GOLF LINKS SPAIN had the pleasure of sampling the golfing experience to be enjoyed in the land of Tunisia.

I have to be honest and admit that, until this visit, I was totally unaware that Tunisia was considered a tourist resort, let alone a fantastic destination for golf. We were able to sample just three of the fabulous locations available for the discerning golfer who may be looking for that something extra – and Tunisia is more than capable of providing this.

Our first port of call was to the tourist resort of Sousse, about two hours south of Tunis airport, and the golf courses at the nearby El Kantaoui which comprises two golf courses, the Sea Course and the Panorama. This has proved a hugely popular destination for at least one group of golfers from the north Dublin area who have bee traveling here for almost ten years on an all-inclusive package at around 500 euros for the week. The courses here are very much geared towards the recreational golfer and the nearby Sousse is alive with bars and restaurants to suit every taste.

Yasmine Valley 10th Tee

Our next destination was a little further north to Hammamet and the superb courses of Yasmine and Citrus. As well as the superb Yasmine championship course you can also hone your short game on their own Executive Par 3 course. Citrus boasts two fine courses in the Olives and the Forest courses. Each one of these three championship courses is a fine testament to the development of golf in this region and I guarantee that they will provide an excellent test for golfers of all abilities.

Our golfing sojourn saw us finish up at the Robert Trent Jones II designed Residence course. Tunisia’s newest golf offering is located in a beautiful natural reserve teeming with migrating birds and wildlife. Many of the holes have a distinctive ‘links’ feel to them and the prevailing wind will have you thinking over your club selection.

Whilst the golf was of an excellent standard I would have to say that this was possibly surpassed by the accommodation on offer. Beautiful hotels in superb locations will help you to bask and reflect on your glory, or soothe the pain of your golf, depending on how your day’s play went. The people are welcoming and for the non-golfer there is plenty to do and see as well.

We traveled with Tunis Air direct from Madrid but the thing that may help in opening up this region to an even wider golfing public is the Open Skies policy which would allow the budget airlines to provide services to this excellent golfing destination.

For more information on how best to enjoy Tunisia as a golfing destination you can contact us directly at GOLF LINKS SPAIN or else you can contact our man on the ground, Eoin Feely, who can look after you and all you will require for an unforgettable experience.

Is it time for Tunisia? GLS says yes!

GMacSpain

One of Europe’s most exciting new golf developments will host European Tour’s up and coming stars.

Las Colinas Golf and Country Club, one of Spain’s grandest leisure facilities is delighted to announce that it will be hosting the prestigious second stage of The European Tour’s Qualifying School. The development, heralded by many as one of Europe’s most exciting new courses, has welcomed The European Tour’s decision following site visits from Mike Stewart and his team. The event will test some of golf’s brightest stars on their journey to achieving playing privileges for the 2012 season.

“We are delighted that Las Colinas Golf & Country Club has agreed to host the 2nd Stage of the European Tour Qualifying School later this year,” commented Mike Stewart, the European Tour’s Tournament Director. “It is clear that Las Colinas is an outstanding new development with a course of high quality which will be great addition to the collection of venues which we use for the Qualifying School.”

Successfully launched in the summer of 2010 and sitting within the established development of Dehesa de Campoamor, Las Colinas Golf & Country Club is carved out of a spectacular gorge, which gives breath-taking panoramic views of the nearby coastline. Surrounded by 10,000 hectares of Mediterranean woodland and designed by critically acclaimed golf architect Cabell B. Robinson, the golf course and its off-course facilities have been showered with praise from visitors and the media. Under the management of world-renowned golf management group Troon Golf, who ensure quality and service is kept to a premium level, the Par 71, 6973 yard championship golf course is situated at the heart of the leisure facility and utilises the topography of the land to its fullest to create a rich golf experience that will challenge even the most experienced golfer.

“We are delighted to welcome some of the stars of the future to Las Colinas Golf & Country Club. The course will be in great condition and we expect to see some great golf over the four days play. The golf course and resort has been set up to host headline and showcase events, and this will no doubt be first of many high profile events here,” commented Juan Alvarez, Golf Course Managing Director Las Colinas Golf & Country Club.

Golf Links Spain were invited by VISIT WALES and the Welsh Tourist Board to visit this wonderful Land of the Dragons and Song along with some of our fellow members of the European Golf and Travel Media Association. VISIT WALES uses the slogan – Golf as it should be – to promote the game there and they have managed to capture it right on the nose.

