Tropical Sky Golf Blog

McDowell Savours Famous US Open Win At Pebble Beach

Stephen — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 10:46:08 +0000

Northern Irelands Mcdowell says his career is now up and running after securing a famous win at the legendary US golf course Pebble Beach.

Mcdowell started the final round 3 shots off the leader Dustin Johnson and held his nerve throughout the final 18 holes to end Europes 40 year wait for a winner at the US Open.

This victory lifts Graeme Mc Dowell from 37th to 13th in the world rankings and elevates him as only the second Northern Irishman to win a major, following Fred Daly’s Open title back in 1947.

Lets hope this famous victory will inspire more youngsters into the sport and help Europe claim many more titles in the future.

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McDowell Savours Famous US Open Win At Pebble Beach

The Most Innovative Golf Courses in the World!

Mark Cronin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 14:39:14 +0000

Golf holidays are a thing of beauty, it’s a sporting week away, but it is also so relaxing. The opportunity to indulge in a sport that has grown so far over the world and with such a variety of choices isn’t very broad. However golf has managed to take over most of the world, with a golf course in practically every country! What makes this even more special is that each of these golf courses is unique, and some with some very special if not interesting designs and set ups!

The Top 3 most innovative golf courses:

The Montgomerie course in Dubai:

This is arguably the most difficult golf course to try in Dubai, and with over 80 strategically placed bunkers there is no wonder why. This lush green golf course with various colourful flowers presents an interesting appeal, especially when you consider that it is completely surrounded by sand. The 123 acres of green turf are strageically rolled about to make this one of the most difficult courses, even for the most pro of golfers. Precision in designing this golf course was key, and even the bunkers look as though they were design for days by a landscaper!

Mission Hills Faldo golf course:

Probably the most beautiful golf courses in existence is in Shenzhen. The Faldo course has some of the most amazing surrounding scenery and lush green fairways. The clear blue lagoons add for a dramatic effect and the sandy bunkers stand out like a banana in an apple tree! The surrounding mountains make for a fantastic valley effect across the golf course and this course is valued by golfers around the world!

Belle Mare Plage The Links Course:

This course is also a very different looking course, with probably rthe greenest grass you will ever see! Perfectly situated in elevating and descending hills, this course means that golfers can enjoy the sun even at dusk and dawn. The course was specifically designed to look easy to the eye, but the layout makes it incredibly difficult, sudden steep inclinations and very slight rolling hills mean that your ball can keep moving for a while after it has hit the ground, and not always the way you want!

Africa is also home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world, so maybe you should give Safari holidays a go and swing in a round of golf while you are out there!

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The Most Innovative Golf Courses in the World!

Europeans off the pace at Pebble Beach

Stephen — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:35:14 +0000

It looks like Europes 40 year wait for a winner of the US Open will continue for at least another year as Europes finest strugge to make an impact Californias iconic Pebble Beach. Northern Irelands McDowell (-3) is the only realistic challenger sitting 3 shots of the leader Dustin Johnson (-6) but lurking just behind is Tiger on -1. It all points to another US winner of the Open. I read the rest of “Europeans off the pace at Pebble Beach ”

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Europeans off the pace at Pebble Beach

US Open Set For Final Day Charge By Tiger???

Stephen — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:26:27 +0000

The US Open at Pebble Beach, California has seen Tiger made a rather predictable charge up the leader tabel. Tiger finished his third round on Saturday with a very respectable 66. I am sure he will have to produce another round like that today to have a chance of claming his 15th Major - I for one can not wait for the action to begin! read the rest of “US Open Set For Final Day Charge By Tiger???”

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US Open Set For Final Day Charge By Tiger???

Golf Holidays in Orlando

Stephen — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:18:32 +0000

The deals have been coming in this and fast for Orlando with rates as low as $10 per person per night for 3 star hotels just off International Drive. Golf rates during the summer can also be very low so now is the time to get take advantage of these deals and enjoy the best of Orlando - before it gets too hot! read the rest of “Golf Holidays in Orlando”

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Golf Holidays in Orlando

Could Europe’s 40 year wait for a US Open winner end at Pebble Beach

Stephen — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:06:05 +0000

Europe's 40 year wait for a US Open Winner could end this year at the legendary Pebble Beach. Lee Westwood is in the form of his life and now officially the worlds 3rd best golfer. He must be thinking this is "his year" after coming so close to finally winning his first open championship over the last 2 years. Also in the mix for Europe is Luke Donald, Paul and Casey read the rest of “Could Europe's 40 year wait for a US Open winner end at Pebble Beach”

