HURRY TO HURGHADA on Egypts Red Sea Coast.

 Why Egpyt... Well we had never been. The winter weather in the UK was miserable, Flight time is only just over 5 hrs, similar to the Canaries and I had heard the Golf was particularly tasty too. Added on perhaps a trip on the Nile, a visit to Luxor, clearly the place has everything the Social Golfer needs for a perfect vacation.

We stayed at the Kaisol Romance Hotel, a fabulous 5 star all inclusive on the beach. There is still a fair amount of ongoing development going on and I can imagine in 5 to 10 years the place will be awesome, Despite this the resort areas and town are quite lively and very cheap by European prices.

There are 3 Championship course in Hurghada, they all offer quite differing experiences but all outstanding in their own way and again prices are excellent. The condition of the courses in March when we visited was quite outstanding. Greens are magnificent and clearly the manicure of the courses is quite important at all 3 resorts. I found them in better condition than any I had played in since COVID. At all 3, there is always likely to be strong winds off the Red Sea to contend with, Soma Bay, a fantastic Player Design is right on the coast with some quite sensational views. IT HAS A MAGNIFICENT PRACTICE FACILITY AS WELL AS AN IMPRESIVE FLOODLIT 9 HOLE , PAR 3 COURSE. HIGHLY RECOMENDED.

                                                                      Suma Bay

                                                            TSG ticks off another country

                                                                       EL Gouna

El Gouna is a Fred Couples Design and is farthest from the resorts.... 30 mins or so, but well worth the ride. Again right on the coast with 4 sets of tee boxes to enhance your experience for sure. A couple of outstanding Par 3s and a course again, exceptionally well maintained.

                                                         The steinburger makadi golf resort

The Makadi is a true desert course. Set inland, yet still the wind blows. Stunning views down to the Red Sea and  the mountains.  You will be guarenteed another rewarding golf experience. 137 bunkers, and my mate Darren visited most will challenge even the best golfers.  6 sets of tees, offer a range from 4500yards up to 7500 yards, the longest in the region. Equally they allow you to change on each hole depending on how you paricularly see the hole...YOU CAN THEREFORE AVOID CHALLENGING CARRIES IF YOU SO WISH. It also has a 9 hole course as well to hone your short game if needed!!

Well you cant visit Egypt without the compulsory Camel ride,

Cairo and the Pyramids was a 6 hour or an expensive internal flight away, so LUXOR at 3 hours became the best option. It was one of the more memorable excursions of my life, TUTANKAMENS TOMB, A TRIP DOWN THE NILE...  The Valley of THE KINGS..... the impressive Temples.. History unfolded in front of my eyes. It was hard work for a person with a Disability, but manageable. 

I loved EGYPT. The people where friendly and service was outstanding everywhere, GOLF was Fantastic and lot cheaper than Spain or Portugal.  Nightlife is quiet, certainly not raucous in anyway.

Weathere in Feb and March   28c during day,,,, 14 but felt chillier at night.  HURRY TO HURGHADA you wont regret it.

JOLLY JAMAICA

JAMAICA

 JAMAICA  island of 3 B's     Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and the Bobsleigh.....

This truly splendid island is the latest of the magnificent Caribbean islands to get the TSG treatment.

As I have noted previously nobody visits the Caribbean just for golf, its the whole experience, the culture, the history, the beaches, the wildlife ... oh and yes, maybe sometimes golf too.

Jamaica is surprisingly green and hilly, giving it quite a uniqueness in the Caribbean. Its 3 major resorts are Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios on the north of the isle, its capital, the home of reggae, Kingston sits on the south ease coast , whilst the unspoilt, un commercialised, un touristy south remains quintessentially the real Jamaica. On this trip to access golf TSG stayed at Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho because it has its own golf course and is only 60 mins from the best golf on the island at Montego Bay. its also 4km from arguably the islands most famous attraction Dunes Falls. We also had a week down at Treasure Beach on the South coast to help experience the whole of this island paradise.

We commenced our vacation on the south of the island at Treasure Beach, staying at the splendid boutique hotel LASHINGS. This is a splendid hotel overlooking the Caribbean sea. A wonderful infinite pool, great lively bar, it truly was a fantastic base for exploring the unspoilt southern side of the island. We did a trip up the Black river and got close to the crocodiles. The beaches are totally unspoilt, great to see the little fishing boats land their catch and sell them on the beach.

                                                   

                                                 

Nice Fresh dishes daily, great cocktails, whats not too like, the people were so friendly, a fabulous relaxing week in paradise without the silly prices that normally accompany such decadence. 

From here we moved to Ocho Rios to sample the delights of Sandals and again encountered great Jamaican hospitality. A must visit to the falls, whilst spectacular and enjoyable was a tad disappointing in a complete lack of regard for any individual with disabilities. You can try the famous  Bob Sleigh ride and here play golf. Sandals Royal Plantation, a butler only resort was quieter than the resorts we had visited in  Barbados and St Lucia but did offer free bus transport to its neighbouring facilities which were much more lively. The Golf Course, golf is free for Sandals guests, was well designed and despite the covid issues was well maintained. It certainly offered quite a fair challenge. Its off the coast so do not be expecting sea views it is a true parkland course, just sadly does not offer any woo factor. For this head to Montego Bay and its courses. All on the coast with spectacular vistas... certainly Montego would be more preferred choice if Golf was the primary goal for your vacation.

