Azalea's Asides

Duncan digs deep to deliver dramatic disabled double

2011-08-24T12:29:00.000+01:00

Surrey’s Duncan Hamilton-Martin, above, recovered from an opening hole quadruple bogey eight to win the 2011 Disabled British Open, at East Sussex National, with 35 holes of outstanding golf.

The 54-year-old independent financial advisor, from Esher, plays off a three-handicap and fought back to record a remarkable first round gross 74, two over par. And his title-clinching second round one-under-par 71 was enough to give him the championship by an impressive nine shots from second-placed Robert Paul, from Kent.

It is the second time Hamilton-Martin, a member at St George’s Hill, Weybridge, has won the title, following his success at Old Thorns, in Hampshire, in 2009. And his poor start did not prey too long on his mind, as he explained.

“My daughter got into university on the Thursday and that was such a stressful period that I said to myself ‘if I take 100, 100 at the weekend, it’s not a problem’,” he said.

“On the first I hit a pretty good drive, a bit left; I hit a good second shot at the pin but it was just a bit short and spun back into the hazard. Then I hit it a bit long and it was impossible in the long grass. I eventually hacked it out, chipped and two-putted and it was an eight – but I hadn’t played really badly.

“I thought I would just aim to break 80 and ended up two under for the rest of the first round. Nothing fazes me on the golf course. I adopted the pros’ approach: I played it one shot at a time, not getting too excited or depressed about it – it’s gone. It’s about the next shot. I also had my wife, Frances, on the bag on the final round which was very calming.

“I was emotional at the end though. I struggled to get through the speeches without a bit of a break-up. When it comes to the end and you’ve won it, it is a bit of a relief.”

Hamilton-Martin, who aims to have a crack at next year’s “able-bodied” English seniors’ title, was full of praise for both the golf course and the overall event.

He said: “It was great. The course was set up superbly; the greens were quick, but not scarily quick, which made it very playable. They still put the pins in some tasty places though… It was absolutely magnificent.

“On that course a five shot-lead with three to play is not something you feel comfortable about. I dropped 10 shots there last year – it’s a fantastic golf course and the last four holes can really get into your head.

“The Disabled British Open is a brilliant all-inclusive event. The guy who came over from America, Jason Faircloth – he has cerebral palsy, a lovely bloke – he can’t play in the championships in the USA because he’s not an amputee. How crazy is that?

“I’ve only lost a leg, below the knee; I don’t consider myself disabled – it’s only a scratch in disabled terms. But this is a brilliant all-inclusive event; everyone can play and everybody has a great time.

“I watched a bit of the junior event too – it was fantastic. That’s the future. Hopefully that will be bigger and bigger.

“I’ll certainly be back next year, if, as Henry Longhurst used to say, ‘I should be spared…’.”

The tournament is also divided into three golfing handicap categories: up to 12, in category one; 13-20 in category two; and 21 to 28 in category three, with prizes awarded to the winners of each category.

The inaugural Junior Disabled British Open, also played over two days, was won by 13-year-old Frankie Jones, from Welshpool, pictured below, who has cerebral palsy. The 28-handicapper recorded Stableford scores of 42 and 41 points for a two-round total of 83, one point ahead of his nearest rival, Kent’s Jack Holland, aged 12.

Sue Saville, managing director of Tourism South East, owner of the event, said: “It was a fantastic three days of golf and we’d like to thank Accentuate, for supporting the event; East Sussex National, for its professionalism, support and outstanding infrastructure; all our sponsors; the players; and the volunteers – who acted as caddies, marshals, ball spotters and everything else. Without all of these people this outstanding event would not be possible.

“It goes from strength to strength every year and to be able to launch the Junior Disabled British Open this year was a great thrill for everybody involved. I’m sure that when other youngsters see they have nothing to fear we will soon have a field for the junior event as large as the adult version.”

Andy Barwell, a director of event organiser the Azalea Group, added: “There aren’t many things in sport that bring a lump to the throat, but seeing 13-year-old Frankie Jones take the microphone after the presentation and deliver a thank-you speech that would not have been out of place at an Open Championship award ceremony, certainly had that effect on many of us.”

This year the DBO received support from far and wide including the UK Government – both the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP, and the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller MP, praised it for its inclusivity and legacy – the sport’s governing body, the R&A, the European Tour and Wealden District Council.

And, for the second successive year, the championship received sponsorship support from IMSM, the leading ISO standard implementation consultant.

The Sky Sports-broadcast event is delivered through Tourism South East, and is part of Accentuate, a transformational programme of 15 projects, inspired by the Paralympic Movement, which seeks to change perceptions and offer opportunities to showcase the talents of deaf and disabled people. Accentuate is funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK, SEEDA and the regional cultural agencies.

■ For further information, or to enquire about participating in the 2012 Disabled British Open contact championship organiser Andy Barwell on 07961 315520 or visit http://www.disabledbritishopen.org/.

■ Results: 1, Duncan Hamilton-Martin (St George’s Hill), 145; 2, Robert Paul (Westgate & Birchington) 154; =3, Alasdair Berry (Irvine Ravenspark), Jeremy Freeman (Newark & Seacroft) 155; =5, Mark Smith (Littlestone), Stefan Mörkholt (Gyttegaard, Denmark) 156; 7, Kevin Harmison (Newbiggin) 159; 8, Andy Gardiner (Banbury) 160; 9, Saleem Raza (Gujranwala, Pakistan) 161; 10, John Eakin (Royal Ashdown Forest) 162; 11, Alan Jackson (Romford) 165; =12, Nick Champness (Royal Ashdown Forest), Pieta Le Roux (Potters Bar) 170; 14, Steve Haxton (Craigie Hill) 173; 15, Tony Lloyd (Horsehay Village) 175; 16, Darren Grey (Darlington) 176; 17, Mike Lincoln (unnatt) 177; =18, Peter Light (Whitchurch), Johnny Reay (Stoneleigh Deer Park) 178; =20, Ian Dixon (Bishopswood), Anthony Forster (Long Ashton), Brendon Slavin (Seaford Head) 180; =23, Ian White (Dullator), Ben Bowen (Trethorne) 181; 25, George Hutchings (Feldon Valley) 182; 26, Mark Helm (Minchinhapton Old Course) 183; 27, Martin Jelley (Pyrford), 184; =29, Derek Rogers (Goodwood), Richard Saunders (Hintlesham) 187; =31, Xavi Rubio Alcantara (unnatt, Spain), James Jowett (Parkstone) 188; 33, Roger Hurcombe (Boars Head) 189; =34, Colin Brock (Balbirnie Park), Jason Faircloth (unnatt, USA) 190; =36, Kevin Reed (Priors Hill), Ben Whitlock (Bramshaw), Chris Foster (Great Hadham) 192; 39, Andrew Sellars (Normaton) 194; =40, Kevin Barby (Shrivenham Park), Gary Gardiner (Marriott Dalmahoy) 197; =42, Paul Cunningham (Thames Ditton & Esher), Steve Bramwell (Cochrane Castle) 199; 44, Kevin Cook (Llanwern) 201; 45, William Savage (Orchardleigh) 203; =46, Gareth Williams (Woodlake Park), Nigel Davis (Deanwood Park) 206; 48, Simon Wilcock (Cottingham Parks) 209; 49, Ian Halliwell (Standish) 212; William Hennessey (Highlands) 223.

Category 1: 1, Andy Gardiner (Banbury); 2, Duncan Hamilton-Martin (St George’s Hill); 3, Robert Paul (Westgate & Birchington). Category 2: 1, Alan Jackson (Romford); 2, Tony Lloyd (Horsehay Village); 3, Steve Haxton (Craigie Hill). Category 3: 1, David Walker (Westgate & Birchington); 2, Keith Wallace (Forest Hills); 3, Scott Richardson (Stockwood).

Junior Disabled British Open result: 1, Frankie Jones (Welshpool) 83 points; 2, Jack Holland (Prince’s) 82; 3, Ben Jones (Welshpool) 71; 4, Joseph Vanaman (Hollingwell) 70; 5, Alfie Neenan (Prince’s) 69; 6, Matthew Tyne (Ramsdale / Millfield) 68; 7, Rupert Preston (West Sussex) 65; 8, James Gallagher (unatt) 55; 9, Richard Warren (Mill Ride) 55; 10, Leo Millar (Knighton Heath) 48; 10, Jack Hibbert (Eastbourne Golfing Park) 43.

Swedish title-holder heads international field in Sussex

2011-08-19T12:47:00.000+01:00

Stefan Mörkholt, left, with the 2009 DBO champion, Duncan Hamilton-Martin

The recently crowned Swedish Invitational champion, Denmark’s Stefan Mörkholt, will look to make it two wins in as many weeks when he lines up in the Disabled British Open (DBO) golf championship, which begins tomorrow (Saturday) at East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa.

Mörkholt triumphed at the renowned Bokskogen GC, near Malmö, last weekend with the 2009 DBO champion, Duncan Hamilton-Martin, finishing third. Both golfers now head to Sussex where they will be among a capacity field for the third outing of the largest and most inclusive tournament in the country for disabled golfers.

Playing off 0.7, Mörkholt will have the lowest golf handicap in a field that will include players from as far afield as the USA – as 32-year-old Jason Faircloth becomes the first US player to compete in the event – and Pakistan. Other countries to be represented include South Africa, Spain, Ireland, Germany and Austria, in addition to a strong UK contingent.

The tournament is divided into three golfing handicap categories: up to 12, in category one; 13-20 in category two; and 21 to 28 in category three. Prizes are awarded in each category with an overall champion’s title up for grabs as well.

This year the DBO has received support from far and wide including the UK Government – both the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP, and the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller MP, praised it for its inclusivity and legacy – the sport’s governing body, the R&A, the European Tour and Wealden District Council.

And, for the second successive year, the championship has received sponsorship support from IMSM, the leading ISO standard implementation consultant.

The Sky Sports-broadcast event is delivered through Tourism South East, and is part of Accentuate, a transformational programme of 15 projects, inspired by the Paralympic Movement, which seeks to change perceptions and offer opportunities to showcase the talents of deaf and disabled people. Accentuate is funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK, SEEDA and the regional cultural agencies.

Friday also sees the first day of the inaugural Junior Disabled British Open for young golfers – with a few places still available in the field.

As always, spectators will be afforded free entry to the event where there will also be a huge army of volunteers participating as marshals, ball-spotters, buggy drivers and caddies.

The 2011 Disabled British Open takes place at East Sussex National on August 20-21, with the Junior Disabled British Open starting a day earlier. For further information contact championship organiser Andy Barwell on 07961 315520 or visit http://www.disabledbritishopen.org/.

'Coconut' not shy when it comes to his clothes

2011-08-19T12:37:00.000+01:00

Thai teenager Panuphol ‘Coconut’ Pittayarat, above, is attracting a lot of attention on the Asian golf scene – and not just for his driving. For the bespectacled 18-year-old, from Bangkok – who was nicknamed Coconut by his parents – is also receiving plaudits for his sartorial elegance.

Pittayarat, ranked fourth on tour for his driving distance, has sprung from nowhere to become one of the hottest talents in Asia and cuts quite a dash in his golf gear, designed and supplied by UK-based Sub70 – and, like ‘Coconut’, it is much talked about on tour.

After three missed cuts and a tied-37th finish, last month Pittayarat claimed his biggest purse, finishing second in the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters, at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club, Shah Alam, while wowing onlookers with his classy appearance.

The victory shot him up to 32nd in the Asian order of merit and earmarked him as a star of the future.

Like most teenagers Pittayarat is very conscious of his appearance and likes the stylish look of the Sub70 apparel.

He said: “I love the way the shirts and trousers are designed for fashion. I am always confident that I will look smart on the course when I am wearing Sub70 clothes.”

Pittayarat started playing aged six and was winning junior events in Thailand two years later. He also competed in five World Junior Golf Championships, finishing runner-up in the nine to 10 age-group, before leaving school and turning professional at 14 – “I wasn’t a fan of studying and golf is the only job I can do” – and playing on the domestic Thai circuit.

He served notice of his potential by capturing the 12th card at qualifying school in Thailand earlier this year but failed to make an impact in his first five starts. However, a cheque for $41,690 will go a long way to securing his card for 2012.
http://www.subseventy.co.uk/

Owner of Lough Erne hits out at bank

2011-05-19T15:53:00.000+01:00

The owner of the Lough Erne Golf Resort near Enniskillen has hit out at the bank which placed it into administration last week.

Jim Treacy owes the Bank of Scotland Ireland (BoSI) £25m. On Tuesday night Mr Treacy met the Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster to discuss the situation...

For full story see BBC website

Golf courses favour coastal regions in China - report

2011-05-18T16:23:00.000+01:00

Development of golf industry is geographically unbalanced on the Chinese mainland, favoring China's coastal regions, according to a report by the Forward Group, one of China's largest golf management companies.

At the end of 2010, China had 490 18-hole golf courses, including 97 courses in Guangdong Province, 70 courses in Beijing and 51 in Shandong Province. In contrast, Sichuan Province and Chongqing had fewer than 1/7 the number of courses of Beijing...

For full story see Global Times

Killerig golf resort goes into receivership

2011-04-26T14:13:00.000+01:00

The Killerig Resort, a high-end hotel and golf development near Tullow, in Co Carlow, Ireland, has gone into receivership with multimillion-euro debts.

Aiden Murphy, a partner in accountancy firm Horwath Bastow Charleton, was appointed receiver last week and has appointed a new operating company, Westpro Management Solutions, to run the 42-bedroom, four-star hotel. David Hennessy, founder of Westpro, said that the Killerig hotel was "a victim of circumstance", but had a strong pipeline of bookings...

For full story see Sunday Business Post

Cocktail relives moment the royal couple first met

2011-04-26T12:33:00.000+01:00

The venue which acted as the starting point for Prince William and Kate Middleton's impending marriage is relaunching the cocktail the future king used to drink during his regular visits there.

