Win a luxury holiday for two to watch the Euro Pro PGA Tour Finale at the Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus

Aphrodite Hills Resort, Cyprus is hosting the 2010 PGA Euro Pro Tour Championship, and to celebrate, Buzzin Golf and the stunning 5-star resort are offering you the chance to win a fantastic holiday for two to watch the finale live.

Taking place from 30th September to 2nd October, the PGA tour finale will see the top 60 players in the Order of Merit compete alongside the pros in a battle to become crowned 2010 champions.

Beautifully situated within 578-acres near Paphos, the Aphrodite Hills Resort is set over two elevated plateaux on either side of the breathtaking Randidi Gorge. Its the first-ever leisure, golf and real estate development in Cyprus offering a luxurious hotel the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel, a fabulously indulgent spa The Retreat, a tennis academy and a challenging golf course.

The fabulous prize includes:

• A four-night holiday at the five-star InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel for two on a half board basis arriving on 30th September, departing on 4th October.

• Two passes to watch the Euro Pro PGA Tour finale live on the 1st and 2nd October.

• Two tickets to the Winners Gala Dinner on the 2nd October.

• A round of golf at the Aphrodite Hills Golf Club on the 3rd October.

Free Competition

To enter our free competition all you need to do is correctly answer the following question:

On which Mediterranean Island is the Aphrodite Hills Resort?

Send your entries to comps@buzzinmedia.co.uk with Aphrodite Hills in the subject line with your answer and your full address and contact telephone number.

This Buzzin Golf Free Competition ends on 31st August 2010. The editor will randomly choose 1 winner. The editors choice is final.

For more information on the Aphrodite Hills Resort visit www.aphroditehills.com

Terms and Conditions:
All entries must be submitted by the closing date 31st August 2010.
The prize is for two people staying 4 nights at the Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus accommodated on a half board basis, and will include entry to watch the Euro Pro PGA Tour finale plus tickets to the winners Gala Dinner and a round of golf.

The prize winners are responsible for their flights, and also ensuring they have valid passports, travel insurance and the correct visas where necessary.

The prize is non-transferable and no cash or other alternatives are available.
Winners must organise their own travel to and from UK airport.

Holiday insurance, UK travel expenses, any additional expenses are not included and terms and conditions apply.

Free Competition to win Lyle & Scott high quality, fashionable golf wear

Lyle & Scott was founded in Hawick in the Scottish Borders in 1874, and ever since have been designing good looking, high quality, fashionable golf wear.

From early collaborations with Christian Dior to clothing some of the world’s golfing greats, Lyle & Scott has long been a brand with true authenticity, heritage and expertise recognised throughout the world.

As the brand evolves, Lyle & Scott is recognised as a leader in men’s retail fashion and combines this position with a solid authority and presence within the golfing sector.

The brand is well known for its Eagle logo, which was first used in 1960.

Lyle & Scott has three ranges for both men and women golfers who want to look as stylish as they do play well. The Vintage, Heritage and Club ranges offer a selection of some of the finest knitwear and polo shirts, as well as trousers, dresses, footwear and accessories.

Buzzin Golf has teamed up with Lyle & Scott to give away a selection of 5 polo shirts and knitwear from the mens range to one lucky winner (all size medium).

To enter our FREE COMPETITION just answer the question below:

The Eagle logo, now well established in the Golf world, was born in which year?
A) 1950
B) 1960
C) 1970

Send your entries to comps@buzzinmedia.co.uk with “Lyle & Scott” in the subject line with your answer and your full address and contact telephone number.

(Please note: (any other subject title will be not be entered)

This Buzzin Golf Free Competition ends on 31st August, 2010. The editor will randomly choose one winner. The editors choice is final.

The number one ranked player in the Official World Golf Ranking, Tiger Woods, has been questioned after his latest competitions. However, Woods arrives at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational as a leading candidate for the title.

The golf betting entities still have Tiger Woods standing as the favourite even after Woods poor performances, which is the reason the overall ranking between Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Lee Westwood has been reduced.

Woods accumulated 9.47 points, while Mickelson and Westwood have 9.24 and 9.04, respectively.

On his part, Phil Mickelson is one of the most recognized figures in the sport and will return to Northern Ohio to participate for the 18th consecutive year in the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, taking into account that the American golfer has participated in this event since 1992.

In addition, the professional golfer has won four major championships, the last of which was won in April, when Phil Mickelson won the 2010 Masters Tournament.

However, since the Bridgestone Invitational became a World Golf Championship event in 1999, Mickelson has failed in his attempts to win it.

On the other hand, after missing five months and despite the dramatic return, Woods has arrived as a big favourite to this years tournaments.

