are
available for guests staying at Fancourt Hotel
or The Manor House.
Beyond The Links is the Montagu, which
has developed into one of the finest 18-hole
parklands, earning it sixth position on Golf
Digest SA’s list of top courses in South
Africa. Exquisitely conditioned to provide a
riveting golf experience, this tree-lined course
covers large tracts of varying terrain on
rolling land. A warm-up area – a full-length
range and a chipping and bunker practice
The forgiving, scenic
Outeniqua course at
54-hole Fancourt.
area – helps you warm up while buggies are
available for hire, weather permitting.
For a more relaxed game, Fancourt’s
Outeniqua presents an 18-hole parkland that
is far easier than its counterpart, Montagu,
yet still offers its fair share of challenges.
Water hazards feature on as many as 11 of
the holes. Named after the mountain range
that forms its breathtaking backdrop, the
course is pristinely conditioned yet still
accommodates a large volume of players. As
with its sister courses, a detailed stroke saver
guides golfers through the course with
distance measurements and images.
Aside from its award-winning golf courses,
Fancourt houses comprehensive practice
facilities for those who want to work on their
games. These facilities include a chipping
and bunker practice area and a driving range
with both open-air and undercover practice
bays. Young golfing enthusiasts and aspiring
professionals are also welcome to attend
Fancourt’s onsite Golf Academy and gain
access to expert advice and tuition. n
Want to find out more?
t: +27 (0) 44 804 0000
e: hotel@fancourt.co.za
w: fancourt.com
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 19

Morocco
A splendid climate, plenty of intrigue away from the fairways, and
a wide variety of courses... and all just four hours from Britain.
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
The Kyle Phillips-designed
Tazegzout course, on the
Atlantic coast.
20 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Worldwide: Morocco
Morocco was our ‘One to Watch’
in last year’s Golf Escapes and
developments since then have
borne that suggestion out to be a
prescient one. It wasn’t exactly a declaration
from left field, because Morocco already
caters for thousands of travelling golfers
every year. However, we think it ticks enough
boxes to become even more popular.
Underpinning its appeal are two things:
the value it offers, as well as something the
country is simply fortunate to be blessed
with – an astonishingly good climate.
Morocco is relatively inexpensive because
the dirham isn’t especially strong, so while
the luxury, the courses and the weather
might suggest otherwise, don’t expect prices
that will stun you. It is more akin to Belek
than the Maldives in that respect.
Located on the westernmost tip of north
Africa, bordering Algeria to the east,
Mauritania and the Western Sahara to the
southwest and southeast, the Atlantic Ocean
to the west and the Mediterranean to the
north, Morocco enjoys a fabulous yearround
climate.
Given the flight time is around four hours
– a little shorter coming back – this is
patently a huge advantage over other shorthaul
destinations. Only really Cyprus and
Belek in Europe are blessed with quite as
long a season. Morocco squeezes a bit more
sunshine out of a year than even the Algarve
and the Costa del Sol.
There are two main golf areas and, with
a diverse geography that impacts on its
climate, it is worth taking that into account
for the minor differences that makes. As a
general rule, though, it has a tropical climate
with temperatures up to 35°C in summer
and a very pleasant 20°C in December and
January. By the end of April through to the
end of October, you can be in the pool.
Part of Morocco’s appeal is the fact it
boasts a majestic stretch of Atlantic coastline.
The resorts overlooking those sandy
beaches are cooled by south-west trade winds
(and get a little rainfall November to
March), whereas two hours’ drive inland is
the other key area, Marrakesh, the climate
is a little hotter and drier.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 21

Worldwide: Morocco
LAP OF
LUXURY
Royal Palm Marrakech is opulence
on a grand scale, rivalling any of its
stablemates in the feted
Beachcomber stable. You
simply won’t want to
go home...
Gary Player’s Mazagan
Beach is an ideal base for a
trip to Morocco.
Let’s take a closer look at these two areas in
terms of their golf offerings:
Area One: Marrakesh
Located in the centre of Morocco, it is
already well-established, with golfers
travelling here for several decades to enjoy
courses laid out by some of the big names in
architecture and the Tour.
Marrakesh (Marrakech in French) has its
golf courses dotted in various parts of the
city but let’s start at a resort that is a
magnificent base for the whole trip, Royal
Palm Marrakech.
This Beachcomber resort is located to the
south west of the centre and has a quality
course designed by American Cabell B
Robinson as its stand-out attraction.
However that is far from the only appeal of
this world-class complex, which offers a
luxury stay that won’t be bettered in
Morocco. Right next door are the rippling
fairways of Samanah by Nicklaus design and
which enjoys a desert-style setting.
Still on the south-west outskirts of
Marrakesh is the relatively new Assoufid.
Laid out by Scotsman Niall Cameron, who
is quietly earning a fine reputation for
himself, it offers a cerebral test as well as
views of the Atlas Mountains. Those
landforms are also in view – as they are
widely from Marrakesh’s courses – on
another key stop, Montgomerie Marrakech.
It was designed in 2013 by the European
Ryder Cup legend in association with
European Golf Design right in the heart of
the city. Nine-hole Atlas Golf is nearby too.
Completing the picture in the south-west
area is Noria golf, and a modern Tony
Jacklin design. Further east lies Al Maaden,
where American designer Kyle Phillips sited
deep bunkers and water hazards to good
effect. It again offers terrific views of the
often snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Royal Golf is close by and makes for
a high-class day out while the legendary
Robert Trent Jones Snr created the wellknown
Palmeraie in 1992, making this
relatively short enough of a challenge
through water features and sloping greens.
It is north of the city, with Amelkis golf
its closest neighbour.
Area Two: The Atlantic Coast
As with Marrakesh, you’ll struggle to play all
of these courses on one trip. You might well
play no more courses than those at the resort
you are based at. But that said, we think
a week of resort hopping down this coast
would make for an unforgettable golf
holiday; a bit of effort, yes, but it would be
sensationally rewarding.
The courses are less established but they
are part of very well-run resorts that are
trying very hard to make their mark. In fact,
if you did take the resort-hopping option,
we’re not going to deny there wouldn’t be
times when you’d look at the poolside bar
after your round and wish you were
slumping there for a few hours rather than
hitting the road again!
It’s also worth saying these courses, despite
being sprinkled up and down the coast, are
also within a couple of hours’ drive of
Marrakesh, so it’s not impossible you could
cherry pick your favourites in both areas if
you had the time and inclination.
Arguably the outstanding resort on the
coast is Mazagan Beach, near El Jadida. It
22 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

PRIDE OF MARRAKESH
Assoufid
This modern course in mystical Marrakesh is already feted as one of the finest in Africa.
It has been open for little more than two
years, but Assoufid’s course is already
widely regarded as one of the best not
just in the golfing hotspot of Marrakesh,
not just in the ever-expanding golf portfolio
in Morocco, but in Africa as a whole.
The 18-hole course opened in October
2014 and winds way through naturally
undulating terrain in the lee of the snowcapped
Atlas Mountains.
It is just 20 minutes from the old town
(Medina) of the vibrant city of Marrakesh
yet playing here is a tranquil experience.
Niall Cameron’s design vision is a desertstyle
course that blends seamlessly into the
natural landscape and takes into
consideration its environmental impact
through minimal water consumption and
the preservation of native plants and trees.
Indeed, only 45 per cent of the course’s
acreage is planted to minimise water
consumption and the result is the lush
Bermuda fairways contrasting spectacularly
with the natural desert-style landscape.
Named ‘Africa’s Best Golf Course 2016’
and ‘Morocco’s Best Golf Course 2016’ at
the World Golf Awards, many holes enjoy
awe-inspiring views of the Atlas Mountains
to the south, with several elevated tees
making for spectacular-looking drives.
The course’s natural beauty is further
enhanced by a dry creek that meanders
through the entire length of the course.
Ten par 4s, four par 3s and four par 5s are
Assoufid is presented
beautifully all year round.
spread equally between the nines of a 7,042-
yard, par-72 course that has enough bite to
test even the strongest players.
Open to the general public on a pay-andplay
basis. Assoufid also provides a limited
number of membership opportunities for
individual, couples, junior and corporate
members, with exclusive benefits for each.
The Clubhouse Restaurant & Bar “La
Colline”is managed by Chef Damien
Durand. It has a terrace and seats 40 indoors
and 70 outdoors. A Private Pavilion adjacent
to the clubhouse features a lounge, kitchen,
outdoor pool and patio area.
A halfway house, practice facilities, pro
shop, club hire, pull trolleys, electric buggies
and caddies enhance your visit to Assoufid,
which is six miles south-west of Marrakesh’s
city centre, off the old Agadir road (Avenue
Guemassa). It’s just five miles from Marrakesh
Menara airport – yet not close
to any flight paths so is entirely peaceful –
which you can fly to from several UK cities. n
Want to find out more?
t: +212 (0) 525 06 07 70
e: golf.reservations@assoufid.com
w: assoufid.com
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 23

Worldwide: Morocco
DESIGN
EXCELLENCE
Assoufid is proof that modern architects
can make a terrific job on an
unremarkable site. Scottish designer
Niall Cameron has created one of
Marrakesh’s finest that every
visitor should play when
in the city.
The cerebral design
at Assoufid.
was opened in 2010 with its course designed
by Gary Player. With a ‘look’ of a links
course, it is a proper test at well over 7,000
yards and with the coastal breezes to contend
with, is a serious examination.
Towards the end of the front nine the
pulse raises as the holes play alongside the
coast. It is a tremendous all-round resort too,
and you could happily base yourself here for
a whole week and be very happy.
Nearby El Jadida by the aforementioned
American Robinson offers an alternative if
you do just that.
Further down the coast, near Essaouira, is
Mogador, where South African icon Player
has also had a hand. He routed the North
course through what was once a dense pine
forest in 2009. Again, it offers super resort
golf that is playable for all and also boasts
breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views, especially
as they are less hindered by residential
properties than others on the coast and
especially in Marrakesh.
Finally, in the Agadir area there are some
excellent options and you could play around
here very happily for a week. The newest and
brightest offering sits 15 minutes north of
the city within the Taghazout resort.
The Tazegzout course is a predictably
astute new design by Phillips, with a
magnificent climax with holes routed over
ravines or the cliff edge. It sits 80m above sea
level and hugs the bluffs for a number of
holes while others are cut through
indigenous Argan forest. All holes on this
environmentally-friendly clifftop course at
least offer a glimpse of the coastline.
Attractions off the course
Morocco has tremendous pedigree in
tourism, with over eight million
holidaymakers choosing it as their favoured
destination on an annual basis.
As well as lots of flights to its numerous
convenient airports – low-cost carriers fly
into Agadir, Essaouira, Rabat, Casablanca
and especially Marrakesh – there are a
wealth of hotels to choose from and the nongolf
attractions are well showcased to make
planning days away from the course easy.
Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city and
film buffs will clearly love it. The Hassan II
Mosque is also a ‘must see’. The cities of
Tangier and Ouarzazate, a noted filmmaking
location where Gladiator among
many others was shot, are also full of
attractions while Marrakesh allows you to
lap up Morocco’s history and culture, and
where haggling in a souk is de rigeur...
El Jadida was registered as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site in 2004.
In all the high-end resorts, there are
excellent restaurants, leisure facilities,
expansive spas, swimming pools, and, by the
coast, pristine beaches. n
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
The climate It’s a short-haul flight yet a yearround
destination. The coast is a few degrees
cooler and will get a little more rain – but in
short, it’s fabulous.
When to go: Summer time for cooling
Atlantic coast winds and May or September
for Marrakesh.
Getting there: Plenty of flights to Marrakesh
especially, plus Agadir and Essaouira.
Time: GMT Currency: Moroccan dirham
24 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO THE
United Arab Emirates
What you can really expect from the desert luxury in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman.
The pictures on our television
screens, newspapers and
smartphones every January give
a snapshot of the luxurious golf
holidays that await in the United Arab
Emirates. Those images of the European
Tour events in the Middle East are deeply
appealing to northern Europeans shivering
in our winters. But is the reality as good as
what the sun-kissed pictures suggest? Here’s
our verdict on what the UAE can offer...
Isn’t it too hot for golf?
It can be. In the UAE’s summer (same as
ours) it will be too hot for many. Make that
most. It is blisteringly hot and only really for
pool and beach lovers. But in the winter,
when we are shivering at home, the UAE
boasts glorious weather. Genuinely perfect
conditions for golf, with warm sunshine and
a little breeze, ideal for golf and then a drink
by the pool. So during the worst of our
weather in December, January and February,
you are guaranteed warmth in the UAE.
Are the courses any good?
Very. They are also more varied in character
than you might think, given the landscape is
obviously completely desert to start with. Of
course the majority are classic resort golf,
with lush green fairways winding between
water and sand, but even they vary
considerably. The best examples of the
expected fayre in Dubai of those at the
Emirates GC – with the Tour-hosting Majlis
and its sister course the Faldo – the Earth at
Jumeirah Estates, and the predictably scenic
Dubai Creek. Trump Dubai opened this
month and this Gil Hanse design has the
hallmarks of greatness, a cerebral design that
can be enjoyed by all levels. Further north, at
Al Zorah in Ajman and the duo in Ras Al
Khaimah respectively, holes are routed
through mangroves for a distinctive
experience. In Abu Dhabi, Yas Links is a
must play, a World Top 100 course by Kyle
Phillips with majestic seaside holes.
Isn’t it really expensive though?
Again, it can be. It can be eye-wateringly
expensive. And it isn’t really the place to go
26 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Worldwide: UAE
The brand-new,
outstanding Trump Dubai.
for a budget holiday no matter where you
play or stay. However, if you’re sensible, you
can make it seem good value. For a start,
you’ve got to factor in the weather – what
you’re getting in return for your outlay – and
work back from there. We think the extra
time in the plane and the extra cost is worth
it to get the guaranteed weather. But equally
you ought to be sensible – because if you’re
not, you’ll blow hundreds as quickly as you
can make a double bogey from the middle of
the fairway. So, if you book your flights way
in advance, you can get there for a
surprisingly reasonable £300 (especially as
it’s not a low-cost airline) and there are lots
and lots of three-star hotels that are four-star
by our standards. And then just duck and
dive for green fee deals – think of it as a
Dubai Creek has a
spectacular location.
green fee souk... and believe us, you will get
some bargains... Finally, just be careful where
you eat and drink out. That is where it is
easiest to blow your budget.
Getting there is a pain though
Well, it is long-haul so it’s not a 40-minute
hop to Paris, but the seven hours are spent
with excellent airlines offering you as much
comfort as they can manage. And once
you’re there, there is minimal transfer time
when you arrive. Fly to Abu Dhabi and
you’re five minutes from Abu Dhabi GC and
20 minutes from Yas Links. Fly to Dubai
and you’re 10 minutes from Dubai Creek, 25
minutes from Emirates GC, half an hour
from Al Zorah and an hour from the Ras Al
Khaimah duo. For the sake of an extra
couple of hours in a comfortable plane, we
think it’s a good trade-off.
is there anything else to do?
What isn’t there to do?! There is nothing
you can’t do here. There’s even a huge indoor
ski slope! The shopping malls are ludicrous
and the safaris or 4x4 adventures in the
desert renowned. You can take a trip up the
world’s tallest building (Burj), go to the
horses, play floodlit golf, browse in a modern
souk or enjoy a dinner cruise with Bateaux
Dubai. Or you can simply laze on the beach,
by the pool, or in a water park. There are
hundreds of restaurants, bars and clubs. Ask
Golf Dubai Plus to arrange an itinerary and
they (ex-pat Brits who’ve lived there for 20
years) will get the best prices and suggest the
things that will suit you the most. n
Travel essentials
The climate: May to September is blisteringly
hot and totally dry, the remainder is lovely.
When to go: October to April inclusive is the
perfect contrast to our temperatures.
How to get there: Dubai from Manchester,
Heathrow, Newcastle, Birmingham and
Glasgow. Etihad fly from Heathrow,
Edinburgh and Manchester to Abu Dhabi.
Currency: UAE dirham Time: GMT +4
Yas Links is long established
as the UAE’s premier course.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 27