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Could Europe’s 40 year wait for a US Open winner end at Pebble Beach

Seve poised for emotional return to St Andrews

Stephen — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:21:40 +0000

Golf legend Seve Ballesteros my make an emotional return to St Andrews for the Open Championships 150th anniversary in July. The Spaniard is among 32 former champions who have been invited to play four holes on the eve of this years championship. If anything could add some good feeling to this years landmark championship then the return of the popular Seve Ballesteros to the legendry course is it read the rest of “Seve poised for emotional return to St Andrews”

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Seve poised for emotional return to St Andrews

Mcilroy buoyed by Nicklaus advise

Stephen — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:16:08 +0000

The young prodigy Rory Mcilroy has spoken of a private 90 minute conversation with golfing legend Jack Nicklaus that he hopes will help him achieve his golfing dreams. Speaking from the CA World Championship in Miami Mcilroy beamed "it was an unbelievable experience" and hopes the words of advise can help him get back to winning ways. I am predicting a big 2010 for Mcilroy and hope to read the rest of “Mcilroy buoyed by Nicklaus advise”

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Mcilroy buoyed by Nicklaus advise

Harlequins blood scandal

Fresh Egg — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:58:13 +0000

The latest scam unfurled by Sky TV no less reminded me of the many unfortunate incidents I witnessed when spoiling a good walk! What are the scams you have come across. I had a friend of mine who, whatever awful hole he was seemingly having (in the woods, lost ball and a drop at the greenside Lake) always scored well. On enquiring after putting out (no gimmes with this chap!) what his score was he would innocently look up and say, ‘put me down for a five’. The appalling I’ve found it technique, dropping a spare ball down one’s trousers is another sporting gesture I witnessed, resulting in my losing a fiver. So Im not sure that blood capsules will help anybody improve their golf score but one thing is for sure, make sure you are not being televised by Sky. We have honest, straight up guv, fabulous golfing holidays at Tropical Sky Golf. Any mulligans are up to you.

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Harlequins blood scandal

Ashes victory for England

Fresh Egg — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:57:59 +0000

Well done the Poms as they like to call us for retaining the smallest trophy in the world. But what has happened to good old Aussies and their golf. For years we followed in the footsteps of Greg Norman and nearly worshipped him again in The Open last year. There was the flinching moment when Ian Baker Finch misses that famous 6 incher at an estimated cost of £100,000 and we have seen a few more faces of late, but Australian golf is nothing like the force it used to be. Perhaps it is the effect cricket has on our Antipodean buddies, but our mate Greg was thumping the ball in 1981. Whatever the reason is, one thing has to be noted. Playing golf in Australia is very special, included with a good tour around this vast country, the keen golfer is spoilt for choice. We are planning our way through some great Australian Golfing holidays so watch this space. In the meantime let us spare a though for Ricky and his team, an economy flight back to Australia beckons!

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Ashes victory for England

Golfing in Dubai

Fresh Egg — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:57:13 +0000

The cosmopolitan city-state of Dubai on the shores of the Arabian Gulf is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Middle East and is also fast becoming a golf holiday destination par excellence. It’s the only golfing centre in the world to host major international tournaments on both the European and Asian PGA circuits. Dubai’s first championship course was built in the late 1980s, but it’s the PGA European Tour -sanctioned Dubai Desert Classic (DDC) that has really lifted Dubai well onto the radar of golfers across the world.

Won in 2008 by Tiger Woods, the 2009 DDC saw a thrilling finish with Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy achieving his first victory in a major, closing with a tournament total of 19 under par just one shot ahead of Justin Rose and two in front of Sweden’s Henrik Stenson. However, golfers of all levels can enjoy the distinct and different challenges presented by each of Dubai’s courses.

What really teed-off golfing in Dubai was the Emirates Golf Club, the first championship grass course in the Middle East. Its stunning clubhouse (a cluster of white Bedouin tent-shaped structures) is easily one of the most recognised landmarks in international golf. It’s also the only golf club in Dubai with two 18-hole courses and since its inception the Emirates Golf Club has been the home of the European PGA Dubai Desert Classic. The second important golf course in Dubai opened for business in 1993. The Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club boasts a unique and imposing clubhouse that mirrors the sails of the traditional Arab dhow. The club’s original 18 hole par 72 Championship course features well groomed fairways lined with palms and shrubs giving it a distinctly tropical air. In the past few years, this golf oasis has undergone a complete redesign and rebuild including a new 9-hole course.

