Golfplan's Blog

The problem with cheap golf insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:56:00 +0000

No one likes paying more for golf insurance than they need to - but opting for the cheapest cover is rarely the best option. It can result in you paying for a policy that does not cover all the elements you might expect.

Things cost what they do for a reason: if you buy a really cheap electrical appliance, you can’t expect it to last for years. Likewise with insurance, cheap policies may exclude certain benefits that you'd welcome if you had a problem, such as a genuine new for old equipment cover.

Quality, not cost
Cheap golf insurance may appear worthwhile, but in the event of a claim being made what you want is adequate and relatively pain-free redress. Paying a little extra to obtain the right level of cover will provide peace of mind and is a sensible approach to purchasing any insurance policy. Just remember, some insurance policies are cheap for a reason, and it’s best to be mindful of quality as well as cost when it comes to buying cover.

Important message for those comparing golf insurance cover

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:28:00 +0000

Whether taking out your first golf insurance policy or renewing, we should all be aware of the finer details of insurance cover and not be distracted by the lure of "FREE" rounds of golf or Low-Price Guarantees. Many automatically assume that they're covered against theft of their equipment - a sensible assumption to make wouldn't you think? After all, you're paying for specialised golf insurance! Then you'd be horrified to find out that if your prized set of clubs were stolen from the locked boot of your car between the hours of 10pm and 8am you wouldn't be able to claim on your budget golf insurance. We've also heard stories from disgruntled customers of cut-price insurers that when they can claim for replacement equipment it is provided by the insurers budget equipment supplier and is not a true "new for old" nor a "like for like" service as the equipment supplied is not of equal quality.

GolfPlan not only provides transparent, comprehensive golf insurance cover, valid in any country worldwide, but also places its golf equipment claims through PGA golf professionals based at over 2000 UK golf venues, providing the best possible claim settlement procedure for its clients. Now in its 28th year of trading, GolfPlan has always settled claims in this manner and was awarded PGA Recommendation in recognition of this in 1996, a coveted award still enjoyed today.

Golfers should be aware that this is not the norm and in fact, the majority of other golf insurers prefer to replace equipment claims through large discount golf outlets thereby removing the opportunity for golfers to try out equipment or to get them custom fitted during the claim process.

Every golfer should ensure that a minimum of £5 million third party public liability cover (including property damage) is in place prior to playing or practising golf and before using their own buggy on a golf course. They should also ensure their equipment will be replaced with brand new in the event of a claim. Not to mention club membership fee reimbursement in the event of accident or illness preventing play.

Unfortunately, too many people decide on a golf insurance policy based on price alone, forgetting that if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. This is certainly true of cheap golf insurance policies, which have to provide less than adequate cover to justify the premium. Inevitably, this restricted cover could prove to be very expensive in the event of a claim!

GolfPlan makes no excuses for providing fully transparent, comprehensive cover for just that little extra premium. For instance, a GolfPlan client whose equipment is stolen from anybody’s car boot at any time of day or night will receive brand new replacement equipment via a PGA golf professional shop within five days. There are no restrictions as to where the car is parked, how old the equipment is, or whether the equipment was brand new or second hand when first purchased! By the very nature of the premium, cheap golf insurance providers are unable to provide this level of cover, not to mention the expert customer service experienced by GolfPlan customers. For example, at least one cheap policy excludes cover during the night and theft from a car if parked outside the home or place of work.

Another, simple, way to choose which golf insurance policy is best to recommend, is to visit the golf insurance comparison website www.comparegolfinsurance.com which is quick and easy to use. The website not only helps golfers make the right decision, without worrying about policy 'small print', but also explains:

The benefits of golf insurance
Explains individual benefits and advises which questions to ask a golf insurance provider before deciding on a policy
Demonstrates how some golf insurance providers are able to offer cheap policies by restricting cover
Arms golfers with the knowledge to ensure they get the cover they need from the right provider

One last piece of useful information to help you in your decision. Golfers require a specialist golf insurance policy to ensure full protection on and off the golf course. No household insurance policy can possibly deliver the same level protection; by their nature, they are not designed to cover the specific risks of playing golf.

Golf Insurance: The Forgotten Benefit

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:28:00 +0000

Who would have thought playing golf could be so serious?

All we want to do is enjoy a challenging 18-holes away from the pressures of everyday life; intersperse this with some lively chat amongst friends and the day will be perfect. The problem is many of us overlook the fact that the moment we remove a club from our bag, we legally become liable for the consequences of our actions whilst using it and in the event of an accident we are 100% responsible.

We have all been there; a tee-shot down the fairway goes deep left into the rough, annoyed and concentrating on what we did wrong, we take a second practice backswing. Now imagine the consequences of a team member stepping forward to the tee, his face in your club’s swing plane. You may think this a little severe but a few years ago, a golfer did exactly that, hitting his playing partner full in the mouth. What followed was a legal challenge for damages to cover dental and facial restructure work to the sum of £15,000. Devastated by guilt at what he had done the golfer approached his insurer, Golfplan Insurance, and was enormously relieved when Golfplan accepted the claim.

Other dangers include accidental damage to someone else’s property, whether a house on the fringe of a course or a car in the club car park.

