Team Europe 2011

Europe’s dramatic victory at the 2011 Solheim Cup paid a fitting tribute to the legacy of Seve Ballesteros and his enduring spirit that lifted European golfers from also ran’s to Champions.

Among the heroes of the European ladies team was Norway’s Suzann Pettersen – finishing with a magical three birdies on 16, 17 & 18 to defeat Michelle Wie by just 1-hole, securing a crucial point towards a 15-13 team victory.

Suzann Pettersen

Pettersen’s victory celebration on the 18^th brought back memories of Seve’s unforgettable finish at St Andrews in 1984 – both moments now etched in golfing folkore and history.

Alison Nicholas - Captain

Team captain Alison Nicholas also deserves fulsome praise for her pivotal leadership throughout the week – which saw Team Europe’s motivation withstand the pressures of worsening weather conditions and scoreboards throughout the final afternoon’s singles at Killeen Castle.

Despite forever competing in the shadows of her male golfing counterparts – Nicholas cast off any such gripes in calling on Seve for the team’s inspiration – presenting a full length Seve poster in the European Team room – and replaying the voice message sent by Seve during the previous Solheim Cup in Chicago, 2009.  It was more than fitting of course as Seve once tread the same journey that the European ladies now embark on – to compete against the world’s best and in doing so to build a European Tour as a proud alternative to playing in the US.

Melissa Reid - Europe

The US based stars of the Ladies European Team (Gustafsen, Pettersen, Matthews, Hjorth, Gal) certainly produced and led when called on throughout the week.  What must provide even greater hope and confidence for the European Ladies Tour however was the performances of younger and ever present members of the European Ladies Tour such as Munoz (Spain), Headwall (Sweden), Reid(England) and Boeljon (Holland).

Here’s to Europe’s 2011 Solheim Cup team and to the continued rise for the European Ladies Tour!

Darren Clarke 2011 Open Champion

Darren Clarke’s capture of the 2011 British Open on a wind swept Royal St Georges provided the remarkable come-back story for one of the world’s most popular golfers.

Three months earlier, in Agadir Morocco, forgotten man Clarke limped home from a final round 81 whilst the world’s elite players prepared for the following week’s US Masters at Augusta.

Mark O'Meara 1998 Open Champ

The journey from also ran to Champion Golfer is not often told – especially for those on the long side of 40.  Mark O’Meara  did win his first major  (The Masters in 1998 aged 41)– following in the slipstream of his younger friend  and travel companion Tiger Woods.  O’Meara however was a perennial contender in stark contrast to Clarke who has failed to finish in the Top 10 of a major for the past 10 years.

The Clarke come-back story does appear to follow along the same lines as O’Meara – in that Clarke’s good friends and younger compatriots GMac and Wee Mac (Rory) have both won majors in the past season.  But for Clarke, that’s just the beginning of the team effort that contributed to his Open victory.

GMac WeeMac & DC

In Clarke’s corner throughout his career is long term manager and friend, Chubby Chandler – also manager to current Masters Champ Schwartzal and US Open Champ Rory.  In racing terms  Chubby’s horses are certainly in good form!  Chubby was instrumental in suggesting a 3-week break for Clarke after Morocco (above), which culminated in Clarke returning to form to win the Mallorca Open on his immeadiate return.

Alison and Chubby

DC also of course has been helped back to form following the flourishing relationship with his now fiancé, Alison Campbell.   Former Miss Northern Ireland (1982), Alison has provided a perfect inspiration for Clarke.  Being 7 years older – but looking 10 younger must in itself serve as a daily reminder to Darren that there’s still lots to play for – even for a 40 something!

DC & Tiger

Team Clarke for The Open this year also included notable sports psychologists Michael Finnigan, Bob Rotella, and swing coach Peter Cowen.   On the sidelines, support included extended texts from Tiger Woods and even runner-up Phil Mickleson proclaimed his long time appreciation for Clarke following Amy Mickleson’s cancer scare in 2009, and the support offered by Clarke at that time.

