DISCOVER MADEIRA REAPPOINTS AZALEA FOR A SECOND TERM

Specialist PR and marketing agency Azalea will continue to encourage tourists and golfers to discover the beautiful islands of Madeira after a successful first year.

Discover Madeira, the consumer-facing brand of the Madeira Promotion Bureau, partnered with Azalea in late 2018 to help promote Madeira as a tourist destination to consumers and the travel trade in the UK and across Europe.

With a particular focus on the golf market, Azalea has been, and will now continue to, support all its PR, marketing and communication needs.

Madeira is home to three magnificent golf courses in total, with Santo da Serra and Palheiro Golf located on the mainland, and Porto Santo Golf located on the nearby island of Porto Santo.

Hailed as the ‘world’s best emerging golf destination’ at the World Golf Awards, and as Europe’s ‘leading island destination’ for the fourth successive year, as well as the world’s ‘leading island destination’ for a staggering fifth year running in the 2019 World Travel Awards, Madeira is renowned as a perfect year-round golf break destination because of its amazingly mild climate.

And with the island recently opening up for international travel again after the coronavirus lockdown, now is more important than ever to communicate with holidaymakers and golfers looking to escape for some well-needed leisure time and sunshine after months of being cooped up at home.

Azalea is a leading player in the golf and tourism industry, working with some of Europe’s major tourist boards, flagship golf clubs, luxury resorts and leading brands, with vast experience in enhancing reputation and raising brand awareness.

Azalea’s remit with Madeira includes all golf-related PR; social media management; handling digital and print advertising; trade activation; arranging FAM, media and influencer visits; tour operator presentations and engagement, as well as content creation and copywriting.

Daniel Chidley, director at Azalea, said: “We had a great first year working with Madeira and are really looking forward to continuing our partnership. We really wanted to announce Madeira on the scene as one of the world’s best golf destinations – and we definitely achieved that with the tourist numbers and the accolades it received.

“Now is time to build on that success and hard work at a time where it’s crucial to get people traveling again and escaping the stresses of the last few months. There are definitely challenges in the golf tourism market at the moment, but Madeira is well placed to come out thriving because of the guidance and safety measures it has implemented, as well as the nature of the island providing plenty of outdoor activities, and we can’t wait to help it come out the other side even stronger.”

If you are interested in teaming up with Azalea, please contact: Sean.Noble@theazaleagroup.com

www.theazaleagroup.com | www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house-golf-club

AZALEA “WOWS” CLIENTS WITH VITAL COMMS SUPPORT THROUGH CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

With the leisure, tourism and hospitality industries all taking a huge hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, communications has been key during these unprecedented times, and specialist marcomms agency Azalea has stepped in to provide crucial marketing and strategic support for those in need.

The pandemic struck Europe in early 2020 and forced a number of venues and resorts to close, requiring careful messaging throughout the closure to members and customers to keep them informed, engaged and, ultimately, excited to return.

During this period, Azalea has used its specialist service to help a number of flagship golf clubs, major tourist boards and luxury resorts get the right messages to their stakeholders, through the right platform, and at the right time. From crisis reporting, social media management, member comms, email marketing and press announcements – Azalea has been on hand for its clients, every step of the way.

Furthermore, Azalea has supported with extensive communications plans and marketing strategy as clubs and resorts have begun to reopen. In the UK, ‘staycations’ are set to be popular this summer, particularly within the golf break segment, with Azalea working closely with its clients on packages and promotional plans to get people returning.

And don’t just take it from us! Here are some testimonials from some of the clients we have helped through the coronavirus crisis:

Sally Raith-Riches, director of sales at Foxhills Club & Resort, said: “Wow! That’s all I can say about Azalea’s support over the last few months, we are incredibly grateful. Never has member comms been so vital, especially as we were going through renewals in the peak of the virus, and Azalea helped us maximise our renewal and kept our members engaged and in the loop during the uncertain times. We hit the ground running with our golf membership with a very successful strategy implemented and are ready and raring to go ahead of our hospitality reopening thanks to Azalea’s forward-planning.”

James Ibbetson, general manager at Farleigh Golf Club, said: “We have had amazing feedback from our members and local community on our comms, thanks to Azalea’s creative and proactive approach. Not only that, but we were delighted with our membership renewal – in impossible trading conditions – which was then followed by a record-breaking six weeks upon reopening the golf course. All of this isn’t a coincidence and is a testament to Azalea’s great work.”

Nick Hughes, general manager of Green Grass Golf, said: “Azalea has been extremely flexible and supportive throughout this tough period. By being proactive and reacting quickly, they have ensured we have been ahead of the game. As a result, both of our venues have come out of this as strongly as they could have in the circumstances – with record numbers of golfers playing the courses. Azalea is definitely a trusted partner, not only are they good at what they do, but an enjoyable bunch to work with too.”

Alan Foley, director of golf and spa sales for the Almarose hotel group, said: Azalea is a valuable extension of our small internal team and brings expertise that is needed to help us get maximum results. One thing that sticks out is Azalea’s speed and turnaround time; tasks are always completed quickly and to an excellent standard – they really do know their stuff. Throughout our time of need, Azalea has been extremely flexible and a great sounding board for ideas – a voice of reason which knows exactly what will work for our target market.”

