South Africa as a Golf Destination
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Blessed with abundant sunshine, exquisite courses and affordable green fees, South Africa is fast becoming a leading golf destination. An easy overnight flight from Europe and minimal time difference, the country offers easy access to year round golfing, in a warm, sunny climate.
Out of Africa Golf specialise in developing customised golfing itineraries for individuals and groups. We will tailor make your golfing trip to suit your needs, whether these encompass golf everyday or a combination of golf, sightseeing, safaris, relaxing or fine wines and food - you just have to decided which to sacrifice!
Cape Town is a popular starting point for many golf tours with a wide selection of excellent golf courses in the area. Combine golf with sight seeing around the Cape, or choose from one of our Gourmet Golf or Wine Tasting itineraries based in the Cape Winelands.
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The Kruger region has some of the most amazing golfing opportunities, this really is golf on the wild side! They recommend a combination of golf and safaris.
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Visit Out of Africa for more details
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Golf Holidays in Egypt
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Picture yourself teeing off in the shadow of the Great Pyramids and the thoroughly modern decadence of Cairo's Mirage City, with the Alexandria Sporting Club's colourful exotic birds flying overhead and greens set against stunning landscapes, ancient monuments and luxurious hotels. Where better to perfect your swing than on Egypt's fine fairways.
From Cairo to Luxor, every area has its own flagship courses. The worlds greatest golfers have designed their own custom courses from Gary Player to Arthur Davis.
And with rain being rare, you don't have to worry about getting soaked before you've reached the 18th hole !
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Golf Courses in Egypt: Cairo
Dreamland Golf Resort
18 Holes, 7205 yards, par 72
Katameya Heights Golf Resort
18 Holes, 6780 yards, par 72
9 holes, 2985 yards
The Pyramids Golf Club
18 holes, 7004 yards, par 72
El Gouna The Steigenberger Golf Resort
18 holes, 6902 yards, par 72
Hurghada The Cascades Golf Resort, Soma Bay
18 holes, 6646 yards, par 72
Luxor The Royal Valley
18 holes, 6735 yards, par 72
Sharm El Sheikh Jollie Ville Golf Resort
18 holes, 6585 yards, par 72
For more details about Travel and Golf Holidays in Egypt visit Egypt.travel website
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Scotland Wants to Attract Chinese Golfers
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JACK McConnell launched a drive yesterday to attract thousands of Chinese golf enthusiasts to play in Scotland.
The launch came as it emerged that Donald Trump, the billionaire American property tycoon, is close to signing a deal to develop part of an Aberdeenshire estate into a flagship golf links development.
Officials estimate that Chinese tourism could be worth £70 million to Scotland over the next four years, now that many of the travel restrictions on Chinese citizens have been lifted by their government.
Mr McConnell, a keen golfer himself, with a handicap of 16, believes that Scotland can take advantage of what is potentially one of the biggest tourist markets in the world for golf tourism.
The packages are the first to be offered to the Chinese since last year's removal of restrictions on Chinese tourists travelling to the UK. They will include stays of up to five nights around Scotland, including courses at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
The package is being promoted by the airline, VisitScotland and by selected Chinese golf clubs.
Mr McConnell said: "The whole world is trying to target the massive Chinese tourism market that is opening up. We need to play to our strengths and golf is certainly one of them."
He continued: "There are many fantastic facilities being developed at present here in China, but I believe that any golfer who never plays in Scotland is a golfer unfulfilled. There is something special about playing at the home of golf.
"The Chinese have a strong attachment to traditions and history and I know that the birthplace of golf will hold a very strong appeal."
Meanwhile, officials of the Trump organisation's golf development wing, Trump Golf Properties, are understood to be in detailed negotiations to buy the Menie Links, close to the mouth of the River Ythan.
The site, about seven miles north of Aberdeen, will be the company's first luxury golf development outside the US.
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Golf Break in Suffolk
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Not resting on its laurels with its recent two awards, Thorpeness Golf Club, which has one of the best golf hotels in Suffolk, is further improving its golf course and facilities this year to further tempt those interested in a golf break in Suffolk.
“Thorpeness has so much to offer golfers of every standard�, explained PGA resident professional, Frank Hill. “The course is a fantastic heathland course, and is an ideal place to have a golf holiday, last minute golf break or weekend golf break in Suffolk. We now offer golf tuition holidays both residential and non residential, with special golf beginner tuition courses for those wanting to take up the game here on the Suffolk coast. Our hotel is an excellent 3 star golf hotel in Suffolk with excellent self catering golf accommodation for those who prefer it nearby.�
He continued, “Further improvements have been made to The Thorpeness Golf Academy with full club analysis now on offer with the opportunity for golfers of all standards to purchase bespoke clubs perfect for them at fantastic prices and with special offers to those staying in our 3* Suffolk golf hotel.� Frank has now been joined by PGA teaching professional Chris Oldrey, who along with Frank allows Thorpeness golf club to be able to offer the best golf tuition in Suffolk.
