Darren looking forward to the event, he said: “Royal Portrush is not only one of my favourite courses in the world but also my home club. It is a fantastic test of golf and I’m looking forward to a great day.”

Entries close on the Friday 7^th June so there’s still time to get your entry in!

The lucky winners of will enjoy:

-Return Flights to Belfast

-Transfers

-18 holes of golf on the famed Dunluce Links

-An evening with Darren, dinner and a few pints

-Overnight accommodation

-Plus – Winner of the day’s tournament will go to the 2014 Ryder Cup as a guest of Darren’s!

You may be wandering where this ‘Overnight Accommodation’ will be… but don’t worry; we’re certainly not putting you up in any old place! We’ll be setting you up in the multi-award winning Bushmills Inn Hotel! Honours include the prestigious “Best Boutique Hotel in Ireland” by Golfers Guide to Ireland.

Located in a town which boasts the world oldest distillery – and yes you’ve guessed it – that’s the distillery that produces the world famous Bushmills Irish Whiskey!

The town of Bushmills is just a short 9 minute drive from Royal Portrush Golf Club, so getting to the course for your game with Darren couldn’t be more straightforward.

As one of Ireland’s best known, luxurious 4* hotels, The Bushmills Inn is able to boast an enviable location due to its close locale to a whole host of world famous attractions, including: Old Bushmills Distillery, The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle, and that’s without mentioning the whole host of world class golf courses which are sprinkled throughout the area.

The accommodation consists of 41 elegant guestrooms and suites, most of which are able to offer magnificent views over the River Bush and, of course, all are particularly well appointed. Accommodation ranges from the Mill House Classic to the Master Distillers Suite which boasts an area size of 900 square foot, a four poster bed, carefully chosen furniture, spacious en-suite bathroom, separate living area with large dining table and lounge area with a balcony overlooking the River Bush.

All standards of rooms offer all the modern amenities you would expect, as well as a sitting room area, small dressing room and, of course, private bathrooms.

In addition to the superb accommodation, The Bushmills Inn also has a top-class restaurant and atmospheric bar. Like the hotel the restaurant is also able to boast a number of prestigious awards. Its relaxing atmosphere makes it the perfect place to unwind after a long day out on the golf course or exploring the Causeway Coastline. Each dish is crafted from traditional roots, but with a “Bushmills twist”. Local produce is used wherever possible, helping to bring you a real taste of Antrim – all seafood are caught in the local waters and the pheasant is from the Macnaghten estate, just down the road.

One of life’s little pleasures – sitting next to the open fire with a delicious glass of flavoursome whiskey.

The Gas Bar is the Bushmills Inn Hotel’s public bar. Here you’re guaranteed to receive a warm welcome in a surrounding which is rich in colour as well as history. Still lit by gas light, it provides another great place to relax and enjoy a glass of the Bushmills’ world famous malt whiskey. Pull up a seat next to the roaring peat fire, or grab yourself a chair in the ‘posh snug’ or the ‘old kitchen’ and treat yourself to one of the delicious bar snacks on offer. The Gas Bar menu features a great selection of wines, cocktails and of course an extensive whiskey collection, not forgetting Guinness on draught!

One of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make is which whiskey to go for first.

Away from golf you may be wandering what else will be on offer to keep you occupied during your break at The Bushmills Inn. Well it has its own cinema – The Still Room provides exclusive theatre seating for 30 people in style and comfort. The remarkable concept features rich claret tiered seating, luxurious suede hand pleated wall drapes and the most up to date high definition projector. The cinema show cases the biggest sporting events and the latest new films, as well as some classics.

If you’re into your beauty treatments and relaxing massages then The Bushmills Inn St. Columnb’s Rill Treatment Room is a must. It provides the perfect escape from it all, with a range of luxurious treatments, healing therapies, skincare solution and sports massages, just in case you’ve overdone it trying to keep up with Darren on the Dunluce Links.

Now for those of you who aren’t lucky enough to actually win this amazing prize, you could still experience all of this (minus the Darren part, of course) by booking a package to this superb golf destination. Prices start from just £525 and include 4 Nights, 4 Rounds, Bed & Breakfast – this contains one round on the Dunluce Links at Royal Portrush.

