Poulter explains Vivendi absence

Europe’s Ryder Cup 2010 captain, Colin Montgomerie has criticised Englishman Ian Poulter for dropping out of the Great Britain and Ireland team to contest the Seve (now Vivendi) Trophy at St Nom la Breteche, Paris.

Poulter, who also came in for criticism after dropping out of the last Ryder Cup points event and relied instead on a wild card pick was accused by Monty of not showing sufficient effort despite having some free time to compete in the Trophy after he failed by a shot to qualify for the final FedEx Cup tournament.

Through his Twitter account, Poulter explained in three ‘tweets’ why he elected to miss out on representing Paul McGinley’s Great Britain & Ireland team:

The first one read: “It would have been great to play the Seve Trophy, but the schedule becomes very difficult to play every event – so important not to burn out.”

“I really want to be fresh and strong for all of the Ryder Cup qualifying events that I’m going to play in – the Ryder Cup means everything to me”

“The Vivendi Trophy will be awesome to highlight some potential new Ryder cup players – Fisher, McIlroy, Kjeldsen, Quiros, Dougherty, Wood etc.”

Poulter had done enough to qualify for the Great Britain & Ireland team that takes on Continental Europe but, just as he did when he stayed away from Europe’s last Ryder Cup qualifying event in Scotland, he has decided not to return from his base in the United States and instead will take several weeks away from the game to rest and prepare for the last few events in the Race to Dubai.

Emilia Romagna Italy Golf Review

The Emilia Romagna region of Northern Italy has become a firm favourite amongst travelling golfers looking for a golf holiday with a difference. In recent years Italian golf has come on leaps and bounds which has coincided with the advances in the professional game with the likes of Costantino Rocca and talented brothers Eduardo and Francesco Molinari.

The area of Emilia Romagna is one of the most beautiful in Italy. Holiday makers can enjoy a range of different terrains including Po River which is the longest in Italy. There are a host of river-based activities available along the Po including river cruises which give fantastic views across the Park of the Po Delta which has been awarded world human heritage status by Unesco in 1999.

Those travelling to Emilia Romagna are given a wealth of transport options including no less than 4 airports (Bolonga, Forli, Parma and Rimini). A modern motorway network links the region and for those wishing for a more scenic route can opt to use the extensive rail network which goes all along the region including the coastal villages of Rimini.

Italy is famed for its art and culture and this region is bursting with life. So for those wanting a slightly more educational golf holiday experience can take on the sights and sounds of Bologna which is the site of Italy’s oldest university (dating back to the 11th Century). The town itself also enjoys numerous monuments and statues, including the spectacular Asinelli and Garisenda towers which are superb, and is well worth a visit if time permits. The culture element of Emilia Romagna is evident in numerous towns and villages across the region, so anyone wanting to be a culture vulture will only have birdies and eagles to distract them on their golf holiday.

After a tough day on the golf course it’s important to take time in the 19th hole to relax and enjoy the local culinary offerings. The region is famed for its local cheese and household names such as Parmigano Reggiano, Grana Padano as well as cured meats in Parma Ham and Salami di Felino can be found in local delicatessens. All well worth a taste but too much can have consequences on your waistline.

In terms of golf the Emilia Romagna region is home to a host of courses all set over ranging terrain which will provide an ample test whatever the standard of golfer. Here is a brief review about some of the courses in the area.

Adriatic Golf Club, Cervia
The members course at Adriatic Golf Club is the heart of the area promoting social and sporting activities amongst the local community. As one of the best equipped courses in Italy, offering 27 holes of varied golf ranging from coastal to ancient pinewoods. Accuracy off the tee is key to scoring well round this course. The original 9 holes, designed by Fioravanti and Croze take influence from a traditional Scottish links, whereas the back 9 contrasts with an American feel complete with water hazards and undulations. With a tournament history which includes the Italian PGA as well as numerous amateur events, Adriatic Golf Club is a jewel in the Emilia Romagna’s crown. For those wanting to hone their game, you can take advantage of extensive practice facilities including short game area as well an executive par-3 course.

