Designer Golf Courses

Celtic Manor, Wales, starring Colin Montgomerie an...

2010-09-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

Designer Golf Courses: Celtic Manor, Wales, starring Colin Montgomerie an...: "Celtic Manor has 3 courses and its Twenty Ten Course to be the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2010. Can you see what they've done there? But the..."

Thought I would repost this one, having seen Colin Montgomery on the news today discussing the fact that he has not spoken to the groundsmen at Celtic Manor to ensure the lie of the land favours the European Team....Well why not. The US Captain appeared shortly after looking very bemused even incredulous that the host team captain had not taken up his right to tip the balance of the course in his favour. We will see. I am not sure what could be done and am going off for further research, but I feel sure every advantage should be taken, especially against the US, and especially at the Ryder Cup!!!!!

Re-designing Golf- The 9 Hole Golf Course

2010-07-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

World Golf.com is reporting that there is a new design feature for Golf courses; They assert that Golf courses with fewer holes could be the game's next wave.Is that a 9 hole course then? New Wave? Theres been a few 9 hole courses around for a number of years so its hardly an epiphany is it?

There has been some thought gone into this surprising innovation though- 18 holes can take so much time out of the day that you are less likely to go for a game at all. Surely the answer to this is agreeing to play half the course.

Building a nine hole course might save you a lot of money though. That's half of the design bill, without necessarily losing the amazing skills of the professional golf designer. Ground staff wage bill, water, sand, turf and just 9 flags!!

It is a fact that many golf course around the world are being sold off for residential property developments because they are simply no longer viable as businesses. If you were to sell of half the land for redevelopment, redesign the remainder into a really good 9 hole golf course, and your residential property can now be described as "much sought after"+"adjoining golf course" with the resultant property price hike.

If golfers want to play 18 holes they can go round again, or pop into the "10th" hole for well deserved round of drinks.

The Masters at Augusta Georgia April 9-12 2009

2009-04-06T23:35:00.000-07:00

The Masters course is known as the most beautiful golf course in the world, and its beauty is best seen in April, just as the Masters kicks off. They think of everything; the color of the drink napkins for patrons perfectly matches the grass - so if you drop your napkin it will not show on TV. The green theme continues with the Green Jacket worn by members and masters winners, a nice touch, as conceived by the original owner, Clifford Roberts. Who needs celebrity pro designers?

The winner of the Masters is presented the green sport coat which is the official attire worn by members of Augusta National while on the club grounds; each Masters winner becomes an honorary member of the club and winners keep their jacket for the first year after their first victory, then return it to the club to wear whenever they visit. The tradition began in 1949, when Sam Snead won his first of three Masters titles. Members cannot remove their jackets from the Augusta National grounds and Masters champions can do so only for one year. Then the jacket must be returned to the club, where it is stored in a cedar closet.

The only exception to this rule is Gary Player, who refused to return his jacket after his 1961 victory, using the rule wording to his advantage stating that he has never worn the jacket. He is not on the list of members.

The green Jacket was made by the Brooks uniform company and the design has never been a real fashion triumph, in any era. However last years winner Immelman has been surprised by the response it has received this year - he had a group of Japanese crying at being in its very presence. Theres nothing like creating an object with mystique and awe to join the history of the tournament. The Royal family could do some good PR by getting out their ceremonial gear a bit more often!Or perhaps that would only work in Japan?

Augusta is the most exclusive and revered golf courses in the world and therefore does not need the design skills of pro golfer to promote it. Membership is by invitation only and the only pro golfers in the list of 300 members are Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and John Harris. This fact is mentioned in the history of the club, along with other illustrious members such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Dwight D Eisenhower, though there are plenty you need never have heard of. The credit crunch will not really affect membership; with joining fees and annual fees set realatively low, it is the TV rights to the clubs own tournament which allows such exclusivity; there are no plans to invite female members, though they do allow female caddies. Thats OK then.

