Travelling Lady Golfer

Birdie London knitwear

ggg127web6th February 2020Comments OffProduct Reviews

PRODUCT

Birdie London knitwear

Wool jumpers, snood and cotton polo shirt

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

100% fine merino wool (knitwear)
95% cotton 5% Elastane (polo shirt)

FEATURES

Machine wash on hand wash setting (knitwear)
Made in the UK
2 types of fit: female or box fit
Variety of colour choices
Contrasting colours are very well thought through
Complete with matching items
Machine wash (polo shirt)
More than jumpers available!

I was lucky to be sent a variety of jumpers to trial, but the reality is, I found it so hard to chose a few as they all looked so nice in the catalogue. The design is ‘preppy’ – it is also clean looking and looked smart in all the pictures I’d seen prior to ordering.

When the package arrived with a lovely note from Theresa and Justine – the owners of Birdie London, I was so pleased with the feel of the jumpers. All are 100% fine merino wool and so soft to the touch – always something I’m aware of as wool can be scratchy – I have worn the jumpers on various occasions, on and off the golf course, for travelling and for pretty much everything. I have washed them multiple times and despite hubby putting one on the wrong wash, it didn’t go horribly out of shape – not that I’d endorse not washing as per the instructions!

The contrasting colour band is a trade mark of Birdie London, it does make it distinctive and easy to wear with multiple outfits. I loved that the stitched wording ‘Birdie’ is not in your face but subtly matched to the background colour material – no need to shout about this quality, it shouts for itself.

I can honestly say, everyone who has asked me about the jumpers absolute love them.

2. Cotton polo shirt

To be honest, I wasn’t sure about the polo shirt when I saw it, as it didn’t look like anything special. It actually took me a while to find the right occasion to wear it, but once I’d worn it that first time, I loved it’s soft feel against my skin. It is a slightly heavier material and therefore not so great in the height of summer but perfect for the shoulder seasons or cooler summer days. Again with the distinctive contrasting band across the chest, it is flattering in its design.

3. Snood/Headband

It has to be said I have a lot of hair, and having a head band to keep it off my face is a great idea, especially for putting! But the best thing it is really a snood, so in effect two uses for the one item.

The snood sits beautifully on the neck giving enough space without cold air penetrating in.

I loved the fact that mine matched one of my jumpers, and when I wear one, I usually wear the other as a complete outfit.

Birdie London say their clothing is ‘cocktail sportswear’ a strange combination of occasions but actually I can see how that works. If you want to be the best and warmest dressed on the course this winter, check out : https://birdie.london

I’m sure you won’t be disappointed, I’m not, even one year later of using these jumpers – testimony to their lasting quality and freshness.

FOOTNOTE

N/A

Galvin Green Women’s Golf Clothing

ggg127web14th January 2020Comments OffProduct Reviews

PRODUCT

GALVIN GREEN WOMENS GOLF CLOTHING

MANUFACTURER

Galvin Green

PRICE

Various

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Skintight thermal base layer -Thermal technology, breathable, moisture transportation properties

Maureen shirt – Moves moisture away with their Ventil8 plus technology UV 20SPF protection

Neely Shorts – Lightweight technical fabric, moisture wicking with UV up to 20 spf

Maggie Shirt – Breathable Ventil8 lightweight fabric

Nina Skort – Ventil8 technical fabric with style details

Dominique Jacket – Insula fabric which is very breathable, soft and lightweight yet has a thermal lining

FEATURES

Skintight thermal base layer – Warm but not too thick, collarless for extra fashion options

Maureen shirt -Lightweight breathable material, easy to wash even when my chosen colour was white with navy blue trim there was no colour run it is also easy and light to wear
Neely Shorts – Smart navy shorts with white detailing down the outside of the legs adding extra class to the items. They stretched and moved as the golfer needs
Maggie Shirt – This navy blue shirt is so lightweight you barley notice you are wearing it
Nina Skort – On opening this skort I was so excited to get a white albeit totally impracticable colour, thinking the white would soon dis-colour in the wash or attract every particle of dirt as soon as I put it on – not the case, it is still fresh to this day, although does occasionally need ironing, this means it isn’t easy to travel with. A quick fix would be to make it a pattern rather than a solid block colour?
Dominique Jacket – A pocketless insula jacket in pink and white tones – what else can any red-head want – I love it!