Today, we live in a society where no-win no-fee solicitors positively encourage us to make insurance claims, where once we would have never even considered it. Golf accidents are no exception. Over 12,000 hospitalised golf accidents happen every year, so it is no longer a case of should we be insured? It is definitely a case of get insured and make sure you choose the best policy possible.

The adage, “if it seems too cheap to be true, it usually is,” is very relevant to the choice of golf insurance policies available in the UK. The cost of fully comprehensive golf insurance is worth every penny. Cheap policies are only cheap because their cover is highly limited. For example, some policies only accept claims for equipment stolen from cars between 8.00am and 10.00pm and do not cover theft from cars parked outside the home or place of work regardless of the time. Furthermore, if equipment is over 2 or 3 years old they settle the claim on a depreciated intrinsic (ie second hand) value only; this also applies to equipment that is less than 2 or 3 years old and was not purchased brand new. Some even reject personal liability claims if you hit and injure a family member!

Golf insurance is essential, but choosing the right policy is more important. Choose wisely. The best advice is to take a little time to research golf insurance. To help you decide on the best direction visit www.comparegolfinsurance.com or get a free quote for a fully comprehensive golf policy from Golfplan, the first UK golf insurance provider and market leader in its field.

How to safely plan a corporate golf day

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:52:00 +0000

It may seem ridiculously simple. It is, after all, just a game between like-minded individuals. But the fact is you will be inviting your clients, colleagues and suppliers. If one of these invited guests is injured at your event, they may pursue your business, or another of your guests for compensation – or both. If you do not have the policies and paperwork in place to show that you have done all that is reasonably practicable in protecting your guests at your event, the claim for compensation could be very high. A recent court case paid out a total of almost £400,000 as a result of an injury sustained on the golf course. According to GolfPlan Insurance, 12,000 injuries a year are recorded. 3,530 of which are head injuries.

Here are 18 tips to keep your event on par.

1.If you use an agency to organise your golf day, have them assessed for their health & safety and insurance policies.

2.Ensure that whoever organises your corporate golf day includes `risk management’ as a topic in their planning documentation.

3.Review the golf club’s own safety policies. These should include course safety, adverse weather announcements, any public right of way issues, warning bells, any road crossing issues, green staff priorities, chemical on course notices, buggy use and safety policy.

4.Review the golf club’s insurance policies. Who is going to be responsible if a car belonging to one of your guests gets damaged by an unknown player’s golf ball?

5.Assess the insurance responsibility for personal effects left in the locker/changing rooms.

6.Assess if personal liability and personal accident insurance is included within the golf day package. If yes, review the level of cover and exemptions to ensure it is appropriate for your guests. If it’s not, speak to your insurers to ensure you and your guests are appropriately insured.

7.Communicate safety policies to all participants, ideally in advance.

8.Communicate insurance policies (and exemptions) to all participants, in advance of the event.

9.Ensure you check and record handicap certificates. This may be a pre-requisite for your insurance policy.

10.Undertake a risk assessment on the day of your event to determine whether any other risks exist and keep a record of your findings.

11.If you are providing buggies, ensure the driver meets the licence requirements. Many buggy policies ask for a full UK driving licence.

12.If you are serving alcohol, ask buggy users to either abstain or drink no more than the buggy safety / insurance policy allows. Normally, it is no alcohol allowed.

13.Be aware of who is the on-site first aider, and keep their contact details at hand. Make sure you keep records if your day is covered by two different people’s shifts.

14.Take a few minutes to announce key safety messages to all guests prior to the matches commencing.

15.Reiterate the absolute need to shout a warning if a ball is going off line. `Fore’ is the norm. And for those hearing the shout, to crouch or hide and not to look to see where the shout is coming from. http://golfplansblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/golfer-wins-almost-400000-in-damages.html

16.Clarify in simple terms the rules of golf, to encourage quick and safe play.

17.Keep the list of guests and their personal data safe and secure at all times.

18.Include `risk management’ as a topic in your event evaluation document.

Hopefully, every golf day you organise will be a fantastic success and your guests will be talking about the long shot into the 3rd green that set them up for a birdie. If they end up having to talk about someone being evacuated by air ambulance, you want them to do so with the knowledge that you put in place every precaution and policy to protect them, your colleagues and your business.

Golf Insurance: It’s Worth Spending a Little More to Safeguard your Equipment.

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:52:00 +0000

Playing golf is often thought to be one of the safest sports in the world. After all, what harm can come to you in the middle of a beautifully landscaped golf course? Some might even think that by playing golf they are removing the risk of becoming yet another victim of crime.

However, not many golfers have cottoned on to the fact that in these austere times, expensive golf equipment is an easy steal, whether from your car boot whilst parked at home or place of work or from the club car park.

One thing is for sure, we've seen claims for stolen golf equipment escalate over the past 24 months.

Ron Channon, Managing Director explained: “The temptation to steal expensive golf equipment is just too enticing for some individuals who are facing difficult financial times. The clubhouse, golf professional shop and a golfer's car are all targets. The most common golf equipment claims range from theft from vehicle break-ins, forced lockers in the clubhouse and buggy theft.”

Golfers can avoid the bitter consequence of theft by arranging specialist golf insurance cover. However, make sure you spend wisely; buying the cheapest policy could be your worst purchase, as many such policies need to limit their range of cover to make cheap premiums work. For example: No theft of equipment cover for: equipment left in car boots overnight, left unattended, or in boots of cars parked outside the home or work place at any time of day or night.