DC’s Army of course also includes at its centre, his 2 sons Conor and Tyrone and his parents Godfrey and Hetty.   As a guy who readily admits he likes going to the pub, Clarke took time out from celebrating at Sandwich to phone through to his local bar at home to stand everyone there a celebratory drink – repeating the gesture that he made to the all aboard the flight from Mallorca to London following his European Tour victory in May.

2011 Open Champ

Clarke played solidly for the first 2 days at the Open, and steadied the ship for his final 36 holes as challengers wilted.

It wasn’t done with the intimidating and fearsome style of old, but instead an engaging Clarke was seeing chatting to anyone that would listen, marshalling crowds to respect other players, smiling, laughing and leaning on his Team all the way to the finishing line.   The golfing community salutes Team Clarke, and looks forward to raising a glass or two to salute this year’s Open Champion!

Rory McIlroy - 2011 US Open Champion

Rory McIlroy’s emphatic US Open victory at Congressional brings much deserved recognition and also comparisons with the finest achievements of past greats including Bobby Jones (Open champion at 21 years), Jack Nicklaus and more recently Tiger Woods.

Bobby Jones

McIlroy’s journey to the summit has been brief relative to gradual rise in stock of Westwood, Donald, Casey, Poulter and Rose – all still majorless despite years of high profile play and success.  Despite this, McIlroy’s style does appear more old style than his world Top-10 peers.

PGA Tour Status Rory quickly handed back his PGA Tour status in 2011 in favour of home life in Hollywood, Co Down, and to play golf with his more familiar counterparts in Europe.  He has recently also embraced (UNICEF) charitable causes, with a visit to Hailti which left a profound impression on him.

Tournament Strategy McIrroy’s golfing goals and tournament strategy also appear more old style– setting out to win from the gun to the tape, irrespective of the pressures and risks.

McIlroy at Congressional

Donald, Westwood and others have offered a more longer-lasting goal of trying to “put themselves in contention by Sunday afternoon”.  In that way, a second or fourth place finish is effectively a satisfactory week’s work, with another week to follow to do the same all over again and accumulate more $’s and ranking points, without the risks of tournament front-running.

Michael Bannon & Rory McIlory - Dubai 2011

Teaching Philosophy McIlory still uses his childhood teaching pro (Michael Bannon) in little known Bangor Golf Club, Northern Ireland and it seems that when things don’t go well for him on the Tour he also resorts to playing “with anyone he can find back home” to join him on the links of Portrush or Co Down, to rekindle his love for the game and to strengthen his belief in his ability on the world stage.   A far cry from swing gurus and extensive game analysis, the direction that the game took following the successes of Nick Faldo and Leadbetter in the 80’s and early 90’s.

Ben Hogan - "The Hawk"

Publicity Ben Hogan once said that as soon as a golfer is affected by what people are writing or saying about their successes – that’s the same day the player begins their decent.  McIlory was echoing that sentiment from pillar to post of his Congressional win.

Core Values  At the PGA Tour Memorial event 2 weeks prior to the US Open, Jack Nicklaus had a chat with McIlroy. Among the topics discussed were how to recognise and deal with mistakes, and how to seek out  and handle pressure and expectation.   Old style concepts and values in an age of Top 10′s, WGCs, Tweets and hits.

McIlroy in Haiti

Mclroy’s success offers a wonderful contrast to recent social and golfing trends.  He shuns the bling, glitz and trappings of superstar lifestyle and seeks out instead the excitement of victory, the camaraderie of friends,  international charity and the comforts and realities of home living.

Here’s to Rory and to a new generation of Old Style champions!

GMac at Celtic Manor!

In the UK, Celtic Manor Wales is the most talked about golf resort following the success of GMac and Europe at the Ryder Cup in October 2010.   The fairways and rough are now back to pristine condition – and golfers are enjoying fantastic choice of Last Minute Offer dates for July & August.  By staying at the 5-Star Resort Hotel, golf packages include playing the Twenty Ten course with a choice of 1 or 2 night packages.