The course was designed by one of the owners (Bobby Jones) and the Scottish architect Alistair Mackenzie, along the lines of St Andrews; there were few nasty obstacles and wide fairways originally, but over time, rough, bunkers and trees have been added.It was opened in 1931 and is the home to the Masters, every year. Its always good for business to have your own major championship.

Masters news from the official site;
Gary Player, three times Masters winner announces that this will be his last tournament.
Harrington is the only player at the Masters with a chance of winning a third consecutive major championship

The Blue Monster at Doral Golf Resort by Dick Wilson

2009-03-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

The Doral Golf resort and Spa, (the venue of the Henrik Stensen Strip) won the Golf week Best Resort Courses Award 2009- but its only March? How do they know? You may wonder where the name comes from;as with many house names accross the country such as Davsheila, Lauruss or Sunick, the Dor and Al of this Miami Resort comes from Doris and Alfred Kaskel who, in 1959 converted 2,400 acres of swampland in West Miami into 6 Florida golf courses.

It is good to see that golf course architect Dick Wilson had a hand in the original design of the Blue Monster Course, which has hosted the PGA tour for over 40 years. It is 7266 yards long ad its 18th hole is in the World Top 100.

Alongside the designer pro are old golf pro favourites Greg Norman, Raymond Floyd and with Jim Maclean doing some design, but more importantly running the number 1 Golf School in the US at Doral.If you ant some more name dropping, Arthur Ashe stuck to what he knew best and was the director of tennis at the club in the 70's.

The Doral was a family run business until 1993, and is now part of the Marriot group which has turned the club into a monster resort.I suppose it is this sort of business which enables web packages including a Kids Play for Free offer (after 3pm which is fair enough) and also a free kids lesson when a parent books a lesson (which is excellent)

Henrik Stenson Wears Bjorn Borgs Pants

2009-03-13T05:40:00.000-07:00

Henrik Stenson stripped off down to his startling white Bjorn Borg pants today in order to take a shot in the mud at the 3rd hole during the first round of the World Golf Championships-CA Championship at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Miami. It was suggested on the radio show that alerted me to this disturbing news, that Henrik had been working out and wanted to show off his muscles or Henrik was a bit obsessive compulsive in not wanting to get his clean clothes dirty.

Of course it is far simpler than that- Henrik is Swedish, just like his pants designer Bjorn. I wondered what part of being world tennis number 1 qualified Bjorn for his role as mens underwear designer, but all was soon made clear. The official website says the new range, called Grand Slam, is inspired by Bjorn Borgs early career in that its design is clean and simple.There is a special offer on at the moment-a Bjorn Borg head band will thrown in with the first order.Someone got paid for that idea.

In defence of Heinriks strip he said to Sky News "I felt that I would definitely save a shot by actually playing the ball. If you are saving a shot, that has to be worth taking your shirt and trousers off"

Gokarna Forest Golf Resort Nepal, by David Kidd

2009-02-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

The Golf course was designed by David Kidd of Gleneagles Golf Developments who as a real designer won Golf digests Designer of the year in 1999.

I have never read such poetic description of a golf course before so I am cutting and pasting a section;
Gokarna Golf Course
"The myth, magic and mystery of the once Forbidden Valley
inspired the creation of a masterful challenge within this sanctuary.
The par 72 course meanders for 6,715 yards through most 500 acres
of untouched forest. Eighteen holes of sheer perfection"
"Undulating Bent Grass Greens built to USPGA specifications. Soft cushions of local Bermuda fairways. Lush unyielding forests-hundreds of years old. Winding streams. Wandering hills and valleys opening to a holy river's plain. Cynical monkey's watching your progress. Shy spotted deer peering from the trees. The lofty Himalayas keeping score. Truly enchanting."

If you look at the photo album its not far off, though its difficult to prove the lofty Himalayas are keeping score, and if the monkeys are cynical they have every reason to be with a golf course being plonked right in the middle of their 100's year old forest. It looks very much like the Scottish Highlands which is sort of what Nepal is like, but on a bigger scale, with Everest, its own royal family and palaces but no tartan.