Bear in mind that a full set of clubs, bag, and trolley can be worth up to £2,500, but it can be much higher if you add a buggy to the policy. The best policies require you to list your equipment, and as long as you are honest about the equipment’s true value, it is the safest way to ensure you do not under-insure your precious equipment.

Most policies provide New for Old equipment cover, but make sure this is on a New for Old for ever basis. This means that no matter how old your equipment at the time it is stolen you will receive brand new equipment in settlement of a claim. Other benefits should include Personal Liability cover to at least £5 million and reimbursement of club membership fees if any illness or accident stops play. A good policy will also provide extensive personal accident, accidental damage to property and hole-in-one cover to pay for the bar bill.

For clarification of what a reputable golf insurance policy has to offer visit www.comparegolfinsurance.com

Golfer Wins Almost £400,000 in Damages After Being Hit by a Golf Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Novice golfer Mr Phee, who lost an eye after he was hit by an errant ball and now has a prosthetic eye, sued both Mr Gordon, the player who struck the golf ball, and the Niddry Castle golf club at Winchburgh, West Lothian, for not displaying warning signs on the course. Mr Phee has won almost £400,000 in damages.

On 10 August 2007 Mr Phee, and his three companions were walking from the 6th green to the 7th tee. They were following a path along the edge of the 18th fairway approximately 15 metres from the 7^th tee. There were no warning signs alerting users of the path to any potential danger or hazard caused by golfers driving from the 18th tee.

At the 18^th, Mr Gordon, who noticed the group of golfers on the path, hit his tee shot which veered sharply to the left, travelling in the direction of the group of golfers on the path.

Mr Gordon gave evidence that he immediately shouted "fore". He also stated that his playing companion also shouted "fore" and may also have added a shout of "get down".

Mr Phee heard only one shout of "fore". He did not know where the shout of "fore" had come from. His immediate reaction was to duck or crouch down and place his hand over his head whilst at the same time trying to look upwards. Whilst in this position he was hit in the eye by the golf ball which had been struck by Mr Gordon

The "Rules of Golf" as circulated by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews were referred to in this case. The following quote was highlighted: "Players should ensure that no one is standing close by or in a position to be hit by the club, the ball or any stones, pebbles, twigs or the like when they make a stroke or practice swing. Players should not play until the players in front are out of range".

The judge, Lord Brailsford, ruled in favour of Mr Phee as it was not considered relevant whether there were one or three warning shouts, or that Mr Phee an inexperienced golfer ducked, due to the very short time lapse between the shout of “fore” and the golf ball striking Mr Phee.

Damages were agreed at £397,000, where Lord Brailsford ruled Mr Gordon was 70% responsible for the accident which occurred, due to the fact that as an experienced golfer he failed to asses the risk and exercise reasonable care in the execution of his drive. The remaining 30% of liability rests with the Golf Club for their failure to place warning signs at appropriate places on this golf course.

After the hearing, Mr Phee said: "I am delighted at the judgment and relieved that the court case is over. “

"No-one expects to lose an eye when they go to play golf and adjusting to partially losing my sight has been a harrowing experience. I now just want to move on with my life.”

Following the Judges ruling, Mr Gordon will be personally responsible to pay the 70% of the damages awarded if he has no form of golf insurance, almost £270,000! Niddry Golf Club is responsible for paying the remaining balance of £127,000.

Could This be This Years Must-Have Golfing Present?

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:47:00 +0000

Golf's must-have product, Foresight Sports' GC2 ball-flight monitor, was part of the success of a golf challenge on Channel 5's The Gadget Show on the 28th November, being hailed as "one of the most accurate golf simulators in the world".

Pointing out how the simulator could display immediate progress, presenter Woodward explained: "The real ball is instantly transformed into the virtual ball with pinpoint accuracy."

Many top coaches and teaching professionals have hailed the GC2's quality and flexibility, including PGA master professional Luther Blacklock, the head pro at Woburn GC, inventor of the world-famous Explanar training aid, and a Golf International teaching panellist.

He said: "As soon as I saw the unit's immediacy and ease of use I was sold. I bought one on the spot and it's already paid for itself in terms of benefits for my pupils. It's more accurate than other products on the market; it's truly portable - so tuition is not affected by adverse weather conditions; it takes a fraction of the time other products take to set up and it's around a fifth of the cost of some of its rivals.

"It's made a massive difference to the pupil analysis I can offer as a golf coach as the information is more accurate and easily demonstrable."

The unit weighs just 1.7kg and takes just 40 seconds to set up, which make this portable device an essential for a club pro, who can use the unit for coaching and club-fitting. The GC2 directly measures ball flight and spin at club impact and launch, and calculates carry and total distance in a second. The fact that the GC2 is around 80 per cent cheaper than existing competitors with comparable data is another big benefit.

The system has also been adopted by many of the world's leading club manufacturers including PING, Cobra, TaylorMade, Srixon and Titleist. Connected to a PC, real-time ball flight and statistics are available immediately and the data can be recorded to a spreadsheet and emailed to a customer in an instant. There is even the ability to instantly deliver data, via Bluetooth, to an Android-based mobile or hand-held device.