4 – Record number of wins by Sir Nick Faldo – 1978, 1980, 1981 & 1989.

5 - Number of players in European Tour history who have won the same official European Tour event for three consecutive years. Luke Donald has won the Championship the previous two years.

5 – Number of former World Number Ones playing – Luke Donald, Ernie Els, Martin Kaymer, Rory McIlroy & Lee Westwood.

8 – Former European Tour Number ones competing – Luke Donald (2011), Ernie Els (2003, 2004), Retief Goosen (2001, 2002), Martin Kaymer (2010), Rory McIlroy (2012), Colin Montgomerie (1993-1999, 2005), Justin Rose (2007) & Lee Westwood (2000, 2009).

9 - Number of Major Champions competing. – Michael Campbell, Darren Clarke, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Martin Kaymer, Paul Lawrie, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy & José María Olazábal.

10 – Number of former winners competing – Paul Casey (2009), Luke Donald (2011, 2012), Scott Drummond (2004), Ignacio Garrido (2003), & Anders Hansen (2002, 2007), David Howell (2006) Miguel Angel Jiménez (2008) Simon Khan (2010), Colin Montgomerie (1998, 1999, 2000) & José María Olazábal (1994).

20 –Age of Matteo Manassero, the youngest player in the event this year.

20 – Consecutive cuts made in Championship history by José María Olazábal.

24 –Number of holes-in-one in the history of the Championship.

25 – Appearances Colin Montgomerie & José María Olazábal will have made when they compete this year. This will be the 25th consecutive for Montgomerie, who has played every year since his debut in 1989.

27 –Number of former Ryder Cup players competing.

33 – Including 2013, the number of times the West Course has staged the Championship. The years were 1972-74 & every year since 1984.

49 – Age of the oldest competitors in the event – Montgomerie & Jiménez.

62 – Lowest recorded round in the history of the BMW PGA Championship – Robert Karlsson, round three in 2010.

103 – Number of different European Tour winners in the field this week.

275– Average winning score of the event.

This challenging championship course, at Praia D’EL Rey, was opened in 1997 after it was designed by the well respected American golf course architect Cabell B. Robinson who is responsible for the magnificent Aphrodite Hills, in Cyprus, and all three courses at La Cala, in Malaga. Since its opening Praia D’EL Rey has developed into one of the most established resorts in the area, it also started the golf explosion in and around Lisbon – drawing attention away from the Algarve.

The 8th is a superb par-3 which requires an accurate approach over a large lake to a green protected by bunkers at the back.

The course, which is a mixture of seaside links and parkland holes, is made up of two wonderful loops of nine, has a par of 73 and stretches to an impressive 7,245 yards from the championship tees. After having just viewed the site for the course, Robinson humbly said, “This is the kind of landscape we architects try to create, but at Praia D’EL Rey it’s all here naturally. Now it’s my responsibility to protect it.”

With similarities to the terrific layout at Oitavos, further south down the coast, Praia D’EL Rey blends memorable holes which meander through verdant vegetation with a number of holes which hug the coastline and include natural sand dunes and links style tests whilst at the same time offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Berlenga Islands.

Many of the holes have provide stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Baerlengas Isalnds.

Most of the holes are peppered with huge sand-traps and strategically designed and positioned greens, so golfers taking on this challenge will be required to think seriously from the tee all the way through to the green.

Opening holes on this championship course start gently uphill and then downhill in the direction of the coast – here you will be presented with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, but try not to let this distract you from your game.

The first hole on the back nine is an excellent par-5 which measures just over 500 yards, but the length isn’t what you should be worrying about – it has a challenging green which is protected by a cavernous sand-trap to the left and a vast water hazard on the right, so walking off the green with a par will make any golfer happy. From here the holes continue to get better and better – with each hole as worthy as the next.

The 13th hole along the coast is simply breathtaking.

The signature holes have got to be 13, 14 and 15 – a trio of world-class golf holes which border the Atlantic coastline, offering views of the sea, imposing dunes and back towards the pine forest. A special mention has to go out to the monstrous 17th, a beast of a par 5 which stretches to over 620 yards, requiring a trio of quality shots to reach the green in three.

