Category: Travel

Categories
Travel

A Breath of Fresh Air in Portugal’s Golf World – Part 2

The Old Course in Vilamoura and Palmares Ocean Living & Golf (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)
The Old Course in Vilamoura and Palmares Ocean Living & Golf (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Heading south on cruise control

From PGA Aroeira Lisboa, we take the quickest route to the Algarve, where the Details – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure Management company is realising further impressive projects. It takes just over two and a half hours to reach the Dom Pedro Resort & Golf in Vilamoura via the A2 motorway, which carries very little traffic and has a maximum permitted speed of 120 km per hour.

Vilamoura was created in the 1960s as a modern holiday resort to offer a wide range of leisure activities and recreational opportunities. It was created as an exclusive holiday destination that stood for luxury and lifestyle. The management company Details is now building on this to attract new, upmarket target groups to the resort. The aim is to develop it into one of the leading golf destinations in Europe. The current portfolio that Details manages here includes various hotels, golf courses, an equestrian centre and the marina.

As a first step, the existing assets of the Dom Pedro Hotel & Golf Collection were revalued. As part of a multi-year development project, these will now be renovated, remodelled, replaced or expanded with new units. The plan is to place them under internationally recognised premium brands, such as Hyatt and Hilton. This should also increase the attractiveness of Vilamoura as a high-quality leisure and lifestyle destination.

Other planned measures include the expansion of the equestrian centre. This will have a capacity for 1,000 horses and will be suitable for Grand Prix events for professionals. A high-end multiple sports centre is also planned, which will attract attention as a real game changer in the region.

Centrally located with great views

We are staying at the four-star Dom Pedro Marina Hotel & Golf. It immediately catches the eye with its terraced architecture and reddish-brown colour. From our 49 square metre, one-bedroom suite with balcony on the seventh floor, we enjoy an excellent view of the pool below and the beach within walking distance.

Renovated Dom Pedro Marina Hotel (Photos: Dom Pedro Hotel)

On the other side of the hotel, built in 1988, it is just a stone’s throw from the marina. During the adaptations initiated by Details, numerous renovations were carried out without the hotel losing any of its original charm.

Pure golfing pleasure

The Dom Pedro Group in Vilamoura has five golf courses in the immediate vicinity: the legendary Old Course, the Laguna, Millennium, Pinhal and the Victoria Course.

The Victoria Course is currently closed. It is due to reopen next spring after being completely remodelled as the first private members’ club in the Algarve. The former world number one, South African Ernie Els, has been brought in as architect and namesake. It will be his first golf project in Europe. The other courses are also being continuously upgraded.

The grande dame of the Algarve

We are lucky enough to get to know the current jewel among the aforementioned golf courses in Vilamoura. The Old Course is the second oldest course in the Algarve and is considered the “grande dame” of the courses in the south of Portugal. It is a real gem – prestigious and beautiful.

A smooth start to the round (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

As soon as we enter the club premises we are struck by a feeling of “wow!”. A member of staff is waiting for us in a buggy to take us to the entrance of the newly renovated clubhouse. This is where tradition meets modernity. Everything is new. We enjoy the luxurious ambience in the pro shop, the restaurant, the bar and on the inviting terrace. With its dignified atmosphere, it is reminiscent of a traditional British pub and pays homage to the course’s first architect Frank Pennink, who designed the course in 1969.

Brand new clubhouse (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Hawtree & Sons made extensive changes to the course in 1997, including the introduction of a new irrigation system. Now, in addition to the clubhouse, the putting green has also been renovated.

The view from the terrace over the huge practice green, the first and tenth tees and the driving range conveys the feeling of endless expanse. The fairways through the hilly terrain are wide and surrounded by pine trees on both sides. The paths have been redesigned and are now of the same high standard as the rest of the course. To describe it as well maintained would be an understatement. It often gives the impression that the greenkeepers have been at work with nail scissors.

After a smooth start, the first interesting par 3 awaits us with hole four. It is not only visually extremely appealing but is also a delight to play. Water at the front, a tree in the centre of the fairway and the green protected by plenty of bunkers, – what more could you want as a golfer?

Danger lurks on all sides (Photo: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

As the course progresses, the bunkers are just as impressive as the huge, fast greens.

Impressive layout and state of maintenance (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The par 73 championship course, which is 6,254 metres long from the back tees, is a joy to play, thanks to the great layout and the well-kept condition. This outstanding course and the free shuttle are also included in the hotel’s Stay & Play packages.

Palmares Ocean Living & Golf Resort

From Vilamoura, we continue westwards on the A22 motorway, where Details’ next project awaits us near Lagos. The Palmares Ocean Living & Golf resort is located here in complete tranquility, with the bay and Meia Praia Beach stretching out in front of it like an amphitheatre.

We check into our room at the five-star Beach House Hotel. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not located directly on the beach, but high above it. Its 20 rooms offer a sensational 180-degree view that stretches from the town of Alvor on one side to Lagos on the other.

