Dubai Golf continues its move towards a sustainable future with the announcement that its championship Faldo Course at Emirates Golf Club is now the first in the region to use LED light technology. Barney Coleman, Club Manager at Emirates Golf Club said: “Sustainability has always been one of the cornerstones of Dubai Golf’s ethical principles and we strive to be pioneers in this movement. Golf clubs have a huge geographical footprint in a city and it’s our role to not only provide the community and our members with the very best experience, but to do so in a way that lessens our environmental footprint; whether that be the use of commodities from local suppliers, or eliminating single-use plastics, something we hope to achieve fully by the end of this year.  Changing to a more ecological lighting system was a natural move for us and we’re thrilled to be the first golf club in the region to do so.”   The venture stemmed from over 12 months of design followed by a three-month period of installation, in order to achieve the optimum energy efficient solution and installation without inhibiting players from teeing off. Emirates Golf Club’s improved lighting will allow for a more enjoyable experience and improved playing conditions. The new facility will be showcased at the Ladies European Tour event running from 1st – 3rd May 2019 – ‘The Moonlight Classic’. To experience Night Golf for yourself, contact Emirates Golf Club golf reservations on 04 417 9999 or book here.  

Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel in Sicily, is taking golf-swing analysis to new heights after becoming the first golf venue in Italy, and third in the world, to open a European Tour Performance Institute. Golfers of all abilities have the unique opportunity to practice, learn and improve under Sicilian skies using tools and techniques developed by the European Tour’s medical and performance specialists. Taking advantage of Verdura’s cutting-edge technology – including the latest Trackman, 4D Motion and SAM PuttLab technology – professionals and amateurs can use the same sports medicine platform enjoyed by Tour players to gain a more complete understanding of their golf swings. Body and balance screening, posture and swing analysis, fitness and physiotherapy sessions and club fitting are among the services being offered by the resort’s skilled team of dedicated golf coaches and biomechanics specialists, while players can even receive expert advice on shoe fitting in a bid to improve performance on the course. Antonio Castelo, Golf Director at Verdura Resort, a European Tour destination and home of the Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, said: “Golfers are always looking for ways to improve and what better way to do so than using the same methods and techniques as the best players in the world. “We’re very excited to have been chosen as the venue for Italy’s first European Tour Performance Institute, and the new facility is another illustration of the world-class sporting facilities that our guests can experience at Verdura.”     Set in 230 hectares of stunning Mediterranean landscape on Sicily’s southern coast, Verdura Resort’s golf facilities include two outstanding 18-hole championship courses and a par-three nine-hole executive course – both designed by world-acclaimed architect Kyle Phillips – a double-ended driving range and a first-class academy.  One of the 18-hole courses is currently being revamped to offer guests a new and enhanced experience. Located between Agrigento and the charming fishing town of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, Verdura Resort – a member of the exclusive European Tour Destinations network – features 203 rooms and suites, all with a sea view, including six villas which offer a perfect solution for family holidays, each with its own private swimming pool. Away from the fairways, the resort offers an extensive array of other luxury sports and lifestyle facilities, while guests also have the opportunity to sample, on and off-site, a taste of the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that has made Sicily famous across the world. To book and find out more information phone +39 06 0328 88630 or email [email protected]  

“Moscow Country Club” (branch of GlavUpDK) is nominated for a prestigious golf-tourism award World Golf Awards, which is awarded as a part of authoritative competition World Travel Awards. Experts noted Moscow Country Club in The Best Golf Hotel and The Best Golf Field nominations in Russia. “Moscow Country Club” is the only one 5 star golf-club in Moscow region. In a protected natural territory over 120 ha, located the first in Russia 18-hole professional golf course, hotel and cottages. Enjoy the resort area with the beach, restaurants and bars, sport complex with indoor and open pools, SPA, bathhouse, gym, tennis courts. Till the 15th of September the winner will be determined by the internet voting. The voting is carried out in “The Best Golf Hotel” and “The Best Golf Field” nominations. Award ceremony will be in October in United Arab Emirates. The leaders in golf-industry, stars and legends of this sport, journalists will take part in the solemn ceremony. In 2017, following the results of the World Golf Awards competition, country club was considered to be the best golf-club in Russia.  

Two decades of winning accolades, welcoming thousands of golfers, and being a three-time host of the Open de España, to be recognised in a year-long celebration for residents, members and visitors PGA Catalunya Resort, one of Europe’s finest golf experiences, today begins a year-long celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of its iconic Stadium Course, the No.1* ranked layout in Spain for the last seven years. Since opening to huge acclaim in 1999, the Ángel Gallardo and Neil Coles MBE designed course has been one of the most talked about golf experiences in continental Europe and has consistently won praise and awards including, most recently, the ‘Best Golf Course in Spain’ at the 2018 World Golf Awards. The course provides constant challenges for all true golf lovers, with each hole presenting a different test of skill thanks to a strategic combination of lakes, bunkers, tee boxes and huge greens encouraging player-concentration throughout the round. The superb natural landscape surrounding the course gives players extra golfing enjoyment, especially at the signature 13th hole, commanding wonderful views of the Pyrenees’ dominating Montseny Massif. The pedigree and appeal of The Stadium Course has also continued to attract major tournaments, including The Sarazen World Open in its inaugural year (won by 2018 European Ryder Cup Captain, Thomas Bjørn) and three Open de Españas, the first in 2000, won by Spanish legend, Miguel Ángel Jimenez. Course designer, Ángel Gallardo, who calls his course ‘a masterpiece’, said: “The Stadium Course is undoubtedly one of the finest golf venues in the world, and I am so proud of what we have achieved. I would like to think that when I have passed away, I will be remembered for my role in creating it.” Also home to the Tour Course, PGA Catalunya Resort boasts some of the finest practice facilities in Europe, including The Golf Hub (opened by former Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia, in 2018) an academy that integrates the latest state-of-the-art golf ball tracking system with social gaming experiences to be enjoyed by the whole family. Kicking off a series of functions and events over the coming months, PGA Catalunya Resort’s CEO, David Plana, commented: “We don’t feel 20 years old; we feel 20 years young! Our resort is more vibrant and exciting today than at any point in its history.” Over the next few years, a further €20 million will be invested into new projects on the estate, which will include the creation of a recreational lake, with its own lake club and a variety of water sports, as well as a comprehensive new spa and wellness centre. Among its wealth of current golf, leisure and lifestyle facilities, PGA Catalunya Resort boasts two on-site hotels: the five-star Hotel Camiral, where guests can find a consummate luxury experience with several dining options, extensive fitness and wellness facilities, and a comprehensive concierge service, as well as the contemporary and stylish LAVIDA Hotel, opened in 2018. The European Tour Destination is just an hour north of Barcelona, 20 minutes’