Golf World Magazine has famously described Praia D’EL Rey as “A mix of holes – some in the mighty dunes, others among fragrant pines – that are an assault to the senses. Wild and wonderful.”

Away from the golf, you may be wandering where you can stay should you choose to tackle the epic golf course at Praia D’EL Rey. Well there are a few different options for you – which aim to cover the requirements of any golf group heading to the area looking for an unforgettable golf holiday.

Firstly we have the 5* Marriott Hotel – nestled right in the heart of the Praia D’EL Rey resort, it is designed for golfers who are looking for luxurious accommodation during their stay. It boasts 179 plush guestrooms (including 11 lavish suites) all of which are complete with a personal balcony or terrace. In terms of dining options The Marriott has a great selection of restaurants, ranging from the calm Atlantico Bar and Grill to the gastronomic Romy fine dining room, so you’re sure to find something acquired to your taste.

The outstanding guestrooms at The Marriott all come well equipped with individual climate control, the finest bedding and linen, and satellite television as standard.

Praia D’EL Rey is also home to a village of stylish townhouses and apartments, all of which are decorated and furnished to the highest of standards. These self-catered accommodation are perfect for large groups and families, and means that a golf break to Praia D’EL Rey can also signify great value for money.

Brilliant accommodation and epic golf may be one thing, “but what else is there to do at the Praia D’EL Rey resort?” I hear you cry! Well the resort is also able to boast a whole range of activities and entertainment facilities to keep you busy – including a devoted tennis centre with 7 first-rate courts and a football pitch built to FIFA specifications.

A home away from home, the apartments and townhouses are complete with fully fitted kitchen, climate control, satellite television, and private balconies and terraces, while all guests benefit from shared use of the communal swimming pool.

There is also a leisure complex, located at the Marriott, boasting heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Jacuzzis, a sauna, steam baths, Vichy shower and a comprehensively equipped fitness centre. Furthermore, the wide-ranging spa suite has an extensive list of expert treatments, including massages, aromatherapy, Thalasso therapy, facials and hydrotherapy, and is an amazing place to forget the stresses and strains of everyday life.

So next time you’re thinking of booking your annual golf holiday, forget the Algarve – head to Praia D’EL Rey! Packages start from just £175 at the self catered accommodation; this includes 4 nights and three rounds of golf! Unbelievable value for money.

All 12 of the victorious Ryder Cup team will be competing on the West Course this week, which will be a welcome sight when you consider many of the top European players have been plying their trade on the other side of the pond for much of 2013.

Despite the usual absence of big-name Americans, the BMW PGA Championship has drawn an exceptional field, worthy of the tournament’s lofty status. Seven of the world’s top 20 are on show in a line-up headed by world number two Rory McIlroy, recent winner at Thracian Cliffs Graeme McDowell and defending champion Luke Donald, who will of course be going for a hat trick of BMW PGA titles.

The world renowned golf course architect Harry Colt originally took advantage of many natural attributes when he created the West Course almost 100 years ago.

The last time the European Tour staged an event that grabbed the lion’s share of the attention in the golfing world was way back in January when Rory, fresh off his stellar 2012 season and with new Nike clubs in hand, was paired with Tiger Woods for the 1st two rounds at the Abu Dhabi Championship. Both would miss the cut which meant the event never lived up to its billing.

While the vast wealth available to the players who choose to play on the PGA Tour is likely to mean the European Tour will always play second fiddle – that is of course unless a World Tour is introduced in the coming years – it is the fact that, apart from The Open Championship, which is based in England on a semi regular basis, the BMW PGA at Wentworth is the only European Tour event played in England throughout the course of the year. This is a sad state of affairs for English golf, especially when you consider the wealth of world class golf course across the length and breadth of the country, but it does make the tournament staged in the heart of Surrey all the more special.

Of course the West Course at Wentworth plays a big part in the prestige of the event as well. One of the most iconic golf venues in England and the most famous of the Surrey Sandbelt, Wentworth is also the most televised course in Britain. The mighty West Course used to host three professional tournaments every year as it was the home of the World Matchplay, PGA and the Seniors Masters. It was also the venue for the fiercely contested 1953 Ryder Cup, resulting in a single point American victory 6½ 5½.