WARRANTY

TBA

WHAT WE THINK

Skintight thermal base layer -The Emily crew neck thermal underlay was a surprise. Yes I have used under garments before, but they have tended to be quite thick material and whilst this does pull the tummy in, one has to be able to breathe too! The Emily crew neck is comfortable and doesn’t need any extra care to keep it looking and feeling warm – one for the serious golfer!
Maureen shirt – It isn’t often you can get a white shirt and it reman good and fresh for a number of washes. The Maureen shirt I had was white with a navy blue trim and is still just as fresh with no colour run even now, as it was when I got it months ago, and it has been worn many times!
Neely Shorts – I must say I don’t usually wear shorts for golf, but having owned and worn the Neely shorts from Galvin Green, I would definitely get another pair. They were so comfortable, even on ‘fat days’ they didn’t ride up and remained stylish throughout the day.
Maggie Shirt – love wearing this shirt, I had mine in nave blue with a knit white collar line trim, it looks classy and feels great to wear, even on hot days the dark colour didn’t make me feel any warmer due to its wicking technology. A must for the wardrobe and is my go-to shirt of choice.
Nina Skort – A block colour short with dart detailing at the bottom of each side seam, this did make it look like it was flying a bit but the style and fit were fantastic, although a bit big which is great on really hot days. That said, I did think this style might suit smaller sizes better with its block colour choices?
Dominique Jacket – Its pink! OK I didn’t ever think I’d wear pink, but this jacket is so warm and cosy

FOOTNOTE

N/A

Galvin Green Women’s Pac Lite Waterproofs

ggg127web14th January 2020Comments OffProduct Reviews

PRODUCT

GALVIN GREEN WOMENS GOLF CLOTHING

MANUFACTURER

Galvin Green

PRICE

Various

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Gore tex technology
Breathable
Outer fabric repels water
Inner lining
Paclite technology

FEATURES

Variety of colours to choose from
Trouser and jackets match or can contrast
Matching waterproof caps to fit
Trousers have a slight stretch to them
Comfortable neck lining
Lower leg release
Female fit

WARRANTY

TBA

WHAT WE THINK

I was trialling Alexandra trousers, Angel Jacket and Axiom hat, all in matching navy blue. Gore-tex has been round for many years with Galvin Green being the market leaders. The material is coated with a waterproof membrane to stop water seeping through, even at the seams. Their ability to pack small makes them ideal for travelling yet they don’t come out crumpled and messy looking, in fact they are smart enough to pop over a top in the evening if it starts to drizzle or a little wind protection is needed. The first time the waterproofs came out was whilst travelling, they were being used to pack the clubs and were, to be honest worked around the clubs int the travel bag. No sooner had I pulled them out of the bag than they were good enough to be worn. I was keen to wear my Galvins and have been ever since. One year later, I know that the clothing is still waterproof and still love wearing them, feeling dry and smart.They are my go to waterproofs. The accompanying hat is a great idea and works especially well for people with long hair with the hole at the back of the cap. The finishing item for the outerwear was the Divine snood, in a few shades lighter than the Pac lites, the snood is a must have item for golfers. No dangling of the scarf whilst your swinging your club, instead a neat, warm and cosy fitting snood to keep your neck warm and to stop those annoying dribbles down the back of the neck from the rain as you bend over to take your shot!

FOOTNOTE

N/A

Andermatt, Switzerland by the Travelling Lady Golfer

ggg127web6th November 20191 commentGolfing Holidays, Lady Golfer

Golf in the Swiss Alps?
With an easy flight to Zurich then just under a 2 hour transfer to Andermatt, it is quite achievable for a few days away

Arriving at the Radisson Blu I was greeted and led to my apartment, rarely do I get the opportunity to be let loose on an apartment, but this one was stunning. The apartments are, in the main, privately owned but sub-let back to the Andermatt Swiss Alps property company, who were my hosts for the duration my stay. My modern one bedroom apartment had everything, just drop your bags and make yourself at home.