Worldwide: Abu Dhabi
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
Abu Dhabi
Just three courses… but one extremely attractive year-round golf holiday destination.
A
new course in the United Arab
Emirates opened to much
publicity and indeed acclaim this
month. And when those who’ve
played this terrific new course within Dubai’s
portfolio were wondering how good it was in
UAE terms, there was one regular point of
reference: Yas Links.
Dubai began the UAE golf adventure, but
Abu Dhabi has caught up quickly. Not in
terms of numbers, for it has only three
courses, but in terms of calibre.
And at the top of its high-class list is
undoubtedly Yas. This Kyle Phillips design,
host last month to the star-studded Abu
Dhabi Invitational, is a spectacular gulf-side
track where drama is matched by strategy.
Even feted designer Gil Hanse, the man
who designed the aforementioned new
course, Trump Dubai, was impressed when
he visited: “We did take some field trips to
courses in Dubai, when we were building the
Trump course and also did a trip to Yas
Links – which I thought was terrific!”
The ‘Links’ part of its name is a little
misleading because while it looks like one
and is next to the sea, it’s not what we’d
expect on our coastlines. Nevertheless, it is
high class; if it was in Continental Europe,
say, it’d be in the top 20 of any ranking.
It is located on Yas Island, 30 minutes’
drive along (almost certainly deserted)
motorways from downtown Abu Dhabi.
It is visually majestic, whether from views
across sparkling water or down rolling
terrain lined by rough-edged bunkers.
If F1 is your thing, you’ll enjoy playing
towards and alongside holes that have the
Yas F1 circuit in view. Ferrari World,
Waterworld and Yas Mall also remind one
of the off-course attractions in this smaller
(compared to Dubai) but still lively emirate.
Oh, and Yas Links and the nearby Viceroy
hotel now offer packages that make a trip
here affordable to more pockets.
A short drive from Yas along the E12
motorway that links the islands dotted
around downtown Abu Dhabi is Saadiyat
Beach. It has similar coastal views and was
designed by Gary Player; a good second
option with a hotel on site, where players
often stay during the European Tour’s Abu
Travel essentials
The climate: Their winter is our winter… but
expect sun and 22˚ rather than snow and ice.
When to go: We like February to April.
Where to stay: Yas and the Viceroy hotel
now offer good-value play-and-stay deals.
Getting there: A seven-hour flight.
Time: GMT +4 Currency: UAE dirham
Dhabi Championship at Abu Dhabi GC –
which is the final course here.
Unlike the other two, it is close to the
heart of Abu Dhabi, just a short drive from
the airport. Rather than sea view, it is more
of the sky-high skylines more often seen in
Dubai. It’s a strong Peter Harradine design
around seven salt water hazards punctuated
by palm trees, shrubs, 90 bunkers and
drystone retaining walls. n
Expect seaside
holes at Yas Links.
28 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Stay & Play on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi...
One destination...
Endless possibilities
Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Club: www.yaslinks.com | info@yaslinks.com | +971 2 810 7710
Yas Viceroy Hotel: www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/abudhabi | yas.reservations@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com | +971 2 656 0700

Why go abroad? 10 g
We’d argue Britain has better courses than anywhere in the world. Chris Bertram select
East Lothian, Scotland
WHAT YOU GET: A wealth of world-class links
stacked up next to each other waiting to be
played, in the driest part of Scotland.
THE COURSES: They range from über
exclusive Renaissance and Archerfield,
to plush-but-playable Muirfield, to the
incomparable North Berwick. Then add
in gems such as Kilspindie and Dunbar.
WHERE TO STAY: The lodges at Archerfield
are possibly the best golf accommodation in
Britain but there are lots of other options to
fit every pocket. Upstairs at The
Renaissance Club is sensational – and
allows you to play the course too...
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is the lower-profile courses
that arguably make East Lothian quite so
outstanding. If you said Longniddry and
Gullane 3 were the eighth and ninth-best
courses in the region you’d think they were
modest... but in fact they are superb.
Cornwall, England
WHAT YOU GET: High-class fare whether you
are playing by the coast or further inland.
THE COURSES: St Enodoc (the best 12 holes
in GB&I?), Perranporth (enormous fun
that is at times bonkers), St Mellion (a Jack
Nicklaus signature of beauty and beast
nature) and Trevose (with a spectacular
front nine that is getting even better).
WHERE TO STAY: St Mellion for any kind of
golf party but it is an especially good base
for a family break, and Trevose when you
want to be by the coast.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The range of courses is
WE DIDN’T
FORGET...
The Home of Golf
St Andrews makes for a phenomenal
golf break – it just seemed a bit
obvious to include it. What is worth
noting is that the rest of Fife
(Leven, Crail et al) is also
fantastic.
30 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

GB&I: Top 10 breaks
reat British breaks
s his favourite areas for a long weekend (and, yes, we are aware there is a links bias...).
unsurpassed, with four in Golf World’s
English Top 100 that are all totally
different in character.
Dornoch, Scotland
WHAT YOU GET: A five-star golf break in every
sense, and one of golf’s great pilgrimages.
THE COURSES: Start your itinerary by
working out when you can play Skibo
Castle – it’s not inexpensive and they have
only limited times, but secure a time at this
heroic, scenic links and take it from there.
Then add in Royal Dornoch, which is
about as soulful as golf gets, and let fun
Golspie, charming Tain and Braid heaven
at Brora balance the books.
WHERE TO STAY: The apartments at Brora
are ideal – modern, spacious and wellequipped,
and within staggering distance of
the clubhouse...
WHY WE LIKE IT: Something for everyone, and
if you can’t enjoy Royal Dornoch we
suggest you buy some ludicrous Lycra and
try cycling.
Kent, England
WHAT YOU GET: Three Open venues stacked
up next to each other on an unspoilt section
of coastline.
THE COURSES: Royal St George’s, thought by
some to be the finest course in England,
plus the fascinating Royal Cinque Ports,
and 27-hole Prince’s, which is a classic,
recently-renovated links.
WHERE TO STAY: The Lodge at Prince’s is one
of our favourite bases for a break anywhere
in Europe. Built by golfers for golfers, it sits
St Enodoc has some of the
finest holes in the UK.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 31

on the Prince’s-Sandwich border.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The high quality of golf and
the low hassle once you are there – you
never have to drive more than five minutes.
Angus, Scotland
WHAT YOU GET: Tremendous variety of golf,
plus green fees that will scare nobody.
THE COURSES: Carnoustie, with three stellar
links including the host of The Open, leads
the way but in Panmure, Montrose and
Monifieth it has super back up. Don’t forget
Downfield and Edzell inland either.
WHERE TO STAY: Carnoustie hotel overlooks
the 18th green but we prefer the Links
View Guest House B&B next to the tee –
or Brucefields five-star B&B in Arbroath.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The value is extraordinarily
good. The calibre and variety of links
courses is exceptionally high, yet it is doable
by more golfers’ budgets than any
other similar trip in the UK.
North Wales, Wales
WHAT YOU GET: Not as many star names as in
other areas on this list, but enough really
good golf to keep even the most discerning
golfer satisfied.
THE COURSES: Nefyn is the star attraction
and is certainly a course with outstanding
scenery; in that respect it has few peers in
the UK. Porthmadog is a better golf course
with a really special links back nine.
Pwllheli is much the same, while Conwy is
what we might term a ‘proper’ links. North
Wales plus Bull Bay and Holyhead add
some depth to a largely undiscovered area.
WHERE TO STAY: Abersoch (which has a
course that’s well worth playing too) has
lots of neat B&Bs and hotels.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The value is sensationally
good at any time of the year. And you can
easily add on an extra day to sneak down
the coast to play Royal St David’s and
Aberdovey too!
Machrihanish, Scotland
WHAT YOU GET: Soulful golf that is deserved
reward for an epic trip to get there.
THE COURSES: Just the three, but two are
GB&I Top 100 tracks – the ancient
Machrihanish, with a front nine full of
iconic holes, and Machrihanish Dunes, a
modern links that is as authentic as it is
brilliant. Clifftop fun at Dunaverty
completes the picture.
WHERE TO STAY: Easy – the Ugadale Hotel,
opposite the 1st tee of Machrihanish Old.
Or the cottages alongside it. Unbeatable.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The golf is indubitably
terrific, but just as enjoyable is the
tremendous accommodation next door and
the food and refreshment in the Old
Clubhouse. Just don’t book early tee times...
Norfolk, England
WHAT YOU GET: A fine mixture of heathland,
links and clifftop courses that are
eminently playable all year round.
THE COURSES: Let’s start at Royal West
Norfolk, a beguiling, feature-packed links
that’s worth the drive on its own. Add in
the championship class of next door
Hunstanton, the clifftops of Sheringham
and Royal Cromer, and the heathlandwoodland
of King’s Lynn.
WHERE TO STAY: Don’t stay anywhere else but
Old Lodge at Hunstanton – walkable from
Royal St George’s is the
keystone to a break in Kent.
32 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

GB&I: Top 10 breaks
the course and with superb dining
including a terrific breakfast.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Uncrowded courses, dry
weather (that is not a myth) and, more than
anything, Royal West Norfolk’s charm.
Aberdeen, Scotland
WHAT YOU GET: What is quite simply now
one of the best stretches of golfing terrain
in Britain and Ireland, with courses to suit
all tastes and budgets.
THE COURSES: Trump Links International
has raised the bar in Aberdeenshire, adding
a high-class links to what was already – in
stellar Royal Aberdeen, crazy Cruden Bay
and earthy Murcar – an alluring offering.
There’s even more great golf further afield
too, if you have the time.
WHERE TO STAY: McLeod House at Trump
International for those treating themselves
but otherwise lots of options in Aberdeen.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Is there a more high-octane
trio in the UK so close to each other than
here? We don’t think so.
Leeds, England
WHAT YOU GET: Two Top 100 heathlands
with another elite course within an hour,
plus the myriad attractions of a big city.
THE COURSES: The Alwoodley and
Moortown are intertwined with the legend
of Dr Alister MacKenzie and are exquisite
heathlands that are genuinely getting better
with age. Plus high-calibre inland links
Ganton is a short drive to the east.
WHERE TO STAY: It’s the city of Leeds... you’re
not short of options! For a play and stay,
The Alwoodley, one of the
UK’s finest inland courses.
look to five-star Oulton Hall.
WHY WE LIKE IT: We had to have one inland
option, didn’t we, and while Perthshire
Nottinghamshire, Birmingham, and the
Surrey heathlands would have been equally
as good, in The Alwoodley, Moortown and
Ganton you get a class of golf as good as
almost anything in Surrey or Berkshire. n
Golf Breaks
STAY | PLAY | DINE
1 night & 1 round
from £129.00pp
Overnight accommodation for 2
people sharing a standard twin or
double room. Includes breakfast.
T: 01304 611118
E: office@princesgolfclub.co.uk
W: www.princesgolfclub.co.uk
Prince’s Golf Club,
Sandwich Bay, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9QB

The myths of
Machrihanish
... and the truth about this magical Scottish realm.
For years, people have called upon a
range of mythical reasons not to
undertake the trip to play golf in
magical Machrihanish. But thanks
to the recent investments made in the area,
especially at The Village at Machrihanish
Dunes, most of the old arguments are no
longer valid. It is surely time to dispel the
three most commonly heard myths!
1
“I’ve always wanted to go to
Machrihanish, but there’s nowhere
to stay or eat”
This is simply no longer true! Visiting
golfers have a choice of sumptuous
accommodation in the area now,
particularly at the two historic and
beautifully restored hotels associated with
The Village at Machrihanish Dunes-- the
lively Royal Hotel overlooking
Campbeltown harbour, and the relaxing
Ugadale Hotel and its exquisite
neighbouring self-catering cottages in
Machrihanish.
Between them, there’s an outstanding
option to accommodate every preference –
in style. And as for the food... with The
Royal Hotel’s Harbourview Grille and
Black Sheep Pub preparing wonderful
menus in the centre of town and the
Kintyre Club and the renowned Old
Clubhouse Pub catering superbly for guests
at The Ugadale, you can eat (and drink)
very well indeed! And yes, they do still serve
those world-famous haggis nachos!
2
“Machrihanish is great, but there is
nowhere else in the area worth
playing”
Machrihanish Golf Club really is great.
Famous for its opening tee shot over the
beach but worthy of recognition for so
much more, it is truly one of Scotland`s
most iconic courses.
But it has a most worthy neighbour now
in the form of Machrihanish Dunes, a golf
course that has quickly matured into a
must-play venue for the links enthusiast.
The undulating fairways there, which
were mown down from the existing
machair in preference to being bulldozed
into shape, have retained their original
sward of preferential seaside grasses and are
now an absolute joy to play from... and even
more so when you can find a flat lie!
The greens that were criticised initially
for their vexing contours have been
cunningly softened in places, resulting in a
perfect balance between fun and fairness.
The rough that once rendered the course
34 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