If you are interested in teaming up with Azalea, please contact: daniel@theazaleagroup.com

THE MANOR HOUSE STRIKES THE IRON WHILE IT’S HOT WITH AZALEA

Luxury hotel and golf club The Manor House, in Wiltshire, is capitalising on the UK’s golf boom by teaming up with specialist PR and marketing agency Azalea to handle its golf communication needs.

UK golf clubs, including The Manor House, are experiencing their busiest time after the government eased lockdown restrictions so that people can play sports that are easy to socially distance outdoors, which only really included golf and tennis.

The esteemed club, located in the pretty village of Castle Combe, has spotted an opportunity to maximise this period of popularity by appointing Azalea to help promote its membership, overnight golf breaks, as well as its group golf and corporate offering.

Renowned as a leading player in the golf and tourism industry, Azalea works with some of Europe’s major tourist boards, flagship golf clubs, luxury resorts and leading brands, with vast experience in enhancing reputation and raising brand awareness.

The Manor House is home to a delightful championship-standard 18-hole course, which is immersed in the enchanting surroundings of the Cotswolds, with 365 acres of breathtaking rolling countryside as a backdrop and some of the most idyllic scenery you will see on an English golf course.

And it is not just highly regarded because of its golf course … the stately 14th-century hotel is the epitome of luxury and a cosy B&B pub, The Castle Inn, is perfect for group golf getaways.

Azalea’s remit with The Manor House includes all golf-related PR, social media management, as well as handling its digital and print advertising, to help the club drive revenue, increase sales and recruit more members from the large number of casual golfers playing regularly at the moment.

Daniel Chidley, director at Azalea, said: “Golf has become a phenomenon across the UK over the past month or so, with many golfers reigniting their passion for the game and lots of beginners taking the sport up.

“This creates a tremendous opportunity for golf clubs to make the most out of this period, getting more people out on the course and converting them to members. There has never been a better time to focus on marketing and we are delighted to support The Manor House and help them take full advantage.”

If you are interested in teaming up with Azalea, please contact: Daniel@theazaleagroup.com

Silver Coast Duo Riding Booking Wave

Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort’s status as a favourite venue for travelling golfers has been further enhanced, with latest figures revealing its two courses to be most popular in Portugal outside of the Algarve.

The resort’s first 18-hole championship course, which was designed by Cabell Robinson in 1997, ranked first in terms of the number of rounds played in 2018 with West Cliffs Golf Links – which is managed by Praia D’El Rey and only opened two years ago – immediately behind.

West Cliffs is well on its way to becoming Portugal’s new number one and its growing worldwide reputation is borne out by the fact golfers from no fewer than six continents and 34 different countries – including USA, China, South Korea, Brazil, South Africa and New Zealand – visited in the last 12 months.

www.praia-del-rey.com and www.westcliffs.com

ACADEMY UPGRADE PUTS FINCA CORTESIN IN A LEAGUE OF ITS OWN

The first venue in Spain to feature a new, eco-friendly variety of Bermuda grass on all its greens, Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa has reinforced its reputation for setting the benchmark for luxury golf destinations in Europe by carrying out a further upgrade of its Jack Nicklaus Golf Academy.

The exclusive resort in Andalucia has invested in the very latest in golf-swing technology to help members and guests to improve all parts of their game using the same cutting-edge equipment as the world’s elite players.

Among the impressive additions at the academy is the installation of Foresight Sports’ world-acclaimed GCQuad launch monitor – arguably the most accurate and versatile launch monitor ever made and used by the likes of five-time PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler and numerous top coaches including Butch Harmon.

Capable of being used indoors or outside, the GCQuad uses four cameras to deliver unmatched accuracy and real-time shot analysis on clubhead and ball speed, swing path, lie angle, angle of attack and strike location, whether hitting a 300-yard drive, 20-yard chip or 10-foot putt.

Further investment includes the purchase of new Swing Catalyst Video Analysis Software, a Swing Catalyst Balance Plate, two high-speed video cameras and the hi-tech K-Coach Motion Learning System, allowing Finca Cortesin’s team of dedicated golf coaches to analyse swings in greater detail than ever before.

In addition, a Foresight FSX 2018 simulator means that players can now learn and practice at the academy while playing the world’s best and most exclusive courses, while the new technology will enable the resort to offer an enhanced five-star club-fitting service, featuring premium golf club manufacturers Honma Golf.

Miguel Girbés, director of golf at Finca Cortesin Hotel, Golf & Spa, said: “Finca Cortesin is committed to delivering the best possible golf experience, and it’s imperative that our golfers have access to the latest technology available.

“The significant investment that we’ve made in our tuition facilities over the spring will make our academy one of the very best in Europe, and I’m sure will prove of great benefit to all the golfers that use it.”

Opened in March 2006 and set across a vast 532-acre estate, Finca Cortesin – a member of the prestigious European Tour Destinations Network – is regarded as one of Europe’s most exclusive modern golf and lifestyle destination resorts.

Designed by American Cabell Robinson, the par-72 layout has hosted numerous high-profile tournaments including the Volvo World Match Play Championship in 2009, 2011 and 2012, while complementing the world-class golf course are outstanding practice facilities.