A coolish damp day started with breakfast in the Restaurant Biselli, where I met fellow journalist from the UK, from the start a friendship was formed, in short they were a laugh!

This new part of Andermatt, is a collection of alternatively designed buildings whose architecture had been the product of many, creating an alps village with a subtle nod to tradition; some may have window shutters, quirky building shapes, or hazard looking zig-zag decorations, altogether quite new, quiet eclectic and quite refreshing.

Skechers Go Golf Womens Golf Shoes

ggg127web6th November 2019Comments OffProduct Reviews

PRODUCT

GO GOLF BIRDIE WOMENS GOLF SHOES

MANUFACTURER

SKECHERS

PRICE

RRP £60.00

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

SKECHERS® H2GO SHIELD WATERPROOF PROTECTION
SMOOTH LIGHTWEIGHT SYNTHETIC UPPER
DURABLE GRIP TPU BOTTOM PLATE
GOGA MATRIX® OUTSOLE PROVIDES SUPPORT AND TRACTION FOR A SMOOTH TRANSITION
LIGHTWEIGHT, RESPONSIVE 5GEN® CUSHIONING
SKECHERS GOGA MAX® CUSHIONED COMFORT INSOLE
GUSSETED TONGUE PROVIDES ADDED PROTECTION
REPLACEABLE SOFTSPIKES® FOR MAXIMUM GRIP
SPIKES ARE REPLACEABLE USING SOFTSPIKES® STEALTH PIN SYSTEM*

^{*SOFTSPIKES® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF SOFTSPIKES LLC}

FEATURES

SMOOTH SOFT SYNTHETIC UPPER IS DURABLE AND EASY CARE
SIDE STITCHING AND OVERLAY DETAIL TRIM
CONTRAST COLOURED SOLE TRIM
LACE UP FRONT
SOFT FABRIC SHOE LINING
CUSHIONED COMFORT INSOLE

WARRANTY

TBA

WHAT WE THINK

IT IS RARE THAT I CAN PUT ON A PAIR OF GOLF SHOES AND THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE STRAIGHT AWAY. COUPLE THIS WITH MY FEET BEING SLIGHTLY BIGGER THAN MOST WOMEN IT IS ALWAYS DIFFICULT TO FIND A SHOE THAT FITS WELL. SKECHERS HAVE OVERCOME THIS LARGER SIZE PREJUDICE AND PROVIDE A GOOD ARRAY OF SHOES AND SIZES TO CHOSE FROM FOR THE FEMALE GOLFER.

I WAS SENT THE GO GOLF BIRDIE SHOES IN BLUE WITH A PINK TRIM, SUFFICIENTLY GIRLIE ENOUGH YET PRACTICAL IN THE COLOUR CHOICE. THE GO GOLF BIRDIE SHOES ARE WATERPROOF, SO THEY WERE NOT WORN MUCH OVER THE DRY PERIODS OF THE SUMMER MONTHS, INSTEAD FAVOURING THEM FOR THE WETTER DAYS. THEY ARE ENTIRELY WATERPROOF AND HAVE SEEN ME THROUGH A YEARS WORTH OF GOLF, ALBEIT SPORADIC DUE TO SEASONAL USAGE.

I POSTED ON INSTAGRAM THAT THE SHOES WERE DUE FOR A REVIEW AND HAD MIXED COMMENTS BACK, MOST WERE POSITIVE ON THE LOOKS. I HAVE ALSO HAD LADIES ASK ME ABOUT THEM WHEN I HAVE BEEN WEARING THEM, THE RESPONSE HAS ALWAYS BEEN POSITIVE. ONE COMMENT ON INSTA WAS THAT THEY SPIKES DID NOT LAST, BUT TO BE HONEST I HAVE NOT HAD THIS ISSUE, MAYBE IT IS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT USED CONSTANTLY, ONLY IN WET OR WET UNDERFOOT WEATHER CONDITIONS?
WHILST NEGATIVE COMMENTS WERE MINIMAL ANOTHER ONE WAS THAT THEY LOOKED PLASTIC. THIS ‘NEWNESS’ WORE OFF AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME THOUGH.

