The question on everyone’s lips will however be, can Tiger still do it? He hasn’t played a competitive round of golf since his victory in the JBWere Masters on 15th November 2009, surely even the great Tiger Woods will be a little ring-rusty after this sabbatical. Personally, I feel and hope that Tiger’s will to win will be stronger than ever. In some way he perhaps needs to show that the success bought to him on the golf course which contributed to his personal failings off it, are solely for the benefit of personal achievement and adulation by his family who appear to be standing by him in this difficult time.

Hopefully a wire to wire victory at Augusta National will put Tiger into an even higher echelon of sporting achievement. He however must also consider that a less than world-beating Tiger may tarnish his unblemished on the course reputation which at this current juncture is his only solace. One would hope that he performs to the level we have been accustomed to and as a result those who have been quick to cast judgement on his off-the-course activities will let him repair his family life in peace, and complete the 2010 Grand Slam as well?!

For three days, Docklands’ ExCeL Centre will once more be home to everything golf, showcasing the entire spectrum of the sport under one roof.

All the big-name equipment brands will be there giving visitors the chance to test the latest products as well as checking out cutting-edge golfing gadgets and getting custom fitted just like the pros. Plus they can enjoy free tuition, grab some great deals in the enormous golf shop or try their hand at a host of interactive competitions with fantastic prizes to be won.

To get free entry to the show, golf club members simply have to visit www.londongolfshow.com and register before April 17. Visitors also get free entry to the London Tennis Show which runs alongside the event.

There are over 60 UK golf breaks venues to choose from, and each will showcase the unique excitement and drama of the Ryder Cup with dedicated viewing areas. The package was first created for the 2006 Tournament with over 800 golfers quickly snapping up their place. This time round popular venues include Old Thorns, Hawkstone Park and Fairmont St Andrews.

At each venue tee times have been reserved exclusively and private rooms organised, with large screens to watch the final moments – hopefully climaxing with a victorious Montgomerie holding the Ryder cup aloft. Limited places are available at venues across the UK – for your chance to experience a piece of the Ryder Cup action call 0800 043 6644 or visit the Ryder Cup Sunday web page.

Ryder Cup Sunday Itinerary
- Check into the Hotel
- Optional Tee Times from 11:00 - 13:30
- Dinner from 19:00
- Coverage of Ryder Cup
- Overnight Accommodation
- Breakfast
- Tee Times from 09:00 - 10:30
- Depart

For more information or to book simply call 0800 043 6644.

With several qualifying events having been played, Colin Montgomerie’s likely team for this year’s Ryder Cup match is slowly beginning to piece together. Although there is a lot of golf still to be played some players have mounted a strong early challenge for inclusion in the team to take on the United States at The Celtic Manor resort, Wales in October.

So, if Colin Montgomerie were to name his side today, who would feature in the team? Well, one can only guess at the three wild-cards Monty can choose, but from the rankings it appears a pretty strong team on paper.

Montgomerie’s team will consist of the top four Europeans on the world rankings, with a further five players coming from the European Order of Merit. The remaining three spaces will be Montgomerie’s own picks.

There are no real surprises from the world rankings as Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington currently fill these berths; while just below the likes of Martin Kaymer and Paul Casey wait in the wings.

However, both players qualify from the team as it stands through the European Money List alongside Ross McGowan, Simon Dyson and Oliver Wilson.

The current standings see the likes of Sergio Garcia, Alvaro Quiros, Thomas Bjorn, Miguel Angel Jiminez and Henrik Stenson not currently amongst the automatic qualifiers, although any of these players could potentially be captain’s picks.

As said, there is still a lot of golf to be played between now and the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, after which Monty will name his team.

But who would be in your team? Put yourself in Monty’s shoes and let us know your Ryder Cup team to take on the United States.

Set in secluded surroundings at the heart of a stunning estate near Bishopton, Scotland’s newest top end golf resort offers a luxury 53-bedroom hotel, whose highlights include fine dining in the Cristal Restaurant and Taittinger Bar, as well as extensive onsite facilities; already an established wedding and conference venue, Mar Hall has the only Aveda Concept Spa outside London, plus a phenomenal health and leisure club with a 20-metre swimming pool, saunas, steam room and gym.

Construction was completed in 2009 on the Dave Thomas designed championship golf course, which looks set for an official unveiling in April 2010. The layout has already received favourable reviews, and will be the cornerstone of sought after residential golf breaks at Mar Hall.

