LPGA Tour bottling Evian as major magic potion?

Golf commissioner Mike Whan recently announced the Evian Masters as the official "fifth major" on the LPGA Tour but, before being awarded "Championship status", a few changes needed to be made.


Unaware that the Evian Masters was already considered a major event on the Ladies European Tour schedule with, perhaps, many more fans (and even Tour players, see below) equally unaware, @LETgolf tweeted, and posted a blog, to confirm status on their Tour first:


"The Evian Masters presented by Société Générale, which is already a major on the Ladies European Tour schedule, will become a major championship on the LPGA from 2013 and will be renamed: ‘The Evian’."


In order for the Evian Masters to be "worthy" of major status and of becoming the new "Dinah" on the LPGA Tour, this is what is said will happen:

1. Name Change to "The Evian Championship"
2. Golf course redesign including the "Fantastic Finish" where fans can watch the final four holes from an amphitheater setting
3. Date Change for flow and so it doesn't interfere with the Women's British Open
Hmmm, perhaps a new crystal Evian bottle as the trophy? Will the ladies be encouraged to learn french?

LET golfers, however, believe that this event already has the Kraft Nabisco "fun factor".

Laura Davies, back-to-back Evian Masters winner in 1995 and 1996, described the tournament as “one of the best events of the year on and off the course.”

Lee-Anne Pace, 2010 LET Henderson Money List leader said: “It seems like it is the ’fun’ unofficial major of the year. People are more relaxed and the atmosphere is great.”

Unofficial? Didn't the LET say the Evian Masters was an "official" major event on their schedule?


Mike Whan stated that the schedule inclusion will give the LPGA something that it has been missing for quite some time, "major media, major fan appeal, a major field..."

"The Evian will be a tournament, a location, and an atmosphere that young women will strive to be part of for the next few decades," Whan continued.

Major disagreement! So far, weekend play only will be viewable on network TV, as are the other majors currently on the schedule; the field is already superior and the championship purse already matches with the U.S. Women's Open winnings.


The idea of a fifth major has come under fire by some and has been welcomed by others. Twitter responses, always short and to the point are always the most telling. Here are a few comments based upon hearing the news of a fifth major.

European Tour golfer Francesco Molinari's thumbs moved quickly after hearing the LPGA's plans: "What's all the noise about ladies fifth major? We have five, too. Everybody knows the Italian Open is the fifth major."

@USPuttingTour tweeted, "Quick. What are the other 4?"

In stark contrast, @crossgolfusa tweeted, "Like it. Golf should rest on tradition but not be constrained by it."

Ideas for an Asian major event, perhaps the HSBC Women's Championship, are also under consideration as the LPGA Tour is now dominated with top-level golfers from Japan to China: Ai Miyazato won the 2011 Evian Masters and Yani Tseng currently holds the number one spot on the LPGA money list.

Six majors? It could happen but would it help or hurt the LPGA Tour?

Senior Travel Editor of Golf Digest and Golf World, Matt Ginella, reflects my personal sentiments in a recent tweet:

"For a tour without a lot of tournaments, they sure have a lot of majors."

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Another divorce for Tiger Woods, a chapter in Stevie's book?

In what appeared to be more like a tabloid divorce than a dismissal in a working relationship, Tiger Woods fired long-time caddie and friend Steve Williams... the question is, why?

Shock and disappointment appeared to come from Williams at the "matter-of-fact" way in which the Woods handled the split but both knew the end was near.

Shock and a nine-iron came from Elin's ire when she got the news but she rebounded and so will Steve.

"It's time for a change," bemoaned Tiger Woods, with Steve rebutting, "after thirteen years of loyal service...through Tiger’s scandal, a new coach...a major swing change and Tiger battling through injuries...I am very disappointed to end our very successful partnership at this time."

Why is Woods getting rid of everyone who has ever stood beside him?

A temporary(?) switch with Woods' blessing to carry the bag for fellow Aussie Adam Scott at the U.S. Open was an indication of trouble in paradise for the long-term pair. Tiger Woods was injured and Stevie needed the work so it appeared to be in "good faith" but, behind the scenes, Williams had lost respect for the former number-one world golfer after word of Tiger's adulterous nature came to light. 

When Steve didn't let Tiger in on his decision to carry the bag for Adam Scott at the AT&T he was called "disloyal" by Woods...ouch! Caddie mistrust...

As celebrity break-ups go, a book is probably now in the works. Steve Williams has let slip that Tiger Woods would be mentioned, "You know, when I write my book, it'll be the time I decide what I write," Williams said. "It'll just be one of those interesting chapters in the book."

