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VALE DO LOBO, Portugal, is a firm favourite for golfing getaways, boasting two championship courses, Ocean & Royal. The Ocean, composed of the two original 9-hole courses designed by Sir Henry Cotton, features gently undulating fairways, two spectacular par 4s, the 11th and 14th and the par 3 15th which runs alongside the beach.
The Royal course features the almost island 9th green and the famous par 3 red cliffs hole 16 with clifftop carryover – one of the most photographed holes in Europe. Probably best to visit soon as the cliffs are said to be fast disappearing into the sea, although as a geologist’s idea of “fast” is about 1500 years there’s probably no need to panic.
EVERYONE KNOWS The Donald likes a game of golf. Rory McIlroy once had to give up his Sunday morning lie-in when he was ‘invited’ to play a round with Trump. Tiger Woods also received the call of the Trumpet. Top U.S. players should be prepared for the summons. They should also be prepared to lose, Trump doesn’t like being beaten.
Several ex-presidents teamed up with pro golfers, Ike and Palmer were a frequent double act. Bush and Woods chilled out on the course and Clinton, Reagan and Nixon all played while in or out of the Oval Office. Gerald Ford would play with anyone brave enough to risk being decapitated.
THE GENESIS INVITATIONAL (Feb 10-16th) was scheduled for Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, which was severely hit by the recent forest fires. With the threat of fires continuing, the tournament hosted by Tiger Woods has been relocated to the South Course at Torrey Pines in San Diego.
Torrey Pines will be geared up anyway having just hosted the Farmers Insurance Open, but players will be disappointed to miss out on Riviera, it’s not every club that can boast past members like Douglas Fairbanks, Gregory Peck and Humphrey Bogart.
In addition to prize money, Genesis electric cars will be strewn around like confetti. Not only the player, but his caddie will be handed a Genesis GV80, GV70 or GV60 for a hole-in-one on two holes, 14 and 16.
FEELINGS ARE ALWAYS HIGH at the Ryder Cup but Luke Donald has had to hire an American comedian to shout personal insults at the Europeans to prepare them for Bethpage Black. Our lads are pretty laid back, but one at least has a pretty short fuse, so if a personal insult is directed at Mr. T. Hatton don’t be surprised if it’s followed by one flat fan.
WITH CLASSY LOOKS, wonderful sound, impressive forgiveness and a solid feel the Callaway Elyte driver is winning rave reviews. The Elyte X, built for maximum forgiveness and stability, is perfect for hlgh handicappers, and the low spin, high-launch Triple Diamond is designed for advanced players, although some testers said the Triple Diamond has no significant advantages. Now a Double Diamond would have worked wonders.
Regarding the Elyte irons, Golf Monthy says: “Some of the most forgiving, longest-hitting irons we’ve seen. With cutting edge materials, AI-designed faces, and strategic weight distribution Callaway is pushing the limits of what’s possible in an iron. In addition, they look fantastic.”
PETE COWEN tip for distance: Address the ball, draw right foot back 3 or 4 inches and then align hips and shoulders with feet. This will have the effect of creating more launch angle, and will give you that extra distance.
THE HASSAN II TROPHY (Feb 6-8th)golf tournament was founded by Morocco’s late King Hassan II. Now held at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam course in Rabat, for four years it was held at the Golf du Palais Royal in Agadir, the Palace’s private golf course reserved for the King and his friends, but as he didn’t have many he would lend it for the tournament.
Ricardo Gonzalez, last year’s winner, was relieved to be told that in addition to the money, the prize was a jewel-encrusted dagger, his mates had told him it was a string of camels.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475
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