The flexibility and test proven accuracy of the GC2 also allows it to be upgraded to provide a simulator experience, whether with a simple net and PC or as a full-size, bespoke studio experience.

Thomson Perrett Have an Olympic Win

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:20:00 +0000

The Rio 2016 Olympic Games organisers have chosen Thomas Perrett Golf Course Architects to become the designer of the Rio de Janeiro golf course, which will host the Olympic golf event.

In October 2011, the Rio 2016 Olympic Committee launched a worldwide competition to find the architectural design of the golf course to host the 2016 Olympic Golf Event.

Requirements for the winner - applicants has to show prior course design experience, and have an office established in Rio. The golf course should serve youth sports and education and events after the games.

The applicants were whittled down to eight, with the winner Thomson Perrett being paid $300,000 for the design.

Thomson Perrett's team for the Olympic course is led by Managing Director Ross Perrett and his partner Peter Thomson a five time British Open winner, whose names are linked with created world class golf courses.

The course will be built in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, which will host most of the Olympic venues.

At the R&A Open Championship Press Conference Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of the R&A and also President of the International Golf Federation (IGF), was able to update the media about the state of the arrangements for golf to return to The Olympic Games at Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

"The format of the event remains as per the Olympic bid for golf, which was 60 men in one competition, 60 women in another, 72 hole stroke play event. And whilst we do have perhaps an opportunity to revisit that, there really isn't an opportunity to do so until after the London games."

When the world's top players were asked about the format for Olympic Golf they thought the format used for major championships should be the same format used in the Olympic Games, there is still a possibility of a team competition being added to the event.

Golfer sues for £750,000 after losing eye

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:29:00 +0000

44 year old Anthony Phee, from Manchester, is seeking £750,000 in damages, against Niddry Castle golf club and golfer James Gordon who took a tee shot that caused Mr Phee to lose his eye. The level of damages in the case has been agreed but liability still remains an issue.

Mr Gordon, who has a handicap of 18, told the court that he hit his shot from the eighteenth tee but it swerved towards a group of four people on the path which included Mr Phee.

Mr Gordon said after hitting the shot he immediately shouted the traditional golfers warning "fore" as the ball headed towards the group. He said: 'I shouted fore at the top of my voice.' His playing partner also called out. He added 'On the shout of fore three people went down.' But the fourth member of the group did not shield himself and instead was 'looking towards the sky.'

Mr Phee, said that he had only played a few games of golf in the past but he knew that hearing the shout of "fore" there was a stray ball and that he should take evasive action. He added that he ducked and put his hand up to protect his face, after hearing the warning but was still struck by the offending ball and felt his eye explode.

Both Mr Gordon and the golf club, claim that is Mr Phee had ducked as he stated then its highly unlikely that he would have been hit.

Mr Phee states: "It is common knowledge among golfers that it is the responsibility of the striker of the ball to satisfy himself that his shot cannot harm anyone.'

The court case continues.

Golfplan Insurance Goes Wild

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:03:00 +0000

Golfplan took part in the charity auction of Bristol Zoo's Wow! Gorillas sculptures and has successfully acquired 'Noah'.

Noah was one of 61 life-sized gorillas statues auctioned at the Victoria Rooms in Clifton after being part of a public art trail in Bristol throughout the summer.

Each Wow! Gorilla sculpture was painted by a local artist as part of Bristol Zoo's 175th birthday celebrations.

The sculptures were auctioned off to help raise funds for two charities - Bristol Zoo's conservation projects for critically endangered gorillas, as well as Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal for the cardiology unit at Bristol Children's Hospital.

More than 500 people attended the charity auction to place their bids and altogether helped raise over £427,000.

The 101 small gorillas which have also appeared around Bristol this summer will be returned to the schools and nurseries which sponsored and decorated them.

Alan Tate Breaks Leg at Golf Course

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:23:00 +0000

Many accidents that happen on the golf course can leave you unable to play for any amount of time, for Swansea defender Alan Tate who has broken his leg in what his club have described as a "bizarre golfing accident" it is going to affect his career for at least the next six months.

The club vice-captain is in his 10th season with the Swans and has played more than 300 games for the club.

Tate was a passenger in a golf buggy at Gower Golf Club, South Wales on Sunday 28th August when the buggy lost control.

The 28-year-old former Manchester United trainee who is described as a ''very good golfer'' was taken to Morriston Hospital where he was diagnosed with a fractured tibia of his left leg. It’s a bitter blow for the defender who has played in all four divisions for Swansea for over a decade.

"We're really gutted for him and he's obviously very disappointed," said Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers.

''He's a very upbeat character so for him to be injured will be difficult because I've never known him miss one day's training. To be out for up to six months with what's happened will be absolutely devastating.''

Midfielder Leon Britton reflects on the blow “if the accident happened on the training ground or in a game then it would be a lot easier to accept because its part and parcel of the game. But this was a freak accident and is hard to take.”

For golf club members, being injured or ill could result in being unable to play for a number of months also but can still be liable for membership fees which can run into thousands and many golf clubs do not refund these fees.

Golfplan can reimburse its policy holders up to £2000 of club membership fees following an accident or sickness rendering you unable to play golf. Golf club membership fee cover is provided up to the age of 70.

