Swingtime Golf Magazine - Issue 17

in Mauritiusb

1 in Mauritius

November 28 - December 2, 20121st round: Friday November 30 on the Great White Course.2nd round: Saturday Dec 1 on the Gold Course.Final round: Sunday Dec 2 on the famous “Blue Monster” Course.Black Tie Gala Event on Sunday Dec 2 night where prizes will be awarded. Checkout will be on Monday Dec 2, 2012.

4th Corporate Challenge

Publisher’s Letter

Swingtime in MiamiDoral Golf Resort & Spa Miami

Swingtime in Las VegasWelcome to Las Vegas

National Golf ClubDesert Pines Golf Course

Swingtime in OrlandoThe Ritz-Carlton Grand Lakes

Arnold Palmer Invitational, BayhillBahama Bay Resort & Spa

Caribe Cove ResortTom Jackson - Core Golf Academy

PGCC - Interview with Eric WoffordOrlando - For the Vacation of a Lifetime

Swingtime in St AugustineWorld Golf Hall of Fame

Swingtime in South AfricaPlattekloof Home

Raymond AckermanFair Acres Hotel

Out of the Woods

Swingtime in SpainValderrama

The Flamingos Golf Resort

Swingtime in EnglandThe Springs Hotel and Golf Club

Swingtime in SwitzerlandSchloss Goldenberg Golf Club

Bad Ragaz

Swingtime in RussiaWhite Nights in Saint Petersburg

A publication of Market Info Direct (Mauritius) Ltd

PublicationDirector of PublicationAlan Leslie [email protected]

Administration Office (U.S.A.)Executive AssistantLynn [email protected]

Senior Operations ManagerKristen [email protected]

Director of I.T. Operations & Corporate Golf EventsFrank [email protected]

Administration Office (Mauritius)Personal AssistantJoyce [email protected]

Media TeamOperations Media Manager (Mtius)Annie [email protected]

Market Info Direct (Mauritius) Ltd7, Rouchecouste StRose Hill, MauritiusE: [email protected] www.marketindirect.comwww.swingtimegolf.co.za

Swingtime USA LLC1420 celebration blvd, suite 200, celebration fl 34747, U.S.AT: +1.407.566.2252E: [email protected]

The opinions expressed in Swingtime Mauritius and in the advertorials are not necessarily those of the publisher.

© Copyright : Swingtime MauritiusISSN No. 1694-0687

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior permission from the publisher.

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Contents6

Swingtime in MauritiusOne & Only Le Saint Géran Hotel

Le Labourdonnais HotelGolf du Château

Big Game Fishing

Swingtime’s Social ResponsibilityAdopt Your Golfer & Win in Talent Promotion

Adopt-A-Golfer in MauritiusSwingtime Golf Initiation at the University of Mauritius

Swingtime’s Initiatives Around The WorldThe Swingtime Golf Academy

Swingtime Mauritius OpenAdopt-A-Golfer in India

Swingtime 1st Corporate Golf Challenge 2009The Swingtime Golf Show

Swingtime 2nd Corporate Challenge 2010The 1st Bern Golf Trophy

The 1st Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Pro Am 2010Swingtime Golf du Château Cup

Swingtime Golf LeagueSwingtime 3rd Corporate Challenge

Swingtime Entrepreneurial Partners & Sponsors WorldoverLuc Bax - Partnerships for Progress

The Ruth Linder Peter Foundation - When a Golfer Gives Franco Cavegn - Hitting the Greens & Snow

André Jaeger - A Work of Art between Emotion & ReasonMaria Walliser - Swiss Olympic Ski Racing Champion & Lady Golfer

Benz & Partners Asset Management LtdGabriela Frey - In a League of her Own

Moosee Golf ParkUttam Singh Mundy - Director of PGTI

Swingtime pays tribute to our Amateur GolfersRobert Dooley - Golf Careers Education, LLC

Swingtime in conversation with Mr Chris de Burg

Swingtime pays tribute to our Staffs, Sponsors & Partners

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7 Contents

“If you believe in Life-Long Learning then Learn the Art of Life, through the sport of GOLF”! Welcome to the 17th edition of Swingtime Golf Company Limited and the 1st Swingtime Golf Publication for the USA.