“The greenstaff at this Suffolk golf course, have been working hard over the winter season rebuilding tees and bunkers, making the famous James Braid course an ideal challenge for those wanting the best golf break in Suffolk,� continued Frank, “and what's more, with the exclusive Suffolk Tour on offer to all residents of the excellent 3* golf hotel, golfers will be able to purchase the ideal golf holiday package direct from Thorpeness allowing them also to play the courses at Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe Ferry and Aldeburgh, all for 1 amazing inclusive golf holiday price.�
And for those who simply want to golf on into the evening, the Thorpeness Golf Academy has the latest in golf simulation offering the best Suffolk golf holiday package ever! Play the best courses from around the world in the comfort and warmth of the academy – with a glass or two of something whilst you play!
For further information on the golf club, hotel and facilities, visit http://www.suffolkcoastgolf.co.uk
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Swallow Hotels Take Over Carnoustie
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The venue for next year's Open Golf Championship has been snapped up by one of the country's biggest hotel groups.
After months of negotiation and speculation, Swallow Hotels officially announced yesterday that it had bought the Carnoustie Golf Course Hotel and Resort.
The cost of the 85-bedroom hotel and its associated facilities, which began trading as the Swallow Carnoustie immediately, has not been disclosed.
Rumours of financial difficulties and poor trading dogged the hotel, which was owned by a consortium headed by publicity-shy Dundee-property developer Michael Johnston, since it opened in 1999.
Swallow Hotels chief executive Peter Gray said: "With owning one unit it is difficult to get the right levels of trade into the hotel - like the high levels that are needed at a place like Carnoustie.
"We have six other hotels with golf courses and others associated with nearby courses, and we have the Swallow Golf Trail which will now include Carnoustie.Our immediate plans are to have a successful summer trading at Carnoustie.
"It has first-class accommodation and it is not just about golf, so there's no reason to say that it can't be one of the very best hotels in Scotland.
"You can't ask for much more than a hotel that overlooks the 18th hole of an Open championship golf course."
Hotel director Iain Fleming said the company would now be reviewing the hotel's operation to find out what improvements could be made to the seven-year-old complex.
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Super Party for Ryder Cup Week
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One of the most extravagant events planned for Ryder Cup week will actually take place far away from the K-Club in a quiet corner of Limerick.
BILLIONAIRE race-horse owner JP McManus will definitely be king of the castle when he finally moves into his very own luxury pad in the autumn.
Greats of golf, including Tiger Woods, are due in for the grand opening of Mr McManus's mansion at Martinstown the day before the serious golf tees off.
Friends of Mr McManus say it will be the ultimate in house-warming bashes as he showcases his €100 million home.
More details over at the Examiner
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Golf Ball Wars
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Carlsbad's Callaway Golf Co. (10.5 percent market share) challenges mighty Titleist (53 percent) in the game of making little white balls.
Interesting article by Jennifer Davies discussing the past, present and future of the Golf Ball business. The race between Titleist, Calloway and Nike etc is hotting up. With the overall golf market static in terms of growth, the lure of a consistent, high-profit business with annual sales of close to $1 billion a year has been too much for these companies to ignore.
The golf ball business has long been dominated by Titleist, which had 53 percent of the market last year. But that hasn't stopped companies like Carlsbad's Callaway Golf Co., Nike and others from trying to build a better golf ball and topple the industry giant.
Callaway, which until recently had only a small golf ball business, has seen its annual sales increase by 150 percent since 2003. Still, the Carlsbad golf company is a weak No. 2 to Titleist, with only 10.5 percent of the golf ball market in 2005. Nike, the next closest competitor, has 9.1 percent of the business.
It's little wonder there's competition, as some consider the ball to be the foundation of golf. Unlike the various clubs, which are used in particular situations, it is used in every stage of the game.
“The most important piece of equipment is the golf ball,� said pro golfer Phil Mickelson, one of Callaway's top spokesmen.
Read the full article here - Photo by NADIA BOROWSKI SCOTT
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Hotel Villa Padierna Marbella
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., has assumed management of the Villa Padierna, a 112-room luxury resort on the Costa del Sol. Featuring world class golf courses, a thermal spa, an exclusive Beach Club, and a collection of museum calibre arts and antiques, the boutique hotel lies in a scenic valley close to the recreational capital, Marbella, Spain.
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To be now known as Hotel Villa Padierna, the resort will join the acclaimed Hotel Arts, Barcelona, as the second Ritz-Carlton operated property in Spain
"Spain's exceptional beauty makes it a prime tourist destination for discerning travelers from around the world," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "We believe Hotel Villa Padierna has the potential to become one of Europe's most desirable, five star resorts, offering highly personalized service levels to match the exclusive Marbella setting. Owner Ricardo Arranz' vision for the resort is one we look forward to making a reality as we add yet another exceptional property to The Ritz-Carlton portfolio," he said.