GB&I: Scotland
EXPERT
OPINION
“If other courses have taken 100 years to get
where they are today, Machrihanish Dunes is
there already. It’s not just the sea spray and the
scenery; it’s the fact that every hole has
something to offer.”
Former European No.1 and Ryder Cup
player Ronan Rafferty
virtually unplayable on all but the calmest
day has now been cut back so that the links
appears wide-open in places, inspiring
confidence and turning up the fun factor
still further.
If you haven’t been to Machrihanish
Dunes for some time, you really owe it to
yourself to go back and see how much more
fun and playable the course is now.
The two courses at Machrihanish would
be reason enough to make the trip to
Kintyre, but there is so much else in this
part of the world for the golfer to enjoy.
Dunaverty GC is a treat, and only 10
miles from Campbeltown. On paper, it
seems stupidly short, but in reality it is an
absolute gem. Everything there is in perfect
scale and it’s a wonderful place to while
away three fun-filled hours on a sunny
evening.
A short drive up the west road will lead
you to Kennacraig and from there to the
mythical courses on Islay and Jura. Islay’s
Machrie GC has been a favourite of many
for years, and has recently undergone a
massive re-design. Has its soul been
irrevocably removed, or could it be better
than ever? And could Ardfin on Jura
possibly be as spectacular as the rumours
and photos suggest? There is only one way
to find out.
3
“Machrihanish is just so far!”
It is off the beaten path, for sure. But
people travel from all over the world to play
here and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
From Glasgow it’s one of the most
beautiful and inspiring road trips you’ll
ever undertake, as you skirt the westerly
edge of Loch Lomond, climb up and over
the “Rest and Be Thankful”, and travel
along the seashore down Paul
McCartney’s “Long and Winding Road”.
And when you reach Machrihanish,
you enter another world – a world that
operates at a more leisurely pace, a world
of gorgeous sunsets and stunning
shorelines, a world where surprises lurk
around every bend, but most of all, a
world in which you will be genuinely
welcome.
So cast aside those excuses and plan
your visit. You won’t be disappointed. n
Want to find out more?
t: 0800 151 3701
e: info@machdunes.com
w: machdunes.com
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 35

GB&I: England
PLAY-AND-STAY HEAVEN
St Mellion Resort
This Cornish complex has a legendary Jack Nicklaus design and a fabulous four-star hotel on site.
St Mellion International Resort is a
unique blend of contemporary style,
exceptional facilities, golfing
heritage and wonderful Cornish
hospitality. The resort boasts a stunning AA
four-star 80-bedroom hotel and a Health
Club & Spa as well as a variety of dining
experiences – from the simple to the elegant
in an award-winning restaurant.
St Mellion is renowned as one of
England’s finest golf venues, being a regular
in GB&I Top 100 Course rankings and
having hosted 12 European Tour events.
The Nicklaus Signature Course celebrated
its 25th Anniversary in 2013 and was the
first European course personally designed by
Jack Nicklaus. “I knew it was going to be
good, but not this good... it’s everything
I hoped for and more,” said the legendary
American of the finished course.
At 6,300 yards it is not long, but using the
amazing Cornish landscape and inspired by
Augusta, Nicklaus created a UK version of
Amen Corner with holes 10 through to 13
being quite brilliant both to play and look at.
But before you get to that now-celebrated
back nine, you are also served a treat on the
front half with one classic golf hole after
another; the 5th, when the sun shines, is one
of the most beautiful holes in the country.
The Signature hole is the remarkable 11th,
a par 3 inspired by the 12th and 16th short
holes at Augusta. It combines the narrow
green of the 12th with the sweeping lake
that protects the green from the underclubbed
shot. It is regarded as one of the
classic short holes in British golf. If you
could have a second signature hole, the 12th
would be it. It is another visually stunning
test that is cut through a forest of conifer
trees, a true par 5 that requires three
accurate shots to reach the green. Running
parallel to the fairway is a stream that then
cuts across in front of the green. This hole
completes the loop of three holes that is
compared to Augusta’s infamous ‘Amen
Corner’ – high praise indeed!
St Mellion also has a ‘gem’, the Kernow
Course. It opened in 2010 and was instantly
commended as the perfect complement to
the Nicklaus. It offers wide fairways, big
greens and great variety. Yet another reason a
trip to St Mellion should be on every golfers’
bucket list. n
Want to know more?
t: 01579 352031; e: stmellion-golfdays@
crown-golf.co.uk; w: st-mellion.co.uk
The hotel is
a terrific base.
36 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

SEVEN REASONS TO VISIT...
Trump International
This is why 2017 should be the year you head to Aberdeen to play the best modern course in GB&I.
1 The spectacular views
We could probably just leave this here, given
the main image across these pages. But what
is definitely worth explaining is that this is
not one of those courses where you have
great views from one green, a tee and a third
from on top of the dune next to the 4th hole.
Fantastic views are almost omnipresent here.
If you’re not looking at the sea, it means
you’re probably playing between two ridges
of enormous dunes that you teed off from
(and where you lapped up the views). If you
only take the camera out on one hole, make
sure it’s from the very top tee on 18. With its
huge elevation you’ll have a magnificent
backdrop of the impending 18 bunkers plus
infamously tall saltire, unspoilt, wild beach
stretches for miles to both the north and
south, magnificent North Sea and Aberdeen
city beyond. Views don’t make a golf course,
but you wouldn’t ever say they didn’t help
you enjoy one just a little bit more. Expect to
be exhilarated here, from start to finish.
2 The clever design
Trump International was always going to be
spectacular so perhaps thrilling views,
elevated tees, awesome driving holes, epic par
3s and intimidating bunkers were all to be
expected. You get all that at Trump
International, but with the vision of Dr
Martin Hawtree, a quiet man trusted by the
R&A, you also get nuanced strategy which
requires creative shot-making. Hawtree has
shaped an astonishingly good piece of land
and created something truly special.
3 The tranquillity
OK, it’s in the north-east of Scotland, so it’s
hardly Regent Street. But there is a city just
25 minutes away, with an airport, a busy
university and world-famous industry off its
coast. But playing at Trump International is
an utterly serene experience. There are no
roads cutting through the site and no
residential development round the outside.
This is pure links golf to be enjoyed without
compromise. Oh, and the spaced-out tee
times means you have the time to fully
savour this world-class seaside course.
4 The area’s other jewels
Trump International might be the highlight
of Aberdeenshire, but it is not close to being
the only attraction... world-class links have
sat on the coastline for over 100 years. Royal
Aberdeen and Cruden Bay are also in any
Top 100 ranking and Murcar, Peterhead,
Newburgh and Fraserburgh offer fabulous
support. With the additional benefit of St
Andrews being less than two hours to the
south, use Trump International as your base
for the greatest golf break of your life...
STAY, PLAY
AND DINE
This superb package includes a one-night
stay and full Scottish breakfast in five-star
MacLeod House & Lodge in a superior queen
twin or double bedroom. You also enjoy a twocourse
meal in the Brasserie restaurant at the
clubhouse and the biggest attraction – two
rounds on the award-winning
championship links.
From £295 per person.
38 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

GB&I:Scotland
The green on the short 3rd
enjoys one of the finest
locations in Scotland.
It would be rude not to
sample a few of the locallyproduced
whiskies...
The stunning cross-site 13th
is a short hole of majestic
charm and beauty.
5 The Scottish tipple
After 36 holes of exhilarating links golf,
you’ll be ready for some sustenance. Be
assured you will be well fed and watered in
these parts. For those who enjoy a postround
tipple, Trump International houses
over 50 varieties of Scotland’s most famous
export Uisge Beatha (whisky - the water of
life) – as well as locally-produced beers, gin
and rum. Accompany your 19th hole pint
with our personal clubhouse favourites –
locally-sourced haggis bon bons and fish and
chips straight from the North Sea.
6 The wildlife
Deer, dolphins, seals… even humpback
whales were seen off the shores of the links
last year. This is golf in the raw, where even
the most timid and rarest wildlife can be
spied from the fairways. Just don’t gaze too
long out to sea looking for the dolphins or
whales when you’re on the beachside 3rd
green (pictured above left), which is surely
one of the most scenic in Scotland.
7 The challenge
You might have heard Trump International
is tough. Too tough. Well, it is no pushover.
Pros and plus-handicappers go there and
shoot over par – but that’s off the back tees.
When you arrive at the 1st tee at Trump
International you’ll be asked what you play
off and advised which of the six tee options
is best for you. You can lie about your ability,
but you’ll have a battle, because it IS a proper
championship course. Be honest though, and
the multiple tee locations allow you to hit off
tees relevant to your ability – which means
you don’t always have to be hitting driver
down dune-lined fairways. Be sensible and
you WILL reap the rewards. n
Want to find out more?
t: 01358 743300
e: bookings@trumpgolfscotland.com
w: trumpgolfscotland.com
The view from the 14th tee –
enough to make anyone start
planning a trip to Aberdeen.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 39

10 SECRETLY-BRILLIANT TRIPS IN
Continental
Europe
...starring Estonia, Belgium, Sweden and the Czech Republic.
We might be divorcing
mainland Europe politically,
but the British golfer has never
had closer ties with the
continent. Whether Brexit is hard or soft and
whatever shades of red, white and blue it turns
out to be, the British golfer is not going to
turn their back on the continent.
Why can we be so sure? Because record
numbers have just enjoyed a golf break in the
Algarve, Lisbon is one of the boom cities of
Europe, and Spain (and its many golf-packed
islands) is as popular as it has been since
its 1980s heyday. France, boosted
by its Ryder Cup duties, is only
going to attract even more
visitors.
But those three big guns
– plus Belek, not inside the
EU and having a relatively
dip in popularity – are not
the only reasons British
golfers will keep packing their
new blue GB passports when
Brexit does eventually mean Brexit.
There are so many other attractive options
in continental Europe that are only going to
become more popular. Not all guarantee
sunshine – initially the key reason for us
heading to Iberia. In fact, several have climates
that are only marginally better than our own.
But they have something different, something
unique to their own country – from incredible
value to outstanding courses, to potent beer to
spectacular landscapes. Some have all four.
We’ve selected the top 10 continental
European countries that you ought to be at
least considering a trip to in the coming year
– even although you might never have given it
a passing thought in the past.
Trust us, there is much to savour...
1 Italy
OK, it doesn’t have quite the obscurity
of the countries that follow, but we are in no
doubt that more golfers should travel to Italy
from Britain than is currently the case. Sicily,
through Verdura and Donnafugata, is
increasingly popular, and so is Sardinia, which
has just joined the Italy Golf & More group
that is trying hard to expose more golfers to
the appeals of an Italian golf holiday. Both
AND DON’T
FORGET...
Iceland
This is picture-postcard stuff.
Everything we’ve heard about Iceland
from golfers who have been makes
us want to make the trip. It
looks sensationally
good.
areas have especially good year-round weather
in addition to their widespread tourist appeal
and Top 100-class courses. Tuscany, too,
attracts its fair share of Brits to its golf
courses, notably the super Argentario Resort
that is one of the most stylish in Europe.
Further north, Castelfalfi has just added a new
hotel and will likely join Argentario in
becoming a Top 100 Resort in time. Ubertrendy
Puglia in the south has, in Acaya and
San Domenico, resorts oozing class. Two
areas we especially like are the northern
powerhouses of Piedmont and
Lombardy, around the cities of
Turin and Milan. Royal Park
(with two courses) and Biella
in Piedmont make for an
idyllic long weekend, with
easy flights to Turin. And
in Lombardy, base yourself
at Bogogno (two courses)
and also play at
Castelconturbia and especially
Villa d’Este on Lake Como – if
you’re disappointed, let us know
(you won’t be).
2 Belgium
Yes, Belgium. Seriously. If pedigree
courses are your top priority on a golf trip,
there are few countries on the continent that
can match Belgium. Lots of them are at
private clubs (basically like our Troon and
Sandwich) so you need to plan and arrange in
advance, but there is some tremendous fayre
here. It’s more varied than in most countries
too, ranging from the woodland-heathland of
Limburg to the seaside tracks of Royal Zoute
and Royal Ostend, the latter with stretches as
close to a GB&I links as you’ll find on the
continent. Ravenstein is
a classic short parkland and Royal Antwerp a
delight for architecture buffs. Take the
overnight P&O ferry from Hull to Zeebrugge
and you’ve got all your gear with you, with the
driving all very do-able.
3 Cyprus
Not exactly a newcomer to the golf
scene – more of you will likely have visited
Cyprus than any of the rest of our selection –
but the island’s golf offering has improved
Parnu Bay, Estonia.
40 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe
Konopiste, Czech Republic.
Penati, Slovakia.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 41