Beach House Hotel (Photos: Beach House Hotel and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right) )

The view is like a painting. Whether at sunrise or sunset, we savour every one of these moments (see photo at the beginning of the article). In 2025, work is set to begin on integrating it into a new hotel with around 150 rooms.

If you are looking for absolute tranquility, this is the place for you. As an alternative to the hotel, there is a range of exclusive Signature Apartments available to book. According to the masterplan, the resort will one day have 460 residential units, which will be carefully integrated into the existing landscape.

Number one in Europe

The impressive clubhouse, which has just been voted the best golf clubhouse in Europe at the World Golf Awards 2024, towers above the hotel. Designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning company RCR Arquitectes, the steel and glass building integrates an unrivalled accent into the coastal landscape. The spectacular views from its terrace over the golf course to the sea are just as impressive as its location, design and extraordinary atmosphere.

A dream made of steel and glass (Photos by Azalea)

The warm, red-brown colour of the building is fascinating both inside and out. The high, angled interior areas surprise with their asymmetrical layout and always offer unique views through the huge glass fronts.

Fine dining at the highest level

However, it is not only its location and architecture that are impressive, but also its gastronomic offering. The AL SUD restaurant in the clubhouse was awarded a Michelin star just five months after it opened. Head chef Louis Anjos spoils guests with fresh seafood specialities and Portuguese dishes. The use of local products is a high priority. The hotel’s own oyster farm is just 200 metres away.

The main restaurant of the clubhouse and of the Beach Hotel are also under the management of Louis Anjos and are also characterised by freshness, sophistication and quality. With a chilled Vino Verde, the savoury of the Camarāo Piri Piri (prawns) and the Peixhinos da Horta (green beans in tempura) are a delight.

Pure enjoyment (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Fantastic views

Originally designed by architect Frank Pennink, the golf course was opened in 1975. It was redesigned and extended in 2011 by world-renowned golf architect Robert Trent Jones Junior. The nine holes of the Alvor, Lagos and Praia loops each have magnificent layouts with considerable differences in altitude to overcome. The constantly impressive views of the sea link all three.

Challenging tee shots deep into the fairways (Photos: Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The Alvor and Lagos nines are laid out as parkland courses, and we are particularly impressed by the tee shots into the fairways deep below. While some of their holes run through the hilly terrain behind the clubhouse, we can look down from its terrace and that of the Beach Hotel onto the Praia Loop below.

Some of its holes lead over sandy, natural terrain, which, separated only by the dune, reaches as far as the sea. The waste areas and large bunkers, some of which run directly into them, give them a links feel. Railway tracks and a road separate the holes here from the rest of the course. The final hole is magnificent, a steeply rising par 5 that ends with a shot into the hidden green below the clubhouse.

Picturesque final hole (Photo: Azalea)

While the greens are in good condition, the maintenance of the rest of this loop does not yet reach the high quality of the Alvor nine during our visit but this will soon change. As part of a longterm plan, Details will be carrying out significant upgrades on all loops, which will also raise this facility to a leading level in Europe. Its co-CEO and head greenkeeper have already demonstrated this impressively in their previous roles at Costa Navarino in Greece.

Sustainability is a top priority

Environmental aspects play a key role here, with the reduced use of water in course maintenance being an important factor. The remodelling of the rough, which currently still requires a lot of water, into less water-consuming areas should contribute to this.

Convincing concepts promise success

Extraordinary developments cast their shadows ahead. We were able to see this for ourselves during our visits south of Lisbon and at the Algarve. We gained the impression that the ambitious plans of the prominent company Details – Hospitality, Sports & Leisure will be successfully realised in the coming years. The speed and quality with which the first steps have been achieved leave us in no doubt about this.

Categories
Europe Travel

A Breath of Fresh Air in Portugal’s Golf World – Part 1

PGA Aroeira Lisboa No. 1 (photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
PGA Aroeira Lisboa No. 1 (photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

New Impetus through Details

In 2023, the Portuguese company Details Hospitality, Sports & Leisure Platform, which is backed by the Arrow Global Group, took over responsibility for the management of several top golf addresses in Portugal. In total, Details manages numerous hotels, real estate projects and nine golf courses, some of which I present in this and my following report. 

It is well known that a fresh breeze is always blowing on the Atlantic. This is also the case in the golf destinations we visited. The first significant investments have already been made after decades of stagnation in some cases. The results are already making the golfing world sit up and take notice.

The vision here is to permanently increase the attractiveness of these locations and develop them from seasonal to year-round destinations. Details aims to develop the clubs into the leading ones in Portugal through the measures already implemented and those planned. Furthermore, the facilities are to be raised to an internationally competitive level in order to attract an upmarket clientele.

Endless Beach near Lisbon

As early as the mid-1970s, numerous residents of the Portuguese capital were drawn to the nearby Costa Azul across the wide Tagus estuary. The rugged west coast of Portugal begins just 20 kilometres south of the city on the Setúbal peninsula. The coast owes its name to the ultramarine colour of the Atlantic and the azure blue of the sky, which complement each other perfectly. The microclimate here is ideal for year-round visits. 