In the past 6 years I have had many golf travel experiences worth writing about. Commencing from Cape Town, South Africa, where I started playing golf 8 years ago, to establishing a full blown business in the golfing industry that has taken me to over 22 countries, the last country being the United States of America.

“Why the USA”, I was asked, by the Sponsors and Team Players of Swingtime Golf Company? I answered, their question with a question! “And why not”? Together, we have achieved and accomplished many goals within the past 4 years of our existence! We started out with a Golf Publication and with a team that was nowhere near qualified to take on a Golf Publication. But we made an astounding success of it, moved on to publishing the 2nd Publication (Swingtime Golf Travel) within 2 years that prompted a dynamic business for golf tourism, initiated 5 indoor golf academy pilot franchises, hosted 2 T.V. talk shows on Prime Time MBC & E. TV, the establishment of 3 Swingtime agencies in Switzerland, Mauritius and South Africa, established a property portfolio that includes Fractional Share investment components at Sun City, Lost City and Bahama Bay, Caribe Cove, Champions Gate and Pecanwood and still counting!

The challenge was, we either establish a Swingtime Franchise in Switzerland, Spain and

England, or, do we expand the footprint of the Swingtime business in the United States of America?

This decision placed me squarely between a “HARD PLACE AND A ROCK”!

The Swingtime Golf Company has a 4 year accredited history with its Swiss and European partners, sponsors and investors who has religiously participated and supported Swingtime Golf.

I took the chance and chose to expand into the USA. The reality of my decision was justified through the many lessons that GOLF has taught and guided me over the past decade.

Golf, like life, is all about moving forward. From the first swing, there is no going back. Complete focus and commitment are the building blocks of a successful round, and this is also evident when applied to achieving goals, be they personal or professional. The Sport of Golf, in its unique and indomitable way carries within it, the very essence of overcoming adversity with perseverance, with sheer commitment.

The expansion of Swingtime Golf Company, into the United States, at the beginning of 2012, has been overwhelmingly successful. We were hosted and received by our U.S. associates with sterling splendor.

Our journey commenced with the coverage of the Legendary, Waldorf Astoria in the Big Apple, to the infamous Times Square, jetting into Las Vegas, and swooning into the Las Vegas Hilton, Second Home to the late Elvis Presley, King of

SWINGTIME GOLF COMPANY CELEBRATES ITS 4TH ANNIVERSARY2008 – 2012

Swingtime Golf Investing In Amateur Golf Since 2005

Publisher’s Letter8

ROCK, onto The Las Vegas National, where the 19th Hole saw many rounds with the “Rat Pack”, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Sammy and Davis Junior, Tiger Woods winning the Las Vegas Invitational aged only 20 years old, The Disney World Dynasty “where it all started with a Mouse”, Miami, the playground for Celebrities and the Rich and Famous, The TPC Blue Monster at Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa, home of the World Golf Championships - Cadillac Championship, has hosted prestigious PGA TOUR events for the past 45 years. Hosted at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, where the priceless portrait of Arnold Palmer was auctioned, indeed, becoming the proud owner of this iconic work of art.

Bedazzled by the Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami where it is the amateur golfers dream to play this TPC course… THE BLUE MONSTER, where I immediately seized the opportunity to tender the hosting of the SWINGTIME 4TH CORPORATE CHALLENGE. “My perseverance has paid off today”, I thought to myself, “ I felt lucky”!

I immediately started negotiating with Carlos Pizan, the appointed International Golf Sales Manager for Doral. Carlos suggested that we take a tour on Doral, which gave us the opportunity to secure the 4th Swingtime Corporate Challenge at Doral. Two weeks later all detail was concluded with a fair and affordable deal to host the Swingtime 4th Corporate Challenge at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami.

Having accomplished this priceless opportunity into reality, Swingtime Golf USA welcomes all CORPORATE GOLF AMATEURS to join us celebrate our 4th Corporate Challenge and Anniversary. Full details on page 1.

Indeed, we are fortunate and blessed to have generous, loyal partners and

sponsors who have made the Swingtime Golf initiative a reality.

