Sailing a 78' Maxi

Most Connoisseur Golf clients sensibly insert a 'day-off' into their itinerary. A run of consecutive days on the golf course puts a lot of walking miles on the clock, but it's also nice to take time out and enjoy what else Scotland has to offer besides it legendary links.

The question then becomes, " What to do on our day off? "

Some go sightseeing in Edinburgh, others like to explore the multitude of whisky distilleries, and quite a few groups like nothing more than spending the day in the pub - telling everyone how close they were to making par on The Road Hole at St Andrews...

In 2010, for something a little different, Connoisseur Golf will be offering chartered sailing on Scotland's most famous racing yacht - The Arnold Clark Drum.

Originally commissioned by Simon Le Bon (lead singer of Duran Duran) in 1985, this 78 foot Maxi was designed by Ron Holland and built by Vision Yachts of Cowes for top racer Skip Novak. Drum went on to finish 3rd overall in the following year's Whitbread Round The World Yacht Race.

It is based at Rhu Marina, 45 minutes from Glasgow or a mere 15 minutes from Cameron House on the shores of Loch Lomond. You can choose to actively participate in the sailing of the yacht under the watchful eye of the skipper and his crew, or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful Scottish scenery.

I can personally vouch - golfing aside, there is no more enjoyable a way to spend a day in Scotland. You begin the journey by sailing out from the shores of The Gareloch, and entering the Firth of Clyde before heading down through the stretch of water between Dunoon and Gourock. A couple of hours further down the coast brings you to a nice sheltered spot at The Holy Loch where the anchor is lowered for a spot of lunch. A wonderful three course meal is then served, with wines, beer and soft drinks complimentary throughout the day. Eating haggis, neeps & tatties and watching the sun reflect across the sea towards the Ayrshire coastline is about as Scottish as it gets.

The crew know how to adapt the level of involvement to each individual's experience and skills, but even our group of novice yachtsmen managed to master the art of tacking and we all got to enjoy a few minutes alone on the wheel. Sailing equipment isn't necessary because oilskin trousers and jackets are supplied before setting off. The only requirements to note in advance are trainers (rubber soled tennis shoes) and a warm hat.

If you have any further questions about sailing on the 78' Drum, or the possibility of adding it to your itinerary then contact me through the main website at http://www.connoisseurgolf.com/.

Lundin Links

Basing your Scottish golf vacation in St Andrews opens up the possibilities to play a host of Fife's great links courses. With history dating back to 1868, Lundin Golf Club is one of the finest.

This James Braid designed golf course is situated within a half hour drive of The Home of Golf. Although it only measures 6400 yards, the R&A's Championship committee have selected it as a Final Qualifying venue for the Open on several occasions. It's an intelligent player's course, and one which rewards course management over length from the tee. Just like the links at Elie down the road, it contains a wealth of ingenious short par 4's. These holes are usually defined with strategically-placed bunkers, and even a burn that meanders through the course. Take the 10th for example - a mere 272 yards. But in order to drive the burn a carry of 250 yards is required from the tee. A small green with punishing bunkers awaits an errant approach.

However, patience around this layout is often rewarded with birdies. There are probably half a dozen holes where it's possible to pick up shots, but the par 4 11th most definitely does not fall in this category. 464 yards through a narrow fairway to a small green. Thick rough on the left and gorse to the right.

Lundin has many famous admirers, but perhaps none more vocal than Brad Faxon, who treats the seaside course as one of his favourites. He once shot 63 here in Open qualifying, and stated "Lundin Links will always have a special place in my heart".

Sitting in the quaint little clubhouse with a wholesome meal and nip of whisky gives you a strong feeling of Fife's golfing tradition. It's a nice break from the crowded fairways at St Andrews, and a quiet relaxing day on a fun golf course. If you're not one of golf's new breed who demand to play from the back tee's at every course, and you simply enjoy a leisurely walk around a beautiful old style links then Lundin is not to be overlooked.

2010 St Andrews Golf Packages

Connoisseur Golf are now taking bookings for 2010 St Andrews Golf Packages. Luxury five night itineraries with guaranteed Old Course tee-times start from £1995 + VAT, and include a full-time chauffeured Mercedes Viano exclusive to your group.