The championship course has the benefit of the splendid natural terrain that existed on the Mar Hall estate, including mature woodland and views around the outstanding area along the banks of the River Clyde. With a par of 70, the 6,500 yard stretch will appeal to all golfers, and is a pleasant departure from the current trend of new courses well in excess of 7,000 yards.

Golf break packages at Mar Hall will be released shortly. For more information, contact Your Golf Travel.com on 0800 043 6644.

Locked together on 204 after three days play, and one ahead of Padraig Harrington the duo served up a cracking finale in the tournament which saw several of the big names fail to perform. But take nothing away from either Els or Schwartzel as their own duel could have gone either way for much of the round.

For Schwartzel, it was the chance to play with the man who he considered his idol as he was growing up and learning the game. For Els, it was the chance to get back to winning ways since his last success in 2008 and also a chance to brighten a star which seemed on the wane in world golf.

With the wind blowing, Els played near faultless golf, and his bogey free final round 66 was enough to present him with victory. But with Schwartzel breathing down Els’ neck for much of the final day, it was perhaps the veteran’s crucial par-save on the 14th hole which finally swung the duel in his favour; Els holing a 25-foot putt to save his par. Had Ernie bogeyed that hole, he would have dropped back into a tie with Schwartzel, having nosed ahead at the 11th.

That blow was perhaps enough to rattle the younger Schwartzel and he promptly bogeyed the 15th hole after his ball became plugged in a front bunker and his recovery flew the green to land in a bunker at the rear. The dropped shot put him two behind Els with three holes to play, and another dropped shot on the 17th was the final nail in the coffin as Els rubbed a little salt into the wound with a birdie to go to the last with a four-shot lead.

It would have taken a monumental collapse by Els to relinquish his hold on a first win in two years, but he was never in danger of doing so and finished with a par to win.

There was a three-way tie for third place with Matt Kuchar joining European pair Martin Kaymer and Padraig Harrington - a trio of bogeys from the 13th putting paid to any hope of Harrington threatening Els’ lead. The three players finished three shots behind Schwartzel.

A further group of five players finished in a tie for sixth place and a further stroke behind – three of them Europeans. Paul Casey, Alvaro Quiros and Graeme McDowell rounded off a good week for European golf as Europe’s golfers filled half of the top-10 on the leaderboard. United States’ Bill Haas and Australian Alistair Presnell filled the other two spots.

Another veteran, Vijay Singh tied for 11th place, alongside Aussie pair John Senden and Robert Allenby while defending champion Phil Mickelson once again shirked his bookies’ favourite tag and never got in a blow at the leaders; eventually finishing in a tie for 14th place alongside Italy’s Francesco Molinari.

Of our tips, it was Anthony Kim who performed best of our three of the tee; the American eventually finishing in a tie for 22nd, some 13 shots off the pace. Geoff Ogilvy tied for 45th place, with a one-under total but biggest disappointment was Dustin Johnson who went from being in contention at halfway to also-ran after failing to cope with the blustery conditions over the weekend and eventually dropping well down the leaderboard to finish outside the top 50.

With a wide range of destinations to chose from, we’ve decided to put together this brief guide of where we think are the best value golf tour venues in the UK. With a host of hidden gems out there to be found, a golf tour is your perfect break. If you think there is an omission from this list let us know!

Swansea Golf Tour
In no particular order we’re going to start with the fantastic golf on offer in Swansea. With all eyes looking towards the South of Wales with the upcoming Ryder Cup, Wales has a host of top quality golf courses which will still be here long after the European’s have holed the winning putt (fingers crossed!). One of the most popular courses in the area is the Donald Steel designed Gower Golf Club. Despite only opening in 1995, the course is very established and offers great value when golfing in the area. With spectacular views across the Loughor Estuary, combined with some fine USGA greens ensure golfers enjoy this course whatever your score and the weather!

Our best value golf tour is available staying on Sunday Nights at the centrally located Dragon Hotel with one round of golf at Gower and one round at the parkland offering at Fairwood Park for just £88 until the end of 2010 (subject to availability).

