Golf In New York City Blog

Doral This Week:

This year the World Golf Championships – CA Championship is returning to Doral, March 19-23, 2008. One of three World Golf Championships events, the CA Championship will feature the top-50 players from the Official World Golf Ranking along with top finishers on the money lists of the six Tours comprising the International Federation of PGA Tours (PGA TOUR, European Tour, Australasian Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Asian Tour and Sunshine Tour). They will compete for the $1.35 million first-place prize and the Gene Sarazen Cup. The winner will have to tame the famed Blue Monster Course at Doral Golf Resort and Spa.
The Blue Monster: Home of the 2008 World Golf Championships - CA Championship
The famed Blue Monster Course of the Doral Golf Resort & Spa has played host to the PGA Tour for more than 45years. In fact, virtually every great name in golf has had a moment of personal triumph at this world-class venue. Originally designed by Dick Wilson, this course provide a challenging test for the world’s best players. At 7,266 yards, both length and finesse are needed to score well on this historic course. The Blue Monster features the famous 18th hole, a demanding par 4 that is ranked consistently as one of the Top 100 Holes in the World.

American Golf NYC Tee Times News:
American Golf launches its new online booking features to NYC Tee Times site. Beginning on Thursday, March 20th, NYC Golfers can book tee times with even greater ease on www.nycteetimes.com. You can book tee times up to 10 days in advance at any of the six American Golf NYC courses - Clearview Park, Pelham/Split Rock, Dyker Beach, La Tourette, South Shore and Marine Park.
You can also book Early Bird 9-hole rounds online. You can still book tee times up to 7 days in advance through the American Golf Reservation Center at 718-225-4653.

TOUR Player in Trouble for Killing Hawk - 03/06/2008
By Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. —An animal rights group wants the PGA TOUR to take action against player Tripp Isenhour, facing charges for hitting a hawk with a golf shot because it was making noise as he videotaped a TV show.

“Because of the high profile nature of this case, the PGA needs to take steps to address its interest and to make it clear that they don’t condone animal cruelty,” said Dale Bartlett, the Humane Society of the United States’ deputy manager for animal cruelty issues. He said the organization would contact the PGA TOUR on Friday to discuss the issue.

Isenhour was charged Wednesday with cruelty to animals and killing a migratory bird, misdemeanors that carry a maximum penalty of 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines.

Isenhour, playing the Nationwide Tour this season after losing his PGA TOUR card last year, apologized in a statement released Thursday and said he was only trying to scare the hawk away.

The 39-year-old player, whose real name is John Henry Isenhour III, became angry while filming “Shoot Like A Pro” on Dec. 12 at the Grand Cypress Golf Club—his home course—when a squawking red-shouldered hawk forced another take.

He got in his golf cart and drove closer to the bird, then 300 yards away, and starting hitting balls at it. The bird didn’t move and Isenhour gave up and drove away.

Isenhour started again when the hawk moved within about 75 yards, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer Brian Baine indicated in a report.

Isenhour allegedly said, “I’ll get him now,” and aimed for the hawk.

“About the sixth ball came very near the bird’s head, and (Isenhour) was very excited that it was so close,” Baine wrote.

A few shots later, witnesses said he hit the hawk. The bird, protected as a migratory species, fell to the ground bleeding from both nostrils.

“As soon as this happened, I was mortified and extremely upset and continue to be upset,” Isenhour said in a statement issued through his management company, SFX Golf. “I want to let everyone know there was neither any malice nor deliberate intent whatsoever to hit or harm the hawk. I was trying to simply scare it into flying away.”