All itineraries are bespoke to our clients' needs, but most tend to include the wonderful links courses at Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. There are also a wealth of championship courses in the area such as The New Course, The Jubilee Course, The Castle Course, Crail, and The Dukes. Our preferred 5* hotel - The Fairmont St Andrews also boasts two magnificent courses in The Kittocks and The Torrance, the latter of which is hosting final qualifying for next year's Open Championship on The Old Course.

Of course it is possible to personalize your trip with further Open Championship venues in East Lothian and The West Coast. Turnberry was presented in perfect condition back in July, and played host to one of the most memorable tournaments in living history with Tom Watson rolling back the years to play some remarkable golf. A round on The Ailsa Course here, and accommodation at the famed Turnberry Hotel is a great addition to any trip.

Gleneagles is proud to be staging the 2014 Ryder Cup, and you can test the PGA Centenary course out for yourself before watching the USA doing battle with Europe on their home soil. Gleneagles is one of the finest 5* hotels in the British Isles with Michelin Star dining, three 18 hole golf courses, and activities including shooting, fishing and an equestrian centre.

Or, if you would like to spectate at The 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews and then play the Old Course straight after the pros, we are offering top of the line packages on both a personal and corporate basis. Connoisseur Golf have some terrific private accommodation options still available in St Andrews for the Open, including 3, 4 and 5 bedroom luxury homes within a few miles of the course. The jewel in the crown is a 5 bedroom Country Mansion with private chef and mature grounds a mere 10 minutes from the Old Course - the perfect retreat away from the buzz and excitement of the tournament.

You can customize any trip to Scotland or Ireland with a range of luxurious transportation options including chauffeured Mercedes coach or MPV transfers, cruises, and chartered helicopters or jets.

As always, I am available for your enquiries at jim@connoisseurgolf.com or you can speak with me on +44 (0)141 33 22 389.

Luggage Forward

Connoisseur Golf are proud to announce our partnership with Luggage Forward - the industry leader in providing fast and secure shipping to over 200 countries.

Instead of being lumbered with your large suitcases and golf travel covers, you can now send them in advance and meet them at your destination only a few days later. The process is simple:

1. Tell us where and when you want your luggage picked up

2. Provide us with a few further details to ensure a speedy transfer through Customs

3. Let us know where you want it delivered

4. We send you the relevant bag tags to affix to your luggage

5. Travel hassle free and be safe in the knowledge your luggage will be waiting at your destination

This is the perfect solution to the age old problem of dragging golf clubs through a busy airport. We offer a 40lb and 50lb weight option, and delivery from the US to Scotland or Ireland can be guaranteed in 2-4 days. The link to our personalized Luggage Forward website where we can track your cases throughout the shipping process will be added shortly to the lower toolbar on the main website at http://www.connoisseurgolf.com/. If you have any further questions on shipping or any other facet of how we make golf travel effortless and enjoyable, contact me at jim@connoisseurgolf.com.

Portrush to host Open?

Many of the world's top golfers, most vociferously - Darren Clarke, have been calling for the R&A to reconsider staging The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.

The Dunluce course is without doubt one of the top links courses in the world, and if reduced to a par 70 like Turnberry, would prove a very stiff test. The questions raised over Portrush have always been related to infrastructure. But what does this actually mean?

Well, in 2007 the R&A's Championship Secretary, David Hill, researched the possibility of bringing The Open back to Portrush (incidentally his home town). He concluded that while the course would be a fantastic venue, the surrounding area would struggle to cope with the huge crowds. But as Darren Clarke points out, what does Turnberry have that Portrush lacks? In my opinion, the location and road networks surrounding the South Ayrshire course are not conducive to holding a Major Championship. The only obvious exit from Turnberry leads to Glasgow - 90 minutes to the north. When the officials, players and media get housed around the course, there is absolutely no accommodation left within sight. Several of this year's competitors have even found themselves sleeping in trailer parks (or caravans as we call them here). Forward-thinking fans may have got lucky and found nearby beds in the town of Ayr (30mins), but most are forced to endure a two hour train and bus combination journey from Glasgow.

