Issue 42 // APRIL 2017
www.insidegolf.com.au
Japan
golf’s new frontier
Great golf holidays in Hawaii
Top tips for booking a golf cruise
Tee up a perfect Presidents Cup tour
The Paladin SPorTS 2017 new Zealand SouTh iSland Golf Tour wiTh your hoST Jamie lyon, accomPanied by PGa Golf ProfeSSional ben owen
ND SPORTS GOLF A
TOURS
SouTh iSland Tour daTeS: monday 16Th ocTober - friday 20Th ocTober
Playing on new Zealand’s best courses course 1 - Jacks Point, Kawarau falls, Queenstown course 2 - millbrook, arrowtown course 3 - The hills, arrowtown
included: • all flights and Transfers airport / hotel / Golf courses • 4 nights luxury accomodation - all single rooms • buffet breakfast every morning • 4 x Paladin Sports Polo shirts and daily prizes • 3 rounds of golf including motorised golf carts • Plus an optional 9 holes in arrowtown • PGa Pro with pre round clinics and advice
$4,995
for more information email: jamie@paladinsports.com.au
Fly direct to King Island in 35 minutes*
Barnbougle & King Island golf tour specialists.
Play 3 of the World’s Top 40 Courses
*ex Melbourne
Prepare to take off on golfing experience above all others. Select your golfing adventure… 2 DAYS / 2 ROUNDS – Barnbougle or King Is (Cape Wickham & Ocean Dunes) 3 DAYS / 3 ROUNDS – Barnbougle & Cape Wickham 4 DAYS / 4 ROUNDS – Barnbougle, Cape Wickham & Ocean Dunes
Fly by deluxe twin-turbine private aircraft (faster, higher and safer).
Or if you have a group of 8 or more customise your own itinerary
“The general consensus amongst the group is that we doubt there’s a golf experience of equal standing available anywhere else in the world.” W.C., United Kingdom
2 day Barnbougle or King Island golf tours from $880 per person (includes everything except meals and drinks)
Free call 24 hours / 7 days 1800 033 160
golf@airadventure.com.au
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Tee off at the Rich River Inaugural Spring Tournament
Chief Writer: David Newbery E: david@insidegolf.com.au Accounts: Sheridan Murphy M: 0404 075 823 E: accounts@insidegolf.com.au Advert Technical Enquiries: Stacey Fortescue M: 0420 319 893 E: stacey@insidegolf.com.au
NSW Sales: Megan Symington M: 0419 575 000 E: megan@insidegolf.com.au QLD Sales: David Ross M: 0439 612 458 E: david.ross@insidegolf.com.au VIC/TAS/SA Sales: Jon Perrett M: 0402 852 637 E: jon@insidegolf.com.au Australia/New Zealand Sales: Lisa Coleman M: 0406 031 344 E: lisa@insidegolf.com.au COVER PHOTO: Kawana’s Fuji course, Japan.
One of Indonesia’s most picturesque and popular golf resorts, Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, is set to close its doors this year. Following a decision by the owning company, PT MNC Land Tbk, to redevelop the site on which Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort is built, the property —which includes the spectacular Greg Normandesigned golf course—will cease operations and close on July 31st.
Editor: Richard Fellner M: 0407 000 440 E: richard@insidegolf.com.au
National Sales: Sam Arthur P: 1300 465 300 F: (07) 5535 4922 M: 0410 575 303 E: sam@insidegolf.com.au
Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort to close
E
njoy the weather, river, great golf courses and real country hospitality at the Rich River Golf Club in EchucaMoama. On 17th to 19th September 2017, Rich River will be hosting its inaugural Spring Tournament. The event is a mixed team event requiring two men and two ladies that will combine to form a team of four. Sunday is an Irish Fourball, Monday a Men’s and Ladies 4BBB, concluding with an Individual and Team Stableford on the Tuesday. Entry includes daily golf, driving range balls and lunch packs, dinner on the Sunday night, three-course presentation
dinner on Tuesday night and great prizes. Optional activities include a river cruise and dinner on the Monday night. Entry is only $249.50 per person, enter before 1st May to receive a complimentary bottle of wine and a dozen balls per team. Accommodation is available on-site in the 63 room motel complex or if you own a self-contained motor home you can stay in our RV Parking Area for free. Download your entry form at www.richriver.com.au/tournaments or call the friendly team at the Rich River Pro Shop on 5481 3372 for more information.
MASTERS TOUR 2018
Pan Pacific Hotels Group has managed Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort since April 2010. The Group oversaw Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort’s US$10 million refurbishment of its guest rooms, restaurants and facilities in 2011, strengthening the property’s positioning within Bali’s highly competitive hospitality market. Since then, the resort has been a three-time winner of the title of “Indonesia’s Leading Golf Resort” at the World Travel Awards, and was named “Global Winner, Luxury Golf Resort” for two years running at the World Luxury Hotel Awards. “Pan Pacific Hotels Group is proud to have steered Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort to mark several considerable achievements over a short span of seven years, and this is a reaffirmation of the Group’s strong hotel management track record,” says Erik Anderouard, Senior Vice President Operations, Pan Pacific Hotels Group.