Katmandhu is close by and has always been a fantastic holiday destination. The legacy of the hippy trail and continuing overland trips ending in Nepals capital mean that some part of the city has turned all European- you can get bacon and egg and theres even a pub with bar towels and beer mats. But dont forget the main Durbar Square with the Royal Palaces.Rent a motor bike (or just get a taxi)to Nargakot where you can get the best views of Everest without a sherper and an oxygen mask- then straight back to the golf resort for the full Spa treatment and some Jazz? I can not believe we have missed the JAZZMANDHU festival at the Gokarna Forest Golf Resort in Nepal! How could we? Its only the biggest Jazz Party in the Himalayas.

Play Golf in the Shadow of the Taj Mahal

2009-02-10T05:39:00.000-08:00

My recent early morning games at Fajara Golf Club in the Gambia brought back memories of my very first golf lesson at Agra Golf Course in India in 1989. It is only in such environs that I have been able to afford the luxury of a first class instructor and a couple of ball boys.

I know he was a first class instructor because he had me hitting unbelievable shots which much annoyed my companion, a bloke. I had that first feeling of contorting my hips and a strange grip and the follow through, and felt like I was Tony Jacklin.(I say Tony Jacklin because he was the main Englishman for golf when I was growing up; Kevin Keegan for football; Ray Rearden for snooker etc )
The ball boys were of course necessary because it didnt always work,balls were expensive and the rough was rough, and then some. My top tip if visiting Golf clubs in commonwealth countries is dont forget to take a tie-if you want a slimline tonic in the clubhouse after (if you're a bloke)

As non members we were able to play in the morning, but in that heat when else would you consider a game? The fairways were yellow, and sacred cows were eating the rough, but the design classic I want to really get over in this post is that The Agra Golf Course stands in the shadow of the Taj Mahal.

Looking at its website the club has come up in the world following a lull around 1989,with irrigation bringing the greens up to USPGA standard and lots of other amenities for the family; swimming pool (I'm David Wilkie), snooker (Ray Rearden again) and air conditioned restaurant and bar!I suppose it was 20 years ago. That is why I do not have any digital photos to upload of me, a golf ball and the Taj Mahal. You get the side view of the main dome from some of the greens.Ive included the full frontal Taj fro about the right distance just in case you dont know what you are missing.

Dubai Golf is Green

2009-02-06T05:50:00.000-08:00

I have just picked up this snippet of news about Dubai Golf from the Times online;

The scarcity of water is impacting construction in markets all over the world, from Spain to Cyprus, but a byproduct of the construction boom in Dubai is creating new project options. Undrinkable water can be used to irrigate golf courses, which have been identified as the next big thing in Dubai. A report by the KPMG Golf Advisory Practice found that 42% of professionals in the industry believe that Dubai will offer the best opportunities for golf course development over the next five years.

Did any of you see that coming?

Colin Montgomerie the Golf Course Designer and Ryder Cup Captain

2009-02-03T03:01:00.000-08:00

I do feel a little scared about even a slight mocking tone when talking about Colin Montgomerie. Its a tone I cant help really on this subject and it is the tone which encouraged me to start the blog-I had been ranting about the likes of Lilly Allens dress colection for Top Shop and Kate Moss purfume collection! I thought I could accept Paul Newmans salad cream, and even Lloyd Grossmans pasta sauce; Pauls Ranch dressing royalties were for Charity and I had seen Lloyd cook a bit, or at least taste food before. But Golf Pros somehow having the skills of an architecht or builder while on the golf circuit seemed to me to be taking it too far. For goodness sake let the true designer or designers take the credit, Dont you get enough publicity and cash as it is?

As Colin Montgomerie has been given the captaincy for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010, I thought I'd have a closer look at his Golf Course Design claims and record and try to take the view that the experience of playing golf on course all over the world could provide some insight into what makes a good course (in their opinion)Also, perhaps the designers do not want the credit for their work, and then that perhaps with a pile of clay, paint and accessories the golf pro could 'design' a golf course which could then be interpretted by the architect.