For the 2010 Bridgestone Invitational, Tiger Woods will try to get his first win since he was involved in his infidelity scandals of last November.

However, we cant expect that much, considering Woods has failed in his attempt to achieve a victory in the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach and at the British Open this year. But despite all this, he remains ranked as number one in the overall standings.

Finally, this will be a tournament that promises a lot of action, in which Woods will attempt to recover his good level of golf, but in which he will have a major contender that could remove him from the top of the table, Phil Mickelson.

ParaGolfer

For anyone suffering from a disabling condition the simple tasks that we take for granted like using an ATM or meeting with friends can be very challenging. To enjoy a round of golf is all but impossible.

That is up until now. The ParaGolfer from Otto Bock Healthcare was designed to enable golfers who have suffered from partial paralysis either through stroke or accident to get back to where they once were on the golf links.

The ParaGolfer is a specially constructed multi-terrain power wheelchair that features an innovative sit-to-stand function. This enables a disabled or physically challenged person to stand and play golf. Its robust yet agile design means players can easily move across various terrains.

Gaynor Norris, Marketing Manager at Otto Bock Healthcare said;

“Recent advancements in mobility solutions go beyond getting people moving innovations such as the ParaGolfer really restore a disabled persons ability to interact and play golf without restrictions. Furthermore, standing functions do much more than improve circulation being able to play and interact at eye level can be a huge confidence booster too.”

ParaGolfer

For further information visit the ParaGolfer webpage.

Well, its another sweltering day here in the south-east and memories of the long cold winter have all but faded. I know some keen golfers that played all through the winter months; all the time golf clubs were open, that is. But I am what is known as a fair-weather golfer and though some hardy all-year round amateur golfers look down their nose at me for only appearing from March to October I am adamant that I play golf to relax, have fun and enjoy a good walk in the countryside. None of the aforementioned enters my head when I am cold, wet and miserable.

The enjoyment factor for me is that I use golf for total stress relief. As soon as I put on my spikes and switch off my mobile phone I immediately feel free of the stress of work. Sometimes it needs a few deep breathes to clear my mind of any work-related issues. But by the time I am on the first tee, whether for a round or a golf break, I treat the whole golf experience as much needed therapeutic me time; and enjoy every minute.

I might feel differently if I was a low handicapper, playing off scratch or in a tournament. But for me to worry too much about my handicap would simply change the way I can enjoy every stroke good and er… not so good!

So with the summer weather in full swing (and who can tell how long it is going to last?), I find this is a good time of year to look for golf breaks whether in the UK, Europe or further afield.

Personally I enjoy short golf breaks rather than one or two week holidays, though I am a keen golfer two or three rounds of golf in the same amount of days is enough of a fix and I can return to work with a smile and a spring in my step.

The other consideration is that I prefer to drive or be driven to avoid any airport delays. Total control, just like on the golf course (I wish!) where I can pack my golf bag and clothes in the car boot and arrive within three or four hours. Perfect!

Compared to twenty years ago, there are so many golf courses throughout the UK that there are always an abundance of special offers and discounts throughout the year even at some of the most prestigious golf courses and golf hotels.

Furthermore, with the popularity of the Internet there are plenty of websites ready to offer you golfing holidays and golf breaks at cut down prices.
So while the sun is still shining and British summer time is giving us light evenings, why not treat yourself to a golf break in the UK.

Graeme McDowell is the first European golfer to win the US Open Golf Championship in 40 years. He rightly said it was a career defining victory and one that will elevate him to a lofty world ranking.

Over the past few years the British contingent has become ever stronger with the likes of Ian Poulter, Padraig Harrington and Paul Casey leading the charge. But as critics continue to place high accolades on Northern Irelands Rory McIllroy, no one mentioned the name of Northern Irelands quiet man, Graeme McDowell.

It was because Tiger Woods was returning from another injury that for the first time in many years Woods was not favourite to win the 2010 US Open, that mantle was placed on the shoulders of Americas favourite golfer, Phil Mickelson.

But Mickelson never really got going, and when Graeme McDowell lost the lead to Dustin Johnson going into the fourth and final round, and Tiger Woods had helped boost his chances with a fantastic round of 66 on the third day, I was erring towards another Tiger Woods grandstand finish. But McDowell kept his nerve to win by one shot over Gregory Havret. Ernie Els was third and after a late charge by Phil Mickelson, he tied with Tiger Woods in fourth place, three shots behind McDowell.

At just 30 years old, 2010 currently belongs to Graeme McDowell as his amazing US Open Golf Championship victory at Pebble Beach follows his victory in this months Wales Open at Celtic Manor. Next up, the British Open at St. Andrews.