What to do now:

Our policyholders gain from a unique package of essential insurance benefits that no other golf insurer provides, go online to compare: www.golfplan.co.uk/policy_comparison.asp

Find the right Golfplan Policy for you: www.golfplan.co.uk/premiums_and_policy_options.asp

View Golfplan's essential benefits: www.golfplan.co.uk/policy_benefits.asp

Call 0800 591 834 ext 1 for a free quote.

Tag Heuer ends $10m sponsorship deal with Tiger Woods

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:39:00 +0000

Luxury Swiss watch maker Tag Heuer ended a $10m sponsorship with the former World No.1golfer, according to Golf World, when his contract expired.

The contract is believed to be worth more than $10m and is another financial blow to Woods as the Swiss firm is the sixth major sponsor to drop him following scandals about his personal life. Woods has already lost Gillette, Gatorade, Accenture, AT&T and Golf Digest as sponsors.

The series of allegations in his personal life was reported to have cost Woods more than $25m in sponsorship deals.

Other major sponsors, including Nike and EA Sports, have stood by the sportsman, however golf websites reported that Woods has had his sponsorship pay cut by Nike failing to win any major tournament in the last two years.

Woods is still estimated to be worth about $500 million but since his personal life became public almost two years ago he has not won a single tournament.

Woods attempt at a comeback this week following a three-month injury lay-off due to a knee and Achilles knocks at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio did not go well, with Woods finishing in tied 37th.

Pain and misery at the 2011 US PGA Championships

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:33:00 +0000

Rory McIlroy returned to Atlanta Athletic Club golf course this morning, teeing off for his second round at the US PGA Championship despite straining a tendon in his wrist yesterday.

There were concerns as to whether it was wise for the 22-year-old to play, but one thing you can definitely say about McIlroy is that he’s determined.

Yesterday Rory McIlroy attempted to play a shot on the third hole where his seven-iron collided with a tree root.

The pre-tournament favourites ill shot was revealed when his ball rebounded off the tree, he dropped the club immediately and grabbed his wrist and played the rest of his round in considerable pain.

On the fourth he was given an ice pack and advice “Don't do anything stupid for the sake of playing," Darren Clarke the Open champion told his young playing partner.

Already there have been comparisons made to the 2008 US Open when after almost every shot Woods was in agony. Woods famously proceeded to win “on one leg.” This comparison became slightly more realistic when McIlroy who was clearly in pain produced another great bunker to birdie the par-five fifth and then holed a long putt on the sixth.

The Northern Irishman played three more holes – and to his credit, birdied two of them – before a strapping was applied to the wrist by his own Physiotherapist Cronel Driessen on the 9th.

At the 12th hole it looked as if Driessen might have pushed the rules, as he was seen talking with Rory and shaking his head as he considered a chip shot. Did this constitute advice and thereby a two-shot penalty? Rules Official Kerry Haigh reviewed the incident and gave McIlroy the all-clear.

Yesterday the most painful thing to watch was Tiger Woods. The day started well but by mid-round he was struggling to say the least. By the end it was a question of whether he would make the cut.

Woods made his worst-ever opening round in a major since 1996 and, unless he can improve significantly on his seven-over-par 77, needing a round of 68 or better to make the cut, he will be out of the US PGA tonight and out of the FedEx Cup play-offs as well.

"Got off to a great start today, was 3 under early, was having mechanical thoughts through those holes … and I thought, 'I can let it go' and play by instinct and feel," Woods said yesterday. "And it just screwed up my whole round. I'm not at that point where I can do that yet."

Woods faces another blow to his confidence and a month on the sidelines

The Open Champion Prize Fund Increases for the Second Year in a Row

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:28:00 +0000

The R&A has announced the prize fund will increase to £5 million, with the 2011 Open Champion receiving a cheque for £900,000.

The Open Championship, played since 1860, golf’s oldest Major, takes place on Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th July 2011 returning to Royal St. Georges for the 14th time.

The Open is the Major everyone wants to win, with qualifying events on every continent. The Claret Jug, or, The Golf Champion Trophy, is presented to each year’s winner of The Open Championship, which is followed by millions of fans worldwide.

The prize fund has been increased by over 5%, from last year’s £850,000. The total prize fund remained at £4.2 million for 2007, 2008 and 2009, before being increased to £4.8 million for the 150th Anniversary Open, last year.

Organised by The R&A, The Open delivers an annual economic benefit of £100 million to its host region.

"Each year the R&A strives to ensure the Open provides the very best in all areas of the event," chief executive Peter Dawson said in a news release. "From spectator and media facilities to player experience and performance reward, every aspect of the Open is under regular review to ensure it remains at the forefront of championship golf."

2011 OPEN PRIZE MONEY

1st - £900,000
2nd - £520,000
3rd - £335,000
4th - £260,000
5th - £210,000
6th - £180,000
7th - £155,000
8th - £130,000
9th - £115,000
10th - £104,000

Rory Glory US Open Annihilation

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 10:24:00 +0000

The World witnessed the 22 year old Irishman Rory McIlroy become the youngest US Open champion since Bobby Jones in 1923, winning with a record breaking score of 268, 16 under par.

McIlroy managed to take the lead over a collection of the world's best; YE Yang, Lee Westwood, Sergio García, and Jason Day.