Therefore, the choice of having expanded into the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, has clearly shown that our U.S. golf managers are willing, charged and are ready to assist and support Swingtime Golf Company in true comradeship through the sport of golf.

I pay homage and gratitude to all the staff members of Swingtime Golf Company, USA and Mauritius, Steve Mona, CEO at World Golf Foundation, Ty M Votaw, Executive Vice President, International Affairs of the PGA Tour, Carlos Pizan, the International Golf Sales Manager for Doral, and Arnold Palmer, world famous golf immortal, down-to-earth patriarch and Director of the Arnold Palmer Invitational, Eric Wofford Director of (PGCC) Pro Golfer’s Career College and Larry Davis Marketing Director for Bahama Bay and Caribe Cove.

”If One can make a DIFFERENCE; IMAGINE WHAT ALL OF US CAN DO”?

Alan Duval (President and Founder)

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Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami “For the Love of the Game” ™

As Swingtime Golf commemorates our 4th Anniversary, Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary. After hosing the PGA 2012 Cadillac Championship - World Golf Championship in March, Doral is following up by hosting the 4th Swingtime Golf Corporate Challenge. Only two other golf courses in the world have hosted the PGA longer than Doral’s TPC Blue Monster, one of which is famed Augusta National. And now, the Blue Monster will host the championship round of the Corporate Challenge. By Frank Befera

11 in Miami

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In 1959, Doris and Alfred Kaskel had a vision to turn acres of swampland in west Miami into something

special, unlike anywhere else on earth. The Doral Hotel and Country Club - named from a combination of their names - opened in 1962, welcoming golfers to a new clubhouse and the Blue, Red and Par 3 golf courses. That same year, the Kaskels hosted the Doral Open Invitational, Florida’s first PGA event, benefiting the American Cancer Society. A tradition was born.

Over the course of the last few months Donald Trump has been in negotiations to buy Doral and on June 1, 2012 Doral officially became Doral Golf Resort & Spa Miami. Even before the 200+ million dollar planned investment by Trump, Doral looks better than it has in years. There’s a bigger commitment to top conditioning year-round at all five courses and not just tournament week on the Blue Monster. A $16 million renovation added elements previously missing and upgraded others in 2009.

Doral is just a short seven-mile limo ride from the Miami International Airport (MIA). Three additional airports also serve the area, Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

The resort is set on 650 acres right in the middle of the fun and sun of Miami and features 693 guest rooms, including 73 suites, spread out among 10 lodges. Covered walkways connect these lodges to the main clubhouse building - home to the restaurants, a sprawling golf pro shop on the lower level and the newly renovated, state-of-the-art fitness center. Seven tennis courts also reside on property.

Celebrities flock to Doral. It is not uncommon to find sports stars like NBA star Michael Jordon and NFL star Dan Marino, musicians like Justin Timberlake, Kenny G, and Alice Cooper, and actors like Chris O’Donnell, Dennis Quaid, and Don Johnson playing the courses. And why wouldn’t they. This is the place to be and be seen.

The TPC Blue Monster, originally designed by Dick Wilson, is truly one-of-a-kind. After the first two holes, players will have their hands full with score-bruising bunkers, water hazards and gnarly Bermuda rough. Strong holes skirt trouble at every turn. The sweeping par-4 third and the waterlogged par-5s at number eight and ten are very memorable. What’s most interesting is that the 245-yard, par-3 12th rates harder on the handicap than the more-famous, 467-yard 18th.

Noted instructor Jim McLean, who still runs Doral’s golf school after 30 years, revamped the Silver Course, which is now called the Jim McLean Signature Course, in 2009. McLean softened contours and added subtle touches. The signature stretch, “The Bermuda Triangle,” delivers tough par-4s at number thirteen and fifteen, sandwiched around a par-3 with an island green at number fourteen.

Greg Norman performed a similar upgrade to his Great White Course in 2006. The crushed-shell cart paths and swaying palms give the Great White some sex appeal compared to Doral’s other more traditional Florida layouts. New TifEagle Bermuda grass greens highlight the recent changes on the Great White and the Gold Course.