In Northern Ireland, the new extension of dual carriageway means Belfast is only an hour's travel from Portrush. The major towns of Londonderry and Ballymena are situated much closer. Perhaps what is costing Royal Portrush most dearly are the dates on which the Open usually falls. Mid-July is when most of the country's blue-collar workers take their holidays, and many of them choose to spend that time in - you've guessed it - Portrush. Not for golfing reasons, but because of it's famed sandy beaches and amusement park. The proximity of the dates to "The 12th of July", when thousands take to the streets in commemoration of a historic battle, could also be seen to harm the bid's chances. But there is now very little trouble associated with this event, and none whatsoever with the area in question.

With the R&A announcing the destination of future venues several years in advance, perhaps a suitable body such as The Players Committee should ask the governing body what exactly Portrush needs to do in order to satisfy it's doubters. Many of the top players in the world count The Dunluce among their favourite courses, it has two airports within 40 minutes, and it has the desired history (Portrush is the only course to have previously staged The Open in 1951 when it was won by Max Faulkner). It would add a burst of excitement to the build-up of the tournament, and it would be fantastic for Northern Ireland's economy - a small country that has given so much to the world of golf. Hopefully the R&A can reconsider, or at least provide the growing group of lobbyists with some satisfactory reasoning, because bringing the tournament to Turnberry undermines all previous excuses.

Ace at Kingsbarns

Congratulations are in order for one of our clients - Peter Smith - a guest of Tullett Prebon, who made a Hole-In-One earlier this month at Kingsbarns.

His seven iron at the 165 yard second hole took one bounce, checked and dropped in. Kingsbarns kindly presented Peter with a certificate to remember his special moment, but what will most likely make it even more memorable will be the resulting credit card bill. Satisfying nine other thirsty brokers in the clubhouse doesn't seem like just reward!

The Carrick

At first, I had thought of writing an article on both Cameron House and The Carrick. But to not single out each individual element would be unfair such is their quality. Opened in 2007, The Carrick is De Vere's flagship golf course, and a reputed £7M was invested to make sure it delivered on all fronts. That it does.

What you can't design or create though is the view. The Carrick is blessed with one of the most inspiring panoramic vistas you are ever likely to encounter. Views of Ben Lomond and The Trossachs gracefully merge with the romantic waters of Loch Lomond.

But building a fun little scenic course wasn't in architect Doug Carrick's thoughts, he wanted to construct a genuine championship golf course. Ideally you would like to see an extra couple of hundred yards added to the 7086 listed on the scorecard. However, when you take into consideration the par of 71 and the changes in elevation - it certainly isn't lacking in the length department.

The course examines your management skills right from the off. The opening hole urges you to hit driver and cut a little off the dogleg, but there is no distinct advantage in doing so. It's these little temptations put in place by the designer that make the battle between you and the course so challenging.

The 3rd and 4th holes are both bordered by water off the tee, and again the test is to resist hitting driver. The 4th in particular is a beautiful hole, and those who have played the Palmer Course at The K Club will immediately recognise the similarities with it's 17th.

The signature hole or stretch of holes is probably the loop at 14 and 15. The 14th plays 199yards, and 6o feet downhill. The views of Ben Lomond are breathtaking, but the challenge this time is club selection. Such a sharp drop in elevation makes it tough to anticipate the playing yardage. The green is also heavily bunkered, and should you miss the target by any further, it has run-off areas short and right. Walk off here with a three and you have either been very precise or very lucky. The 15th is down at the lochside, and the scenery begins to blend into the course. If you can get something turning over right-to-left here you may have a chance at going for the green in two. Hit a decent shot in and you may even impress Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who owns a property overlooking the Loch here.

A decent drive at the doglegging 18th leaves a mid-iron into a smallish green protected by water short and left. The clubhouse looks on, as do the inhabitants of the roof top infinity pool, so be sure to please the galleries with a decent approach.

All that's left to do is enjoy a cold pint and a bite to eat from The Claret Jug - The Carrick's trendy but comfortable 19th hole. The surroundings are spacious, and perfect for an upmarket corporate event. Situated less than 30 minutes from Glasgow Airport, it's also extremely convenient.

Without the landscape and views, I would rate The Carrick as a tough, but enjoyable golf course. But set where it is on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, it simply can't be missed.