Open since spring 2003, Hotel Villa Padierna is a classic Tuscan villa, with design and décor including a notable collection of centuries old statues and paintings, as well as impressive fireplaces and marble fountains. Comprised of two buildings, Villa Padierna and Linares, the resort is surrounded by the 18-hole Flamingos Golf Club, past site of the "European Seniors Match Play Championship."
Two other championship-quality courses (Brijan Golf Club and Padierna Golf Club) are under construction, with openings set for the end of 2006 and 2007. All courses will blend harmoniously with the picturesque wooded setting, framed by nearby mountains. At the Flamingos Golf Academy, players of every skill level may enhance their game with instruction by professional coaches.
More details of Villa Padierna
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Golf Resorts in Oman
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The efforts of the Sultanate of Oman's ministry of tourism to triple tourism in the country by 2010 have not been in vain. The country is rapidly coming to be regarded by many to be one of the most prominent emerging markets in the GCC and the surge in the Sultanate's popularity in recent years has raised hopes within the tourism sector that the next few years will be a boom time for Oman.
Since its inception in 2004, the Omani ministry of tourism has been proactive in driving what Zamora refers to as the country's “transition�. Relaxed visa regulations now make it easier for travellers from 76 nations to visit the country, and the government has been working towards updating the country's tourism strategy as part of its current five-year plan.
“Here in Oman we are witnessing a transition period where there is a greater interest in visiting the country than ever before,� says Tony Zamora, director of operations for Oman at the InterContinental Hotels Group and general manager of the group’s Al Bustan Palace in Muscat.
“With stunning year-round weather, Oman is the ideal place for a holiday. It is just the place to relax, get in touch with nature and discover the beauty of Arabia in a tranquil setting. But because of the stunning environment, it is also becoming a hot spot for business and MICE travellers,� confirms Zamora.
Among the ambitious tourism plans in the Sultanate is the development of the $800 million resort complex known as The Wave. Built on reclaimed land along the Seeb seafront, the wave will stretch along 7.3km of beachfront west of Muscat and is scheduled to open in 2009. The resort will include three hotels, a golf course, a marina with yacht club and upscale real estate.
The western edge of The Wave will accommodate a five-star, 200-room beachfront hotel and spa. A 300-room golf and conference resort nearby will accommodate guests wishing to play at the newly constructed 18-hole golf course, and an additional 505 residential villas will overlook the golf course and the ocean.
Further expansion of Oman's tourism industry comes in the form the RO119 million ($308 million) Al Sawadi Tourism project. It is hoped that the resort will provide a strong stand-alone destination for European guests as well as a must-see attraction for tourists from the GCC countries.
Located on approximately 34km² of land within Oman's Barka region, the Al Sawadi resort will form the first high class traditional Omani-style resort. When completed in 2009, the resort will include various luxury hotels, two 18-hole golf courses, a golf and country club, a family water park, private villas and a multitude of leisure, entertainment and sports facilities.
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New Podcast from Golf Talk Radio
Worth a listen is the latest Podcast from Golf Talk Radio
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The special guest this week is Alex Sloan. Alex was in the First Authorized Instructor School conducted by Homer Kelley him self.. Listen as Alex tells how The Golfing Machine changed his life as a professional. This is approximately 27 minutes of interview conducted by Chuck Evans.
Click Golf Talk Radio
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New Hotel for the Costa Del Sol
A new Crowne Plaza Estepona-Costa del Sol is due to open in March 2006 offering luxurious and stylish accommodation and top-class amenities in the heart of the Costa del Sol.
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Set amongst some of the most prestigious beaches and golf courses in Southern Spain, the hotel has plenty to offer guests whether they're indulging in a spa break, enjoying a golfing holiday, relaxing in the sun with their family, attending a business meeting or enjoying a company incentive.
Set in lush subtropical gardens just 500 metres from the beach, all of the hotel's 146 bedrooms enjoy balcony views across the garden or to the Mediterranean beyond. The spacious bedrooms (32 square metres) are fitted to deluxe standards with flat screen TVs and high speed internet access. There are also 32 spacious junior suites with large balconies, six duplex penthouse suites each with a Jacuzzi and private terrace, and one exclusive presidential suite complete with a private infinity pool on its own roof terrace.
Situated in the heart of the Costa del Sol, just 60 kilometres from Malaga airport, there are numerous leisure amenities on the doorstep including excellent beaches with water sports and yachting, some of the best golf courses on the Costa such as Monte Mayor and Los Flamingos, shopping and nightlife in Marbella and traditional Andalusian mountain villages and cities such as Ronda.
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