HAVING BEEN WEARING THE SHOES FOR JUST OVER A YEAR, WITH THEM BEING MY GO-TO SHOE FOR WET GOLF, I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO SEE THAT THEY HAD SPLIT ACROSS THE TOP OF THE TOE, WHERE THE TOES BEND AS ONE WALKS NATURALLY.

I DO NOT REVIEW GOLF PRODUCTS IMMEDIATELY, AS A REGULAR LADY GOLFER, I REVIEW THEM AFTER A PERIOD OF USAGE AND THIS IS THE REASON WHY. IS IT REASONABLE TO EXPECT MORE THAN JUST OVER A YEARS USAGE OUT OF A SHOE THAT AVERAGES OUT TO BE MAXIMUM USAGE OF ONCE PER WEEK?

NATURALLY I WAS DISAPPOINTED TO SEE THIS HAPPEN, BUT HOPE THAT THIS IS A ONE OFF INCIDENT AS SKECHERS DESERVE TO BE MARKET LEADERS IN WOMEN’S GOLF SHOES FO THE PRICE, THE VARIETY OF STYLES AND LOOK AND OF COURSE THE SIZE RANGES.

FOOTNOTE

AFTER WRITING THIS REPORT, SKECHERS HAVE ADVISED THAT THE SHOES WOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITHOUT QUESTION AND THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN RAISED.

A NEW PAIR OF SKECHERS SHOES WERE OFFERED AS A REPLACEMENT.

Japan

Golf Guru Group9th October 2019Comments OffUncategorized

In the evolving world of golf, new destinations are popping up all over the world, new countries are marketing themselves as golf friendly, whether they are or not, but one trip last year stands out in my mind above all the rest – my golf trip to Japan.

Flights are direct from the UK to Tokyo, but my final destination airport was Nagoya via Hong Kong. Arriving at Nagoya was like arriving into a shopping mall with exceptional cleanliness, shops and restaurants to divert the weary travellers eye, but my eye was firmly set on my bed for that night!

Somewhere on mainland Europe- but where and why?

Golf Guru Group30th August 2019Comments OffUncategorized

The Travelling Lady Golfer

Where am I?

Formerly the land was designated as a Formula 1 track
Unimaginatively originally called the Green and Red Courses
Built with the vision for the venue of the 1997 Ryder Cup
Gallardo – “one of the finest golf venues in the World’
Situated on mainland Europe

If you haven’t guessed by now it is of course PGA Catalunya, Spain and one of the finest examples of an all inclusive resort I have seen.

IGTM, Morocco

Golf Guru Group8th August 2019Comments OffUncategorized

I am delighted to announce that I have been nominated to cover IGTM in Morocco this year on behalf of Reed Exhibitions. As the Travelling Lady Golfer and bringing the female golfers perspective to the table I look forward to representing golfers globally at this annual event.

IGTM 2019 UNVEILS HEADLINE SPEAKERS TO “GROW GOLF TOGETHER” IN MARRAKECH

www.IGTMarket.com

What do women want from their golf travel?

Golf Guru Group23rd July 2019Comments OffUncategorized

I am frequently asked what can hotels and golf courses do to attract this evolving audience of golfers. Asked to write for the IGTMarket website run by Reed Exhibitions, this is what I had to say:

Whilst women’s equality on the golf course and equal playing rights remains a priority for most progressive businesses wishing to embrace this focussed audience, women’s golf travel still remains a bit of an untapped marketplace, but growing in popularity with golf tour operators now seeing this as a worth while and lucrative focus.

As a former golf tour operator, safety and security whilst traveling was and should be an uncompromising given.