Eight shots ahead overnight, he immediately extended that with a birdie at the 1st. At the 10th – a par-three requiring the players to hit their tee shots over a vast expanse of water to the green – he hit a six-iron to three inches. He did not miss the putt. It was obvious we were watching something very special.

The Northern Irishman dropped a shot at the 12th hole but by then he was able to relax – smiling and waving to the crowds, finally achieving what everyone knew he was capable of.

Won by a margin of eight shots, Rory McIlroy, followed the disappointment of his Augusta Masters collapse two months ago with a show that will go down in history alongside that of Tiger Woods at Pebble Beach in 2000.

When the final putt dropped he fell into the arms of his father, Gerry.

"Rory is going to have a great career , there is no question about that. He has got all the components,'' said Jack Nicklaus, the 18-time major champion.

Nicklaus is not alone, McIlroy’s appeal is global; the American crowds chanted his name in Washington over the last holes.

McIlroy has also risen to fourth in the world rankings with Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer sat above.

When the world's best assemble for the next major, the Open at Royal St Georges, Sandwich in mid-July, it will be McIlroy who will be the main attraction.

Sports Academy in Maldon adds Club maker of the Year, Lee Porter to its curriculum

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:44:00 +0000

The Sports Academy in Maldon, Essex where 16 year olds to pros are trained, has appointed GCA Club maker of the Year Lee Porter, to speak with its students as a regular part of the teaching curriculum.

Academy-owner Barry Lakin believes there aren’t any similar further education establishments that recognizes the importance of club making, and that has identified the means to deal with it effectively.

Lee Porter is well-known for making some of the best custom fit irons in the world but is also aware of the need of different players’ abilities and budgets.

“I do have clients who gleefully pay as much as £1,200 for a set of custom-made irons,” says Porter. “But that’s where their game is at that time. They’re comfortable with premium Japanese forged steel heads and the best shaft technology money can buy. The majority of my customers, though, are people who need club-adjustment or maybe just a new custom-built driver.

“With young players their mental focus is so acute and their physiology so adaptable, that it often takes only good club maintenance, keeping an eye on club loft & lie, or just noting how improved swing characteristics can benefit from a Tour flex shaft to optimize their game.”

If you are a parent who is worried about damage or theft of your child’s equipment, Golfplan Insurance provide New for Old cover for custom made clubs. Golfplan Insurance also provide a Junior Policy for anyone up to the age of 17 years with £500 of golfing equipment for only £35 per year – new for old cover plus up to £5 million public liability, you can find out more about these and other policy benefits here.

SkyCaddie teams up with Golfplan Insurance

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:40:00 +0000

SkyCaddie and Golfplan Insurance have teamed up to bring you the best of both worlds, to protect you and your SkyCaddie unit anywhere worldwide.

The latest addition to the GPS Rangefinder group - SkyCaddie SGX provides both convenience and reliability. It can store up to 30,000 pre-loaded, ground-verified course maps making it ready-to-play out of the box with Basic Green information. The SGX boasts a durable, sleek design with a large 3-inch, easy-to-read, transflective TFT-LCD screen that provides brilliant colour images.

SkyCaddie : ‘The SGX uses an innovative dual navigation option to provide golfer friendly, one-handed operation and enhanced precision positioning without blocking critical screen information with fingers and smudges. With its new, intuitive user interface, the SkyCaddie SGX offers everything found in competitive rangefinders plus higher quality, better reliability and several proprietary stroke-saving essentials that have kept SkyCaddie the number 1 Rangefinder in Golf for the entire decade.’

Golfplan’s annual new for old policies are simple to arrange, you can combine all your equipment, including your buggy and GPS unit, in just one policy, and premium concessions are available for multi-golfers at the same address, juniors under 17 and seniors 70+. Most importantly, Golfplan, which is recommended by the Professional Golfers’ Association, settles valid golf equipment claims, regardless of age, on a new for old basis, and provides up to £5m public liability, 24 hour theft from car cover plus many other important benefits. For immediate cover call 0800 591 834 ext 1 or click here.

Seve Ballesteros, the loss of a golfing legend

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 10 May 2011 15:44:00 +0000

Seve Ballesteros, passed away on May 7th at the age of 54 surrounded by family at home, after losing his battle against cancer.

Ballesteros's brain tumours were diagnosed after he collapsed at Madrid airport in October 2008. Since his first surgery, he has undergone continual chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Ballesteros legendary career has provided a total of 87 title wins, including: The first European to win the Masters title in 1980, an achievement he repeated in 1983, the Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988. He also captained a successful European team, 14 years ago.

Ballesteros was not well enough to make a planned final trip to St Andrews to say goodbye to British fans at last year's Open. Ballesteros was however celebrated at the Masters last month, with Phil Mickelson dedicating a Spanish-themed champions' dinner to him, the man he credits with his own decision to start playing golf.

Following Ballesteros' death Rory McIlroy told his online followers: "Seve is and always will be what is great about the game of golf."

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell paid the following tribute: "It is news that saddens us all. A human being has left our side, one of the greatest figures in the history of world sport."

The golfer will be remembered with a minute's silence before Barcelona's meeting with Espanyol, while Racing Santander players will wear black armbands in a mark of respect.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday in Pedrena.

