AROUND THE WORLD in 80 Days itinary

Leave UK 2nd January to SINGAPORE

staying at Siloso Beach Resort on Sentosa

6th Jan.............. playing at SENTOSA Golf Club......... were Ian Poulter won the 2009 Barclays Singapore Open last October....

9th January to 24th January in Australia

10th to 17th at The Magnificent Wrest Point in Hobart, Tasmania
17th to 24th at THE MENZIES Hotel in Sydney

11th, 12th, 14th, 15th playing in the Wrest Point Masters at Royal Hobart and Tasmania Golf Clubs.

20th Jan........... returning to the TOP RATED New South Wales Golf Club

25th Jan to 2nd Feb in New Zealand

Playing Kauri Cliffs on 26th Jan and Cape Kidnappers on 29th Jan

2nd Feb to 15th Feb in Hawaii at Waikiki Beach

Playing Koolau on 7th Feb and Waikiki on 12th Feb

16th Feb to 23rdFeb............ VANCOUVER for Winter Olympics and Golf at Mayfair Village on 19th Feb, weather permitting!!!!!!!

24th Feb to 5th march CALIFORNIA

playing............24th Feb.......... SPYGLASS ...........25th FEB.............SPANISH BAY
......................26th Feb.........PEBBLE BEACH
................28th Feb.....San Francisco Golf Club

5th March to 10th March..................at THE LUXOR, LAS VEGAS

playing..........BalaHai 8th March

10th March to 25th march................ at Home in Florida

playing.............The Black Bear on 20th March, first event of the Edwin Watts Tour 2010

CANT WAIT........... I will update regularly

Have a Great 2010..........................I WILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY NEW YEAR

To brighten up the winter months I attach below several humorous golfing tales received from two of my chums....
The 1st and 3rd from Bob in Cambridge and the 2nd from Jim in New England. Keep um coming guys.....

Cheers and Enjoy

It was a sunny Sunday morning on the first hole and I was beginning my pre-shot routine, visualising my upcoming shot, when a piercing voice came over the clubhouse loudspeaker:"Would the gentleman on the women's tee back up to the men's tee please!"I could feel every eye on the course looking at me. I was still deep in my routine, seemingly impervious to the interruption.Again the announcement:"Would that MAN on the WOMEN'S tee kindly back up to the MEN'S tee."I simply ignored the announcement and kept concentrating, when once more,the man yelled:"Would the MAN on the WOMEN'S tee back up to the MEN'S tee, PLEASE!"Finally, I stopped, turned and looked through the window directly at the person with the mike. I cupped my hands and shouted back:"Would the c*** in the clubhouse kindly shut the f*** up and let me play my second shot?"

A businessman was attending a conference in Africa. He had a free day and wanted to play a round of golf and was directed to a golf course in the nearby jungle. After a short journey, he arrived at the course and asked the pro if he could get on."Sure," said the Pro, "What's your handicap?" Not wanting to admit that he had an 18 handicap, he decided to cut it a bit."Well, its 16," said the businessman, "But what's the relevance since I'll be playing alone?""It's important for us to know," said the pro, who then called a caddy. "Go out with this gentleman," said the pro, The businessman was very surprised at this constant reference to his handicap. The caddy picked up the businessman's bag and a large rifle; again the businessman was surprised but decided to ask no questions.They arrived on the 1st hole, a par 4. "Please avoid those trees on the left," said the caddy. Needless to say, the businessman duck-hooked his ball into the trees. He found his ball and was about to punch it out when he heard the loud crack of the rifle and a large snake fell dead from a tree above his head. The caddy stood next to him with the rifle smoking in his hand. "That's the mamba, the most poisonous snake in all Africa. You're lucky I was here with you."After taking a bogey, they moved to the 2nd hole, a par 5."Avoid those bushes on the right," says the caddy.Of course, the businessman's ball went straight into the bushes. As he went to pick up his ball, he heard the loud crack of the caddy's rifle once more, and a huge lion fell dead at his feet."I've saved your life again," said the caddy.The 3rd hole was a par 3 with a lake in front of the green. The businessman's ball came up just short of the green and rolled back to the edge of the water. To take a shot, he had to stand with one foot in the lake. As he was about to swing, a large crocodile emerged from the water and bit off much of his right leg.As he fell to the ground bleeding and in great pain, he saw the caddy with the rifle propped at his side, looking on unconcernedly."Why didn't you kill it?" asked the man incredulously."I'm sorry, sir," said the caddy, "this is the 17th handicap hole. You don't get a shot here."That's why you never lie about your handicap