There are around 200 golf courses in Wales but the most talked about course right now is Celtic Manor. With just over 100 days to go it will be hosting the Ryder Cup 2010 as the best golfers in Europe take on the best from the USA.

Two years ago the European Team, captained by Nick Faldo were odds on favourites to beat a weakened United States team without Tiger Woods who had withdrawn after knee surgery. But the American team ran out comfortable winners at the famous Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky with the help of a boisterous crowd and a few European players for whatever reason underperforming over the three day event. One of Nick Faldos captains choices was Ian Poulter. His inclusion paid off as he was the highest scoring player in the European Team.

The Ryder Cup is like no other golf competition in the world. Crowds are rowdy and behave more akin to football supporters rather than quiet, appreciative golf fans. The US crowd helped their team to a famous victory and unsettled European nerves by cheering and booing; while a small group of European fans chanted theres only one Ian Poulter, one Ian Poulter before teeing off.

Lee Westwood did himself no favours by speaking out when Boo Weekley pretended to ride his golf club down the fairway in a mock Kentucky Derby fashion. The light-humoured fun was said to be disrespectful by Westwood, which only caused the crowd to get on his back.

Previous Ryder Cup sledging incidents include Colin Montgomeries outburst when certain members of the crowd likened him to Mrs. Doubtfire. Everyone else seemed amused by this look-a-likey except Monty himself!

Ian Poulters was included in the last European Ryder Cup team over this years Ryder Cup Captain, Colin Montgomerie. It will be interesting to see how Monty handles that situation nearer the time as it is obviously going to be a question that is thrown at him by journalists, especially if Ian Poulter doesnt win an automatic place in this years European team and has to rely once more on being a Captains Choice.

The 38th Ryder Cup 2010 will take place at Celtic Manor Resort on the outskirts of Newport in South Wales between Friday 1st and Sunday 3rd October.

What an experience it would be to play the same course as the Ryder Cup players. There is a growing market in the UK for golf holidays and many websites cater specifically for golfers in the UK by regularly offering special deals at some of the best golf courses in the UK.

Celtic Manor includes no fewer than three top class courses, an award winning clubhouse and floodlit golf academy; and a golf break at one of the UKs leading golf courses, including one round of golf on the Montgomerie Course, bed and breakfast can cost as little as 79 per person.

Above all other sports, the Ryder Cup is quite possibly my favourite sporting event, and I for one cannot wait for the European Team to reclaim the cup in October.

Next month the British Open returns to the home of golf, as St. Andrews hosts the 139th British Open Golf Championship. It is also celebrating 150 years since Willie Park Senior won the very first British Open Championship for Professional Golfers over three rounds of twelve holes on the famous links course at Prestwick. The event was inspired by the Earl of Eglinton and Colonel James Fairlie, and with the help of Prestwick Golf Club members, money was raised for a red leather belt with a silver buckle to be awarded to the winner.

Last year the British Open Championship was held at Turnberry and after a 4 hole play-off against veteran Tom Watson, the American Stewart Cink won his first major title.

This year, Lee Westwood will head the British contingent following his latest win at the St Jude Classic in Memphis Tennessee after a three-way play-off with American Robert Garrigus and Swedens Robert Karlsson.

The British Open attracts the biggest names in golf and so is a perfect excuse for a golf in Scotland weekend break; and the chance to visit the famous St. Andrews course and see the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and other top world ranking players is a bonus.

Following Tiger Woods much lauded return to golf at the US Masters in New York earlier this year everyone will be hoping he recovers from a neck injury that forced him to withdraw from the Players Championship in May. Woods is scheduled to play in the US Open at Pebble Beach this weekend and defend his AT&T National title in July. He also has the added incentive to play at this years British Open as he is looking to become the first golfer to win three British Opens at St Andrews after victories there in 2000 and 2005.

This years European Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie qualified for the 2010 Open at St Andrews with a fantastic 62 at Sunningdale New, a course equalling score including five birdies on the last seven holes.

Colin Montgomerie has never missed an Open Championship since making his debut in 1990 at St Andrews.

On qualifying for the 139th British Open, Montgomerie said,

“It is a special place, no question, and I’m just glad the opportunity has been taken. I’ll be 47 when the Open comes round and this will probably be my last opportunity to play the Open at St Andrews.”

The 139th British Open Golf 2010 will take place at St. Andrews, Scotland between 15th and 18th July, so book your golf break now.

Belek Golf Club in Turkey (computer-generated image)

Belek Golf Club, the first integrated golf and residential community on Turkeys Mediterranean coast, is to become a European Tour Destination.

The partnership with The European Tour will result in top-flight professional golf being staged in Turkey on a new Jos Maria Olazbal designed golf course, construction of which starts this autumn.