In 2001 Fairmont St Andrews hosted the charity fashion show in which Miss Middleton appeared in a sheer black lace dress while the Prince watched from a front row seat – widely reported to be the first time his head was turned by his future fiancée.

Prince William was a regular visitor to Fairmont St Andrews during his time studying at St Andrews University, becoming an active member of the resort’s gym and spa and could be seen regularly enjoying a fruit cocktail in the Atrium and Kittocks Den at the resort.

His favoured drink comprised orange juice, grapefruit juice, passion-fruit juice, mango juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, and kiwi syrup.

The cocktail - now named the Royal Cocktail in commemoration of Friday's nuptials - can now be enjoyed again at the venue where the second-in-line to the throne sipped happily while (possibly) thinking of his future bride...

It costs just £5 - which is significantly cheaper than a Royal Wedding but just as refreshing.

Kingsbarns launches new website

2011-04-11T13:55:00.001+01:00

Kingsbarns Golf Links launches a new website today which will enable golfers to make last-minute online bookings at the renowned Scottish links.

Fresh from celebrating its 10th anniversary season, Kingsbarns is aiming to improve the experience for visiting golfers with a new online presence which will offer an array of enhanced features...

Visit www.kingsbarns.com

Golfer launches iPhone app

2011-04-11T13:28:00.000+01:00

Golfer Steve McGuinness is hoping to make players very “appy” after inventing an application to turn iPhones into golf clubs.

The 29-year-old former pro has made use of the gyroscope in the popular touchscreen mobile phone to help putters improve that vital final shot...

For full story see Oxford Mail

Clubstohire.com offers the drive of your life...

2011-04-08T12:06:00.000+01:00

Golfers using the burgeoning ClubstoHire.com service at Dublin, Faro and Malaga airports are now able to try out golf’s most talked-about new driver: the TaylorMade R11, pictured above.

The R11 has been a major buzzword since it was launched in late 2010 with glowing praise from tour professionals and amateurs and strong recognition from the golf industry. There is plenty of substance and technology lurking beneath the driver’s stylish white crown with options for the player to adjust loft and face-angle for maximum flight control.

Accompanying the iconic driver, a full set of R11 Burner woods and irons – complete with pristine white R11 stand-bag – are available for hire at all locations for only €55 for a full week.

With ClubstoHire.com experiencing its busiest month to date in March, the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ is sure to be a popular draw.

Irish Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley is a partner in the company, which offers travelling golfers a massive saving on airline golf bag charges – and complete peace of mind.

In a further development, all stores will soon be stocking Wilson Golf equipment, giving consumers an increased choice of leading brands with Callaway and MD Golf sets also available. Rentals start from as little as €35 per set, per week.

Golfers are already voting with their feet with more than 7,000 hiring sets in the past six months at Dublin, Faro and Malaga – a combined saving of €200,000 – and the company is on course to be established in several more European golf destination hubs by the end of 2011.

■ Bookings for Dublin, Malaga and Faro can be made online at www.clubstohire.com.

Life goes full circle for golfer Graeme

2011-04-07T15:48:00.000+01:00

Life has gone full circle for a Knaresborough golf professional who is now teaching youngsters the same coaching programme which developed his passion for the sport.

Graeme Steven, 21, an assistant pro at Knaresborough GC, joined the Young Masters Golf (YMG) programme at Knaresborough aged just 14. And last Saturday, almost seven years to the day that he joined, he relaunched YMG at the club in the hope of instilling the same passion for the game into today’s youngsters, that he discovered back in 2004.

Steven turned pro only in October last year, although he has worked in the club shop for some time and is already a familiar face to members and regular visitors.

He said: “I still have my original YMG folder. It was a good, enjoyable course and I did quite well in the national competitions. I really enjoyed my golf as a result of the programme and got into coaching through that.

“It’s a very good system for coaching youngsters, but what I also like about it is that it teaches you the rules, etiquette and golf knowledge – as well as the skills – which I believe is very important. And what’s more it’s fun – and that’s the main factor for the youngsters. It keeps them interested.”

Developed by a team of highly experienced PGA professionals, the YMG programme is the ultimate solution for boys and girls from the ages of six to 14-years-old who want to start playing golf or, if they already play, to improve.

The programme has recently been overhauled and improved to offer a focused approach to golf development, but its ethos is as it always was: to encourage youngsters to participate in golf and to teach them the basics, rules and etiquette of the sport, through the auspices of PGA-trained professionals.

Chris Smith PGA, sales director for YMG in the UK, said: “The YMG programme has been utilised at Knaresborough previously but, sadly, when the pro moved on it stopped. Many of the youngsters followed him to his new club which is one of the benefits of the YMG system as it is transferable.

“But that did not help the youngsters who remained. So we are delighted that one of our own students has progressed to the stage where he wants to impart the same knowledge on to another generation. We wish him well and look forward to hearing about the exploits of Knaresborough’s newest generation of golfers.”

Places are still available on Graeme Steven’s YMG courses at Knaresborough and anybody interested in learning more or signing up should contact him on 01423 864865 or by email at knaresboroughproshop@hotmail.co.uk.

■ To discover more about delivering the Young Masters Golf programme to juniors or for information on clubs providing the scheme in your area visit www.ymg-golf.com

Five-star resort planned for Romania

2011-04-06T11:59:00.000+01:00

Austrian investor Kurt Neuschitzer plans to create a five-star resort in the mountain city of Busteni, in Romania.

The project, named Zamora Golf, Ski and Holiday Resort will include the Cantacuzino Castle that will be revamped and integrated in the luxury leisure resort...

For full story see Romania Business Insider

Action group investigates possible mis-selling

2011-04-05T16:37:00.000+01:00

An action group has been set by property investors from the UK who believe they were mis-sold apartments and villas in and around the proposed Larnaca Golf course in Tersefanou, Cyprus.

The Larnaca Golf Property Action Group (LGPAG) is investigating whether its members have been victims of ‘overselling’...

For full story see fly-2let.co.uk

Take a picture, win an outfit ... with Sub70

2011-04-04T17:06:00.000+01:00

Sub70, the UK-based funky golf clothing brand, is inviting customers to send in pictures of themselves wearing items from the range to stand a chance of winning a complete new outfit.

The designer range offers nearly 1,000 options for bespoke trousers alone ensuring style and individuality in equal measure. The competition runs throughout April and a spokesman for the company insisted creativity was actively encouraged.

He said: “The more entertaining the picture the better really. There are no rules as to where the picture must be taken so as long as the subject is wearing Sub70 gear, the pictures are only limited by the imagination of those involved.

“We’re really looking forward to judging this competition and the winner will receive a complete new Sub70 outfit – trousers, shirt, belt and cap – from the new 2011 range. We’re also going to give two runners-up the chance to choose a shirt of their choice from the same range.”

The company is also currently offering a special US Masters deal with 20 per cent of everything purchased through the website right up until the moment the final putt is holed in Augusta.

■ For further details on either the competition or the special Masters discount visit http://www.subseventy.co.uk/ or email your pictures to info@subseventy.co.uk.

Entry open for sixth annual Banks and Brokers Championship

2011-04-01T17:22:00.000+01:00

Teams are now able to enter the sixth annual Banks and Brokers Golf Championship which will culminate in a grand final in Spain in October.

The event – sponsored by Extrabet, the sports betting specialist – provides golfers from the financial services sector with the chance to battle for golfing supremacy among their peers.

A maximum of 18 teams of four will scrap it out in two qualifying events – at Brocket Hall on June 6 and East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa on July 1 – for the right to jet off to Antequera Golf, near Malaga, during October, for a two-day final.

Unlike similar events where only the winning teams make it to the final, in the Banks and Brokers Golf Championship the winning team and the runners-up from both regional events qualify for the final in Spain.

And the captain of the first winning team, in 2006, is determined to be there to once again to capture the title his colleagues fought so hard to secure in the inaugural event.

David Heffer, from Tradition UK, said: “It’s a brilliant event – well organised, with a good buzz about it, and a great atmosphere among the teams. And it’s getting better year on year. We’ve played in every one and we’ve certainly got an eye on being on that plane down to Spain.”

With a one-in-nine chance of being on the plane for the complimentary grand final, and with a number of other fantastic prizes on offer – including golf holidays and the latest equipment – tournament organisers are banking on entries filling up fast. Teams can even enter both events to increase their chances of success.

Those lucky enough to win through to the Spanish final on October 16/17 will enjoy free flights and transfers; two rounds of golf; five-star accommodation at the impressive Hotel La Magdelena, a former convent; tapas lunches on both days and a three-course gala dinner in the Hotel La Magdelena.

The event also helps to raise funds for STAR4Africa, a UK-based charity dedicated to providing opportunities and support for children in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Plus, title sponsor Extrabet will be running a number of exclusive spread-betting promotions for competitors starting with one for next week’s US Masters. A spokesman confirmed: “Sell a player on finishing position and if your player wins, we’ll double your profits!”

Event organiser Jim Nicholson said: “This is a unique opportunity for people working in a high-pressure sector to unwind and take on their contemporaries in a friendly, yet competitive environment, while helping to raise funds for a very worthwhile cause. And of course there’s a great break to be had if you qualify for the final.”

The Banks and Brokers Golf Championship is open to all companies and individuals but is aimed primarily at corporations, individuals and other bodies operating in financial services and other related sectors such as energy, commodities and precious metals.

■ To find out more about the Banks and Brokers Golf Championship, visit http://www.banksandbrokersgolf.com/

Teenager hailed as catalyst for inaugural Junior Disabled British Open

2011-03-30T09:00:00.001+01:00

The first youngster to sign up for August’s inaugural Junior Disabled British Open will be a 16-year-old with cerebral palsy, for whom the event will be the culmination of a year’s lobbying.

Richard Warren, a 28-handicapper from, Ascot, in Berkshire, (pictured above) was so enthused with last year’s Disabled British Open golf championship that he immediately contacted organisers to enquire why there wasn’t a junior event.

And the event’s organisers were so impressed with the teenager’s enthusiasm and dynamism that they worked with him to launch this year’s inaugural Junior Disabled British Open.

Warren has been playing golf for eight years after his mother thought the game might prove physically beneficial.

He said: “I have a real passion for golf despite the cerebral palsy which affects all of my limbs. I first started playing at the age of eight when my mother thought it might be a good way of improving my hand-eye coordination.

“Although I was initially apprehensive when she took me to have an introductory lesson at the local driving range, from that moment on I was well and truly hooked on the sport.”

In 2005 Mill Ride GC, in Ascot, launched a competition among local schools to offer three junior golf scholarships. The determined Warren applied and, following an interview and golf assessment, proved successful in attaining one of the three places on offer.

He continued: “I am extremely grateful to Mill Ride GC as the scholarship not only improved my game but also boosted my confidence. I am now quite well known around the club and have been supported throughout by many members and, in particular, the staff.

“My only frustration with golf is that the nature of my disability is such that each golfing day is different. One day my game can be exceptionally good; on another extremely bad – however, this has never taken away from the enjoyment.

“What became apparent to me over a number of years was that there were seemingly very few junior disabled golfers, either male or female. And that motivated me to explore opportunities to bring young disabled golfers together so they can play and be inspired by their peer group.”

It was this determination – and a series of meetings with event organiser Andy Barwell – that led to the launch of the Junior Disabled British Open and, moreover, Warren’s participation in it.

“While taking part in various events I have met with some high-profile golfers, including Ian Poulter and Colin Montgomerie, who have expressed a keen interest in my endeavours,” added Warren.

“With the possibility of golf entering the Paralympics in the future I feel it is the right time to introduce disabled junior golf into the public domain and to encourage more disabled young people to enjoy the sport.

“Through the development of the first Junior Disabled British Open, I hope to inspire and encourage other young disabled juniors to pursue their passion and realise their potential.”

The event, for disabled youngsters aged between 12 and 18, will run alongside the third annual Disabled British Open at East Sussex National Golf Resort & Spa, from August 20-21 – the largest and most inclusive tournament in the country for disabled golfers. And Barwell, a director of organiser the Azalea Group, said enormous credit should go to the teenager for helping to get the event off the ground.

He said: “Richard is an inspirational young man. He’s very driven and determined and is destined for great things I’m sure. If at 16 he can persuade us that there is a need for a Junior Disabled British Open I’m sure he can be even more influential as he gets older.

“When we first met he stated his case convincingly and backed it up with facts and figures. I can’t imagine another occasion when a company would join with a 16-year-old to launch a new product. That’s testament to him as an individual and should prove a huge fillip to young people with disabilities.”

The senior event has received Government backing from both the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Jeremy Hunt MP, and the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller MP, who praised it for its inclusivity and legacy.

Hunt said: “The Disabled British Open golf championship is a fantastic example of how Britain can stage a world-class event for disabled athletes competing at the highest level. As a nation we should be very proud of the awareness this event has created, and the legacy of opportunities within sport for disabled people.”

And his parliamentary colleague added: “To hear that the Disabled British Open golf championships has encouraged disabled people to start playing golf for the first time is a wonderful achievement – and testament to the spirit of the competitors and will of the organisers.”

The 2010 event – the first to be played at the current venue – attracted a full field of 72 disabled athletes, with ages ranging from 16-71, from as far afield as South Africa, Pakistan, Spain, Ireland and Germany, in addition to a strong UK contingent.

The Sky Sports-broadcast event is delivered through Tourism South East as one of the projects of the Accentuate programme, which is funded by SEEDA and Legacy Trust UK – an independent charity set up to create a cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – and set up as part of the south-east’s drive to create a cultural shift in the way disabled people are perceived by celebrating excellence and showcasing talent.

John Williams, chairman of Tourism South East, said: “The Disabled British Open is one of many excellent projects we have delivered over the past few years. It has a burgeoning reputation and seems likely to go from strength to strength. We wish it continued success.”