A retired corporate executive, now a widower, decided to take a vacation. He booked himself on a Caribbean cruise and proceeded to have the time of his life, that is, until the ship sank. He soon found himself on an island with no other people, no supplies, nothing, only bananas and coconuts.After about four months, he is lying on the beach one day when the most gorgeous woman he has ever seen rows up to the shore. In disbelief, he asks, "Where did you come from? How did you get here?"She replies, "I rowed over from the other side of the island where I had landed when my cruise ship sank.""Amazing," he notes. "You were really lucky to have a row boat wash up with you.""Oh, this thing?" explains the woman. "I made the boat out of some raw material I found on the island. The oars were whittled from gum tree branches. I wove the bottom from palm tree branches, and the sides and stern came from a Eucalyptus tree.""But, where did you get the tools?""Oh, that was no problem," replied the woman. "On the south side of the island, a very unusual stratum of alluvial rock is exposed. I found that if I fired it to a certain temperature in my kiln, it melted into ductile iron I used that to make tools and used the tools to make the hardware."The guy is stunned."Let's row over to my place," she says. So, after a short time of rowing, she soon docks the boat at a small wharf. As the man looks to shore, he nearly falls off the boat. Before him is a long stone walk leading to an exquisite bungalow painted in blue and white. While the woman ties up the rowboat with an expertly woven hemp rope, the man can only stare ahead, dumb struck. As they walk into the house, she says casually, "It's not much, but I call it home. Sit down, please."Would you like a drink?"No! No thank you," the man blurts out, still dazed. "I can't take another drop of coconut juice.""It's not coconut juice," winks the woman. "I have a still. How would you like a Pina Colada?"Trying to hide his continued amazement, the man accepts, and they sit down on her couch to talk. After they exchange their individual stories, the woman announces, "I'm going to slip into something more comfortable. Would you like to take a shower and shave? There's a razor in the bathroom cabinet upstairs."No longer questioning anything, the man goes upstairs into the bathroom. There, in the cabinet is a razor made from a piece of tortoise bone. Two shells honed to a hollow ground edge are fastened on to its end inside a swivel mechanism."This woman is amazing," he muses. What's next? When he returns, she greets him wearing nothing but some small flowers on tiny vines, each strategically positioned, she smelled faintly of gardenias. She then beckons for him to sit down next to her."Tell me," she begins suggestively, slithering closer to him, "We've both been out here for many months. You must have been lonely. There's something I'm certain you feel like doing right now, something you've been longing for, right?" She stares into his eyes.He can't believe what he's hearing. "You mean..."he swallows excitedly as tears start to form in his eyes,"… You've built a Golf Course?"

G O L F ................................. Grow old living fine.............. cant beat it

GOOD HEALTH TO YOU ALL is my xmas wish to each and everyone of you next year..

remember there are no bad rounds of golf except the last you will ever play.

Europe beat USA in CYDER CUP

It belongs to Europe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The prestigious Cyder Cup by the first Tee at Celebration Golf Course for the first ever annual event between Usa Residents and European Nationals in Celebration.

It was due to happen, I was due one memorable round this trip and cor blimey what a Time to have it. Having been asked to play in this event I was paired with local Helicopter Pilot Matt Gallagher against strong US Pairing of mein host from the Celebration Tavern, Billy Bona fresh from his outing at the Disney Classic with Justin Leonard and His partner Craig. In truth of the 76 shots I hit there was only one bad one, the very first tee shot, I did suffer from first up nerves big time. A couple of long 3 putts but apart from that this was the best I played for years. Losing the first we went one up after 4 but faced being 3 down at the turn until Matt nearly hold an unbelievable bunker shot which left us two down at he turn. The Back nine saw some spectacular golf, a lot of it from me. On 16 facing the loss of the hole I played a miraculous short chip and 6 foot putt to keep us level, but this was eclipsed on 17 by Craig and Bill, with both, Matt and I hitting the Green, Bill entered the water and Craig pulled his miles left but then produced the shot of the day which Bill then followed with a 30 foot putt. We should have been one up but were dormie one. ON 18 I played an impressive 80 yard gap wedge to 6 feet which gave us two putts for the hole and a half which effectively clinched he trophy. What a feeling! A wonderful evening of celebration in Celebration followed. Not many red shirts in site around the bars just our blue ones worn with immense pride.

The magnificent 12th at Celebration were we drew back level

This concludes my golf this trip, The Amateur Finals, Lakeland Classic and Cyder Cup, not bad on The Social Golfers resume, plus I played several courses here in Florida for the first time.

Back home for Christmas, then Around the World in 80 days, can you Adam and Eve it, it has come round that quick. But not to forget my return to WREST POINT for the MASTERS, which Social Golfer will turn up, the disappointment at Hilton Head and Diamondback or the Successor at Celebration. You will of course be kept informed thruout the trip.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. iwh

THE Social Golfer discovers a GEM of a course at Diamondback

Today I took advantage of the super offers at this time of year and headed South to Diamondback, a 4 1/2Star rated Golf Digest Course at the cost of just 35 bucks inc buggy. Great Weather, super company and a quite exquisite course should have lent itself to my best golf. Did It, you guessed it, I was dire, hardly hit a fairway, chipped like a novice, was in more bunkers than Rommell. Did I enjoy it, you bet I did.