Located in the rolling hills of southern Spain, between Marbella and Sotogrande, with the Mediterranean to one side and the tranquil Casares Mountains to the other, Finca Cortesin’s other world-class facilities include an elegant 67-suite hotel, Hotel Cortesin; a 6,000sqm Beach Club; an award-winning spa featuring Spain’s only snow cave; and the choice of four restaurants.

www.fincacortesin.com

THE NEW BAY CLUBHOUSE AT COSTA NAVARINO HAS VIEWS TO THRILL

When it comes to future debates about the best view from a golf clubhouse, the new earth-sheltered facility at Costa Navarino’s Bay Course is going to feature highly.

Opening at the end of June, the 2,000m2 uniquely designed building blends harmoniously into the natural landscape and is only clearly visible when playing the closing hole. Its indoor and outdoor spaces afford stunning vistas across the renowned Robert Trent Jones Jnr-designed golf course to the historic Bay of Navarino, further enhancing the Bay Course’s positioning among the most breath-taking golf courses in Europe.

Designed by Athens-based AETER Architects – with interiors by London’s MKV Design – the clubhouse is aligned with Costa Navarino’s sustainable principles to preserve and enhance the local environment. The clubhouse is ideally located in a varied landscape with features that combine a pristine coastline with tree-lined hills, olive groves and breath-taking views.

Based on the doctrine of bioclimatic architecture it features planted roofs, which will, ultimately, include a total of 27,500 plants and trees – both around the clubhouse and on its roof – as well as materials and systems that maximise the building’s energy efficiency.

The spacious interior features restaurant and bar facilities – including, for six weeks in July and August, a pop-up, Funky Gourmet restaurant, the first time a two-Michelin-star dining experience will be available in Greece outside of Athens.  

The clubhouse’s unique design and facilities – including an impressive pro shop and relaxation areas – will further enhance the golf offering at Costa Navarino and the unique experiences for its guests.

One of the world’s leading sustainable destinations, Costa Navarino is renowned for its pristine coastal location, breathtaking landscape, cultural heritage, luxury hospitality and real estate. A commitment to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility exist throughout its operation, as well as a desire to promote the entire region of Messinia, while protecting and preserving both its natural beauty and heritage.

www.costanavarino.com

CARROSSA YACHT SET TO MAKE WAVES

Carrossa is launching its brand of five-star style on the ocean after adding its own luxury yacht to the holiday options. 

Situated in the north east of Mallorca, near the historic town of Artà, the five-star resort, with just 75 luxurious rooms and suites, opened in May 2018 and has proved an attractive new destination for those looking to discover an authentic Mallorcan experience in fabulous surroundings.

And now, those stunning beaches, beautiful bays and secluded coves, which can only be accessed from the idyllic Mediteranean Sea, can be explored and enjoyed aboard the Carrossa II – in trademark Carrossa luxury.

Under the guidance of a fully-qualified, experienced captain, who can tailor the voyage to suit the group’s requests, up to six guests at a time can add a day at sea to their holiday from June to September on the 10m vessel.

Berthed just 15 minutes away, in Colonia de Sant Pere, the Greenline Neo Hard Top is for the exclusive use of Carrossa guests and offers an unforgettable holiday experience – with exclusive drinks, catering, fruit and sandwiches all provided.

The Luxury Yacht Package (starting from €1,155 per person) is a seven-night stay, which entitles guests to their choice of room category, a half-board stay and a one-day trip at sea.

Peter Hamacher, director of sales and marketing for owners Hamacher Resorts, said: “It’s an exciting development and we are sure it will prove to be a popular addition for our guests to enjoy Carrossa’s five-star luxury at sea.”

Back on land, Carrossa is home to a stunning 1,500m2 state-of-the-art wellness centre, built and designed to the highest specification, with saunas, steam bath, ice fountain, and a wide selection of massage, beauty and special treatments, as well as a high-tech gym.

The former manor ground gardens of Carrossa are also home to an inviting heated outdoor panoramic infinity pool and deck. Carrossa’s fine cuisine offers a range of sophisticated international and local dishes in the fine-dining Restaurant Carrossa, or an extensive choice of dishes in the more informal Bistro Badia, both of which deliver panoramic views from the terrace.

www.carrossa.com

SLIEVE RUSSELL ANNOUNCED AS PGA NATIONAL IRELAND

Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club has become one of only a handful of facilities around the world to be endorsed by The PGA.

Situated in the glorious setting of Ballyconnell in County Cavan, Slieve Russell has joined the association’s seven other branded resorts as ‘PGA National Ireland’.

The hotel provides luxury accommodation in a tranquil setting amongst stunning lakes and scenery. The venue also offers a haven of comfort and relaxation with its world-class spa, a state-of-the-art conference centre and a range of indoor and outdoor leisure activities.

Slieve Russell’s acclaimed 18-hole championship course has hosted two European Tour events and was home to the Irish PGA Championship in 1996. In addition, the venue also stages an annual PGA pro-am, with the popular event featuring a collective prize fund of €1.2million since it was first held in 1997 –the highest paid PGA pro-am tournament in Ireland.

