Irvine golf legend Jack Cannon dies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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