MEMO FROM HELENSBURGH

Like the rest of the world, we have been deeply affected by the events of September 11, and our thoughts are with those who have lost family and friends in the tragedy in the United States.

Sport was understandably and rightly put on hold while the world mourned and came to terms with the enormity of the disaster. In golf, the most notable cancellation was that of the otherwise eagerly awaited Ryder Cup contest between the United States and Europe, due to be staged at the Belly, England in late September. This has now been rescheduled until September 2002, with the US PGA announcing all future matches will move into even numbered years.

The announcement regarding future European venues has also been made; the 2010 matches will be held at Celtic Manor, Wales and the 2014 matches at the Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland. It has further been announced that all European "home" matches between 2018 and 2030 will be staged outwith the British Isles and be played in Continental Europe at venues yet to be decided. The joint "owners" of the Ryder Cup in Europe are the British PGA and the European Tour, each with rather different agendas. The decision on these future venues is seen as a compromise, with the European Tour gaining the upper hand in the power struggle. It certainly promises to create further interest as the matches are assured of moving to new venues for the foreseeable future.

On the amateur side, a hearty congratulations must go to the Great Britain and Ireland squad in retaining the Walker Cup Trophy with an an exceptional 15 - 9 win over a strong American team at Ocean Forest Golf Club in Sea Island, GA. With their 1999 win at Nairn, Scotland, this is the first time GB&I have won the event on back to back occasions. England will host the 2003 Walker Cup when the matches visit Ganton in Yorkshire, the 1949 Ryder Cup venue. It is one of England's finest inland courses, which strangely enjoys a linkslike turf, and was home to golfing greats Harry Vardon and Ted Ray.

With the 2001 season drawing to a close, we look forward to 2002 with anticipation. The VIP coaches with their knowledgeable and helpful drivers continue to win rave reviews from all who have experienced them. We are always seeking to fine tune these vehicles to ensure they continue to provide the most luxurious small group transportation in the British Isles. This season we named the coaches after a selection of clubs which we believed to embody the finest aspects of golf. In addition to carrying the name of a specific club on the outside we have installed a brass plaque within each coach giving details of the golf club after which it is named. The fleet now numbers nine, those currently named being Ballyliffin, Royal St. David's, Moray, Roxburghe, Machrie, County Sligo, Machrihanish, Saunton and Loch Lomond.

The 2002 Grand Touring portfolio has now been finalised and our popular and exclusive programs aboard the Royal Scotsman and the M/S Clipper Adventurer offer wonderful schedules for the coming season. Last year's successful inaugural Lord of the Glens Scottish Highlands Golf Cruise will be repeated June 8-15. Alternatively if you are short on time you may like to consider a customized Private Jet Tour.

In closing, it is certainly worth mentioning that some of the most glorious weather in the British Isles occurs well into the autumn, so it is not too late to get in a few rounds before the end of the season. Please let us know if we may be of assistance.