Vying with these two clubs is Nad Al Sheba Club, which is also home to the Dubai World Cup (the world’s richest horse race) and features the Middle East’s only 18-hole fully floodlit championship course. Located just 20 minutes away from the luxury Jumeirah Beach hotels, it was designed by Karl Litten with 10 lakes and more than 110 pot bunkers in the Scottish Links style. This 6,569 yard, Par 71 course provides a particular challenge with the emphasis on accuracy, not length.

Besides these three major golf clubs, there are five others in operation and five more will open their doors within the next few years. The Montgomerie Dubai echoes the traditions of a genuine Scottish Links course with the 18-hole, par 72 championship course incorporating 14 lakes and 79 bunkers. Al Badia Golf Resort is a new 18-hole, par 72-championship golf course noted for its extensive use of water. This Resort will form the centre of Dubai Festival City’s golfing community, which will include a clubhouse, golf academy, executive town homes, apartments and a 150- room hotel. With 9-hole par 36 and 18-hole courses, the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is located on idyllic grounds while the Desert Course at Arabian Ranches is a desert 18-hole par 72-course that uses the natural terrain with no landscaping.

But if it’s a truly different golfing experience you’re after, try the Dubai Country Club, the oldest course in the UAE. It features ‘browns’ instead of ‘greens’ and golfers carry a small piece of artificial turf and use it to play on an 18-hole par 71 or a 9-hole par 32 when on the fairways.

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Golfing in Dubai

Golfing Holidays in South Africa

Fresh Egg — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:55:52 +0000

South Africa is a wonderful destination for the holidaymaker and golfer alike. It’s produced a number of golfers of the highest calibre, including Gary Player, Bobby Locke, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman. Once you’ve experienced some of the courses this stunning country has to offer, you’ll understand why it produces so many champions. If you enjoy the challenge of a seaside or links-style course, there is a stunning selection available or you can play at altitude where the ball flies that much further.

Probably the most famous golf course in South Africa is the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City. It’s home to the Nedbank Golf Challenge which offers the biggest first prize of any tournament in the world. The course is also one of the longest in South Africa and certainly one of the toughest. It places a premium on accurate approaches, with plenty of bunkers and water hazards to test even the best.

However, there are many other world-class courses that feature on both the European PGA Tour as well as the local Sunshine Tour, and a wealth of excellent courses besides. The Gary Player-designed Leopard Creek is rated the best course in South Africa and ranks 25th in the world according to Golf Digest. Situated on the border of the world-famous Kruger National Park, it takes advantage of the natural environment that’s home to Africa’s “big five” of lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo. Players are protected from the wildlife by means of architectural and landscaping techniques – although water hazards might include the odd hippopotamus or crocodile!
The Durban Country Club has hosted more South African Open Championships than any other in the country with a list of winners that includes Gary Player, Bobby Locke, Bob Charles and Ernie Els. The course blends into its surroundings as it undulates along the coastline of the Indian Ocean. Golf Digest USA has ranked the course 62nd in the world outside the US, while three of its holes have been included in Golf Online’s top 500. Also set against the Indian Ocean is the Wild Coast Country Club. Designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent Jones, the course isn’t long, but it presents challenging changes in elevation and while the fairways are wide, it’s important not to stray from them. The club’s signature hole is the short par-three 13th which has been included in Golf Online’s 500 best holes in the world.

Another Gary Player-designed course is the Fancourt Hotel, Country Club and Golf Estate. Located in the picturesque southern Cape, the Links at Fancourt hosted a memorable 2003 Presidents Cup clash between the USA and the International Team, as well as the inaugural Women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005. The course is unique in South Africa and required over 700,000 cubic metres of earth to be moved to create a typical Links-style course on what had been a flat piece of land.

The Arabella Country Club borders the largest natural lagoon in South Africa, with the 9th, 17th and 18th holes running parallel to the water. Designed by top local designer Pete Matkovich, the course has been ranked 100th in the world outside the US by Golf Digest USA and was named the best new course in South Africa in 1999.