From his website it would seem that colins philosophy is to challenge the golfer of any level. Water features should potentially cost the points, and not just make the course attractive for the TV cameras, rough should be rough and bunkers should be hazardous.'Nature should not be tampered with unnecessarily'Well that fits in with my gripe about Spanich Hacienda Dubai course design.

The design team are introduced on the website which is honest and good. Designs include the Montgomerie at Celtic Manor, Wales and a Montgomerie Links In Vietnam. And just because he is the man to bring back the Ryder Cup I am going to congratualte him on his wonderful designs.

Design Your Own Golf Course in Argentina

2009-01-23T03:29:00.001-08:00

Its all very well sitting here watching Satanta Golf classics, mucking about on the brown greens of Fajara golf club or looking at images of the Portugal or Dubai green, green courses. I have never claimed I could design a golf course, even though I question how much real input designer pros have in their courses, but now may be my chance to prove myself-if only the property just outside Buenos Aires had not included the Polo Club I would have given it a go.But I am just not that keen on horses and we are now officially in recession so perhaps you want to have a look?

Hailstorm Stops Play in the Desert

2009-01-15T07:03:00.000-08:00

The first round of the European Golf Tour, the Abu Dhabi Championship was halted today due to a hail storm. I was listening to BBC Radio 5 Live this morning and the commentator had unpacked his skiing gear(packed for the follow on holiday after this job)to cover the days golf. On the course web site there is a "Weather Today In Abu Dhabi" which one might have sniggered at not so long ago.

The Abu Dhabi course itself is carved out of the desert and it is the most luxurious golf resort in the world. The radio said that a coffee bought during the storm cost £11. It must be just amazing!Then there is the outstretched falcon shaped clubhouse; yes someone has been paid for that idea and design, yet no ones has put their name to it? While I chortled at the falcon shaped clubhouse I do applaud the designers for at least using symbols related to the Gulf as its plans. Its good to see, and if you were to go their you would have something to talk about, and distinguish the visit from any other Gulf Golf Resort. The only distinguishing features there are the names of the golf pro designer courses.A bit like how you know where your room is at the Belfry. Am I in Tony Jacklin or Nick Faldo this time?

I have been browsing to find the weathermans explanation for this strange event, but with no luck. I found that last May Abu Dhabi and some parts of Dubai had unseasonal dark clouds and showers of rain following experiments by scientists in the gulf to create rainfall.Perhaps this was a more succesful test.

WARNING;What I did find in my meteorogical research on the BBC was the latest health risk to golfers; the sonic boom from the new, thin faced titanium drivers can cause permenant damage to hearing.Wear ear plugs or wrap some foam to them before use please.

Golf Premier Event; Fajara Golf Club, Palm Wine Tasting in The Gambia

2009-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Forget the Beaujolais run, or the Ryder cup. A trip to the Gambia's premier Golf Club at Fajara will give you stories to dine out on at any golf club event. Excuse the jumpy footage, but it is short and its worth a view and I reckon this footage will do more to sell Fajara Golf Club to the avid golfer than any pro name attached to the design of the course. The course itself is 'testing' but the caddys and club pros are excellent value. My 3 boys all had private lessons and much fun with their partners.

Its a bit like going to a dry slope before going skiing; if you can start stop and stay on your feet on the dry slope you will be doing slalem on your second day on the real snow. Likewise with golf at Fajara; There will be none of this frustration and smashing of expensive clubs against trees with my boys. Golf is great when you hit a ball well and it all comes together for you, but in between we will chat and laugh with Gambian friends and have a good time. Nothing too serious. We can all be who we want-"I'm Tiger Woods" " I'm not going to be Payne Stewart" etc How many people can say they learned how to play golf at West Africas premier Golf course.

After a pleasant morning on the course and before a drink in the club house (or dip in the pool for the boys) you go to the bottom of the course to where the palm wine collectors are. There you can sample the wine, have a go at climbing the palm to collect your own and have a running commentary as you go. I have edited out our go..its not as easy as it looks.