In Spain, strong offers are now available through to September at ABAMA Golf Resort – recently voted Spain’s No.1 Hotel – including a Michelin star MB Restaurant all managed by Ritz Carlton service.   ABAMA’s offers for Summer 2011 include a free upgrade to Half Board – plus a free green fee for every 2 green fees paid for.   These offers can be combined with a Stay 7 Pay 6 offer on accommodation – for a fantastic 7 Night / Half Board / 3 Green Fee deal!

ABAMA GOLF RESORT, TENERIFE

Also in Tenerife, Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque has extended its Stay 7 Pay 6 offer throughout July which again can be combined with Free Half Board Upgrade, Plus a Free Room Upgrade Plus a 100€ Resort Credit for each adult per week!     These Value-Added Offers provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some of the very finest resorts in Europe – at rarely seen rates.

In the US, Florida offers staggeringly low rates for Stay & Play in Palm Beach at PGA National.  Reduced rates this summer until September 30 include Unlimited Golf each day, daily breakfast and excellent add-ons including 2 for 1 drinks and half price deals on the David Leadbetter Golf Academy!

TPC Sawgrass - The 17th!

Turnberry Isle in Miami offers a similar summer programme to PGA National, and for something even a little more tempting – Marriott Sawgrass Resort offers a 7-night special throughout the summer with 2 rounds on TPC Sawgrass Stadium, along with 4 other green fees on superb courses in the Ponte Vedra Beach area.

La Quinta Resort Palm Springs California – voted No.1 Golf Resort in the US along with its partner PGA West Golf Club – offer golfers a summer room upgrade to pool-side along with a Stay 4 Pay 3 night offer that is running throughout the year.   In keeping with the 2011 give-away spirit, full American breakfast is also included as standard at La Quinta.

La Quinta Mountain Golf Course

In Dubai, Summer season offers lowest prices – with accommodation and golf reduced 50% from high season rates.   For a fun filled summer holiday – resorts on Jumeirah Beach such as Le Royal Meridien Beach Hotel offer excellent beach facilities, half board rates and complimentary room upgrades to Club Class. On the Palm Jumeirah, the world renowned Atlantis The Palm is a family favourite – with direct and easy and regular cool-downs at Acquaventure or in the Arabian Gulf!   Temperatures in Dubai can exceed 40C in the summer months but even then – golfers can enjoy a full programme with golf carts provided as standard and early tee-time starts available.  Offers this summer include half board as standard and a tempting Club Room special at Le Royal Meridien Beach to include airport and golf transfers.

Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort DUBAI

Whatever your favourite destination this summer, why not browse through Lorrin Golf’s easy to follow guide of Special Offers, Early Bookings and Free Upgrades– and just email our team on golf@lorrin.com to begin booking your Great Summer Give-Away for 2011.

La Manga Club offers families an action packed sporting holiday this summer.  With 3 fantastic golf courses, Lee Westwood Junior Golf Camps (Aug 1-5, 6-10 for €250), AC Milan Junior Football Camp (July 11-16 for €480) Junior Cricket Academies (July 11-Aug 26 for €210), La Manga provides the ideal family holiday resort.   Junior Tennis Academies also take place year-round from Monday to Fridays.

Lee Westwood Junior Camps

Family Packages to La Manga include a 2-Room, 7 night holiday from €1650 for 2 adults and 2 children – with 2 activities each for Mum and Dad including Spa, Golf or child entry to the Junior Kids Club.

At La Manga Club, meal plans may be added to your holiday package.  The great benefit of meal plans at La Manga is that half board allows for a full 3-course dinner from all menu items listed on all of the resorts 20 bars and restaurants!   Dining is free for children aged 5 or less, and half price for children aged 6-12.

Milan Junior Football Camps - Open July 11-16

The Live Life philosophy of La Manga is adopted in all programmes and packages, helping make La Manga one of Europe’s premier sporting and leisure resorts.

With 300 days of sunshine annually, a beach club, and easy access from Murcia or Alicante Airport, book your summer holidays to La Manga early to ensure availability for your holiday dates.

Standard packages available through Lorrin Golf include 1 night free for every 4 night stay, with golf included daily.  Green fees may be interchanged with Spa treatments for non-golfers, or for meal-plans for golfers who like to take it a little easier during their holiday.