42 GOLF ESCAPES 2017
Thracian Cliffs, Bulgaria.

Continental Europe
Bro Hof Slott, Sweden.
Elea, Cyprus.
markedly in the very recent future, making
it an even more appealing option.
Underpinning the allure of a golf holiday here
is the climate, which is arguably the best in
the whole of the continent. October? Glorious
– fact. April? Ideal for golf.
Aphrodite Hills has been the standard
bearer for years and continues to be, but in the
revamped Secret Valley and Minthis Hills –
in addition to Sir Nick Faldo’s Elea – it is a
well-rounded option. The much-improved
courses mean Cyprus has a very even golf
offering, any month of the year.
4
Czech Republic
The Prague area has been on the radar
for a little while actually, but the Czech
Republic as a whole is really stepping
it up now, and offers a delightful
golf break of beauty, value and
excellent golf. We detail much
more about it over the page.
5 Bulgaria
The Cape Kaliakra
area is a contender for best
value in Europe, and also
boasts some really hot summer
weather too. The three courses
there are, as you will have seen, perched
on cliffs and offer spectacular views and edgeof-the-seat
golf holes. It hasn’t quite cracked
the UK golf market as Belek has, despite
providing much the same offering other than
the weather. Don’t let that slower take-up put
you off though, because Cape Kaliakra has all
that’s required to get more of a foothold on
the market.
6 Estonia
Estonia GC has long been a fixture in
Golf World’s Continental Top 100, and now
you have double the reason to visit this
famously beautiful Baltic country. Parnu Bay
opened in 2015 and is a visually sensational
woodland-seaside hybrid. It is a strong
contender to enter Golf World’s Continental
Top 100 later this year, and with the welldocumented
attractions of the capital Tallin
to consider too, this is a very attractive golf
break for non-sun worshippers.
7 Sweden
To suggest ‘Sweden’ as a whole is a bit of
red herring actually, because you’d need a
week to play all of the really high-class stuff
there. Better to focus on either the central
section or the south. The star attraction in the
south is Falsterbo, a traditional links that noone
ever has a bad word about. Team that
with Ljunghusens and the Kyle Phillipsdesigned
duo at PGA National. Fly in and
out of Copenhagen – while you’re there, you
could tick off the duo at The Scandinavian –
AND DON’T
FORGET...
Slovenia
Bled Golf is undergoing a massive
refurbishment of its course and
accommodation. It might have the
most picturesque location in
the whole of Europe...
and drive across the bridge to Sweden. If you
can add a day or two on, you can venture up
the west coast to play Vasatorps plus two
Solheim Cup venues; Barseback – a
woodland-seaside hybrid, and Halmstad.
Further north-east, Bro Hof Slott is the
magnet, but don’t forget about Sand.
8 Denmark
Like Sweden, to play the best of
Denmark requires a bit of patience and
determination. If you want a one-base golf
break, this isn’t for you. But if you like the
adventure of careering round a beautiful
country ticking off its best courses, you’ll love
it. The Scandinavian’s Old and New are easily
accessible via Copenhagen (along with Royal
Copenhagen) but you’re actually
better to
fly from Stansted into Billund
and tackle Esbjerg,
Holstebro and Lubker
from there... and for serious
hipster credibility,
Budersand (which is
actually German) on the
island of Sylt.
9 Germany
More specifically, Munich.
There are loads of great courses, of various
characters, from classic parkland to
mountainous scenes. The golf is really good
and there is also a chance to explore a fantastic
city, from gastronomy and sightseeting to
going to watch Bayern Munich or attending
the beer festival.
10 Slovakia
Slovakia gets a mention as a result of
one resort, because we believe Penati offers the
best quality-to-money ratio in Europe. It is
not an exaggeration to suggest for the same
level of golf and accommodation elsewhere in
Europe, you would pay three times more.
With one Continental Top 100 course and
one in the Next 100, plus on-site villas, it
is perfect for a group who want to play 36
a day then pore over the play with a very
cheap, potent beer in their hand. n
In our European section:
44 Czech Republic
A relative newcomer
that has bags of
promise.
48 Italy
Why Argentario is a
European style icon.
50 France
A haven for Top 100
courses of every
type of course.
66 Cyprus
Europe’s year-round
golf destination.
68 Portugal
Lisbon area is
suddenly a mustvisit
destination.
76 Spain
Five must-visit areas
and resorts – for
different reasons.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 43

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT INÉ
The Czech Republic
It has serious golf pedigree, but now has a better offering to the travelling golfer than ever before.
Looking for a different destination
for your golf weekend or holiday?
The Czech map is overflowing
with beautiful cities marked as
UNESCO world heritage sites underlining
historical landmarks and events which have
become renowned getaway destinations and
synonymous with charm, character, fun
and relaxation.
Today, while golf grass seeds have taken
root and matured in the leisure spa towns
for over 100 years, Prague and all Czech
regions are witnessing golf fever and worldclass
courses have burgeoned all over the
country and amid the touristic hot-spots.
You may be surprised to learn that there
is a long tradition of quality golf in the
Czech Republic. The first golf courses were
opened in West Bohemia region in the spa
towns of Karlovy Vary (1904) and
Marianske Lazne (1905).
A low number of Czech golfers and more
than 100 courses around the Czech
Republic – many of them tested by
international golf events including the
European Tour – makes this country
a haven for golf tourists. For example in
Prague and around you can discover more
than 10 different 18-hole courses, most of
them within a 30 to 60-minute drive from
the heart of the city. Close to the area of
Prague or West Bohemia there are other
attractive golf regions around the Czech
Republic, for example South or North
Moravia. All are waiting to be discovered.
With incredible value for money and
limitless cultural possibilities, there is no
question every visitor is fulfilled by the mix
of memorable golf plus sightseeing options
and activities offered. The highest-quality
services will pamper golfers to a top-level
experience in a well-developed tourist
infrastructure. Meals, drinks, theatre,
opera, shopping, nightlife, brewery and
winery tours, outdoors, wellness and spa...
Konopiste.
44 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: Czech Republic
Cihelny.
Panorama.
Loreta.
Falkensteiner hotel.
you name it, you’ll find it at a high standard
– and all within 90 minutes of flying time
from the UK. It’s an ideal golfing
destination, with great value for money, for
a long weekend or even a week-long holiday.
Prague
The gateway to great golf
Lying at the centre of the Czech Republic,
the delightful capital of Prague is often
portrayed with the Vltava River
meandering through its heart, running
under the remarkable Charles Bridge filled
with pedestrians walking from Old Town
Square towards the Prague castle perched
atop the skyline. Full of historic and
cultural highlights, museums and beautiful
small cobblestone streets. It is also a great
place to relax, go shopping or enjoy many
restaurants, bars and excellent nightlife.
Stay in the heart of the city and play a few
rounds of golf in the area. With
comfortable and accessible golf transfers,
this is easy. Discover for example one of the
following great golf venues.
Panorama Golf Resort
– 45 minutes from the centre of Prague
This 27-hole course was opened in 2016 in
the beautiful area of Posazavi and offers a
very challenging golfing experience. All
three nine holes (Forest, Meadows, River)
are to be combined at will. Each part has its
unique features offering unforgettable
moments and variety of playing experiences
in only one round of golf. First nine, Forest,
is the dominant one of the course and
offers interesting and challenging holes.
The second nine, Meadows, is quite
demanding and undulating too, but both
boast panoramic views. The third nine,
River, lays near the Sazava River and is
significantly less undulating but more
demanding because of many water hazards.
A modern clubhouse has a great restaurant
that serves culinary specials based on
regional products from an ecological farm
and modern meeting and accommodation
facilities are also available at the resort.
Loreta Golf Resort
– 35 minutes from the centre of Prague
This 18-hole course, designed by Keith
Preston, with par 72 is situated in the
beautiful countryside of Posazavi and was
opened in June 2013. The architect has
managed to make use of the local rugged
landscape, preserve many hedgerows,
woodland nooks and full-grown trees. So
the course as a whole does not give the
impression of new and raw. The design
was created with regard to building a
demanding course from the championship
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 45

tees as well as the fair and playable course
for intermediate players of yellow and red
tees. A practice area, trolley and buggy
rental or lessons with a pro are also
available here. In the background, guests
can enjoy the clubhouse that offers all the
comfort of a restaurant, pro shop, locker
rooms, caddy room as well as relaxation,
meeting and accommodation facilities.
Konopiste Golf Resort
– 45 minutes from the centre of Prague
This biggest golf resort in the Czech
Republic opened the first 18 holes in 2002.
Konopiste offers two high standard 18-hole
courses – Radecky and d’Este. Players of all
levels will enjoy the courses, carved and
Want to find out more?
Panorama Golf Resort panoramagolf.cz
Loreta Golf Resort loretagolf.cz
Konopiste Golf Resort gcko.cz
Cihelny Golf Resort golfresortcihelny.cz
Falkensteiner Hotel Marienbad
falkensteiner.com
Czech Golf Festival 2017
czech-golf-festival.com
Czech golf holidays: czech-republic-golf.com
shaped sympathetically into the beautiful
rolling hillside among forests. They provide
a challenging but enchanting mix of
woodland and parkland character. The
refurbished Manor House offers conference
facilities and an excellent hotel with a
stunning courtyard terrace. There is also a
nine-hole public course, practice facilities,
lessons with a pro, two restaurants, golf
shop, trolley, golf buggies with GPS and
equipment rental. Its large accommodation,
relaxation and meeting facilities make it a
unique golf and spa complex that is not to
be missed in the Prague area.
West Bohemia
A golf paradise west of Prague airport
West Bohemia extends west from Prague to
the south-west German border. The region
is famous for its beautiful countryside, the
healing hot springs and famous wellness
centre in Karlovy Vary as well as beerbrewing
in Plzen, home of Pilsner Urquell.
You can also visit historic castles, museums,
and enjoy quality restaurants, bars and the
exciting nightlife.
Wellness and spa treatments are perfect
for soothing aching muscles and the region
caters for golfers with more than five
striking courses, among them the country’s
oldest in Marianske Lazne (also known as
Marienbad) and Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad).
Stay in the heart of spa towns and enjoy
great golf around them. If you decide to
stay in the spa town of Marianske Lazne
and are looking for a nice golfing break,
you cannot miss the Falkensteiner Hotel
Grand MedSpa Marienbad.
This is one of the best hotels in the town,
built in authentical Art Nouveau style. You
will appreciate spacious and cosy rooms as
well as an elegant bar with library and
summer terrace for evening relaxation.
It has unique relaxation facilities as it has
the only outdoor pool in town – plus four
more indoor pools as well as a caddy room.
It offers half-board supplements both for
individual tourist and groups and a special
menu for dinner every Saturday. If you
travel with family or kids and are looking
for non-golf activities this venue will meet
all your needs and the hotel concierge will
help with local sightseeing or excursions.
During your trip to West Bohemia, if
you stay in Karlovy Vary you will find
many nice hotels including luxury venues.
But there is one particularly special, if you
prefer to stay in the heart of pure
Cihelny.
Loreta.
Falkensteiner hotel.
46 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: Czech Republic
countryside, in the gorgeous valley of the
river Tepla yet still 10 minutes by taxi
from the spa town centre – Cihelny Golf
Resort. Only 90 minutes from Prague
airport, this all-embracing resort for
activity, relaxation and golf lovers awaits,
especially individual travellers or small
groups. You will explore 18 holes by Gary
Player that offer an exceptional experience.
A modern clubhouse has recently-opened
36 air-conditioned rooms in vivid and
cosy Scandinavian style along with nice
relaxation and spa facilities (indoor
swimming pool, whirpool, massages)
combine to offer a great holiday experience
both for golfers and non-golfers.
Combining Prague and West Bohemia,
with the region’s spas and the country’s
oldest courses has become very popular for
short golf breaks or week-long holidays,
both for the variety of cityscapes you can
enjoy as well as great golf in both areas.
If you would like to visit Prague or
West Bohemia or another Czech region
during your next golfing holiday consider
one of the sample golf packages to the
right. Or for more information or a tailormade
golf holiday, visit czech-republicgolf.com
n
SAMPLE
DEALS
Prague or West Bohemia:
Three nights and two rounds
of golf from £249.
Seven nights and five rounds
of golf from £599.
Play and Stay at golf resorts
in Prague or West Bohemia:
Two nights and two rounds
of golf from £199.
Five nights and four rounds
of golf from £415.
Panorama.
Czech Golf Festival 2017
This is an international golf
event for amateur golfers in
Prague, held from July 9,
2017. Four to seven nights
including breakfast with
three to five rounds of golf
on the best courses. There is
a welcome dinner and a
prize presentation dinner
plus a private sightseeing
tour of Prague with Englishspeaking
guide. Costs: From
£539 per golfer and £409
per non-golfer staying at a
four-star hotel.
• All packages refer to prices
per person based on four
golfers sharing twin rooms
including breakfast, all
airport and golf transfers,
meet and greet on arrival,
assistance by local English
speaking rep during the tour
and all local taxes. Group
discounts, tailor-made golf
or assistance with booking
flights on request.
Golf packages and tailormade
golf around the Czech
Republic available with all
good UK golf tour operators.
• For more information, to
have a tailor-made golf
break created for you or for
free brochure call 020 8133
4366 or visit czechrepublic-golf.com

ARGENTARIO GOLF RESORT & SPA
Luxury in
Tuscany
Enjoy Tuscany’s delights – the weather, food, and scenery – from exquisite Argentario Golf Resort & Spa.
For many decades, Tuscany has been
revered as a holiday destination for
holidaymakers seeking history,
culture, art, and beautiful scenery.
In the past few years it has also started to
establish itself as a favourite for golfers too –
not least due to the fabulous Argentario Golf
Resort and Spa in the heart of the
Maremma, a beautiful and still unexplored
part of Southern Tuscany.
This high-calibre Italian complex – one of
Golf World’s inaugural Top 100 Resorts in
Continental Europe 2016, has 73 design
rooms, an increasing selection of golf villas,
and an 18-hole championship course.
Thanks to the surrounding hills, the
Orbetello Lagoon (a WWF-managed nature
reserve) and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Argentario
has its own micro-climate – meaning golf is
possible all year round.
Then there are the vineyards and the
pristine beaches – both sandy and rocky –
that sit alongside Argentario’s fairways.
Oh, and all this is just 90 minutes away
from Rome’s Fiumicino airport.
What to expect from the course
It was designed by Tour golfer Baldovino
Dassù and architect David Mezzacane, then
revised by Brian Jorgensen.
At the on-site teaching academy you might
recognise one of the instructors who works
there. Emanuele Canonica, a past winner
of the Johnnie Walker Championship at
Gleneagles, teaches here and is available for
lessons of the highest calibre. Canonica uses
the latest technology and equipment to
ensure you leave a better player than when
you arrived. There is also a calendar of golf
competitions at Argentario Golf Club – and
you could be part of unique sports and
gastronomy events or the Tuscany Golf
Pro-Am with PGAs of Europe.
Off the golf course…
Other facilities at the resort include a heated
indoor swimming pool, an outdoor pool, a
hi-tech gym and areas for outdoor activities,
FIND
YOUR DREAM
HOME HERE
There are excellent opportunities to invest in
luxury villas overlooking the fairways and
lagoon, via Argentario Golf Residences. These
bespoke, design villas are seamlessly
integrated into the landscape.
For further details, visit
argentariogolfresidences.com
48 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: Italy
Villas on the golf course are
available for sale or holiday rental
at Argentario Golf Residences.
such as tennis, jogging and football.
Dama Dama Restaurant offers delicious
Tuscan and Mediterranean cuisine, with
many of the ingredients having been grown
on-site in the resort’s own organic vegetable
garden. During the warmer months, you can
enjoy breakfast, meals and cocktails on the
panoramic terrace with stunning views of the
golf course up to the lagoon and the sea.
Arguably the key attraction in addition
to the golf is the comprehensive spa. The
modern, retro-styled Espace Wellness Centre
is a 2,700m 2 oasis of tranquillity, leisure, and
indulgence. Here you have the opportunity
to get a relaxing treatment or simply use one
of the range of amenities.
Relish a healthy Detox, Italian style in
the Espace Wellness Center, which offers
specialised programs as a Nutrition Spa. In
2017, Argentario became the ideal Health
Resort in Tuscany with Personalised
Detox Plans, Yoga Lessons, and Wellness
Treatments with Organic Products.
Golfers who wish to reach a balanced and
healthy physical and mental state can join the
‘Wellbeing Method’, which involves food reeducation
and exclusive treatments designed
to achieve your desired weight, shape and
physical-mental wellness, and to maintain
these throughout time.
Breathtaking design
Argentario Resort is the only golf resort in
the Design Hotel’s group. This allencompassing
luxury retreat has design at
its heart. Old world glamour is given a
contemporary makeover, as state-of-the-art
facilities meet the seductive charm of a movie
star’s decadent Tuscan retreat. The rooms
express their individual personality through
a sophisticated and comfortable design,
ranging from the minimalist look in a
contemporary art-gallery style to a more
glamorous, metropolitan spirit with chrome
plating and stone tubs.
There is also a three-bedroom Locker
Cottage, a Tuscan-inspired hideaway built
into a hillside, opening onto an outdoor
terrace surrounded by a private olive garden.
Plus there are opportunities to invest in
luxury villas overlooking the fairways and
lagoon, via Argentario Golf Residences.
Exploring Tuscany
You can use Argentario as your base for an
exploration of Tuscany, which is one of the
most beautiful parts of Europe. Most of the
main towns and cities are all within easy
reach of the resort, so day trips to Florence,
Pisa and Siena are very easy. Apart from
Argentario Resort (part of Design Hotels),
Maremma hides design wineries and artistic
gardens, part of the ‘Design Travels in
Maremma Tuscany’ adventures.
Or discover hidden gems away from mass
tourism in the idyllic little towns of
Orbetello, Porto Ercole, Porto Santo Stefano
and Capalbio. n
Want to find out more?
t: +39 0564 810292
e: booking@argentarioresort.it
w: argentariogolfresortspa.it
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 49