Sports Personality of the Year Product Placement Shocker

2008-12-15T06:55:00.000-08:00

I knew it had been a good year for Ian Poulter anyway, then he was given a snappy script and a creative producer to do the slick summing up video slot for golf 2008 at the BBCs Sports Personality of the Year Show last night. I was shocked and stunned to see him standing in front of rails and racks of his own clothings line with his name just above his head. Shameless. He also made a show of screeching onto the golf course car park in some sports car, or other. I do hope he hasn't got a deal with the car firm as well. Normally I would say 'I would gladly pay my license fee twice over to keep the BBC independant.' Its just not like the BBC at all.

Sanctuary Falls with Greg Norman; The Arabian Golf Development Property Award Winner

2008-12-02T15:39:00.000-08:00

The results are in, but did you see how you apply for these competitions? Whoever pulls together the file for the golf projects entry requirements for this competition deserves a medal too. There is a fee to enter but the organisers of the Arabian Property Awards believe that 'the award can prove invaluable as a promotional tool for your company. The banner, complete with sponsor's name, can be used in all your sales literature and public relations material.' And they never let on who has entered; only those who have been successful.This all seems a bit cosy but it just proves that the promise of a logo to add to your brochure, a photo of a smiling premiership footballer or the link to the name of an old pro is reassuring to the public and must be worth paying for, or else why do it?

Sanctuary Falls in Dubai's Jumierah Golf estates has won the overall prize, an the pro designer this time is of course,good old Greg Norman. They have got Tiger Woods on board in Dubai as well and having taken over the old order of merit, as the race to Dubai it feels like Dubai is cleaning up.But the Normans are also cleaning up because the resort also hosts the Chris Evert Tennis Centre. It is said that former world no.1 ace tennis star will work closely with designers? To do what exactly? Chose the grade of the cement?

Golfing holidays in Dubai are part of any self respecting premiership footballers year and the luxury resorts built around these courses are part of the property portfolios any well paid sports enthusiat. I was recently at an overseas property show where Michael Owen, Freddie Flintoff and Sam Torrence were all grinning at me from the same Dubai Property for Sale stall. No claims of taking part in the design of these great apartment towers though. Just the bank balance to buy.

Donald Trump Comes to Aberdeen

2008-11-04T01:51:00.000-08:00

Donald Trump has been given the green light to tee orf his development in Aberdeen. Its a wonder that he has taken so much time,energy and no doubt money in the fight to build his new Golf Resort.The development will comprise two golf courses, 500 homes and a 450-bedroom hotel on the sand dunes at Balmedie on a site of special scientific interest. All thoughts of protecting the sea birds and the dunes went out of the window when faced with the wall of cash, and the potential of even more with the boost to tourism and jobs. Alex Salmond said: "The economic and social benefits for the North East of Scotland substantially outweigh any environmental impact. It is entirely right and proper that the resources of the country are harnessed to boost one of our great industries and tourism is a great Scottish industry." while the RSPB spokesperson answers "We are surprised and extremely disappointed at this decision, which we believe is wrong both for Aberdeenshire and for Scotland. The development will cause the destruction of a dune system, with its precious wildlife, on a site which is protected by law and should continue to be available for future generations to enjoy. We, and the thousands of other objectors, consider that this is too high a price to pay for the claimed economic benefits from this development."

I am all for the dunes and the sea birds, I really am. I can't imagine that the development could not be put somewhere else and Donald Trump could develop a course anywhere in the world (somewhere where the wind does not blow next time, having seen the Donald 'hair don'ts' in Scotland publicity shots) I especially dont like the politicians who would be thumping the table in outrage if the decision were being made while they were in opposition.

Thankfully there is the voice of reason in there somewhere, that one man standing alone, prepared to turn down all offers of cash, jobs and any other sort of bribary, to protect his home (the home of generations of his family) and the dunes, from the rich American developer and the politicians who are guided by expediancy rather than principle.Should I make an attempt at the screenplay now? Michael Forbes, the man refusing to move, could certainly do with some support and guidance. They will eventually find a way to move him out of the way, so he should make the most of it.