The 2011 Disabled British Open and Junior Disabled British Open take place on August 20-21. A range of bespoke sponsorship and partnership packages for both events can be made available including title and headline sponsorship.

Entries will open in April. For further information contact championship organiser Andy Barwell on 07961 315520 or visit http://www.disabledbritishopen.org/

Award-winning resort fined £120,000

2011-03-29T08:42:00.000+01:00

An award-winning Scottish golf resort has been fined £120,000 after a guest died who contracted deadly Legionnaires’ disease during a stay there.

Piperdam Golf and Leisure Resort was found to have breached health and safety legislation, which led to the death of the guest after he caught the fatal infection which was present in a hot tub.

For full story see STV

Irish golf club goes bust owing €2.5m

2011-03-04T17:21:00.000Z

A company part-owned by the Shannon Airport Authority chairman has gone bust after running up debts of over €2.5m.

Accounts filed at the Companies Office show that Brian O'Connell, the authority's chairman, is a shareholder in Limerick County Golf & Country Club...

For full story see Belfast Telegraph

Irvine golf legend Jack Cannon dies

2011-03-04T12:14:00.000Z

Jack Cannon, the oldest man to win the Scottish Amateur Golf Championship and the last surviving member of the legendary Bartonholm Trio, died on Tuesday, aged 94.
Jack, along with Jimmy Walker and Hammy McInally, was one of the three sons of the tiny miners’ row on the outskirts of Irvine who won Scottish amateur golf’s greatest crown, but although he was widely regarded as the quietest of the trio, he was not afraid to do his talking on the course...

For full story see the Irvine Herald

Three years with no new golf course approval in Andalucía

2011-03-04T11:15:00.000Z

The new law which controls new golf courses in Andalucía has now been in operation in the region for three years, and over that time not a single new golf development has been authorised.

The so-called ‘Golf courses of tourist interest’ mix new sporting facilities with new residential developments...

For full story see TypicallySpanish.com

Emergency meeting will seek to reopen Letham Grange golf courses

2011-03-04T11:10:00.000Z

An emergency general meeting will be held in Arbroath this month as the rescue bid to save famous fairways at a collapsed Angus resort hotel picks up pace.

The captain of Letham Grange Golf Club has revealed the club committee hope to gain acceptance for a plan that would see the two 18-hole courses — the 6632-yard par-73 Old and the par-65 Glens — quickly playing again...

For full story see The Courier

Travel agent takes golf tour to North Korea

2011-03-04T11:06:00.000Z

A Wigan travel agent is organising the first international amateur golf tournament ever to be held in North Korea...

For the full story see the Manchester Evening News

Celtic Manor Wales Open boosts local economy

2011-03-02T09:29:00.000Z

Spectators attending the 2010 Celtic Manor Wales Open spent more than £1.5m in Newport and south Wales, according to an economic impact study.

The substantial boost to the local economy came as visiting golf fans spent the money on accommodation, food, travel, tournament tickets and associated costs while attending the European Tour event last June 3-6...

For full story see EuropeanTour.com

Foresight's GC2 is all right on the flight

2011-03-01T12:52:00.001Z

European golfers are about to discover what Titleist and other major manufacturers have known for around 12 months – Foresight Sports’ GC2 is the future of ball-flight analysis.

The GC2 has dominated the US market since its launch last year and is now available in Europe. It revolutionised club-fitting and teaching Stateside because of its unique design, which offers unrivalled launch stats accuracy; unprecedented data speed; true portability – the unit weighs just 1.7kg and takes just 40 seconds to set up; an eight-hour battery life and a simple plug-and-play operation.

The system has been adopted by many of the world’s leading club manufacturers including Titleist, Cleveland/Srixon, Cobra/Puma, PING and TaylorMade – and it’s easy to see why.

The unique ultra-high-speed dual camera design of the GC2 records the most accurate ball flight statistics on the market today. It doesn’t rely on any backward extrapolation to generate ball-flight data but, instead, directly measures ball flight and spin at club impact and launch, recording precise ball speed, spin (side, back and total), direction and launch angle, and calculates carry and total distance in a split-second, to the tightest tolerances in the industry.

Richard Temple, Titleist Golf Clubs’ product and fitting manager (EMEA), explained why his company is recommending using the revolutionary equipment.

He said: “We are recommending GC2 because of the quality of the numbers it puts out. Our US research and development team has worked very closely with Foresight Sports approving the system in terms of its performance, relating to launch angles, spin rate and ball speed.

“The feeling is it provides numbers consistent with our own launch monitors to the point where we feel this is the great option for accounts which are looking for an accurate launch monitor at a more reasonable cost. The team in the US is happy to put the Titleist name alongside it and we have done the same for Europe.”

Distributed in UK&I exclusively by Foresight Sports UK, the GC2 has been quick to win admirers this side of the Atlantic – among them one of Britain’s most respected golf coaches.

The GC2 is light, compact, quick to set up,

but above all very accurate

PGA master professional Luther Blacklock, the head pro at Woburn GC and a Golf International teaching panellist, is an enthusiastic advocate of the system – having agreed to purchase one within minutes of seeing it in operation.

Blacklock said: “As soon as I saw the unit’s immediacy and ease of use I was sold. I bought one on the spot and it’s already paid for itself in terms of benefits to my pupils.

“It’s more accurate than other products on the market; it’s truly portable – so tuition is not affected by adverse weather conditions; it takes a fraction of the time other products take to set up and it’s around a fifth of the cost of some of its rivals. When you see it in action it’s easy to see why so many of the world’s leading manufacturers are using it as the standard launch monitor for club-fitting and testing.

“I was hugely impressed by the ‘real time’ nature of the shot, powered as it is by exceptional software. The practice ground setting is even better than hitting shots on the range in teaching terms, as the ‘vapour trail’ left on the screen as you practice, is a ‘video’ of the last shot – which is even more beneficial than a video of the last swing.

“It’s made a massive difference to the pupil analysis I can offer as a golf coach as the information is more accurate and easily demonstrable.”

Another convert is Tim Mickelson – brother of four-time Major-winner Phil – who is the head golf coach at the University of San Diego.

He said: “I was blown away by the GC2’s portability, ease of use and, above all, accuracy. It’s not only an incredible tool for college golf programs, but for any player looking to get to the next level – it’s that good.”

The fact that the GC2 has a price-point around 80 per cent cheaper than existing competitors with comparable data is not lost on the industry’s leading professionals.

Titleist’s Temple added: “GC2 came along with comparable results but is pitched at a much more affordable price. Our sales force in the USA now uses GC2 for its fitting days and we’re going to provide it, not just to some of our sales force, for some tech reps and future Fitting Centres across Europe, but also to our FittingWorks accounts – of which we have about 800 across Europe – as their suggested launch monitor technology.”

Connected to a PC, real-time ball flight and statistics are available immediately and the data can be recorded to a spreadsheet and emailed to a customer in an instant. There is even the ability to instantly deliver data, via Bluetooth, to an Android-based mobile or hand-held device.

The flexibility and test-proven accuracy of the GC2 also allows it to be upgraded to provide a simulator experience, whether with a simple net and PC or as a full-size, bespoke studio experience.

Rob Thöle, sales manager for Foresight Sports UK, said: “The GC2 really has it all: it’s totally portable; it’s the most accurate system on the market; it’s self-levelling; requires no calibration; is up and running in 40 seconds; works perfectly indoors or out; can work as a standalone unit or with a computer and can be upgraded to provide the full simulator experience. It is the ultimate in ball-flight analysis.”

■ The Foresight Sports GC2 costs just £4,995 (+ vat). For further information call 0845 644 3870 or email info@foresightsports.co.uk.

http://www.foresightsports.co.uk/

Second bid for homes on golf club site

2011-02-25T15:35:00.000Z

The owner of a golf club fighting for survival has launched a second bid to transform part of the site into housing.

Robin Day said Bolton Open Golf Club in Longsight Lane, Harwood, needed a cash boost to secure its future, but Bolton Council threw out his controversial plan to build 13 homes on greenbelt land last July...

For full story see Bolton News

Kilkea Castle & Golf Resort brought to market by receivers

2011-02-24T09:30:00.000Z

Kilkea Castle & Golf Resort in Ireland will be brought to the market by BDO, the receiver of Arnosford.

CBRE Hotels has been appointed to market the resort with a guide price of €6m. The 12th century Kilkea Castle, in County Kildare, includes an 18-hole golf course and golf clubhouse. In total 27 of the 33 three-bedroom lodges are included in the sale. Of the 27 lodges up for sale, 18 are partially constructed. The resort sits on 140 acres of land...

For full story see Property Week

Your Golf Travel.com launches new brochure

2011-02-23T17:16:00.000Z

Europe’s largest golf travel company, Your Golf Travel.com, has introduced an increased range of worldwide destinations and additional savings in its new 2011 brochure.

With the company having booked services for more than 150,000 UK golfers last year and increased sales by 70 per cent, consumers have been eagerly awaiting their copy of the 2011 golf travel bible...

For full story see Golf International

Braemar Golf to manage Oman golf club

2011-02-23T17:12:00.000Z

Scotland-based Braemar Golf has secured a two-year management agreement to operate the Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club in Oman.

The company has completed a successful six-month technical advice period and will now be responsible for overseeing the business performance of the club...

For full story see AMEinfo.com

Two men charged after golf club drug raid

2011-02-23T17:03:00.000Z

A historic golf club was among premises raided as part of a police operation that netted £500,000 worth of cocaine.

Two men were arrested and charged following raids on the Royal Musselburgh Golf Club in East Lothian - which was founded more than 200 years ago and is the fifth oldest club in the world - and a children's dance school in nearby Prestonpans...

For full story see The Scotsman

Inchmarlo golf resort plan wins backing

2011-02-22T11:41:00.000Z

Councillors have supported plans for a £100m golf and tourist resort on Deeside that will feature a cookery school run by top chef Nick Nairn...

For full story see Press & Journal

Angus golfers aim to take over courses

2011-02-22T11:37:00.000Z

Golf club members at an Angus resort hotel which has closed down are formulating a survival plan so they can take to the courses again.

The Letham Grange Hotel closed last month after the contract to operate the estate, which has two 18-hole golf courses, was terminated...

For full story see the Press and Journal

Golf course future in doubt

2011-02-22T11:30:00.000Z

The future of a Staffordshire golf course is in doubt after the firm running it was kicked off the site because of unpaid rent.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has reclaimed Goldenhill Golf Course from Jack Barker's Golf Company, which has also been accused of fly-tipping on the course...

For full story see the Stoke Sentinel.

McGinley backs Malaga's unique new service

2011-02-18T12:24:00.000Z

A revolutionary new service for travelling golfers is coming to Malaga in March.

ClubstoHire.com is a unique concept which offers travelling golfers a massive saving on airline golf bag charges – and complete peace of mind.

More than 5,000 golfers have already taken advantage of the first ClubstoHire.com store at Faro airport, saving them an estimated £125,000 into the bargain.

Now, the service is set to expand with a shop opening at one of Europe’s busiest golfing hubs, Malaga airport, in March. It promises the very latest equipment from big-name manufacturers such as TaylorMade and Callaway with prices from as little as €35 per set per week.

With budget airlines charging up to £80 return for club transit, the service offers considerable savings and, what’s more, there is peace of mind that clubs won’t be stolen, lost or damaged and you won’t be left standing by the oversized baggage carousel unnecessarily.

Ryder Cup hero and recent vice captain Paul McGinley, who holed the winning putt at The Belfry in 2002, is a partner in the company.

“It just makes so much sense to use this service and our seamless online booking process. The airlines are pushing everybody – even me. I mean, I’m business class and I’m being charged to take my clubs,” smiled McGinley. “I think it’s a great idea.”

All clubs are available – left or right-handed, ladies and men’s – and hire is available from just one day to a full four weeks. The store has even attracted the attention of McGinley’s contemporaries on the professional circuit.

He added: “The reaction to the concept has been overwhelmingly positive. Quite often now people speak to me about ClubstoHire.com and how they have found it cuts out all the hassle and makes golf travel more appealing and cost-effective.

“All the guys on the European Tour are very positive about it as it provides the golfing public with an opportunity to try out the new clubs on the market in the best place possible: the golf course. What better way to see if a specific set of clubs suits your game?”

ClubstoHire.com is on course to be established in eight key European golf destination hubs by the end of 2011. The company’s own customer feedback indicates that rising carriage costs are likely to increase further the number of people flying without their own clubs and the concept surely has an outstanding future.

■ Bookings for Malaga and Faro can be made online at http://www.clubstohire.com/.

Yourgolftravel.com is London's - and golf's - fastest-growing business

2010-12-07T19:00:00.000Z

Your Golf Travel.com, widely regarded as Europe’s fastest-growing golf travel company, has had its achievements officially recognised as London’s finest with a first-placed ranking in The Sunday Times Virgin 2010 Fast Track 100 guide.

Described by Sir Richard Branson as the ‘definitive barometer of private company growth’, The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table ranks Britain’s fastest-growing private companies, based on sales growth over three years and is compiled and published each December.

Your Golf Travel.com underlined its continued strong trading history by improving its position in the 2010 ranking to sixth (from 15th in 2009). Better-still, it was recognised as the capital’s number-one growing business.

Golf may be considered a niche sport but the table ranks Your Golf Travel.com above many High Street brands and household names, trading everyday consumer goods. Furthermore, the company is the golf industry’s only representative in the prestigious league table.

Founders Ross Marshall and Andrew Harding ‘maxed out’ their credit cards to fund the start-up of the company in 2005. Today, the business offers domestic, European and long-haul golf holiday packages to 3,000 courses in 20 countries and books more than 150,000 travellers each year.

“The momentum is well and truly with us.” said chief executive Ross Marshall.

“We are absolutely delighted to once again be recognised by The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 for our outstanding sales performance and to have improved our position again this year.