As an aside, I was asked yesterday on Twitter to what percent do I think Steve Williams helped Tiger Woods throughout his reign? I said 25 percent. What is your opinion?

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photo credit: GolfMagic.com

Gaining Confidence by playing the right Golf Courses for you

Whether you are a beginner golfer or a single-digit handicapper, playing the right golf courses for your game (and from the correct tee box) can truly inspire confidence. The reverse is also true; playing too difficult a golf course for your level of play can become a four-hour struggle, dampening your spirits and taking your game two steps in reverse. Of course, it isn't just the golf course that inspires confidence, the space between your ears determines the final outcome.

 

Although FindtheBest.com is still in beta, this resource offers comparisons on everything from flight schools to golf courses. The golf course portion of this work in progress ranks public and private courses, offers USGA course rating as well as weekend greens fees.

 

I received this note from Woody Robinson regarding FindtheBest.com and, since it so prominently added Golf for Beginners into the mix, I have posted it for your review. This is not a hype for the website; it's always interesting to find the latest sites and bring them to our readers. Judge for yourself.

 

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Every golfer has experienced a rough day at the course. Just last week I left a cat sized divot at the local par-3 only to see my golf ball roll off the tee box. “You should really widen your stance and stop breaking your wrists so much,” my smirking friend chimed in.

 

While the advice was probably true, my stubborn embarrassment refused to listen. Golf for Beginners website, on the other hand, offers an unbiased opinion without mortifying you on the course.
 

 

Finding that comfortable confidence in golf is something we all aim to achieve but rarely find. I’ve found the golf course affects my game more than anything else. Just as a good golf swing has countless makes and models, different golf courses offer a broad spectrum of diverse play. Being a novice golfer, nothing is better than a public par-3.

 

NICE! Woody's home course: Twin Lakes

 

Stacy’s personal accounts of courses played provides an incredibly useful reference. Similarly, the  golf course comparisons on FindtheBest.com can help you find a course which inspires confidence and/or challenges your game.

 

From playing a round out with old friends to training for a regional qualifier, check out the comparisons and you may just spend less time on your computer and more time on the links!

 

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Ten of the Best Open Championship Golf Performances

Do you think Darren Clarke or perhaps Phil Mickelson's golf performance at Royal St. George's should be added to this list of the top ten Open Championship appearances? Does a golfer have to win in order to be listed or do collapses count too? The public loves to see a meltdown.

According to BestOnlineColleges.com, Jack Nicklaus' performance at St. Andrews in 1970 and Tom Watson with "one of the finest displays of golf in a major championship" at the 1970 Open Championship rank among the top golf on this list. Watson also displayed a third round this week worthy of a second look. At sixty-one years-old, the five-time British Open Champion "vaulted ten spots up the leaderboard" but I think it was his hole-in-one that gave fans a Champions Tour golfer to cheer for this week!


Seve Ballesteros has two spots in these top rankings with John Daly and, naturally, Tiger Woods making the cut. Woods was added to the list because of his performance at St. Andrews "winning the Open by eight strokes over Ernie Els and Thomas Bjorn."


Here is a list of the top-five: check out the rest of the best on their website, complete with great golf videos and see if you agree and who you would add or remove:


1.  Old Tom Morris, Prestwick, 1862

2.  Ben Hogan, Carnoustie, 1953

3.  Jack Nicklaus, St. Andrews, 1970

4.  Tom Watson, Turnberry, 1977

5.  Seve Ballesteros, Royal Litham & St. Annes, 1979


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Canada's best seaside golf, whale-watching...and a haunted hotel?

Distance in Canada is gauged by kilometers, not miles, and time, as opposed to range, is used as description in order to make travel appear more palatable. Although most of the world is accustomed to a metric way of life, as an American, I was a bit flustered!

Jeff, our host and golf partner for the first leg of the trip, thought nothing of the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Fredericton, New Brunswick, to Moncton as he was born and raised in the Maritimes but I must admit that I was relieved to finally arrive in the French community of Dieppe in order to play Fox Creek Golf Club.

I could see why we were brought to Fox Creek: this challenging championship-caliber golf course has been host to Prime Ministers, hockey legends and PGA golfers and now we were to experience its splendorous beauty and pristine conditions.


