Rafael Nadal's all-white at Golf Son Gual

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

BUNKY

Just call me Jess

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Staff count at 8.53am: two.

Number expected: three.

Serves them right for living within walking distance...

NSS #1

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!

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?

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!

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...

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