This is the first stop on our round trip. It takes us half an hour by rental car from Lisbon’s international airport. The drive over the third longest suspension bridge in the world, the Ponte 25 de Abril (2,278 metres), which spans the Tagus, is enough to get us excited.

The Costa da Caparica is located on the northern stretch of the Costa Azul. Just a few minutes by car from the kilometre-long sandy beach, two iconic championship golf courses have been created on an area of 365 hectares. The Pines Classic of the Aroeira Golf Club, designed by the renowned golf course architect Frank Pennink, was opened in 1972. Eighteen fantastic avenues of golf wind their way across the sandy soil through the dense, tall pine forest. Each hole is different from the others and has its own charm. Its layout is one of the best in continental Europe.

It was nicknamed ‘Wentworth of Lisbon’ by the British press, as the parallels to the routing of the course in Surrey in England were unmistakable. It became internationally famous when it hosted the Portuguese Open as part of the European Tour in 1996 and 1997.

Close to the Atlantic (photo Azalea)

The layout of the second course, the current Pines Challenge, is thanks to Donald Steel. His 18-hole, par 72 gem was opened in 2000 and is longer than its twin brother. It measures 6,367 metres in white, 5,903 metres in yellow and 4,805 metres in red. It also leads through the dense pine forest through the slightly hilly terrain, which is criss-crossed by six large lakes. 

PGA Aroeira No. 1 

Thanks to Details and its recent partnership with the PGA, the club has been given a new identity and a huge upgrade. Its renaming to PGA Aroeira Lisboa goes hand-in-hand with a massive investment in the golf and leisure activities of the course, which sets new standards in Portugal. The aim is to attract golfers from all over the world. The only PGA resort in Portugal now joins the illustrious circle of former Ryder Cup hosts such as Gleneagles in Scotland and The Belfry in England. 

The Pines Classic has become PGA Aroeira No.1. After just four months of remodeling, it was opened in October this year. All the fairways were turned upside down, the undergrowth and bushes under the pine trees were removed and the holes were reseeded with Bermuda grass.

This is closely in line with the club’s sustainability concept, which also includes the newly installed state-of-the-art irrigation system and drainage. Optimizing water usage is a key aspect of the club’s future direction.

Four new tee boxes on each fairway give the tees a new look. Some are arranged in a terraced pattern, others flat one behind the other. It has a length of 6,044 metres from the back white tees, 5,740 metres from the yellow tees and 5,186 metres from the red tees.

Impressive view from the back tee of the first tee (photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The green bunkers have been redesigned and filled with brilliant white sand. The greens are covered with Bent grass, they are fast and true.

The pine trees have been cut back without losing the character and charm of the originally designed course. The areas under and between the trees have been cleaned up, making it much easier to find balls in them. However, if you do get lost, in most cases you won’t have to accept losing your ball, just a recovery shot through the pine trees back onto the fairways.

Some holes are uphill, others downhill, others completely flat. Water also comes into play on some holes. 

Danger lurks on all sides (photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

A special attraction is #17, a short par 4 that runs as a dogleg left. The tee shot must be played from the raised tee deep into the hollow, from where it continues uphill to the raised green.

Lay up or over the trees? (photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

We enjoy the round and are pleased that we don’t end up in any fairway bunkers. No wonder, because a special feature of this course is that it doesn’t have a single one. This also contributes to the fact that the course can now be regarded as a typical resort course, to which one likes to return after a satisfactory score, just like us. Then the fairways, whose grass is currently still in the development phase, will certainly be cut shorter and allow more roll. 

The quaint, traditional clubhouse has a special charm. On entering the restaurant, the bright turquoise colour of the stylish bar catches our eye, as do the magnificent floor tiles and some vintage furniture. From its inviting terrace, we have a great view of the rising 18th fairway and its huge green (see photo left at the beginning of the article).

Lots of charm from the outside and inside (photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

PGA Aroeira Nr.2

We are also looking forward to the remodeling of the Aroeira Challenge, which has already begun. It will be closed for a few months from May next year and be renamed PGA Aroeira No. 2. It will receive the same upgrade as its older twin brother. 

The challenges for the remodeling are not insignificant, as the course does not have the same sandy soil as No.1, but rather a ground that cannot absorb water as easily.

In sporting terms, it is the more challenging of the two courses, which is due to the narrower fairways as well as the numerous water hazards and fairway bunkers. The greens are already at a top level and are blazingly fast.

Surrounded by dense trees (photos Azalea)

The current state of maintenance cannot quite keep up with that of No.1, as all available capacity has been invested in its redesign. But this will change next year at the latest. Nevertheless, a round on this challenging course is always worthwhile. 

New villas and flats will be built on the premises as well as a new clubhouse, restaurant and café. It is pleasing to note that although the neighbouring buildings on both courses will be visually in play, they will not be disturbed at any time. Sufficient distance ensures this.