Few courses in the world can boast a tournament history on a par with the West Course. It hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup and then in 1956 the Canada Cup, the forerunner to today’s World Cup of Golf. It has also hosted two of golf’s most prestigious championships – the World Matchplay between 1964 and 2007, and the PGA Championship since 1984.

Weekend Preview

Course Info:

The course itself is a 7,302 yard par 72 and has frequently been described as a long-hitters track, but Luke Donald has emerged victorious the past two times – scrapping that theory.  With rather spacious fairways, you can comprehend why a big-hitter should do well here, but if you are totally careless and continually find the thick stuff, those elusive birdies will be hard to come by.

Course resident Ernie Els has made the course more challenging, meaning good ball strikers and ‘thinkers’ will come out on top.  But the biggest test will come with the weather, as there is likely to be strong winds before on the Thursday and Friday.  The player at the top of the leader board, come Sunday, will have been able to cope with the pressures of such a prestigious event alongside the potentially torrid weather.

Players to Watch:

Luke Donald (8/1): Luke has been the King of Wentworth over the last few years and will be looking to imitate Colin Montgomerie’s feat (1998-2000) of winning here for three years on the trot. The BMW PGA has always held a special place in Donald’s heart as he “grew up just down the road” – so he’s guaranteed to have a large gathering of friends and relatives following him around.

Justin Rose (11/1): Rose would love to be the latest Englishman to get his name on the trophy – he’s already come close on two occasions, finishing runner-up in 2012 and in 2007. Justin has also finished 2^nd two times in 2013 following close encounters in Abu Dhabi and Bay Hill.

Rory McIlroy (11/1): Following his rubbish start to the year, Rors has started to build a decent run of results and an eighth at Sawgrass made it four top 10s in his last six starts. The big question is whether the West Course is a likely scene for it. McIlroy has played this event five times, missed the cut twice and made the top 20 just once.

Lee Westwood (12/1): Westwood came very close to winning here in 2011 when losing to Luke Donald in a play-off. That was the Englishman’s second runners-up finish here (the other was 2000) so this event has teased him.

Sergio Garcia (16/1): Garcia hasn’t played this event since 2000 – finishing fifth, so you would have thought he’d have returned sooner. The big question here is how will the Spaniard react to his crazy week at the Players Championship? He sank two balls in the water at 17 (whilst he was tied for the lead with eventual winner Tiger Woods) and ended-up sixth. He’s in good shape but will the mental strength be there?

Graeme McDowell (20/1):  G-Mac, the hero of the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, again showed his love of one-on-one combat by winning last week’s match play event at Thracian Cliffs. Making it two wins in the past three for the Northern Irishman following his victory in The Heritage at Hilton Head. However, he does have a very dodgy previous record at Wentworth – which shows four missed cuts in 10 starts, with best finishes 13th and 27th.

Plans for this breakthrough rule change were first unveiled by the two ruling bodies last year. These plan were supported by the European Tour, however the US PGA Tour opposed the announcement.

The ban will relate to any club which is rested against a part of the body – such as the broom-handle or belly putters.

Four out of the last six major victories have come courtesy of player using an anchored putter – Keegan Bradley (2011 PGA Championship), Webb Simpson (2012 US Open), Ernie Els (2012 Open) and Adam Scott (2013 Masters).

Rule 14-1b, which was proposed on 28^th November, last year, has now been given the go-ahead by The R&A and the USGA following an in-depth review by the two organisations, and forbids the anchoring of the club in the process of making a stroke.

Following the initial announcement was a 90-day consultation period, for the reflection of comments and suggestions. The USGA was inundated with around 2,200 separate responses, with the R&A receiving over 450 comments from 17 different countries.

The Chief Executive of The R&A, Peter Dawson, said: “We recognise this has been a divisive issue but, after thorough consideration, we remain convinced this is the right decision for golf.

“We took a great deal of time to consider this issue and received a variety of contributions from individuals and organisations at all levels of the game.

“The report gives a comprehensive account of the reasons for taking the decision to adopt the new rule and addresses the concerns that have been raised.”