Rounding out Doral’s championship courses is the Red Course. Unique to the Red Course are two island greens at numbers six and fourteen. The course forces golfers to use strategy and shot placement, rather than driving for show. Featuring 14 water holes with fairways winding around several lakes, the course provides breath-taking beauty and exhilarating challenges, without intimidating length.

If you want to take a day off from golfing, spend the day at one of the

worlds most famous and beautiful beaches: Miami Beach. Put your feet in the soft silky sand and order tall tropical drinks delivered by the best cabana girls and boys in the US all while watching the hottest bodies in the world walk by. Miami Beach is a spectacle for the senses.

As the temperature cools down, the night heats up. Miami offers nightlife like no other city in the world. Miami is crazy and that’s what’s so great about it! From the drag queens and the Latinas, to the models and fashionistas, Miami & South Beach are ridiculously fun and sophisticated. Nonstop nightlife (nobody goes out until at least 11 PM), beautiful people (models may shoot in NY or LA, but they live here), blue skies, turquoise water, pastels and Art Deco design should come to mind when you think about Miami. Exotic eateries, sexy lounges, and exhilarating outdoor decks count the hours down and command the attention.

The hottest club on South Beach is Bamboo. A former 1950s vintage movie theater, Bamboo was renovated at a cost of over 25 million dollars to create a now legendary nightclub experience. Through relationships with Disney and Universal, Bamboo features exclusive previews of upcoming Hollywood movies shown on 20 hi-definition floor to ceiling

sequenced electronic screens spread throughout the club with a hydraulic articulating stage that folds down to create a platform where dancers play out scenes in live action as video erupts from behind and around. It is an experience that must be seen to be believed. Every night stars from stage, screen, sports, and business reserve VIP sections to party with friends. You may even be able to join them if you play your cards right.

And speaking of cards, if you prefer, you can cut loose Vegas-style all night. If you love gambling you can head about 30 minutes north to Hollywood where the Hard Rock Seminole Casino is every bit the Vegas casino.

If you choose to say at Doral, the massive resort has everything at your fingertips. Dining options include Champions Sports Bar & Grill, a great spot to enjoy American fare after a memorable round of golf, the new Latin-inspired Mesazul Steakhouse, a classy big-city restaurant with a great selection of saucy steaks, lobster pot pie and more, and the Brazilian Bossa Nova lobby bar, which cooks up a more casual setting with a tappas menu that serves excellent pizzas, mini-burgers and fun appetizers. Live entertainment is featured every night.

A redesigned Spa at Doral offers European-designed treatments in

a classic Italian villa setting. More relaxation comes at the adult-only outdoor pool nearby. Separate chambers of cold cascading waterfalls feel revitalizing after a night on the town or a hot day of golf. This peaceful spot was purposely designed far from the family pool and 125-foot waterslide of the Blue Lagoon and Camp Doral In addition the spa has a partnership with the Pritikin Longevity Centre which has increased its emphasis on healthy living.

The Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa and South Florida will give you an experience unlike any other place on earth. Championship golf, diverse culture, never-ending nightlife, five star restaurants, and beautiful beaches await you.

The 4th Swingtime Golf Corporate Challenge will be held at Trump Doral Golf Resort & Spa November 28, 2012 through December 3, 2012. Put your corporate team together now and find, tear out, and mail/fax/email in the registration form on page 3 or for more information and a downloadable form, visit our web site at swingtimegolfusa.com. The first 25 registrants will receive a FREE Swingtime Golf “Classic” Membership valued at over $500, so make plans today and we’ll see you in November.

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It is a way of life

P E C A N W O O DE S T A T E

Fractional ownership in perpetuity for 4 weeks per year: ZAR 400,000 (US$ 60,000 - € 40,000).3 lots for sale at ZAR 600,000 (US$ 90,000 - € 60,000) each.

Swingtime15.indd 28 8/22/11 11:46 AM

15 in Mauritius

• Luxury house on the water with its own private jetty.

• 3 Bedrooms (sleeps 8): 2 with double beds, 1 with 4 bunk beds.• 2 Bathrooms.

For enquiries, contact us at [email protected] - www.golfersprivateproperty.com

Pecanwood Estate and Pecanwood Golf and Country Club, situated on the banks of Hartbeespoort Dam and nestled in the rolling hills of the picturesque Magaliesberg Mountains, adds a new dimension to the concept of rest and relaxation.