“While our customers come from across the UK, we are extremely proud of our London roots and being named the fastest-growing company in the capital is a great honour.

“2010 will see another significant rise in turnover and we look forward to continuing to grow the business in 2011.”

The performance of Your Golf Travel.com, since its inception in 2005, is remarkable and its lofty position in the prestigious guide is due to annual sales growth of 158 per cent over the past three years.

Sales increased to £16.4m from an annualised £541,000 in 2005.

The business also offers spa breaks through its sister company Spabreaks.com and recently launched fairwaytofurlong.com, a niche concept that combines golf and horse-racing breaks at the UK’s premier meetings.

Award-winning results for Azalea

2010-11-23T12:33:00.000Z

International PR and marketing agency the Azalea Group is hoping two forthcoming client award nominations will add to what has been an outstanding run of accolades in 2010 for its burgeoning client portfolio.

Both the five-star Legend Golf & Safari Resort, in South Africa, and Dartmouth Golf & Country Club, in Devon, have been nominated for upcoming awards and, if successful, will take the total for Azalea’s stable of clients to eight in recent months.

Only this month the five-star Fairmont St Andrews, at the ‘Home of Golf’, was named Resort Hotel of the Year at Golf Tourism Scotland’s Gold Standard awards. It is the second time the resort has won the award, having also received it in 2008, and comes hot on the heels of being declared Scotland’s best golf resort and spa by the World Travel Awards.

And Fairmont St Andrews’ leisure sales executive, Angus Watson, was personally recognised as Young Industry Person of the Year.

Another client celebrating success in the World Travel Awards was Legend Golf & Safari Resort which was named Africa’s Leading Sports Resort and South Africa’s Leading Golf Resort, while its Signature Golf Course was named the Best Golf Course in Africa at the World Property Awards in association with Bloomberg.

The resort, based in the Limpopo province, is now in the running for the award for World’s Best Course at the International Commercial Property Awards, to be decided in London later this month.

The five-star La Manga Club, in Spain’s Murcia region – long regarded as one of the continent’s finest sports and lifestyle destination resorts – has recently received recognition for its outstanding corporate appeal after it scooped a silver honour in the Best Overseas Conference Hotel category at the 2010 C&IT Hot List awards, voted for by readers of Conference & Incentive Travel magazine.

Meanwhile, domestically, the South Devon Golf Tour’s success in attracting golfers to the south-west is on the shortlist for the South Devon Excellence Awards.

The tour – an initiative from Dartmouth Golf & Country Club – reached the final stages of the ‘Best Sales and Marketing Award’ category, testament to the work done in bringing together seven of the region’s top golf venues in order to attract travelling golfers.

And, still at home, Weston-Super-Mare-based Masters Golf – Europe’s most-purchased golf brand – was awarded the title of ‘most profitable supplier’ by members of the Foremost Golf group, the largest buyer and seller of golf product in the UK, managing more than £125m-worth of buying relationships for around 1,000 PGA pros.

Sean Noble, Azalea’s UK managing director, said: “We must congratulate many of our clients on their excellence over the past year. These awards are well-deserved recognition for expertise, enterprise and endeavour in their specialist fields and we have been delighted to play our part.”

HowDidiDo Media appoints Azalea

2010-11-16T09:45:00.000Z

HowDidiDo.com is Europe's largest golfing community

Europe’s largest golfing community, HowDidiDo, has engaged Hampshire-based PR and marketing specialist Azalea to handle its communications.

More than 250,000 golfers have registered with the website, which also contains the results of more than 21 million rounds along with the handicaps and scores of in excess of 1.1m golfers.

Standard membership is free and the plethora of statistics available allows any golfer to analyse and compare performance with other players at their own club or across the 1.1 m golfers.

The service is also available free to any golf club – and consequently its members – which uses the market-leading CLUB2000 software from Club Systems International, used by more than 1,500 clubs already.

Azalea will take immediate responsibility for raising the profile of HowDidiDo through both consumer and trade channels and Barry Dyett, managing director of HowDidiDo Media, said: “We have been very careful in selecting a communications partner that will deliver the reach and relationships we desire.

“Azalea has been well-known to us for some time and we are delighted to have them on board.”

Azalea’s UK managing director, Sean Noble, looks forward to furthering what has already been exponential growth for HowDidiDo. He added: “Our aim will be to elevate the HowDidiDo brand and services to their rightful place at the very heart of the UK golf community.”

Azalea’s portfolio already includes some outstanding golf resorts and courses – La Manga Club, in Murcia, Spain; Son Gual, Mallorca; Fairmont St Andrews, Scotland; and Legend Golf & Safari Resort, in South Africa – the Irish national tourist authority, Fáilte Ireland; and Europe’s most purchased golf brand, Masters Golf.

www.howdidido.com | www.theazaleagroup.com

Masters Golf is "most profitable" supplier

2010-11-02T15:32:00.001Z

It's always good when a client receives an award...

Andy Steele, right, receives the award from Foremost's Andy Martin

MASTERS GOLF IS “MOST PROFITABLE” SUPPLIER

Members of the Foremost Golf group, the largest buyer and seller of golf product in the UK, have voted Masters Golf the most profitable supplier in the company’s 2010 supplier awards.

The award was announced at The Golf Show 2010 – a joint venture trade show between the PGA, TGI Golf and Foremost – at the Harrogate Convention Centre.

Foremost Golf manages more than £125m-worth of buying relationships for around 1,000 PGA pros – an estimated 25 per cent of all UK golf sales.

And for Somerset-based Masters Golf, recognition as the group’s most profitable supplier is testament to the relationships it builds with its customers and the point-of-sale and stock management systems it employs in pro shops – often at no expense to the retailer.

European sales manager Andy Steele said: “We were delighted to receive this accolade which means so much as it was voted for by huge numbers of members.

“And the fact the accolade goes to the supplier with whom the professionals feel they are generating the most profit just illustrates how the Masters Golf brand helps golf retailers generate the best possible return on their investment.

“Much of this success may be attributed to the use of XPos and Stock Trac which, together, simplifies the whole ordering and stocking procedure, enabling the retailer to maximise profitability while reducing capital expenditure and dead stock.

“We’ve always known it made business easier and more profitable and now the pros can see it for themselves.”

The award was presented by Foremost Golf’s director of supplier management, Andy Martin, who said: “Masters has been a long standing supplier to the Foremost Group and the ‘most profitable supplier 2010’ award is well deserved.

“Not only does the Masters range of products return high margins for our member professionals but the replenishment service the company provides ensures the stock turns our members can generate are exceptionally high – delivering profit to their businesses.”

■ For more information on Masters Golf’s extensive range, XPos or Stock Trac visit http://www.mastersgolf.co.uk/.

Defending champion in pole position after day one of Disabled British Open

2010-09-21T12:32:00.000+01:00

Last year’s winner, Duncan Hamilton-Martin, was the joint leader after the first day of the Disabled British Open (DBO) at East Sussex National.

Three-handicapper Hamilton Martin shared the lead with Robert Paul, who plays off seven – both of whom shot an impressive first-round gross 78.

The DBO also has three handicap categories, with Martin Jelley and William West, both 12-handicappers, leading category one (handicaps 0-13.4) with nett 70s; Tony Lloyd (15) heading category two (13.4-20.4), after also shooting a nett 70; and, in the category three (>20.5) Stableford competition, Paul Cunningham (27.6) leads with 39 points.

by our man in Havana ... well East Sussex anyway

Marriott bookings take off with GolfSwitch portal

2010-09-20T15:36:00.000+01:00

The UK Marriott organisation has seen an “exponential” rise in its tee-time bookings since launching a new golf specific portal site with GolfSwitch, the world’s largest online, real-time, tee-time distribution network.

Marriottgolf.co.uk was launched in mid-June to enable golfers to book real-time tee-times at the hotel chain’s 11 Marriott Golf Hotels & Country Clubs 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week.

And Alison Ainsworth, Marriott’s senior director of golf, leisure and spa operations Europe, predicts that it will continue to drive an increase in the number of on-line tee-time bookings received by the resort specialist.

She said: “Since we launched our portal site (www.marriottgolf.co.uk) with GolfSwitch, just over two months ago, we have seen many new golfers finding their way to our courses.

“The online booking engine has exceeded all our expectations with more than 1,000 bookings since the launch and growing exponentially. Not only does this bring in extra revenue but it will also allow us to market to these golfers in the future with the many promotional offers we will be able to put on at short notice.

“GolfSwitch has been instrumental in giving us the confidence and the proof to expect to fulfil a considerable amount of Marriott's UK tee-time business online within the next year.”

GolfSwitch, the largest real-time, online golf reservation network in the world, powers around 1,500 courses worldwide and drives more than four-million tee times to the courses.

Jo Maes, European director for GolfSwitch, added: “We’re obviously delighted that Marriott is having such success with the portal – but not surprised. Marriott has a varied range of top-quality courses and resorts and enabling real-time access to tee-times was always going to prove popular with golfers searching for a simple way to book tee-times at top venues.

“GolfSwitch is continuing to cement its reputation as the most sought-after solution in the online tee-time marketplace today. Word of the success of the Marriott portal has already got around so we are increasingly being asked to discuss similar solutions for a range of top-end clients across Europe.”

www.golfswitch.com | www.marriottgolf.co.uk

Wilson backs Disabled British Open

2010-09-20T12:24:00.000+01:00

Competitors in the second annual Disabled British Open (DBO) golf championship, which began today at East Sussex Golf Resort & Spa, have been given a timely boost from world number 68 Oliver Wilson.

The Surrey-based professional, who finished last season ranked ninth in Europe, took time out for his preparations for the forthcoming Dunhill Links Championship to send his best wishes to all 72 disabled athletes participating in the two-day event, which has been hailed as ‘the most inclusive pan-disability event in the country’.

Wilson, currently England’s seventh-highest ranked professional, said: “I would like to wish all the athletes taking part in the Disabled British Open this week the very best of luck.

“As a resident of the south-east, it is great to see this event come back to the region for the second year running. It is truly an inspiration to me to see all 72 participants compete for this coveted title.

“I hope I am able to draw upon some that inspiration when I compete in next year’s Open Championship at Royal St George’s.”

Competitors aged between 16 and 71have travelled to Sussex from as far afield as South Africa, Pakistan, Spain, Ireland and Germany to line up against their UK contemporaries.

■ To find out more about the 2010 Disabled British Open visit http://www.disabledbritishopen.org/, or contact Andy Barwell on 07961 315520.

Online partnership offers unique real-time tee-time booking option

2010-09-02T10:04:00.000+01:00

One Golf Network, the marketing and tee time initiative endorsed by the English and Welsh Golf Unions, has partnered with GolfHub – the only multi-resort, real-time, online tee-time booking system in Europe – to offer UK golfers unprecedented tee-time access across Europe.

One Golf Network has been developed to allow every UK and Irish golf club the ability to market available tee-times and green fees to the largest possible audience of online golfers whilst staying in full control of their tee times and their price.

GolfHub, the community platform for GolfSwitch, the world’s largest online real time tee-time distribution network, already covered a large swathe of continental Europe and will now offer UK-based golfers the same extensive booking facility. The partnership means golfers can now book tee-times on more than 200 courses in Europe and 1,400 US courses at one visit.

Jo Maes, GolfHub’s director of European development, said: “Initially around 350 UK courses will be accessible through GolfHub, but this figure will grow as more golf clubs utilise One Golf Network.

“There are around 3,000 courses in the UK and Ireland and while, naturally, they won’t all sign up, many of them are expected to, which will benefit golfers and GolfHub members enormously.

“The partnership with One Golf Network is mutually hugely beneficial. One Golf Network effectively acts as GolfHub within the UK and Ireland, while access to the GolfSwitch network affords their users, the English and Welsh golfers, access to more than 1,600 courses across the globe.

“This partnership will also allow GolfSwitch to connect more and more courses in the tourism hot spots as it brings more golfers to our offering – and every course down south desperately wants access to these golfers.”

Jane Carter, managing director of Gemini Network Media, operator of One Golf Network, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside GolfSwitch to bring the largest tee-time booking service to golfers in the UK and Ireland. Working with our network of partner websites, One Golf Network will now offer the most comprehensive tee-time booking service to a growing online audience.”

With more than 1,600 connected courses and four-million transactions processed per year, GolfSwitch has become the go-to organisation to market available tee-times. And its community platform, Golfhub, is steadily becoming Europe’s largest online golf community.

Maes added: “GolfSwitch is undoubtedly the most sought-after solution in the online tee-time marketplace today. It is immediate, flexible and – crucially for the consumer – up-to-the-moment. Yet, with GolfSwitch it is always the course which determines the business rules regarding availability and rate, allowing them full control over their own inventory.”

The partnership with One Golf Network continues GolfHub’s expansion which only recently added the St Andrews Old Course Hotel and the complete portfolio of UK Marriott golf courses, including Forest of Arden, Hollins Hall, Dalmahoy and Marriott St Pierre.

www.golfhub.com | www.onegolfnetwork.co.uk

Rafael Nadal's all-white at Golf Son Gual

2010-08-17T10:10:00.002+01:00

Rafa Nadal wears the Son Gual brand with pride

World number one tennis player, Rafael Nadal, swapped his tennis whites for golf whites when competing in the Torneo Blanco at the prestigious Golf Son Gual club in Mallorca.

The 2010 Wimbledon singles champion was relaxing ahead of his busy tennis schedule leading up to the US Open at Flushing Meadows at the end of the month, where he hopes to win his ninth Grand Slam title.

The annual Torneo Blanco event is open to members and VIP visitors with a white-only dress code. The ensuing on-course spectacle was enough to make any leading washing powder manufacturer jealous with envy and Nadal’s attendance put many of his fellow competitors in a spin.

Nadal is a frequent visitor to Son Gual and is the latest in a long line of celebrities charmed by the beauty, playability and serenity of the club, which is located just outside Palma on the sunshine isle.

