Thursday 23 March 2017

MALTA.... A Mediterranean GEM.








Historic Valletta 
Malta, historic, unique, beautiful, friendly, a Med holiday with a difference. With only one Golf Course, The Splendid Royal Malta, you would never pick this as a Golfing Destination but as a Holiday destination with an opportunity to play a fine golf course too.. this island takes some beating.
Unique Par 3 7th hole UP or UNDER



St.Julian harbour.... loads of Bars and Restaurants
Gorgeous Fishing villages
Historic Buildings everywhere




                                             A fantastic parkland course ROYAL MALTA

With its location 30 miles south of Sicily and 50 miles East of Tunisia, it definitely fits the bill in respect of a sunny pleasant majority of the year destination.  The rain in Malta falls very sparingly, from June to August temperatures can get exceedingly high, but March, April and May offer a much  more pleasant heat to visit, enjoy the sites and of course golf.

Phoenician heritage with Roman, Norman, Ottaman even Napoleonic make this place a true Cradle of History. Then add The Great Sieges of 1585 and WW2.....  No matter where you turn there is something of note.    A few splendid beaches and gorgeous fishing villages and the Isle of Gozo, really do mark this out as a special place. the capital Valletta is sensational.... Great Bars and Restaurants complete a Social Golfers idea of paradise.
Really difficult raised saucer greens

Then the Golf, Royal Malta a course established in 1888 is a true parkland Test..... easy walks between holes, narrow tree lined fairways, fine conditioning, pleasant location. a few truly sensational and different holes... but its greens are its highlight and most formidable defence... All raised, well bunkered, now extremely settled over the years with subtle inclination and speed changes... no putt is a Gimme here. I throughly enjoyed my round... Friendly membership, fine practice facilities, great clubhouse, nice well equipped pro shop, great bar and restaurant.... top hire clubs too... All in all a great day.

Thursday 23 February 2017

OH WHERE GOING TO BARBADOS

BARBADOS is certainly not renowned for its Golf it has only 4 major course, however it is certainly a gorgeous Island, fantastic people, a true PARTY Islland, great for A Social Golfing Break with the Mrs.

THE GOLF

IN truth, you wouldnt ever just visit this sensational island just for the golf.  Theres only two easily accessible for play courses, yet it does have the Caribbeans top rated course... if you are fortunate enough and wealthy enough to get a round. Sandy Lane is the regions most prestigious address... residents include Roman Abramovich, Simon Cowell, Oprah Rihanna, Cliff Richard etc.. etc...
There are 3 golf courses and the flagship GREEN MONKEY. This 18hole 7400 yard is truly fitting of such opulence, but unless you are a mate of the above the liklihood is that if you can even get a round it will cost you $1,000 The resort hosts two other course, the Fazio designed Country Club Course, with its open fairways and five lakes and many risk and reward shots. The original course, established over 40 years ago is the OLD NINE COURSE  and has just 9 holes. These courses whilst more accessable are still pricey and in my opinion both APES HILL and ROYAL WESTMORELAND  offer better value for money.  Apes Hill is a course set in lush pasture land and coral stoned quarries and sparkling lakes. There are several absolutely sensational vistas over the Caribbean sea. This has been acknowledged as one of the regions rising stars. The ROYAL WESTMORELAND is a members only club but does offer public tee times. The Robert Trent Jones Design is a proper Championship test that has regularly hosted European Senior Tr Events.
Ron Kirby designed BARBADOS Golf Club offers exceptional value at about $100 because  it has partner deals with most hotel chains and an exceptional hire club service. TSG had a great round here on my visit. The greens have recently been relaid, they were exceptional. interesting and challenging, would be my first port of call on the island. ALMOND BEACH VILLAGE has a  9 hole par 3 course, more for guest hotel relaxation than a challenge for dedicated golfers. Finally on the South COAST is ROCKLEY Golf Club. A Par 70 course of just over 5600 yards which never the less offers an interesting challenge and is quite well maintained.





The magnificent but extermely exclusive GREEN MONKEY COURSE

A rising star  APES HILL. A glorious, spectacular track

The ROYAL WESTMORELAND, Top Prices for a great experience.

BARBADOS GOLF CLUB, Affordable, pleasureable, great course.


Continuing to meet new friends on my travels.

                       
                                                             THE ISLAND


Time for a sail

Glorious coastline

Heritage Museum at Sudbury Plantation


The Bounty Advert beaches
Great views !!!!



Simply stunning and sensational. Wonderful friendly people. Glorious beaches, spectacular coastlines, great fishing, snorkelling and diving. Great colonial history. Plantations are a delight. Fantastic Food not just the super seafood dishes. BARBADOS IS BEAUTIFUL... A Social Golfers idea of PARADISE.