The Royal & Ancient is accountable for the administration of the rules of golf across the world, with the omission of the USA, which is overseen by the USGA.

In the field of 93 players at the 2013 Masters, there were twelve players who used anchoring long putters. They were: Ian Woosnam (pictured above); Carl Pettersson; Tim Clark; Webb Simpson; Martin Laird; Thomas Bjorn; Ernie Els; Tianlang Guan; Bernhard Langer; Fred Couples; Adam Scott and Keegan Bradley.

Glen Nager, the president of the USGA, said: “The new rule upholds the essential nature of the traditional method of stroke and eliminates the possible advantage that anchoring provides the possible advantage that anchoring provides, ensuring that players of all skill levels face the same challenge inherent in the game of golf.”

The executive director of rules and equipment standards at The R&A, David Rickman, added: “This rule change addresses the future and not the past.

“Everyone who has used an anchored stroke in the past, or who does so between now and 1 January 2016, will have played entirely within the rules and their achievements will in no way be diminished.”

Gary Player, winner of nine time major winner, welcomed the news and said: “The long putter allows you to hide your nerves and nerves are an integral part of the game of golf.”

Former European No 1 Colin Montgomerie was asked his opinion on the rules change: “I’m glad common sense has prevailed and anchor putters will be no more – it will be banned and rightly so. I wish it had come earlier to be honest.

“In 2004 I holed an important putt with an anchor putter (at the Ryder Cup) and I must admit it was easier. I am in favour of the ban having used both methods.

“Manufacturers have already started counter balancing putters. The feel is the same as a belly putter but it doesn’t touch the body so it is legal.”

The rule in full:

Rule 14-1b

In making a stroke, the player must not anchor the club, either “directly” or by use of an “anchor point.”

Note 1: The club is anchored “directly” when the player intentionally holds the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of his body, except that the player may hold the club or a gripping hand against a hand or forearm.

Note 2: An “anchor point” exists when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club.

A yardage of 6,284 off the tips and a par of 69 might suggest a simple test, but The Addington’s sweeping undulations, tight fairways and fast running nature, not to mention one of the most devilish bunkers in the country which P.G.Wodehouse described as “that chasm from which no 18 handicap player has ever emerged within the memory of man”, ensure that golfers of all abilities will be put through the metaphorical ringer here! The standard scratch of 71 is testament to the course’s challenging nature.

Unusually, the Addington features 6 par 3s – a contributing factor to its modest total yardage – which range from 136 yards to a whopping 229, with each one being as testing as the last. Of the club’s signature hole, the dramatic 229 yard par three 13th Henry Longhurst said, “I swear it to be, with the exception of the fifth at Pine Valley, the greatest one-shot hole in inland golf.” High praise indeed.

The par 4s are not overly long, calling for position off the tee more than anything else and the par 5s, although reachable for the longer hitters are by no means pushovers. This is a thinking man’s course where strategy and shot making will prevail over brute force and ignorance. A true gem with enviable heathland turf that ensures the course is in excellent condition year round, the Addington is one of London’s best kept secrets; a secret that, come 10^th July of this year, will have been kept for a century.

It all began on 10^th July 1913 when Addington Golf Syndicate Ltd was incorporated with an initial share capital of £1,000. Leading the way was South African born John Frederic Abercromby, a former member of the Stock Exchange. He had become private secretary to the owner of Bridley Manor, who instructed him to build a course. Though a top class golfer who played off a handicap of plus six, Abercromby was a relative amateur in course design. With the aid of the experienced Willie Park Junior – of Sunningdale fame – he made an impressive start by building Worplesdon and Coombe Hill before he took on The Addington.

The signature par 3 13th at The Addington is among the finest par 3s in the land.

The Addington became so popular between the two World Wars that a second course was opened in 1923. In the 1950s Henry Longhurst included both the 13th and 16th holes in a book entitled: “My Perfect Course”. The opening of the second course in 1923 was met with great excitement. Leading stars of the day including James Braid, Percy Alliss and Abe Mitchell played a match just before the formal opening with famed golf writer, Bernard Darwin, saying, “The ideal for golf architects to reproduce as closely as possible the best features of links golf and adapt them to an inland course, have been achieved here by Abercromby”.

