Druids Glen Golf Resort - The Augusta of Europe

It's widely believed that most golf courses in Ireland, Scotland and England are not as lavishly landscaped as many U.S. courses. There, hosts of seaside links courses draw their character and beauty from their setting and history. Druids Glen is not your traditional links course, in fact, it isn't a links course at all. When compared to other premier British Isles and Irish golf courses, it is a mere infant.

Not Your Grandfather's Links

The golf course, an inland parkland course, opened to much acclaim in 1995. Often referred to as "The Augusta of Europe," the flora and fauna of the Glen provide a magnificent and colorful backdrop to a championship golf course. It's forests and streams produce a haven for wildlife in what was once a home to the Druids of pre-Christian Ireland.

Within a surprisingly short time after opening, the course began hosting the Murphys Irish Open. It held the tournament from 1996 to 1999, and was the host venue for the Seve Trophy in 2002. Golfers of worldwide renown such as Colin Montgomery and Sergio Garcia, who recorded his first professional victory there, have conquered their foes at the Glen.

Course Designers Pat Ruddy, designer of The European Club, and Tom Craddock have provided golfers with a thrilling golf experience, set amidst a beautifully manicured landscape. Voted European Golf Resort Of The Year 2005 by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the par 71 course measures 7,046 yards.

The difficulty of the course is matched only by the difficulty in picking the best holes. Many players choose the 13th hole, a par four ranked as the toughest hole on the course. The 13th begins with an elevated tee to a fairway bounded by a stream on the right and forest on the left. Players with substantial fortitude can make a play for the green on the second shot, at great potential peril, as it must be played over water. Every hole isn't as demanding as the 13th, but all are surely challenging and reflective of the Ireland in the minds eye of people who have never visited the isle.

Green Fees and Rates

Green fees are typically the same for weekdays and weekends, around €175 ($1US = €.54 IEP). With a member, the cost drops to €60. Visitors on their Ireland golf trip can also expect a great pro shop, great food, club rental and a driving range.

Combining golf with a stay at the Marriot Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club can save money add five-star accommodations. Several Ireland golf packages are available for guests. For example, the Escape! Golf Package includes two rounds of golf and hotel stay for €243 per person, per night. Essentially, guests choosing that package get a five-star Irish hotel for around $100.

If time permits on your Ireland golf vacation, playing other courses may be the order of the day. Guests of the Marriot are within a short distance of Druids Heath (also part of the D. G. property), The European Club, Arklow Bay Golf Club, Wicklow Golf Club and Charlesland Golf Club.

An Ireland golf vacation doesn't get any better than the beauty and fantastic golf of this amazing course.

Hole in One

The world’s official longest hole in one belongs to Robert Mitera, who hit a 447 yard drive - wonder what he had for breakfast - and put his ball into the cup. The feat occurred on October 7th 1965 and it was the 10th hole at the Miracle Hills GC. Robert Mitera didn`t even know what had happened until the golfers ahead of him told him of his amazing feat.

Well, here at Golfplan we appreciate a good hole in one, so if you are golf insurance on cover with Golfplan and you get a hole in one during a competition, we will reimburse the cost of the round of drinks in the club house up to £300. They will also send you a certificate to mark the occasion and put you on their website roll of honour list.

Added to our roll of honour in March 2010 were Mr Herbert Graham Haigh who hit 159 yards on the 3rd hole at West Lancashire GC and Mr RJH Griffiths who hit 102 yards on the 9th at Seven Lakes.

Delving back into the Golfplan archives we believe that our longest hole-in-one was achieved by Mr Jack Wallace at Thurlestone GC back in April 2006 who found the cup from his tee shot on the 7th - a whopping 336 yards! Congratulations to you all and keep practicing that swing.

The Bear Trap at PGA National

Most professionals aren't able negotiate the Bear Trap and escape the week even par through the three holes. In one recent tournament at PGA National, though a fan favorite and notoriously accurate player, Boo Weekley, the Bear Trap left a five-over-par mark on him by week's end. South African, Ernie Els, the big easy, has fared somewhat better over the years, as have a few others. Take heart in knowing the pros play a much harder and longer layout than the rest of us.