2017 AfRicA bAck by pOpUlAR dEMAnd 2018 bRiTiSh OpEn wiTh SpAin ExTEnSiOn ViETnAM/cAMbOdiA 2018 inclUding MEkOng RiVER cRUiSE JApAn gOlf TOUR 2017 cUSTOMiSEd dOMESTic And inTERnATiOnAl gOlf TOURS
Earlybird bookings 2018 On Sale now
• WELCOME DINNER • DEDICATED TOUR GUIDE • 3 FINE DINING EXPERIENCES • PRIVATE TRANSFERS STACEY ARTHUR P: 02 4285 0711 M: 0402 327 606 E: stacey@itravelwoonona.com.au
• GUARANTEED SMALL GROUPS • EVERYDAY AT THE MASTERS AVAILABLE
FULL ITINERARY: www.itravelwoonona.com.au
All information is correct at time of print and is subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control such as adverse currency fluctuations, taxes and fuel surcharges.
April 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
3
Visit
Japan golf’s new frontier
David Newbery david@insidegolf.com.au
A
NYONE looking for an alluring and wonderful golfing destination should look straight into the Land of the Rising Sun. I visited Japan for the first time last year and discovered a stellar playground of golf, modern clubhouses, friendly service and excellent cuisine. It was late November, crisp autumn, when Japan’s ginkgo and maple trees paint the landscape in a patchwork of red and yellow. My adventure started in Mie Prefecture, a beautiful region that provides golf settings of almost unbelievable beauty and variety.
While waiting for my playing partners near the pro shop I watched a fourperson golf cart loaded with four sets of golf clubs, but sans passengers, glide unaided down a steep incline before coming to a safe stop 40 metres away.
Welcome to golf in Japan where driverless golf carts (all four-seaters) are par for the course at many golf clubs. Out on the course players can alight from the cart, play their approach shots and walk to the green rather than back to the cart. A member of the group presses a button on a device similar to those used to open and shut garage doors and the golf cart wends its way to the green.
There are 67 golf courses in Mie alone including terrific ocean and inland layouts with spectacular backdrops, ingenious course designs and immaculate fairways and greens. There certainly is a wow factor along with plenty of golfing surprises in the Land of the Rising Sun. My first surprise came early – even before reaching the first tee. 4
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2017
DRIVERLESS: An automated golf cart heads for the first tee.
MOUNTAIN HIGH: At 3776m, the spectacular Mount Fuji comes into view at Kawana’s Fuji course.
TOP FINISH: Ise-Otori golf course’s spectacular finishing hole and clubhouse. The Kintetsu Hamajima layout is enjoyable for every level of golfer and offers some of the finest views over the bay while the Ise-otori course plays through some magical hills and valleys and the fairways are immaculate. Next to the sixth tee there is a plaque bearing Tiger Woods’s name as a reminder of the day he played the course in 2001. Mie Prefecture is the perfect place to start a golfing adventure, but there is so much more to see and do including taking in a Ninja show and visiting the Ise Grand Shrine. The Mikimoto Pearl Island, the birthplace of cultured pearls, is fascinating and takes visitors through the
TREE-MENDOUS COLOUR: Ise-Otori golf course paints a patchwork of splendid colour. There are also stop and go buttons in the cart. Once I rode solo in the back seat of the cart as it chauffeured me to the green. Talk about being a back-seat driver. Magnetic plates under the cart path bring the cart to an automatic stop at certain points on the course – tees and greens in particular. Another surprise is on holes bordered by trees and heavy undergrowth there are out-of-bounds posts, however, drop zones on the fairways allow golfers to drop their ball rather than go back to the tee. Of course, you’ll be playing your fourth shot from the drop zone. This helps speed up play, but don’t plan for a four-hour round. Golf in Japan can be a five or six-hour experience courtesy of a mandatory lunchbreak of around 45 minutes after the first nine holes.
Here, patrons can choose from a plethora of delicious dishes all washed down with a nice cold beer or a glass or two of sake. A bonus at most courses is the quality of clubhouse food and service, with most meals around $10. This I discovered at the Tsu Country Club – a highly recommended course and one of the most challenging. Here there is a premium on strategy and shot making and a wonderful balance between challenge and playability. Along with its reputable layout, the clubhouse, constructed by stone from Scotland, houses another eminent feature – a teppanyaki restaurant where the chef works his magic producing mouthwatering cuisine including Matsuzaka beef. Little wonder, Peter Senior lists Japanese food as his all-time favourite.
SEAFOOD: Female Ama divers deliver delicious food from the ocean to the plate. Refreshed, it’s time to tackle the back nine and after the round soak in a soothing hot-spring bath to rid yourself of any aches and pains in readiness for your next round. In Japan, most courses have accurate distances markers (in yards) at regular intervals and there is a two-target policy with summer greens (korai grass) and winter putting surfaces (bent grass) at many courses.
TOP-NOTCH: Tsu Country Club is one of the best courses in Mie.
Within the area of Mie, which has one of the most beautiful views of the Ago Bay, are a number of other soughtafter courses including Kintetsu Hamajima and its sister course Kintetsu Kashikojima, Cocopa Resort Club (King Course and Queen Course) and the colourful Fuji OGM Ise-otori course.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A chef at Tsu Country Club goes to work at the teppanyaki restaurant. April 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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THAT’S GOLD: A visit to the Golden Pavilion is a must. history of pearls. Works of art and antique jewellery are all on display. You can also watch Ama (women divers) demonstrate their skills as they descend, without breathing apparatus, to depths of 15-20 metres in search of oysters and abalone.