Designed by Paddy Merrigan, the natural landscape of West Cavan provides a stunning backdrop to what many describe as one of the finest parkland courses in Ireland. It is accompanied by a nine-hole par-three academy course and an adventure golf facility to inspire the next generation of young players.

Tony Walker, general manager at Slieve Russell Hotel, Golf & Country Club, said: “The golf and leisure facilities that we have at Slieve Russell are among the best in the country, and rebranding as PGA National Ireland will further enhance our position at the forefront of Irish golf.

“These are exciting times for us and this new partnership with not only help to improve our profile domestically, but also to open up many new promotional opportunities abroad.”

All PGA-branded facilities benefit from the direct use of The PGA brand and its associated value built up over the last century. 

The affiliation serves as a highly valued international seal of approval and assures visitors and owners that the course and facilities are of the highest quality. 

PGA chief executive, Robert Maxfield, added: “We are delighted to welcome Slieve Russell to our exceptional list of PGA-branded properties. The PGA National – Ireland further strengthens The PGA brand’s reputation internationally and we look forward to promoting Slieve Russell to both PGA Members and golfers across the globe.”

Set just 90 minutes from Dublin and two hours from Belfast, Slieve Russell is also the home club of up-and-coming Irish golfing stars Lisa and Leona Maguire, both of whom turned professional in 2018 after stellar amateur careers that saw Leona twice ranked as the world’s number one amateur, and twin sister Lisa winning 15 amateur titles.

Complementing the golf course is a 222-bedroom, four-star hotel; an award-winning Ciuin Spa; and an outstanding golf academy where resident head PGA professional Gordon Smyth and his team are available with expert tuition, state-of-the-art video analysis and training programmes to help golfers of all abilities achieve their goals.

www.slieverussell.ie

ENDS

TENERIFE'S IAGTO TROPHY SCALES NEW HEIGHTS

Tenerife rose to the big occasion after the success of the biggest IAGTO Trophy yet.

The popular event, which started in 2015, rolled out its customary warm welcome for visitors for the fifth hosting of the annual tournament (May 20-23, 2019).

With 92 tour operators from 29 countries, it was the largest attendance for any IAGTO Trophy and was a memorable occasion to experience the island’s golf courses and to enjoy a host of other attractive activities. More than 100 suppliers from courses, resorts and hotels played their part to showcase Tenerife’s unique appeal with 1900 meetings between operators and suppliers.

After taking on the mantle from previous hosts – Costa del Sol, Costa Brava, Costa Blanca and Costa Calida – participants experienced all the 18-hole courses in Tenerife, including El Tecina on the nearby island of La Gomera.

Buenavista and Real Club de Golf de Tenerife in the north, and Golf Costa Adeje, Abama, Las Americas, Golf del Sur, Amarilla in the south hosted various events with Golf Las Americas and Costa Adeje acting as the venues for the competitive rounds of the IAGTO Tenerife Golf Trophy.

IAGTO chief executive, Peter Walton, said: “It underlines Tenerife’s continued popularity as a golf destination that it was such a large event. There is rich diversity among the golf courses and the accommodation options are second to none.”  

Tenerife Golf’s Carlos Beautell, said: “It was a great success. It was a huge honour to host the IAGTO Tenerife Golf Trophy and it was a pleasure to show everyone the quality of our golf courses and the ongoing attraction of our island. Hopefully it will play a significant part in welcoming more and more visiting golfers to Tenerife in the future.”

Average year-round temperatures of 23°c Tenerife provide the ideal climate to enjoy a relaxing golf break thanks to cooling trade winds; while – in contrast to almost everywhere else – golf and hotel rates are generally 20 per cent cheaper in the summer months.

The island also offers 70km of beaches and a wide range of cultural highlights and activities both on and off the water, making it the ideal location for a golf break. Tenerife is served by two airports – Tenerife North and Tenerife South – and is barely a four-hour flight from the UK, and no more than a five-hour direct flight from most main European cities.

For more details on playing golf in Tenerife, visit www.webtenerife.com/golf; www.facebook.com/TenerifeGolf; @tenerife_golf on Instagram @TwiTenerifeGolf on Twitter. Or download the free Tenerife Golf app for iOS and Android.

COSTA NAVARINO'S 2020 MESSINIA PRO-AM DATES ANNOUNCED

Following the success of the third Messinia Pro-Am earlier this year, we are delighted to announce the 2020 edition, hosted for the fourth consecutive year by Costa Navarino, the prime golf destination in Greece, and invite you to join us.

Scheduled to be held from February 19-22, 2020, on the multi-award-winning signature golf courses - The Dunes Course and The Bay Course - the tournament, which is sanctioned by the PGAs of Europe and held under the auspices of the PGAs of Greece and the Hellenic Golf Federation, is open exclusively to full teams of one PGA professional and three amateurs (ladies or gentlemen) of the PGA’s choice.

Next year’s event will welcome 50 teams of golf professionals and aficionados from across the world and treat them to a memorable three-day golf experience combined with an enriched program of fascinating themed events and activities.

Furthermore, according to the tournament’s terms, all Messinia Pro-Am guest PGA professionals will be offered the following on a complimentary basis:   

  • Complimentary flights to Athens from any destination, covered by the tournament’s Official partner, Aegean Airlines.  