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
France
We help narrow down your array of choices for a golf holiday over the channel.
France has quality courses in every
corner of the country, so which area
or which resort is most suited for
your golf break in 2017? It’s not
an easy choice to make, as the options are
extensive and comprehensive. We’ve tried to
help you make your mind up by identifying
the areas that will work best for different
type of golf traveller.
There are no shortage of possibilities and
some overlap – but we hope this seven-page
guide helps you identify the region or resort
that will appeal and satisfy you the most.
Best for the connoisseur
The South-West
Tom Doak and Bill Coore – what more do
you need to know?
These titans of modern golf course
architecture both have courses within 45
minutes of each in the Aquitaine region in
France’s south-west.
Coore created his two decades ago at Golf
du Medoc while Doak added Saint-
Emilionnais last year. For connoisseurs, golf
in Continental Europe simply doesn’t get
any better.
They have enhanced an unsung area that
has as many courses in Golf World’s
Continental Europe Top 100 as muchvaunted
Sotogrande.
Golf du Medoc, which has two courses in
Golf World’s Top 100 after the Vignes
50 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: France
course entered the Top 100 too in 2015 at
No.52, is the star attraction. Its Chateaux
course rose to No.15 in the 2015 ranking,
due reward for a wonderful heathland with
echoes of Walton Heath that was laid out by
Coore before his Coore-Crenshaw fame.
A four-star hotel makes for a terrific base
too, fully stocked as you’d imagine with
velvety Bordeauxs.
It is on the northern outskirts of Bordeaux
and now further inland to the east is Saint-
Emilionnais, with which Golf du Medoc
now have attractive packages.
To the south lie further jewels that make
Aquitaine such a well-endowed yet lowerprofile
region. There is Moliets, a parklandlinks
hybrid – and Seignosse, a tough test
among pine trees and around water hazards.
Then there is the leafy parkland of Hossegor
while another woodland-seaside course at
Chiberta completes what is unquestionably
a connoisseur’s delight.
Best for a couples weekend:
Paris
The reason is obvious – because as well as
some of the continent’s very finest golf
courses within a 45-minute circumference
of the centre, the non-golf attractions are
undoubtedly immense.
None of us really need to have the offcourse
appeal of Paris explained to us, the
fact that no matter what you enjoy doing
away from the course, you’ll find it here.
There is sightseeing – the Eiffel Tower,
the Champs Elysses, L’Arc Triomphe,
Montmarte, Notre Dame, the Pompidou
Building, the Sacre Couer. There are sports
to watch (French Open tennis at Roland
Garros, Six Nations and Autumn Test rugby
‘Tom Doak and Bill Coore
– what more do you need
to know? Aquitaine is
unquestionably a
connoisseur’s delight’
at Stade de France or football at Paris St
Germain). There is Disneyland, there are
legendary art galleries and museums and
there is simple people watching in a Seineside
cafe.
You’ll eat like a king or queen too.
The golf courses offer a similarly varied
menu – but be aware that many are private
and require pre-visit arrangement (try Private
Golf Key for assistance).
Le Golf National will be in everyone’s
minds for the next two years as it prepares to
Le Touquet’s La Mer has
recently been renovated
to great effect.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 51

The tree-lined 7th hole at
Evian in the east of France.
host the Ryder Cup. This thrill-a-minute
parkland is dominated by water and already
offers tremendous ‘experience’ golf.
The top two-ranked courses –
Morfontaine and Les Bordes – are so private
as to be off your radar, but Paris still has
tremendous depth in the likes of Chantilly’s
two delightful English-feeling courses or the
heathland-woodland of Fontainebleau south
east of the city. Nearby Crecy, near
Disneyland Paris, has two very good
parkland courses and a characterful hotel
that is a super base for a trip.
In the west, Saint Germain, a classic
Harry Colt design, and St Nom La
Breteche’s Red and Blue offer classical appeal.
Paris also does a second tier of courses
exceptionally well too, enabling you to
balance the books of your trip with some
EXPERT
OPINION
“Fontainebleau near Paris is one of my
favourites to play in France. It’s a great Tom
Simpson course which flies under the radar for
many. With a serious tree-clearing
programme and a sympathetic bunker
restoration it could be in the same
league as Morfontaine.”
– architect Frank Pont
lower-priced courses that will still present
a perfectly enjoyable day out.
Best for competitive groups:
Pas de Calais
If you want to start playing world-class golf
as soon as possible, this is the trip for you –
certainly if you live no further north than
Leeds or Manchester (and if you are further
north, you’d still be wise to consider a
domestic flight to Gatwick and follow our
route from there).
Why? Because it is the easiest golf break
to go on in Europe. Get yourself to Dover
(sounds awkward, but brave a very early
alarm call and even if you live in Yorkshire
or Lancashire, you can be there for an 8am
departure) and the job is done.
Roll onto the EuroTunnel train, catch up
on 20 minutes of sleep, and within 30
minutes of rolling off it you are in the car
park of your first course, Wimereux.
It is a no-frills seaside course with as much
links character as most in Continental
Europe. A great way to start the trip – and if
it is breezy, the scoring will be interesting!
It’s a terrific warm-up for the main action,
52 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: France
‘The original design
of Hardelot was
there, it just needed
to be reopened’
“We knew we had to renovate our course jewels”
Laurent Boissonnas of Open Golf Club on the group’s superb restorations at Hardelot and Le Touquet.
Just like with a hotel where you need on-going
refurbishments otherwise you are out of the
game, we were facing a similar sort of situation
in the golf industry and knew we needed to
do some refurbishments on our leading golf
courses within the Open Golf Club.
Our competition has increased in recent
years and so has the level of service that is
expected. Word of mouth is important and so
we would remain as popular, we had to act.
We met with architects to see what they
could offer and, four or five years ago, we were
very seduced by the Frank Pont-Patrice
Boissonnas project. They found aerial pictures
and proof of the original design by Harry Colt
in Le Touquet and equally so by Tom Simpson
in Hardelot.
We thought that was an interesting lead to
work on, to return the courses to how Colt and
Simpson created them initially in 1931 .
We liked the idea and decided to go
forward. It led to the creation of four new holes
– 13, 14, 15 and 16 – at Le Touquet and the
refurbishment on other holes that over time
had some alterations in bunkers and green
surroundings. In Hardelot the situation was
similar. The course was not the same: the sand
dunes had become covered by trees, altering
some perspective on the tees; the bunkers
were not what they were and had been
updated over time with different ideas.
The original design was still there, it just
needed to be reopened so that its DNA of an
inland links on sand could come back.
There are now different shot opportunities
and more fun yet it is challenging for everyone;
Hardelot hosts the first round of the qualifying
tournament for the European Tour.
It is a fierce competitive enviroment for golf
tourism and we needed the conviction to
maintain the buzz and positive word of mouth.
Les Pins is now as it was when Simpson
created it, and La Mer just as Harry Colt did.
We had the idea of where we wanted to be.
We work in a very competitive environment
but we look forward to improving the courses
further, as well as their condition and the
service our customers receive. With cheaper
airline flights, people can travel all over the
world to play golf – not just Spain and Portugal,
with lots of other new destinations and of
course in Britain too – but we still believe we
have a great offering here in the north of
France. You can bring your car and your clubs
and be in Hardelot quickly after leaving Britain.
We needed to work to remain on the wish list
of British golfers and I hope we have done that.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 53

Continental Europe: France
Terre Blanche was voted the
finest resort in Continental
Europe last year.
which begins in the lovely picture-postcard
seaside town of Hardelot, but where the golf
is of a heathland-woodland nature.
It has two golf courses. One is called Les
Dunes and sits on raunchy terrain that rolls
high and low in dramatic fashion, full of
elevated drives and uphill approaches.
The No.1 course is Les Pins, long a
favourite for visiting British golfers, having
been laid out by Tom Simpson in the early
1900s. In the past four years it has been
transformed by architect Frank Pont and his
associate Patrice Boissonnas, with hundreds
of trees having been removed and in their
place the sandy areas of yore have returned.
It rose an historic 71 places to No.27 in
Golf World’s 2015 Continental Europe Top
100 ranking.
It falls under the Open Club umbrella (see
‘If you had to devise a
golf trip that offered high
quality with low hassle,
Pas de Calais would be it’
previous page), as does neighbouring Le
Touquet – which is having its own makeover.
Situated 40 minutes to the south of
Hardelot, this is another multi-course
venue... and whose No.1 course La Mer is
also undergoing Pont-Boissonnas restoration.
Laid out by Harry Colt in 1931 it ought
to be a sandy, raw, thrilling experience and
the refurbishment promises to offer exactly
that. It is backed up by La Foret, laid out by
Horace Hutchinson in 1904, and set in a
pine forest at Le Touquet that is sheltered
from the wind, as well as the par-35 3,000-
yard Le Manor by Harold Baker.
Finally, Belle Dune is a combination of
Les Pins and Les Dunes, routed over rolling
duneland and lined by pines. It would make
for a surprisingly good end to the trip.
If you had to devise a golf trip that offered
high quality with low hassle, Pas de Calais
would be it.
Best for a family holiday:
The South-East
One of our more obvious selections, because
this area of the country is synonymous with
quality, style and uncommon class; mere
mention of the names ‘Provence’, ‘Cote
d’Azur’ and ‘Nice’ explains its selection as
France’s top family holiday option.
Within this gilded region – which boasts
54 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: France
‘If you can’t find
happiness at
Terre Blanche,
we really worry
for your sanity’
weather just that bit better than on any other
trip to France, extending the season by as
many as two months – are several worldclass
golf resorts which are perfect to keep
every member of the family entertained for
a week or more...
Terre Blanche is the obvious stand-out,
with two outstanding courses and a luxury
hotel encompassing an incredible spa, kid’s
club, pool area and exquisite dining. If you
can’t find happiness here, we really worry for
your sanity! Heaven on earth.
Another fabulous option is Saint Endreol.
Its course opened in 1992, designed by
Michel Gayon, and boasts a sensational par
3 within its classy layout. The 50-room
hotel, a five-minute stroll through the forest
from the clubhouse, only opened in 2008,
and also offers fabulous fresh food that is
renowned locally as well as predictably
excellent wine.
In the Rhones-Alpes area further to the
north, fabled Evian is a beguiling resort
on the edge of Lake Geneva. It is one of
Europe’s most enchanting destinations, with
a course that hosts a ladies’ major and two
luxury hotels.
Best for mixed groups:
Brittany & Normandy
The neighbouring regions of Normandy and
Brittany offer a golf holiday with a rural hue,
based in agricultural settings and traditional
market towns of bustling squares boasting
a cafe, bar, post office and restaurants.
Temperate climates warmed by the Gulf
Stream are an added attraction but you’ll
probably have your own car with you, full of
Travel essentials
The climate Not unlike the British climate in
the north but the south has an extended
summer period of early May to late
September. The south west isn’t quite as nice
as the south east.
When to go May to September for warm
weather but the south east can be very nice
all year round.
Getting there You can fly all over France
cheaply and hire a car but we like the
EuroTunnel option. Paris is just three hours’
drive from Calais.
More information Open Golf Club have some
of the leading courses in France in their stable
(w: opengolfclub.com) while Private Golf Key
offer a personalised service to play the
leading venues (w: privategolfkey.com).
56 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

COME EXPERIENCE THE
N°1 GOLF RESORT
IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE
GOLF & SPA PACKAGE
• Luxury Suite or Villa, double occupancy
• Breakfast for two persons
• One green-fee including a golf-cart with GPS
• One 60-minute massage at the Spa
• Access to the Albatros Golf Performance Center
with unlimited driving-range balls
• Unlimited access to the spa facilities
From 540€ *
per suite and night.
*Upon availibility and reservation
45 minutes from Nice International Airport,
35 minutes from Cannes. Helicopter access.
www.terre-blanche.com

Continental Europe: France
Golf National will host
Europe’s next Ryder Cup.
St Endreol is one of the
leading resorts in the
whole of Europe.
all the gear you wish, because you might well
have taken the ferry from the south coast of
England.
The golf? Full of highlights and
something for everyone, no matter what your
taste, budget or ability. No matter how
diverse your group, these regions can cater
for all.
In Brittany, surrounded on three sides by
the sea, you lap up spectacular holes such as
the 11th at Pléneuf-Val-André or the 6th at
Dinard.
Val-André and Dinard Golf are two of the
highlights of this region of varied golf, with
the common theme of uncrowded tee sheets,
inexpensive green fees, and easy access.
The parkland of Les Ormes is another,
a terrific play-and-stay option, while Saint-
Malo Hôtel, Golf & Country Club is in the
‘Golf Barrière de
Deauville by Tom
Simpson has charmed
since 1929’
forest among ancient hunting grounds of
Robert Surcouf, and surrounded by the vast
Mirloup lake.
In Normandy, there are more than 40
courses ranging from seaside tracks to inland
beauties to clifftop thrillers. They are located
in locations as diverse as the Bay of Mont St
Michel to the Alabaster Coast and from
Perche to the Seine Valley, from the
Cherbourg peninsula to Auge.
Etretat has overlooked the sea and the
eponymous bay since 1908, Golf Barrière de
Deauville by Tom Simpson has charmed
since 1929 while Dieppe-Pourville is a
Willie Park design from 1897. Omaha Beach
has an emotive name and indeed is just three
miles from the American Cemetery of
Colleville-sur-Mer, and many of its 36 holes
enjoy splendid views. Halfway between Paris
and Deauville, Golf d’Evreux sits beautifully
in its natural rolling topography and is noted
for its fast, true greens while Golf Barrière de
Saint-Julien near Pont-L’Evêque has two
courses. France’s possibilities seem endless... n
Want to find out more?
UK’s offcial site for visiting France
w: uk.france.fr
Private Golf Key
w: privategolfkey.com
58 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