Each prefecture (territory) has its own personality, beauty and charm and it’s the golfer’s pleasant task to decide what setting he or she prefers. After experiencing Mie Prefecture, I made my way to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan with more than 1000 years of history.
Oh, and if you do get the chance make sure you visit the Ama Hut along the coast of Ise-Shima.
It’s an amazing city dotted with laneways of the city’s oldest entertainment district.
The small concrete building named Hachimankamado is age-old, but inside the women prepare delicious, melt-inthe-mouth seafood fresh from the ocean to the plate.
Here you can visit a teahouse where maiko live and work and other landmarks such as the Golden Pavilion, Imperial Palace and more than 1600 temples and shrines that have consolidated Kyoto’s status as Japan’s cultural capital.
The amazing dishes this region has to offer include Ise-shrimp, oysters, globefish, clams and abalone.
Kyoto is a wonderful city and easy to get around.
TAKE YOUR PICK: Seta Golf Club has three very different courses to choose from. 6
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2017
HIGH TEE: A group of golfers prepare to tee off from the 15th hole on the Fuji course, Kawana. Still, I was looking forward to a round of golf at intimate Kyoto Golf Club, a beautiful, well-established traditional parkland course where freshwater streams meander throughout the layout. At the end of a round, golfers are able to sit in the restaurant or the terrace and enjoy the uninterrupted views. Seta Golf Club has three distinctive layouts – North, West and East. On the day I visited, the clubhouse was abuzz with golfers and out on the golf course there were players going in all directions, which is always a good sign. The Southern Cross Country Club, an undulating challenging course, is another top-notch layout.
Out-of-bounds posts dot the course, but don’t despair because the fairways are generous and only a poor shot will get you into trouble. It’s not just the elevation changes that are so unique, it’s the total package of the hills and incredible number of colourful mature trees. The Southern Cross Resort offers accommodation and there is an Australian connection. The resort’s general manager told me his grandfather, a ship captain, travelled to Australia, witnessed the Southern Cross constellation and decided to build and name the resort the Southern Cross. The hotel even resembles a ship.
CHALLENGE: The picturesque Southern Cross golf course.
to Turnberry in Scotland where Greg Norman won the 1986 Open Championship. The 13th and 14th are standout holes but the par-5 15th has that “wow” factor and is the signature hole.
When is the best time for golfers to travel to Japan? There are two windows of opportunity. May and mid-September to late-November is the most desirable time. In May, the temperature is 15-23° while September to November it’s similar although the latter part of November drops to 10-17°.
It’s a breathtaking hole from up high and runs alongside cliffs with an undulating fairway.
Is it safe to travel in Japan? Yes, it’s an extremely safe place to move around.
Here, you’ll take more shots with your camera than your clubs especially when snow-capped Mt Fuji comes into view. You won’t forget this course in a hurry. Kawana Hotel has a second layout – the Oshima Course. From the hotel’s tower visitors can enjoy spectacular 360-degree panoramic views over both courses, out to sea and across mountains. Japan has more than 2300 golf courses so attempting to list every course available for play would be like trying to write the Old Testament on the head of a pin. Still, the courses mentioned in this article are first-class and highly recommended. I had heard so many positive things about Kawana Hotel’s Fuji Course and I wasn’t disappointed when I finally got to play the layout rated 67th in the world.
I spent my final two days of an 11day adventure tripping around Tokyo, which is one of the world’s most sophisticated cities.
Located 130 kilometres from Tokyo, the Fuji Course has similarities to Pebble Beach because of its dramatic drops and rises towards the ocean.
With a train network second-tonone, Toyko is a breeze to get around and it caters for every adult taste from shopping to gastronomy.
It’s built on a rocky ledge high above Sagami Bay with spectacular views over water and Mount Fuji.
Apparently, Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city, including Paris. There are also countless inexpensive and cheerful eateries.
There are a number of excellent holes including the par-4 seventh, the par-3 eighth and the ninth which has a split fairway. The par-5 11th leads towards the ocean to a large two-tiered green framed by Kawana’s distinctive lighthouse akin
JAPAN FACT FILE
For first-time golf travellers, or seasoned adventurers, Japan – with its picturesque scenery, history, culture and eateries – is the perfect golfing and holiday destination.
KEEP LEFT: One of many spectacular holes at Phoenix Golf Club.