Pleasant Hotel

We are staying at the chic four-star Aroeira Lisbon Hotel, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the courses. It has 66 modern rooms and two suites. The spacious lobby with bar invites you to linger. From here, we look out through the large window front onto the pool in front of it.

Bright and friendly (photos Aroreira Lisbon Hotel and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right))

The hotel’s shuttle offers a free transfer to the nearby courses and driving range. The two courses currently share one. 

As part of the expansion, Details is planning to build a new hotel in this area. This is intended to meet the expected increase in demand. 

Attractive play and stay & play packages can be found here: https://pgaaroeira.com/

We leave this new Portuguese golf jewel satisfied and head south to Vilamoura in the Algarve. Here, Details is already working intensively on other projects and we are very excited to see how they progress. I will report on this shortly in part two of my experience report.

Juergen Linnenbuerger
Cologne, November 2024

Categories
Travel

Golfing Pleasure at the Highest Level in Andalusia’s Sotogrande 

Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)
Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Decision on the ninth extra hole

More excitement is not possible. After 18 holes on the final day of the DP World Tour tournament, it goes into extra time at the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande. After accompanying John Rahm for several holes on the round at the final of the tournament, I place myself directly behind the 18th green. Less than five metres apart from it, I experience unique and unforgettable golfing moments with a permanent view of the winner’s trophy. 

Tension on the 18th hole and volunteer for a single moment (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger) 

Neither of the two players takes a risk, but hopes for a mistake by his opponent. The two switch back and forth between the 18th and 17th hole and offer us spectators a finale that is unrivaled in its crackling tension. 

In the end, the 39-year-old Frenchman is the luckier one, finally celebrating his first DP World Tour tournament victory after many years and taking home the coveted trophy. Nine pars in a row are enough for his victory in extra time.

Tour Scramble as the format of the invitational tournament

I was particularly impressed by the pros’ shots into the lightning-fast greens and their putts. The following day, I have the pleasure of getting to know them myself as part of an invitational tournament. We start early in the morning and enjoy the special atmosphere that prevails on the course at this time of day. The dew on the tee boxes and fairways lends it a mystical atmosphere against the rising sun. 

The early bird catches the worm (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

In the chosen format, only birdies are scored, taking into account the individual HCP. So scoring is not easy.

But for me, it’s not primarily the score that counts, but the unique experience of being able to play on this extremely well-kept world-class course under competitive conditions. It is ranked number two in Spain and number nine in continental Europe. That has its price. If you get the opportunity to tee off at the private club, you have to pay € 400,- for the green fee. 

The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones more than 50 years ago, completely captivates me. The routing through the partly extremely hilly, partly flat terrain fascinates me just as much as the old trees and the huge palm trees. 

The fairways are like walking on carpet. The state of maintenance cannot be surpassed. The greens are extremely fast and the putts seem never-ending, but they stay on track. This experience alone makes the round unique. The shots over the water and into the partly elevated greens also have their own special charm.

Impressive layout of the Real Club de Golf Sotogrande (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Sunshine galore and fantastic golf courses 

The sun shines more than 300 days a year in the southern Spanish province of Andalusia. This makes it Spain’s leader among the regions with the most hours of sunshine, ahead of the Canary Islands and the Balearics. Due to its more than 70 golf courses, this stretch of coast is also known as the Costa del Golf.

Unobtrusive luxury

Sotogrande is the largest privately owned residence in Andalusia. It is located in the municipality of San Roque in Cádiz and extends over an area of 20 square kilometres from the Mediterranean 25 km east of Gibraltar to the foothills of the Sierra Almenara. 

The community was founded 62 years ago by the Philippine-born visionary Joseph McMicking. As one of the most prestigious residential residences in Europe, today it offers exclusivity and privacy at its finest. Maintaining the rich Andalusian culture, it embodies a charm of elegance and luxury. Security is also a top priority.

Sotogrande is divided into four areas: Alto, Marina, Costa and La Reserva. A total of around 7,000 people currently live here. New properties are being built in La Reserva alone. Some of the properties currently available for purchase are located in the exclusive Village Verde apartment complex, some of which are still under construction. It interprets itself as a unique lifestyle location with perfect integration into the natural surroundings. 

Trendy lifestyle oasis

The top hotel in the region is the SO/Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort, which opened in 2021. Sotogrande’s only five-star hotel is located at the westernmost point of the Costa del Sol. It is part of the French Accor SO/Hotels & Resorts Group, the largest hotel group in the world. From here, we can reach the region’s top golf courses in a short time. 

The hotel is located on a hillside, secluded and in complete tranquillity. It is surrounded by the southern Spanish landscape, characterized by cork oak forests and pine groves. It offers views to the sea in the distance, the gardens and the Almenara golf course.

A former cortijo in new splendour (photos SO/ Sotogrande and Juergen Linnenbuerger (right))

Avant-garde in a refreshing design

Natural colours and extravagant, bold shapes characterize the style of Spanish designer Dolores Cortes, who is responsible for the interior. It runs through the entire hotel, whose lightness and playfulness catch the eye as soon as you enter the lobby.