  • Complimentary accommodation in a Single Room at Τhe Westin Resort Costa Navarino. 

Save the date and hit the green in the Mediterranean’s leading destination!

Feel the amazing energy of Messinia Pro-Am 2020 and enjoy a first-class golf tournament on the world-renowned courses at Costa Navarino, while enjoying the mild climate of the region and the unspoiled Mediterranean landscape.

Reserve your team’s spot today by emailing MessiniaProAm2020@erasmus.gr   

*Team registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
*Tournament registration packages will be available soon.

Watch the highlights of this year’s third annual tournament in the official video

PRAIA D’EL REY RAISES BAR WITH €4M HOTEL AND GOLF INVESTMENT

Golfers and families can look forward to an improved five-star experience when visiting Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort from this summer following a €4m upgrade of the facilities at the award-winning Portuguese venue.

To help celebrate its 15th anniversary, the resort on Portugal’s Silver Coast has completed an extensive three-year investment programme in its golf, hotel and lifestyle amenities – helping to further elevate its status among Europe’s premier destinations.

Among the improvements made, all 177 hotel rooms and common areas have been renovated and remodelled with a new modern, ‘natural design’ concept – guaranteeing increased comfort and a superior contemporary experience.

In addition, an array of new five-star dining experiences can now be enjoyed following a significant upgrade of Praia D’El Rey’s bar and restaurant facilities – including the resort’s renowned Emprata, Mare and Tempera restaurants offering a wider and more varied choice of fresh and authentic local produce than ever before.

And the level of investment has been matched on the golfing side, with the resort having carried out a number of improvements including a major renovation of its golf academy to complement the five-star golf experience that members and guests can enjoy on its two 18-hole courses, Praia D’El Rey and West Cliffs Golf Links – named as the ‘World’s Best New Course’ at the 2017 World Golf Awards.

Francisco Cadete, director of golf at Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort, said: “Whether you’re looking for a golfing or family holiday, Praia D'El Rey Golf & Beach Resort is the perfect place to visit, and the new investment will help cement our position as the number one golf resort in Portugal for modern travellers.

“The diversity of five-star experiences provided and the excellent customer service, combined with a unique location close to the sea, two world-class golf courses and cultural heritage sites, make this a magical place where leisure and relaxation go hand-in-hand in the most special way.”

Situated an hour north of Lisbon on Portugal’s stunning Silver Coast, Praia D’El Rey is regarded among Europe’s premier golf resorts and features outstanding sports and leisure facilities – including two 18-hole championship golf courses ranked among Europe’s top 50 courses.

As well as golf, the resorts boasts an extensive array of world-class sports, leisure and accommodation facilities including a Marriott hotel, a wide selection of villas, a tennis academy and wide range of watersports, and a luxury spa and health club, while the comprehensive range of therapies and treatments on offer at the Kalyan Spa promise to restore energy and balance to the body after a day at the beach.

For more information on Praia D’El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort and West Cliffs and to book, go to www.praia-del-rey.com and www.westcliffs.com .

NEW FOXHILLS PRACTICE DEN ‘UP THERE WITH THE BEST OF BRITAIN’

A two-time European Tour winner believes Foxhills’ new short-game practice area is up there with the best in the UK.

Recently-retired European Tour professional, Anthony Wall, was on hand to play his part in the opening of the new short-game area – the Practice Den – at the historic Surrey resort and provided a coaching clinic to test out the new practice bunkers, pitching and chipping areas.

Wall developed many of those basic skills as a teenager when he came through the Foxhills Foundation – the same junior development programme, which also helped nurture the talent of Paul Casey. After turning professional, Wall then went on to claim the 2000 Alfred Dunhill Championship, the 2016 Paul Lawrie Matchplay and 11th place in the 2006 The Open Championship, before calling time on an illustrious career last year.

But the man who received some individual short-game advice from one of the game’s greatest exponents – Seve Ballesteros – believes the new Foxhills facility stands tall alongside the very best in the country.

Wall said: “The Foxhills golf facilities must be one of the best in the country with two Championship courses, a short course for beginners and kids, along with two putting greens and now the new addition of an oversize Tour spec short-game area.

“It is designed to be able to practice all types of shots but, for me, one of the best things about the Practice Den is its position. Members or guests have to walk past it on the way to the range, so hopefully that will convince them to practice their short game a bit more. The short game too often gets ignored by amateurs but it is, without doubt, the best way of improving handicaps quickly.

“There are always different methods and the great thing about the Practice Den is the ability to work out what works for you. One of my best tips was from the great Seve: Play with soft hands and move some more weight onto your left side at address. I took that with me throughout my career but these are skills you need to work on and this is the ideal place to do it.”

The new floodlit area is 3,500 square metres with two practice bunkers, synthetic hitting areas and a 650 square metre green at a cost stretching well into six figures.

Developed alongside renowned golf club architects Edwards Design International, Foxhills director of golf & leisure, Chris Fitt said: “As we stand right now, I think our practice facilities are now the best in the region.

“Since we have made this investment, a number of other clubs have either begun projects or are thinking about starting projects. That’s inevitable I suppose, but I’m glad we were leading the charge.