What is the best way to get around Japan? In Japan, and especially Tokyo, the train network is brilliant, fast, efficient, clean and inexpensive. Don’t panic if you just miss your train in Tokyo because another arrives within minutes and always on time. You can also travel long distances on the bullet train, known as the Shinkansen. It has a maximum speed of 320 km/h. For example, I travelled from Kyoto to Atami near Tokyo (around 400 kilometres) in just over two hours with five stops in between. There are also plenty of reasonably priced taxis. Do I need a visa to travel to Japan? No. Australian citizens don’t require a visa. Do I need to take a different power adapter? Yes, a Japanese adapter will be needed. Electronics stores sell them or pick one up at the airport. Some hotels do provide adapters, but don’t rely on it. Do I need to tip in Japan? Unlike America, South Africa and many parts of Europe, tipping is uncommon in Japan. Hotel and restaurant staff and caddies don’t expect a tip, however, if you feel the service you received was above par then tip but don’t be surprised if they say it’s not necessary. Are caddies compulsory? No, as most courses have golf carts. Some courses offer a caddie service where a single caddie carries four bags on an electric trolley. The caddie fee is included in the green fee so it’s not necessary to tip. Our group did tip the caddie because she was efficient, friendly and offered good advice. Can I hire clubs and shoes? It’s best to take your own clubs and shoes. Most clubs won’t have state-of-the-art rental sets on offer or golf shoes in larger sizes. Do golf clubs and resorts have accommodation? Yes, many golf clubs have quality on-course accommodation or there is nearby accommodation. In Mie Prefecture, Inside Golf recommends Toba Seaside Hotel, the Spanish style Prime Resort Kashikojima, Cocopa Resort, Fuji OGM Ichishi Onsen Lodge, Hotel Green Park Tsu. The Southern Cross Resort in Ito (Shizuoka Prefecture) and in Tokyo the Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa. What about the currency exchange rate? One Australian dollar currently equals 86 Japanese yen. Is there anyone doing group golf tours to Japan? Yes, Lawrence Gan, an Australian tour operator, runs golf tours to Japan. For more information, contact Lawrence on (03) 9819-0468, 0416-150-006 or email lawrence@wagc-aus.com
FOUR ABOARD: A female caddie easily handles four golf bags. April 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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Top tips for booking a golf cruise G
olf cruises offer golfers an interesting way to travel, enjoy your passion for the game and remain fit while partaking in the gourmet delights most luxury cruise ships offer. For those looking at the options available for you and your fellow keen golfers, here are some pro tips to help you find a cruise that meets all your needs. Finally, your ship has come in! Check the itinerary Check the itinerary before you book, to ensure it is a realistic schedule. Seek a cruise that features long and plentiful shore days at ports with good golf courses. You will probably appreciate the occasional sea day to rest up and relax. Go all-inclusive to save High-profile US tour companies typically price their golf at US$500 (A$650) plus per person per round in addition to the cost of the cruise. Trendsetter Travel and Cruise Centre specialises in small allinclusive luxury ships, and recommends this for the best experience. Playing the same courses as the more expensive groups, the golf package component of a Trendsetter cruise is less than half the price of its international competitors. Ship size does matter Be wary of cruises for more than 1,300 passengers. Large ships will give priority to their own tours when it comes to disembarking, preventing independentlyorganised golfers from exiting the ship quickly. Delays can mean missing tee-off times. Even if you can overcome a late arrival, the delay can cause disappointment when you must abandon the course early to return to your cruise ship. David Cooper, the director of Trendsetter Travel, recommends selecting a cruise ship with between 100 and 900 passengers. “These smaller ships can also get to the smaller ports, such as St. Tropez, St. Malo, Menorca, Portofino, which all have great golf courses.” Make sure you get enough time at port Most golf excursions take at least eight hours—including return transportation 8
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2017
to the course, an un-pressured golf game and importantly time post-golf at the club for refreshments and prize giving. To make the most of your day, aim for a minimum of ten hours in port. Your group will need to arrive at the course an hour prior to tee-off, and allow for a round of four players to be completed (plan on four and ½ hours for the round). Healthy competition and fair play Select a golf cruise where the organisers incorporate adjustments up and down for players’ handicaps, after each round. This means that the prize money is spread around over the tour. David Cooper advises to ask about this when you are booking. “We run a handicap adjustment system after each round to establish a par stableford score for the day,” he says. “After eight games, the better performers may see their handicaps reduce perhaps two shots and the ‘battlers’ might earn four or five shots back.” Every tour golfer wants at least one collect. Swing your partner ‘round Cooper advises, “Where our golf tour participants book as a couple, they will always play as a couple unless they request otherwise.” If you are booking as a single or wish to enhance the challenge by playing outside of your group, find
an organiser who is mindful of matching players’ handicaps, so that you can get the most out of the cruise. Beware the fake golf cruise You may discover cruises advertised as a golf tour but, on closer inspection, find they only offer golfing pre and post cruise. Check for this, as it might not be what you have in mind. Trendsetter golf cruises schedule a minimum of six games on cruise shore days. David Cooper says: “We even create opportunities where a golf enthusiast can play additional optional rounds, and others can have a more limited golf programme depending on what they are looking for with equitable downward price adjustments.” To learn more about the great golf cruises that Trendsetter Travel and Cruise Centre have available, please contact David on (02) 9428 5900 or on david@trendsettertravel.com.au
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Unique Golf Courses of the World
The Royal Household Golf Club 1901 By “Scottish Bob” Davies
W
hat surely must be one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world is this short 9-hole golf course measuring just 4560 yards.
In 1833, King George IV bestowed golf’s first Royal title to The Perth Golfing Society, and just one year later to The Royal and Ancient Club of St Andrews; perhaps the sport’s most famous institution. The year is 1901 and King Edward VII who was the grandson of King George IV decided he wanted to have a golf course built for himself. After consulting with Mr Samuel Mure Ferguson, who 6 years earlier had successfully designed and built the New Zealand Golf Club at Byfleet, both agreed to the golf course being built. Ferguson who was born in Perth, Scotland in 1854 was himself a Scottish amateur golfer in his early years and he became a member of R&A at the age
of 20. Among many of Samuel Mure Ferguson’s golfing achievements was winning the King’s Medal at St Andrews on seven occasions, Captain of The Royal St Georges, 1902-03, and also Captain of The Royal & Ancient, 1910.