                                                       Cinnamon Golf, Montego Bay

                                                        Half Moon Bay , Montego Bay

                                                             Sandals    Ocho Rios

In conclusion, Jamaica is quite stunning, its certainly a destination i am delighted we visited. For the discerning golfer it has enough courses of good standard to keep anyone happy.

I would as I have mentioned base myself in Montego Bay if Golf was what its all about, but I am THE SOCIAL GOLFER, so its about more than Golf.  The south of the island is remote yet beautiful and beguiling, I am delighted we visited there. Lashings made us feel so very, very special.  I love the Sandals all inclusive experience, so was always going to be a must on any long haul vacation. 

ONE  LOVE............  JAMAICA...... thank you for some great memories and friendships

                                                       treasure beach, what a sunset

                                                                   fun at the beach

it took 2 postponements and two years to celebrate 

skitty 70th, but we finally did it.

                                                         Miss Jamaica asks to meet TSG and

                                                               the birthday boy.

 

THE TURKISH RIVIERA

Antalya and Belek on Turkeys Southern Mediterranean Coast

Antalya with the stunning Taurus Mountains behind it.

Golf courses in this area, initially started to being noted and renowned as 2the Turkish Golf Riviera" in the late 60s and early 70s, the development of Antalya International airport, just 30 mins from most resorts and the rise of the budget airlines as firmly established this destination as a Golfing mecca for the Millennium.

Sueno Golf, a fantastic resort

The destination boasts miles and miles of  golden sand beaches, calm azure seas and glorious year round sunshine. A rugged coastline and stunning views of the magnificent Taurus mountains offer a
dramatic contrasting sensational vista. hotels are numerous along this coast, the majority 5 star and All Inclusive, many with their own golf courses attached to the resort. They seem all to have been designed and developed with a quality and style commensurate to the location. We stayed at Sueno Golf and it was superb and amazing value for money.. Golf course development and construction has been carefully planned as to integrate into the location. Many noted and Internationally renowned architects have been utilised here.   Indeed the standard is very much on a par with both the Costa del Sol and the Algarve.

Belek, a nice interlude from golf, buy anything here,

Antalya harbour with its narrow alleyways with ancient roman walls is particularly picturesque. Boutiques, bazaars, restaurants bars and cafes await, a middle east environment with a Mediterranean vibe offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some quality serenity whilst enjoying the local ambience.

No shortage of great restaurants

PERGE STADIUM

Just outside Antalya are two exceptional historic Roman and Greek sites, Aspendos and Perge, no visit here is complete without a visit here o see the stadium and temples , over two thousand years
old.  The coast and mountains offer some rugged sensational lPERGEooking waterfalls, it is an area of particular natural beauty.  It woud be a mistake just to come here and Golf.

However with over a dozen, first class, exceptionally well designed, well maintained courses, the visitor is really spoiled for choice in the GOLF available. This really is a GEM of an area to play.

Top Class 5 star opulence at Sueno Deluxe

Plenty for the Ladies too

GRAN CANARIA

The magnificent GLORIA PALACE ROYAL, AMADOREs

GRAND CANARIA is famed for its weather all the 

Year Round and therefore an ideal 

Social Golf Destination to escape

 the grey and cold of a UK Winter.

On this trip we stayed at the opulent Gloria Royal 

overlooking Amadores Beach and busy a

 5 euro taxi trip from the bustling resort of

 Peurto Rico with its many bars and restaurants. 

Its also ideally located just one mile from

 the highly rated ANFI TAURO GOLF COMPLEX.

    This Von Hagge Complex featuring a fantastic, Championship course, ( pictured here )   also has a quite fine 9 hole executive par 3 course as well.. Hire Clubs featured Titleist, Calloway and Taylor Made.... and where in fine condition. The Pro Shop was professionally manned and well stocked. Indeed all the facilities where quite excellent.

  This is in my opinion one of the most spectacular course in the Canaries and indeed Spain.   The 18 hole Arizona styled Championship Course is surounded by a quite magnificent rocky valley, giving several sensational vistas. The lush vegetation, palm trees and many varieties of cactus plants, lakes and waterfalls create quite a stunning backdrop that makes each hole particularly unique.  Each hole as numerous tees and this allows for an attractive game for all levels. Anfi Taro Golf certainly exhilarated and captivated TSG.

The signatory hole the long Par 3, 6th hole with the Atlantic Ocean as the back drop

"THE GOLFER MUST THINK BETWEEN SHOTS, 

HOW LUCK I AM TO BE ABLE TO PLAY HERE"

Von Hagge Designer.....

And I WAS

                                         

AWESOME ANTIGUA

TSG continues his search for golfing destinations with a visit to the island of Antigua in the Caribbean. Although it only has two courses and indeed one  Cedar Valley of considerable note. Jolly Beach whilst a splendid location is a much more Executive, Pitch and Putt type of Course... However with  365 beaches, visit one each day..... glorious sunshine, friendly locals, fantastic food and raucous rum punch  it more than covers this Golfers idea of a fantastic Winter Destination.... sensational sunsets and a vistas abound. TSG had a great time.

The stunning view over English Harbour and Nelsons Dockyard from Shirley Heights

TSGs newest convert Darren (BASH) Moore great company on a FAB Day.

Splendid views at Cedar Valley

Fine course conditioning at Cedar Valley

A Beach for every day of the year

Delighted with my play at Cedar Valley

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.

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.