“I’m really pleased with the end result. The green needs a little more time to bed in and the wildflower beds, plants, hedging and trees will become more established as time goes on so it will get even better.

“But we’ve got exactly what we wanted. Golfers at Foxhills no longer have any excuses to ignore their short game practice!

“It basically completes our offering. We have the nine-hole par three Manor course, nice driving range, two putting greens and now a bespoke chipping, pitching and bunker facility. There’s not much more a golfer of any ability could want or need.”

For more information, visit foxhills.co.uk.

ITALY’S FIRST EUROPEAN TOUR PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE LAUNCHES AT ROCCO FORTE’S VERDURA RESORT

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel in Sicily, is taking golf-swing analysis to new heights after becoming the first golf venue in Italy, and third in the world, to open a European Tour Performance Institute.

Golfers of all abilities have the unique opportunity to practice, learn and improve under Sicilian skies  using tools and techniques developed by the European Tour’s medical and performance specialists.

Taking advantage of Verdura’s cutting-edge technology – including the latest Trackman, 4D Motion and SAM PuttLab technology – professionals and amateurs can use the same sports medicine platform enjoyed by Tour players to gain a more complete understanding of their golf swings.

Body and balance screening, posture and swing analysis, fitness and physiotherapy sessions and club fitting are among the services being offered by the resort’s skilled team of dedicated golf coaches and biomechanics specialists, while players can even receive expert advice on shoe fitting in a bid to improve performance on the course.

Antonio Castelo, Golf Director at Verdura Resort, a European Tour destination and home of the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, said: “Golfers are always looking for ways to improve and what better way to do so than using the same methods and techniques as the best players in the world.

“We’re very excited to have been chosen as the venue for Italy’s first European Tour Performance Institute, and the new facility is another illustration of the world-class sporting facilities that our guests can experience at Verdura.”

Set in 230 hectares of stunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicily’s southern coast, Verdura Resort’s golf facilities include two outstanding 18-hole championship course and a par-three nine-hole executive course – both designed by world-acclaimed architect Kyle Phillips – a double-ended driving range and a first-class academy.  One of the 18-hole courses is currently being revamped to offer guests a new and enhanced experience.

Located between Agrigento and the charming fishing town of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, Verdura Resort – a member of the exclusive European Tour Destinations network – features 203 rooms and suites, all with a sea view, including six villas which offer a perfect solution for family holidays, each with its own private swimming pool.

Away from the fairways, the resort offers an extensive array of other luxury sports and lifestyle facilities, while guests also have the opportunity to sample, on and off-site, a taste of the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that has made Sicily famous across the world.

For more information and to book, phone + 39 06 0328 88630 or email reservation.verdura@roccofortehotels.com

www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort/  

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS AT PALHEIRO GOLF

Whether it’s just nine holes or the full-blown five-hour-plus round, it’s fair to say most golfers have experienced a spouse’s displeasure at not being available to do any number of essential duties because of golf.

But at Palheiro Golf, in Madeira, golfers can choose to take home a token of appreciation to be passed on to a loved one: a bunch of flowers, grown on the estate and freshly picked, to say ‘thanks for letting me play’.

The idea came to Palheiro Nature Estate director Jonathan Fletcher after he was chatting to a golfer who had completed a round at the resort while on holiday.

Fletcher explained: “He’d enjoyed his round – and a couple of beers afterwards – and then asked us ‘where is the nearest flower shop?’. His reason was that, as he’d left his partner alone for the afternoon, to wander around the streets of Funchal, he would say ‘thank you’ by buying her some flowers.

“Sometimes, without meaning to, we take people for granted. It’s such a simple gesture, but we all know how much a ‘thank you’ means from our nearest and dearest, whatever gender you are. So we’ve made available in the clubhouse some of our most attractive home-grown blooms.”

One of the easiest ways to enjoy golf at Palheiro is to purchase a Madeira Golf Passport, which offers five rounds of golf at Santo da Serra or Palheiro Golf. Plus, the courses will supply free transfers to and from your hotel. It costs just €360 per person, and is available to purchase from many hotel receptions or at any of the participating golf clubs.

The par-72, 6,656-yard (6,086m) course at Palheiro Golf – designed by Cabell B Robinson – is situated within the magnificent Palheiro Nature Estate, which is more than 200 years old. At nearly 1,640ft above sea level, the location enjoys dramatic views of Madeira’s mountainous skyline and the ocean, as well as – nestling below, just 10 minutes away – the island’s capital, Funchal.

The original course at Santo da Serra, dating from 1937, was redesigned in 1991 by Robert Trent Jones Snr, who created a new and spectacular 27-hole complex. The third and fourth holes of the Machico course are regarded as the signature holes, sitting atop cliffs more than 2,200ft above sea level, providing views of the bay of Machico, where Portuguese navigators first landed in 1419.

The 27-hole, Severiano Ballesteros-designed Porto Santo Golf is a short plane hop away on the island of the same name. The par-72, 7,036-yard (6,434m) course, which opened in 2004, comprises two distinct nines. The southern route – a US-style layout – is dotted with lakes, requiring a long and precise game; while the northern route is atop fantastic cliffs, near the stunning beach of the same name.