What we experienced was five days of fabulous golf, food and hospitality in this magical country and it has certainly opened up our eyes to the tremendous potential that exists in Wales for golfers of all abilities. Traditionally, it is the historic courses of Scotland in particular, together with those of Ireland and England that tends to attract the majority of golfing tourists from around the world. In particular, those international golfers from America and Japan automatically place destinations such as St. Andrews, Carnoustie, Royal County Down, Royal Portrush and many others high on their list of priorities when planning their ‘special’ trip away to the home of golf.

The Celtic Manor Resort Hotel

Well the 2010 Ryder Cup, and in particular the Celtic Manor Resort, went a long way to ensure that many of this target group of international golfers will wish to add wonderful Wales onto their itinerary. Based on our time there, everything a golfer might want is there in spades! Springy links turf, raging seas, wonderful views and mystical valleys combined with excellent golf courses – what more could you want?

We stayed in The Celtic Manor Resort and there did not appear to be any signs of the so-called financial ‘crisis’ as the hotel was very busy and there was plenty of activity and a great atmosphere. The rooms and service were of the highest calibre and there are some fantastic golf deals to be had.

The Golf

Our introduction to Golf Wales was at the world-famous Royal Porthcawl Golf Club. This is unquestionably one of the great links courses of the British Isles and has been host to many great tournaments and it was immediately obvious why that should be so. On arrival at the very traditional clubhouse we chatted with a member who informed us that we were lucky to have just a light breeze for our round! His opinion maybe, but this was at least a 2-club wind and the opening three holes played straight into it. I have never hit so many ‘knock-down’ 6 irons from just over 100 yards in my life! The views all around the course are quite spectacular and my main piece of advice has to be – stay out of the bunkers! They are so punishing and it can be quite disheartening to have no option but to come out sideways, or even backwards on occasions, after hitting what you felt was a good tee-shot.

Next up we played at The Welsh National Course, The Vale. This is a stunning parkland course set in beautiful scenery with an abundance of wildlife and, together with its other Lakes Course, all set in 650 acres of spectacular South Wales countryside.

The 12th Tee at Southerndown

Next up was possibly the most memorable of the trip for me – Southerndown Golf Club. Sitting a couple of hundred feet above the coastline, this cannot be called a true links course but possibly better referred to as heathland. Sheep form a major part of the club’s greenstaff and you just have to let them go about their business as you negotiate this wonderful golfing experience!

Finally, we got to finish up at Celtic Manor 2010 Course, the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup match that will live long in the memories of those of us who were lucky enough to be there and all of you who will have watched it. The course really did live up to its expectations and more so. I expected it to be a bit of a ‘slog’ due to its length but I’m pleased to report that this was not the case. My one piece of advice would be that, if you feel capable enough to walk the course you will enjoy the experience to its fullest. Buggies are not permitted on the fairways and this can lead to very long treks with two or three clubs in your hand if your ball should land on the wrong side of your intended path.

Royal Porthcawl

We cannot thank the Course directors and operating staff enough for their attentive service and we would encourage you all to check out each of the resorts for their extremely good value packages they have to offer.

EAT WALES!

Not only did we get to experience excellent golf but we were also spoilt rotten with the best of culinary treats that South Wales has to offer. This began on our welcoming reception at The Celtic Manor Resort, where we were met by Jane Harris and Claire Saunders who were to be our main hosts for the week – and what hosts they turned out to be.

It would be unfair to single any one of the venues as each offered a superb choice of beautifully prepared food so I shall happily list them all and recommend that you give them all a try when you get to VISIT WALES yourselves.

It all began with one of the finest arrays of ‘Welsh Tapas’ on our Welcome Reception upon arrival at The Celtic Manor Resort! The only way I can think of to describe what we were offered.

The following evening we were taken for dinner at the Woods Brasserie in the rejuvenated port area of Cardiff. Woods Brasserie is a contemporary restaurant situated within the iconic pilotage building of Cardiff Bay.  Historically it was used by river pilots, who helped navigate ships through the shallow straits of the bay. The restaurant has a modern conservatory style dining room, a comfortable bar area and a balcony offering views of Cardiff Bay.

The next day, following our golf at The Vale, we dined in the Boardroom. The Vale Resort offers world class breaks. A luxurious 143 bedroom, four star hotel, 2 championship golf courses – the much talked about Wales National Golf Course UK and the beautiful Lake Course plus Wales’ largest health spa, dining in both formal and casual surroundings and exceptional sporting facilities.

The Newbridge on Usk

Our next evening proved a special treat when we dined at The Newbridge on Usk. The Newbridge Inn has morphed into the Newbridge on Usk and has found a new lease of life under the same ownership as the famous Celtic Manor Resort. Famous for its amazing location by a bridge over the River Usk at Tredunnock,  this substantial inn now combines the virtues of a beamed pub-with-rooms and the cosmopolitan flavour of a stylish restaurant.