Fox Creek and Kingswood Golf Club were designed by Graham Cooke. Both are very well maintained with commendable practice facilities as well as a number of tee boxes for all level of golfer so family members can play together (we played from the white tees, about 6,045 yards). I struggled with my golf game more on Fox Creek, perhaps because of the rippled terrain and in spite of the helping hand I was receiving from the GPS on my cart.

Always take into account that being unfamiliar with any golf course will lead to the occasional missed opportunity. In this case, be aware that Fox Creek is a tree-lined, target-oriented golf course which is unforgiving with wayward shots.


My happiest memories of Fox Creek are the wonderful views from the Clubhouse, the Smoked Salmon appetizer which I had before my round and the immaculate condition of the golf course. My score? Do you want it in metrics? Well, I might come back to challenge this course again one day ...enough said.


The first lobster during my journey was procured at the recently opened Catch 22 Lobster Bar in Moncton. The restaurant, located in the middle of a small, charming town, had great service, live lobsters clammoring to get out of their tank and plenty of windows for people-watching. A walk afterwards through this very clean town provided a welcome diversion of roller derby girls surveying the crowd for possible joiners and a live performance by French accordionists.

The next morning another long drive awaited, this time from Fredericton to St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick, in order to play golf at the history-filled Algonquin Signature Course.

We arrived at the Algonquin with time to practice and to take in the beautiful views of the Passamaquoddy Bay and Atlantic Ocean: keep your cameras at the ready from the tenth hole forward as vistas were breathtaking. The 12th hole, in particular, a short downhill, is considered the signature hole. Here are a few things to note while playing the Algonquin Signature Course:

• Every putt rolls towards the Bay of Fundy
• Many of the greens are optical illusions: you think they break away but they always break towards the bay
• Trouble fescue lines the fairways which is unforgiving
• This is also considered to be a good walking course

The history of the Signature Course is plentiful: the oldest clubhouse in Atlantic Canda still sits on the grounds. Originally a nine-hole pitch-and-putt, the course was expanded in 1896 to eighteen holes with the original footprint still in place in certain areas.

From Donald Ross' inspiration to a reconstruction by Thomas McBroom, The Algonquin, a top-100 golf course in Canada, is a must-play while in New Brunswick. Although challenging to play, the Signature Course offers up a satisfying and enjoyable experience.

I was visually pleased as we entered the stately Fairmont Algonquin hotel, sitting just down the road from the premises of the Signature Course. It's old world charm is grand and elegant. If you travel during the summer months, be sure to reserve a room in the new wing as the old portion of the hotel does not have air conditioning; the fourth floor is very hot, even with the windows wide open and a fan provided for comfort...we stayed in the old wing.

Internet access is only provided for free if you sign up at the front desk for the President's Club, which also offers additional amenities such as free local telephone calls.

Kilts are in fashion here at the Algonquin, from the bellhops to the bagpipers who play on the front lawn. Firepits are lit in the evening and are warm and welcoming but be aware that the call for "last log" is at 9:30 pm and that a town and/or hotel ordinance forces vacationers inside at 11 pm. If you are found outside sitting by the fire with a glass of Chardonnay later than 11pm, hotel security will call the police to escort you back inside the hotel...oh, and the only guest elevator in the entire hotel was broken.

That being said, there were numerous positives to staying at the Fairmont Algonquin: ghost stories about a headless lady in an old photo at the front desk and an old bellman still walking the hallways were told around the firepit. I also heard that Maine resident, Stephen King, based his book turned movie, "The Shining" on the Algonquin...heeerrrre's Johnny!

Each room in the hotel is said to be slightly different. Although the bathrooms are very small and efficient at best with no areas to stash your privates, the feel of each room is cozy, classy and elegant. The beds are extra plush and we had a beautiful distant view of the Bay of Fundy.

Down the road in the usually sleepy town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea (walking distance from the hotel) could be heard the roar of motorcycles as Atlantic Canada's answer to Americade came to town, a once-a-year event.

Atlanticade was a welcome sight for my husband, Barry, and I as the town stayed open a little later to accomodate the crowd.

While checking out the motorcycles and hanging out in the quaint seaside town, we ate at Harbour Front Restaurant as we watched the Bay of Fundy ebb from the shoreline. My seafood casserole was enjoyable and, from the look of my husband's ultimate fish platter, it too looked yummy. The town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea was very relaxing  ......

The final day of our Atlantic Canada vacation was spent at Quoddy Link Marine sailing the coastal waters in search of whales and other ocean life. We saw a few Minke whales, porpoises and Harbour seals frolicking in the Bay of Fundy.