Nefyn Golf Tour
Staying in Wales we now travel to the North of the country to look at one of the most breathtaking golf courses in Europe, if not the world. Nefyn and District Golf Club meanders along the Lleyn Peninsula which dramatically drops into the Irish Sea. This setting has an air of golf on the edge about it and is an absolute joy to play. The links offering ensures your game is tested to the full extent of its abilities. When the wind gets up, an emphasis is placed on meticulous course management to take advantage of the subtle bumps and hollows which provide a natural frame for the course. As the original work of master designers J.H Taylor and James Braid, Nefyn is one of the UK’s hidden gems and a trip to this stunning golf course is one that won’t be forgotten.

With golf tour packages including the fast running course of Pwllheli starting from just £129 per person including accommodation at the Fairways Hotel as well as a round at Nefyn and District make this not only a popular one but also unbeatable value.

Cardiff Tour
The buzzing metropolis of Cardiff is a great golf holiday destination. For anyone looking to combine some après golf activities and some great value courses should look no further. The two-course venue of Cottrell Park is a popular option due to its location and also the different layouts on offer. The longer Mackintosh course measures nearly 6,500 yards from its back markers and ensures the natural landscapes of the established estate are used to good effect. The beautiful setting of the Glamorgan countryside ensures even if your golf isn’t up to scratch, you can at least enjoy the scenery! The second course at Cottrell Park is the Button Gwinnett, named after its former 17th century resident, despite being slightly shorter than the Mackintosh provides a tree-lined parkland setting that can be enjoyed whatever your handicap.

Fancy a Cardiff Golf Tour? Breaks including bed & breakfast at the modern Copthorne Hotel and two rounds at Cottrell Park for just £105 per person.

Newquay Tour
Despite golf playing second fiddle to the main sport in Newquay, surfing, the courses within a short distance of the town itself are amongst the finest in England. A must play when in Newquay is the centrally located Newquay Golf Club. Set looking over the famed surfing paradise which is Fistral Beach, the course is a traditional links layout and has fast rolling greens which can prove rather tricky in the Summer (provided you aren’t distracted by the sunbathers on the beach of course!). Another recommendation for a trip to Newquay is the James Braid designed Perranporth Golf Club. This links offering incorporates the natural scenery perfectly offering eye-catching vistas down the shoreline of holes 5 and 14. Despite measuring only 6,200 yards, Perranporth is a worthy test for all calibre of golfers and has a host of top quality amateur golfers who have come through their ranks in recent years.

So if you’ve decided golfing and not surfing for your Newquay break you can take advantage of the superb option we have staying at the Barrowfield Hotel, the one night break including dinner, bed & breakfast and two rounds (Newquay and Perranporth) is just £129 per person. This is a very popular destination, especially in the summer so be quick to book this up!

Bristol Golf Tours
The popular city of Bristol offers a range of golf break options which are perfect for anyone looking to pit their wits on the parkland offerings which are available near to the City. The 27 holes on offer at the Kendleshire is a admired layout, incorporating an island green and good condition which ensure this is a year round golf break destination. Ranked amongst the top 10 new courses in 1999, the Kendleshire has added a further 9 holes which has been created under the guidance of amateur golfing legend, Peter McEvoy. Additions such as this and a 19th hole which is welcoming and friendly make this a very enjoyable popular golfing destination.

If Bristol has ticked the boxes for you, we have a sensational Sunday driver, staying at the Marriott Bristol City with golf at the Kendleshire & The Park for just £94.

Bournemouth Golf Tours
For many years golfers have flocked to the South coast of England in search of golf, beaches and a few beverages. Bournemouth is home to some superb golfing layouts, ranging from the links of the Isle of Purbeck to the heathland  golf offered at Queens Park, there simply is something for everyone! Although the golf and the wide selection on offer is hard to beat, this combined with one of the UK’s premier nightlife offerings and the fantastic sandy beaches make this the perfect accompaniment to your golf tour. If you are looking for a good value golf course in the area Meyrick Park, the par-69 layout is a straight driver’s paradise, with trees lining each of its mature fairways, only the very best of shots will stay on the short grass.

We have found a great value break incorporating two night’s dinner, bed & breakfast and three rounds of golf at Meyrick Park, Queens Park and Bulbury Woods for just £175 per person.

