Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 438 i Today's Golfer

Wait, is the Chevron Championship a new women's Major? Not quite, though you probably know it by a different name. Sometimes it is referred to as Dinah Shore, the tournament's founder, but more recently it has been known as the Nabisco Championship, Kraft Nabisco Championship and ANA Inspiration, among others. That sounds familiar now. Doesn't the champion usually jump into Poppie's Pond? They do. Or rather, they did. After 51 years at Mission Hills in the Californian desert, the tournament is now relocating to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at The Club at Carlton Woods in Houston, Texas as part of a six-year sponsorship agreement with Chevron, which began last year. What do the players think about that? The likes of Lexi Thompson and Anna Nordqvist have said it's a…

FRONT NINE THE RULES The start of the knockout season nearly always causes a few disputes, especially around handicapping, concessions, and how the rules differ from strokeplay to matchplay. And we all know there are plenty of ways you can get penalised if you fail to adhere to a few set rules. That's why we've produced this handy run-down to keep you and your partner out of trouble. Not knowing your handicap could have big consequences. If a player begins a match having declared a higher handicap than they are entitled to and does not correct this before the opponent makes his or her next stroke, the player is disqualified if this affects the number of strokes the player would give or receive. If it does not, there is no…

Cobra's King Forged Tec irons are gorgeous, but these blacked-out versions make them even more attractive. It's a ‘players’ distance’ model designed for better players, from low-to -mid handicaps, with a hot face design, sleeker topline with reduced offset, and a lighter and softer internal foam material for improved sound and feel. The irons also feature a hollow body design, with tungsten weighting and PWRSHELL technology that together provide enhanced distance with improved stability in a more compact shape. These limited-edition Forged Tec Black irons feature a military grade DBM (diamondised black metal) finish, which delivers more resistance to corrosion, scratches and normal wear than any other carbon steel black finish. In other words, they're built to last – which more than justifies the £1,099 (4-PW) price tag! www.cobragolf.com…

Golfer Today's DRIVE FOR DEFIBS IN ASSOCIATION WITH MOTOCADDY° A sudden cardiac arrest is one of the biggest killers in the UK. Often it strikes without warning and it doesn't discriminate by age, gender or even fitness level. Golf courses are the fifth most likely place for people to suffer a cardiac arrest, but not enough golf clubs – or golfers – are equipped to help save a person's life on the course. Often there's little time to react and even less time to think, which is why learning CPR and having a defibrillator nearby is so important. We believe every club has a duty of care to its members and visitors. That's why we've joined forces with Motocaddy – whose electric trolleys and app can pinpoint defibrillator locations –…

PLAY BETTER CADDIE ON YOUR SHOULDER FORGET WET Water will cost you 1.6 shots more than greenside rough. Take it out of play. Designers often love to put a little sting in the tale in the form of a beautiful and dangerous par 3. With no option short, Quinta de Cima's 17th is a classic example. At 168 yards from the tees of the day, it demands a well-struck mid-to-short iron if you are to find the green. But let's see what the data from leading shot tracking specialists Shot Scope (shotscope.com) tells us about how we can keep an 11th-hour disaster off the scorecard. 1 Cardinal sin So many par 3s are far more penal short than long – and with water and sand short, this hole is a perfect example.…

BLUEPRINT £219 per club Category: Muscleback blade Forgiveness rating: 1/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: Forged from a single piece of 8620 carbon steel 7-iron loft: 34° WHO ARE THEY FOR? Ping's only fully forged irons were developed with input from an elite group of Ping tour players. Make no mistake, as beautifully shaped as the Blueprint are, they're only a good match for a very tiny number of golfers (only 10% of tour players use blades), a point reinforced by the i230 being Ping's most played tour iron. We've seen a lot of muscleback blades over the years, but the Blueprint have the slimmest soles we've ever laid eyes on, they really are wafer thin. For some that will mean lovely turf interaction, but it also dictates you'll…