Our group also caught sight of a bald eagle and saw salmon jumping within the confines of their breeding pens all with the assistance of our tour guides and marine biologists, Jolinne and Danielle, who served hot cocoa and appetizers while offering tales of mammals in their native habitat. This is truly a "must-go" adventure for families and anyone interested in seeing marine life up close!

The United States borders Canada less than a half-hour from St. Andrews by-the-Sea at Calais, Maine. No matter where in this world you live, crossing back into your own territory feels like a relief...like you're almost home.

Instead of the final leg of our journey being a long drive stopping sporadically at local rest stops, Barry and I took the off-ramp at Ogunquit, Maine and spent the afternoon eating crab sandwiches and gazing at the Atlantic Ocean. This side trip took the sting out of our drive home.

Visit GolfCoastalCanada.com for more information on the wonderful golf courses you can play in New Brunswick and in Atlantic Canada!

Special thanks for the hospitality to:

Golf New Brunswick
Fox Creek Golf Club
The Fairmont Algonquin
The Algonquin Signature Golf Course
Harbor Front Restaurant
Quoddy Line Marine


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The Open Championship golf tees up potential £80 million windfall for Kent

The return of Open Championship golf to Kent this week is set to result in more than £80 million of income for the county.

And the long-term legacy of holding the prestigious event is likely to result in many millions of pounds being generated for Kent’s economy through visitors from home and abroad enjoying golf and leisure breaks in the Garden of England.

Indeed, a strategic tie-up between Visit Kent, Golfbreaks.com and Shepherd Neame (the renowned Kent-based brewer, pub and hotel operator) will serve to position the county as one of Europe’s foremost golf destinations.

The sport will also benefit following the creation of a Golf Legacy program – set up jointly by Kent Golf Partnership and Kent County Council (KCC) with funding from the R&A, organiser of the Open Championship – designed to increase participation.

More than 200,000 spectators and 2,000 media from across the world are expected to descend on Royal St George’s Golf Club, Sandwich, from July 14-17, with tens of thousands more attracted to take breaks in the Garden of England in the years after the Open.

It is anticipated that more than £80 million could be earned for the county’s economy through a mixture of direct spending and long-term destination marketing benefits.

And with more than twenty-five percent of spectators set to arrive from overseas, to complement the home-based support of the tournament, accommodation providers in East Kent are set to enjoy a significant boost.

The return of the Open Championship to Kent after an eight-year break owes much to the efforts of KCC and Dover District Council – supported in partnership by the districts of Canterbury, Thanet and Shepway – keen to secure an international sporting profile for the area and boost its economy.

Councillor Mike Hill OBE, KCC Cabinet Member for Customer & Communities, said: “The Open Championship is the largest annual single sports event in the UK with a visitor spend greater than Wimbledon and the London Marathon."

“Kent has a growing reputation for accommodating world-level sports events and the Open also gives us a huge platform to promote business opportunities in East Kent. The economic, tourism and reputational legacy from Kent accommodating the Open should therefore be very significant indeed.”

This year, with a record number of spectators expected (nearly 10% more than the 182,500 who attended in 2003), plus improved travel links from nearby London and continental Europe into Kent, the county could enjoy a record windfall from the Open. Golf courses, hotels, restaurants, travel companies and other local businesses are all set to benefit, creating more than a thousand jobs directly and indirectly.

For golfers seeking to enjoy a break, Kent offers a choice of more than one-hundred courses to play. Royal St George’s is part of Kent’s ‘Regal Golf Coast’, which includes Royal Cinque Ports (venue of The Open Championship in 1909 and 1920), Prince’s (the Open venue in 1932), Littlestone (a Final Qualifying course for this year’s Open) and North Foreland.

Complementing this quintet are London Golf Club (a European Tour Destination and home of the 2009 European Open and where work will soon start on a five-star golf and spa hotel resort) plus Chart Hills (designed by Sir Nick Faldo and ranked 82nd in Golf World Magazine’s Top 100 Courses in the UK and Ireland).

Sandra Matthews-Marsh, Chief Executive of Visit Kent, commented:  “Royal St George’s hosting the Open Championship offers Kent a significant opportunity to benefit – not just during Open week but in the months and years following the Championship, too.

“We, in tandem with our many partners, including Golfbreaks.com, Shepherd Neame and Kent County Council, are working hard to attract golfers and leisure visitors to enjoy short and long breaks in the Garden of England, and enjoy our wonderful variety of golf courses. We are sure the long-term legacy of the 2011 Open for Kent will be economic benefits running into many millions of pounds.”

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