UTOPIA IN PROVENCE
Saint Endréol
Golf & Spa Resort
A retreat whose food, golf and pampering make it impossible not to enjoy yourself.
Set between Provence and the Cote
d’Azur coast, in stunning, sundappled
scenery, Les Domaines de
Saint Endréol spans 370 acres of
unspoiled landscape that encapsulates the
exquisite lifestyle of Provence.
Whether your preference is for golf, spa
treatments, walking, stretching out on a sun
lounger, a quiet break or a lively holiday,
Saint Endréol has it all.
Located just 45 minutes’ drive from Nice
airport, Saint Endréol combines the many
attractions of one of the most energetic and
appealing regions of Europe.
The course
Opened in August 1992, it was designed by
Michel Gayon, France’s undisputed amateur
champion from 1975 to 1985 and now its
most high-profile golf architect.
It stretches to 6,434 yards with a par of 72
and boasts fairways cut through forest while
the hilly terrain makes for a number of blind
shots. Stand-out holes include the par-3 8th,
with a carry across the second lake, and the
14th, 15th and 16th, which follow a bend in
the river. The long par-4 17th is a worthy
stroke index one, taking no prisoners at the
start of the home holes.
Yet the highlight, in a literal sense if
nothing else, is when one stands on the
elevated 13th tee at St Endréol. The view is
the essence of Provence, with olive groves,
stands of pine trees and mellow buildings
folded into rich Mediterranean countryside.
Look up and you will see the hills of the
60 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: France
GOLF &
RELAX OFFER
Saint Endréol have a fabulous package for
2017 that includes one night’s
accommodation in a prestige room with
breakfast buffet, one 18-hole green fee per
person, dinner at the restaurant
and access to the comprehensive spa. It costs
from €336 for two persons (in double
occupancy – rate in countryside view
room – low season rate).
Visit st-endreol.com
Rouet and the red sandstone of the Rocher
de Roquebrune. Look down, way down, and
you’ll see a lonely green almost surrounded
by the River Endre.
This is still one of the most memorable
par 3s, up there (if you pardon the pun) with
the 14th at Phuket’s Blue Canyon or the 15th
at Lemuria in the Seychelles. When it comes
to spectacular drops, the 13th at St Endréol
is one of the most precipitous.
Where you stay
The Domaines de Saint Endréol offers a
large range of accommodation facilities.
Whether it is for a night, a week or more,
you will find Saint Endréol provides the
comfort and services you need to make your
stay a wholly enjoyable one.
The residential hotel is conveniently
located only a five-minute stroll through the
forest from the clubhouse.
It has 50 bright contemporary rooms, each
with a tiny kitchenette and a balcony, plus
restaurant, pool and spa (see right). Saint
Endréol also has individual villas with
private pool, town houses and apartments,
blending Provencal tradition with a high
standard in comfort. In this guise, you can
stay for one week or more.
Gourmet pleasure
Saint-Endréol is obviously a top destination
for golfers, but it is also a gourmet’s paradise.
Serving lunches and dinners in the dining
room or out on the terrace, where you can
lap up the panoramic views over the golf
course, the restaurant serves guests refined
seasonal cuisine, topped with the gorgeous
setting of an elegant bastide.
Michelin honours abound elsewhere too
on this elite coast – the regional landmark is
Gérald Passédat’s three-star “Le Petit Nice”
in Marseille but the towns and villages in
the hills around St Endréol have their own
only slightly less glittering goodies. David
Carré with “Le Carré d’Ange” in
Montouroux, Bruno in Lorgues; Hostellerie
Les Gorges de Pennafort in Callas with the
Chef Da Silva all deserve a mention in the
one-star category.
Pamper yourself
The spa boasts 2000m 2 of amenities
including a Turkish bath, saunas, a counter
current pool, hot tub solarium and seven
treatment cabins with a comprehensive list of
treatments using Carita and Comfort Zone
products.
The spa spoils you with a great choice of
luxurious, personalised body and face
treatments for men and women using Carita
and Comfort Zone products.
Explore the area
A day swimming and shopping in St Tropez
or St Raphaël is always enjoyable: the
culturally inclined might combine it with
a visit to the Roman amphitheatre and
aqueduct in Fréjus. At Saint Endréol, there is
something for everyone. n
Want to find out more?
t: +33 (0) 4 94 51 89 80
e: reservation@st-endreol.com
w: st-endreol.com
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 61

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS AT
The Evian Resort
Uncovering the evolution of this historic and fabled French resort overlooking Lake Geneva.
In 1904, the Evian mineral water
company bought the farm and land
belonging to the Berthet family and built
a nine-hole golf course with the
upcoming opening of the Hôtel Royal at
the front of their minds.
Located at an altitude of 500m,
overlooking Lake Geneva, one of the first
golf courses in France was an immediate
success with visitors, who were enchanted by
its magnificent views and vegetation which
was to be immortalised by the writer
Lamartine.
Set in 148 acres of wooded parkland, since
then Evian Resort Golf Club has developed
into a challenging course that offers the
quality of a renowned championship course
combined with the beauty of its exceptional
setting.
The incomparable viewpoints of Lake
Geneva and the Alpine summits are
unforgettable – and so is the new 18-hole
course. A comprehensive renovation by the
Cabell B Robinson – a former assistant to
Robert Trent Jones – at the end of the 1980s
was followed two decades later by another
significant and successful upgrade.
Stretching to 6,595 yards, the Evian
Resort Golf Club tests and charms the
leading women players in the world every
year when they meet on the banks of Lake
Geneva at The Evian Championship, now
a legendary global event.
One of only two majors outside America,
and the only one in Continental Europe,
the Evian Championship – the fifth major –
will this year take place from September 14
to 17. Competitors this year will seek to
follow in the footsteps of the greats of the
game who have won here: Alfredsson,
Davies, Sorenstam, Inkster, Webb and Ko.
The results of the total renovation in 2013
means it now plays with more flow, is more
spectacular and is more strategic… yet while
retaining a strong French identity.
All the tees have been modified and the
fairways reworked. The greens are firmer,
requiring well-struck shots to find and ‘hold’
them while also being enlarged to now offer
six pin positions. They are defended by an
increased number of ambitious obstacles, in
particular newly-created or enlarged water
features. Many deeper bunkers have also
been re-positioned all over the course.
The signature hole of the renovated course
is the 5th, a par 3 whose difficulty stems
from an island green and the need to
62 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: France
negotiate a 100m long water hazard.
The ‘Evian Puzzle’ refers to the heart of
the course, the crucial final run of holes – 15,
16, 17 and 18 – where everything in the
match is to play for.
Evian-les-Bains is a spa town built on the
mountainside 360 miles from Paris, 118
miles from Lyon and 25 miles from Geneva.
Perched at 497m, in the heart of 47-acre
grounds, the Evian Resort overlooks Lake
Geneva. It dominates the town, looking
towards the Alps and faces Swiss city
Lausanne on the other side of the lake.
Introducing The Manoir
The Manoir du Golf in Evian is located in
the heart of the Evian Resort Golf Club
Academy. It offers golf enthusiasts the
opportunity to stay there by day and night
and to enjoy their passion for the game to
the full. The Manoir de Novery, built in
1911, has retained the soul and elegance of
homes from bygone times. This authentic
feel was retained during refurbishment and
the seven guest rooms are imbued with a
cosy, totally golf-inspired atmosphere. You
The Evian course has been
renovated to great success.
enjoy use of the facilities at Hotel Ermitage.
There are seven rooms at the Manoir,
room for 180 pupils at the Academy’s Golf
School, five qualified instructors and one
Club Fitting service and golf club repair.
...and the luxurious hotels
The four-star Ermitage has 80 rooms and
was totally renovated in 2010. It offers an
intimate, stylish atmosphere, with stylish bars,
restaurants, a sumptuous spa and super kid’s
club. The five-star Hôtel Royal is a Leading
Hotel of The World and nominated Palace in
2016, guaranteeing a stay of luxury, chic
design and fabulous food. n
Want to find out more?
t. +33 (0)4 50 26 50 50
e: reservation@evianresort.com
w: evianresort-golf-club.com
PERFECT
PACKAGE
Stay two nights at one of the hotels in a
double room (lake view upgrade subject
to availability) with breakfast, one green
fee per person, unlimited access to the
Academy, unlimited use of pools/
spa facilities.From €356pp
(double occupancy).
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 63

EUROPEAN GOLF RESORTS
TOP 100
GOLF DU MEDOC
No.8
TOP 100 COURSES & FAMED VINEYARDS
Golf du Medoc Resort
Two Top 100 courses and a four-star hotel among the legendary vineyards of Bordeaux await...
Situated among the vines and many
famous Chateaux, this golf resort is
an unmissable destination in South
West France. Its location near
Bordeaux allows visitors to combine golf,
gastronomy and wine tasting, yet only 20
minutes from the city’s international airport.
It’s the ideal mix for golf lovers seeking to
discover the many fine wines and Châteaux of
the Medoc. Whether one is an oenophile or a
serious golfer – or perhaps a bit of both –
Bordeaux and the Medoc will undoubtedly
offer a spectacular array of pleasures and
memories. Nowhere else can one find such a
diverse range of Chateaux and Grands Crus,
so skilfully cultivated, for golf and wine.
The four-star hotel overlooks the golf
courses and offers exceptional views from the
restaurants and the rooms’ private patios.
The restaurant, ‘Le Club’ is the place to
enjoy the most prestigious Grand Crus
Classés wines from Medoc region as well as
fine dining on regional produce. You can even
go to the rich wine room and pick your
favourite bottle. Drink it close to the cosy
lounge library and bar or on the terrace facing
some holes of Les Châteaux course.
On the Medoc Wine Trail, make a stop at
Château Mouton Rothschild or Château
Pichon-Longueville to enjoy all the secrets
from the Medoc know-how.
Les Châteaux course, a par 71 of 7,189
yards is the only course designed by Bill Coore
in Europe. This championship course is a
pure delight, with each hole named after one
of Medoc’s top wines. Les Châteaux was in
2015 ranked by Golf World in Continental
Europe’s top 15 courses. It’s inspired by links
with its fast-running fairways, but has a
heathland nature a la Walton Heath. Retief
Goosen won the 1999 French Open here.
The adjacent ‘Les Vignes’ was designed
by Rod Whitman and is perhaps a bit less
demanding but offers strategic choices off the
tee. It was ranked 52nd by Golf World. The
landscape is relatively flat, but winds through
pine forests, heathland and around a lake. n
Want to find out more?
t: 33(0) 5 56 70 31 31
e: contact@golfdumedocresort.com
w: golfdumedocresort.com
An aerial view of the hotel with the Vignes course behind.
Golf du Medoc’s spa and pool sits within the four-star hotel.
DOAK & COORE
Three nights’ B&B in the on-site 4* hotel,
Signature Pass including three rounds on
both courses and at Grand Saint-Emilionnais
(by Tom Doak), range balls before play, gifts,
and access to the Spa. Costs €506 pp
(sharing double room). Valid April-Oct,
subject to availability. E: contact@
golfdumedocresort.com or w:
golfdumedocresort.com
64 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

hotel****
spa
restaurants
châteaux course
Bill Coore (USA) - 1989
vignes course
Rod Whitman (CAN) - 1991
w w w . g o l f d u m e d o c r e s o r t . c o m
training center
Bernard Pascassio
Situated among the vineyards
of the MÈdoc between Bordeaux
and the spectacular Atlantic coast
beaches, Golf du Medocís 36-hole
resort offers access to some of the
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west France. Only 20 minutes from
Bordeaux Merignac international
airport, the resortís elegant hotel
is merely yards from the 1st tee of
both highlyregarded courses.
For golf, gastronomy and wine
tasting, a visit to Golf du Medoc
Resort on the wine route is a must.
wine tasting
EUROPEAN GOLF RESORTS
TOP 100
GOLF DU MEDOC
No.8
Chemin de Courmateau - 33290 Le Pian MÈdoc
T. 33 (0)5 56 70 31 31 - F. 33(0)5 56 70 78 78
contact@golfdumedocresort.com

Sir Nick Faldo-designed Elea
EUROPE’S ALL-YEAR GOLF PARADISE
Focus on Cyprus
Seeking winter sun without a long-haul flight? Head for the four courses on the island of Cyprus.
Cyprus is the short-haul golf
destination with long-haul
attractions. Blessed with one of the
most consistently good climates in
the world – with a long summer season
extending into late October – this is patently
a year-round destination. Even in the winter
months, temperatures are mild with an
average of six hours of sunshine a day.
It has four superb golf courses too, located
close to each other so it is easy to plan a trip
where you play more than one of them.
Factor in excellent hotels, great gastronomy,
abundant culture – indeed, Pafos is European
Capital of Culture 2017 – diverse natural
attractions including famous archaeology and
authentic hospitality and it is one of Europe’s
Clockwise from top left: Eléa; Aphrodite Hills; Minthis Hills;
Secret Valley. Above: Sunset at Petra tou Romiou, Paphos.
most appealing destinations. There is varied
nightlife in the cities and towns of Larnaca,
Paphos and Limassol as well as resorts such as
Ayia Napa. It’s just over four hours away too,
with direct flights from London and regional
airports. The courses, too, are first class...
Aphrodite Hills
Cyprus’ best-known course was designed
by Cabell Robinson on 578 acres on two
plateaux, divided by a ravine that overlooks
the spot ‘Aphrodite’ is said to have emerged
from the sea. Its topography allows for
spectacular views and drives – not least on the
iconic short 7th. Just 10 minutes from Paphos
airport, its 290-room hotel is a great base.
Minthis Hills
The first course in Cyprus has undergone a
name change and a renovation. Known as
Tsada when it was laid out by Donald Steel in
1994, it has recently undergone a significant
overhaul by the Mackenzie & Ebert firm.
Located in the grounds of a 12th Century
monastery in a valley surrounded by vineyards
and orchards. There’s also a chic clubhouse.
Secret Valley
Tony Jacklin’s design opened in 2013 and sits
in a scenic valley adjacent to the Paphos coast.
Routed among mature trees and natural rock
formation, its six sets of tees mean it is
playable for all standards of golfer. It has a
superb Golf Academy too.
Eléa
A 2010 Sir Nick Faldo design on rolling
hillside topography above the Med. Laid out
around weathered outcrops of limestone as
well as mature carob and olive trees. It is
backed up by a lavish clubhouse with a fine
restaurant, five terraces, wine-tasting lounge,
and an exclusive private terrace. n
Want to find
out more?
t: 00 357 22 691100
w: visitcyprus.com
Travel essentials
THE CLIMATE Cyprus is a year-round
destination so ideal for winter sun.
WHEN TO GO November to March, quiet but
atmospheric, perfect for golf.
GETTING THERE Fly to Larnaca or, even
better, Paphos, from a choice of UK airports.
CURRENCY Euros TIME GMT+2
66 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