The Addington was certainly the place to play and be seen in the glory years between 1919 and 1939. There were 800 members, of whom 200 were women and it was said: “You could count those who did not come in their Rolls Royce’s on the fingers of one hand.” Indeed there was even a chauffeurs’ hut next to the caddies’ hut.

Its distinction was underlined when King George VI became a Patron in 1937, leading to it becoming temporarily known as Royal Addington. In 1930 the legendary Bobby Jones and the US Walker Cup team paid a visit and three years later Walter Hagen and the US Ryder Cup team practiced on the course before the match at nearby Walton Heath.

Two serious events were to end those halcyon days. During World War Two the New Course was appropriated for military purposes and in 1944 Croydon Corporation recommended it for compulsory purchase to alleviate a housing shortage. After a protracted battle the whole site was sold to Croydon and compensation of £100,000 (£2.5million at today’s values) was eventually paid in 1948. Seek out an aerial map of the area and you may still see outlines of the old holes among the houses.

The second blow to hit The Addington came on the night of 2^nd February 1952 when a blaze destroyed the entire clubhouse, destroying with it all the treasured records and trophies plus no fewer than 2,000 golf clubs. Not surprisingly the membership more than halved in the wake of these two crippling events – but the spirit and direction of the club were maintained by The Addington’s second dominant personality; Moira Forbes. Her father, the previous Chairman, had acquired the majority of the syndicate’s shares. Moira ruled in every sense from 1964 to shortly before her death in 2005 and she spared no effort in maintaining the club’s standards and practices.

Among today’s notable members is veteran comedian Ronnie Corbett whose home backs on to the course while Zola, Gullit and Di Matteo are among a raft of leading faces from football who share the fairways with cricketers such as Mark Butcher and Alec Stewart.

In 2006 The Addington was bought by the Altonwood Group which also owns & operates Surrey National, Westerham, Woldingham and Godstone Golf Clubs. Determined to restore the course’s high reputation work has been progressing at a pace. The undergrowth has been cleared, bunkers have been completely renovated and several new tees have been constructed alongside other major course improvements. The Addington is ranked as one of the best in Surrey – a considerable achievement considering the sheer quantity of world class courses in the county – and among the best in England as well. Among future plans, says Managing Director Simon Hodsdon, is a new purpose built clubhouse.

The focus of golf in Turkey is undoubtedly the picturesque town of Belek and its surrounding areas. The town, which is located near to the warm waters of the Mediterranean, is able to boast a superb range of golfing facilities which has meant that in recent years it is starting to rival the likes of the Algarve for numbers of golfing tourists annually. As a result of Belek being heavily reliant on the tourism industry, there are few holiday destinations that can offer a warmer welcome – with all staff going to great lengths to ensure your stay is as relaxing and comfortable as possible.

The Sueno Golf Resort occupies an envious location and is just 400 metres from a pristine beach.

One of the best established golf resorts in this amazing golf destination is the Sueno Golf Resort – located just outside of Belek, 30 minutes drive from the city of Antalya and just a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Sea. This luxury golf resort opened in November 2007, and offers incredible design, functionality and class.

Having previously taken an in-depth look at the two magnificent golf courses at the resort, we thought it might be a good idea to let you know a little bit more about the superb hotel and the excellent facilities it offers its guests.

The 5* Sueno Golf Resort really captures the essence of Belek – golfers are not only treated to a fine selection of championship golf, but are also based in the lap of luxury. No stone has been left unturned at the outstanding Sueno Golf Hotel, which is why it is up there with the best of Belek’s world-class golf holiday options.

There are a total of 174 rooms at the hotel, comprised of 95 Standard Rooms, 71 Senior Rooms, 6 Suites and 2 King Suites. Each of these luxurious accommodations boasts a superb range of facilities including: direct dial telephone, plasma screen satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet access, electronic safe, minibar, hair dryer and a private balcony, which has stunning ocean views or a lookout to the golf course.

Accommodation at the hotel is luxurious, comfortable and well equipped – making it perfect for golfers!