Hotel lobby and restaurant SoCiety (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

These attributes continue throughout the hotel complex and apply to every area of the former cortijo, a Spanish farmhouse. Conviviality, joie de vivre, wellness and indulgence are the top priorities and are met with a high-quality offering.

The management places particular emphasis on a sustainable and contemporary Andalusian lifestyle. With a simple white exterior, the shady arcades, manicured gardens and harmonious color palette in the interior areas and rooms contribute to a good mood from the very first moment. Everything is spacious and generously laid out.

152 stylishly designed rooms and studios as well as 36 spacious suites are arranged in terraces around the pool and restaurant areas. My 34 square meter modern SO Comfy King double room, has, like most of the rooms, its own balcony. Others have a terrace. I sleep heavenly in the comfortable bed.

In the 2,800 sqm Spa & Wellness Club Sotogrande, guests can relax in the sauna or in the indoor pool, work out 24/7 in the gym on state-of-the-art equipment or be pampered in the health and wellness centre. 

Families with children are just as welcome at the resort as golfers. The SO/KIDS Club is the perfect place for the little ones. They can splash around happily in the family pool without disturbing any adults. The separate adults-only pool is available to them.

Adults-only pool (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The hotel also knows how to impress with its delicious food. This starts with the superb breakfast in the SoCiety Club House or on its terrace. The Cortijo Santa Maria 1962, located on the upper floor of the main building, and the IXO tapas bar below it impress with tasty snacks, light lunch menus and modern interpretations of traditional Andalusian dishes. 

The service throughout the hotel is extremely professional, attentive and friendly.

An evening at the Trocadero Sotogrande, a beach club and restaurant located directly on the beach with a fantastic view of the Rock of Gibraltar, are a feast for the palate. The Patatas Bravas are the best I have ever had. We share the huge snapper with four people and savor every bite of the fresh catch. Alternatively, you can spend the end of the day at KE Sotogrande, one of the trendiest restaurants in Sotogrande Marina. We love the typical Andalusian dishes and can’t get enough of the famous Jamôn Ibérico.

From the hotel directly onto the golf course

The Almenara golf course is located directly on the SO/Sotogande Hotel grounds. It was designed by the British golf course architect Dave Thomas and redesigned by the legendary Spanish player Manuel Piñero. It is one of the most extensive on the Costa del Sol and borders Los Alcornocales NaturalPark. Its clubhouse towers over the tee of the first hole.

Pro shop and terrace (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

Its paths run through the very hilly terrain in complete tranquillity. They are surrounded by mature trees. Two large lakes provide the golfing and visual highlights. It is fair, fun to play and allows for a good score. The green fee for hotel guests for 18 holes in the low season is € 100 including buggy. 

Varied holes at the Almenara Golf Club (Photos Juergen Linnenbuerger)

The club’s latest project is the Almenara Golf Academy, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in April 2025. It will include a 9-hole par 3 course, a driving range with grass tees, a trop tracer, a putting green and chipping area as well as a pro zone with practice holes. A halfway bar, a fitting centre and a floodlight facility will round off the golf offer perfectly and set a new benchmark for training opportunities in the region.

Elite courses in the immediate neighborhood

The resort offers various attractive stay and play packages, which also include playing, besides Real Club de Golf Sotogrande, other top Spanish golf courses in the neighborhood. These include Spain’s golf flagship, Real Golf Club Valderrama and La Reserva Club. This the youngest but longest of the Championship courses in Sotogrande.

All packages are shown here

The very hilly course was founded in 2003. Our round there leads uphill and downhill through two idyllic valleys, surrounded by dense, old trees. It has been the venue for European Tour Tournaments since 2014.

The layout is impressive. The fairways are wide, its greens are large, extremely fast and well protected by large bunkers. Their white sand shines in the sun. Water also comes into play.

The clubhouse in the style of a hacienda sits enthroned at the highest point of the course behind the 18th green. The green fee including buggy costs from € 250 in the low season, depending on the season and course utilization.

(View on the La Reserva Golf Club (Photo Juergen Linnenbuerger)

After a round of golf, you can relax in the avant-garde The Beach, which is located directly below the clubhouse. An artificial lagoon with a beach for families, a separate garden with an adults-only pool and a lake for water sports are just as much a part of it as a restaurant. 

Here, too, we encounter the finest lifestyle: Sotogrande leaves nothing to be desired. 

Categories
Travel

The Two Faces of Golf in South Korea

Two faces of golf in South Korea. (Photo: Getty)
Two faces of golf in South Korea. (Photo: Getty)

Golf in South Korea is a sport of contrasts. Golf is both ubiquitous and accessible to everyone and at the same time the exact opposite. On the one hand, golf is everywhere, on the other hand, golf club membership is hardly affordable. Almost ten per cent of Korea’s population play golf, but the majority play in golf simulators rather than out on the course. A look at both sides.