Amen Courner at Augusta has arguably lost some of the dread from players in recent years. August National takes steps every year to make the course tougher. Every April, the world discovers whether Augusta National took the necessary steps to challenge players for their Masters Tournament. To their credit, the staff of PGA National took that route with The Champions Course.

The difficulty level of the Bear Trap is due to two separate rounds of renovations to The Champ course in as many years. According to PGA National's managing director, Joel Paige,

"We are thrilled with the extensive renovations by Nicklaus Design and Superior Golf Concepts," said Paige. "The combined scores from holes 15, 16 and 17 have shown that our "Bear Trap" offers professional golfers the toughest three-hole stretch anywhere in the world." It also proves that Jack Nicklaus, as designer, is continuing to leave an indelible mark on golf, much like he did as a player.

Improvements to The Champion Course were part of an extensive, multi-million dollar resort-wide makeover that included a new resort front entrance, lobby bar, steak and seafood grille, free-form zero-entry pool and waterside bar and grill. The Champ Course's re-shaped and expanded bunkers has drawn significant attention from players and spectators who commented on the course's demand for a focused game. It isn't simply a bomber's course, as the Bear Trap's par-three, par-four, par-three stretch has proven.

The Champions Course isn't simply for the pros or a select few members. Anyone can play the course and be caught by the Bear Trap. The South Florida location of PGA National, as well as the other activities and amenities offered by the golf resort, make it a great vacation spot for golfers and non-golfers. Its 339 guest rooms, restaurants, five golf courses, European Spa health club, and other activities make it a world-class resort destination. Golf is only the beginning.

The Plantation Course at Kapalua

Since 1999, the Plantation Course has been home to the SBS Championship, formerly the Mercedes-Benz Championship. The natural beauty of the area and fantastic golf have made Kapalua a top golf resort and spa. Each January, Kapalua hosts the winner of the each of the previous year's tournaments, which makes for great golf. Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, course architects, helped Hawaii give the world a small glimpse into its sweeping natural beauty.

History of the Championship

The Plantation Course is the fourth PGA Tour venue for the SBS Championship, which, in those early years was called the Tournament of Champions. From 1953 to 1966, the tournament was held at Desert Inn Country Club in Las Vegas. That period crowned winners such as Art Wall, Gene Littler, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus.

In 1967 and 1968, the tournament remained in Las Vegas, but moved to the Stardust Country Club. Frank Beard and Don January were crowned champions in those two years.

In 1969, the Mercedes Championship tour venue saw itself transported further west to Carlsbad, California's La Costa Country Club. It remained at La Costa until moving to The Plantation Course. A notable example of the stellar career of Jack Nicklaus, he was crowned champion three more times while the tournament remained at La Costa, in addition to his two previous victories. Also winning during the La Costa period were a host of great names; Gary Player, Johnny Miller, Tom Watson, Lee Trevino, Paul Azinger, Davis Love, III, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, David Duval, and Stuart Appleby, among other greats.

The Tournament of Champions became the Mony Tournament of Champions in 1975, the Infiniti Tournament of Champions in 1991 and the Mercedes Championships in 1994. The name changed slightly, to the Mercedes-Benz Championship, in 2007, before SBS (Seoul Broadcasting Systems) became the title sponsor for 2010.

The Plantation Course

By listening to some of the competitors in the Mercedes-Benz Championship, it would seem that the Plantation Course is one of the most difficult tracks on tour. The fact is, it ranks 50th out of 54 in terms of difficulty. Despite it's statistically "easy" ranking, there has been only one hole-in-one recorded in the 10 years it has been held in Kapalua; Lucas Glover's ace on the eighth hole in 2006.