Ayr Golf Tours
The Ayrshire coastline is home to some of the finest links courses in the world. Ranging from the glorious Ailsa course at Turnberry to the famous Royal Troon Golf Club, Ayrshire has some golf course heavyweights in its midst. The popular seaside town of Ayr is home to a wide range of restaurants and hotels, each offering a friendly welcome which is associated with the west coast of Scotland. Golfers looking to experience some reputable courses should look at the likes of Bellisle or Troon Lochgreen, these layouts are just moments from Ayr itself. Bellisle was formed under the guidance of five-time Open Champion James Braid and relies on a selection of long par-4’s to protect par with just two par-4’s measuring under 400 yards, only two fine shots will find the putting surface.

The following special offer includes golf at Bellisle, Troon Lochgreen and Girvan and two night’s dinner, bed & breakfast for just £180 per person which is fantastic value at this popular golfing destination.

St. Andrews Golf Tours
As the traditional Home of Golf, St. Andrews and its association with the great game go back many centuries and as a result a trip to ‘the auld grey toon’ is one which is full of character and memories. Whether its driving into the town with views across the Old Course or the sight of golfers walking around the beautiful town with golf clubs in tow or golf shoes a foot, St. Andrews oozes golf and is a great place to visit. Although the Old Course will always catch the eyes of the golfing purist there are a host of golf courses which are hidden gems and a must visit when in St. Andrews. The likes of the Dukes Course which is a heathland course approximately 10 minutes from the centre of town is a fantastic test of golf. With cavernous bunkers and undulating greens the Dukes isn’t the normal golfing experience expected while in St. Andrews but this course is thoroughly recommended and offers great value.

Golfers can enjoy two night’s accommodation staying at the five-star Fairmont St. Andrews Resort, combined with three rounds of golf on the fantastic Kingsbarns Links, Torrance Course and Dukes for £448 per person.

Southport Golf Tours
This stretch of golfing coast is the proud home of some superb golf courses, whether it is the famous names of Royal Birkdale or Royal Lytham and St. Annes or the great layouts of Hesketh and West Lancs, a trip to Southport is sure to satisfy your golfing tastebuds. The town itself of Southport is the best place to base yourself when visiting the local courses, accommodations are available to suit every budget. The popular Queen Street has a variety of bars and eateries available so whether you are after a social able drink after a round of golf or have some night owls who want to stay out until the early hours everyone will find something to suit.

The golf courses are traditionally links in design which is perfect for anyone wanting to test their game against the wind which whips in from the coast, those looking for a more parkland experience should seek out the nearby Formby Hall Golf Resort which is a great course and offers great value stay and play packages.

If you are looking to embark on a Southport golfing experience, why not look at this great one night break including golf at Southport & Ainsdale and West Lancashire for £225 until the end of December.

Aviemore Golf Tours
Although Inverness and the surrounding area may not immediately spring to mind when looking for your next golf tour, the golf on offer there fits two very important criteria – quality and value for money. As one of the most visually impressive areas of the UK, Aviemore is a year round destination incorporating both skiing in winter and outdoor activities such as golf in the warmer months. In recent years the designing on new courses such as Spey Valley and the spectacular course at Castle Stuart have complimented the layouts of Boat of Garten and Grantown on Spey to ensure that every golfing wish is catered for. Spey Valley is located near the Macdonald resort complex so golfers have a comfortable base when travelling to this area and can benefit from reduced green fees at the course and as part of our packages.

Donald Trump’s much-maligned project for a £1bn golf resort in Aberdeenshire has been subject to angry scenes as blueprints for the project were shown to the public for the first time today.

The details of the plan for Menie, north of Aberdeen, are being shown at a two-day event at the Udny Arms Hotel in Newburgh and several people turned out to voice their continued opposition to the plans.

The project has been blighted by Menie residents’ vociferous protests against the plans which could see them forced off their land to make way for the project by way of compulsory purchase orders.

One of the protesters, Mr David Milne was apparently invited to view the plans by the company but on arrival was told to ‘clear off’ by the project director, Neil Hobday.

The blueprints for the project included detailed information on environmental, landscaping, construction and infrastructure plans, and the project will be considered by Aberdeenshire Council later in the year.

At the time of the submission of the plans, Mr Trump said it was a giant step towards the tycoon’s goal of creating the world’s greatest golf course and resort.

A campaign – Tripping Up Trump – has been created to oppose the plans and has said it will support those families which are most at threat by Trump’s plans.

On a relatively calm day Schwartzel, who has two wins in his homeland in 2010, finished as the leader on 5-under par, one shot ahead of Robert Allenby and veterans Vijay Singh and Ernie Els.

