MEMO FROM HELENSBURGH

With winter winding to an end soon, everyone is looking forward to a New Year bright with promise for a wonderful golfing season. We at PerryGolf, as well as all our partners, are making plans to provide returning and new golfers the heartiest of warm welcomes after a long year.

Perennial favorites such as Ballybunion and the Old Course, St Andrews still have tee time availability, making custom designing your dream itinerary a great opportunity for 2002. Along with the vintage layouts, there is a new class of modern classics poised to come on line this year ­ Doonbeg and the Devlin Course at St. Andrews Bay, are ready to join Kingsbarns, Old Head, Kintyre, the Torrance Course at St. Andrews Bay and Craigelaw as new Omust plays.'

Scotland will be showcased in next season's competitive golf world as Paul Lawrie defends The Dunhill Links Challenge, the European PGA's richest event; Europe's 2002 Top Player, Retief Goosen, defends the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond; the 131st Open Championship returns to storied Muirfield, where Nick Faldo won two of his claret jugs; and Sam Torrance finally leads the European Team at the Ryder Cup Matches.

The best of Scotland's golf hotels and courses have been rewarded in the recently announced SIGTOA (Scottish Incoming Golf Tour Operator Association) Industry Awards 2001. The awards, presented by the organization, of which PerryGolf is a founding member, recognise the contribution made by the winners to the success and development of the Scottish golf industry throughout the year. Congratulations to this year's deserving winners: Resort Hotel of the Year ­ Turnberry Hotel; First-Class Hotel of the Year ­ Greywalls; Golf Course of the Year ­ Ailsa at Turnberry and Royal Dornoch; Golf Club Administration of the Year ­ Royal Dornoch; and Caddie Master of the Year ­ Martin Roy, Carnoustie.

This is also the year to take a look at Wales. With the awarding of the 2010 Ryder Cup Matches to Celtic Manor, look for Wales to start receiving more of the recognition it so richly deserves as a great and historic golf destination.

Wherever you chose to visit in 2002, you can be assured that your visit will be greeted with enthusiasm and attention to all your needs, ensuring the greatest golfing experience of your lifetime. We look forward to welcoming you on our side of the Pond.