Author: Golf Guru Group

Are Millennial Women really the saviours of golf?

Golf Guru Group2nd September 2018Comments OffUncategorized

Are millennial women really the saviours of golf?

#millennials – are they the way forward for the future of women’s golf as the R&A predict with the recent launch of the Women in Golf Charter?

I have been in the golf business for nearly 11 years, as a golf tour operator – the only GTO to focus on the travelling lady golfers and latterly as a consultant for women’s golf; a travel writer and also one who runs golf events so you could say I have been round the track a few times!

So no surprise as I receive my invitation to attend the Women in Golf Charter, driven by the R&A, on the day I was due to leave the UK to attend and cover the US Women’s Open in Alabama, with no regard to sleep and the extended day ahead of me, I didn’t hesitate to say yes, I will be there.

International foodie treats – its not all about the golf!

Golf Guru Group31st July 2018Comments OffUncategorized

Whislt travelling for golf, I have to eat- right? Why not make the golf trip about more than golf and take in some of these delicious delicacies on your travels?

To be honest, I don’t know if I’m a foodie, just appreciate good food, or maybe just a good old fashioned pig – but is there really much of a difference – I love food!

Lisbon, Portugal

Pastel de Nata – Made in the old traditional way in the middle of Belèm, Lisbon’s tourist area; you will find this family run bakery and cafe Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. Using the traditional secret family recipe for this up-market egg tart with thousands being sold daily to tourists and locals alike. This sweet little egg tart packs a punch in flavour requiring all diets to be long forgotten and reaching for more to savour. There is usually a queue to stand in, but take the time to watch the locals buy and devour these little sweet treats before settling yourself down in the refectory style café on wood and metal school-like chairs and formica table tops – you’re not there for the decor!

Angus – Open all hours – Home of the upcoming Open at Carnoustie 2018

Golf Guru Group28th June 2018Comments OffUncategorized

It is true, Scotland does not have the best reputation for lady golfers, whether that is to welcome them or whether that is looking after their own. Big name clubs not making female golfers welcome have not helped this reputation for women in this must play golfing mecca. But Angus’ open doors approach is a sure winner for both sexes. This last trip to Angus, aka Carnoustie Country has certainly opened my eyes, it is an area one can go golfing but it is also an area to visit for holidays too.

PGA Level 1 – tick

Golf Guru Group12th April 2018Comments OffUncategorized

So pleased to announce I have passed my Level 1 PGA Coaching Award.

You may ask why have I done this at my age, what am I hoping to achieve, the simple answer is two fold:

I have been in the golf industry for nearly 10 years and events for even longer and I just want to give something back to the sport I love and what better way to do that than to encourage others get into the game
Working for myself I don’t get the opportunity to go on in-house company training courses, this is a way I can keep not only my brain active but also show a continued commitment to Golf.

Everyone can achieve so much given the right set of circumstances, it just means sometimes you have to create you own set of circumstances

Listen to my interview on Blogtalk radio in Florida

Golf Guru Group9th March 2018Comments OffUncategorized

I am incredibly humbled to be on Blogtalk radio with the impressive Ted Odorico to talk about ladies golf on the Women of Golf Show and especially the International Ladies Golf Tournament we are running this September.
But you listen and let me know what you think??
Should I stick to writing!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/womenofgolf/2018/03/06/women-of-golf-with-special-guest-sarah-forrest-ceofounder-golf-guru-group

I missed not having Cindy Miller, but she was busy with other golf related things, so good luck to her.

Not signed up yet to join us for the ILGT?
Why?
Message me and we will get you in!

Golf in China at its best

Golf Guru Group2nd February 2018Comments OffUncategorized

Golf in China is growing at a huge rate, especially on the island of Hainan, which is home to Mission Hills Haikou, the world’s second largest golf complex with 10 golf courses, and the spectacular Sheraton Dunes. Sarah Forrest details her visit.Flying via Hong Kong, China is surprisingly accessible. After a short add-on flight to Hainan Island, you find yourself at Haikou airport, the most southerly holiday destination part of China. A two-hour transfer south to Shenzhou Peninsular enables you to really embrace the Chinese landscape during the journey. Expecting to see paddy fields at every turn, I was surprised by the lush tropical flora of this part of China and, despite the large population, that it wasn’t overcrowded in the slightest.

Arriving at the Sheraton Shenzhou Peninsula Resort we were greeted by lined-up smiling staff, a cool drink and a beaded necklace, before being huddled into reception where efficiency reigned over the check-in process. A large hotel which retains its charm is a tough nut to crack, the hotel has areas sectioned off for the bar, the reception and of course the variety of restaurants all available on site.