But I expect its now a done deal and that it will be a fantastic resort to visit, and without having to get on a plane fro 7 hours.As for the golf course itself, it has had so much publicity already, and has Donald Trump as its leader, it hardly needs a golf pro to sell it. With a budget of £1 billion I hope the local council are having something for the community and at least a bit of art/sculpture.

Heaton Park, Manchester, Oasis, Kasabian and Golf

2008-10-24T00:46:00.000-07:00

The tickets for next summers Oasis tour go on sale today. What concert goers may not know is that there is a championship golf course there,designed by 5 times Open champion and founder of The Professional Golfers Association (PGA), J. H. Taylor The course opened in 1912, and has since been the host venue of many professional and amateur tournaments? Faldo Juniors Qualifiers Series? They allow all of us in and fees are very reasonable indeed.It was voted top municipal course of the year by Golf Punk and Esquire Magazine (they are hoping for tickets) Well Done.

But to stick to the purpose of the site, how will the celebrity name tag work for Heaton Park? Well, I dont think the Oasis tag will attract the Ryder cup to the Championship Course. I wonder if there has been an outcry from golfers and local residents about the mob turning up at the Park, the drunken hoards, the noise.Of course we wont go anywhere near the course and nature is very good and covering up marauders, as long as the bottles are picked up.

But lets face it, loads of fans will go back with their kids to look at the legendary site of the best gig they ever went to.I am admitting to returning to Maine Road and Balloch Castle. Its put Heaton Park on the map for my teenagers and their mates. Its all knowledge you know.

Imagine the day. Its Saturday 6th June 2009.Its definitely not raining. You have had a swift round on the beautiful parkland course, had a look at the Pennines, and now you are joining the throng to see Kasabian and Oasis on the same night! They, of course have been let in from the furthest entry point to the Park from the stage. You on the other hand are staying at Heaton Hall, just a short staggering distance away. Tickets on sale in 30 minutes.

The Race to Dubai via Shanghai

2008-10-06T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Race to Dubai begins with the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai in November this year and ending with the $20million (£11.3m) Dubai World Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estates in November 2009.

Shanghai has already hosted Formula 1 this year and now it is the venue for the first tournament of the European Order of Merit, which is now renamed as The Race to Dubai. "The Race to Dubai will bring a new dimension to the European Tour" says George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour...." and the partnership with Leisurecorp is central to our plans for the future." I see.

Golf is increasingly popular in China and there are more and more courses being built each year.Of the 31 I found in Shanghai, it looks like building and quantity rather than a pro golfer design name tag are the key. That does not mean that design is not important though. The course at the Sheshan Golf Club in Shanghai was designed by Nelson & Haworth, who are responsible for the design of 10% of all the golf courses in China. They say " A Nelson & Haworth golf course is an evolution of ideas, communication, skill, and experience." Well, I have had a look at the images of their most famous courses, not really expecting to learn much more about them.. I just like looking at the pictures. But I found myself guessing where in the world the courses were, and I was getting it right! Golf St Raphael actually looked like it was in Canada.Bayhood looked like China. Macquarie Links GC looked like Australia. Go and have a look and let me know.

Mission Hills, Shenzhen and Dongguan, China

2008-09-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

You've seen the Olympic birds nest stadium. You've seen the Great Wall. Well now we have Mission Hills, near Hong Kong. This place has 12 courses, designed by 12 'world renowned golf legends'. they are Niklaus, Norman, Annika, Els, Vijay (1st name terms?)Faldo,Olazabal, Duval,Ozaki, Leadbetter, Pete Dye and Zhang Lianwei (need both names?)

Theres night Golf, Beach bunkers, Jungle, Mountain peaks rock walls and the worlds toughest island green. Nick Faldo's course is to be Asia's premier tournament course. The Ernie Els course looks a bit like South Africa? What is that all about? Surely when you go to China you want to see China? The other day I noticed a Dubai Course was designed with a Mediterranean theme. Surely theres enough culture, style and identity in Dubai and China to keep their courses looking like the country they are in? Are there any south China Sea courses in the Algarve?

