Win a luxury holiday for two to watch the Euro Pro PGA Tour Finale at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus

Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus is hosting the 2010 PGA Euro Pro Tour Championship, and to celebrate, Buzzin Golf and the stunning 5-star resort are offering you the chance to win a fantastic holiday for two to watch the finale live.

Taking place from 30th September to 2nd October, the PGA tour finale will see the top 60 players in the Order of Merit compete alongside the pros in a battle to become crowned 2010 champions.

Beautifully situated within 578-acres near Paphos, the Aphrodite Hills Resort is set over two elevated plateaux on either side of the breathtaking Randidi Gorge. It’s the first-ever leisure, golf and real estate development in Cyprus offering a luxurious hotel – the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel, a fabulously indulgent spa – The Retreat, a tennis academy and a challenging golf course.

The fabulous prize includes:

• A four-night holiday at the five-star InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel for two on a half board basis arriving on 30th September, departing on 4th October.

• Two passes to watch the Euro Pro PGA Tour finale live on the 1st and 2nd October.

• Two tickets to the Winner’s Gala Dinner on the 2nd October.

• A round of golf at the Aphrodite Hills Golf Club on the 3rd October.

Free Competition

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

This Buzzin Golf Free Competition ends on 31st August 2010. The editor will randomly choose 1 winner. The editor’s choice is final.

For more information on the Aphrodite Hills Resort visit www.aphroditehills.com

Terms and Conditions:
All entries must be submitted by the closing date 31st August 2010.
The prize is for two people staying 4 nights at the Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus accommodated on a half board basis, and will include entry to watch the Euro Pro PGA Tour finale plus tickets to the winner’s Gala Dinner and a round of golf.

The prize winners are responsible for their flights, and also ensuring they have valid passports, travel insurance and the correct visas where necessary.

The prize is non-transferable and no cash or other alternatives are available.
Winners must organise their own travel to and from UK airport.

Holiday insurance, UK travel expenses, any additional expenses are not included and terms and conditions apply.

Free Competition to win Lyle & Scott high quality, fashionable golf wear

Lyle & Scott was founded in Hawick in the Scottish Borders in 1874, and ever since have been designing good looking, high quality, fashionable golf wear.

From early collaborations with Christian Dior to clothing some of the world’s golfing greats, Lyle & Scott  has long been a brand with true authenticity, heritage and expertise recognised throughout the world.

As the brand evolves, Lyle & Scott is recognised as a leader in men’s retail fashion and combines this position with a solid authority and presence within the golfing sector.

The brand is well known for its Eagle logo, which was first used in 1960.

Lyle & Scott has three ranges for both men and women golfers who want to look as stylish as they do play well.  The Vintage, Heritage and Club ranges offer a selection of some of the finest knitwear and polo shirts, as well as trousers, dresses, footwear and accessories.

Buzzin Golf has teamed up with Lyle & Scott to give away a selection of 5 polo shirts and knitwear from the mens range to one lucky winner (all size medium).

FREE COMPETITION

PLEASE NOTE: THIS COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED

This Buzzin Golf Free Competition ends on 31st August, 2010. The editor will randomly choose one winner. The editor’s choice is final.

The golf betting entities still have Tiger Woods standing as the favourite even after Woods’ poor performances, which is the reason the overall ranking between Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Lee Westwood has been reduced.

Woods accumulated 9.47 points, while Mickelson and Westwood have 9.24 and 9.04, respectively.

On his part, Phil Mickelson is one of the most recognized figures in the sport and will return to Northern Ohio to participate for the 18th consecutive year in the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, taking into account that the American golfer has participated in this event since 1992.

In addition, the professional golfer has won four major championships, the last of which was won in April, when Phil Mickelson won the 2010 Masters Tournament.

However, since the Bridgestone Invitational became a World Golf Championship event in 1999, Mickelson has failed in his attempts to win it.

On the other hand, after missing five months and despite the dramatic return, Woods has arrived as a big favourite to this year’s tournaments.

For the 2010 Bridgestone Invitational, Tiger Woods will try to get his first win since he was involved in his infidelity scandals of last November.

However, we can’t expect that much, considering Woods has failed in his attempt to achieve a victory in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and at the British Open this year. But despite all this, he remains ranked as number one in the overall standings.

Finally, this will be a tournament that promises a lot of action, in which Woods will attempt to recover his good level of golf, but in which he will have a major contender that could remove him from the top of the table, Phil Mickelson.

Graeme McDowell will have a boost of confidence after his amazing victory at last month’s US Open at Pebble Beach; and Tiger Woods will be looking to win his third British Open Golf Championship title and become the first golfer to win three British Opens at St Andrews, following his victories in 2000 and 2005.

As with most tournaments he enters, Tiger Woods is favourite to win but it’s a surprise to see Graeme McDowell isn’t heading the European list of contenders.  That goes to Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy, closely followed by Padraig Harrington, along with South African Ernie Els and American left-hander Phil Mickeslon.