Spanish World Cup winner and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina took time out after his exploits in South Africa; former footballers Jamie Redknapp, Andy Gray and Alan McInally were among a group of Sky Sports analysts and commentators who visited for an end-of-season golf day; and other familiar faces at the course have included comedian Jasper Carrott, tennis legend Boris Becker and German national football coach Joachim Löw.

www.son-gual.com

GolfSwitch proves the professionals’ choice

2010-08-17T09:57:00.001+01:00

Visitors to the PGAs of Europe website can now book tee-times at more than 1,500 golf courses in Europe and the USA after the organisation signed up to GolfSwitch, the world’s largest online, real time, tee-time distribution network.

The PGAs of Europe is an association of 37 national PGAs with a combined membership in the region of 18,500 golf professionals – and the website attracts not only these professionals but also amateurs keen to learn more about the game.

Ian Randell, chief executive of the PGAs of Europe, said: “PGA Professionals often influence not only how people play golf but also where they play the game. As well as providing important information for professionals, our website is designed for anybody who is keen on developing their golf and their golfing experiences.

“By teaming up with GolfSwitch, which is rapidly expanding its reach both in terms of countries and courses, to utilise its online tee time booking engine on the PGAs of Europe website, we can provide the amateur golfer with an immediate possibility to book live rounds of golf worldwide.”

Jo Maes, GolfSwitch’s director of European development, said: “Having the game’s professional choose GolfSwitch for their online tee-time booking solution shows not only how important the whole online booking sphere has become, but also acts as a further testament to our standing as a market leader in the industry.

“GolfSwitch is undoubtedly the most sought-after solution in the online tee-time marketplace today. It is immediate, flexible and – crucially for the consumer – up-to-the-moment. Yet, with GolfSwitch it is always the course which determines the business rules regarding availability and rate, allowing them full control over their own inventory.”

GolfSwitch offers many solutions for golf clubs and resorts to market themselves online. From a single tee-time booking, a special, a golf pass combined with other courses within a region, a tour operator engine for bookings directly into the tee sheet, or a packaging engine to combine rooms and tee times to a complete yield management suite that allows the client to plan ahead and yield green fee rates against high and low in demand times.

GolfSwitch is continuing its expansion into Europe with many major golf resorts and organisations joining the network and availing themselves of the many online solutions on offer.

www.golfswitch.com | www.pgae.com

Disabled British Open is full

2010-08-05T09:42:00.000+01:00

All competitors’ places in the second annual Disabled British Open (DBO) golf championship have been filled within weeks of the event’s launch.

A total of 72 disabled athletes from across the globe will take to the tees at East Sussex National GC, on September 20-21 – with the event truly living up to its claim as the ‘the most inclusive pan-disability event in the country’.

Competitors with a wide range of disabilities will fly in from South Africa, Pakistan, Spain, Ireland and Germany to line up against UK entries and their ages range from 16 to 71.

Plus, four members of the GB Special Olympics team will also be participating in the contest which will be played out over the 7,138-yard, Robert E Cupp-designed East course.

Last year’s inaugural event at Old Thorns, in Hampshire – which was broadcast on Sky Sports – was one of 15 projects delivered in the south-east through the Accentuate programme, set up as part of region’s drive to create a cultural shift in the way disabled people are perceived by celebrating excellence and showcasing talent, in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Accentuate is funded by SEEDA and Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to leave a lasting cultural and sporting legacy from the 2012 Games.

And Andy Barwell, from Hampshire-based organiser the Azalea Group, is delighted with the huge and swift response from disabled golfers worldwide.

He said: “To be honest I’ve been shocked by the interest from abroad. We knew the event proved popular here in the UK and the coverage on Sky Sports helped get the message out further. But we were receiving enquiries almost daily from potential overseas competitors.

“I think we could organise a completely continental field were it not for the prohibitive costs of air fares these days. We will have three women participating this year – which is an increase of 200 per cent on the 2009 event. And we have considerably more single-figure golfers – so the competition at the top end will be very stiff.

“We’re delighted with the reaction and believe the event will grow exponentially from this solid start of the past two years.”

His pleasure at seeing the field fill up was echoed by Esther Appleyard, Accentuate’s joint programme director. She said: “It is testament to the quality of the event that so many people have entered so quickly. The DBO is a fantastic way of approaching disabled golf while celebrating the talents of our disabled sports people.

“Anybody who witnessed last year’s competition could not fail to have been impressed by the high skill levels. It was a high-quality event in every way and I hope the competitors enjoy the competition at East Sussex National as much as they did last year’s inaugural championship.”

Meanwhile, Barwell is also receiving numerous enquiries from people offering to volunteer as marshals, ball-spotters, buggy drivers and caddies.

A free, four-day, spectator safety level two NVQ course – a qualification in crowd marshalling and stewarding – is on offer to volunteers, courtesy of Telford College of Arts and Technology.

And Barwell added: “Many of those who volunteered at last year’s DBO in Hampshire, have already intimated they would like to come back to East Sussex National and help out again.

“A lot of people recognised how the event contributes hugely to the progress of disability golf and are incredibly keen to help. This year’s DBO is a slightly larger event and we will need even more volunteers to help in crucial roles.”

■ To join the band of volunteers or to find out more about the 2010 Disabled British Open visit www.disabledbritishopen.org, or contact Andy Barwell on 07961 315520 or at andy@theazaleagroup.com.

MP elected - vacancy exists for experienced beverage supplier

2010-05-10T17:52:00.000+01:00

Steve Brine: Conservative MP for Winchester

- but don't let him make you a coffee

We are delighted to report that Azalea’s very own Steve Brine won the parliamentary seat of Winchester in last Thursday’s general election.

Our joy is two-fold: firstly because we’re obviously thrilled for Steve as it has always been his ambition to become a Member of Parliament; and secondly because it means we will no longer have to suffer his dreadful tea and coffee making.

If his parliamentary career is as memorable as his beverage production during his time at Azalea, he will have created quite a stir.

We’d like to wish him well and remind him there’s still a desk here with his name on it if he ever wants to claim expenses for an out-of-town office…

BUNKY

Whatever party we support, we're backing ONE Tory

2010-05-05T09:28:00.000+01:00

Steve Brine - Conservative candidate for Winchester

Like any working office, Azalea has people of most political persuasions.

Yet tomorrow, while we may all go off and vote for different candidates in different constiuencies, we're all agreed on the candidate we'd like to win the Winchester seat: the Conservative candidate Steve Brine.

For Steve is one of us. Not one of them, one of us: an Azalea person. Steve is a shareholder in the company and until he began campaigning full-time he was working with us here in Petersfield.

All of us agree, whatever our political allegiance, that Steve is a top bloke. We wish him good luck and will all raise a glass to him should he succeed.

BUNKY

For delivery or collection

2010-03-25T13:17:00.000Z

Tucked in among the post this morning were three envelopes marked for ‘The Pizza Connoisseur’ Tha Azalea Group, etc, etc.

Not surprisingly they landed on my desk. I can’t argue for, in the past, I have been known to order a delivery pizza for my lunch when I have been feeling extremely stressed.

What was more surprising, however, was that each of the envelopes – which all carried a second-class stamp – contained an identical Papa John’s menu.

Three of them. On the same day.

Papa John’s menus are the commonest form of junk mail in Petersfield. On average each household receives 1.4 metric tonnes of Papa John’s menus per annum. To counteract this, the local council has upped its recycling collection while allowing Domino’s Pizza to open nearby and set about doubling the tally.

But previously, they were just shoved through the letterbox by kids who were already delivering free papers – thus there was an automatic QA traceable route from letterbox straight top recycling bin.

But now they’re posting them to us, three at a time, teasingly addressed to the Pizza Connoisseur. It’s a subtle marketing ploy. And it may just work.

Ooooh!! Buy one get one free… Mmmmm!

BUNKY

Sorry...

2010-03-04T14:45:00.002Z

Henry's taken me to task ... he was 27 last week.

BUNKY

Just call me Jess

2010-03-04T14:36:00.000Z

Henry Alliss' father, Peter, played Ryder Cup golf. So did Henry's grandfather, Percy.

Therefore it must come as a shock - and no little disappointment - to learn of young Henry's lack of ambition.

Despite having risen to the giddy heights of account manager at Azalea, Henry stated this lunchtime that he had 'a song for every occasion' and wished to be a 'Jess Conrad for the 21st century'.

It's a refreshing admission, given that most youngsters these days want to be Dizzy Ratbag or whatever his name is. But what shocked me most was that a 26-year-old had ever heard of Jess Conrad.

I suppose he must have made up a fourball at some stage...

BUNKY

Adding the feminine touch

2010-02-25T11:32:00.003Z

A month has passed since I wrote my note
But I should have known this right from the start
Only snow can keep us together
Snow can freeze your wife but
Ice can break your arm...

It seems the snow has left us for good so it's back to the world of PR, marketing, coffee-making, middle-age crises and lunchtime Facebook Scrabble reports.

But hang on...

Walked out this morning, don't believe what I saw
A renowned PR operator knocking on our door
Seems I'm not alone in doing PR
Hundred billion just like me, heading for the bar…

Obviously doesn't work if you're not familiar with the 80s' Police classic Message in a Bottle – but those of us of a certain age are, and, with all due respect, our new PR specialist would have been in her leg warmers and puffball skirt bopping away to that with the rest of us.

In a hugely roundabout way that brings me round to welcoming the latest guru to the Azalea fold. You may know her as Melanie Faldo, for it was as in 1990 she established Melanie Faldo Public Relations & Marketing, following her marriage to the former world number one golfer Nick Faldo.

It is as Melanie Hickey that we welcome her into our waiting arms (metaphorically Mr Hickey) and are delighted so to do.

Melanie will work on a number of forthcoming projects beginning with – but not limited to, say the lawyers – Azalea’s new contract with Fairmont St Andrews (about which more later).

Melanie, second right, meets her new client, from left, Graeme Dawson (Leisure Sales & Marketing Manager), Jane Frazer (Director of Sales & Marketing), and Stewart Elder (Golf Sales Manager)

She brings with her a wealth of experience and a gilt-edged picture frame called Nigel.

She will also, of course, be given access to this blog, which means we may get stuff about fluffy kittens and crocheting instead of Monster Trucks and Chuck Norris DVDs, but it's about time we got in touch with our feminine side.

Welcome Melanie.

Oh, by the way, there is a proper press release available here...

BUNKY

Latest from snowbound Petersfield - #6

2010-01-13T17:29:00.000Z

There were just two of us in today.

One was in Dublin for a meeting; one had a day off; and three worked from home.

If anything, today was even more treacherous than last week, as fresh snow had settled on what had become sheet ice ... though some of it was quite good.

The daring duo are currently preparing themselves for the yomp home. The 3/4mile trip will take us the best part of 30-40 minutes, if this morning's effort is anything to go by. And of course it's now dark.

"It's 3/4mile to home; we got four layers of clothing, a full tank of coffee, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses. Hit it..."

Latest from snowbound Petersfield - #5

2010-01-07T11:01:00.000Z

Now three in ... and the first by car for two days.

The car park is no longer purely virgin snow. :o(

Latest from snowbound Petersfield - #4

2010-01-07T10:54:00.000Z

Two in this morning. Others working from home.

All credit to our managing director, Sean Noble, who made a detour on his two-mile yomp through the snow to ensure we had coffee, milk and sugar.

That's why we have such a happy team at Azalea, sated, as we are, on consistent supplies of instant coffee!

Latest from snowbound Petersfield - #3

2010-01-06T13:49:00.001Z

Still three people in.

We have milk, but no coffee or sugar. Curse you whoever you are...

This is how it looks currently - we reckon we've got about eight inches here, which is unheard of in Petersfield.

The view from the office door

The office at 1.30pm

The view across the empty car park towards the Downs

Don't suppose anybody fancies airlifting in three curries?

Latest from snowbound Petersfield - #2

2010-01-06T09:44:00.000Z

9.41am third member of staff arrives ... with milk! Gold star for the gold top.

Three working from home. Or that's what they claim...

Latest from snowbound Petersfield

2010-01-06T08:54:00.002Z

Staff count at 8.53am: two.

Number expected: three.

Serves them right for living within walking distance...

NSS #1

2010-01-05T11:07:00.000Z

We've just had some marketing material through which gave us our first 'No sh*t Sherlock!' moment of 2010.

It came from Golf Digest Ireland and stated: "Golf Digest Ireland is the biggest selling and only monthly Irish golf magazine in Ireland."

Toddy - that's 10 points!

2009-11-18T18:16:00.000Z

Lunchtimes are now often spent playing Scrabble on Facebook.

Toddy (Lee Todd - lee@theazaleagroup.com for all single women!) is very good and consistently finds seven-letter words.

I think it's going to his head, however, as he keeps saying "I invented Scrabble ya know". Anybody would think he was Harry Redknapp.

BUNKY

The ideal gift for Christmas?

2009-11-12T12:32:00.000Z

Received a pleasant email this morning about a new golf book which I must purchase.

I've included the letter below.

Dear golfing friends,

You may not know it, but I have been very busy over the last couple of years putting my thoughts and ideas together into a book. I am very proud of the results and, in order to market the publication, I am asking friends and family to assist.

The book is on golf. I believe it gives the reader valuable playing tips and insider information that I have gained through my years of experience. The book is only £6.95 and can be ordered by simply replying to this email with the appropriate credit card info.

Check one: ___ VISA ___ Master Card ___ Discover __ American Express

Card # __________________________ Exp. Date _______________

Last chance to get the book at this price. __________________________________________________________________

Highlights include;

Chapter 1 - How to Properly Line Up Your Fourth Putt

Chapter 2 - How to Hit a Maxfli from the Rough When You Hit a Titleist from the Tee

Chapter 3 - How to Avoid the Water When You Lie 8 in a Bunker (also seeChapter 8)

Chapter 4 - How to Get More Distance off the Shank

Chapter 5 - When to Give the Ranger the Finger

Chapter 6 - Using Your Shadow on the Greens to Maximize Earnings

Chapter 7 - When to Implement Handicap Management

Chapter 8 - Proper Excuses for Drinking Beer Before 9:00 a.m.