Golfweek ranked The Plantation Course as No. 56 among its "America's Best Modern Courses" in 2007. The par-73 course opened in 1991 and was, as earlier mentioned, designed by architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. They designed a course that puts a great deal of importance on precision and shot-making over distance. Rolling terrain, a seaside location and lots of vegetation, not to mention 99 bunkers, lie in wait for errant shots.

Any person who has seen the course in person, or even watched the tournament on television, can attest to the secondary importance of course specifications. It's natural beauty is virtually unparalleled, not simply in golf, but in the world. Even casual nature lovers and golf fans will find themselves in awe of the views.

The PGA Tour has done an excellent job in keeping The Plantation Course on display as the season-opening Tour venue. It looks as if thanks are also in order to SBS for keeping the championship alive.

Resort Accomodations and Amenities

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua is just the beginning of the awesome accommodations you can find yea- round in this paradise. There's little doubt why Kapalua is a top golf resort. There are luxury villas and vacation homes with views that rival anywhere in the world. Richly appointed homes and guest suites will enhance the vacation stay of a lifetime.

Vacation Packages

It may be the vacation of a lifetime, but package deals can be relatively inexpensive. Golf and spa packages, with stays in two- and three-bedroom units, start at around $519 per night. Villa packages, for two- and three-bedroom units, begin at around $200 per night, with a minimum four-night stay. They also include $150 resort credit, which can be used for spa and other amenities.

Statistical Sources: PGATOUR (dot) com; Golfweek.

Golfplan: Get Cover - Home & Away

So many golfers now travel overseas to discover the delights of different golf courses and fine weather, but are not always aware that they are liable for the same risks they face playing at home.

Golfplan Insurance, the recommended golf insurance partner of the PGA, has over 25 years experience of providing the most comprehensive golf insurance on the market and include 120 days worldwide overseas cover as standard with every policy.

Simon Seward, Golfplan's Commercial Director explained: “At Golfplan we believe that having the right level cover is essential for all golfers intending to play at home and overseas. Our policyholders can tee off anywhere in the world with the peace of mind that their cover is just the same as it is at home. Golfers are becoming far more adventurous with their choice of golf break locations as the UK is perfectly placed to put them within easy reach of European and long haul destinations.”

Golfplan offers golfers a comprehensive package of essential benefits including new for old cover - regardless of the age of their equipment, 24 hour theft from car, £5m public liability cover, third party property damage and personal accident plus of the course the advantage of 120 days worldwide overseas cover as standard with every policy.

“My advice to golfers who are planning a break in the UK, Europe or further afield is to check a golf insurance provider’s policy conditions carefully and make sure they get the right level of cover for their requirements. Some insurers only cover golfers when travelling directly to and from the golf course and apply age limits on golf equipment when replacing new for old. Golfplan cover their policyholders’ equipment new for old regardless of its age. We also provide 24/7 theft from car cover, when most providers do not, which is vital when you are playing away from home. Our policyholders like the convenience of built-in overseas cover as standard.” Simon Seward, Commercial Director, Golfplan

Golfplan goes ones step further by offering their golf insurance policy holders an option to purchase a bolt-on Annual Worldwide Travel Insurance policy, which can save time and money. The policies provide extensive cover including skiing and scuba diving, which some insurers do not provide or charge an additional cost.

Golf - It's a Family Business

Don’t take my word for it, just take a stroll around any busy club on a Saturday morning and you’ll see juniors, seniors and everyone in between buzzing because of the game of golf.

Clubs across the UK have realised for a long time that to give themselves a future they need to throw their doors open and welcome golfers young and old, new and fanatical. What better way for a family to enjoy their leisure time together than head to their local golf club for practice, lessons, a game with their regular fourball….or if they’re feeling really competitive – with each other!

For the game to have a great future, there needs to be a conveyor belt of golfers from cradle to grave. Junior golf has never been stronger in the UK and clubs have seen their own initiatives for juniors further fuelled by the great work undertaken by the likes of The Golf Foundation, Young Masters Golf and Wee Wonders amongst others. For a family with one or both parents interested in golf, the choice of golf club will often be dependent on junior programmes, practice facilities and increasingly academy courses or 9 hole courses to help with development.