Sean O’Hair and Sean Foley Part Ways

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Thu, 05 May 2011 16:22:00 +0000

Sean O'Hair who has been working with Sean Foley since the 2008 RBC Canadian Open has decided to cut his ties with Foley due to his poor performance this year. With O'Hair parting ways with caddie Paul Tesori at the end of last year, and recently split up with caddie Brennan Little, it seems that the trend has so far continued with Foleys departure.

It’s been two years since 28 year old O’Hair made his impressive win at Quail Hollow Championship. He has been struggling so far in 2011 and is not on top of his game; missing out on the cut of the past five consecutive tournaments, not finishing in the top 20 all year, and he will also not be taking part in this week's Wells Fargo Championship. This is a far cry from 2010 when O’Hair made 19 out of 25 cuts and tied for 7th at the Open Championship. He finished the year ranked 43rd in the world, but O’Hairs declining game has now meant he is ranked 80th in the world and 158th on the money list.

"It's unfortunate," Foley said. "I'd say Sean in 2009 was arguably one of the best players in the world, Last year was also quite a big year for him."

Foley said "He told me he's going to go in a different direction. I hope he finds somebody who can help him. He told me he's been seeing some things he didn't like in his swing. As far as I'm concerned, I want the best for him."

Foley will continue to work with Tiger Woods, as well as a number of other big name clients, including Justin Rose, Stephen Ames, and Hunter Mahan.

It was O'Hair that first gave Tiger Woods Foley's number. Woods is currently unable to play due to injury at the masters, and will also not be taking part in the Wells Fargo Championship. Foley says they haven't been working together recently which may have added fuel to the fire as although Tiger Woods is not at this Championship, it has not stopped his name and swing from coming up in conversation.

In part of a larger discussion about swing coaches at the Wells Fargo Championship, Bubba Watson - a regular practice round partner of Woods who has never employed a swing coach, and won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans' said "I'll just go ahead and say it. I think Tiger is going the wrong way”…"I just think he's so mental right now with his swing.”

Will we now see Woods take notice of the above comment and O’Hairs actions and follow suit to improve what is perceived as a bad swing?

Great Golf Deals in Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:09:00 +0000

From the equipment to the membership at a golf club and the golfing holidays you may take, golf can be a very expensive hobby.

Now the weathers warming up and we’re all thinking about holidays but may want to be a little kinder to our wallets with the economic situation still slow, why not look at Thailand for an exotic getaway that not only has beautiful places to see and visit but according to a recent survey conducted by Asian golf vacation specialists Golfasian, has some of the most competitive golf rates for visitors across Asia and the Middle East.

The average round of golf was 29% lower in Thailand than a similar number of clubs surveyed across six different countries. The survey compared the midweek high season visitor rates.

Mark Siegel founder of Golfasian and President of Golf in A Kingdom said, “We knew from the feedback we were getting from our regular customers, that golf here was very reasonable. However we were very surprised that our survey showed that there really was such a large difference between Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai or Bali.

“For example, a round of golf at Black Mountain Golf Club in Thailand’s Hua Hin, who recently hosted both the Asian Tour Masters and the prestigious Royal Trophy, was only US$130.00. This compares with another Asian Tour venue, Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, where they charge US$238.00 a round, but without a caddie.”

Siegel explained, “For our survey to be fair, we compared rates with similar top championship courses in Thailand and abroad. Many of the courses selected have held international golf championships, and all offer a first class golfing experience.

“Apart from the cost of actually playing 18 holes on some great courses, another plus factor for golfers holidaying in Thailand, is that the cost of lodging, transportation and food and beverages is also lower.”

If you are considering flying off to play golf in Thailand or another destination don’t forget to pack golf insurance in your bag. Golfplan Insurance policies provide 120 days Worldwide Cover and also include cover for:

•    Equipment,
•    Public Liability,
•    Personal Accident,
•    Club Fees,
•    Accidental Property Damage,
•    Personal Effects.

New Golf Academy at Moscow’s Olympic Stadium

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 14:03:00 +0000

Thomson Perret and Lobb, the golf course design practice founded by five-times Open Champion Peter Thomson and partners Ross Perrett and Tim Lobb, has announced work will begin on the new golf academy at Moscow’s Luzhniki Olympic Complex in spring.

The golf academy will feature an original 9-hole par-3 golf course design, with six of the holes sharing two splash-shaped greens, a driving range and a practice putting area, plus a clubhouse with indoor golf simulators.

The landmark development will introduce golf to Europe’s largest sports centre, which has already been the venue of prestigious events - the 1980 Olympics and 2008 Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea, and boasts facilities for more than 40 different sports with five million visits per year.

It comes at a perfect time, with the return of golf to the Olympics in 2016.

TPL principal Tim Lobb said: “TPL has an excellent understanding of designing golf experiences that appeal to players in new markets, and I’m confident we will create an academy that compliments existing sporting facilities on site and showcases golf to this emerging market.”

Dimitry Aleshin, Deputy Director of Development and Commercial Affairs of the Luzhniki Olympic Complex, said: “TPL’s design will create a welcome addition to the sporting facilities at the Luzhniki Complex. As Moscow’s first city centre golf academy I’m certain it will be well received and encourage more people to take up the sport.”