Chapter 10 - How to Find That Ball That Everyone Else Saw Go in the Water

Chapter 13 - How to Relax When You Are Hitting Three off the Tee

Chapter 14 - When to Suggest Major Swing Corrections to Your Opponent

Chapter 16 - When to Re-grip Your Ball Retriever

Ding dong!

2009-11-11T14:46:00.000Z

A couple of Azalea guys were helping out a client at an exhibition last Friday – and the first person to stroll past the stand was none other than super-model Claudia Schiffer.

“She glanced across and I smiled back. There was obviously some sexual chemistry there,” said the Azalea super-employee, who will remain anonymous following contact from Ms Schiffer’s legal team.

A waste of time and money...

2009-10-22T09:38:00.000+01:00

The public relations industry is wasting huge amounts of time and money by failing to communicate its message to the media in the right way, says a new survey http://tinyurl.com/yj4sjvz

Let me be your fantasy

2009-10-07T17:19:00.006+01:00

We're all playing the European Tour's fantasy Race to Dubai game in the office.

Not surprisingly, as it has the word 'race' in the title, Bunky was lacking interest and lagging way behind.

He claims to be much more interested in the Azalea fantasy football league we constructed for this season ... in which he is also lagging way behind. That'll teach him to include Pompey players in his starting XI.

He quite oftens enters 'fantasy' into Google during his lunch-hours and when we heard some 'ooing' and 'ahing' from his corner of the office we weren't too sure if we should ask him what he'd found.

He'd actually visited the blog of one of our clients, Yourgolftravel.com, Europe's fastest growing golf travel company. And they had a fantasy of their own: a fantasy 18 holes which explained the longing sighs from the fat one.

So we've decided to lift the piece in its entirety and use it here. Bunky's only complaint was that it didn't feature any from his favourite course: the 12-hole pay-and-play just over the road here in Petersfield.

YGT could take umbrage at us using their piece of course, but Bunky's bigger than them - all of them put together in truth, so they're not likely to complain.

Read on, and enjoy...

If you could build a golf course of your own taking the holes from existing courses which holes would you choose?

We have compiled our very own Fantasy Golf course, the only stipulation being that the holes must fill the actual position they do on their home course.

Our course turns out to be a par 73 and is 7,562 yards from the back tees! Why not tell us which holes you think should be in your Fantasy Golf Course (to do this visit the YGT site here)

Hole 1: Doonbeg, Ireland - 540 yard Par 5

This could be deemed among the best starting holes in golf; the view of the beach and massive dunes from the tee is breathtaking. Pitching your drive onto the downhill fairway you then need to avoid a small pot bunker with your second, leaving an approach to a green protected on three sides by an enormous dune.

Hole 2 – Walton Heath (Old), England
- 475 yard Par 4

The glorious par 4 oozes history from every blade of grass. Hitting the perfect tee-shot is important for giving a clear view to the green. The first pro at Walton Heath, five-time Open Champion James Braid, was said to be so accurate on this hole that a shelf located 250 yards off the tee is named the “James Braid Shelf”. The approach shot leaves little room for error with heather right and left and an elevated green which is exposed to the elements.

Hole 3 – The Belfry (Brabazon), England
- 538 yard Par 5

This hole requires a drive down the left side of the fairway to try and reach the green in two, if not you will have to lay up short of the lake leaving an approach shot that requires the correct club selection, anything near the front of the green will come back off it.

Hole 4 - Royal Portrush (Dunluce), Northern Ireland - 457 yard Par 4

This hole gives you the first glimpses of the ocean in the background although take care with your tee shot since pot bunkers await any stray drives to the left-hand side right of the fairway. A raised green runs deep into the Dunes inviting you to pitch on softly and run up to the main part of the hole.

Hole 5 - Bethpage (Black), USA - 478 yard Par 4

This is a tough par 4, the downhill tee shot is played to a fairway that sits at a slight left-to-right diagonal. Large overhanging oaks will block your approach to the green if you stray too far left so you need to hug the right-side cross bunker with your drive. The approach is to a relatively small green that slopes from back to front.

Hole 6 - Carnoustie (Championship), Scotland
- 520 yard Par 5

Officially renamed in 2003 as Hogan’s Alley to commemorate Ben Hogan’s Open Championship win in 1953, this hole is where Carnoustie starts to turn up the heat. Often played into the prevailing wind this hole can be a severe par 5. Bunkers and out of bounds await the miss-cued drive and it requires a brave player to drive to that narrow piece of fairway. Care must also be taken with your second shot as once again Jockey’s burn bites deeply into the right side of the fairway.

Hole 7 - Pebble Beach, USA - 106 yard Par 3

Playing from an elevated tee, you have to hit straight out towards the Pacific into the ocean winds coming straight back at you. Miss the green and you are either in one of the pit-like bunkers or on the rocks amongst the crashing waves.

Hole 8 - Royal Troon (Old), Scotland
- 123 yard Par 3

The hole, originally called “Ailsa” because of the perfect view of the rocky islet of that name from the tee, was changed when Willie Park said of the tiny green, “A pitching surface skimmed down to the size of a Postage Stamp”. There is no safe way to play this hole, the ball must find the green, two bunkers protect the left side of the green while a large crater bunker shields the approach, any mistake on the right will find one of the two deep bunkers with near vertical faces.

Hole 9 - Royal County Down, Northern Ireland
- 486 yard Par 4

This long par 4 is perhaps one of the most photographed holes in world golf. A blind tee shot is played down the left to a sweeping fairway some eighty feet below to set up the best approach to the green. Too far left and you will find a dense gorse covered dune, more room is available on the right for the shorter hitter, although not providing the best approach.

Hole 10 - Turnberry (Ailsa), Scotland
- 457 yard Par 4

Dinna Fouter ‘Don’t Mess About’ is a fantastic hole that rewards a brave tee shot down the left to shorten the hole, stray too far left however and the Firth of Clyde awaits. More trouble can be found in the middle of the fairway in the shape of two pot bunkers, while the famous island bunker protects the approach to the green.

Hole 11 - Ballybunion (Old), Ireland
- 451 yard Par 4

Perched high on the cliffs and flanked by an impressive half-moon bay it’s no wonder Tom Watson once described this as one of the toughest holes in golf. Anything going right will disappear into the crashing waves of the Atlantic while anything left will find a terrain of brown and purple dunes.

Hole 12 - Kingsbarns, Scotland - 606 yard Par 5

This long par 5 hugs the coast line with its dogleg right to left shape, tempting many shortcut shots, although the ever changing wind makes it very risky to put your ball out over the sea. Set up an approach from the right to provide a good angle for the third shot down to the middle of the long narrow green, taking the large greenside bunker out of play.

Hole 13 - Pacific Dunes, USA - 444 yard Par 4

Regularly playing into the wind this hole often plays longer than its yardage suggests. Aim right with your tee shot as there is much more room than is visible from the tee. The very deep and slightly elevated green is mostly hidden for your approach so it will be difficult to tell where the hole is located.

Hole 14 - Royal Dornoch, Scotland - 445 yard Par 4

Named ‘Foxy’ this is the only hole on the course without a bunker. The left side of the fairway is full of mounds, while the right side has many grassy peninsulas protruding out towards the fairway and defending the right of the elevated green, which has a steep rise of about 5ft at the front with a 10ft drop left and right.

Hole 15 - Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand
- 650 yard Par 5

Make sure you stay on the fairway with your drive as there is a 140-metre cliff on the left and a 20-metre drop on the right. The key to this hole is to keep it simple, three or four straight shots and you are safely on the green.

Hole 16 - Sandy Lane (Green Monkey), Barbados
- 226 yard Par 3

The bunker with the green monkey inside it makes this one of the most unique and grandest holes in golf. The long right to left green is nestled into a large quarry lake at the foot of a colossal quarry wall.

Hole 17 - TPC Sawgrass (Stadium), USA
- 137 yard Par 3

What can be said about this hole? Get it on the land, accomplish that and you may just manage to two putt, assuming you get it on the right level.

Hole 18 – Sunningdale (Old), England
- 423 yard Par 4

This is a tough uphill finishing hole with bunkers in the fairway waiting to swallow an errant tee-shot. You are left with a short iron approach towards a green that is back dropped with the clubhouse and a stunning old oak tree, mishit your approach and a less than welcoming bunker awaits.

Size 42 sir? Ooooooh! Looks the business, that sir ...

2009-10-01T12:00:00.005+01:00

Here, take the weight off your bunions...

Who'd have thought that Andy Barwell, Azalea sort-of-staffer, marketing guru and - according to Pro Shop Europe's former editor, Paul Trow - the most "happening" figure in the UK golf industry right now, would end up in Munich helping European golf retailers and distributors slip into the most comfortable golf shoe on the planet (We did! - Blog ED)

Such is the life of a hard-working golf PR and marketing agent.

Representing Portuguese-based golf shoe brand Lambda, Azalea had its work cut out at Golf Europe this week, with a steady stream of buyers from all over the continent coming on to the stand and getting very excited by the latest entrant to the "classic" golf shoe market.

The Imperia range, featuring national flags on the shoes, caused most heads to turn, with the Bavarians, Bulgarians and Belgians getting particularly excited. And countries whose residents don't begin with the letter B were equally entranced.

Armed also with the BLACKTEE 2010 diary, and the innovative on-course game GolfMission, Azalea barely had time to stop for any light refreshments. Apart from when we did stop for light refreshments. Which we did.

Except being German they weren't light. They were pretty heavy, contained about a litre, and were being enjoyed by several thousand Bavarian revellers singing to the most dreadful music.

Now where did I put my lederhosen...

ANDY

Dream On - the golf book of the year

2009-10-01T11:40:00.005+01:00

To achieve his goal John Richardson read more than 60 books … All you have to do is read his…

DREAM ON

Dream On chronicles the attempts of a golf hacker to break par within one calendar year.

Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance provided author John Richardson with the inspiration for his book title when he told him to “dream on”.

Irish golfing legend Darren Clarke told Richardson three years was a much more achievable aim. Fortunately for lovers of golf and books Richardson went his own way and achieved his goal with just 72 hours to spare.

Dream On is the story of that achievement.

“I’m heartily recommending Dream On to anybody who plays golf off any sort of handicap from 10 upwards.”

John Inverdale, BBC Radio5live

Learn how, despite having no discernible natural talent, precious little time and a lack of fitness, a man in his late 30s knocked 33 shots of his golf score.

Dream On will INSPIRE, ENTERTAIN and ASTONISH in equal measure; it is a story of disbelief and determination, trauma and triumph. But above all it’s a story of golf and what the human spirit can achieve if it really wants to.

IN FIGURES

• 363 days
• 60+ coaching books
• 70,000+ range balls hit
• 7 golf gloves
• 2 pairs of golf shoes
• 500+ miles walked

Dream On has attained the #1 spot in ‘golf books’ at online bookseller Amazon – yet most people are unaware of it. That is because it hasn’t garnered its popularity through the traditional methods of book marketing.

Instead it used the power of social networking – Richardson’s Facebook and Twitter following exceeds 8,000 and that has established the book through viral ‘word of mouth’.

Richardson said: “I became fascinated by the opportunity that Twitter offers for its users to interact with authors. In the past, if you read and enjoyed a book, it was almost impossible to contact the author to let him or her know. Twitter provides a way for authors and readers to interact in a very contained and interesting way.

“You can’t come on and sell on Twitter, that’s not how it works. You have to be helpful and it has to be a two-way street. It is easy to look at it sceptically and ask where the money is in people tweeting about making a cup of tea. But there are strong communities on Twitter and it is a good way to get hold of people and improve a brand.”

And Richardson has expanded his profile as a sought-after motivational speaker and golf ‘coach’.

So now, Dream On is going ‘mainstream’ and will be available in High St bookshops. A second print run means the book can be sent out to ‘real’ journalists – not just the virtual kind – for book reviews and interviews, to present it to a new and wider audience.

Richardson has even had his hair trimmed and updated his Facebook picture.

To arrange an interview with inspirational author John Richardson, or to request a review copy of Dream On, please contact Dave Bowers, at the Azalea Group, on 0044 1730 711920 or email dave@theazaleagroup.com.

About the author
John Richardson, 42, from Bangor, Northern Ireland, spent more than 15 successful years in the coffee bar and catering industries, at one time running the largest sandwich business in Ireland.

He also wrote the definitive Wake Up and Smell the Profit: 52 Guaranteed Ways to Make More Money in your Coffee Business.

And then he found golf…

Follow John Richardson
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/tjohnrrichardson
On Twitter: http://twitter.com/BreakParGolf

About the publisher
Belfast-based Blackstaff Press has been one of Ireland’s foremost publishers for nearly 40 years. In 1992 it was named UK Small Publisher of the Year by the Sunday Times and also won the AIB Better Ireland Communication Award.
Blackstaff Press is a member of the W&G Baird Group.
www.blackstaffpress.com

Dream On – One Hacker’s Challenge to Break Par in a Year
by John Richardson
Paperback £9.99
978-0-85640-841-0

Catch it while you can

2009-09-23T10:39:00.002+01:00

It's Wednesday; it's 5pm ... and while Crackerjack may be just a distant memory, there's something much better on Sky Sports Extra tonight.

The hour-long 2009 Disabled British Open (DBO) highlights programme is being aired tonight on Sky Sports Extra (channel 404), from 5pm.

The DBO was an event organised wholly by Azalea and we are immensely proud of our colleagues who were involved with it.

Here is a link to the DBO website, but if you don't want to know the score, look away now... LINK

BUNKY

We're movin on up now...