P7MB £1,149 (s) Category: Muscleback blade Forgiveness rating: 1/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: Forged from a single piece of 1025 carbon steel 7-iron loft: 34° WHO ARE THEY FOR? Very much the best ball strikers and ultimate shot shapers which is why TaylorMade players like Rory Mcllroy and Collin Morikawa have direct input into the P7MB's design. The new model launched in late 2022 and TaylorMade say there's a shorter blade length and narrower sole than the previous version, an iteration which was heavily influenced by Dustin Johnson. By choosing the P7MB you are playing a set designed by and for the world's best. If you find yourself attracted to them, remember what's on the line. Yes, our test pro recorded his smallest dispersion numbers with them; but…

KING MB/CB £999 Category: Muscleback blade and/or Players’ iron Forgiveness rating: 1-2/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: One-piece 1025C forged 7-iron loft: 34° WHO ARE THEY FOR? Rickie Fowler has had huge influence on the shape and design of Cobra muscleback blades over the years, and since slipping to World No.66 in 2021, the lowest he's been since 2010, he's rediscovered his form using a set of the new cavity back King Tour irons. Like all blades, the King MB are designed for the very best, most consistent ball strikers and serial shot shapers. We like that all Cobra's forged irons can be bought individually and interchanged to create your own perfect combo set. We suspect, though, that very few club golfers will be in a position to entertain…

Singing the praises of golf in the Eastern Algarve might, on the surface, seem a bit like trying to lure people to your pub quiz when Oasis are playing a reunion gig round the corner. Set against the riches of the Central and even the Western Algarve, it is not realistic to pretend that the East can compare in terms of quantity. What it can offer, though, is the No.1 course in the region – and a different type of golf break. Much less commercial and much less developed, this is where ‘the real Portugal’ cliche can justifiably be rolled out; it is an area of breathtaking but quiet beaches and of peaceful fishing towns and villages. The same broadly goes for the courses, the support cast to Monte Rei…

It is hardly surprising that the western Algarve is a little less discovered by British golfers; to get there, you jump in your hire car at Faro and turn left onto the A2, which sweeps you to even the furthest-west course in an hour. The problem is, however, that the journey takes you past signposts for some of European golf's biggest names: Pine Cliffs, Quinta do Lago, Vila Sol, Vale do Lobo and, of course, the trump card of Vilamoura itself. Yet there is very good reason to stay focused on the road and push on. In the west, like the East, you get more for your money, especially at the likes of Boavista, Alamos, Morgado and Alto. The towns of Lagos, Portimao and Praia da Luz are also an…

Golf Escapes is now in its 12th year of publication, and every time we send the final supplement to the printers I am surprised by the quality and breadth on offer to the travelling golfer. Any country. Any budget. Any type of travelling companions. Any level of challenge. Any level of luxury… The world of golf caters for everyone, and I think that's highlighted in this year's content. Europe and the UK feature heavily, with perennial favourites such as Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Turkey also included, along with a host of British and Irish resorts from our 2023 Top 100 ranking (including 20 of my favourite ideas for a golf-inspired summer holiday). There are also destinations that might not be on the radar for most, but which I guarantee will…

Nestling on the Mediterranean in what is colloquially known as the Turkish Riviera, Belek is primarily a seaside resort that discovered golf and is now almost certainly the fastest growing European golf destination. It's all thanks to a sizeable strip of real estate just inland from the beach, which is simply perfect for the game. Pine trees have been planted in the sandy soil to create what is now ideal golfing terrain. It also has the considerable benefit of a water table a little more than a deep divot below the surface. So attractive water features are sprinkled liberally about. What land has not already been converted to golf is quite probably scheduled for golf. Although, frankly, there doesn't seem to be a lot of room left for any more…