What makes this course in Windsor Castle so unique is that it is in the home park, and that is the very private retreat for the reigning monarch when in residence at Windsor Castle. The very fact that King Edward VII had the course built in the private grounds of Windsor Castle has meant that only a very few have had the privilege of playing a round of golf there. Legend has it that when the King and Samuel Ferguson were designing and building the course, the King’s Private Secretary came to him and explained that there would not be enough time to play 18 holes of golf due to his very busy schedule. So it would be better to leave it at a 9-hole course. The King reluctantly agreed. What few people realise, however, is that the then Keeper of the Privy Purse
had earlier approached the King’s Private Secretary and informed him that the first nine holes had finished over budget, and there were insufficient funds to complete another nine holes. So they concocted the “time pressures” story to try and convince the Monarch to abandon the final nine. The course was established in 1901 and the clubhouse in 1905. The clubhouse was originally intended for the King to watch the cricket which he would do so from the upstairs balcony. The building was later handed over to the Golf Club and was known as the Kings Pavilion as it still is today. The building now contains the Club’s Honours Board, trophies, and various mementos from visits to other clubs as well as gifts from visiting teams.
The Club Patrons. King Edward VII: 1901-1910. King George V: 1919-1936. King Edward VIII: 1936King George VI: 1936-1952. Queen Elizabeth II: 1952 until present day. Club Presidents Lt. Col. Sir John Johnston 1976-1994. Prince Andrew. The Duke of York. 1994 – Until Present Day. The Royal Household Golf Club’s Major Tournaments. The Queen Elizabeth II Cup. The King’s Challenge Cup. The Princess Mary Challenge Cup. The Buckingham Palace Challenge Cup. The Jubilee Plate. The Coronation Cup.
Unique Golf Tournaments of the World The Drambuie Ice Golf Championship
By “Scottish Bob” Davies
Golfers are recommended not to use graphite shafts as they may shatter with the freezing temperatures. Bright orange golf balls are used and it is always good to keep your eyes open just in case any polar bears try to grab your “balls” however unlikely.
T
his unique golf tournament held in Uummannaq Greenland was the brainchild of Mr Arne Neimann who asked Mr Rolf Henning Jensom to design a regulation 9-hole golf course on the ice. After completion of this unique course, the very first Ice Golf Championship was held in 1999. The course is set approximately 600 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle among freezing glaciers and huge icebergs that frame the course and still continue to move slowly all year round. Golfers with a handicap of up to 36 are admitted to the tournament which consists of a 36-hole stroke competition held over two days. On their first day there, they hold a “Ryder Cup” style comp named The Neimann Cup to get the golfers acclimatized to the freezing conditions. 10
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2017
Playing golf on the frozen seascape challenges many of the golfers both physically and mentally. It is absolutely essential that the golfers must wear a special kit to play, including thermal
underwear as the temperatures can reach minus-50-degrees with the wind chill factor. Each golfer must watch that their fellow golfers don’t suffer from snow blindness or frostbite in the freezing conditions.
While the views may be stunning, the course is very difficult due to the movement of the ice and huge icebergs that are released from seven glaciers nearby. The course is never the same from one tournament to another and the tournament can only be held if the ice is thick enough. The holes and greens (“Whites”) are beautifully sculptured over the frozen sea only a couple of days before the Championships are held. From humble beginnings this tournament has grown into one of the most sought-out tournaments by golfers from all over the world.
GOLF TOURS
Fall colours, Presidents Cup and New York Paladin Sports launches Golf Tours hosted by Jamie Lyon
S
ee the world’s best golfers of the International Team battle against the best the USA has to offer, during the upcoming Presidents Cup, courtesy of Golf & Gourmet’s Presidents Cup golf tour. With top Australians like Adam Scott and Jason Day likely to play, there will be no shortage of golf talent on offer for the rabid golf fan, while non-golfers on the trip can enjoy an amazing cruise, Crystal Springs Resort and New York City, and of course the shopping. The tour starts with a cruise from Montreal to New York. This is not the normal ocean cruise. It includes the St Lawrence Seaway and then makes its way to New York through the Erie Canal where only specially-designed vessels can negotiate the narrow canals and locks. As described by Luther Blount, of Blount Small Ship Adventures: “Journey through historic canals, lakes, river and bays, previously only accessible by private yacht. Our vessels are specifically designed to negotiate the narrow locks and low bridges of the Erie Canal along this signature itinerary.” The timing is perfect to experience the amazing fall colours of Canada and the USA, a definite bucket list item. To enjoy this on a small ship, along canals, small towns and locks will enhance all of the senses. This tour will not be repeated for many years, as the Presidents Cup is only played every two years, alternating between a variety of locations between the USA and International countries. “In my research to develop this itinerary there is nothing else that will compare, the ambience to stroll through small villages along the canal, immerse in the history, culture and understanding the way of life of the local folk is a rewarding experience”, said Golf & Gourmet Founder, Fred Sparksman. The cruise disembarks in New York on September 25, the Presidents Cup
starts on 28 September so you will get your golf fix by including Crystal Springs Resort, New Jersey, just an hour from Downtown New York. Choices of golf, spa, dining, walking, the resort is considered a playground for all ages. Return to the Deluxe Marriott Hotel in Downtown for a four-night stay during the Presidents Cup. The hotel is perfectly located near the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Wall Street and the New York Villages of Greenwich Village and Soho. Transfers to and from the Liberty Golf Club (where the Presidents Cup is held) is by Public Ferry, just a short walk from the hotel, allowing guests to come and go as they please, to enjoy the competition and New York City. Presidents Cup tickets include access to the Captains Club on Friday and Sunday which is located adjacent to the 9th Green, and the Signature Par-3, 10th and includes drinks, catering and a sports bar, with course access for Thursday and Saturday. Golf and Gourmet will also book sightseeing, theatre tickets, restaurants and airport transfers to ensure you enjoy your stay. “Having been involved in the tourism industry for 46 years this is one of the most exciting projects I have been involved with,” says Sparksman. “So join Golf & Gourmet and I for a truly great experience.” Telephone: 0414 799 722. Email: fred@golfgourmet.com.au. www.golfgourmet.com.au
By Megan Symington
T
o the many who have dealt with Paladin Sports, you will know they have a unique way of doing things. I met with the team at Paladin Sports recently and felt as though I’d been transported to ‘happy land’. Sure, it was just on lunch time, but everyone seemed genuinely happy to greet me and introduce themselves. I learnt that in just seven years Paladin have built an impressive global business based on listening to and offering their clients exactly what they want. Seeing a niche in Golf Tours, Paladin have recently selected Jamie Lyon (one of the nicest guys from the world of Rugby League) to run tours that clients want. Having just returned from his first North Island NZ tour, Jamie can’t believe that waking up every morning to play golf at another incredible golf course—with a great bunch of people, eating, drinking, listening to tall stories, seeing some sights and then doing it all again—actually constitutes work.