2009-09-22T16:22:00.005+01:00

And the good news just keeps on coming out of Azalea Towers...

RECOGNITION FOR MALLORCA'S 'AUGUSTA'

Just two years after opening, Son Gual, Mallorca’s top golf course, is celebrating after making it into Golf World’s prestigious top 100 European courses list.

The 7,240-yard, Thomas Himmel-designed course is a new entry into the list at 91, a position which delighted managing director Andreas Pamer.

He said: “We have worked very hard to elevate Son Gual to be the best golf course on the island and one of the best in Spain. To achieve this recognition from such an influential magazine in such a short space of time is testament to the work put in by everybody here.

“But we will not sit back and congratulate ourselves; we will continue to offer the best golf possible and it is our intention to be regarded as the best course in Spain in time, and to continually improve our ranking within Golf World’s significant ratings.”

Son Gual was quickly recognised as a top course and was awarded the Mallorca Senior Open which it hosted for the first time in May, when former Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam compared the greens to those at Augusta National.

The 1991 Masters winner said: “It’s a bit like Augusta. There are a lot of slopes on the greens. You’ve got to get the ball on the right side of the hole – if you don’t you’ll be struggling. Miss it on the wrong side and you’re dead.”

Golf World’s description of the course said: “The course is laid out in two very distinctive halves, the front nine running along the extremity of the estate, with the second encompassed within its centre … making it one of the more spectacular courses in the Mediterranean region.”

The course’s reputation has been spreading far and wide with many celebrities taking time out to visit when on the island.

Liverpool winger Albert Riera, who used to live just down the road from the course, has gone on record to say it is his favourite course, and his fellow Mallorquine, tennis superstar Rafael Nadal, is also a regular visitor.

Golden Balls presenter Jasper Carrott and Sky Sports’ pundits Jamie Redknapp, Andy Gray, Alan McInally and Alan Smith are just some of the British celebrities to have been seen walking Son Gual’s pristine fairways in the last few months.

www.son-gual.com

ENDS

Information for journalists.

• Pictures of Golf Son Gual are available upon request

For further information on Golf Son Gual please contact Dave Bowers at the Azalea Group on 08700 330550, or email dave@theazaleagroup.com.

Lambda's international recognition

2009-09-22T09:36:00.006+01:00

It's always great to be part of a new product and here at Azalea Towers we're delighted to be involved with Lambda & Omega, a Portuguese company launching a new range of golf shoes at Golf Europe, next week.

LAMBDA'S INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION

With Lambda’s new Imperia golf shoe, your playing partners will be left in no doubt as to your nationality.

The Imperia – shown above carrying the Union Flag – is available in six different flag versions – and what’s more it’s environmentally friendly.

Lambda & Omega’s managing director, Paulo Freitas, said: “There is now a fashion in golf for national pride to be displayed at every opportunity. Naturally Britain’s Ian Poulter has been at the forefront of this with his Union Flag trousers, but you can also now get golf bags, pitchmark repairers and all manner of accessories carrying your national flag.

“Now, with the addition of the Lambda Imperia shoe, you can complete the ensemble. We currently offer a choice of six different flags – with more planned – which could make for some interesting fourballs…”

Combining the finest quality materials with the latest, innovative technology, Lambda’s classic-look golf shoes are functional and reliable, while remaining comfortable and fashionable – and are manufactured ethically.

While many big-name shoe brands outsource manufacture to Third World countries, all Lambda shoes are manufactured in Portugal, with materials sourced from within the European Union.

Freitas added: “Sourcing from within the EU enables us to manage the entire production process and ensure the highest quality from start to finish.

“At a time when we are all increasingly conscious of the need to cut down on the planet’s carbon footprint, we felt sourcing local materials and reducing the need for long-distance transportation of manufacturing materials and the finished product was essential.

“Hence the whole manufacturing process takes place here in Portugal.”

Such attention to detail is also reflected in the finished product which demonstrates the combination of tradition and innovation.

The hand-made Lambda range has a classic golf-shoe appearance, with fully treated water-repellent, Portuguese leather, but a special membrane inlay sole absorbs force to reduce the impact on knees, hips and back to make the game more enjoyable.

A unique treatment provides temperature-responsive waterproof protection and breathability, while the full leather lining produces superior comfort and an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) insert and leather sock-liner provides shock absorption and cushioning.

Prices for the Lambda golf shoe range start at €119 and the brand is on display at Golf Europe in Munich, September 27-29 in Hall 2, Booth A28.

ENDS

Information for journalists Issued by the Azalea Group on behalf of Lambda & Omega.

For more information or hi-res imagery contact Dave Bowers on 08700 330550 or email dave@theazaleagroup.com

Swiss. Hole. Big cheese. Compose your own headline here

2009-09-17T10:33:00.009+01:00

The 2010 Guinness Book of World Records comes out today apparently. I say apparently because we haven't been sent an advance copy or anything. We just know these things.

But it's still 2009 and we were interested to see in this year's edition about the oldest person in the world ever to record a hole-in-one.

Amazingly, at the age of 99 years and 244 days, Otto Bucher, from Switzerland, aced the 119m, 12th hole on La Manga's South course on January 13, 1985.

Which begs the question, at that age, why wasn't he still sleeping off his Christmas dinner...?

BUNKY

Sole traders

2009-09-15T13:49:00.005+01:00

Every week the two of them go head to head - and every week they both claim top spot.

No not Man Utd and Chelsea; not even Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. That would be at least mildly interesting.

No, this constant battle for top spot is between two golf shoe plastic cleat manufacturers.

Softspikes and Champ go head-to-head again . . .

and again . . . and again

Every week, after the weekend's tournaments are complete the PR machines of the two rival manufacturers go into overdrive hoping that one day, somebody will be minutely interested in what they had to say. And every week, The Wire, bless it, tells us all about it.

I mean, come on, we're all in favour of a bit of positive PR but when do you finally accept you need a new hook for a release . . .?

BUNKY

We should not forget

2009-09-11T13:32:00.001+01:00

It was eight years ago today - and we should at least pause to remember...

Is it me?

2009-09-11T13:28:00.001+01:00

I can’t be alone in finding the timbre and inflection of Robert Peston’s voice irritating.

The BBC’s business editor pops up on all forms of the corporation’s digital platform – web, radio and TV – and on each occasion he comes on I find I lose interest in the subject matter because I’m constantly bewildered by the apparent arbitrary nature of his vocal chords.

I detest the rising inflection so beloved of teenagers because of their over-exposure to Aussie soap operas at an early age? I’m at a loss to understand why every sentence they utter should sound like a question?

You know what I mean – admittedly it doesn’t become too apparent in a blog, but we’ve all heard it?

But at least that’s only at the end of a sentence. Peston’s delivery pauses at inappropriate times, stresses words seemingly at random and never gives the impression he’s actually imparting a serious piece of news.

This morning for instance he was talking about the bosses of MG Rover, who awarded themselves an obscene £42m in salaries and bonuses before taking the company down the tubes with the loss of 6,500 jobs.

I know this because I saw it on the BBC website and not because of Peston. When he spoke on Radio 4 on the subject earlier today I once again found myself mesmerised my his erratic speech patterns while remaining largely ill-informed.

I wonder is there a society out there for like-minded Peston sufferers?

BUNKY

Train of thought

2009-09-04T15:20:00.002+01:00

It's been fascinating - and heartwarming - this week to watch the story unfold of the Holocaust evacuees who have retraced their steps on a steam train from Prague to London.

We live in such a pampered and largely danger-free generation that it is often very difficult for us to envisage what life was like before the advent of microwave ovens, X-boxes, cars with airbags, and the defeat of the Nazi hordes trampling all over free Europe.

Congratulations to those TV companies who have given such extensive coverage to a genuine human interest story. And brickbats to those who still feel Katie Price's love life is more important.

What's interesting to note is what hasn't changed in 70 years. It's taken four days to get from Prague to London . . . so it's just like travelling on Virgin Trains!

BUNKY

Sales are down

2009-08-28T08:43:00.001+01:00

We received a press release today about the launch of Chelsea striker Didier Drogba's autobiography.

Apparently, at Waterstone's, in Charing Cross Road, there was a huge pile of the books on display which inexplicably collapsed and fell to the ground. Spooky or what?

BUNKY

Strictly disappointing

2009-08-26T12:40:00.003+01:00

Don't laugh, but here at Azalea Towers we're quite keen on Strictly Come Dancing. We're all desperate to get our hands on some tickets to see a show, or at least we have been previously.

The new batch of celebrities has been announced for the 2009 incarnation of the show and, personally, I'm a little underwhelmed.

I imagined that the show was now so popular all the big names would want to participate, a little like the Morecambe & Wise Show in the 70s. In truth the 2009 line-up is C-list at best - indeed the biggest names taking part are now the dancers themselves. What a disappointment.

One can only assume that 'big-name' celebrities are either too busy or reluctant to allow the general public to see the 'real' them. What a shame. Strictly is a great show but it does need a little real celeb sparkle, at least initially.

This year, my favourites are likely to be BBC sports presenter Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan; Laila Rouass (despite the fact I've never heard of her) and Anton du Beke, because he's a top bloke; Darren Bennett and Lynda Bellingham, because I've fancied her since I was a kid; or the ex-wife of a celebrity, Jo Wood, and her partner Strictly 'bad boy' Brendan Cole, because I interviewed him recently and, off-set, he's a different, very affable guy.

When the show was launched a few years ago, we were representing then world darts champion Andy Fordham, and the show's production company wanted him to participate. We thought it would be a great opportunity for him, but he declined. Given his subsequent health scares it was probably a good decision, but he would certainly have been the John Sergeant of his day.

For 2010, I'd like to volunteer the services of a fat blogger and journalist; I'm even more of a non-entity than those taking part this year so I should fit the bill.

BUNKY

Did ya miss him?

2009-08-25T18:27:00.002+01:00

Bunky's been ill so there have been no Azalea posts for a while - and he's too damned idle to put one up now, so if you want to see what's riling the fat curmudgeon currently you'll have to check out his own personal blog here.

Alternatively you might wish to poke your eye out with a sharpened stick. We know which we'd prefer...

THE TEAM

Going the extra smile

2009-08-11T11:55:00.004+01:00

There are two 'Post-People' who deliver regularly to our office: the first, a guy in his mid-50s, walks in says 'Hi!' to whoever's present and puts the post on Sally's desk; the second is a woman in her late-30s who opens the outside door and throws the post on to our doormat without so much as a grunt of acknowledgment.

Once again, when the latter thumped today's post on to the mat, I opined that she was a miserable so-and-so.

I was then taken to task over my comment by my colleague, Lee, who suggested she was doing all that she had to do: deliver post.

"Just because the other guy comes in and says 'hello' doesn't mean she's miserable because she doesn't," he insisted. "It's just like somebody phoning here on a regular basis, speaking normally to me or Henry, and then getting you. Just because you're not so helpful and sound like you can't wait to get off the phone, doesn't make you a miserable git . . . "

Doesn't it? I can see I need to work on my technique.

BUNKY

One knight in heaven. . .

2009-08-10T16:42:00.003+01:00

During the course of my working week last week I got to interview Sir Alex Ferguson.

Now, in every interview I've seen SAF give down the years he's always looked as if his blood pressure was going through the roof and he'd rather be somewhere else.

On this occasion, however, he could not have been more relaxed. He started off with a golf joke - we were talking before he teed off in a celebrity golf event - and then spent 25 minutes talking about the prospects for the coming season, for United and their nearest rivals.

Thankfully he also told me about his favourite places to play golf, as that was the reason for me being in on the interview. He spent 25 minutes with us before being dragged off by a PR girl as he was needed to start the event.

I was, therefore, delighted to see a headline this morning on the BBC website which said: "Ferguson fumes at ref after loss". The season proper is still yet to start and normal service has been resumed. Thanks Sir Alex . . .

BUNKY

Busy times at AT

2009-07-28T13:52:00.008+01:00

"So what's happening at Azalea Towers at the moment?" I hear you ask.

Well obviously I didn't because we're not sat in the same room, but it's my intention to make this post seem as if it's forced on us by public demand. A bit like the letters and emails to Jon Holmes on Radio 4's The Now Show.

Well actually reader(s), quite a lot since you ask - and thanks for your interest.

We've recently taken on three new clients:

Golf Mission (www.golf-mission.com)
pro:fantastic Golf Challenge (www.profantasticgolf.com)
World Sport Destination Expo (www.worldsportdestinationexpo.com)

Golf Mission is a UK-based product which is a "fun on-course game with serious benefits"; the pro:fantastic Golf Challenge is a unique Stableford event in which supporters of football clubs play for the right to represent their club in an overseas final in a team led by a club legend; and World Sport Destination Expo, in Johannesburg, in 2010, offers sports tourism leaders a platform to network and conduct business in a unique environment.

So we're expecting to be very busy over the next few months - all the pro:fantastic Golf Challenge regional events take place in September - particularly as we have one or two more potential clients 'bubbling under'.

But that doesn't give us an excuse to neglect our blog. If we do that please feel free to send us an email of ill-informed abuse at any time . . .

BUNKY

Eddie's a Shore loser

2009-07-17T17:15:00.005+01:00

The lack of comments on this blog does not concern me. I'm old enough and ugly enough to realise that if you really want to stir up the proverbial hornets' nest you need to poke it with a big stick.

I've not done any poking yet. I'm not sure I necessarily want to be controversial just for the sake of it. I leave that to my newspaper columns.

But some bloggers rejoice in riling people. Take American Eddie Shore as an example. He's decided to lay into the Open Championship, presumably because it's not the 'throwing darts' version of the game with which he's familiar.

He claims:

It's not real golf
The Scots invented the game, but the Yanks "perfected it"
It's not a proper major
US greenkeepers get paid to "grow grass, not kill it"
The Open is always played "in the middle of an abandoned WWII airfield"
And it starts at 3am his local time

Yes, obviously the man's a plonker. Check him out for yourself at http://www.opensports.com/community/user/blog_entry/661851/debaa82d-9523-4ac8-aa1b-469b26aeebf7.