Belek, 25 kilometres east of Antalya International Airport, is already a golf tourism hotspot (KPMG Golf Travel Insight report 2008) and was voted European Golf Destination of the Year by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators in 2008.

Now, joining London Golf Club as a European Tour Destination, Belek Golf Club will be the first world-class venue in the region offering golfers and non-golfers alike the opportunity to own a home within an exquisite residential and resort community benefiting from year round warmth and sunshine. England football stars Michael Owen and David Platt, as well as Austrian Alpine ski racing legend Marc Girardelli, are among those who will own homes at Belek Golf Club.

Hasan Besneli, Chairman of the Board, Belek Golf Club, said: Our partnership with The European Tour is significant as it guarantees our residents, hotel guests and golfing visitors outstanding facilities and levels of service, positioning Belek Golf Club among the worlds finest golf clubs.

Jos Maria Olazbal, who has taken a close personal interest in this project, has designed a remarkable golf course that will be a fitting venue for a European Tour event, and a compelling, enjoyable course that all golfers will want to play time and again.

The Belek Golf Club residential development, which is fed by an abundance of water flowing from the Taurus Mountains, will feature a fully navigable 7-kilometre long canal system, also connecting lakes and streams on the golf course. Other amenities include a town centre with shops, a rich variety of dining opportunities and nightly live entertainment. A wellness clinic offering spa and fitness programs will be complemented by state-of-the-art preventative and anti-ageing medicine under the guidance of medical doctors.

There will also be a Small Luxury Hotel of the World. Norgra Hotel Management will oversee the highest levels of service across the resort, while Troon Golf, the worlds leading golf management company whose portfolio of properties include Turnberry, Scotland, and The Grove, London, will manage operations and service at the golf club.

David MacLaren, Director of Property and Venue Development for The European Tour, said:

Belek Golf Club is one of the best new golf and residential developments anywhere in the world and a fitting addition to the London Golf Club as a European Tour Destination, part of The European Tour Properties network of world-class golf venues.

Belek, with its variety of high quality golf courses, excellent hotels and appealing climate, has already established itself on the world golfing map. Now, with a European Tour Destination and the promise of a full European Tour event within the next seven years, we believe this first integrated golf and residential community will become an icon for golf in Turkey.

Jonathan Orr, Finance Director for The European Tour, added: The development of our Property network is a major strategic objective for the European Tour and we are delighted to secure a partnership with Belek Golf Club, as we believe that it has all the ingredients to become an important strategic partner in a region of exciting potential.

There are 17 golf courses in Belek, many designed by leading international golf course architects, and all within a 15-minute drive time. With year round sunshine and warmth (monthly average temperatures range from 15C in January to 34C in August) and an abundance of water, Belek is already a major golfing centre.

Two-time Masters Champion and winner of 23 European Tour titles, Olazbal, who coined the phrase the magic of Belek Golf Club, said: The Castle Course at Belek Golf Club is my first design work in Turkey and I am honoured to be part of a development of such high international standard. I look forward to the challenge of creating a course that shall not only become a spectacular venue for The European Tour but, as importantly, an enjoyable and memorable experience for future residents and guests.

Construction of Belek Golf Club begins in autumn 2010 with a planned opening date of 2012.

For more information visit www.belekgolfclub.com.

Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing

Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing to give it its full title is a very amusing book by journalist and keen amateur golfer Josh Karp. The book is an account of Josh Karp’s quest to achieve inner peace to improve his golf, all through the art of Zen Buddhism.

Assisted by a quirky roster of excellent practitioners of esoteric, Eastern-fueled, non-traditional golf instruction that include Feldenkrais, The Emotional Freedom Technique, Aikido, meditation, Buddhism and other practices. Karp embarks on a unique journey that takes him across United States and Scotland fairways that’s as funny as it is illuminating.

The book is written in a very inviting unstuffy way that had me wanting to keep reading on, every time I had to put it down. Along the path Karp meets with various golf masters offering alternative practices and methods to conventional golf pro teachers tapping into the links between golf and spirituality.

The book is very enjoyable and had me laughing out loud as well as practising the theories and not undertaking any further golf lessons to correct my own swing from ‘conventional’ PGA pros at my local golf clubs.

Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing is both funny and enlightening, and well worth reading for any amateur golfer who like me is frustrated by a game that he plays for relaxtion.

For more information on the autor visit www.joshkarpbooks.com.

Title: Straight Down the Middle: Shivas Irons, Bagger Vance, and How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love My Golf Swing
Author: Josh Karp
ISBN: 978-0-8118-6539-9
Price: $23.95
Publisher: Chronicle Books