CYPRUS
From a winning game to winning her heart
in no time.
Cyprus is the crossroads linking three continents, and from its turquoise waters emerged Aphrodite,
goddess of beauty. It’s no wonder that it affords such tranquil private moments for those who are looking
for a quality vacation destination. Enjoy Cyprus, from the intensity that a good game of golf can rouse
to complete rest and relaxation at luxury hotels or exotic spas. From the famed Commandaria wine
to the country’s shopping, renowned for its variety, exotic goods and jewelry.
Follow your heart to experience the island’s breathtaking beauty and you’ll find that everything
in Cyprus is a mere heartbeat away.
www.visitcyprus.com

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
Portugal
In three areas on the mainland and in its islands in the Atlantic, Portugal has something for everyone.
Portugal is not a huge country, yet
has as many as five different areas
to consider for a golf break. They
vary in style, cost and accessibility
but there are several themes that connects
them all. These three themes help to make
Portugal such a highly-appealing option.
They all offer a terrific variety of golf
courses, a scenario helped by the fact all five
areas have access to a coastline of some
description. The outstanding service you
receive at the golf clubs and resorts is another
common link; while service standards are
high across the continent now, we find
Portugal’s to be consistently the highest.
And the weather is another welcome and
familiar theme; it’s true that Portugal’s
islands in the Atlantic Ocean benefit from
slightly better winter weather than the
mainland, but as a whole, these five key golf
areas boasts sensationally good climates.
The areas do, clearly, differ in many
respects though, and this is what you can
expect to discover in each of them.
Lisbon’s three areas
There is so much golf on offer in and
around the capital that it has to be divided
into three different areas – the Blue Coast
(south of the city), Estoril (west of the city)
and the Silver Coast (north of the city).
For a long time the ‘third’ of Lisbon’s
areas, the western coastline is poised to
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Continental Europe: Portugal
become extremely powerful.
Praia D’El Rey had long been the standard
bearer in this area, near the medieval town of
Obidos 45 minutes north of Lisbon. The
arrival of Royal Obidos resort four years ago
gave it added ballast, and in June this year it
will gain a further significant attraction.
That’s when PDR unveils its second
course, West Cliffs, designed by Cynthia
Dye and with all the hallmarks of a classic
in the making.
When added to the existing Cabell B
Robinson track – a mix of seaside and pinelined
holes that is a fixture in the top 50 on
the continent – it is going to make this
Marriott resort one of Europe’s very finest.
Royal Obidos boasts a Seve Ballesterosdesigned
18-hole course that sits seamlessly
in its rolling terrain of low-lying woodland
and water features while Bom Successo by
Donald Steel – where the back nine is the
pick – is just a few minutes away. With these
four courses, Obidos suddenly has highcalibre
strength in depth. Steel also designed
Dolce Campo Real, en route to Lisbon,
which is a super family resort.
The south of Lisbon has often been
similarly overshadowed but is now emerging
as a strong contender in its own right –
especially for those seeking value for money.
It is doubtful if anywhere surpasses the Blue
Coast in a quality-to-euro sense.
Leading the way is European Top 100
track Troia, a Robert Trent Jones Snr track
on a remote peninsula – but don’t let that
put you off, because this is a fabulous test
among pines and on sandy seaside terrain.
Quinta do Peru has long been a Top 100
venue too, another design by the underrated
Rocky Roquemore. It is vintage woodland-
parkland resort golf and is part of the
Orizonte group that also owns two 18-hole
courses within a forest of cork oak trees at
Ribagolfe, as well as another 36-hole
complex Aroeira – a Top 100 resort whose
No.1 course has echoes of Woburn and
entered Golf World’s Top 100 in 2015.
The Estoril region is easily the most well
known, boasting stellar names such as
Oitavos Dunes, a seaside course among
dunes, and fabled Penha Longa, a top-10
resort in continental Europe that boasts the
feared Atlantico course by Robert Trent
Jones Jnr/Kyle Phillips and a fabulous hotel.
One of our resort favourites is Quinta da
Marinha, with its Trent Jones Snr course
from 1984 and even more importantly its
peerless accommodation: the expansive
original hotel and the exquisite new chic one.
The Estoril club itself hails back to the
Praia D’El Rey north of
Lisbon is poised to become
even more outstanding.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 69

1930s by Mackenzie Ross, and Belas,
Belavista, Paco do Lumiar, Quinta de
Beloura and Lisbon Sports Club are other
presentable options for the traveller.
The Algarve
As the most popular destination for British
golfers over the 50 years it has been
welcoming us to its miles of golden coastline,
it’s a fair bet that most of us have been there
at least once. It’s never been more popular
in fact. So it might feel as if you know
everything there is to know about it. And in
every facet of life, we love trying something
new more than ever – from food to cars and
music to drinks, making the safe, well-worn
choice is no longer what it used to be.
We want adventure, surprise and
intrigue... and why not?
It might make the Algarve seem a little
drab as the destination for your next golf
holiday. We know what it is all about.
There are no surprises there; going again
would just be like that time in 201X or
200X when we went.
And that is where, with the greatest
respect, you’d be totally wrong. Yes, the
courses and towns of the Algarve are well
known to British golfers, but even those of us
who travel there regularly discover something
new every time. Take a golf holiday to the
Algarve in 2017, and it will be different from
the last one. If it isn’t it’ll be your fault,
because after you liked it so much the
previous time you booked the same hotel
and courses again!
The ‘boring’ constant themes on the
Algarve are wholly positive ones: the
fabulous climate that makes it a year-round
golf destination; the warm welcome you’ll
receive no matter if you stay in a five-star
hotel or a three-star guesthouse; the flawless
conditioning of whatever course you play;
the convenience of flying to Faro [from all
corners of Britain] and then to your hotel.
There are Top 100 attractions from
Palmares in the west to Monte Rei in the
east and San Lorenzo plus the Oceanico Old
and Faldo courses in between. There are
heavenly play-and-stays wherever you look,
led by family-friendly Pine Cliffs and lowerprofile
but high-appeal Robinson Quinta da
Ria. The Dona Filipa-San Lorenzo axis, the
Vidago Palace, Porto.
former a majestic newly-refurbished hotel,
the latter arguably the Algarve’s finest course
offers an alluring package. And then there
is Penina, where it all began with Henry
Cotton’s design starting the Algarve golf
revolution, an area that still sets the standard
as far as golf breaks are concerned.
Porto’s twin attractions
Two venues make Portugal’s capital a clever
option for those seeking something different,
something classy from their golf trip in 2017.
They are very different, but taken together
offer a break of style and substance.
Vidago Palace offers century-old
character... but with the advantage of a recent
thorough makeover in 2010, 100 years after
opening. Located an hour from Porto and
BEST OF
PORTUGAL?
Our favourites include... Most scenic courses -
San Lorenzo, Oitavos Dunes and Praia D’El Rey.
Toughest courses - Monte Rei, Oceanico Faldo
and Troia. Most fun courses - Quinta da Ria,
Vilamoura Old, Ribagolfe 1. Best family
resorts - Penina, Praia D’El Rey and
Pine Cliffs. Best for groups -
Aroeira and Penha Longha.
Batalha, Azores.
70 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: Portugal
Palheiro, Madeira.
15 minutes from Chaves, it retains its
peerless pedigree in its 70 rooms, six
restaurants and bars.
The course was originally built by
Mackenzie Ross as a nine-holer in 1936 and
was sympathetically extended by Cameron
Powell. The closing trio offer breathtaking
views from their lofty positions but
otherwise Vidago is characterised by clever
holes over undulating terrain.
Estela is totally different, a sandy seaside
experience over firm turf where the strength
of the wind will determine your score.
With an excursion to the legendary Douro
wine region, this is a connoisseur’s delight.
Madeira Islands
Just three courses on this Portuguese
archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean but they
all have much merit – not least in the
breathtaking coastal views common to all.
Possibly the greatest advantage Madeira
has is in its amazingly consistent weather
that sees the sun shine strongly every month
without ever being blisteringly hot, and
where the temperature is routinely within a
few degrees of 20˚C. And that is available
with little more than a mere four-hour flight.
A popular destination for non-golfers –
who visit for the gastronomy, famous wines,
nature trails, world-class fishing, bustling
markets and water sports – Madeira is as
well set-up to charm golfing travellers as
anywhere on the mainland, no matter
whether you are travelling in a single-sex
group, in a couple, or within a family.
Santo da Serra, Palheiro and Porto Santo
are the three courses in the archipelago, and
‘Just three courses on
Madeira but they all have
much merit – not least in
the breathtaking coastal
views common to all’
all have featured in Golf World’s Continental
European Top 200.
Palheiro is a wonderful play-and-stay
option, perched high above the capital of
Funchal and offering a boutique hotel
serving terrific food and a course boasting
ocean views as well as inland holes of such
colour that it has been likened to Augusta.
It celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
Santo da Serra is a regular European Tour
stop and is full of brave carries over gorges,
cliff-edge greens and elevated drives.
Porto Santo is a Seve Ballesteros design on
the eponymous nearby island to Madeira
and is predictably exciting, always offering
the golfer a route to nerve-wracking glory.
The Azores
Like Madeira, this archipelago is not
extensively stocked with courses but all three
are appealing, as are the off-course
attractions of a mild-climate year round and
the kind of backdrops and culture that
demand you relax and unwind.
Two of the courses are on the island of
São Miguel, whose airport of Ponta Delgada
is the gateway to the Azores via SATA Air
Azores, Ryanair or TAP Air Portugal.
Furnas is the original course here, situated
500m above sea level and whose original
nine holes from 1936 were designed by
Turnberry’s creator Mackenzie Ross.
Perched above the attractive spa town, that
loop was extended in the early 1990s.
Batalha is the more recent but equally
appealing of Sao Miguel’s courses. There are
three loops of nine, many with views across
the verdant landscape down to the sea.
Designed by Powell in the 1980s and opened
to the public in 1993, it has hosted the
Azores Ladies Open.
On Ilha Terceira, another of the nine
volcanic islands that make up the Portuguese
archipelago, sits the final course Terceira.
Established in 1954 by American golf
enthusiasts at Lajes Air Force Base, it is
characterised by pine trees and small lakes
and was renovated in 2006. n
Travel essentials
The climate: If Lisbon loses anything in
comparison with the Algarve it is actually on
weather as opposed to courses. The
Algarve’s location further south extends its
better weather by a good couple of months.
When to go: If you want to be in the pool as
well as on the course in Porto and Lisbon,
stick to June to August inclusive. The Algarve
can be visited May to September for
swimming and sunbathing. Equally though, if
sunbathing isn’t essential, Portugal is open
for golf all year round as it is never chilly.
Getting there: Faro is served so well by UK
airports, and Lisbon is similarly well serviced.
The roads are perfectly pleasant to drive a
hire car on once there.
Time GMT +1 Currency Euro
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 71

Continental Europe: Portugal
PORTUGAL’S GLENEAGLES
Vidago Palace
This historic venue is one of the outstanding golf resorts in Europe.
It is not often a golf resort oozes centuries
of history and tradition, but that is
indubitably the case at Portugal’s highlyimpressive
Vidago Palace.
This is one of Portugal’s grandest hotels, one
which has been refurbished in great detail
and with sympathy to its decades of tradition
and old-world luxury. Its course has similar
pedigree, and remains a delightful retreat;
not overly punishing while remaining a test.
Situated an hour and 10 minutes from
Porto airport, Vidago’s course complements
the relaxed but stylish nature of the hotel.
Even the most discerning golfer will
treasure this hidden palace in the woods,
which has more than a hint of Scotland’s
famous Gleneagles hotel and golf courses...
A course with a wealth of charm
The course was redesigned by the Cameron
& Powell firm from an original by the
respected British architect Mackenzie Ross
from 1936.
It has been transformed into a par-72
course of 6,938 yards, making it a potential
venue for international championships,
including for example the Portugal Senior
Open 2014, the European Senior Tour,
as well as the Patsy Hankins and Bonallack
Trophies 2016 played between Europe and
Asia/Pacific teams.
The extension of the golf course from
nine to 18 holes retained the integrity of the
original design and faithfully reflected the
aesthetics, playability, spirit and character of
the site. The first nine holes are played in a
relatively flat area in the Vidago valley while
the last four holes are breathtaking, built on
sloping land with fantastic views of Vidago
Palace’s natural surroundings as well as the
distant villages.
The main features of the course are the
elevated tees and greens – with the tee boxes
buttressed with stone walls – as well as
strategic bunker positioning and greens that
demand a sharp eye to read the slopes.
The Vidago Palace golf course offers
a variety of services to enhance and
complement the playing experience. These
include a driving range for 30 players, a
putting green, chipping area and practice
bunker, pro shop, restaurant and bar. The
resort also offers private lessons as well as
buggies, trolleys and clubs to hire. Golfers
visiting Vidago Palace will lack for no
amenity or service during their stay.
And then there is the five-star Vidago
hotel, which provides an ambience of
elegance and an exceptional thermal spa...
A Palace with centuries of tradition
The magnificent spaces of the Vidago Palace
Hotel afford an ambience of art worship and
an atmosphere worthy of kings.
Designed last century, during the reign of
King Carlos I, the Vidago Palace Hotel was
opened for the first time in 1910.
Oozing distinction, as one of the Leading
Hotels of the World, the 100-year-old
Palace now provides a luxury service of
excellence and comfort.
Inside the hotel, you are invited to enjoy
one of the 70 magnificent rooms and suites,
to savour the gastronomy of the majestic
Grand Ballroom and to relax in the modern
Thermal Spa, where the mineral water of
Vidago – recognised for its exceptional
therapeutic qualities – reigns supreme.
In addition to the 18-hole golf course,
there are other activities to enjoy.
You can take a trip through this
enchanted universe with a visit to the
traditional springs or a bicycle ride along
the many trails that provide a fantastic
opportunity to observe the local wildlife.
A spa to soothe body and mind
The natural mineral water of Vidago,
recognised for its curative properties, is used
in treatments and health programmes
developed under the guidance of a highly
specialised medical team. Wellness
treatments of the Vidago Palace Spa are
effective and tailored to you so that you can
spend a half-day or full day rejuvenating in
an inspiring contemporary environment. n
Want to find out more?
t: +351 276990920
e: Reservations@vidagopalace.com
w: vidagopalace.com
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 73

