Buzzin Golf

Well, it’s another sweltering day here in the south-east and memories of the long cold winter have all but faded.  I know some keen golfers that played all through the winter months; all the time golf clubs were open, that is.  But I am what is known as a fair-weather golfer and though some hardy ‘all-year round’ amateur golfers look down their nose at me for only appearing from March to October I am adamant that I play golf to relax, have fun and enjoy a good walk in the countryside.  None of the aforementioned enters my head when I am cold, wet and miserable.

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.

Over the past few years there has been a marked increase in amateur golfers heading off to Europe for a weekend of golf whether as a business networking or bonding trip, golf society or simply a few friends using golf as an excuse to get away from the UK.  Spain and Portugal are among the most popular European golf holiday breaks.  The draw of guaranteed sunshine and purpose built golf resorts are perfect for a quiet get away while the UK summer is best described as stop start.

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.

Graeme McDowell is the first European golfer to win the US Open Golf Championship in 40 years. He rightly said it was a “career defining” victory and one that will elevate him to a lofty world ranking.

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.

There are around 200 golf courses in Wales but the most talked about course right now is Celtic Manor.  With just over 100 days to go it will be hosting the Ryder Cup 2010 as the best golfers in Europe take on the best from the USA.

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.

Next month the British Open returns to the home of golf, as St. Andrews hosts the 139th British Open Golf Championship.  It is also celebrating 150 years since Willie Park Senior won the very first ‘British Open Championship for Professional Golfers’ over three rounds of twelve holes on the famous links course at Prestwick. The event was inspired by the Earl of Eglinton and Colonel James Fairlie, and with the help of Prestwick Golf Club members, money was raised for a red leather belt with a silver buckle to be awarded to the winner.

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.