A Far Eastern beachside hotel with 36 holes of golf, the Sheraton doesn’t disappoint with warmth oozing from the staff and from the building itself as it uniquely embraces each visitor.

Nearly – again!

Golf Guru Group12th January 2018Comments OffUncategorized

As the holder of one hole in one already I wonder if I am getting a bit greedy and wanting more?

You may recall my post in May 2015 where I got another nearly?

https://redteebreaks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/nearly-hole-in-one-always-bridesmaid.html

Well I’ve only gone and done it again – another nearly – this time at the amazing Praia D’El Rey golf course in Portugal, a 109 par three stroke index 18 with a slight breeze off the sea on the left and a little mound on the right, I picked up my pitching wedge and knocked it slightly right, to maximise the mound. A clean shot, a touch right, a little bounce left and it started to roll towards the hole – closer and closer.

Love this picture of Sean jumping out my pocket!

At that time, what does go through golfers mind? Is it oh no my bar bill will rocket with these fish I’m playing with? Is it a little heart skip and I’m going to get a hole in one? I can’t honestly remember what I was thinking at that moment in time, but I do recall my playing partners were jumping up and down – the odd expletive was shouted at my ball, then it stopped – the shouting and the ball as my ball came to rest less than a balls width from the hole.
No amount of jumping up and down, blowing the ball or wishing for the infamous gust to wind is going to aid it along; it was simply not going to happen; it just sat there menacing in appearance as sadness and joy swept over me equally.

One never really appreciates how close the ball is to the hole until you get closer; how many times have you attacked the flag thinking thats pretty close only to find its at least a metre away and you’re left with one of those tricky length putts to finish? The same thoughts pop into your mind but in reverse when approaching a nearly hole in one, oh its going to be miles away, but gradually as you get closer the smile creeps across your face as you realise the next shot is a sure gimme.
Oh well, in another two and half years I’ll give it a go again – or maybe even before, one never knows with the game of golf.
Good luck with your game of golf in 2018 and fingers crossed for a hole in one – for one of us at least!
Feel free to comment on this post.
Sarah

Few hours to kill in Hong Kong

Golf Guru Group3rd January 2018Comments OffUncategorized

Killing a few hours in Hong Kong

With many international flights to the Far East connecting through Hong Kong what do you do with a few hours or an overnight layover to kill in Hong Kong?

On a recent trip to China, I had an overnight in Hong Kong, something I was relishing after an absence of nearly 30 years. Arriving in the afternoon heat and after a quick shower and with comfy shoes on I was ready to explore this bustling metropolis. In 1997, China took back the governance of Hong Kong from the British and I was looking forward to seeing the changes.

I was in for a bit of a shock. I expected it to be a bit tatty, teaming with loads of people and the “copy watch man” hounding you at every turn. Not at all. Hong Kong actually seemed quieter than I remember. I was no longer dragged along the street when stepping out of my hotel into a sea of people. I actually had control of where I was going and could make that decision without having to navigate round many bodies littering the street in ‘Shaun of the Dead’ fashion. The air was clean, the atmosphere was vibrant and the “copy watch man” was almost nowhere to be seen. In fact the only time we did see him was at the Temple Street night market, still an amazing place to visit, although it did seem somewhat smaller than I recalled? He popped out occasionally from between buildings to gently hound you in a less brazen, almost in a sneaky underhand way before retreating back into his dimly lit gap between buildings, as a spy into the dark slinking away into the abyss.

Temple Street night market is the place to visit if you’re only there for one night. It is littered with local street food vendors but you’re guaranteed a good local meal despite possible cleanliness issues. Napkins are by way of a small box of tissues provided by a quick toss onto the table in the fast pace restaurants where more than 2 sittings per table are not uncommon in one night.

But, with just a few blocks of buzzing life, you get the feel for Hong Kong, Temple Street night market with its canvas covers protecting make-shift stalls being used to showcase their wares of cheap Chinese non CE or kite mark goodies on sale by the masses. An exotic atmosphere with smells of waffles accompanies you as you bump along in a stream of locals and tourists alike in the centre of Chinatown in Kowloon. As you return to the sanctuary of your pristine hotel or back to the airport for your onward flight, you leave this exciting city with good memories and with self-made promises to return to explore more on offer in Hong Kong.

