Sunshine competition.
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One of my first experiences of competition golf on holiday came at the Black Bush tournament week in Northern Ireland 12 years ago, when on successive days I competed over four fabulous championship courses.
The Portstewart, Castlerock, Ballycastle and Royal Portrush courses left a lasting impression alongside the ‘craic’ enjoyed every night over Bushmills whisky and a roaring hearth.
It rained every day but the friendships forged and the joys of competing on terrific links layouts on the Causeway Coast, more than made up for the quality of play. No wonder amateur players from all over the world queue for a chance to step into an event that is over-subscribed each June.
Holiday companies and golf travel agents know the value of bringing golfers together under a competitive banner, so we've picked our way through some of the current offers for ones you might find interesting.
UK Schools of Golf is running a pro-am on Spain’s Costa Brava from October 12-18 based around the lively resort of Platja d’Aro.
You’ll stay six nights (B&B) in a four star hotel, play five rounds of golf, have use of a hire car and get a gala dinner for £699, which includes your return flight. The winners get to defend their title free.
For further details and a brochure contact UK school of golf on 0845 062 5577 or email info@ukschoolofogolf.com.
Longshot cameraderie
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Longshot Golf Holidays organises a wide range of
tournaments (aimed at both men and women) which start with a cocktail party and end with a gala
prize-giving dinner. They include at least four rounds of pre-booked golf and usually attract a field of around 40 players, paying around a £140 entrance fee, with prizes up for grabs for the winners.
Most events take place in Portugal, Spain and South Carolina and last for a week, starting on Saturdays. One example is the Penina Festival on the Algarve which starts on April 26. That trip, including a seven-night stay with breakfast at Le Meridien Penina Golf & Resort, will set you back £529 per person plus a competitor's supplement of £120. Their prices are based on twin-share with return flights from Gatwick, car hire, three dinners and use of a trolley.
Forthcoming Longshot tournaments include the San Lorenzo Festival on the Algarve from May 3; the Autumn Classic at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, from October 4; and the Cascais Classic in Lisbon from October 11.
For more details call reservations on 01730 268621 or visit www.longshotgolf.co.uk.
Entries are flooding in for Your Golf Challenge’s latest betterball pairs competition for May 16-23 over four courses in northern Spain.
The Catalan Golf Challenge is, as the name suggests, set in Catalunya and marks the company's first outing to the area. As well as the European Tour tournament venue at PGA Golf de Catalunya, it takes in Emporda, Golf d’Aro and Golf Serres de Pals. Prices start at £499, which includes: return flights, seven nights twin-share accommodation, a minimum of four rounds of competitive golf and car hire.
An added bonus for Catalan Golf challengers is the presence of the Ping demo team, who'll allow competitors to try out - and be custom fitted for - the latest equipment.
For further details call 0845 121 2018 or visit www.yourgolfchallenge.com.
British Airways Holidays Golf frequently offers opportunities to link up with others golfers (call 0870 443 4563 for details). While there’s no official tournament here, one opportunity should not be missed - the 7-night package to the San Roque Club in Sotogrande, Southern Spain (available from April 21- to July 10). This includes five free rounds of golf on the world class course where Severiano Ballesteros has based his Natural Golf School.
British Airways' prices start at £795 per person, including return flights, car hire and bed and buffet breakfast.
County Down.
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Coming up on May 6-9, the Kingdoms of Down Tournament will be staged over 54 holes at the majestic Slieve Donard Hotel in County Down, Northern Ireland as part of the Golfbreaks.com programme of events.
Over 300 golfers are expected to take part in the tournament, which plays over 36 holes of the Ardglass and Rockmount courses. The top 150 will qualify for a final round over the famed Royal County Down championship links. Non-qualifiers have the chance to play the Annesley links.
It’s a full handicap individual stableford event costing from £255 per person (also includes three nights’ B&B, lunch after each round and full use of the hotel’s leisure facilities). Should you wish to drag along an understanding better half, the price for non-golfers is from £165 per person.
Contact sales@golfbreaks.com for further details.
Golfbreaks.com also provide an opportunity to experience golf in South Africa with the annual Better-Ball Golf Challenge based around Durban and the Natal and KwaZulu coasts from June 7-14.
The fully hosted event includes rounds at Wild Coast, San Lameer, Selborne, Zimbali and Durban Country Club as well as nine holes at Margate Country club.
If this sounds like your cup of tea, the price per person - including luxury accommodation at two hotels, shirt, cap and wine gift, ground transportation, airport transfers, and seven evening functions with dinner - is £700, but be aware that this doesn't include return flights from the UK.
Footnote: If you’re considering taking part in a competitive golf week, always remember to ensure your official club or EGU-registered society handicap is up to date.
*If you’re planning a competition break or can recommend one you’ve enjoyed. Tell us about it on the forum.