He knows he's going to get abuse, but at least people are acknowledging his existence. I think I'm going to go away and pen a piece about how US baseball's FA Cup is called the World Series when 90 per cent of the world don't play the sport.

BUNKY

Taxi!

2009-07-17T09:44:00.002+01:00

Mmmm... Jaco Ahlers was 156th after the first day of the Open Championship at Turnberry. That's stone last.

Expect to see Pete's putter somewhere at the bottom of Wilson's Burn today.

BUNKY

Clothes maketh the man

2009-07-16T10:12:00.002+01:00

You can guarantee much will be made of the fashion on display at Turnberry this week.

John Daly, Ian Poulter et al will all be strutting their stuff trying to win the title for 'most outrageous outfit' in lieu of an actual golf success.

But fashion quote of the week for me, goes to the tournament's early leader, Lee Westwood, who said: "I can't say I've pieced together my wardrobe for the week. I wear whatever's clean . . . "

Wouldn't you just love to see him win it?

BUNKY

Pete's chance to be a Legend

2009-07-16T09:29:00.004+01:00

Obviously, what's left of the team at Azalea Towers will be catching up occasionally on the TV coverage of the Open Championship at Turnberry.

But we will be particularly interested in the performance of South African Jaco Ahlers. He is the touring professional of one of our clients: Legend Golf & Safari Resort, in Limpopo Province.

What's more he's playing with a putter he's 'borrowed' from our very own Pete Richardson.

Apparently Pete didn't take any clubs out with him when he legged it (. . . sorry moved) out to South Africa and bought himself a new putter. Jaco borrowed it one day and liked it so much he hasn't given it back . . . yet.

Pete reckons it's so long since he's seen it all he can recall is that "it might be an Odyssey".

If Jaco comes in at 750/1 - more if you look around I would suspect - expect Pete to take the credit. If he misses the cut with an average of four putts per hole and 100 per cent greens in regulation, we'll probably never hear about it again . . .

BUNKY

When good words go bad

2009-07-15T17:46:00.001+01:00

I've decided the modern world is rubbish - at least when it comes to the English language.

Everything I was taught when I started out as a journalist now seems to be forgotten - and Samuel Pepys was a damned good lecturer.

For example, I was always told that despite its constant erroneous usage, the word 'myriad' is an adjective not a noun. For years I have subbed out 'a myriad of' to be replaced by simply 'myriad'.

Now, dictionaries are listing myriad as a noun, as well as an adjective, so common has the error become. And I'm not happy about it.

Likewise the constant use of 'try and' instead of 'try to' which is almost always the correct form. Some of the worst offenders are presenters and reporters on the BBC, who, quite simply, should know better.

And the same can also be said for broadcasters' use of 'due to' instead of 'because of' (or 'owing to') when not modifying a noun.

My first editor would turn in his grave; if he were dead that is . . . which he isn't. He lives on the Isle of Wight, which may be considered the same thing.

Yes, I know I'm a grammar pedant. And an anorak. And possibly even have too much time on my hands. But the English language is such a beautiful thing it seems a pity to allow sloppiness to ruin it.

*This rant can be considered an application for the BBC's excellent Grumpy Old Men
BUNKY

Naval chief can handle choppy waters

2009-07-14T14:59:00.004+01:00

The Ladies PGA Tour sailed into some choppy waters last year when it attempted to introduce a 'mandatory English language' rule, almost certainly to placate sponsors.

Amid accusations of xenophobia, the powers-that-be relented and the Koreans - for that was in effect at whom the change was aimed - stayed on tour and continue to win majors.

Now, following the resignation of LPGA commissioner Carolyn Bivens, the new acting commissioner is Rear Admiral Marsha J Evans, US Navy (retd).

The board's chairman, Dawn Hudson, insisted they wanted somebody with "experience of leading a large organisation" . . . and they certainly have that.

Perhaps they're fearing some more choppy waters, for the US Military is hardly renowned for its tolerance towards foreign nationals . . .

BUNKY

No pleasing some people...

2009-07-13T12:32:00.006+01:00

Golf fans - and golf writers - are a difficult breed to please.

When Tiger Woods was winning everything - before he admitted his leg was busted and gave everybody the psychological boost they needed, before taking it away again by saying he'd won the US Open with it - people were bemoaning his dominance saying it wasn't good for the sport.

'Where are all the other challengers?' the pundits mused. 'His dominance is ruining golf' they claimed.

Fast forward 10 months and followers of the women's game, particularly in the US, are upset for the opposite reason: there's no dominant woman - primarily there's no dominant woman, or even emerging woman, to whom the US public can lay claim.

After 23-year-old South Korean Eun Hee Ji took the US Women's Open title yesterday, critics in the US started bemoaning the fact that 16 different players had won the last 17 majors, with only world number Lorena Ochoa winning twice.

What really rankles one would imagine is that only eight of the last 37 major championships have been won by an American.

Surely the competition is great for the sport? One only has to look at Premiership football to realise how dull and uninteresting a sport can become if its front-runners are already determined before the start of the campaign.

In the last few years more focus has been on the bottom end of the table where the excitement and unpredictability is riveting.

Personally, if 16 different players had won the last 17 men's majors I'd be overjoyed - not least because chances are my Paddy Power account wouldn't look quite so bleak...

BUNKY

Genetically-modified TV

2009-07-06T15:40:00.004+01:00

I did not imagine, even in my wildest nightmares, that the current fad for all things 80s would see a return to our screens of that Lycra-clad loon Mr Motivator.

He certainly motivates me to do something but I don't think he would approve - though his dentist might appreciate the work. EVERYBODY SAY AAAH!

I detest the sight of Brits - albeit in this case a Jamaican-born Brit - as pseudo Americans, with all the "let me hear ya say yeah!" and constant whooping and hollering. What's more the sight of it over the breakfast table is enough to make me choke on my Fruit and Fibre.

However, Mr M is not the worst of it currently. He has been joined on GMTV by Deanne Berry who looks great but sounds like somebody pulling a cheese grater over a blackboard.

If there's one thing worse than a Jamaican-born pseudo American fitness guru it's a whining Aussie pseudo American fitness guru. Whoo! Yeah!

Berry rose to prominence by appearing as a fitness instructor in the video for Eric Prydz's hit Call on Me in 2004. She was great in that because she had no dialogue. Hats off to the video's producer who knew what he or she was doing. More fool GMTV for giving her voice.

But what should we expect from GMTV? When it was first launched as TVam 26 years ago, it was seen as a serious rival to the BBC's Breakfast-Time. Now it's not even a serious rival to CBeebies.

As a hack, one has to feel sorry for journalists like John Stapleton and Richard Gaisford who are often sent out to report on one of the genuinely important news stories of the day only to be cut short by Emma Crosby - the non-thinking man's Kelly Brook - who wants to fawn over a boy band or an actor from a US teen show.

"I'm sorry, we're unable to hear any more about the nuclear explosion which has just taken place on the Bakerloo line because somebody you've never heard of, who is set to appear in a film you'll never see, was prepared to give up five minutes at last night's Los Angeles premiere to talk to Carla Romana (somebody you wish you'd never heard of)."

I console myself with the thought that Stapleton, Gaisford and the rest of the 'news' team are planning a Great Escape-style breakout, tunnelling their way through to a 24-hour news channel which will allow them to give full details of the breaking story without interruption from OK!TV and the latest on the Peter Andre/Jordan break-up.

I see it now: the veteran Stapleton pleading with the rest of the team. "Take me with you - I can still see a proper news story!"

Tragedy strikes and the tunnel comes up short. Gaisford turns to his colleagues and says: "Right chaps, we're left with no choice. We have to make a run for it in the clearing and join Channel 5."

"Channel 5?" They respond in horror.

"Calm down chaps. It's not ideal but at least we won't have to put up with Mr bloody Motivator every morning. Who's with me?"

BUNKY

Photographers, photographers, photographers...

2009-07-06T13:52:00.001+01:00

For years now Colin Montgomerie has been Europe's Ryder Cup talisman. Let's hope Ian Poulter can take on that mantle, for he sure seems determined to take over Monty's status as the grumpiest man in golf.

OK, an inexperienced snapper took pictures in his downswing; we accept that's off-putting. OK he shouldn't have done it; but for heaven's sake get over it. His post-final round interview was cringeworthy.

Poulter could do worse than to look at his contemporaries in tennis - there the world's top players are constantly being photographed but they are so focussed it makes no difference to them.

They are also gracious in defeat despite being clearly upset - or at least Andy Roddick is.

In his post-Wimbledon final interview he admitted how disappointed he was and how strong his opponent, Roger Federer, had been. He didn't complain about the surface, the photographers, the crowd interruptions - which are starting to become unacceptable - or the quality of the Robinson's Barley Water.

He gave his best, came second and took it on the chin. Ian Poulter take note.

BUNKY

Taking Sport to the Masses

2009-07-02T16:50:00.002+01:00

Back when Henry's dad, Peter Alliss, was taking golf to the masses via the BBC's Pro-Celebrity Golf, the sport was considered elitist - very much for the middle and upper classes.

It had been that way for some time; for example, PG Wodehouse wrote 97 books - according to Wikipedia anyway, which also states he was Marilyn Monroe's father and the first man to sail down the Thames wearing nothing more than a flat cap - and while golf featured regularly in the outings of the minor aristocracy, the likes of football or boxing only merited a mention when one of the major characters ventured into the seedier parts of East London.

For most of the 20th century, sports such as football and boxing were the preserve of the working classes; the middle classes satisfied themselves with cricket, golf and tennis - co-incidentally primarily non-contact sports.

Actually being in physical contact with another person was obviously beneath those who would only engage in such shenanigans in the comfort of the maid's own room.

But times changed: thanks to Alliss Snr and the success of Tony Jacklin's Ryder Cup team in the 80s, golf suddenly became attractive to everybody; the sight of Chris Evert's well-turned calves and the bad-boy antics of John McEnroe, increased the popularity of tennis; and while Ian Botham is hardly a working-class icon, his pot-smoking and other off-field antics certainly endeared him to a new generation of fans, as an old-school tie was no longer deemed a prerequisite for a career in first-class cricket.

But the popularity of all these sports became a double-edged sword in the 90s - and the blade now cuts even deeper as the 21st century's second decade looms over the horizon.

The satellite broadcaster Sky threw money at football in England and the sport broke through a fiscal glass ceiling. Other sports saw the potential and wanted a piece of the action - and with a knowing grin Sky acquiesced.

Prawn sandwiches (copyright Roy Keane) became de rigueur at football instead of Bovril and Wagon Wheels and, as players' salaries increased to ludicrous levels, ticket prices were hiked accordingly, meaning it was no longer the working man's sport.

Now, if you want to watch almost any live sport you have to subscribe to Sky Sports, which, in theory at least, means that most sports are now the preserve of those with plenty of disposable income.

Which begs the question, how come you see more satellite dishes in the narrow terraced streets of Liverpool, Wolverhampton and Portsmouth than in the leafy suburbs of Esher?

Answers on a postcard please . . . or alternatively as a comment below. I'd be fascinated to know.

BUNKY

Success v Personality - A Difficult Choice

2009-07-01T16:50:00.002+01:00

We're a pretty eclectic bunch when it comes to following sports here at Azalea Towers.

Obviously, as we spend a lot of time working in golf, we're all keen golfers. Football - the European variety as opposed to Gridiron - is another one which gets our juices flowing.

Indeed we have pretty much everything covered, as with Henry and Andy having had a public school education, even lacrosse, polo and real tennis get a look-in.

But of course, at the moment, the whole country's only interested in the 'I can't believe it's not real' tennis variety - the one at Wimbledon.

And watching Andy Murray's progress through to the semi-final had me feeling a little sorry for Tim Henman - not an emotion I ever thought I'd feel. It's a fair bet that the surly Scot will achieve more in his career than Tiger Tim did. If he goes on to win Wimbledon this week, the bookies will stop taking bets on the winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. And that's somewhat ironic, for Murray makes Henman look like Timmy Mallett.

He is devoid of any personality and must make the BBC sports interviewers long for the chance to ask the taciturn Gordon Strachan for a 'quick word' - "velocity" was the then Saints' manager's whimsical response.

What a trade-off we have to make for sporting success in this country - if we want to win something we have to endure a non-personality (Nigel Mansell); or we can put up with being a popular second and maintain the slapstick traditions of the British pantomime (Frank Bruno).
It's a tough choice and if Murray falls at the semi-final stage we won't yet have to make it.

"C'MON TIM!"

BUNKY

The First Thunderbug of Summer

2009-06-30T16:54:00.002+01:00

Azalea Towers is on a farm. It's a delightful environment, with views across the South Downs.
However, it doesn't have air conditioning and at the moment that's a big issue. As the temperature soars to a level which could make Bowers' botox bubble there is an increasing demand for fresh air to be circulating.

There would be no debate over this were it not for Lee Todd, a man originally considered lost in a plane crash but subsequently raised by lizards in a desert environment.

Such an upbringing has left him impervious to heat - he's been known to wear thermal underwear in a sauna. But he claims he does feel the cold, even when the wind has as much life as Peter Viggers' political career and the mercury is pleading to be allowed to climb out of the top of the thermometer.

If he's in a good mood he'll allow one window to be opened just wide enough to squeeze a credit card through on its edge - and half-an-hour later, he'll don his coat just to make us all feel guilty.

Should he open both windows by his desk - an occurence as rare as Manchester City not being linked with a world-class striker - he'll start to complain that thunderbugs are invading his monitor.

At that moment, we know summer is truly upon us...

BUNKY

Hapanese Jacku

2009-06-30T16:50:00.001+01:00

Farewell then Jacko
You were the Eighties' hero
But you were quite mad

BUNKY