I was lucky enough to be present at the Ryder CUp at the K Club this year and had a fantastic time with some pretty awe inspiring perfomances.
One guy who stood out for me was Paul Casey. The Englishman has just been voted European Tour player of the year and also won shot of the year. He was pipped to the Order of Merit title by Padraig Harrington. My main memory of the Ryder Cup (apart from the hospitality of people from the K Club Carton House et al) was of the last days singles. Casey had just won his match on the 17th and a buggy drew up to carry him back to watch the other matches. He went behind the buggy after noticing a small boy in a wheelchair behind the green. Casey spent 5 minutes chatting and then signed everything he wanted before going back to his team mates. It was a great touch from a genuine sportsman and I am personally delighted he took the award.
Nearly Christmas, and thinking of potential trips to Ireland and Lisbon over the next couple of months.
Its my Birthday today so I'll raise a glass of vino to you all.
Wednesday 20 December 2006
Friday 15 December 2006
Introduction
Well, as a fairly well travelled golfer, who plays (pretty badly) off 14 - I thought it would be a good idea to post my (and my friends) recommendations about golf travel plus any anecotes about golf that we may run across......
My first post takes me back a couple of weeks and a short hop on Easyjet to Faro and then down to the Dom Pedro Golf Hotel in Vilamoura. We stayed at the 4 star (not bad not great) hotel and the shuttle buses collected us each morning, as we played the Victoria Course, Vila Sol (1-9, 19-27) and finally the under rated Pinhal.
I played really well around the Victoria, which is pretty expensive. The front nine is a bit forgettable (although brilliantly kept), but the back 9 is fantastic, 11 and 12 are great holes - the 12th is a cracking par 5 with water all along the left and positional play essential. 14 is another thinking mans hole and the finish is superb - 17 a testing but Birdieable (is that a word?) par 5 and 18 an tough Par4.
Vila Sol I was disappointed with - the front 9 was good, but the 19-27 loop was not very well kept and did notlating impression one me.
Pinhal is a terrific course. Some tight holes, great greens and fabulous backdrop overlooking Vilaoura and the surrounding Villas and apartments. Great club house and brilliant staff!!!!
Took the money 2 out of 3 days, so pretty happy with the trip.
If you are using the shuttle buses - call early - otherwise you may find it tight for tee times.
Going for a beer in Vilamoura? Avoid the Casino (its a rip off) head for one of the Irish bars or Italian restaurants on the front.
My first post takes me back a couple of weeks and a short hop on Easyjet to Faro and then down to the Dom Pedro Golf Hotel in Vilamoura. We stayed at the 4 star (not bad not great) hotel and the shuttle buses collected us each morning, as we played the Victoria Course, Vila Sol (1-9, 19-27) and finally the under rated Pinhal.
I played really well around the Victoria, which is pretty expensive. The front nine is a bit forgettable (although brilliantly kept), but the back 9 is fantastic, 11 and 12 are great holes - the 12th is a cracking par 5 with water all along the left and positional play essential. 14 is another thinking mans hole and the finish is superb - 17 a testing but Birdieable (is that a word?) par 5 and 18 an tough Par4.
Vila Sol I was disappointed with - the front 9 was good, but the 19-27 loop was not very well kept and did notlating impression one me.
Pinhal is a terrific course. Some tight holes, great greens and fabulous backdrop overlooking Vilaoura and the surrounding Villas and apartments. Great club house and brilliant staff!!!!
Took the money 2 out of 3 days, so pretty happy with the trip.
If you are using the shuttle buses - call early - otherwise you may find it tight for tee times.
Going for a beer in Vilamoura? Avoid the Casino (its a rip off) head for one of the Irish bars or Italian restaurants on the front.
Introduction
Well, as a fairly well travelled golfer, who plays (pretty badly) off 14 - I thought it would be a good idea to post my (and my friends) recommendations about golf travel plus any anecotes about golf that we may run across......
My first post takes me back a couple of weeks and a short hop on Easyjet to Faro and then down to the Dom Pedro Golf Hotel in Vilamoura. We stayed at the 4 star (not bad not great) hotel and the shuttle buses collected us each morning, as we played the Victoria Course, Vila Sol (1-9, 19-27) and finally the under rated Pinhal.
I played really well around the Victoria, which is pretty expensive. The front nine is a bit forgettable (although brilliantly kept), but the back 9 is fantastic, 11 and 12 are great holes - the 12th is a cracking par 5 with water all along the left and positional play essential. 14 is another thinking mans hole and the finish is superb - 17 a testing but Birdieable (is that a word?) par 5 and 18 an tough Par4.
Vila Sol I was disappointed with - the front 9 was good, but the 19-27 loop was not very well kept and did notlating impression one me.
Pinhal is a terrific course. Some tight holes, great greens and fabulous backdrop overlooking Vilaoura and the surrounding Villas and apartments. Great club house and brilliant staff!!!!
Took the money 2 out of 3 days, so pretty happy with the trip.
If you are using the shuttle buses - call early - otherwise you may find it tight for tee times.
Going for a beer in Vilamoura? Avoid the Casino (its a rip off) head for one of the Irish bars or Italian restaurants on the front.
My first post takes me back a couple of weeks and a short hop on Easyjet to Faro and then down to the Dom Pedro Golf Hotel in Vilamoura. We stayed at the 4 star (not bad not great) hotel and the shuttle buses collected us each morning, as we played the Victoria Course, Vila Sol (1-9, 19-27) and finally the under rated Pinhal.
I played really well around the Victoria, which is pretty expensive. The front nine is a bit forgettable (although brilliantly kept), but the back 9 is fantastic, 11 and 12 are great holes - the 12th is a cracking par 5 with water all along the left and positional play essential. 14 is another thinking mans hole and the finish is superb - 17 a testing but Birdieable (is that a word?) par 5 and 18 an tough Par4.
Vila Sol I was disappointed with - the front 9 was good, but the 19-27 loop was not very well kept and did notlating impression one me.
Pinhal is a terrific course. Some tight holes, great greens and fabulous backdrop overlooking Vilaoura and the surrounding Villas and apartments. Great club house and brilliant staff!!!!
Took the money 2 out of 3 days, so pretty happy with the trip.
If you are using the shuttle buses - call early - otherwise you may find it tight for tee times.
Going for a beer in Vilamoura? Avoid the Casino (its a rip off) head for one of the Irish bars or Italian restaurants on the front.
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