Our final gala dinner was held in the Julia Suite in The Lodge at the main resort itself. We were joined by Jonathan Jones, Director of Tourism and Marketing, Welsh Assembly Government and it was indeed an occasion fitting to bring our trip to a close.

Many thanks to Jonathan, Claire and, in particular, Jane for all they did for us and I shall leave you with the words of Features Editor, Jenny, for the final words…

“You have to go to Wales, and this is coming from an Irish girl who knows all about great scenery and hospitality.”

GMacSpain

GOLF LINKS SPAIN recently travelled to Morocco courtesy of the Moroccan National Tourist Office along with a number of journalists from the European Golf and Tourism Media Association who together represent more than 15 countries around the world.

Whilst the main body of the group were based in Agadir for the first part of the week, we met up with them when they travelled north to the coastal resort of Essaouira where we stayed at the Sofitel Mogador Golf and Spa Hotel overlooking the magnificent Gary Player designed course. More on the golf later, but here are the words of Features Editor, JMac, on her reflections of Morocco…

‘I was not sure what to expect when embarking on our trip to Morocco, let alone golf being a major part of our visit. Was I in for a surprise? It was an experience I will truly never forget. I will describe a day and night in Essaouira to try and give you a flavour of this intriguing resort…

FORE!

A bright and early start with an excellent breakfast served by extremely attentive staff in this beautiful Five Star hotel overlooking the course then off for a 9.00am tee-off where, again, the staff could not have been more courteous and helpful. I thought that the course was one of the most beautiful and natural I had experienced and everywhere offers magnificent views out to Mogador Island. At one point we even met up with a young turtle on the seventh green quietly going about his business until we showed up!

After golf there was just time for a quick shower then off into the town for a spot of lunch – by-passing a vista of camels and kites on the beach – mesmorising! The town is dominated by the old fortress walls of the Medina and this is a feature of the town not to be missed. The atmosphere was very friendly and our beach front location(s) for lunches were superb. The food was excellent and enjoyed in superb weather with the Trade Winds transporting us to another time.

On returning to the hotel there was time to enjoy a ‘hammam’ – the traditional Moroccan spa experience – before getting ready to go out and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Medina at night. It was at this time that we got to visit a number of the incredible ‘riads’, which are kind of boutique hotels beautifully furnished and appointed and available from the very reasonable to the expensive depending on your budget. They are all great and we even had a peek at the one which had been the favourite of Jimi Hendrix when he spent time there in the sixties!

This is a golf holiday with a difference. If you like to expand your mind to experience amazing light, sounds, smells, food, people and culture plus play golf as well, then this is a new opportunity for you to do it all.

By the way ladies, if you want to see Morocco but your husband isn’t that fussed, then this might just be the way to get him there!’

JMac

Thanks Jenny and what she didn’t mention was that she was also the proud recipient of the of the ladies trophy for the two rounds of golf we enjoyed!

Regarding the course itself, I feel that Gary Player has made an excellent job in creating a superb track that suits players of every level. The course was in immaculate condition with perfect tees and fairways and fast greens. Playing off the yellow tees and at around 6600 yards, the course proved to be a challenge but the way the course has been designed, this distance did not seem to bother most competitors. As Jenny said, the views are magnificent but what any golfer wants on a trip like this is a good golf course, well maintained, that can offer them a good test of their game. In my opinion, and those of the rest of our colleagues, Golf de Mogador delivers in spades.

GMacSpain

Morocco is fast becoming one of the latest exotic locations for golf. Currently boasting some 27 golf courses with 13 more due to be inaugurated within the next three years, golf tourism has grown by 40% over the past three years with over 172,000 golf visitors having been recorded.

Morocco has much to offer the golfing visitor: a convenient proximity to Britain and Europe; a modern infrastructure encompassing first class airports, hotels and resorts; a mild climate that is ideal for year-round golf on good quality courses, not to mention a rich and diverse culture and fascinating cuisine.

Marrakesh has long been established as a major centre for golf but 2011 brings a new initiative from the Moroccan National Tourist Office as The Year of Golf in Agadir.

With its 300 days of sunshine a year, its mild temperature and its bay of majestic beaches, Agadir is the ultimate golf resort located just a few hours’ away from Europe’s major capitals. Amid swings and waves, four splendid golf courses offer a wide range of links and levels for every golfer’s never-ending pleasure. This year, Agadir has hosted two major golf competitions: the European Tour – Hassan II Golf Trophy and the Ladies European Tour – Lalla Meryem Cup attended by some of world class players of the European Circuit and watched by over 450 Million viewers due to the large TV & Media coverage that took place during these events.

