Stapleford Park Golf Review

Having visited Stapleford Park earlier this month I though it only right to share what turned out to be a brilliant golf break experience.

The golf course is a classic Donald Steel design that uses the contours of the land and subtle undulations to provide protection on the greens. The course was in great conditions for the time of year – the fairways and tees well maintained and greens that were some of the truest I have played. There was certainly no excuses for three putts however a cold day with the flat stick meant one or two were recorded. Read more

Five Star Turkey and it’s not even Christmas

Golf Holidays in Turkey has become increasingly popular in recent years with golfers drawn by a warm climate, impressive golfing infrastructure and fantastic value for money holidays. We’ve produced this Turkey golf holiday resource for your reference, hopefully it will be helpful whether you have golfed in Turkey many times or are considering it for your first trip.

Here is a brief review of the top Turkey Golf Holidays venues in the popular region of Belek, located approximately 40 minutes from Antalya Airport. Read more

Poulter, Johnson combine to lift Shark Shootout

Just a few weeks ago at The Celtic Manor, Ian Poulter and Dustin Johnson were adversaries as their respective European and United States teams battled for the Ryder Cup.
However, at the weekend the pair combined flawlessly to win the Shark Shootout, closing with a 13-under par 59 to beat off competition from US Open champion Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke.

Birdies on each of the first four holes for the duo was enough to see the pair coast home ahead of the Irishmen as they carded a combined 30-under par 186 in the tournament which sees pairs play three different formats over three days. Poulter and Johnson shared $750,000 for their win.

After modified alternate and best-ball formats, the third day saw the scramble format and Poulter and Johnson soon overhauled overnight co-leaders Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker, and Fred Funk and Kenny Perry. Kelly and Stricker finished tied for third on 26-under par alongside Chris DiMarco and Anthony Kim.

David Love III and David Duval were just one of four pairings to share fifth place in the event hosted by Greg Norman at Tiburon Golf Club. Norman and his partner Matt Kuchar finished off the pace in ninth place.

Martin holds nerve to retain Alfred Dunhill Championship

Spaniard Pablo Martin successfully retained his Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, South Africa but only after surviving a late wobble that almost saw him throw it away.

Trailing by one shot overnight to South African Anthony Michael, Martin stormed into sizeable lead by the turn as Michael and others struggled to get competitive. Martin’s approach shot to the first hole almost pitched into the hole to leave the Spaniard a tap-in birdie and he quickly followed up with a 10-foot eagle putt on the second hole.

Further birdies at the seventh and ninth holes opened up the sizeable advantage and Martin looked home and dry, especially after Michael snap-hooked his drive on the 11th hole en-route to a double-bogey, to leave Martin five ahead with just seven holes left.

Signs of nerves however began to creep into the Spaniard’s game, and after a fortunate par at the 13th hole, carded a bogey at the next after finding the trees off the tee. Pars at the 15th and 16th holes seemingly steadied the ship, but then came a disastrous triple-bogey at the penultimate hole. After finding the bunker from the tee, he then found his ball plugged in long grass, and despite a free drop needed four shots to find the green before three-putting for a seven to go down the 18th and final hole with just a one shot advantage.

But the Spaniard dug deep and after a fairway-splitting drive, knocked a 5-wood into the heart of the water-surrounded green and made birdie. Michael’s challenge effectively ended before Martin’s ball disappeared in the hole, after he found the water with his approach.

Martin pocketed €158,500 for the win and for the second year running becomes the first leader of this season’s Race to Dubai. He also became the first player to successfully defend a European Tour title since Padraig Harrington successfully defended the Open Championship in 2008 at Royal Birkdale.

Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen, playing in his first full European Tour event after graduating from the Challenge Tour shot a best-of-the-day 66 also shared second place with Michael and Charl Schwartzel ; the trio each pocketing €77,767.

Golf Picture of the Week – Fancourt

« Previous Page — Next Page »