PORTUGAL Fancy feeling like a tour pro for a day? Then start planning your trip to Monte Rei right now. From the moment this modern masterpiece opened its doors and fairways in 2007, it has enjoyed superstar status. A fixture at the top of Golf World's Continental Europe Top 100 Courses ranking and an increasingly strong presence in its equivalent Resorts list, Monte Rei offers an experience like no other in mainland Europe. Let's start with the course. It was designed by the great Jack Nicklaus, who was a regular presence before, during and after construction. “The golf experience at Monte Rei begins with a gorgeous piece of property,” said the 18-time Major champion. “There were a number of wonderful trees throughout the site and a lot of movement on…

Despite only taking on the moniker two years ago, INFINITUM has become a name on everyone's lips thanks to a series of refurbishments, additions and high-profile tournaments. Now, with three consecutive titles of ‘Europe's Best Golf Venue’ from 2019 to 2021 at the World Golf Awards under its belt, the Catalan resort is only adding to its reputation. A stone's throw from the Mediterranean, on Spain's Costa Dorada, INFINITUM boasts a trio of world-class courses that, between them, feature just about everything a golfer could ask for. Around 71 percent of the earth's surface is water-covered, so it is fitting that 71 is also the par score of INFINITUM'S Lakes course, which can often feel just as hydrophilic. The Greg Norman-design was built on natural wetlands and delivers on the…

SPAIN Real Club de Golf El Prat is regarded as one of the finest golf clubs in Spain, having hosted more than 250 top-level national and international championships, including the Spanish Open on 10 occasions. Located only 30 minutes from vibrant Barcelona, both of this special club's courses are Greg Norman designs. El Prat makes clever use of 36 Norman-designed tests, laid out over an exciting, varied mix of its two highly acclaimed courses: the Pink and Yellow. The prestigious club is home to a modern and lively clubhouse and top-quality practice facilities, as well as a 300m driving range and a host of specialist short-game areas. Real Club de Golf El Prat has carefully chosen a selection of hotel partners to create a variety of stay-and-play packages to suit…

MOROCCO Moroccan golf courses and resorts do not find themselves in global rankings too often. But Michlifen changed that narrative in 2021 when it was named in Golf World&39;s benchmark Top 100 Resorts in the World. The reasons are varied, but let's start with the setting. Michlifen sits in the heart of the Atlas Mountains at an altitude of 1,650m. This Alpine-esque twist in North Africa gives the Jack Nicklaus course constantly changing elevation and character as it traverses craggy ravines, winds through forests and follows the edge of bluffs. The Alpine theme continues in the gorgeous accommodation. It has fewer amenities than some in the ludicrously-competitive Top 100 Resorts World list, but it is unquestionably a truly worldclass destination. Officially opened in September 2018 by HRH Prince Moulay Rachid,…

The pre-opening period is often one of the most challenging and intensive phases for a golf club –but it can also be one of the most rewarding. A smooth, well-planned approach can ensure long-term success – equally, mistakes or oversights made during this phase can prove very costly. With experience of multiple successful pre-openings all around the globe, we have learnt that although there is more than one way to skin a cat, having a clear framework of procedures and controls in place will not only ensure the successful delivery of a new golf club but also allow the process to be a fulfilling, rather than stressful, experience. With this in mind, we've listed some of the learnings we've picked-up along the way: 1. KEEP AN OPEN MIND It's easy…

YOUR BUCKET LIST OF COURSES JUST GOT LONGER It's Te Arai (South), and it's New Zealand. Those are the only words you want to read on this page - the name of whatever utterly sensational course this is an image of, and where you'll find it. You've probably gone back to gazing at it again, but for anyone still reading, it's an hour north of Auckland and is now fully open, having had limited play since October. It was designed by CooreCrenshaw and sits next to its sister course, Tara Iti. Its stablemate, Te Arai (North) by Tom Doak, will open later this year. In a flash, the stretch of golf in New Zealand has become bucket-list stuff. The South's routing plays largely out and back, in the traditional links…