Continental Europe: Portugal
WORLD-CLASS GOLF RESORTS
Best of the Algarve
The JJW group have two of Algarve’s finest golf hotels – which will you choose for your 2017 break?
T
he
JJW Hotels & Resorts offers a
range of five-star hotels, spas and
Michelin star restaurants around the
world. Over in Portugal, their awardwinning
resorts have been delivering pictureperfect
golf getaways for over half a century...
Dona Filipa Hotel
– New refurbishment to unveil two new
restaurants and a stunning swimming pool
Located on the beachfront of luxurious Vale
do Lobo, Dona Filipa is one of the Algarve’s
leading five-star hotels… and perfect for
family holidays, glorious golf breaks and
relaxing beach getaways. Surrounded by lush
courses, pinewoods and the Atlantic, you also
have the chance to play its two award-winning
courses, San Lorenzo and Pinheiros Altos.
Dona Filipa is set to complete the second
phase of a multi-million pound renovation
that will keep it as one of the finest luxury
destinations in the Algarve. The latest work
has focused on revitalising all public areas, as
well as many exceptional rooms and suites, in
order to deliver stylish modern luxury, with a
classic Portuguese feel. The final stages will
unveil two new gourmet restaurants and a
spectacular swimming pool... that will add the
crowning touch to this renowned gem.
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort
– Leading the way in Algarve golf and
luxury breaks for over 50 years
Set within 360 acres of natural beauty, this is
the original home of golf in Portugal. With
three courses, including the Algarve’s first 18-
hole championship course – the Sir Henry
Cotton – this luxury five-star hotel leads the
way in high-class service, Portuguese charm
and exceptional golf. Perfect for golf breaks,
relaxing family holidays and weekend retreats,
it offers six restaurants and bars, tennis courts,
the largest outdoor pool in the Algarve, fullsize
football pitch, sauna, 24-hour fitness
centre and a private bar on nearby Dunas
Beach. The Sir Henry Cotton course is as
unforgiving as it is beautiful; flanked by
streams, ditches and water hazards, it delivers
some of Europe’s most satisfying golf. n
Want to find out more?
Dona Filipa
t:+351 289 357 200 w: donafilipahotel.com
Penina Resort
t: 351 282 420 200 w: penina.com
Dona Filipa offers elegant style and classic luxury. Pinheiros Altos: one of the Algarve’s finest courses. Dine in style at Penina, a fabulous base for all the family.
74 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Enjoy Five-Star Algarve Breaks
Golf World Exclusive: Award Winning
Golf & Luxury Spa Days
Dona Filipa Hotel
3 Night Golf & Spa Break in Vale do Lobo
Join us for a luxury 3 night escape that begins with an
exclusive VIP welcome and includes 2 complimentary dinners,
daily buffet breakfasts, and a range of luxury amenities.
You’ll also receive two days of pampering at the renowned
Vale do Lobo Royal Spa… or two rounds of golf on either of
our award winning Championship courses: San Lorenzo and
Pinheiros Altos.
Experience an Algarve getaway to treasure.
To Book Your 3 Night Golf Break
Call: +351 289 357 200
PROMO CODE: GW OFFER
From Just 278 €
in a Twin room per night
www.donafilipahotel.com
Penina Hotel & Golf Resort
3 Night Golf Break in Portimao
Start your holiday with a VIP welcome experience and indulge
in a 3 night golfing getaway that includes 2 complimentary
dinners, daily breakfasts and a host of luxury amenities.
There are also three exceptional golf courses to play –
including the ten time host of the Portuguese Open –
the Sir Henry Cotton Championship Course, along with
putting greens, practice areas and a driving range.
Join us for a three day getaway to savour.
To Book Your 3 Night Golf Break
Call: +351 282 420 200
PROMO CODE: GW OFFER
From Just 267 €
in a Twin room per night
www.penina.com

OUR VERDICT ON THE BEST OF...
Spain
How do you sum up the myriad
options of such a large, diverse
country so steeped in golf? You
decide eight categories and
award prizes accordingly.
La Manga Club gets our vote
as the top resort for families.
76 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: Spain
WINTER BREAKS
Gran Canaria
This is our favourite of the Canaries or
Balearics for a golf break. Majorca and
Tenerife have their merits but Gran Canaria
quite comfortably tops them in our view.
Enjoy 20˚C and sunshine every month of
the year plus a wide choice of hotels (and
budgets) given it is such a popular general
tourist destination. The golf is excellent
too, led by two Arizona-style courses at
Salobre (see later). Near neighbour Anfi
Tauro offers a similarly jaw-dropping
landscape while the island’s Royal club is
a classy parkland on the edge of a volcano.
El Cortijo is an exciting course that’s hosted
the Tour while there are clifftop views from
Meloneras and a touch of easy-to-enjoy,
easy-walking enjoyment at Maspalomas, by
Turnberry’s creator Mackenzie Ross.
TOP 100 CLASSICS
Sotogrande
Lots of good options in Spain for this
accolade but to be honest, only ever going
to be one winner. Valderrama is a good
starting point, simply one of the must-plays
in world golf. And the good news is you
can actually play it. It’s exclusive, hardly
inexpensive, but they will welcome you
warmly. Save up, and just do it. Next door
is Real Sotogrande, the original course in
the area and which has just been renovated
to high standard. La Reserva de Sotogrande
is a undulating rollercoaster with superb
views while San Roque’s duo are guaranteed
to challenge even the strongest players.
Finca Cortesin is just 15 minutes away,
a modern classic set among the hills. Stay at
Almenara to make things very easy.
FAMILY HOLIDAY
La Manga Club
The most impressive aspect of La Manga?
That it’s managed to stay the most
comprehensive resort out there, despite this
kind of development being increasingly
popular these days. It was the original
‘super resort’ and it remains one of the very
best in Europe, with only the best in Belek
and Terre Blanche in France offering as
much to the travelling golfer. That was
borne out with its position in the top 10 of
Golf World’s inaugural Top 100 Resorts in
Continental Europe. La Manga can cater
for any kind of holiday; groups that want
36 a day (given it has 54 holes on site);
couples who want to golf, dine and spa
(given it has a five-star hotel, new spa and
numerous restaurants on site) or families
who want to tire themselves out every single
day (given it has, in addition to the golf,
tennis, football, horse riding, pools and
cricket [and much more] on site).
GOLF & GASTRONOMY
PGA Catalunya
This is a resort that could have won a
couple of other awards in this article, it’s
that good. Definitely the family one, given
the sparkling new Camiral hotel has just
opened (and is instantly world class). The
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 77

villas to hire are also chic and ideal for
families or groups. Plus, given Barcelona
is just 45 minutes away, a big city break is
entirely possible while staying here. It has
Golf World’s top-ranked course in Spain too,
plus one in the Next 100 that is pushing
for the main list. Yet despite these
attractions, the USP of PGA Catalunya
is the region’s expertise in food. It has an
abundance of Michelin stars, and when that
is the case you also know there are literally
hundreds of aspiring restaurants just below
Michelin standard that are basically just as
good. Oh, and you can also head a little
further north to the Peralada Resort for a
wine spa too... Yes, that really is a thing.
SEASIDE EXPERIENCE
El Saler
As regular Golf Escapes readers will know, we
don’t think links really exist on continental
Europe. Certainly not like the links that sit
on our coastlines. El Saler is the closest
you’ll find in Spain (even if a course is
called ‘Links’, trust us, it’s not). It might not
even be by the coast! El Saler is, albeit it is
not a fescue-dominated hard-pan
experience. It is sandy, lined with dunes and
blustery... and notably well designed, by the
doyen of Spanish architecture, Javier Arana.
There is a hotel on site while Las Colinas
provides a second top course fairly nearby.
ALL-INCLUSIVE EASE
Salobre Resort
The best resort on well-endowed Gran
Canaria, Salobre is the kind of place you
struggle to extricate yourself from after a
week... and not just because you have
hammered the buffet every night (and at
breakfast). Everything just works nicely
here; the hotel is the right size and with the
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
THE CLIMATE
Mainland Spain has
a distinct difference
between the north
and south – in
Santander in the
north, expect the
sun for six hours
from April to the
middle of
September. The
further south, the
warmer and drier,
culminating in
Almeria’s desert
climate. The
Canaries get yearround
sunshine.
WHEN TO GO
Canaries are great
in winter but not
uncomfortably hot
in summer, when the
courses are quieter.
Spring is ideal for
Sotogrande; stick to
largely the summer
months for Bilbao.
GETTING THERE
As most courses are
located in or near
large tourist areas,
Spain’s courses are
very accessible.
TIME GMT +1
CURRENCY Euro
78 GOLF ESCAPES 2017

Continental Europe: Spain
right amenities, the golf is right on the
doorstep, there’s lots to do away from the
course and, as intimated earlier, the weather
is superb. Oh yes, and that buffet... it is
immense; if you can limit yourself to three
courses, you are an absolute hero.
BIG CITY ENTERTAINMENT
Madrid
OK, hardly an inspired choice to select the
capital, but what may well surprise you is
how much high-calibre golf there is in
Madrid. So as well as the shops, football,
restaurants, sights and bars, you also have
three courses within our Continental
European Top 100 to choose from.
The top-ranked course here is Santander
and as well as Puerto de Hierro (Arriba)
and Villa de Madrid there is terrific depth
just outside the list in the likes of the La
Moraleja complex. You could play here for
a week and play nothing but good courses.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Bilbao
We love this trip idea; drive to Portsmouth
and take the ferry to Bilbao. It’s not a short
sailing, but just like when you go to
Belgium with P&O or to France on the
EuroTunnel, you roll off the other side with
your clubs in your car, and you’re away. And
you’ve disembarked somewhere none of
your mates (or even many golf writers) have
ever been to. The locals will welcome you
warmly because you’re the first golf tourists
they’ve seen since 2003 when that load of
Scandinavians arrived, thinking
Valderrama was just round the corner. And
the courses are top-class; Neguri is the key
attraction but there’s also the chance to play
at Pedrena, home in every sense to Seve.
Yep, thought you’d like that... n
Anfi Tauro is typical of Gran
Canaria’s scenic courses.
GOLF ESCAPES 2017 79

Holiday tips
EXPERT ADVICE
7 rules to ensure the
perfect golf holiday
Amazing golf breaks don’t just happen – you need a bit of research and nous. This is how to do it.
What do you really want?
Not all golf holidays are the same – you
might go with different groups of friends, or
with a partner or with the family. Don’t be
blase that what worked for one of those
parties will work for the other. Families
require significantly different facilities than
a group of lads – so your starting point is
working out what you actually want.
Do you need a hotel?
Question your accommodation – is a hotel
really the best option? If you’re travelling
with seven friends, a villa is a tremendous
pick, because it keeps everyone together (at
least it should!) so it’s easier for everyone to
make the early tee time. A hotel breakfast
isn’t always fully capitalised, and you’ve got
a big fridge for beers. Similarly, it’s good for
families who like to cater for themselves
until the evening – and might like their own
pool. It’s a very economical way to do it.
Do you need the sun?
We’d all probably prefer to have the sun on
our backs, but will it make or break your trip
if cloudless skies don’t appear on a daily
basis? If getting in the pool is crucial, fly an
extra hour to make sure that is the case
rather than hope it’ll be OK. Similarly, if
you’re not bothered about the pool or a tan,
why bother leaving the UK at all? Or head to
northern Europe if you want a change of
culture and experience something new.
Does it need to be all about golf?
OK, many of us would like to play 36 a day
for five days out of a week-long holiday, but
it’s not for everyone – and that brings in the
possibility to combine a holiday with
something else cool to do. Whether it’s
football in Munich, Disneyland in Paris,
beer in Belgium, sightseeing in Rome or
lazing by the pool in Mauritius, it’s very easy
to plan a golf holiday with any type of group
(see above) and combine things you want to
do (in short, great golf) with things they
want to do away from the course.
Do you want to travel between rounds?
And not just between rounds, but also to go
out to eat at night. There are lots of great
options throughout Europe – such as PGA
Catalunya and Donnafugata – where you
have to get in the car if you want to eat
outside the resort. Would that annoy you?
And if your next-nearest golf is 45 minutes
away, how do you feel about that? It’s not
very ‘digital age’, but print out a map of your
area, plot where the other courses are and
work out how far you’ll need to travel... if it
looks like it’ll annoy you, reconsider.
Do you really need to hire a car?
The point above brings us neatly to this
quandary – is a hire car essential, or just
something you think you need to do? If you
will only use the car to get from the airport
to your resort and back again, get a taxi...
because by the time you factor in the fuel,
the tolls, the rental itself and the hassle (never
mind the potential parking/speeding fines),
it is not worth it even if the two taxis are a
bit more of an outlay.
Will you really get round in three hours?
We’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worth
repeating, because we know from bitter
experience that being silly about how long a
round will take can ruin a day. Yes, we’d all
like to get round in 3hr 15, but let’s be
honest, it’s just not happening unless you and
your mate are up at 0700 and are first out.
Even then, unless he stops hitting his driver
into the cabbage (which means he stops
hitting his driver), it’s still a struggle. If you
walk off the 18th at 3hr 45, your schedule is
in tatters. So don’t plan your itinerary relying
on 3hr 15 rounds, because you will ruin your
enjoyment from the subsequent chasing
around it entails, and the likely missed lunch.
Why wouldn’t you play in the evening?
We just can’t work out why playing in the
late afternoon and early evening is not more
popular. What’s not to like? It might well be
cheaper, the course will be deserted (unless
everyone heeds our advice!) and if you’re
somewhere hot, the weather will be
absolutely idyllic. It is millionaire’s golf, for
the price of a twilight round. And then it’s
straight to the bar for a beer. If you’re playing
36, a late morning time avoids the early
traffic and permits a leisurely lunch. Do you
see anything there you don’t like? n
82 GOLF ESCAPES 2017