by Gordon Dalgleish on December 17, 2011
Air travel remains a key element in our business, whether we issue tickets for travelers or they arrange themselves. Regular travelers are very familiar with many of the changes which have occurred domestically in recent years; more regional jets (read smaller), busier flights, more invasive security, etc. All this has changed at a time that international air travel has also gone through many changes.
When I travel internationally I usually take a little more time than I would on short domestic flights to consider my options and decide on best alternative, given the various elements to consider.
by Gordon Dalgleish on December 8, 2011
It was not that long ago that golf, during the height of the recession was held up by many as a bad force in the world. Politicians in their inimitable style distanced themselves from the sport while the media portrayed it as a rich man’s sport with little redeeming social value.
With this recent background, we should not forget the many fundraisers which are based around golf events and that provide wonderful vehicles for a multitude of charities. Over the years I have been fortunate to participate in a number of these around the USA and my experience this week in Charleston, S.C. was memorable on various levels.
by Gordon Dalgleish on November 18, 2011
Freedom
Having just completed a delightful three day Lowcountry Golf Cruise I thought I would take a few moments and share various observations from the experience.
The Inn at Palmetto Bluff near Hilton Head Island is a special place. It is understated, casual, comfortable with a myriad of amenities, including an excellent Nicklaus designed golf course. In many ways it feels like a more intimate Cloister Hotel (Sea Island) experience. The May River Golf Course which sits alongside the Inn is a delight to play. Unquestionably better than a resort course as it meanders through old growth tress and alongside tidal marshes. The facility also provides an excellent caddie program in conjunction with Caddiemaster, which for me is always a strong indication of a pending superior golf experience.
by Gordon Dalgleish on October 30, 2011
While we do not offer domestic golf trips, a recent business meeting at the Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach was a very positive experience. The two Tom Fazio designed courses are almost 20 years old but the accommodation component only opened in 2008 and is spectacular.
I had previously attended a meeting at the resort and stayed overnight in it’s sister property but was impressed at that time with the physical plant. On this occasion I stayed at Pelican Hill for three nights and played both the North & South Courses.
by Gordon Dalgleish on October 7, 2011
The recent opening of two additional golf courses in the heart of Tuscany create additional opportunities for travelers to combine golf and a visit to one of the most iconic lifestyle destinations in the world.
Villa La Massa in Florence
Less than 15km’s from the medevil city of Siena is Borgo La Bagnaia, a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. design which is the central feature of this new development. The course undulates through the Tuscan countryside with an attractive, playable feel. It only opened in September, 2011 and is moving quickly through the maturation phase. This five star resort also offers and extensive spa and multiple dining options, including a Pizzeria which is noted as one of the finest in the area, on the night we were there it was very busy with locals….always a good indication!. The nearby city of Siena, famous for it horse race through the city’s main Piazza, the Palio happens twice annually in July and August.
About 50 minutes to the south of Siena and in a more remote location is the Tom Wieskopf designed layout at
Castiglion del Bosco. Part of a 4,500 acre development in the finest Tuscan tradition, CdB offers travelers the option of staying in one of the 9 luxuriously appointed villas dotted around the estate or in one of the 23 suites in the Borgo which sits atop a hill and is the centre of activity with a spa, swimming pool and dining options. The accommodations at CdB are very possibly the finest, with an attention to detail of construction and design I recall seeing anywhere in the world. I should also mention that in terms of food quality and wine, CdB delivers a fabulous experience, it was consistently outstanding. A visit and tour of the onsite vineyard is a must for any visitor. The golf course opened in July 2011 and access is limited to members and guests of the estate.
While it does not have an onsite golf course, the sister property of Villa D’Este on Lake Como, is the more intimate
Villa La Massa on the outskirts of
Florence, one of the most beautiful cities in the world….Villa La Massa is only 10 minutes from Ugolino and a similar distance from the Chianati region famous for it’s wines. Villa La Massa is perched on the edge of the Arno River which runs through Florence and deliver impeccable service in a comfortable setting.
All in all, Tuscany can deliver a golf travel experience which touches so many of the senses, it is a destination worthy of serious consideration for your next trip.
by Gordon Dalgleish on August 4, 2011
Given all of the tough breaks that Christchurch, on the east coast of the South Island has endured in recent times, it is heartening to see a new golf development proceeding according to this recent article. New Zealand is truly a magnificent country with wonderful scenery, great golf, outstanding accommodations, superb wine and most importantly populated by charming, friendly people.
I have no doubt that the recent turmoil in New Zealand has affected their tourism industry. We can only hope that more good news like this in the pipeline. The recent GOLF Magazine Top 100 poll recognized Cape Kidnappers as #33 in the World as ultimately it is the cumulative effect of small pieces of information that generally help shape travelers destination of choice.