FRONT NIN LOCKER ROOM CHAT Congratulations on the series. How long did it take to get the show off the ground? I've been working on this for six years, on and off. But this all happened before the (Formula l) Drive to Survive series launched. The idea was more based on Hard Knocks, an HBO series, about American football. In 2019, that's when I got the rights officially from the PGA Tour to make an all-access series. Then when Netflix was announced as a partner, it opened the door even more because a lot of pro golfers had watched Drive to Survive and seen what it's done for the Instagram followings of those drivers. I think they thought it would be cool for their sport to get that kind of…

Ally Fleming never expected to become one of the British Heart Foundation's biggest and most loyal supporters. He had never even run a charity event until five years ago and once described the prospect of raising £10,000 as “wishful thinking”. Today, though, he is thinking big and daring to dream about hitting 10 times that amount in donations. He's become something of an expert in this field, so much so that his work has raised four separate motions in Scottish Parliament. Together with a group of friends, he set up the Paul Lynas Memorial Fundraising Group in 2018 which has helped generate over £70,000 for the British Heart Foundation, of which £4,000 has already been spent on two defibrillators which now serve local communities in West Lothian. He drives past…

PLAY IN COLOUR 2023 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW Oak Hill Country Club nearly always has a habit of throwing up surprises whenever the world's best players come to town. This year promises to be no different. The PGA Championship's date change means wind, rain and possibly snow could be in the offing – and that's before we get into the make-up of the strongest field in golf, which includes a high-profile member who has previous when it comes to lifting the Wanamaker Trophy. It means there are several storylines to unpack. And with a new-look course to discover and a rowdy New York crowd in attendance, it's set up to be a must-watch. So here's everything you need to know… WHAT MAKES OAK HILL SO SPECIAL? Located in upstate New York, Oak…

EQUIPMENT Every club tested and rated at www.todays-glofer.com HERE TO HELP YOU BUY BETTER NEW LAUNCHES ► TESTS ► TG TOP 10S ► BUYING ADVICE ► COMPETITIONS NEW GEAR PXG 0311 GEN6 irons and woods headline the month's new releases SHOWCASE Eleven of the best 2023 stand bags to lighten your load WHICH 2023 IRON SUITS YOU Meet this year's new iron families, and let us guide you to the perfect set for your game in 2023…

Good news for slower speed players… With High Launch irons for slower swing players trending up in 2023, Ping also offer the G430 iron in a brilliant new lightweight, High Launch (HL) set-up. Ping say the model is specifically optimised for golfers swinging 7-iron at or below 75mph, which should account for between 10-30% of G iron customers. The HL model looks exactly the same as the standard G430, but it's 15% lighter, and comes decked out with a 35g or 45g Fujikura-produced Ping Alta Quick shaft. If, like us, your speed is going south, the HL option could be an absolute lifesaver. Stronger or weaker? For several years now, Ping have offered their irons at both stronger and weaker lofts, which they refer to as Power (stronger) or Retro…

SRIXON Z-FORGED II £999 Category: Muscleback blade Forgiveness rating: 1/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: Forged from a single piece of 1020 carbon steel 7-iron loft: 33° WHO ARE THEY FOR? The Z-Forged II is brand new for 2023, and it's a lovely blade with a sleek look and a very Japanese high-toe profile. However, the fact Brooks Koepka and former Open champion Shane Lowry choose the brand's forged cavity back ZX7 for their own game should set alarm bells ringing for any club golfer finding their heart strings tugged by this model. If you're the type of golfer who thinks stronger lofted irons only ever launch shots lower with less spin, and swear traditional lofted irons are right for you, you might be disappointed to hear that the…