Break up your long haul trip, if only for a few hours in the vibrant and exciting city of Hong Kong

http://www.justabouttravel.net/2017/12/20/killing-a-few-hours-in-hong-kong/

Red Tee Tour 2017

Golf Guru Group13th October 2017Comments OffUncategorized

Hello ladies, I am pleased to provide you with loads of detailed information about three amazing events we ran this year in aid of Breast Cancer Care

In our third year to support Breast Cancer Care, we had ladies come from all over to take part in this fun and friendly golf competition, the Red Tee Tour. An 18 hole pairs betterball tournament playing off 90% handicap

Playing just over five and half thousand yards from the red tees the ladies were in for some cardio exercise as they meandered their way around the lush green golf course. Lush and green as we had a drop of rain the day before, which in turn made for some slow putts, but otherwise the course stood up to the elements fairly well.

THE LBD of Miami

Golf Guru Group29th September 2017Comments OffUncategorized

In a meeting Turnberry Isle in Miami was described to me as the little black dress??

Every lady has a little black dress, it may not be black or even a dress – but its is your go to outfit, one that is consistent, can be jazzed up or worn as day wear.

But how can that relate to a golf resort?

Turnberry Isle is a stones throw from Miami airport and also from downtown. A little oasis hidden in the middle of high rise buildings, the entrance doesn’t even give you the true sense of what this luxury golf resort brings. But why is it an LBD resort?

Simple – you can take Turnberry Isle and stay to have a great time in this five star autograph Marriott collection hotel, but jazz it up a little with the on site 18 hole golf course, the newly refurbished extensive spa or just sit by the pool and relax in Italian style decor Add a jacket for the evening and dine in the excellent Michael Mina Bourbon Steak Restaurant, then push the boat out – add the pearls, or in this case try the excellent cocktails, an experience enhanced by the extensive knowledge of Rafael, Assistant GM and guru on the menu, even contributing his own carefully thought though and I dare say ‘researched’ cocktail – Shogun – a must try to truly understand this mans depth of commitment and knowledge to enhance the success of the already great restaurant.

Girls with Balls

Golf Guru Group11th September 2017Comments OffUncategorized

Alicante Airport – gateway to Mercia and Andalusia, Spain

Four lady golfers take to the skies arriving at Alicante airport before heading South into Mercia and then further South and onto Andalusia.

An hour South from Alicante Airport takes us to Mar Manor Hotel and Golf Resort. An intercontinental five star resort with 18 holes of golf on site. The advance scouting party arrived, the party consisting of two lady golfers, myself from the UK and friend and fellow golf tour operator, Siggi from Iceland.

Being a bus mans holiday for me I was keen to see everything Mar Menor could offer, so we sat by the pool and did some very in-depth research on the colour blue of the inviting swimming pool, after of course eyeballing the fellow sun worshippers that afternoon. A beautiful round pool with sun beds aplenty, gradual access in the warm water help to eliminate the beached whale dive bomb approach – besides who can do gracefully in a bikini anyway!

Friends for the Day

Golf Guru Group22nd August 2017Comments OffUncategorized

I was asked to play for the A team in a scratch match on Sunday, so went along to be met by not only my welcoming team but the open arms welcome of the hosting team too.

Unless you are a regular to playing competition golf, sometimes you can sit on the outside of the team and not feel embraced, I’ve even turned up inadvertently wearing the wrong clothes and again not felt part of the team. It is important to feel wanted as your contribution is valued, after all they are not a team without you.

My playing partner was a relaxed lovely lady who from the outset we hit it off – not the ball off the tee, but in personality with the one main thing in common – golf. Golf does bring people together from all walks of life, and this was no exception, despite it being a match.

First hole and I had lady luck on my side, making a par after a little hop over a bunker allowed me onto the green in regulation and 2 putts- this might be the only hole that is talked about in any details as it really was one of the few holes I had this kind of luck and good play on. I was out-classed, my partner was a better golfer than me, it being her course will have helped her inevitably, but in truth she was better than me too!

We chatted, laughed and put the golfing world to rights as we continued to make our way round the course halving and dropping holes (on my part) as we went along. I thought I might loose on the 12th – but managed a stay of execution until the 14th! I wasn’t deterred, I was having a good time, I was enjoying my partners company and I think she was mine too. I would like to think that had the boot been on the other foot, and I was winning, she would still be friendly and chatty, that is my general experience of playing in these matches anyway.

Ladies like to have relaxed fun on the golf course, we can play in matches and still have a laugh as much as when we are playing socially and at the end of it, you have another friend, it might only be a friend for a day, but one you can call a friend and one you know if you were to meet again, you’d get on just as well as the first time. I’m not saying I didn’t want to win, of course I did, but having a good experience is equally as important to me (almost!)

Thanks to all ladies who make golfing fun.