Dining options at the hotel are equally as impressive as the luxurious rooms and glorious golf courses. The main restaurant at the hotel is ‘Albatros’ – a buffet style restaurant with a marvellous terrace which has great views out over the iconic closing holes of the golf courses. There is also a selection of a la carte dining options available – serving the specialities of Italian, French, Thai, Mexican and Turkish cuisines.

At the beach, which is just 400 metres from the hotel, you will find a picture perfect beach restaurant – ideal if you fancy spending the day by the calming waters of the Mediterranean. A range of welcoming atmospheric bars are also on hand at the Sueno Hotel to either help quench your thirst or provide you with a light snack.

With a superb choice of dining available at the Sueno Golf Resort, you’ll be able to eat something completely different each day.

As with many 5* resorts, the Sueno Golf Resort offers a world class spa facility to its guests. So when you’re there why not treat yourself to a sensual massage – freeing yourself from all the stresses and strains of everyday life. The spa also houses a sauna, Turkish bath, stream room, solarium, treatment rooms and Jacuzzi.

The resort also caters for the more active of guests, and includes a football pitch, tennis courts and even a bowling alley! There is also an onsite cinema and ‘Game Land’ which includes table tennis, billiards and a range of arcade games. So whatever your tastes, the Sueno Golf Resort is sure to have something to keep you entertained away from the golf courses.

Speaking of which, the two courses at the Sueno Golf Resort are simply superb. Both were designed by Bob Hunt, of International Golf Design (formerly known as PGA Design Consulting), and opened for play just one month before the hotel in October 2007. The Dunes is the shorter par-69 resort course, measuring a humble 5,643 metres from the championship tees, and it’s certainly a decent resort course in its own right, however it’s the 6,413 metre Pines course which really takes the biscuit.

The last hole on the Dunes’ is certain to be a memorable one! You hit your approach to a remarkable island green (reminiscent to that of the famous 17th at TPC Sawgrass).

Spread over a liberal 400-arcre site, both of the courses meander through the umbrella pines and over the undulating sandy terrain of Belek. The Pines course naturally has ample pine trees, but well positioned bunkers (in conventional and blow-out style) and a generous helping of water hazards mean that trees aren’t the only obstacle you’ll be facing if you opt to tackle this memorable Turkish delight.

All inclusive golf packages to the Sueno Golf Resort start from just £395! This includes 5 nights and 3 rounds of golf. This unbelievable value just adds to the long list of reasons for choosing the Sueno Golf Resort as the destination for you next golf break.

Some have questioned the use of a course in relative infancy for such an event but the stunning, Gary Player designed layout that skirts the stunning cliff tops along the edge of the Black Sea has certainly impressed the players who will compete for a share of the €3,000,000  purse.

The nature of the design at Thracian Cliffs is perfectly suited to matchplay with a handful of do or die holes.

The tournament was hosted at The Wentworth Club until 2007, with plenty of sponsor changes along the way. After uprooting from the famous Surrey venue after many a year, the Volvo World Matchplay Championship headed to Finca Cortesin in Spain and remained there until this year.

Wentworth and Finca Cortesin are two tough acts to follow but judging by the first impressions of players from the 24 man field, it seems Thracian Cliffs is up to the task.

The Course:

Yardage: 7,291

Designer: Gary Player

Special features: 8 cliff top holes bordering the Black Sea.

General playability: An exposed course with lots of water in play as it runs along the coast. Wind speed and direction will be a big factor on these holes as will the player’s ability to put the ball in play from the tee, especially on holes like the 9^th with its island tee and intimidating forced carry off the tee.

The 9th tee is a unique feature at Thracian Cliffs and should provide much excitment for TV viewers tuning into the Volvo World Matchplay.

Here’s what some of the players have had to say about Gary Player’s Bulgarian stunner:

“You will not find a golf course like this anywhere else on the planet.” ~ Gary Player

“It’s Like Pebble Beach on steroids.” ~ Graeme McDowell

McDowell also noted the difficulty of the set up for the World Matchplay saying there could be “concessions in the middle of the fairway, here there and everywhere”.

Geoff Ogilvy backed up that assertion by saying, “There will be a lot of birdies I think and quite a lot of ‘others’. I’m glad we are not adding them all up, I think there could be a few train wrecks out there.”