The Spa at La Manga Club

The La Manga Spa is an impressive retreat set within 2 expansive floors at Los Lomas Village – serviced by shuttle from Hotel La Manga Club Principe Felipe.  The Spa includes indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room on one floor, with spa treatments, relaxation pool and fully serviced gym all available from the Spa reception.  Fitness camps are available for adults throughout the summer.

La Manga Club Resort

For any further details on the above packages, please email golf@lorrin.com and our Lorin Golf La Manga specialist will be pleased to get in contact with you by email or by telephone.  Please also visit our website LorrinGolf.com for further details on golf and family packages available at La Manga throughout the year at Hotel La Manga Club Principe Felipe and at the fully serviced Los Lomas apartments.

Lorrin Golf is an International Golf Travel Operator – arranging for hotel, golf and travel arrangements to premier golf resorts and clubs throughout Europe, US, Caribbean, Dubai and other leading travel destinations.

Leader at Augusta - Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy captured the imagination again, with a refreshing approach of big hitting, front running and free talking.  In the backdrop of current economics, the golfing world is more than ready to embrace and support the new generation of McIlroy, Fowler and Day.

Luke Donald - Heritage Classic Tournament Favorite

The PGA Tour moves on this week to The Heritage Classic at Harbor Town, Hilton Head. A great field is once again assembled, with the increasingly popular Luke Donald favourite to land the tartan jacket awarded to the Heritage tournament winner.

Harbor Town Golf Links - Sea Pines Resort

Visitors to the Sea Pines Resort in Hilton Head (South Carolina) can enjoy 3 great courses – the tournament course Harbor Town, Pete Dye’s Heron Point – completed revamped in 2009, and Mark McCumber’s Ocean Course. With a choice of Hotel and Villa accommodation, Sea Point Resort Hilton Head offers a perfect location to get your game into full swing this season!

The opening weeks of the season on PGA and European Tours has seen a changing of the guard, in terms of the official World No.1 golfer.   Martin Kaymer has overtaken Lee Westwood as the top ranked player by virtue of Kaymer’s 2^nd place finish at the Accenture World Matchplay (Arizona).

WGC Accenture Match Play Champion - Luke Donald

The much coveted throne appears not so comfortable since Tiger’s abdication.  The hitherto “Mr Consistent” Lee Westwood has failed to make a Top 10 finish in 2011, and Martin Kaymer has already spoken of “something missing” when being hailed as the world’s best.

Westwood and Kaymer’s struggle in dealing with their success may well be related to the manner in which Tiger ceded the position which he held fiercely since 2005.

Kaymer has indeed also spoken how he would still relish the challenge to play an in-form Tiger down the stretch.   With that in mind, perhaps the golfing world can be united in wishing for a full return to form by T.Woods.  The result would surely be a more satisfactory World Ranking table – with either a natural succession by the young guns, or, a Hogan-like return by Woods to the head of the game.

2010 Arnold Palmer Invitational Champion - Ernie Els

The next few weeks might tell all, with Arnold’s Palmers Bay Hill Classic and 2 weeks later, the 2011 Masters (Apr 7-10) – with a blanket finish expected – and the golfing world at the ready to salute the World’s Best Golfer.

Montgomerie Papillion

Legends such as Dye, Nicklaus, Faldo and Montgomerie have put their names to courses here.

There’s a host of luxurious spa options, including steam baths, massages and wraps, at every resort, making it an ideal place to relax.

And with daytime temperatures that rarely dip below 15 degrees celsius (60 fahrenheit) even in the winter, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect golfing destination.

Lorrin Golf offers a range of great getaways to the region.

The Papillion Zeugma Hotel and Spa offers golf on the stunning Montgomerie Papillion as well as the 27-hole Cornelia Faldo, where there’s also a David Leadbetter Academy. Lorrin Golf packages here include free transfers to the Montgomerie course.

The resort has a huge range of restaurants offering all-inclusive dining with Chinese, Mediterranean and Mexican options.

Thrilling water sports are on offer

There’s also a  private beach with water sports centre where guests can indulge in activities including parachute sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing.