620 MB £160 (s), £185 (g) per club Category: Muscleback blade Forgiveness rating: 1/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: One piece forged 7-iron loft: 35° WHO ARE THEY FOR? With the likes of Will Zalatoris and Open Champion Cameron Smith opting for the forged cavity back Titleist T100 over the 620 MB or CB, alarm bells should be ringing if you find yourself attracted to this model. Purists will argue that Titleist make some of the best-looking and feeling blades around, but you should never lose sight of the fact that the players who make a living from the game regularly shun the very unforgiving 620 MB. It's no reflection on the quality of the iron, but our test pro hit shots into an area 288% larger with the…

With colourways ranging from the eclectic blue-and-yellow Bananarama design, the striking Donuts and bold Navy Flower Party patterns, OGIO's latest range of market-leading golf travel covers have been designed to stand out from the crowd. Continuing the brand's long-term commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, OGIO's bold, durable and spacious travel covers can be effortlessly spotted among a succession of neutral colours on the airport conveyor belt –ensuring you will never again be left panicking in the mayhem as you try to spot yours. The new Alpha Travel Covers – designed in eight eye-catching colour schemes as well as black – come with ample room for all the holiday essentials you need; from flip-flops to sunscreen, golf balls to golf shoes, making travel easier than ever in 2023. With…

ALGARVE If the Algarve was part of the natural world, it would be a shark – albeit a very friendly one. Sharks must keep moving forward just to survive, and while the Algarve is hardly under threat, this celebrated region on the southern coast of Portugal is always striving to get even better. With increased options for golfers looking for an overseas break, the Algarve has responded by becoming a more alluring prospect than ever before. This year really emphasises the region's commitment to excellence, with the opening of its 34th 18-hole course and the revitalising of the Algarve's many alreadyestablished favourites. Number 34, Ombria, has been ready for play for many months, the club just waiting for the moment to unveil the first new course to open in the…

BARBADOS The vistas from the top of Apes Hill have always made it a highlight of Barbados’ golf offering. At 1,000ft above sea level (just short of the Eiffel Tower), the course is the most elevated on the island and takes advantage of some breathtaking panoramas across the Caribbean on one side and the Atlantic on the other. But the golf course layout itself, while popular, couldn't ever quite live up to the views - until now. When Canadian investor Glenn Chamandy purchased Apes Hill in 2019, his vision for the course was simple: turn it into a world-class golf resort, including a Performance Centre and hundreds of luxury homes, with one of the finest layouts in the Caribbean at its heart. For that crucial last task, he turned to…

IMG provide golf club management and specialist consultancy services to some of the finest golf facilities in the world and are uniquely placed to offer operational support through our team of industry leading professionals, who have extensive international experience providing global and local expertise. Our operations team are actively involved in providing the support required to reach the goals and objectives of each facility. There has perhaps never been a more appropriate time to evaluate the customer service sequence and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure member and guest satisfaction. In many countries around the world, golf has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity and a positive trend in membership sales. Creating tools to retain these new members and loyal long-standing members is a constant and important element for…

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, has done a great job in recent years of shedding its island-party reputation and evolving into a mainstay of the luxury travel world, boasting some seriously impressive options for golf tourism. At the top of the list is Carrossa, a five-star hotel and spa in the east of the island that has been drawing eyes with its glamour, its gastronomy and its close proximity to four very premium golf courses. A drive of between 15 and 45 minutes will take you to the four 18-hole courses within easy reach of Carrossa – Club de Golf Alcanada, Capdepera Golf, Pula Golf Resort and Club de Golf Son Servera. Club de Golf Son Servera, which exudes a relaxed atmosphere, with a wide mix of nationalities…

Located in Italy's north-west, this piece of paradise has long been a top European tourist destination thanks to its beauty, freedom and unique scenery. But did you know that Piemonte – home to the iconic city of Turin and a haven for food, wine and skiing – is also one of Italy's biggest regions and features more than 50 golf courses. A geographically diverse area that is home to peaks, plains, hills and lakes, the region's topography ensures a wide variety of golf courses grace the region; from mountainous, elevated layouts to flatter but no less enthralling courses at lower altitudes. Ranked second in Italy for its sheer number of golf courses, finding a location to start can be a challenge – but it often helps to rewind the clock…