Schwartzel’s round was the only bogey-free round of the first day but could perhaps consider himself fortunate that the wheels came off Allenby’s round in such a spectacular fashion. Allenby had threatened to burn up the course after reaching the turn six-under par courtesy of four birdies and an eagle. He then continued to rack the birdies up with a further two at the 10th and 12th before inexplicably giving four shots back to the course as he bogeyed in from the 15th hole.

Both Ernie Els and Vijay Singh fell foul of the tough 18th hole with both men finding the water; going on to card bogey and double bogey respectively. The hole recorded an average score of 4.647 making it the toughest on the course.

England’s Paul Casey lays in a tie for fifth place with New Zealand’s John Senden, World Cup winner Francesco Molinari of Italy, Denmark’s Soren Hansen and American duo JB Holmes and Dustin Johnson all of whom carded three-under par rounds of 69.

A further six players tie for eleventh place, after carding rounds of 70, including Martin Kaymer, Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald while Henrik Stenson – playing his first round since conceding his opening match in the WGC Accenture started off with a one-under par 71. Defending champion and world number three Phil Mickelson also opened with a one-under round of 71 as did Honda Classic runner up Anthony Kim

World number two Steve Stricker opened with a one-over par round of 73 while last week’s Honda Classic winner Camilo Villegas went one better with a level-par 72. Also finishing level for the day were WGC-Accenture World Match Play champion Ian Poulter, Phoenix Open winner Hunter Mahan and New Zealand’s Geoff Ogilvy.

Some heavy rain has been forecast for Friday’s second round and PGA officials have elected to move forward today’s tee times by three hours in a bid to defy the weather.

As the newest course amongst the established Quinta do Lago stable, the Laranjal golf course has some very established relatives in the North and South Courses to live up to. Although in the design of the Laranjal course it is easy to draw comparisons with its older family members it is clear that Laranjal has been built with tournament golf in mind. A quick check of the scorecard notes that yardage at just over 7,100, making this par 72 layout a daunting prospect from the Black Championship markers. However with a choice of tees, anyone hoping for a slightly easier test can find solace in the yellow or white markers which make the course a friendly option, in particular the par-3’s.

I have been very fortunate in my golfing travels to experience some fantastic golf courses but can safely say the par-3’s at Laranjal are without doubt the toughest set I’ve ever played. Perhaps it was the wind direction on the day I played it but over the course of 5 par-3’s I didn’t hit anything less than a 4-wood into them! I will also add that on two occasions my Sunday best effort with a driver on the 7th and 17th holes still weren’t good enough to reach the putting surface! Despite this I have to say the likes of the 7th and 11th holes were up there with some of my favourite short holes I’ve had the pleasure of playing. The 11th in particular with its “beached” bunker (pictured left) stretching out into the large lake which protects the right hand side of the hole is a unique design which works perfectly with the hole itself.

Right, that’s enough of my inadequacies at golf and more about the positives of the course! In terms of golf course construction I would rank this amongst the very best. With the Algarve suffering from unseasonably bad weather in the weeks prior to my visit, the course was absolutely perfect and the greens were as good (and as quick!) as I’ve seen. With numerous hazards in play for a less than accurate drive, the course not only requires length off the tee to tackle the 7,100 yards but accuracy if you are to avoid the cavernous bunkers which line the fairways.

Talking of driving, the 5th hole from its elevated tee position set back amongst a funnel of trees is the perfect place to unleash your best drive. As the ball sails towards the lush green fairway there is an immense sense of satisfaction as the ball lands after hanging in the air for an eternity. I would love to play every tee-shot like this; my only issue is that generally if you walk down a hill on a golf course, you have to walk back up it!

Although the Algarve is spoilt for choice in terms of high quality golf courses, I would thoroughly recommend a trip to Laranjal. The condition and speed of the greens is justification alone in playing it, combining it with the quality of course design make this a must play in my opinion. Anyone considering their next Algarve golf holiday and wanting to incorporate Laranjal within their plans should take advantage of the superb package offered by Your Golf Travel where you can enjoy not only the Laranjal Course, but also its established siblings in the North and the South Course. Valid during the month of June, enjoy three night’s bed & breakfast at the Pinus Ria Hotel and three rounds of golf for just £299 per person.