Madeira, also known as ‘the islands of eternal spring’, has a population of only 260,000. On the same latitude as Morocco, the Atlantic archipelago has a sub-tropical climate, a rich volcanic soil and a unique eco-system. It is one of the only places in the planet where banana trees grow next to vineyards.

In 1999 the archipelago was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and five areas have been declared nature reserves. The Madeira Nature Reserve covers a substantial two-thirds of the main island, where development is prohibited.

www.madeiraallyear.com

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT NEW FACILITY AT FOXHILLS

Foxhills’ ambitions to create the best practice facilities in Surrey have taken a giant leap forward as work nears completion on a state-of-the-art new short game area.

The historic Surrey resort already places huge emphasis on its coaching with a covered, floodlit driving range and putting greens. But the new facility is no minor undertaking at 3,500 square metres with two practice bunkers, synthetic hitting areas and a 650 square metre green at a cost stretching well into six figures.

The new short game practice facility is expected to be open for use in March 2019 and will also be floodlit to allow for evening practice and tuition but should all for some major improvements among the membership and visitors with chipping, pitching and bunker play now given an opportunity to flourish.

With the plans developed alongside renowned golf club architects Edwards Design International, work has taken place over the winter as the exciting plans become a reality.

And director of golf, Chris Fitt, believes the new facility will be the envy of clubs around the county.

Fitt said: “We wanted to elevate our practice facilities to another level and this is a vital component of that. We firmly believe this will make Foxhills the best practice facility in the county and will be really special when it’s completed.

“It’s been a long process to get to this point but it will be a stand-out feature when it’s completed.”

It’s the latest addition to Foxhills’ impressive golf offering with two 18-hole Championship courses and the par-three nine-hole Manor Course to choose from, as well as specific coaching programmes available to beginners and experts.

www.foxhills.co.uk       

SOUILLAC EARLY BOOKING OFFERS BEST-VALUE GOLF IN EUROPE

Tour operators can offer players the most affordable golf in Europe when staying at Souillac Golf & Country Club this spring and summer – with seven-night unlimited golf breaks available from just €140 per person. (net tour operator rate)

 

Souillac’s breathtaking location in France’s beautiful Dordogne Valley is matched by the unbeatable value the resort is offering to couples, families and groups over the coming months as part of its 2019 early booking offer, with accommodation prices starting from only €20 per person per night and flights (with Ryanair) from £43 per person.

 

Available until May 1, players can enjoy savings of up to 20 per cent and as much golf as they like on the resort’s 18-hole course – regarded as one of the best in the region - when booking a self-catering package on selected dates between April and November, with seven nights for a party of four (excluding flights) on offer from €560. (net tour operator rate)

 

All breaks include accommodation in one of the Souillac’s spacious and well-equipped two, three and four-bedroom lodges, located in nine hamlets with each benefitting from its own swimming pool, with breakfast and half-board packages also available.

 

In addition, guests can enjoy complimentary access to the venue’s wide variety of other sports and leisure facilities including a driving range, nine swimming pools, tennis, table tennis, boules and a children’s play area, while Souillac’s charming bar and brasserie ‘Restaurant du Golf’ is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the fairways.

 

Set in the heart of the beautiful Dordogne Valley in 60 hectares of magnificent countryside, Souillac Golf & Country Club is the ideal destination to combine a relaxing golfing break with the opportunity to discover the many historic, cultural and gastronomic delights of the region.

 

And getting to the resort couldn’t be easier with direct flights from the UK to five airports – including Brive, just a 15-minute drive away – as well as being easily accessed by the motorway straight from Calais.

www.souillaccountryclub.com

IRISH GOLFERS READY TO TAKE FLIGHT TO VERDURA RESORT

Discovering the many delights that Sicily’s exclusive Verdura Resort has to offer has never been easier for Irish golfers and families with the impending launch of a new flight route from Dublin to the largest island in the Mediterranean this spring.

From April 3, low-cost airline Ryanair will be operating a twice-weekly service from the Republic of Ireland’s capital into Palermo airport, just an 80-minute drive away from Verdura – regarded as one of Europe’s top five golf resorts.

Fares for the new route, which will run on Wednesdays and Sundays until the middle of October initially, start from just €35.08 per flight, leaving guests with more money to spend on taking advantage of the resort’s extensive choice of luxury sports and lifestyle facilities.

Antonio Castelo, director of golf at Verdura Resort, said: “There are few nations in the world that can match the appetite of people from Ireland when it comes to playing golf.

“Irish players young and old are renowned not only for their love of playing high-quality golf courses, but also having plenty of fun away from the fairways, and the new Dublin service will give us the opportunity to showcase Verdura Resort to a new audience over the coming months.”

Set in 230 hectares of stunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicily’s southern coast, Verdura Resort’s world-class golf facilities include an outstanding 18-hole championship course as well as a par-three nine-hole course, double-ended driving range and first-class academy and Performance Institute.

Located between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, Verdura Resort features 203 rooms and suites, all with a sea view, including six villas which offer a perfect solution for family holidays, each with its own private swimming pool.