There's something special about the golf holiday that keeps us going back for more, year after year. Whatever country you happen to be standing in, you are still – when you boil it down – hitting a ball around a field until you get it into 18 holes. But the game feels tangibly different on fairer soils, in ways that are hard to quantify. Something about teeing off abroad tastes somehow sweeter. But it is more than the golf; it is an escape to a completely different world. From post-round drinks on an unfamiliarly warm evening, to some magnificent views that your local parkland can't quite match, you're strapped in for a true experience, so much so that the score on your card often becomes of secondary importance. UK golfers…

Be a hero for a day There are few better ways to raise money for charity or a defibrillator at your golf club than by playing four rounds in a day. It sounds like a lot and believe us, it isn't easy. But it's also immensely satisfying, especially if you're doing it for a good cause. To get started, simply round up a group of mates, pick a date and course to play 72 holes (or more) in 24 hours, and then get fundraising! If you sign up through Macmillan Cancer Support, the four teams of four that raise the most money by September 15 will win a place in the finals and a three-night stay at Boavista Golf & Spa Resort in Portugal this November. longestdaygolf.macmillan.org.uk The podcast we…

This feat might never be repeated Think shooting 59 is tough? How about pulling it off twice in one weekend. That's exactly what Aussie pro Peter Wilson achieved at Lang Lang Golf Club in Victoria, carding golf's magic number in back-to-back rounds on the par-70 layout. OK, so the course was only 6,001 yards, but the 45-year-old still tore it up and made a combined 20 birdies and one eagle over the 36 holes. His World Ranking of 854 might need looking at. Girls Golf Rocks is back! England Golf are working hard to inspire a new generation of girl golfers – and this programme remains one of the best ways to do it. Now in its seventh year, Girls Golf Rocks has already helped to introduce more than 8,000…

FRONT NINE CLUBHOUSE CHATTER The R&A and USGA have been hinting at rolling the ball back for a while. Now they're putting everyone on notice. A new Model Local Rule is set to be introduced in January 2026, which will limit how far the golf ball travels in top-level competitions. The proposed changes, which will impact the testing conditions for golf balls, will not affect the equipment rules governing recreational players, but will instead be aimed at professional and elite amateur players. How did it come to this? The governing bodies have been considering their options ever since ‘Tiger-proofing’ became a thing. Many courses have already been extended – at the detriment of sustainability and pace of play –to coincide with distance gains, but many more are in danger of…

Patrick Koenig is living every golfer's dream. Today he is out walking the Old American golf course in Texas, taking in the views, and capturing pictures with the drone he has flying overhead. A weather delay means his tee time has been pushed back, but he still has time on his side. Patrick's life revolves around playing golf. Just not in a way you might expect. Yesterday he was at Southern Hills, host of last year's US PGA Championship, in Oklahoma. Next week he'll be in Alabama to experience eight courses on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. After that, he'll make the near 500-mile drive to Florida where he'll play another 30 times. Possibly more. It sounds almost too good to be true, but Patrick has turned a passion…

13 PAR 5 | 623 YARDS The second of two par 5s is not only the signature at Oak Hill, but also the longest hole on the course. Typically played into a prevailing wind, few players have ever been able to reach the green in two because of Allen's Creek that crosses the landing area at 325 mark. The S-shaped fairway cambers down and then up to a green that sits in a hollow, protected by three bunkers in front and two behind. The club's famous Hill of Fame sits to the right, marked by a flagpole and where greats of the game are honoured with oak trees. 6 PAR 4 | 503 YARDS Known as ‘Double Trouble’, this dog-leg used to be the old 5th but has now been…