Which brings me back to ‘happy land’… after lunch, a table tennis net converted the lunch table to the tournament table and loads of laughter and happy sledging followed - I guess they did the ‘busy work’ after I left. Tim Morris, one of the founders said the formula just works. “We have a great bunch of staff both in Sydney and overseas. The launch of the Golf Tours with Jamie will mean that we can offer tailor-made tours for individuals and groups, both locally and to international events while adding that ‘local and special’ content from our overseas staff - that ‘difference’ that means the world to our clients.” Tim hinted that Jamie was looking forward to Golf tours based around the British & Irish Lions tour of NZ through to the US Masters and, frankly, any excuse to tailor an adventure for fellow golf tragics. Contact Jamie to make your bucket-list adventure happen. E: jamie@paladinsports.com.au or visit www.paladinsports.com.au April 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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Exotic Asia Golf Cruise hosted by PGA Golf Professional Robert Stock D
id you know you can cruise around exotic Asia and play some of the top golf courses in the world?
Imagine golfing at Sentosa Golf Club (pictured) underneath the spectacular skyline of Singapore’s downtown skyscrapers and watch the world’s trade float by as you navigate the ‘ocean’ lateral water hazards on Number 58 of the world’s Top 100 Golf Courses. Or the links golf of the Bluffs Ho Tram Split near Ho Chi Minh City, voted number 74 in the Top 100 World Golf Courses. Play alongside the 800 meters of pristine white sand beaches surrounding Vin Pearl Golf, Nha Trang, named one of Forbes Magazine’s 30 most
beautiful bays on earth. Best of all, unpack once and discover a new destination each morning. Taking your clubs on this cruise vacation is easy. All the tee-times have been arranged as well as transportation to the golf course. Normally these unique courses take hours to reach by road but are comfortably accessible by cruise ship. On arrival at the course you will be organized into groups by your PGA host on the tour, British-born Robert Stock, and play in a friendly competition. After your day on the links, you return to your floating resort the Sapphire Princess for some 19th Hole refreshments.
Follow this with a gourmet dinner and your choice of live music, broadway-style entertainment, casino action, or simply polishing the clubs for the next day’s adventure at a brand-new destination. The golf tour begins on November 25th 2017 and visits ten outstanding courses including Sentosa and Raffles Golf Club Singapore, Kota Permai, Penang, and Dalit Bay, Malaysia, Red Mountain, Laem Chabang and Santiburi Samui, Thailand and Vin Pearl Golf Nha Trang and The Bluffs Ho Tram Split, Vietnam. The cruise departs Singapore on November 27th. The 15-nights aboard Sapphire Princess, sees visits to Singapore; Kuala Lumpur, Penang
and Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia; Phuket, Bangkok, Ko Samui in Thailand and Nha Trang and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. The golf cruise finishes in Singapore and is priced from $7995 a person, twin share, including flights. Non-golfers receive a $2000 discount. There are limited spots remaining on the golf cruise so call Travelrite on 1800 033 436, Phone: (03) 9729 8722, Fax: (03) 9729 0682. Travelrite International Pty Ltd. 182 Canterbury Road Heathmont, Victoria 3135. Email: heathmont@travelrite.com.au. www.travelrite.com.au
KING ISLAND ESCAPES TASMANIA AUSTRALIA
Spectacular Golf, Dream Accommodation
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Contact Alexandra on 0417 580 550 kingislandescapes | Email: kingislandescapes@gmail.com
17 20 y er ntr ob E ct 5 O $9 2 | r- es be riz em n P pt 0 i Se , 0 0 30 $6
social events throughout the tour for all tour members to enjoy. This exciting group tour is suitable for golfers of all levels as well as accompanying non-golfing partners and is sure to be one of the most memorable golfing holidays you will ever experience. Tour sizes are between 20-40 golfers and attract many repeat clients who value the high standard of service provided and enjoy the opportunity to play and compete in a professionally managed golf event.