The Celtic Manor Wales Open will run until at least 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 15:33:00 +0000

The Celtic Manor Wales Open has been hosted at this prestigious club in Newport since the year 2000 making this year its 12th, where we expect to see more major golfing names return back to The Twenty Ten course on Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June 2011.

Celtic Manor Resort Marketing and Commercial Director Gareth Rees Jones said:
“This year will see our 12th staging of the tournament and we are committed to host the tournament until at least 2014, so the total benefit over 15 years is likely to exceed £20m.
“The Celtic Manor Resort is also a substantial contributor to the local economy on a year-round basis with an annual outlay in excess of £14m to employees, suppliers and contractors within the NP postcode area.”

With the amount of money generated from this top European tournament, who can blame the club for wanting to keep hold of it just a little bit longer.

An IFM Sports Marketing Survey, commissioned to carry out the Economic Impact Study by The Celtic Manor Resort found that spectators attending the 2010 four day golf tournament where they watched Graeme McDowell claim The Celtic Manor Wales Open title spent more than £1.5m in Newport and South Wales. The large boost to the local economy generated from visiting golf fans, where almost half came largely from England and Scotland, spent money on accommodation, food, travel, tournament tickets and related costs.

The figures quoted from the economic impact study concentrated on the direct spend during the week of the tournament alone and made no account of the media profile brought by the tournament and other long-term benefits to Celtic Manor, Newport and Wales.

Tiger Woods - Triumphs and Tribulations

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:23:00 +0000

Tiger Woods dusted off his clubs again for the first time since his shocking first round exit from the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship at the hands of Thomas Bjorn.

The WGC event at Dorral didn’t show Tiger Woods at his best either. Woods had two bad shots - hitting a 122 yard drive on the second hole, which did not even reach the ladies' tee, and then hitting a three wood off the 14th tee, making only 188 yards. However, the second shot 3 wood which carried 245 yards to near the front edge of the green made up for his previous errors.

Good to see that we mortals are not the only ones who can produce bad shots!

Woods’ games haven’t been all bad, with glimmers of a recovery which came at the Dubai Desert Classic, when Woods hit a tremendous 66 in the second round. But two days later, following a 72 and a 75, he found himself well down the leader board and involved in a spitting storm.
Woods unlucky streak is turning into a regular occurrence, as the former world number one has now fallen down to fifth in the rankings, having not won for 16 months and without even a top ten finish in his appearances this season.

Will Woods return to his former glory? Woods is rather blasé when thinking about this "When will I win again? Whenever it happens, it happens. I'm just going to keep trying to progress.”

With all this in mind, will Woods be ready for April's Masters? A tournament he has won on four occasions, the last of which came in 2005

FOUR Hole-In-One Successes

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:00:00 +0000

It’s a funny old world! You can wait for a bus for what seems a life time, and then two come along! but surely never four?

Most golfers go through a lifetime and never achieve a hole-in-one, however, for one client of Golfplan Insurance the skill of achieving a hole-in-one seems to be a given.

Barbara Langdale has not had just one Ace, not even two but four hole-in ones since being a Golfplan policy holder, the latest was achieved in February on the 7th par 3 at Hennerton Golf Club, using a 7 iron, off a handicap of 17, that’s not luck, that’s skill! Well done.

Mrs Langdale didn’t have to worry about the bar bill overshadowing the joy of her success as she is covered by Golfplan Insurance who provide up to £300 for hole-in-one bar bills to help golfers celebrate such an achievement at the bar amongst golfing friends.

Golfplan offers a range of fully comprehensive golf insurance policies, which are recommended by the PGA, These include a wide spread of benefits including New for Old cover of your equipment, for theft, loss or damage and many other valuable world wide benefits.

A Golfplan policy starts from as little as £39.95 per annum www.golfplan.co.uk

A Smashing Game of Golf

noreply@blogger.com (Golfplan) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Mr Cyril Gallie a well known Yeovil Hairdresser and Golfplan policy holder for many years was playing a four-ball at Lyme Regis Golf Club just prior to Christmas. One of his playing partners miss hit his golf ball into the car park, where sounds of smashing glass could be heard. On inspection the golf ball had smashed the rear window of a parked Jaguar, and the offending golf ball was found on the back seat. It wasn’t just any Jaguar but to Cyril Gallies’ horror - his own! What are the odds on this happening? The fact is it did!

Mr Gallies’ playing partner Alistair Purcell was positive the smashed window would be dealt with by his home insurance, unfortunately for him such incidents are not normally covered on a household policy, the sum to replace the window was £385 which he subsequently paid himself.

On the positive side Mr Gallie took this opportunity to recommend both his playing partners to Golfplan Insurance, who both took out polices and as a thank you from Golfplan for the recommendation Mr Gallie received 2 X £10 M&S vouchers. This recommendation gesture is available to all Golfplan policy holders and has been in place for many years.

Golfplan offers comprehensive golf insurance policies, which are recommended by the PGA, which include up to £2,500 of Accidental Property Damage cover, New for Old cover for theft, loss or damage and many other benefits not covered by household insurance policies.

A Golfplan policy starts from as little as £39.95 per annum, a small price to pay in comparison. Another true incident story by http://www.golfplan.co.uk/