Digital and nearby: golf for everyone in a confined space

The South Koreans’ love of golf is particularly evident in its capital Seoul. Every few metres one comes across the sport in one form or another. Golf simulators and screen golf facilities are plentiful, even more than Starbucks locations, which can be found on every corner in Korea. Green nets in and around the city reveal where driving ranges are hidden. But because lack of space is a persistent problem in Korea, you can even find them in unexpected places, on top of hotels, for example, or even on top of parking garages.

A golf range in the middle of the city. (Photo: Golf Post)

The provider Golfzon alone operates over 5,000 golf simulator locations in Korea, where 94 million rounds are said to have been logged in 2023, almost twice as many as rounds played outside on golf courses. Korea’s technological progress does not stop at golf and the simulators work with increasingly realistic graphics, hitting surfaces and training aids.

This wide range of golf possibilities makes the entry barrier to the sport very low. An evening in a golf simulator has a similar status to an evening of karaoke. For only about 20 dollars a round, you get a nice evening with friends, beer and no long journeys out of town.

Golf, an inspiration in difficult times

As a result, one in ten Koreans plays golf. The golf boom in South Korea was triggered by Seri Pak. At the age of just 20 and in her rookie season on the LPGA Tour, she won the US Women’s Open in a 20-hole play-off in 1998.

‘We’ve had other players in history, but she was a Korean Tiger Woods. Basically, she created this culture,’ explained James Jaewoo Suk, Head of Brand Communication BMW, Brand Experience, who is responsible for communication around the BMW Ladies Championship, Korea’s biggest golf tournament, among other things. ‘We had an economic crisis in 1998 and people needed some kind of inspiration. Sport gave that to the people. We felt that anything is possible, not just in golf, but in life.’ Pak’s victory inspired a whole generation, especially of female golfers, who, with the help of the competitive sporting spirit of South Koreans, carried on the success on the LPGA Tour in the decades following Pak’s victory and fuelled the golf boom in the country.

Exclusivity on the green: golf courses as a luxury good

The golf boom has also multiplied the number of golf courses in South Korea. According to the R&A’s Global Participation Report 2023, there are 844 18- and 9-hole courses in the country. 200 of those are said to be around Seoul alone, even though space is a precious commodity in the mega metropolis. High real estate prices mean that golf club memberships are also extremely expensive. Memberships at many private golf clubs start at 25,000 dollars and can run into the millions.

But playing golf without a membership is neither cheap nor straightforward. Tee times are often only reservable by flights of four, and individual players find groups in online forums. Green fees start at 100 – 200 euros per person, plus often another 100 euros for a mandatory caddie and around 70 euros for a cart. High taxes on golf, especially for private golf clubs, drive prices up.

For golf tourists, if they are not put off by the high prices, the fact that a Korean telephone number is often required to make a reservation and a lack of Korean language skills often complicates the process – the golf industry is largely geared towards locals rather than golf tourists. Golf rounds, unlike golf simulators, are not a quick pastime but rather a formal affair with a strict dress code and are often used to conduct business or for networking.

Many Koreans are prepared to spend a lot of money on golf. The Korean golf market is the third largest golf market in the world after the USA and Japan. More golf equipment and, above all, golf fashion is sold in Korea than anywhere else in the world. Companies produce their own collections just for the Korean market and sell them there at hefty prices. Korean companies have acquired major golf brands such as TaylorMade and Titleist and spend a lot of money on sponsoring PGA Tour tournaments.

Golf as a mirror of Korean society

Golf is booming in South Korea, despite its cost. However, there is no particularly committed junior program, on the contrary: children are not welcome many of the private golf clubs. Only 2,178 juniors are registered according to the R&A, golf being too expensive a sport to simply let children play it for fun. Those who take up the sport at a young age do so with professional ambitions. This makes the work that golf simulators do to appeal to a young target group all the greater, with easier accessibility, a more relaxed environment and entertaining emojis.

But wether people play on simulated courses or real greens, the two facets of golf in Korea are growing hand in hand. Over 60 per cent of golfers say they play both forms. All this makes golf in Korea more than just a sport. It shapes the culture and the economy and is a mirror of Korean society: characterised by modernity, competition and innovation.

Categories
Travel

Rothley Park Golf Club: Premier Course, Young Member Discounts, and Railway Views

Image: Rothley Park Golf Club
Image: Rothley Park Golf Club

Rothley Park Golf Club is located in Leicester, Leicestershire, England. This highly regarded course is considered to be the number one golf course in the county of Leicestershire, attracting golfers from various regions.

One of the key characteristics of Rothley Park Golf Club is its strategic layout. Players are advised to keep their shots straight off the tee to navigate the course effectively. The course’s design incorporates the Great Central Railway running alongside it, providing a unique visual element that distinguishes it from other courses. The presence of the railway adds to the character of the course and provides a distinctive landmark for golfers.

