The Advisor was honored to be asked to select and Captain a team of American journalists to play against a team of European journalists, from seven countries, at the inaugural International Kintyre Press Cup this May at the Westin Turnberry Resort. The Advisor is even more proud to say that our squad won handily, defeating the Europeans 13 1/2 to 5 1/2 over the two-day event.

But the real winner was the resort itself, from the golf to the turn-down service on the 'heavenly beds,' everything at Turnberry is first-class. And the event was nothing short of world-class, including the weather.

The competition was conducted over the Ailsa, Kintyre, and new Arran Links Academy short course. The event also allowed for time for practice rounds, a tune up at the Colin Montgomerie Links Academy, sample activities at the new Outdoor Activities Centre and the Spa, and featured the cuisine of the clubhouse, spa restaurant and a full Scottish-themed evening. Colin Montgomerie even turned up for lunch and a private clinic before the afternoon matches on the short course.

The reputation of the Ailsa Course precedes it, and is well-deserved. It is one of the finest links courses in the world and it is a joy to play everytime. But coming on strong is the new Kintyre Course. I had had the opportunity to play it once before it officially opened and was rather impressed then. But now, having played it several additional times, I can honestly say it is maturing into a challenging classic. The closing holes are especially gaining a reputation, and more than several local members of the club confessed that their scoring average is higher on the newer layout.

Just opened is the new nine-hole Arran Academy Course, which is a true gem. The course is a perfect tune-up for an afternoon match, a late evening walk or an all-day activity to perfect your game. Set amongst gorse bushes, with fabulous views of the famous lighthouse, are nine completely new holes, designed by Colin Montgomerie and Donald Steel, which are a wonderful mix of medium length par 4's and mixed length par 3's. The scenic course also features perfect greens - hard, fast and true.

Overseeing the golf at Turnberry is the new Director of Golf, Paul Burley, and the outstanding conditioning of the courses is due to George Brown and his talented greenskeeping crew. Turnberry will play host this August 8 -11 to the Weetabix Women's British Open.

A highlight of the event was the appearance of Colin Montgomerie for a lunch and private exhibition clinic. The Advisor has had the opportunity to meet Colin on several occasions and watch him in a few press conferences, and off-the-course have always found the Scot to be one of the most articulate, intelligent and gracious professional players. You can add affable to the list, he was in a great mood at Turnberry having come off one the best playing stretches in recent memory, with 4 top ten finishes, including a great head-to-head, three-hole, sudden-death playoff against Tiger Woods.

One of the things they stress at the Academy, equally as important as shot-making skills, is course management. Colin spent a great deal of time talking about this aspect of scoring well that is often neglected. In addition, he also demonstrated how swinging within oneself and easing off pressure on gripping the clubs results in better swings and shot execution.

The Advisor asked Monty if he thought that the bad back was actually working in his favor towards the outstanding golf he has been playing this spring. Montgomerie confirmed that in trying not to overswing and stress his back, he had been going up a club and swinging with more control and ease and it had indeed resulted in better scoring. Even if Monty doesn't win his major this year, look for him to make a bid for his eighth Order of Merit title, Montgomerie has quietly moved up into contention.

The Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy will be offering complimentary links golf clinics to all guests. The aim of the clinics is to give a sample of some of the facilities that are available at the Academy and to try and give guests some helpful hints in preparation for their rounds. The clinics are held three times per week and each lasts approximately half an hour, all equipment is provided.

It wasn't all time on the golf course as we had an opportunity to visit the new Outdoor Activity Centre conveniently located within the Turnberry Lodge complex across from the Academy. Here you can try your hand at trout or salmon fishing, land yachts, off-road driving, falconry and a variety of others activities, with a great staff to assist you in instruction and set-up.

Time at the Academy with Guy Redford and his able staff always helps improve my links shot making ability, but I find the real key to relaxing on the course and improving my overall swing is spending time in the Spa. There are new treatment rooms, an expanded menu of services and a wonderful new relaxation rooms. In addition to a full massage, I enjoyed a much needed detoxing hydrotherapy bath and holistic treatment.

The final night awards dinner was a true Scottish-themed evening. It gets dark late in the summer months, and we were treated to a glorious sunny evening and magnificent sunset. We were piped into dinner in blazing suns hine at 8 o'clock for a Scottish feast, including Haggis. As befitting the occasion the Haggis was escorted into the room and blessed with Robbie Burns famous poem and whisky toast. I'm not a great fan of Haggis normally, but can honestly say that the Haggis is delicious enough at Turnberry to ask for seconds, and worthy of ordering on your next visit.

If you haven't been to Turnberry in the past few years or have never been a pampered guest, you owe yourself a visit to experience the new world-class ame nities and courses.