What’s more, this prestigious development is home to South Africa’s fi rst Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. It offers a unique combination of superb climate, outdoor activities and residential excellence that result in a lifestyle experience which many aspire to.

• Golf cart.• Dining room.• Pool room.• Jacuzzi.• Pool.

• Lounge.• 2 Garages.• Speed boat delivered to the house by

the boathouse.• Jet-ski also delivered by the boat house.

When immersed in the hustle and bustle of city life it seems hard to imagine that the ideal escape is less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Swingtime15.indd 29 8/22/11 11:47 AM

stalls span the impressive area of the Venetian Hotel’s vast conference center, showcasing the latest in golfing equipment, attire and accessories. Two new clothing ranges were launched by Quagmire Golf and PGA Authentics Performance, whilst world renowned golf instructor Butch Harmon gave words of encouragement to the upcoming professionals who swarmed the main stage. Thirty golf courses surround Las Vegas, ranging from high profile PGA host venues to the incredibly well maintained municipal courses, which can accommodate golfers all year round. Whilst these courses are situated in what is irrefutably a desert, many of them boast incredible water hazards and lush features, thanks to an ingenious grey water system that reclaims and purifies used water from the surrounding hotels.

Golfers visiting Las Vegas will struggle to find themselves at a loss for interesting play. The courses offer a full gambit of playing environments, from mountain designs that funnel the winds down the fairways to lowland desert courses that harbor hellish sand traps which are sure to induce more than a few obscenities.

For those who enjoy a small wager on the course, keep your pocket books handy. Several courses offer ‘beat the pro’ competitions in which you bet on your ability to shoot inside the resident pro’s tee shot on a par-3. Don’t start paging through yachting brochures just yet however, as your winnings are paid in vouchers to be used in the club’s pro shop – not quite a bank breaker

Over the years, Vegas has been associated with such a vast array of connotations that many would believe it to be nothing

more than a creation of Hollywood scriptwriters. In its heyday, Vegas was the renowned hangout of such names as Sinatra, Presley, Crosby and the arguably more infamous crime families.

A staggering 85% of the largest hotels by room number in the United States are located in Las Vegas and the city welcomes over three million visitors a year from the US and around the world.

The city itself stands as an eccentric mix of replicated monuments and landscapes, from the half scale Eiffel Tower of the Paris Hotel to the incredibly detailed icons that embody the New York experience at New York New York. Few people, whether or not they’ve travelled to Vegas, fail to recognize the facades of such legendary venues as the Bellagio, Ceasar’s Palace and MGM Grand, so ingrained are they in our cultural references.

Not far from the ‘Strip’ stands the Las Vegas Hilton, a hotel that has become a landmark in its own right. Elvis Presley lived in penthouse suite on the 30th floor and performed in the hotel’s theater from 1969 to 1976 where his shows repeatedly smashed international audience attendance records.

Elvis is still a prominent figure at the hotel to this day, embodied in a beautifully sculpted statue that beckons guests to the foyer. Visitors to the Hilton looking for the ‘Vegas Experience’ will not be disappointed. The ground floor of the hotel boasts several large gaming areas, a series of theaters and a collection of restaurants offering everything from fast food to world class dining.

Whilst the city’s focus is still very much aimed at gambling, the passing years have seen Vegas turn into a family focused destination. More and more hotels are offering child friendly areas and a few have even developed full blown theme parks with roller coasters, movie theaters and theatrical matinees.

The convention and expo industries are another integral part of the Vegas landscape, with over one thousand trade shows, expos and conferences hosted in the city per year. More often than not, these are world premiere events where high profile companies reveal their latest products and upcoming innovations.

One such example is the PGA Expo, which takes place each year in August. Hundreds of

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but certainly worth a sniff if you’re in the market for new gear.

Where once was a desert town filled with gangsters, hoodlums and even the occasional holy man, stands now a city that truly never sleeps. Whilst it may be more responsible, friendly and less likely to take a hammer to your extremities, Vegas still holds a certain call to adventure for all who visit, flamed perhaps by the city’s motto: “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

Welcome to Las Vegas

What happens in Vegas...