The approach to the 1st Hole

I was joined by a lovely couple from Pinehurst, North Carolina, what a golfing pedigree. Mr and Mrs Mark Young were great company and no mean golfers, they both kicked my butt big time. They had that day become Grand Parents again, congratulations and Good Health to new baby Young.

One of the few water holes on the course but it caught me out

At least I finished well, my only good drive and a strong chip leaves me ready for Saturdays CYDER Cup Contest at Celebration between Europe and the USA.

A LEGEND ( or is it leg end ) plays LEGENDS

It was inevitable that I would play the Grandly named Legends Course at Clermont one day. Sister course of the much vaunted and highly rated Celebration Course, I passed this every time I visited the Bank and like a magnet it eventually drew me in and by the crin, I was not disappointed. The glorious 16th a Par 3 of 140 yards.

I had booked this via the course web site and had found a late special just 27 dollars for the round, inc buggy and discount vouchers for the pro shop, TREMENDOUS VALUE. I arrived early and was fortuitously paired with a lovely couple from Buffalo thats north New York to my English friends, Noel and Jeanne. They also have a home in Lakeland at Shalamar Creek, so looks like another course will soon be ticked off. They as I usually find were quite great company during the round. 1st hole all down hill 380 yards with great views of Lake Louisa. What a splendid way to start a round. The course was quite well tended, Greens quite magnificent. Again! In truth I have not encountered any bad greens his trip. The course meanders thru the Legends Housing Complex without any of the intrusion that certain other Florida courses have. Every hole seemed to offer a different challenge and with the company I was keeping the five hours passed all too soon.

The view from the course entrance.

The whole complex ouses class and I advise any visitor to include this in their itinerary.

The shuttle takes off as I am about to drive at 17

Yes we also got a spectacular view of the shuttle take off, only place I would have rather been than on this course that day........... up with those Astronauts.

The Lakeland Golf classic for YOUTH in CHRIST (Polk County)

Friday the 13th was not unlucky for me as I had been invited to play in the Lakeland golf classic at The Prestigious Club at Bridgewater Course in Lakeland, in support of the Youth for Christ Movement. As you are aware I always try to support causes close to my heart and the Youth for Christ Mission Statement as follows is one I can give me wholehearted support.

" YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like minded partners to raise up life long followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ and commitment to social involvement. " I can only say that if the youngsters I met today are typical of the members then the association are doing everything right and they should be suitably proud.

From the moment, I walked in the clubhouse, I was enveloped with a overwhelming feeling of joy and happiness and camaraderie that only occurs when an event is as well organised as this and the competitors so intent on fully supporting the relevant cause. I joined a team with 3 lovely gentlemen and fellow golfers the two Phils and Kermit and what a splendid day we had, shooting a competitive 71 but more importantly I hope established the beginning of a fond friendship. This is an event I hope to support regularly, and i was suitably proud and delighted with my golf designer lamp which i duly won.
Bridgewater is a typical parkland Florida Course with a links feel very similar to Southern Dunes. The Greens were excellent, my only complaint the lack of yardage markers around the course which certainly affected my short game. It is a relatively new course and facilities reflect this but the hospitality of the staff, compact nature of course, solid design and especially the Greens make this a very good value course. Today it complemented the competition, the people I met and played with. Further enjoyment, I felt truly blessed at the end of the day.

No Gators this time, but still enuff water to cause me trouble.

My team, Phil, Kermit and Phil........... 3 Great Guys

Colourful pants hey, aka John daly.... my outfit typified my joyous mood on this special day.

I wish all concerned the very best in the future, thanks to my team mates, all the very best guys and gals. A pack of my books are on the way and I hope these raise more funds for this worthy cause.

and so on to next week and THE CYDER ( Ryder Cup ) between Europe and the USA at Celebration Golf club sponsored by Shannons Irish Bar, when the Social Golfer represents Europe.........

Ode To The Social Golfer "He who loves to Golf"

whilst in venice, I came across this poem by american poet and artist SUZY TORONTO, even Matron agrees this accurately reflects my approach to golf better than anything she has seen.

Some Golf for exercise
Some for the thrill of competition
Others for Social or business contacts

BUT NOT YOU

You play simply for the love of the game
Doesn't matter where or with whom
Golf is in your blood

You dont even care
who kicks the ball out the rough
or fudges the score card
because its all about being on the course
only in competition with yourself

Perfecting your swing
and sinking the putt
Playing the game it was meant to be

Yes Golf is in your blood

You are " HE WHO LOVES TO GOLF"

I commend this to all my fellow social golfers as our official anthem.


Whilst in Venice, I acquired two superb limited golf prints of HILTON HEAD, obviously to reflect my Tour Nationals visit and Pebble Beach to celebrate my round the world trip. i could have filled my case up such was the quality of the work, I was truly in my element. For evidence of this go to www.gregshermanart.com or http://GregShermanArtLLC.blogspot.com Thanks Greg, I could have cleaned you out if matron had not already butchered the card