“It’s a spectacular course for match play. I think if it was a stroke-play event I would be a little nervous right now. All the holes along the cliffs are incredible.” ~ Carl Pettersen

“It’s been called the ‘Pebble Beach of Europe’ but there is only a few holes at Pebble Beach where you play along the shoreline whereas here at Thracian Cliffs holes three to 10 are perched right on the cliff edge. It’s an incredible piece of real estate.” ~ Ian Poulter

About the field:

The strong 24-man field has won more than 120 professional tournaments between them and is also the most internationally eclectic field ever to be assembled at the Volvo World Matchplay. 15 different countries will be represented this week; countries from five different continents. The Volvo World Matchplay is now truly a global event.

Even on the holes that are tucked safely inland, away from the Black Sea, water still poses a threat.

Tournament Format:

The field of 24 players has been drawn into eight groups of three, with the top two payers form each group progressing into the knockout stages over the weekend. The knock-out stages consist of the last 16 and quarter-finals, which are played on Saturday with the semi-finals and grand final being played on Sunday.

All matches are played over 18 holes of traditional matchplay.

Past Champions:

The list of past winners of the event makes for impressive reading with some of the game’s greatest players having waltzed off with the winner’s cheque. The likes of Sir Nick Faldo, Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros are all multiple major winners and have all triumphed at the Match Play. One of the stars of last year’s Ryder Cup, Nicolas Colsaerts, defeated another major champion, Graeme McDowell in the final of last year’s tournament. Both players are in the field again this year.

Thracian Cliffs offers golf on the edge of the world. This is a truly stunning course and one that should be on every golfer’s bucket list.

Players to watch:

Nicolas Colsaerts – Last year’s champion has proved adept at matchplay and was a key part of the Miracle at Medinah, putting on a world class display on the greens through the first two days. Dubbed “The Belgian Bomber”, Colsaert’s driving is also formidable.

Ian Poulter – A matchplay specialist who is forging one of the finest Ryder Cup records in history, being the top scoring player in both of the last two in which he has played. He is also a past champion at this event.

Brett Rumford – Rumford isn’t one of the bigger names in the field but he has won the last two European Tour events he has entered. Red hot Rumford became only the 31st player to achieve this feat in the history of the tour.

Proof of this lies with the likes of Jim Fuyrk, Bubba Watson and, from years past, Eamonn Darcy and Arnold Palmer who are all the metaphorical puddings in this case.

As a frustrated weekend warrior with what I would say is a passable swing, I thought I’d have a look at some of the most dodgy swings in golf and wonder just how the hell these guys are so damn good!

Let’s be honest, these are swings only a mother could love!

Jim Furyk – Former US Open Champion, 16 time PGA Tour winner and former World Number 2.

David Feherty once said Furyk’s swing looks “like a one armed man trying to wrestle a snake in a phone booth”…to make things even stranger, Jim also employs a double overlapping grip!

Jim Thorpe – 3 time PGA Tour winner and 13 time winner on the Champions Tour.

Johnny Miller once described Jim Thorpe’s swing as having more moves than Kung Fu. This is definitely a swing only a mother could love!

Eamonn Darcy – Four time Ryder cup player and multiple European Tour winner.

Darcy probably has the swing with the most moving parts in it in the whole of golf. Quite how he was so consistent from the mid-1970s all the way through to the early 1990s is a mystery. It must all be in the hands!

Bubba Watson – Former Masters Champion, 4 time PGA Tour winner and one of the longest hitters in golf.

As we all know now, Bubba plays his own brand of golf, shaping the ball every which way, which requires some serious contortions from time to time. The immense distance he hits the ball also requires a pretty lengthy back swing and some seriously goofy foot action!

Arnold Palmer – 7 time Major champion and one of the game’s true greats.

“The King” was one of the first global golfing superstars and won more tournaments on the PGA Tour than all but four players in the history of the game. Known for his grip it and rip it style, Palmer’s swing wasn’t exactly picture perfect, especially his famous follow through.

Now let’s have a look at what must be THE worst swing the game of golf has ever seen…Charles Barkley may be an NBA Hall of Famer but this video is conclusive proof that athletic ability in one sport doesn’t necessarily translate to another!

Ouch!