I must add that Olazabal has at least made a study of Golf Course design while out of action, confined to a wheelchair in from 1994. I wonder if you can tell the difference when you play it. Let me Know.

The Ryder Cup 2008. It Did Its Job For Poulter

2008-09-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Was Tiger missed? Was Monty missed? Did Faldo mess up his couples or his order? Did the USA biased crowd have an impact? Is it sporting? Do the victors care? Whatever. I thought it was about time the US won as I said in my Valhalla blog. Its just not good for the tournament if the Europeans win all the time.

Whichever side of the Atlantic you were cheering from, or whether you listened on BBC Radio 5 live, or watched it on Sky, the Ryder Cup did as it always does; created a wave of new interest in the game and produced some new heroes. There was so much coverage of the wild card choice of Ian Poulter, before the tournament kicked off, that his excellent contribution to the European effort can only spell one thing; I feel the setting up of the Ian Poulter Designer Golf Course Company and Website.

Poulter already has the golf gear designer website and shop,all in a lovely pinky hazy background colour. Now I give him a lot more credit for that design, and definitely the colouring of this range of designer pro gear than, say, The Lily Allen range at New Look. He's got more flair and personality than most at Valhalla. Some lucky Golf course somewhere will soon be advertising The Poulter

WORLD DOMINATION Golf by Numbers

2008-09-22T04:21:00.000-07:00

Golf is the most lucrative sport of all.

Stats According to The Independent

6.5 Million Dollars = Vijay Singhs, top of US PGA money list, 2008 winnings.

53 Billion Euros = annual value of golf in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

6.2 Billion Dollars = Spent on golf products in US every year.

18,000 = New golf villas and apartments built in Europe in 2006.

76 Billion Dollars = Gross annual value of golf in the USA every year.

769 Million Dollars = Tiger Woods earnings in 10 years to 2007.
He felt he could afford to take a break this year.)

16,000 = 18 hole golf courses in the USA

35,000 = Golf courses in the world

160 = New golf courses in Europe in 2006

The Tiger Woods, Dubai September 2009

2008-09-05T04:05:00.000-07:00

Well if you are going to make use of the pro golfer designer name you have hired you may as well use it to the full. It is billed as 'A private Golf Community, the vision of its namesake' Hmmm. There is a very honest description of the input of the great visionary though; He talked about some of the things he liked most about other courses and the whole design team visited a few, but then they go on to say that Tiger has been very 'hands on'. Now, this could mean anything, but I am pretty sure thats about Tiger giving the nod to designs that are put in front of him. So does it work? If you are looking at golfing holidays are you more likely to book this.If you are buying an off plan villa within a golfing community, are you going to choose The Tiger Woods Dubai over another? Or will it come down to cost, cost of flights, facilities, potential rental income from holiday letting. Does the fact that Tiger Woods Inc. has had a hand in design and has been paid for his name mean quality is quarenteed. Or when you get there, will it be full of name droppers, with status anxiety? Its not going to make your handicap any lower you know.

Having said all that, the hotel, the palaces, the residences and the course would do for me thanks.

Augusta, Georgia, Exclusively by Alastair Mackenzie with Bobby Jones

2008-09-05T01:43:00.000-07:00

Augusta is the most exclusive and revered golf courses in the world and therefore does not need the design skills of Greg Norman to promote it. Membership is by invitation only and the only pro golfers in the list of 300 members are Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and John Harris. This fact is mentioned in the history of the club, along with other illustrious members such as Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Dwight D Eisenhower, though there are plenty you need never have heard of. With joining fees and annual fees set realatively low, it is the TV rights to the clubs own tournament which allows such exclusivity; there are no plans to invite female members, though they do allow female caddies. Thats OK then.

The course was designed by one of the owners (Bobby Jones) and the Scottish architect Alistair Mackenzie, along the lines of St Andrews; there were few nasty obstacles and wide fairways originally, but over time, rough, bunkers and trees have been added.It was opened in 1931 and is the home to the Masters, every year.