Lee Westwood will go to St. Andrews boosted by his own recent victory on the US golf circuit at the St Jude Classic in Memphis Tennessee after a three-way play-off with American Robert Garrigus and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson.

As for Rory McIlroy, he is still looking for his first major title after being touted as a serious contender for the past few years now.  It may be the pressure of such high expectations, but McIlroy has not been able to stay with the leaders over the course of four days, and as a rule fades in the latter part of the big occasions.  But as always I will be hoping the young golfer from Northern Ireland will be lucky this time around.

Due to his low stature in the world rankings these days, Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie had to qualify for the 2010 Open at St Andrews.  But like Tiger Woods, St. Andrews is a special place for Monty, who has never missed an Open Championship since making his debut in 1990 at St Andrews.

The 139th British Open Golf 2010 will take place at St. Andrews, Scotland between Thursday 15th and Sunday 18th July.

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ParaGolfer

For anyone suffering from a disabling condition the simple tasks that we take for granted like using an ATM or meeting with friends can be very challenging.  To enjoy a round of golf is all but impossible.

That is up until now. The ParaGolfer from Otto Bock Healthcare was designed to enable golfers who have suffered from partial paralysis either through stroke or accident to get back to where they once were on the golf links.

The ParaGolfer is a specially constructed multi-terrain power wheelchair that features an innovative sit-to-stand function. This enables a disabled or physically challenged person to stand and play golf. Its robust yet agile design means players can easily move across various terrains.

Gaynor Norris, Marketing Manager at Otto Bock Healthcare said;

“Recent advancements in mobility solutions go beyond getting people moving – innovations such as the ParaGolfer really restore a disabled person’s ability to interact and play golf without restrictions. Furthermore, standing functions do much more than improve circulation – being able to play and interact at eye level can be a huge confidence booster too.”

ParaGolfer

For further information visit the ParaGolfer webpage.

The enjoyment factor for me is that I use golf for total stress relief.  As soon as I put on my spikes and switch off my mobile phone I immediately feel free of the stress of work.  Sometimes it needs a few deep breathes to clear my mind of any work-related issues.  But by the time I am on the first tee, whether for a round or a golf break, I treat the whole golf experience as much needed therapeutic ‘me’ time; and enjoy every minute.

I might feel differently if I was a low handicapper, playing off scratch or in a tournament.  But for me to worry too much about my handicap would simply change the way I can enjoy every stroke – good and er… not so good!

So with the summer weather in full swing (and who can tell how long it is going to last?), I find this is a good time of year to look for golf breaks whether in the UK, Europe or further afield.

Personally I enjoy short golf breaks rather than one or two week holidays, though I am a keen golfer two or three rounds of golf in the same amount of days is enough of a fix and I can return to work with a smile and a spring in my step.

The other consideration is that I prefer to drive or be driven to avoid any airport delays.  Total control, just like on the golf course (I wish!) where I can pack my golf bag and clothes in the car boot and arrive within three or four hours.  Perfect!

Compared to twenty years ago, there are so many golf courses throughout the UK that there are always an abundance of special offers and discounts throughout the year even at some of the most prestigious golf courses and golf hotels.

Furthermore, with the popularity of the Internet there are plenty of websites ready to offer you golfing holidays and golf breaks at cut down prices.
So while the sun is still shining and British summer time is giving us light evenings, why not treat yourself to a golf break in the UK.

But many golfers seem to forget there are some great courses just across the English Channel.  Golf in France is so often overlooked when planning a European golf trip.  But with delays and strikes frequently disrupting our airports, and Eurostar and the fast track trains from Ebbsfleet International, Stratford International and St. Pancras International stations in the south east, it has made the beautiful French golf courses and towns of Le Touquet and Hardelot more accessible and appealing to golfers looking for golf breaks in Europe.

France has a wealth of golf courses and resorts to cater for every taste and well worth a consideration for your next golf break.

With Paris only two hours away by train UK golfers can now play the beautiful resorts of Dolce Chantily, Golf National and Fontainebleau, or travel to Normandy, Brittany and the Western Loire.  While those wishing to rely on the weather being hot and sunny, the south of France has plenty of resorts offering both golf and beach holidays along its Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean coastline in cities like Biarritz and Bordeaux, while Provence and the Cote d’Azur are ideal for sun-worshippers.

There are great French golf holidays and golf breaks all over France.  Northern France is simple and quick to get to, while Southern France offers more guaranteed sunshine.  While Paris and Central France can offer a city breaks to golfers wanting to include art, culture and food with their golf.  You can even play golf in The Alps region.  The Alps region has become a more popular destination for golf holidays with its beautiful mountain views and clean air, particularly with the advent of the LPGA Evian Masters.

There are always great deals to be found on the internet. For example, 2 nights, bed & breakfast and 3 rounds of golf at Le Manoir Hotel, Le Touquet for just £149 per person.