Shot tracking specialists Shot Scope (shotscope.com) have used their massive databank to work out how often we three-putt by handicap –and the results are eye-catching. The above figure of a three-jab every 8.2 holes for a 20-handicapper – in other words twice or three times a round – becomes more worrisome when compared to a scratch golfer, whose figure of 39.2 holes per three-putt suggests they typically go two full rounds without one. To complete the picture: 5-handicap: every 20.9 holes 10-handicap: every 14.9 holes 15-handicap: every 10.4 holes Of course, we expect better players to three-putt less often; but the dramatic uptick as the handicap rises suggests some fertile ground for improvement. TRY THIS Distance control is naturally key to avoiding a three-putt. But many club players struggle here…

PXG founder Bob Parsons has always said he'd never launch a new club without first being convinced it out-performs the company's existing models. But as PXG approach their 10th anniversary, that promise is getting harder and harder to fulfil each year. By approaching things differently, PXG want to ensure golfers have no doubt about how much better their new models are, and they'll happily prove how each new generation stacks up against the one it replaces! For half a decade the brand has built an enviable reputation for making brilliant irons, but they'd be first to admit their premium woods haven't quite hit the spot. ‘FOR THE GEN6 FAMILY, THE FOCUS HAS BEEN ON BRILLIANT OFFCENTRE HIT CONSISTENCY’ For the GEN6 family, the focus has been on brilliant off-centre hit…

APEX MB £1,099 Category: Muscleback blade Forgiveness rating: 1/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: Forged from a single piece of 1025 carbon steel 7-iron loft: 34° WHO ARE THEY FOR? The Apex MB is a previous TG blade of the year, but as gorgeous as they are, think very seriously before putting a set in play. Even Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele chose the slightly more forgiving cavity back Apex TCB over the MBs, and it's no secret that only 10% of tour players use muscleback blades. If you find yourself drawn to this beautiful blade, it goes without saying you need to be a brilliantly consistent ball striker, just like six-time Major champion Phil Mickelson, who has a set in his bag. Also, don't make the mistake of…

PRO 221 £165 per club Category: Muscleback blade Forgiveness rating: 1/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: Forged from a single piece of 1025E HD mild carbon steel 7-iron loft: 34° WHO ARE THEY FOR? Our blade of the year in 2022, but don't be thinking this is an iron for anyone other than serial shot shapers and golfers who insist their eyes can only look at muscleback heads sat behind the ball. Our test pro's numbers have the 221 pretty closely matched on ball speed and carry to the 223 (even though the 221 is 2° weaker in the 7-iron), but remember the tour cavity back (223) will offer a little more forgiveness. Compared to the 225 at a decent speed, players are likely to see 5mph + more…

STAFF MODEL £899 Category: Muscleback blade Forgiveness rating: 1/5 Handicap range: Four and below Construction: Forged from a single piece of 8620 carbon steel 7-iron loft: 34° WHO ARE THEY FOR? Gary Woodland won the 2019 US Open playing a set, which pretty much tells you everything you need to know: superb ball strikers only need apply. As blades go, the Staff model is a cracking looking head with some old school detailing, and in the current climate, thanks to being several years old, they represent decent value for money. With nearly 8mph of ball speed and 13 yards of 7-iron carry distance separating the model from Wilson's cracking D9-Forged (players’ distance iron), hopefully even decent golfers will realise where their better iron option lies. STAFF MODEL CB £849 Category:…

One of the differences between taking a golf break abroad as opposed to one in the British Isles is in the amount of travelling you do, not merely in terms of the journey to and from the respective foreign country, but those you undertake while there. If you want to play a handful of Top 100-calibre courses abroad, usually you will have to drive a significant distance between each venue. In Britain and Ireland, we can often walk between the courses on our itinerary – Southport, Ayrshire, Fife, East Lothian and Aberdeenshire spring to mind. Spain's Andalucian coast enjoys something similar, likewise, to a lesser extent, the Aquitaine area in south-east France. But nowhere comes as close to matching the GB&I's sardine tin model quite as closely as the Central…