The Masters course is known as the most beautiful golf course in the world, and its beauty is best seen in April, just as the Masters kicks off. They think of everything;the color of the drink napkins for patrons perfectly matches the grass - so if you drop your napkin it will not show on TV. The green theme continues with the Green Jacket worn by members and masters winners, a nice touch, as conceived by the other original owner, Clifford Roberts. Who needs celebrity pro designers?

St Andrews Scotland by Nature

2008-09-03T10:43:00.000-07:00

Its Royal and Ancient, and it is the Home of Golf and the Governing Body that makes the rules up.Six members of the Royal family have been captains through the years, the most recent being the present Duke of York, who has had the time to practice.King James IV bought golf clubs at St Andrews in 1506 and written records suggest that golf was being played here long before that.

As a separate entity the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews remains as a private golf club with a world-wide membership of 2,400. But there are other clubs based at the fabulous St Andrews clubhouse, and it is also open to the general public. The club is funded by the cash from the Open Championship and the Amateur Championship, and because of the clubs stature in world golf, a win at St Andrews is the Holy Grail. The Scottish weather and the 112 bunkers make it an exciting venue... anything can happen.

There wasn't much course design going on when on May 14, 1754 , when 22 noblemen and gentlemen of Fife presented a Silver Club to be played for annually over the Links of St Andrews. The biggest contribution to golf course design has to be the 18 hole course. Previously there had been no standard number of holes, and St Andrews had been a 22 hole course, while most other British courses were 9 holes.

Another original feature is that the course can be played in either direction, clockwise or anti-clockwise, and originally the change in direction of play was a weekly occurance to allow recovery of the grass. Sundays are for picnics for the people. Can't see that happening at Augusta.

Valhalla by Jack Niklaus

2008-09-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

Valhalla is the Ryder Cup Course this year and as I read through the news on the US versus Europe battle I was struck by the great and universal abilities of most top players over the years. It is well known that footballers are good at golf and snooker(hand eye co-ordination and all that) but little has been discussed on the Golfers ability to design a golf course. Is this the same sort of designing as Kate Moss and a Top Shop designer line. Of course they will know what they like or dislike about a course in the same way as Kate knows whether she doing Purple or stretch denim. Admittedly its easier to use a digger and some feed than sew a gypsy top from scratch, but how much did Jack really contribute to Valhalla? Well his website boasts Jack Nicklaus design has over 300 golf courses 'open for play' Hard to imagine how he found the time.But he's a golfing legend and thats all we really need to know.

Valhalla is in Louisville, Kentucky, USA and was opened in 1986 fulfilling the dream and vision of Louisville businessman and golf enthusiast Dwight Gahm. Jack Nicklaus was commissioned to build a course fit to attract the PGA Championship to Kentucky. Nice to be able to fulfil such dreams. This was acheived in 1992.

The Ryder Cup, every non golfers favourite tournament, begins on Thursday 18 September, with the opening ceremony, all covered by Sky of course. With Europe having won it on the last 3 occasion(with great sportsmanship and with the dignity of their wives in tact)it would be best for the tournament if the US won it this year.Thats what I shall be telling myself if we lose.

Jumeirah Golf Estates by Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and Peter Dye

2008-09-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Typical of Dubai, this is a Golf Estate, with 4 courses incorporating the elements of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water, designed by three well known golfers and a golf course architecht legend.Greg Norman sorted out the Fire and Earth. Sergio Garcia was the new boy to design and was given Wind? Vijay Singh dealt with the Water.I expect all three were pleased to have the design pro 'helping out'

They always have to do it bigger,bolder and better, but the truth is, it often works in Dubai. Its worked so well they have changed the name of the European Order of Merit to 'The Race to Dubai' and moved the European Tour Headquarters to the Fire and Water entrances as well. Apparently, its not about the money, but perhaps the year round training and performance facilities, will enable our European boys to compete with the US Golfers, who afterall, have had the benefits of Florida, Hawaii and Carolina for years. Its a similar flight time, its just that we are moving continent.