Over the past few years the British contingent has become ever stronger with the likes of Ian Poulter, Padraig Harrington and Paul Casey leading the charge.  But as critics continue to place high accolades on Northern Ireland’s Rory McIllroy, no one mentioned the name of Northern Ireland’s quiet man, Graeme McDowell.

It was because Tiger Woods was returning from another injury that for the first time in many years Woods was not favourite to win the 2010 US Open, that mantle was placed on the shoulders of Americas’ favourite golfer, Phil Mickelson.

But Mickelson never really got going, and when Graeme McDowell lost the lead to Dustin Johnson going into the fourth and final round, and Tiger Woods had helped boost his chances with a fantastic round of 66 on the third day, I was erring towards another Tiger Woods grandstand finish.  But McDowell kept his nerve to win by one shot over Gregory Havret.  Ernie Els was third and after a late charge by Phil Mickelson, he tied with Tiger Woods in fourth place, three shots behind McDowell.

At just 30 years old, 2010 currently belongs to Graeme McDowell as his amazing US Open Golf Championship victory at Pebble Beach follows his victory in this month’s Wales Open at Celtic Manor.  Next up, the British Open at St. Andrews.

Two years ago the European Team, captained by Nick Faldo were odds on favourites to beat a weakened United States team without Tiger Woods who had withdrawn after knee surgery. But the American team ran out comfortable winners at the famous Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky with the help of a boisterous crowd and a few European players for whatever reason underperforming over the three day event.  One of Nick Faldo’s captain’s choices was Ian Poulter.  His inclusion paid off as he was the highest scoring player in the European Team.

The Ryder Cup is like no other golf competition in the world.  Crowds are rowdy and behave more akin to football supporters rather than quiet, appreciative golf fans.  The US crowd helped their team to a famous victory and unsettled European nerves by cheering and booing; while a small group of European fans chanted “there’s only one Ian Poulter, one Ian Poulter” before teeing off.

Lee Westwood did himself no favours by speaking out when Boo Weekley pretended to ride his golf club down the fairway in a mock Kentucky Derby fashion.  The light-humoured fun was said to be disrespectful by Westwood, which only caused the crowd to get on his back.

Previous Ryder Cup ‘sledging’ incidents include Colin Montgomerie’s outburst when certain members of the crowd likened him to Mrs. Doubtfire.  Everyone else seemed amused by this look-a-likey except Monty himself!

Ian Poulter’s was included in the last European Ryder Cup team over this year’s Ryder Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie.  It will be interesting to see how Monty handles that situation nearer the time as it is obviously going to be a question that is thrown at him by journalists, especially if Ian Poulter doesn’t win an automatic place in this year’s European team and has to rely once more on being a Captain’s Choice.

The 38th Ryder Cup 2010 will take place at Celtic Manor Resort on the outskirts of Newport in South Wales between Friday 1st and Sunday 3rd October.

What an experience it would be to play the same course as the Ryder Cup players.  There is a growing market in the UK for golf holidays and many websites cater specifically for golfers in the UK by regularly offering special deals at some of the best golf courses in the UK.

Celtic Manor includes no fewer than three top class courses, an award winning  clubhouse and floodlit golf academy; and a golf break at one of the UK’s leading golf courses, including one round of golf on the Montgomerie Course, bed and breakfast can cost as little as £79 per person.

Above all other sports, the Ryder Cup is quite possibly my favourite sporting event, and I for one cannot wait for the European Team to reclaim the cup in October.

Last year the British Open Championship was held at Turnberry and after a 4 hole play-off against veteran Tom Watson, the American Stewart Cink won his first major title.

This year, Lee Westwood will head the British contingent following his latest win at the St Jude Classic in Memphis Tennessee after a three-way play-off with American Robert Garrigus and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson.

The British Open attracts the biggest names in golf and so is a perfect excuse for a golf in Scotland weekend break; and the chance to visit the famous St. Andrews course and see the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and other top world ranking players is a bonus.

Following Tiger Woods much lauded return to golf at the US Masters in New York earlier this year everyone will be hoping he recovers from a neck injury that forced him to withdraw from the Players Championship in May. Woods is scheduled to play in the US Open at Pebble Beach this weekend and defend his AT&T National title in July. He also has the added incentive to play at this year’s British Open as he is looking to become the first golfer to win three British Opens at St Andrews after victories there in 2000 and 2005.

This year’s European Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie qualified for the 2010 Open at St Andrews with a fantastic 62 at Sunningdale New, a course equalling score including five birdies on the last seven holes.

Colin Montgomerie has never missed an Open Championship since making his debut in 1990 at St Andrews.

On qualifying for the 139th British Open, Montgomerie said,

“It is a special place, no question, and I’m just glad the opportunity has been taken. I’ll be 47 when the Open comes round and this will probably be my last opportunity to play the Open at St Andrews.”

The 139th British Open Golf 2010 will take place at St. Andrews, Scotland between 15th and 18th July, so book your golf break now.