At Lykia World and Links Golf Resort guests can enjoy golf on the country’s only links, designed by the famous P.B. Dye. Lorrin Golf packages include unlimited golf from June to August and December through January.

The five-star resort is 10km south of the main tourist area Belek and features five all-inclusive restaurants plus bars, beach facilities and the luxurious Ayurveda and Wellness Centre.

Lorrin Golf packages at The Sirene Belek Golf and Wellness Centre include play on the superb Antalya Pasha and Sultan courses as well as the David Feherty-designed National.

The all-inclusive dining options include Turkish, Italian, South American and seafood cuisine, while there are plenty of watersports on offer to keep all ages entertained.

Indulgent spas help you relax

Then there’s the great Sanitas Spa where guests can indulge in massages, Turkish baths and wraps.

 The Gloria Golf Resort has two excellent courses on-site – the Old and New – as well as a two-level driving range. Lorrin Golf clients can also enjoy play on the Montgomerie Papillion.

With no less than six restaurants and six bars, there’s plenty of chance here to take advantage of the all-inclusive package.

And with free tennis, gym, saunas, Turkish baths, cinema and football there’s no shortage of things to do off the course as well as on it.

Turkey has really taken off as a European tourist destination in recent years. It’s easy to see why.

Stewart Cink triumphed at Turnberry last year

Former greats of the game will be there in abundance too at Wednesday’s Champions Challenge. The event will see 28 of the 32 surviving winners of the Open shooting it out over four holes, with participants including Tiger Woods, Tom Watson and Sir Nick Faldo.

The glitz and glamour is all a far cry from the first ever Open held at Prestwick Golf Club on October 17, 1860, when Willie Park Sr triumphed over a field of eight to take home the Champions Belt.

Back then there was no prize money (a fund of £10 was introduced in 1862). This year the champion will be pocketing £750,000 from a prize fund of £4.55million.

But despite the obvious riches on offer, the greatest reward for the champion will be triumphing at the game’s spiritual home itself. There’s nowhere quite like St Andrews - a course described by Tiger Woods as his “favourite in the world” and that Jack Nicklaus says no other course comes “even remotely close to”. 

The Old Course at St Andrews has a very special charm

 Lorrin Golf is offering a host of great packages to let you get the very best out of the championship. We’ll arrange for everything from accommodation to event tickets, travel, hospitality and even rounds of golf to put into practice what you pick up from the pros.  

At just 13 miles from St Andrews, Dundee is an ideal base from which to visit the Open. Lorrin Golf offers packages from the city’s West Park, a lovely Victorian mansion in the west end (about 1.5miles from the train station). Packages priced from £483 include hotel, championship season tickets and a choice of either GolfLink rail tickets or season parking ticket if you prefer to travel by car.

In Edinburgh the four-star Barcelo Carlton is ideally located just a couple of minutes walk from Waverley Train Station. Packages here start at £650 and include hotel, breakfast, championship season ticket and GolfLink ticket.

The hotel’s central location also makes it the perfect spot to enjoy Edinburgh from, while a fully equipped health and leisure centre with pool, gym, steam room, sauna and beauty treatments ensures a relaxing stay.

If it’s the full five-star experience you’re after then why not visit the Open from the comfort of Britain’s No. 1 golf resort, Gleneagles. The luxury Perthshire retreat is about an hour’s drive from St Andrews and Lorrin Golf offers some great packages with both B&B and Dinner, Bed and Breakfast from £1160.

Gleneagles is a golfer's paradise

As well as event tickets Lorrin Golf can arrange for you to enjoy rounds on any of the resort’s stunning courses from the legendary King’s and Queen’s to the 2014 Ryder Cup venue, PGA. 

You can enjoy golf by day and eat at the renowned Andrew Fairlie restaurant at night, seen as the top dining experience in Scotland.

Transfers to and from the Open can be arranged or, if you prefer to hire a car, we’ll sort out parking for you. 

With Wednesday’s Champions Challenge sure to be a highlight of the week, there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a table at the Sportsmans Dinner.