New Hawaii big island golf adventure
G
reat Golf Getaways has released a new group golf tour to Hawaii’s Big Island for 2017.
This exciting 10-day, 5-round tour departs Australia on 23 August which is perfectly timed for golfers who are keen to escape the cold winter months in Australia to enjoy the prime summer golfing season in Hawaii. Hawaii’s Big Island is a golfer’s paradise featuring world-class golf courses, luxury beachfront accommodation with spectacular ocean views and offers an ideal golfing climate year round. In addition, there are many exciting sightseeing activities to explore around
the Island such as a visit to the “Hawaii Volcanoes National Park”, which is a mustsee adventure on this tour. You can take a thrilling helicopter ride or charter flight to get a bird’s-eye view of the Island’s ancient volcanoes and the molten red lava flows that glow along the rugged coastline. Or on your free days, take the relaxed option and just simply bask in the warm Hawaiian sunshine by the pool or at the beach. The feature of this tour is the “HAWAII BIG 5” golf tournament which is open to all golfers with a registered handicap. The 5-round tournament incorporates
Mauna Lani South Course
an individual stableford event for men and women and a separate team event with daily competitions and prizes to be won. The “Hawaii Big 5” event follows the success of Great Golf Getaways previous six annual “Maui Masters” tours to the Hawaiian Island of Maui which have attracted golfers from all over Australia. The 2017 “Hawaii Big 5” tournament is sure to be another exciting golf tour event that you shouldn’t miss! Being a fully escorted tour you will be accompanied by a Great Golf Getaways representative who will be managing all your tour and travel arrangements from start to finish and planning a host of fun
The 10-day golfer package is great value at just USD$3,950.00 per person (twinshare) including accommodation at a luxury beachfront hotel with ocean view rooms, daily buffet breakfast, 5 rounds of golf including motorised cart hire, all airport and daily golf transfers, welcome cocktail function on arrival, a sumptuous final event dinner and participation in the “Hawaii Big 5” tournament. Special non-golfing partner packages and single supplements are also available. Tour members can also plan an extended golf holiday to neighbouring islands such as Maui to play Kapalua’s “Plantation” and “Bay” courses, and include a stop over in Honolulu, Oahu on the way home to enjoy the great value shopping too. Tour registrations are closing Friday 28 April, so be sure to get in quick to secure your spot! For further tour details and to obtain a tour registration form, contact: Great Golf Getaways. National Travel Desk Tel: 1300 124 220. email: info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au or visit www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au •
HAWAII BIG ISLAND TOUR 23 AUGUST – 1 SEPTEMBER 2017 10 DAYS - 5 ROUNDS
Book for April 19th & receive 15% off
CRUISE & PLAY
Play the top 5 courses on Hawaii’s Big Island Individual and team event for men and women Daily competitions and prizes Luxury beachfront accommodation with ocean views The ultimate golfing holiday
Murray River Echuca
Tour information & bookings contact our National Travel Desk Tel: 1300 124 220 info@greatgolfgetaways.com.au www.greatgolfgetaways.com.au
“EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OFFER” murrayriverpaddlesteamers.com.au 14
INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL | April 2017
Book before 31 March 2017 and receive a dozen Titliest Pro Vi golf balls free!
Say ‘Aloha’ to Hawaii International Golf Week
H
ere’s your chance to tee it up during Hawaii’s best week of golf.
The 4th annual Hawaii International Golf week will take place on the Big Island of Hawaii from August 19th to 26. Played on world-class golf courses, with accommodation at the legendary Mauna Kea Resort, this is a tournament that everyone can enjoy regardless of their golf handicap. All players will have the opportunity to win a prize with different handicap divisions, and for the gun players there will also be a scratch competition. The tournament has grown in stature each year and has become a must-play for many people. Richard Ellis from Pacific Golf Management has over 25 years’ experience running golf tours, international amateur and professional tournaments around the world. Ellis says this is his favourite event destination, calling it a “golfing paradise” at a legendary location. Hawaii is the golf resort capital of
the world. The “Big Island”, Hawaii, is a 30-minute flight from Honolulu and has many of the best courses in Hawaii, designed by some of the greatest names in golf. Accommodation during this event is at the Mauna Kea Resorts five-star Hapuna Beach Hotel. This beautiful hotel is set on one of the best beaches in the world and everyone will enjoy the ocean view from their rooms. There are two world-class golf courses at Mauna Kea Resort and five more within
2017
15 minute’s drive. Competitors in this event will get to play five rounds on the best of these great courses, plus there’s a day where they can sharpen their skills under the watchful eyes of two PGA professionals (all included in the cost). The 4-round tournament is played on a different course each day, with carts, great prizes, nightly drinks, cocktail party and fun gala tournament dinner to finish. There are always a number of nongolfing partners on this trip and as you
would imagine Hawaii has numerous activities on offer apart from golf. For those who wish to spend more time in golfing paradise and some welldeserved R&R after the tournament, you can take a short flight back to Honolulu on the island of Oahu and spent four nights in Waikiki at the fabulous Hilton Hawaiian, set on 23 acres on the best part of Waikiki beach. The hotel is walking distance from the famous Ala Moana Shopping centre and there is another round of golf arranged at fantastic Ko’Olina golf course, venue for the annual Lotte LPGA tour event. There are two great packages available: from seven nights at Mauna Kea Resort including the tournament, and 11 nights, which includes four nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village at Waikiki after the tournament. For full event information and packages, go to www.pacificgolf.co.nz or contact Richard Ellis, email richard@pacificgolf. co.nz, ph. +64 21989996.