Let’s not forget the seniors segment. Golf is, after all, a game that it is suitable for players of all ages and abilities, from the youngest family members to grandma and grandpa, making golf the perfect family game. Many adults find golf to be an enjoyable (sometimes frustrating) sport and hope to pass their love of the game onto their children and grandchildren.
If you think your family will enjoy the game why not pop along to one of the many golf clubs around the UK that run a free family taster day? Some clubs even offer trial membership packages on these days, so that families can then experience club membership over a limited period of time.
You could even try a family lesson with a PGA Pro who create programmes designed to cater for everyone's needs that are fun, educational and highly professional in a relaxed atmosphere.

If you decide you like the game, you’ll need to think about kitting out your family with some equipment. Like most things, equipment varies in price and the more popular the brand the higher the price. Whether you choose a cheap or expensive brand, you may still be spending a lot of money buying sets for you and your family making you anxious at the thought of replacement if they were damaged or stolen. With this in mind, why not think about insuring your new possessions with a comprehensive golf insurance policy to protect the golfers in your family on and off the course?

Golfplan Insurance, a recommended Official Supplier of the PGA, has over 25 years experience of providing the most comprehensive golf insurance on the market. Golfplan’s New for Old policies replace your golf equipment with brand new (regardless of its age) if it is stolen or beyond repair. Each policy also includes essential £5 million personal liability cover, as well as other benefits including 24 hour theft from car cover and accidental property damage. Club membership fees are covered in the event of illness or accident on or off the course and for the fortunate ones - hole in one cover for that customary round of clubhouse drinks. All Golfplan policies also come with 120 days worldwide cover leaving you with total peace of mind wherever you decide to play – home or away.

Golfplan also offer 10% discount for family members living at the same address, junior policies and 20% discount for over 70’s.

Get Fit with Golf

After getting carried away with the festive spirit, most of us will notice a tighter waist band and will be thinking ‘New Year resolution? - Time to get fit’, but don’t fancy the prospect of working out in a stuffy gym for hours so the resolution is never actioned. So what’s the solution? Shrug our shoulders and eat another mince pie? Or better still why not try something different.....how about golf?

You may not realise how active a game of golf is, if you think it’s just a game for old men in golf buggies think again. Cue Paul Casey or Tiger Woodsl. Beginners may be surprised by the physical strain of simply completing the course but if you’re up for the challenge you'll find that as you develop your game you’ll feel fitter and happier with all those endorphins that will be released. So get off that sofa, kick off those slippers and put on some golf shoes, the more comfortable the better as your poor old feet are going to need them with all the walking you'll be doing. Most golf pro’s will be able to advise.

Golf is a great cardio workout as there is a lot of walking involved. Most 18 hole courses are usually between four and five miles long, where there can even be a little climbing up hills! A great type of exercise which goes easy on your joints but is also great at building strength in your muscles and burning off all those extra little calories, you will also at regular intervals be pulling a trolley or be carrying the extra weight of your golf bag.
With all that time you'll be spending walking and waiting at holes there will be plenty of time to chat to your golfing partners or even getting to know new and different people. If you’re a beginner however and don’t like the thought of that quiet competitiveness between you and your friends then there is no problem in going it alone, until you’re confident enough to show off that perfect swing of yours.

As golf is quite a slow game, you’ll benefit from the relaxing scenery and if you’re spending all that time outside although we can’t always guarantee the weather. Many courses allow non-members to play so you don’t need to worry about the expense of membership fees.

After a while you’ll start to notice improvements in muscle tone and posture that come from all those repetitions of strokes needed to complete a round. What better excuse for a bad round than telling your playing partners that you were taking those extra shots because they would improve your muscles.
Golf will not only benefit you physically but mentally too, you may find yourself in certain situations when playing a round that will need your careful judgement when deciding the best course of action.
A great game that offers an all-round workout, so what are you waiting for?