Away from the fairways, the resort offers an extensive array of other luxury sports and lifestyle facilities, while guests also have the opportunity to sample, on and off-site, a taste of the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that has made Sicily famous across the world.

https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort/

ALCANADA BANG ON COURSE WITH RENOVATION PROJECT

Club de Golf Alcanada is laying the foundations for a successful 2019 as their green renovation project gathers pace.

The ambitious renovation project is part of a €600,000 investment to further improve what is already considered by many to be Mallorca’s premier golf course.                                                     

The diggers and experts moved in at the start of December to relay all 18 greens with new bentgrass T1, a superior variety of seed used at famous clubs such as Valderrama and Golf National, in Paris, which hosted last year’s Ryder Cup.

Anticipation is now growing at the prospect of playing some of the finest new greens in Europe, which will see the Robert Trent Jones Jr-designed course scale new heights when it reopens in March.

With the progress on schedule, the project is approaching the midway point. New irrigation and re-shaping has already been completed on some of the greens and the first batch of fresh turf – which has been grown and nurtured in Arévalo near Madrid – will arrive at Alcanada this week.

Director of golf at Club de Golf Alcanada, Kristoff Both said: “A lot of great work has been going on since the start of December and it is really taking shape now.

“It’s exciting and stressful at the same time. But we have a superb team of experts working on this and we are positive everyone will notice a huge improvement when the works are completed.”

Porsche-owned Alcanada, a member of the prestigious World of Leading Golf collection, is home to a centuries-old Mallorca clubhouse, which offers guests the opportunity to sample regional specialties in its first-class dining facilities on a sun-baked terrace that enjoys spectacular views.

www.golf-alcanada.com

MARCH IS TAYLORMADE FOR CLUBS TO HIRE CLIENTS

The new year saw the much-anticipated release of TaylorMade’s M6 range of drivers, fairways and hybrids – and Clubs to Hire (CTH) customers can rent them on golf breaks from March 1.

What’s more, with every M6 set rental at its Alicante, Faro, Lisbon, Malaga or Palma outlets, CTH will provide a complimentary sleeve of TaylorMade’s new, enhanced TP5 balls (worth €14.50).

TaylorMade has taken Twist Face to the next level of performance with the introduction of Speed Injected Twist Face technology in the M6, to maximise speed to the allowable limit.

A thinner, more flexible face is initially designed above the legal limit before going through the tuning process, a process in which resin is injected to ensure maximum speed for each head. A significant benefit of the thinner, faster face design is that it provides a faster off-centre COR, effectively increasing forgiveness.

CTH co-founder Tony Judge said: “These are excellent new clubs – and balls – and will prove immensely popular with our clients, as TaylorMade products always do. They will be available in our outlets from the beginning of March although we are already very busy taking bookings now.”

A rental set comprising M6 metal-woods and TaylorMade M6 irons costs from just £70 for a week’s rental, with both men’s and ladies’ versions available.

Clubs to Hire handles more than 300,000 annual visits to its website and more than 80,000 bookings for rental clubs at 29 locations worldwide, including popular golfing regions in the USA, Thailand, Australia, South Africa and five countries across the Mediterranean, offering the latest clubs on the market, from leading brands such as TaylorMade, Callaway and Mizuno – for men and women, left- or right-handed – from just €35 per week, a potential saving of up to €193, with none of the hassle.

www.clubstohire.com

HOTEL JARDÍN TROPICAL OFFERS WINTER ESCAPE ROUTE

Hotel Jardín Tropical is ready to provide a sizzling combination of hot deals, warm hospitality and the wall-to-wall Tenerife sunshine to tempt UK visitors to make their winter escape.

Situated in Costa Adeje in the south of the largest of the Canary Islands, the exclusive hotel overlooks the Atlantic Ocean with stunning views towards the neighboring island of La Gomera and benefits from Tenerife’s constant year-round sunshine and temperatures of around 23-25°c.

 There is a already plenty of temptation to visit the 390-room hotel, which underwent an extensive renovation and relaunched just over a year ago.

 But a winter special offer has seen FIT rates reduced by up to 42-per-cent as an added incentive to head for the sunshine.

 With the addition of The Club – a fabulous five-star experience with additiional features and exclusive hotel areas to further enhance any stay – it’s the perfect excuse to leave the UK weather behind for a few days.   

 Hotel Jardín Tropical’s extensive facilities include:

 • Outstanding dining options including: Laguna Food Market buffet restaurant, Burger & Crab poolside snacks and lighter lunches, Ugo & Vandino’s authentic Italian cuisine, Las Rocas Ocean Food & Beach Club for a fresh seafood in a wonderful sunset terrace and Churrasco Argentine Steak House with mouthwatering dishes and live music. 

• Lively bars or a more relaxing cocktail terrace.

• Open air gym with state-of-the-art equipment and incredible sea views.

• Two outdoor swimming pools – one filled directly from the sea daily – and easy beach access.

• Close proximity and reduced rates to play any of Tenerife’s outstanding golf courses.

• Tropical Wellness, Health And Beauty Centre includes: jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and refreshing tropical showers as well as a wide range of massage and beauty treatments.

 For more details on Hotel Jardín Tropical, visit www.jardin-tropical.com