Great Start For Young Golfers and Newbies

Rothley Park Golf Club also stands out for its membership programs. The club offers discounted membership rates for individuals under the age of 40, making it an appealing option for younger golf enthusiasts. This initiative aims to encourage more young people to engage with the sport and become regular participants in the club’s activities. Additionally, the club features an Academy membership, which is designed for people who are new to golf and are looking to learn the basics of the game. This program provides a structured learning environment and access to resources that support new golfers in developing their skills.

In summary, Rothley Park Golf Club offers a premium golfing experience with its well-regarded course and strategic layout. The club’s initiatives to attract younger members and support new golfers through its Academy membership demonstrate a commitment to growing the sport within the community. The unique presence of the Great Central Railway adds to the club’s distinctiveness, making it a notable destination for golf enthusiasts.

Categories
Travel

Moortown: Alister MacKenzie’s First Solo Designed Golf Course in Leeds

Image: Moortown Golf Club
Image: Moortown Golf Club

Moortown Golf Club is situated in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. Known as Alister MacKenzie’s first solo-designed golf course, this course presents a blend of historical significance and competitive challenge. Moortown’s intricate design caters to a wide range of golfers, from those participating in International R&A events to players on social golfing trips.

Moortown: Precision over Aggression

The course at Moortown emphasizes precision over aggression. Players who overly aggressive tend to find difficulty navigating the well-thought-out design, which honors accuracy. One notable feature is the 10th hole, named ‘Gibraltar’. This par 3 is renowned as the first hole built by MacKenzie, perched on a large rock with multiple tiers and filled with bunkers.

Visitors to Moortown Golf Club benefit from a green fee that effectively grants them membership for the day. This includes free use of the practice facilities and clubhouse amenities. The design and facilities make Moortown a unique golfing experience, balancing historical elements with the practical needs of contemporary golfers.

In summary, Moortown Golf Club in Leeds, Yorkshire, stands out not just for its historical significance as Alister MacKenzie’s first solo project but also for its challenging yet rewarding layout. The course rewards precision and thoughtful play, ensuring that golfers of varying abilities can enjoy and test their skills. The ‘Gibraltar’ hole remains a highlight, symbolizing MacKenzie’s architectural prowess and the course’s storied past. Additionally, the club’s policy of including practice and clubhouse facilities in the green fee enhances the overall experience for visiting players.

Categories
Travel

Explore the Diverse Challenges and Scenic Views at Manor of Groves Golf Club

Image: Manor of Groves Golf Club
Image: Manor of Groves Golf Club

Manor of Groves Golf Club is located in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom. The club is situated in a region known for its appealing landscapes and historical sites, making it an attractive destination for both local and visiting golfers.

Manor of Groves Golf Club prides itself on having supportive members and approachable staff. This community aspect plays a crucial role in the overall experience of members and visitors alike. It is noted that the club accommodates players with all types of handicaps, ensuring a welcoming environment for golfers of varying skill levels.

The club offers discounted green fee rates on selected dates and times throughout the year. Additionally, there are strong membership offers available in the first quarter of the year, accompanied by a Winter Special. This structured pricing strategy could be beneficial for both newcomers and long-term members, making it easier for them to access the club’s amenities. These periodic discounts and offers may also serve to attract new members, contributing to the overall growth of the club’s community.

Manor of Groves: Strategic Thinking and Technical Skill

The Manor of Groves course is designed to test every aspect of a golfer’s game. Whether deciding which club to use off the tee or determining the type of golf shot needed to approach the undulating greens, the layout challenges both strategic thinking and technical skills. The course offers a variety of holes, including short holes, dog-legs, wide fairways, narrow tee shots, and small greens. This diverse setup ensures that golfers face a range of scenarios, each requiring different techniques and strategies, thus enhancing the overall golfing experience.

A notable feature of the Manor of Groves Golf Club is the view it provides. Players can enjoy a scenic view of the green over the water with the hotel in the background. This aspect adds a visual appeal to the golfing experience, making sessions at the club both challenging and enjoyable from a landscape perspective. The combination of the course’s design and the surrounding aesthetic elements makes playing at Manor of Groves an engaging activity for all golfers involved.

Overall, the Manor of Groves Golf Club in Hertfordshire offers a comprehensive golfing experience. With its supportive community, strategic pricing, and challenging course design, it caters to a wide range of golfers. The scenic views and varied hole structures contribute to its appeal, making it a noteworthy option in the region’s golfing landscape.

Interview: The Manor of Groves Golf Club

In one sentence: What are you particularly proud of at your golf club?

We have fantastic supportive members and approachable welcoming staff.

Our golf course is particularly suitable for…

All golf handicaps.

What makes your signature hole special?

A fantastic view of the green over the water and hotel in the background makes it very pleasing on the eye.

The quick insider tip for your golf course is:

Keep your ball in play.

What special offers (green fee bargains, discounted memberships, etc.) or training classes does your golf club offer?

The Club offers discounted green fee rates on selected dates/times throughout the year. There is usually a very strong membership offer in the first quarter of the year along with a Winter Special.

Anything you would like to add?

The course will test every aspect of your game, whether its deciding which club to use off the tee to which type of golf shot to use approaching the undulating greens. The course offers a great mix of holes, short, dog-legs, wide fairways and narrow tee shots and small greens.