Golf Tours 6 worlD ClaSS Golf CoUrSeS on tHe BiG iSlanD & oaHU
Hawaii international Golf week
August 19th - 30th
August 19th - 26th
Special Tour Package • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
7 nights twin share accommodation at the five star Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, ocean view rooms Daily full buffet breakfast 1 practice round at Hapuna Beach course plus free PGA professional coaching & clinics . 4 tournament rounds of golf including cart, Mauna Kea, Hapuna Beach, Mauna Lani North & South courses Range balls before play each day Entry into the Hawaii International Golf Week tournament Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel Nightly drinks for one hour each night at the Reef Lounge during the tournament Player gift pack including tournament logo polo & cap, valued at over $130 Final night gala prize presentation dinner and drinks Great prizes Full tournament & event organisation by Pacific Golf Management All transport to and from golf courses during the tournament plus return Airport transfers Daily hotel resort fee, includes- free Wi Fi & in room internet, parking, gym access, range balls. All tax’s on accommodation, golf, meals and drinks included in the package
COST $US2694.00 pp (non-golfer $US1798.00)
Special Tour Package • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
7 nights twin share accommodation at Hapuna Beach Hotel, ocean view rooms 4 nights twin share accommodation at the Hilton Hawaii Village, ocean view rooms Daily full breakfast, 11 days 6 Rounds of golf including cart on world class course, Mauna Kea, Hapuna, Mauna Lani North Mauna Lani South and Ko’olina Ranges balls before play each day Entry into the Hawaii International Golf Week tournament Practice round at Hapuna Beach & free golf tuition with PGA professionals before the tournament. Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel Nightly drinks, one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament. Player gift pack including tournament logo polo & cap valued at over $130 Tournament prize presentation dinner and drinks • Great prizes Full tournament & event organisation by Pacific Golf Management All transport to and from the golf courses plus return Airport to Hotel transfers Daily Hotel resort fees at both hotels is included All tax’s on accommodation, golf, meals and drinks included in the package
COST $US3744 pp (non-golfer $US2648)
www.pacificgolf.co.nz April 2017 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL
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KING ISLAND
Travel any day. King Island Flights depart from Melbourne, Tullamarine
4 Night EXPERIENCE KING ISLAND from $998 per person*
S 7 NIGHT
0 $158 share) (pp twin
Package Includes: Cape Wickham & Ocean Dunes golf rounds with carts 4 Nights Twin Share at Ocean Dunes King Island Hotel SUV Rental vehicle pick up/drop off Currie Airport* (4 people sharing rental vehicle) $1127 per person twin share* (2 people sharing rental vehicle)
DEPARTURES 2017:
LET US CUSTOMISE A KING ISLAND AND/OR BARNBOUGLE GOLF PROGRAM FOR YOU. WE HAVE BEEN THERE.
19 Mar; 18 Apr; 08 May; 05 Sep; 12 Sep; 19 Sep; SOLD 10 Oct; 17 Oct; 07 Nov SOLD SOLD DEPARTURES 2018 12, 19 March; 23, 30 April; 03, 10 May
Golfer Twin Share $1580 | Non Golfers Twin Share $1110 | Single Occupancy Golfer $2300
Presidents Cup & Fall Colours Canal Cruise Lovedale Long Lunch plus Golf
18-22 May 2017 02-05 Nov 2017
TOAST TO THE COAST GEELONG & THE BELLARINE PENINSULA
4 Nights at Harrigan’s Resort Hunter Valley with Breakfast 3 Games of Golf: Cypress Lakes; Hunter Valley Country Club & The Vintage 2 days entry to The Lovedale Long Lunch A Hunter Valley Dining Experience on Friday Welcome drinks Thursday Airport, Golf & Festival Transfers
THE PERFECT WARM UP FOR MELBOURNE CUP 4 Nights Accommodation at Novotel Geelong with Breakfast 3 golf Games with Carts: Thirteenth Beach; Curlewis; Torquay Dining Experience Friday Evening All Golf & Festival Transfers 2 days at the Toast on the Coast Festival
$1372 PP twin/double share $1937 PP single occupancy
$1385 PP twin/double share $1899 PP single occupancy
Departs Montreal 12 September Ends New York 02 October Perfect for 1 Golfer Couples - Once in a lifetime Itinerary
Includes: 12 night Fall Colours Cruise on St Lawrence Seaway, Eire Canal from Montreal to New York with Blount Small Ship Adventures 3 Nights Crystal Springs Resort including 2 golf rounds with carts, breakfast and transfers 4 Nights Deluxe Marriott Hotel, Manhattan 4 Days Entry to The President’s Cup including 2 Days entry to The Captains Club Transfers to & from Liberty National Golf Course by ferry across the Hudson River
THIS TOUR PROVIDES SO MANY WONDERFUL EXPERIENCES, IT WILL NOT BE REPEATED SO BOOK NOW - LIMITED SPACE.
A Golf & Gourmet tribute to THE SCIENCE OF FUN
TO RECEIVE OUR Quartely NEWSLETTER SIMPLY EMAIL US WITH YOUR NAME, EMAIL, TELEPHONE, MAILNG ADDRESS: fred@golfgourmet.com.au Go to www.golfgourmet.com.au or call Fred 0414 799 722
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