Key facts – Par-72, 6,830 yards, opened in 1985, nearest airport – Rimini

How to get there –
Motorway Bologna – Rimini, Cesena exit; drive in the direction of the sea for 7.4 mi (12 Km) along the provincial road. Once in Cervia, follow directions to Milano Marittima Centro and the Golf Club.

Rimini Golf Club
Set within Valmarecchia Park, just a few kilometres from Central Rimini, Rimini Golf Club is one of the most popular in the area. Designed by American Brian Silva, it has an American feel to it that will provide a suitable test for all players. With undulating fairways, elevated greens as well as numerous water hazards this really is a great place to play golf during your next holiday. With exceptional vistas across the surrounding landscapes and villages, the golf is simply an added bonus! It’s championship pedigree is seen in its history which includes the Rimini International Open which featured on the European Challenge Tour.

Key facts – Par-72, 6,730 yards, opened in 1993, nearest airport Rimini

How to get there –
A14 Motorway Bologna-Ancona, Rimini Nord exit; drive in the direction of Santarcangelo, follow road signs to Torriana, Verucchio (about 10 minutes). Rimini Sud exit, main road in the direction of Cesena, at the crossroads turn left in the direction of Verucchio (about 10 minutes).

Salsomaggiore Golf and Country Club
Sitting 360 metres above sea level, this superb golf club offers views across the beautiful spa town of Salsomaggiore. The combination of beautiful views and a fantastic course are just two of the reasons why so many golfers are travelling to this course, with rolling fairways and quick greens it’s a really enjoyable course and with views to die for it’s not the end of the world if your golf isn’t quite up to scratch.

Key facts – Par-72, 6,300 yards, nearest airport Parma

How to get there –
A1 motorway, Fidenza exit. Head towards Salsomaggiore Terme. From Salsomaggiore: take via Milano and straight on – Pellegrino Parmense direction, then at the crossroads Pontegrosso/Grotta turn on your right and follow road indications for the club. The golf course is situated at about 7 km from town centre.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my brief review and if you are looking to go on a golf holiday to Italy you can find a wealth of holiday options at Your Golf Travel.com. For more information visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call 0800 043 6644.

Sueno Golf Resort Review

I’ve just come back from my week long golf holiday to Belek in Turkey where I stayed at the lovely Sueno Golf Resort. It’s a small boutique hotel, which is quite intimate with all public areas of the hotel overlooking the 9th & 18th greens of both courses, perfect for looking Read more

Vivendi Trophy Preview

Paul McGinley’s Great Britian and Ireland team will head into this week’s Seve Trophy – now the Vivendi Trophy – as massive underdogs to upset the Continental Europe team, captained by Thomas Bjorn.

Read more

Stewart Cink loses the Open Trophy!

British Open winner Stewart Cink was on the receiving end of a Padraig Harrington prank at East Lake, when the current champion put the famous Claret Jug on display at the course.

Cink had wanted to thank East Lake for providing him with honourary membership 13 years ago when he was trying to break through on the PGA Tour and putting the Open trophy on display was to be his method of conveying his gratitude.

However, two-time former custodian of the trophy Harrington had other ideas and while Cink had left to register the Irishman coveted the case which contained the trophy and stashed it away in his locker. Cink was unperturbed by its disappearance when he returned, however, and assumed the PGA Tour Productions crew had taken it downstairs for their interview with the Open winner, who defeated Tom Watson in a playoff at Turnberry in July.

However when he got to the set it soon became clear they didn’t have the trophy either. Cink might have started to worry a little before the joke was revealed by the locker room attendant who informed the champion that the Claret Jug was in the possession of one Padraig Harrington, who had evidently decided to hold onto the trophy he had relinquished at the Ayrshire venue just a little longer.

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