Golf News Digest - 02.05.2008
Friday 2nd May 2008
By Dan Lewis
Two weeks for the price of one
How does two weeks accommodation for the price of one in the Western Algarve sound? Well, if you book this June, July or August at the award winning, Parque da Floresta Golf & Leisure Resort that's precisely what you'll receive. Set in unspoilt countryside, bordering the Costa Vicentina National Park, the imaginative par 71 course is regarded as one of Europe's most picturesque. Only an hour's drive from Faro airport, located close to both Lagos and Sagres, the resort also offers a perfect base from which to explore this beautiful part of Portugal.
Marriott Hotels Enters Agreement with TaylorMade-adidas Golf
Marriot UK Golf and TaylorMade-adidas Golf Europe, this week announced a special partnership for the 2008 season, in which TaylorMade will supply all Marriott UK golf resorts sets of hire clubs based on their "open to buy" and shop viability scheme, with adidas supplying footwear and apparel on a similar principle.
Commenting on the partnership, Stephen Follett, Director of Golf Operations, Marriott UK said: "Marriott is the largest golf resort operator in the world and it is essential that all of our properties offer guests the highest standards of rental equipment." The two parties hope to develop the agreement into a long-term relationship with the aim of enhancing both the TMaG and Marriot presence in the UK golf market. TaylorMade-adidas' Director of Sales, Steve Law added: “Marriott and TaylorMade-adidas are names the consumer recognise as premium brands and we are delighted with our new partnership and the synergies it brings.”
Free entry to England vs. France
The EGU has announced a new sponsorship deal with Your Golf Holidays kicking off with the biennial England vs. France international at Frilford Heath Golf Club, Oxfordshire. Both parties are encouraging visitors to attend the event that is free and boasts an impressive list of previous players such as Nick Dougherty and Justin Rose. Owner of Your Golf Holidays, Morgan Clarke said it is a true pleasure to be helping the game at grassroots levels.
Ryder Cup Star Opens Golf Show
Ryder Cup winner Lee Westwood officially opened the fourth London Golf Show and hailed it a great success. Westwood spent the day signing autographs and giving interviews as well as finding the time to try out some of the most popular games on offer including having a go at the floating green and the 100 ft putt (although admitting his attempt at the putt was abysmal). He said the best thing about the show was golfers being able to try out all the latest gear under one roof.
Not much added length at Royal Birkdale
When players tee it up for the start of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale this July the course will only play 155-yards longer than when Mark O'Mera got his hands on the claret jug the last time the Open was played there. What it lacks in length it's made up for in bunkers however, with twenty new bunkers being added to the course (16 of those on the fairway). Talk has turned to tactics already with 3 times winner Tiger Woods tipped to leave the driver out of the bag as he did on his way to victory at Hoylake in 2006.
Monty's Honeymoon is Over!
Colin Montgomery begins what he calls his “new start” in Seville this weekend at the Spanish Open where he is hoping to renew his bid to keep his place in the upcoming Ryder Cup Team. Along side him will be fellow Ryder Cup winner Daren Clarke who returned to winning ways in China at the weekend and who will tee up with big hitting John Daly. Daly who has slumped to 595th in the World Rankings and no longer holds a current US Tour Card, will be looking to at least finish all four rounds after a lay off due to a torn stomach muscle.
Open Championship Says No to Drugs (Testing, that is)
Organisers at the Open Championship this year have scrapped plans to go ahead with drug testing of players, the reason being cited is the Open's global qualifying system. With players based in Asia, South Africa, and Australia not having access to the same education programme as players in America and Europe. The organisers have said they hope to begin testing at next years Open at Turnberry.
Harrington Focused on US Open Challenge
Padraig Harrington is skipping next month's European Tours flagship event, The PGA Championships at Wentworth. His reason? It will interfere with his preparation for the US Open in June. Open Champion, Harrington said he peaks during the third week in a run of tournaments and wanted to time his peak performance for the US Open at Torrey Pines, California. His two run up event's will be the Wales Open played over the revamped 2010 Ryder Cup course at Celtic Manor and the Stanford St Jude Championship in Memphis.