Get Your Passports Ready
Golf Wales with Bill Castner
Play Celtic Manor - Host of The 2010 Ryder Cup Matches
Itinerary:

Sunday October 5, 2008
Fly – Newark – Bristol
Monday October 6 Southerndown Golf Links – Ewenny Dragon Hotel
Arrive in Bristol and drive to Ewenny for early afternoon round
Tuesday October 7
Pennard Golf Club – Pennard Dragon Hotel Full Welsh breakfasts daily
Wednesday October 8
Pyle & Kenfig Golf Club – Kenfig Dragon Hotel Luxury coach with full time driver guide for entire trip
Thursday October 9
Tenby Golf Club – Tenby Dragon Hotel
Friday October 10
Royal Porthcawl Golf Club – Porthcawl Celtic Manor – Newport
Saturday October 11
Celtic Manor – 2010 Course (Ryder Cup) Celtic Manor– Newport
Sunday October 12, 2008
Fly – Bristol –Newark

Golf –

Southerndown – established in 1905 the course plays host each year to the prestigious amateur tournament the Duncan Putter. This classic links course provides a real golfing challenge, with narrow gorse and bracken lined fairways, and deep bunkers. Equally memorable are the closing holes, usually played into the wind. The 18th in particular with its intimidating gorse and renowned split level fairway will live long in the memory.

Pennard Golf Club – Established in 1896, the course is laid out on common land overlooking three cliffs bay. A must for the true links enthusiast, the course offers all the undulations and tight lies that an old links can offer. Fast greens and some superb views make a visit to Pennard one not to miss.

Pyle & Kenfig – established in 1922, P&K as it is known locally features two quite different nines, the front nine being more of a heath-land while the back nine snakes it’s way through the dunes. There are some spectacular links holes coupled with magnificent greens.

Tenby – a regular on the Welsh Golfing Union Championship rota, from the first hole to the last, you will never forget the layout of this renowned links course. With stunning ocean views it maximizes all the natural features of this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire. Arguably the oldest course in Wales, golf has been played over the links here since the late 1880s.

Royal Porthcawl – Founded in 1891, this is probably the finest links course in Wales. Host to the British Amateur Championships and Walker Cup, this classic links, laid out next to the shore at Rest Bay, features some excellent holes. The sea is visible from every hole and the layout presents a challenge regardless of the wind direction. The clubhouse is steeped in history and is a real treat for the golfing historian.

2010 Course – The new course built for staging The Ryder Cup in 2010 opened for play in July 2007. The first course to be built specifically for golf’s greatest team tournament, it measures a robust 7,493 yards off the back tees and has a par of 71.

Hotels –

Dragon Hotel – 4* - Over £3.5 million has been spent on this top Swansea City Centre hotel to offer guests excellent hotel accommodation, superb leisure facilities in the heart of Swansea. The Dragon Hotel is a Swansea landmark, centrally located and within walking distance of the city’s key amenities, attractions, shops and vibrant nightlife. The Brasserie Restaurant is the place to dine in Swansea city centre and the hotel boasts an AA Rosette in recognition of the delicious modern European-style cuisine served in the restaurant.

Celtic Manor Resort - 5* - the Resort’s luxurious five star hotel opened in 1999, and overlooks the Roman Road Course. The rooms are beautifully appointed and decorated, where distinctive design and traditional luxury create a calm and relaxing environment. The Hotel features a fine dining restaurant – “Owens” as well as the less formal Olive Tree Restaurant, along with Merlins Bar. There is also a world class spa at the Forum Health club.

Other specifics:

Golf: Includes rounds listed above with reserved starting times. Caddies are sometimes available, but, as they are independent contractors, can not be guaranteed. The cost of caddies is not included in the trip price. The typical cost for caddies is US$ 40 to $50 plus tip. In addition, several courses have power carts.

Transportation: Luxury coach with full time driver guide for entire trip

Meals: Full Welsh breakfasts daily.

Hotels: Includes properties listed above – twin occupancy – see below for single supplement.

Airfare: While we will be happy to assist you in making your air reservations, the cost of air travel is not included in the quotation.

Price per person – land costs only - $3,750.00
Single supplement - $ 750.00

The prices above are based on the current exchange rate and is subject to change (up or down) based on this factor. We will give you a final price in June 2008.

Deposit — $600 per person. Balance due - 70 days prior to departure.

Fore Seasons is our travel partner in Wales. Please feel free to call John Gosselink with any questions you might have. He will book your trip.

Bill Castner

917.208.5197

John D. Gosselink
Fore Seasons Golf Tours
(T) – 973 812 3845
(F) – 973 812 0577
10 Chestnut Court
Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
e-mail: FSGTours@aol.com