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Golfing Holidays in South Africa

Island Golf Experiences in the Caribbean

Fresh Egg — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:52:29 +0000

Golfers who visit the Caribbean are willing to forsake a little history and tradition for a kinder, gentler lie. They want to play in the jungle, with views of the ocean and the mountains or play along the coast, with palm trees swaying. The Caribbean has no real history of golf (too much cricket being played) and it’s not traditionally been viewed as a standout golf holiday destination by those who are course design aficionados. The sun and surf that make the islands so appealing to tourism are brutal on grass and turf.
The challenge of growing and maintaining first-rate playing surfaces has also discouraged many top-shelf designers and developers from the Caribbean, but in the last 10 years, a vigorous new turf hybrid – Seashore Paspalum – has been developed to make golf more viable on the islands. The new hybrids require less than half the pesticides of earlier grasses, are salt tolerant, and can even be irrigated with brackish water. They’re low maintenance, very playable, and they’re fuelling a boom in new, high-quality courses.
Some of these up and coming courses in the Caribbean front include the Green Monkey at the Sandy Lane Resort in Barbados (Sandy Lane’s other 18-holer, The Country Club Course, hosted the 2006 World Golf Championships). Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus design at the Cap Cana Resort in the Dominican Republic, is the first of three Nicklaus Signature Courses that will be built there.
Bermuda is very golf centred and its courses provide breathtaking views of the tropical landscape and of the island itself. Several Bermudan courses are built to the highest standards, having been designed by golfing legends such as Robert Trent Jones. Aside from Punta Espada, the Dominican Republic offers amazing golfing all year round. With very affordable rates and new courses under construction, the area is fast attracting golfers from all over the world. Casa de Campo, situated on the South Coast, boasts three magnificent Peter Dye – designed courses including Teeth of the Dog considered by many to be the best course in the Caribbean and among the best in the world.
Jamaica is home to several world-class golf courses, including the Caribbean’s oldest. Jamaica golf courses range in difficulty, but finding one to suit any level of ability shouldn’t be too hard given the island’s selection of links. Jamaica’s best courses include The Half Moon Golf Club, The White Witch next to the Rose Hall Plantation Tryall Golf Club, and the Wyndham Rose Hall Resort in the Montego Bay area. All are 18-hole courses, but more leisurely 9-hole courses include the Grand Lido Braco Golf Club near Discovery Bay on the north shore, or the Manchester Club inland in Mandeville.
Barbados is a veritable golfer’s paradise with several excellent championship standard courses and several more being developed. Barbados’reputation as a golfing destination has been steadily growing and was certainly enhanced with the hosting of the 2006 World Golf Championships World Cup at one of the Sandy Lane courses. The Royal Westmoreland course is also a regular host of a PGA European Tour Seniors tournament.

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Island Golf Experiences in the Caribbean

South Carolina Golf Courses

Fresh Egg — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:46:32 +0000

With over 380 beautiful golf courses from the mountains to the sea South Carolina is the “Golf Capital” of the South. These perfectly maintained and truly impressive courses offer challenging play in spectacular settings. Tee off on the famous Ocean Course on Kiawah Island or play South Carolina’s Upcountry Golf Trail that traverses dramatic hills, scenic lakes and roaring mountain streams. South Carolina is saturated with golf courses from the marshes to the mountains and if you don’t want to play where the pros play, then visit the two state park golf courses which are just as lavish and well maintained as their better known professional cousins.
With courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Davis Love III and two of the top 50 “Women Friendly” Courses in America,” South Carolina features some of the world’s greatest golf courses and hosts some of the most prestigious tournaments. The Ryder Cup, the UBS Warburg Cup and the World Cup of Golf have all been played on courses in South Carolina. The PGA Verizon Heritage Classic is an annual tour stop and in 2007 South Carolina hosted the Senior PGA Championship on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort in particular will test the strongest field in major championship golf in August 2012 by hosting the 94th PGA Championship. By being named to play host to the season’s final major, the Pete Dye-designed ocean-front layout will become only the fourth course to host each of The PGA of America’s major championships – the Ryder Cup (1991), the Senior PGA Championship (2007) and the PGA Championship (2012).
Because South Carolina’s best golf courses are open to the public, you can play where the pros play in the Palmetto State renowned for its golf. South Carolina boasts premier golf courses in areas like Hilton Head Island, Myrtle Beach and Kiawah Island where you’ll find courses for beginners and rookies alike. Indeed Kiawah Island Golf Resort and The Sea Pines Resort are named in Golf Digest magazine’s list of “The 75 Best Golf Resorts in North America.”

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South Carolina Golf Courses