The Moroccan National Tourist Office gearing up to promote Morocco worldwide as the leading golfing destination in Africa and focusing its 2011 strategy around AGADIR leading up to several golf events.

Did you know that you can book your golf tee times directly online from the comfort of your own home directly to the course of your choice? No middle man required, your booking is done in real time with the courses’ own system.

Simply click here right now to take you directly to our GolfSwitch booking portal.

GOLF LINKS SPAIN were invited by KICK BACK NINE to stay as guests of the CS Hotel Group to view the golf and accommodation facilities on offer at their resorts in southern Portugal.

KICK BACK NINE is a new company offering exceptional value in the market of long-stay golf breaks. This enables golfers to escape from the seemingly never-ending winters of northern Europe when, if the golf courses aren’t actually closed, then golf is only possible by wrapping yourself in numerous layers of protective clothing and putting up with freezing conditions, temporary greens and only made bearable by the addition of a comforting hip flask to try and dull the pain of the excruciating cold! Sound familiar?

KICK BACK NINE is working with the CS Group and others for what is, quite simply, an unbelievable offer of long-term golf and accommodation at a carefully chosen selection of resorts throughout the Mediterranean. At the moment you can have a choice of delightful locations in either, Portugal, Cyprus or Italy. The company is also currently in negotiation with a number of companies in our own region of S-E Spain and we hope to be bringing you news of how things are developing in the very near future.

First of all, let us tell you about our brief, but thoroughly rewarding, couple of days in the Salgados resort, situated in Albufeira, very conveniently located close to Faro airport. This was our first visit to Portugal and it was certainly not disappointing. The weather could have been more favourable but, considering it was the first week of December in what has been an uncharacteristic spell of weather for the region, we had very little to complain about.

Your accommodation

I imagine that if you were to consider a long stay golf break to get away from those long winter blues of northern Europe, one of your primary considerations would be the quality of accommodation on offer. Well, let us put you at rest right from the outset on that score. The apartments at Vila das Lagoas are superbly appointed complete with all the facilities that you would expect of a five-star facility complete with daily housekeeping, pools, bars, restaurants, and, of course, the golf, which we will come to next.

The package in the Salgados resort offers you 20 rounds of golf included in a one-month stay at a choice of three different golf courses. At the resort itself, you are within walking distance to the first tee at Salgados Golf Course. On top of this, you have two separate golf courses to choose from at a 30-40 minute drive and only minutes from the popular resort town of Portimao.

The three golf courses offer you a varied choice of golf. Salgados is an easy-going, fun track with lots of water. This course takes some thought as it’s a bit tricky, but rewarding after the first few rounds. We managed to fit in a full round of golf here and found it to be both challenging and rewarding. The water hazards are in play on most of the holes but can be avoided with careful positioning off the tee. The greens are fairly small in most cases so this will be a good test of your approach play. The clubhouse is extremely welcoming to return to after your round.

The 19th hole

Alamos golf

Morgado and Alamo are located next to each other and about 30 minutes from the accommodation at Salgados. Here you will find two courses of a somewhat different character; Morgado is pretty open and easy to play while Alamo is a short, tricky course associated more with “target” golf. Both are fun, popular and have wonderful natural tracks. Peace and tranquillity is the atmosphere that comes to mind when you play these courses. As an additional bonus, the Morgado/Alamo complex also boasts one of the finest golf academies you are likely to find anywhere, where Caddie Master, Edward Baldwin, will look after your every golfing need.

Lose those blues!

If you are fed up with those long winter nights at home when the golf courses are either closed due to the weather, or you find playing the game with six layers of clothes on just too demanding, why not treat yourself to a well-deserved break in the sun and return to your home course and astound your friends with how your golf, and your health, has improved beyond recognition!

GOLF LINKS SPAIN would like to thank Perren Armstrong of KICK BACK NINE together with Lars Tigerberg of TIGERBERG GOLF (Sweden), Pedro Silvestre, Golf Director at Salgados Golf and Edward Baldwin at Morgados for looking after us so well and we look forward to returning again before too long.

Please note; when making your reservation or enquiry at either www.kickbacknine.co.uk (English) or www.tigerberggolf.se (Swedish) please make sure to include the reference GLS for additional benefits.

LATEST NEWS! I have just recently been informed by Perren Armstrong of KICK BACK NINE that the company are now able to offer similar breaks at selected locations for stays of just one and two weeks so no excuses for not giving yourselves a treat!