With a golf design CV that includes Bandon Dunes, Queenwood, Beaverbrook, Machrihanish Dunes and the Castle Course at St Andrews, it's safe to say that David McLay Kidd knows a thing or two about what it takes to create a world-class golf course. Up until now, the Scotsman has limited his work to regions other than mainland Europe and he has never opened a layout on the continent. But all that is about to change in the coming months with the eagerly anticipated unveiling of the Dunas Course at Terras da Comporta in Portugal. McLay Kidd originally launched the linksstyle Dunas Course, which is situated one hour south of Lisbon, in 2010. The project was forced to be shelved on that occasion after the company financing the development ran into…

HUNGARY Featuring a stunning Robert Trent Jones Jnr championship golf course and distinctive modern clubhouse, Zala Springs Golf Resort also enjoys a very enviable location, lying within a two-hour drive of four iconic European cities (Budapest, Vienna, Zagreb and Ljubljana), within 20 minutes of Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest lake, and just 15 minutes from Lake Hévíz, the world's largest thermal lake. Included in Golf World's, most recent Top 100 Continental Resorts ranking, GW noted that the resort was on the rise. ‘Add a Robert Trent Jones Jnr course to 32 swish, modern ‘design suites’ in the hotel, plus an incredible new spa and wellness centre, and you have a resort that is only going one way in this list: up.” The accommodation is provided in the form of luxurious…

SCOTLAND Having recently undergone an extensive renovation across the estate, SCHLOSS Roxburghe boasts one of the finest spa, hotel, and golf course destinations in Scotland. The Dave Thomas-designed course can be stretched out to more than 7,000 yards, and winds through stunning woodlands and alongside the serene River Teviot. The course was already thought of as one of the best in the Borders, and recent agronomical work, alongside imminent off-course improvements to the practice facilities, will ensure that the full golf offering at SCHLOSS Roxburghe will continue to be held in very high regard within the golfing community. In addition to the golf course improvements, a new wing of the hotel has been built, adding 58 new rooms to the stunning existing accommodation that was available within the Main House…

Erbil Hills Golf Club features a world-class 18-hole championship course designed by internationally recognised golf course architects, Dye Designs. Erbil is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back more than 8,000 years. But this private, gated development will offer a new style of luxury living in the region. Erbil Hills is destined to become one of the region's most exciting new golf destinations, with the capacity and ambition to host international tournaments and special events. The course is currently in the grow-in stage and is set to open 9-holes in 2023, with the full 18-holes open in summer, 2024. IMG are providing extensive preopening support and will be responsible for the management and marketing of the club. Featuring the first championship course in the Kurdistan…

IMG has an award-winning Marketing & PR team trusted by the biggest names in sport and business, and we generate ideas to get our clients talked about in the right place at the right time. We create effective and targeted marketing strategies which focus on the club's key attributes and which positions it at the correct level and at the right target market. IMG'S KEY STRATEGIES + Drafting and distribution of regular press releases to a global golf media list as well as key industry partners and news channels. + Use of IMG's social media channels to broadcast regular updates, newsletters and information about the club to an engaged global audience. + Representation at key industry events and introduction to key industry media and tourism partners from targeted feeder markets and publications.…

There are stunning places in the world where mass tourism has not set foot. The Greek region of Messinia, in the southwest Peloponnese, is one of them. Untouched for generations, culture, values and traditions have flourished, creating a spectacular setting that breathes history and pervades a sense of harmony. It's here where you'll find Costa Navarino. A short and scenic drive from Kalamata International Airport, Costa Navarino opened in 2010. The dream of ship owner and keen environmentalist Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos was to create a sustainable tourism development in his home region. The last 13 years have seen ‘The Captain's’ vision become a glorious reality, with Costa Navarino establishing itself as Europe's newest golf destination. Fresh recognition for a period of lengthy investment came at the end of last year…