 This gourmet experience starts with a champagne reception at the St Andrews Links Restaurant immediately following the Challenge before moving on to four courses of gourmet cuisine with fine wines and a full bar. Two-time major champion and Ryder Cup legend Tony Jacklin will be the guest speaker.

Tickets, priced £299, cover your entry to the Wednesday practice day, access to the Challenge, the meal and a commemorative gift.  

The golf academies offer first-class instruction

But it’s not just the Open that Lorrin Golf has going on at St Andrews this year. Throughout July we’re running our Junior Golf Camps in conjunction with the Fairmont St Andrews and the teaching team at St Andrews Links Golf Academy. 

At the camps, kids from around the world enjoy daily instruction with state-of-the-art technology, rounds on top St Andrews courses, week-ending tournaments and evening entertainment.

Places have filled up fast this year, but there’s still some space for the first and last weeks in July.

Adults are catered for too with Lorrin Golf’s weekend St Andrews Academies. Taking place throughout August, you get five-star accommodation at the Fairmont St Andrews, walk-on access to the two Fairmont courses and instruction from the St Andrews Links Academy.

Like we said, St Andrews is the place to be this summer.

Hotel du Golf Barriere in Deauville

 Rounds on courses that range from great links to spectacular American-style inland layouts are complemented by horse racing, casinos, great beaches, historic attractions, gourmet food and much more.

And if you’re living in the UK or Europe there’s the added attraction of being able to avoid any ash cloud chaos by taking the car, train or ferry.

In the beautiful seaside town of Deauville guests of Hotel du Golf Barriere can enjoy play on two 27-hole layouts at Golf Barriere de Saint-Julien and Golf Barriere de Deauville. There’s also the unique Amiraute course, which is set in a  protected nature reserve and dotted with large sculptures!

Lorrin Golf clients at Hotel du Golf Barriere enjoy free tennis and there’s a free beginner’s golf clinic each day at 11.30am. Away from the golf you can take in a polo match, watch the horse racing or try your luck in the casino.

Brittany’s Hotel du Golf International sits on the edge of the Briere Regional Nature Park in the town of La Baule – “Paris-by-the-Sea”. The resort has 45 holes of golf with the Lucien Barriere and Diane Barriere-Desseigne courses alternating between tight woodland holes and a more open American-style test where water is the main obstacle. The 9-hole Francois Andre course is perfect for a relaxing evening or late afternoon round.

Arcangues

Lorrin Golf packages at this beautiful resort include a choice of itineraries which allow you to keep your golf entirely on-site or travel inland to the classic Henry-Cotton designed La Bretesche and down the coast to the spectacular St Jean de Monts links.

Biarritz is the classic French seaside resort with superb beaches and fantastic shopping, restaurants and nightlife. Lorrin Golf offers packages at Golf Hotel Blue Green de Seignosse, Hotel de Chiberta et du Golf, Hotel du Palais, Mercure Thalassa Regina and Radisson Hotel Blu.

The golf is exceptional with the spectacular Arcangue winding around a historic chateau, while Biarritz le Phare is a real treat and Chiberta offers a great links challenge. Seignosse was recently voted Best Course in France by the Association of British Tour Operator to France and was also named 15th Best Course in Europe by Golf World. The Robert Trent Jones Sr links Golf de Moliets is another one to frequently features in lists of Europe’s best and has hosted the European Tour Q School.

There’s plenty of history to savour around Biarritz too. The opulent Hotel du Palais, for example, was built for Napoleon’s wife Eugenie and he used it as his summer retreat. Now it’s a five-star resort with all the trappings, including a restaurant run by two Michelin-star chef Jean Marie Gautier.

So why not savour the intoxicating charms of France’s Atlantic Coast with Lorrin Golf?

THE COAST BY CAR
Calais to Deauville – 184miles (295km) approx 3hrs
Calais to La Baule - 265miles (426km) approx 4.5hrs
Calais to Biarritz – 540miles (869km) approx 9hrs
Deauville to Biarritz – 527miles (844km) approx 8hrs
La Baule to Biarritz - 377miles (607km) approx 6hrs