Categories
Travel

Mitchelstown Golf Club: A Hidden Gem with Challenges for All Skill Levels

Image: Mitchelstown Golf Club
Image: Mitchelstown Golf Club

Mitchelstown Golf Club, located in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland, is often referred to as one of the best-kept secrets in Irish golf. The club offers a serious challenge for scratch golfers, while remaining accessible to less experienced players using forward markers. Yardage knowledge is emphasized for a successful round at this course.

Open Competitions on One of Ireland Top Golf Courses

The fourth hole at Mitchelstown Golf Club is particularly noteworthy. It is rated among the top 100 best holes in Irish golf, highlighting the course’s complexity and distinctive design. Golfers can expect to be tested by its strategic demands.

Mitchelstown Golf Club actively caters to a broad range of players through its open competitions held every week. These events are designed to welcome both visitors and family friends, promoting a communal and inclusive atmosphere. New golfers are supported through special classes organized yearly, making it a welcoming environment for beginners.

The scenic beauty of the club’s location adds to the golfing experience. The course features views of the Galtee Mountains and includes holes that run along and across the Funcheon River. The natural surroundings provide a picturesque setting for players as they navigate the course.

In summary, Mitchelstown Golf Club combines a challenging layout with inclusive community events and beginner support. Its notable fourth hole, weekly competitions, and stunning natural scenery make it a unique destination for golfers in Ireland.Probably the best kept secret in Irish GolfSerious challenge for the scratch golfer but still suitable for the day tripper off the forward markersOur 4th hole is rated in the top 100 best holes in Irish golfKnow your yardageOpen competitions every week to facilitate the visitor and family friends. Special classes every year to facilitate beginners.Breath taking views of the Galtee mountains in the background and stunning holes along and across the Funsion river.

Categories
Travel

Explore Datchet Golf Club: Nine-Hole Course with Windsor Castle Views

Image: Datchet Golf Club
Image: Datchet Golf Club

Datchet Golf Club is located in Datchet, England, within the county of Berkshire. The club is known for its nine-hole course providing scenic views of Windsor Castle. This unique setting offers an interesting experience for golfers of all standards.

9-Holes with a Royal View at Datchet GC

One of the most notable aspects of Datchet Golf Club is its emphasis on accuracy. The nine-hole course requires players to focus on precision, making it a challenging experience. This focus on accuracy can be appealing to golfers who are looking to improve their skill set. The smaller course size can also make it a more approachable option for those new to the sport.

The club offers a full lesson service aimed at providing comprehensive training to golfers. These services are beneficial for golfers looking to hone their skills. Additionally, there are intermediate memberships available for individuals under 34 years old. These memberships provide financial incentives for younger players who are still exploring their interest in the game.

Prominent in its community, Datchet Golf Club contributes to the local culture and sports scene. The scenic views and the historical backdrop of Windsor Castle add an interesting dimension to the sporting experience. The combination of a focused course and available lessons make it a suitable option for a diverse range of golfers.

Categories
Travel

Headfort Golf Club: Host of Challenge Tour 2019 & 2023, Two 18-Hole Courses

Image: The Headfort Golf Club
Image: The Headfort Golf Club

Headfort Golf Club is located in Kells, Ireland. It features two primary 18-hole courses: The Championship Course and The Old Course. This location has been recognized within the golfing community for its quality and offerings, hosting The Challenge Tour in both 2019 and 2023.

Headfort GC: A Club for Pros and Amateurs Alike

The Challenge Tour, known for showcasing developing talent, chose Headfort Golf Club for events in 2019 and 2023. This indicates the club’s readiness to accommodate significant golfing events and its esteemed reputation within the sport. Such events often draw attention to the facilities and overall experience provided to both players and spectators.

Headfort Golf Club offers year-round golfing options, allowing enthusiasts to play in different seasons. Weather conditions in Ireland can be variable, but the club ensures its courses are maintained and available across various times of the year. This all-season availability makes the club a reliable option for long-term and frequent players.

An added feature of Headfort Golf Club is the online green fee system that frequently includes restaurant credit for dinner after golf. This integration of dining with the golfing experience provides additional value and convenience for players. It also encourages longer visits where members and guests can enjoy both sporting and leisure activities without leaving the club premises.

The two courses, The Championship Course and The Old Course, serve different golfing preferences. The Championship Course typically caters to more competitive and high-stakes play, while The Old Course may offer a more traditional golfing experience. By providing diverse course options, the Headfort Golf Club addresses the varied preferences of its membership and visiting players, enhancing its attractiveness as a golfing destination.

In summary, Headfort Golf Club in Kells, Ireland, offers extensive facilities with its twin 18-hole courses and year-round playing capability. The club’s history of hosting The Challenge Tour underscores its position within the competitive golf landscape. Additional amenities such as the inclusion of restaurant credits with online green fees enhance the overall experience for its users, making it an appealing choice for golfers of different skill levels and preferences.