Speaking to industry experts and ladies who travel this is what else needs to be factored in to please this discerning group of emerging golfers:

VOLVIK GOLF BALLS

ggg127web6th July 2019Comments OffProduct Reviews

PRODUCT

VOLVIK VIVID LITE

MANUFACTURER

VOLVIK

CONTACT DETAILS

PRO SHOP/DISTRIBUTOR

DISTRIBUTOR

GOOD PRO SHOPS

PRICE

RRP ~£27.00/DOZ

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

N/A

FEATURES

SOFT FEEL
MATTE COATING
VIVID TECHNICOLOUR
55-85 SWING SPEED
MILD SOFT FEEL
HIGH TRAJECTORY
LIGHTER SOFTER CORE
VOLVIK DIMPLE DESIGN
CONFORMS TO USGA AD R&A RULES

WHAT WE THINK

GIVEN THE TIME TO REVIEW THE BALLS, I HANDED THEN OUT TO TWO LADIES OF A MID 20 HANDICAP AND WE PROCEEDED TO PLAY 9 HOLES TOGETHER, EACH OF US HAVING A DIFFERENT COLOUR.

THE COLOUR RANGE WAS POSITIVELY REMARKED UPON BUT CONCERNS WERE RAISED BY THE LIGHT BLUE AS A BALL TO SEE IN THE SKY? THE PINK AND YELLOW WERE EASIEST COLOURS TO SEE ON A COLD MARCH MORNING
FIRST THOUGHTS WAS IT LOOKED RUBBERY BUT PLAYED FINE, GOOD WITH THE SHORT GAME BUT FROM A GOLFER WHO IS A GOOD SHORT GAME PLAYER, IT WAS NOTED THAT THEY DIDN’T PLAY ANY DIFFERENTLY TO AFFECT HER STRENGTH IN THE GAME.

A GOOD PUTTING BALL. I LENT MY PLAYING PARTNERS MY PUTTER TO SEE IF MY EXPERIENCE OF THE BALL BEING SOFT OFF THE FACE WAS PECULIAR TO MY PUTTER, IT WAS FELT THAT THE SOFTNESS OF THE BALL WORKED IN ITS FAVOUR, THIS WAS NOTICED FOR PUTTING PARTICULARLY.

BEING MID 20 HANDICAPPERS, THE OTHER LADIES FELT THE BALLS RESPONDED PROPERLY FOR THEIR PLAYING ABILITY.

THE BALLS WERE QUITE DIFFICULT TO CLEAN IN THEIR MATT COLOUR, HOWEVER, IT APPEARED THAT THEY DIDN’T CUT OR SCUFF AS EASILY.

SHORT VIDEOS AND POSTS WILL BE PLACED ON INSTAGRAM SARAH.FORREST360GOLF – GO CHECK THEM AND MORE OUT FOR ALL THINGS GOLF

Sanremo – The Travelling Lady Golfer reveals the best of golf and more in this part of Italy

Golf Guru Group21st June 2019Comments OffUncategorized

The Travelling Lady Golfer – San Remo

Just as the F1 Monaco Grand Prix flashes by, so did my short golf break in San Remo, Italy. An easy flight into Nice, France and a short 25km drive East is a gentle reminder as to how close the European countries are, as the the French Riveria blends into the Italian Rivera with a blink of the eye.

My final destination – The five star Royal Hotel San Remo, deeply rooted in this majestic place perched on the hillside overlooking the Liguria coastline towards the Mediterranean sea.

Arriving late, the shutters were down in my hotel room, so I awake with a slightly weird feeling that I had no idea where I was, with just chinks of sun shining through the small gaps in the shutters bought me back to my sense as I lept out of bed like a child, eager to open the shutters. Only then did I appreciate the beauty of not only the hotel room itself shrouded in Italian opulence, but the room framing the distance view towards a picture postcard blue sea.

6 top tips on how to bag some cheap, if not free golf!

Golf Guru Group14th May 2019Comments OffUncategorized

By thinking outside the box, you can play golf for free or cheaply anywhere, here’s how:

1. Reciprocal – if you are a member of a golf club it is likely that your home golf club will have reciprocal arrangements with other golf clubs. Surprisingly, these partner clubs are not necessarily local to you, so you can take a few days away and play some great golf courses. Some clubs even have overseas reciprocal courses, so build you next holiday around that and really maximise your next trip.

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