17 in Las Vegas

Steeped in HistoryThe National, Las Vegas

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The National has a long history in the Las Vegas Valley. Just after completion in 1961, The National (then called the

Stardust Country Club) hosted its first professional golf event, the LPGA Championship. From that date forward history was made.


The National has a long history in the Las Vegas Valley. Just after completion in 1961, The National (then called the

Stardust Country Club) hosted its first professional golf event, the LPGA Championship. From that date forward history was made.


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The layout, designed by Bert Stamps, is traditional in outline and a challenge for the best of players

even today. The National has become a landmark over the last 50 years. It was host to the movie ‘Casino’, starring Robert DeNiro, Sharon Stone and Joe Pesci. Current Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman also had a cameo role. The house used in the movie sits off to the left of the #1 Tee Box between the #1 and #18 fairways.

During the 1960’s, The National played host to the big names of the Strip. The Rat Pack frequently played golf here before moving on to the bar. Although they all became good players in their own right, it was widely known that Dean Martin and Peter Lawford were the ones to beat. Locals tell great stories about late night matches under the glow of the driving range lights. Many nights would have Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop and Sammy Davis Jr. around the piano, entertaining their guests with songs and stories, enjoying the cuisine at The National.

Through the years, The National has had several different owners and names. Opened for play in October 1961, the Stardust Country Club was owned by the Stardust Hotel and Casino. In 1969, the Del Webb Corporation acquired the

club and renamed it the Sahara-Nevada Country Club, which it remained until 1982, when it was purchased by American Golf Corporation.

The name was then changed to the Sahara Country Club. In 1994, a partnership was formed between American Golf and the Las Vegas Hilton and the course was again renamed the Las Vegas Hilton Country Club.

In 1998 the name changed once more to the current Las Vegas National Golf Club. In 2008 American Golf sold the club to a partnership and the management of the course was awarded to Harrah’s Golf Management Group.Over the years, The National has hosted many professional golf tournaments, beginning with the LPGA in 1961. The last LPGA tournament was played here in 1966. The PGA tour also hosted events, beginning in 1967 with the Tournament of Champions.

From 1969 through 1976, the tournament continued as the Sahara Invitational. After an absence of PGA and LPGA events until 1993, the National became part of the rotation for the Las Vegas Invitational. This included both the Desert Inn and Las Vegas Country Clubs. 1996 was the last year that the National was part of

the Las Vegas Invitational Tournament, as the Tournament Players Clubs (TPC-Summerlin, TPC-Las Vegas) became the main venues.

The tournament winners of both the LPGA and PGA events read like a who’s who of professional golf. Mickey Wright and Sandra Haynie were among the LPGA winners. For the PGA, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Lanny Wadkins, Al Geiberger, Davis Love III and Jim Furyk have all hoisted the winner’s trophy.

Tiger Woods won the event in 1996, for his very first success on the PGA Tour. The highest score he shot for the tournament was at the National where he posted a 70. On the other courses, he broke 70 in each round. The Course record of 63 was set by Arnold Palmer in 1967, during the Tournament of Champions. The record held for 24 years until it was broken in 1991 when Tom Kite shot 62. David Graham also shares this course record.

Over the years, The National has played host to celebrities from all over the world. Professional athletes, including members of the NFL, NBA, NASCAR, PBA and PBR have all held events here. The course, with its mature landscaping and proximity to the Las Vegas Strip, makes it a truly unique and historic site.

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21 in Las Vegas

result in lucky breaks as a hastily stuck ball bounces back into the fairway.

Plenty of bunkers, water and some narrow fairway stretches are great equalizers to provide a fair challenge to both long ball hitters and those with a good short game. This is a course that rewards good course management skills and provides players of all abilities a fun and enjoyable experience … one in which you may well use every club in your bag.

The greens are challenging and are reflective of the “Dye-abolical” contouring for which Dye-designs are renowned. There are even railroad tie bunkers, tricky undulation and plenty of breaks to keep your putting eye sharp.

A little unknown secret, unless you’ve experienced it firsthand, is that the wind can pick up ferociously out of nowhere, at any time in Las Vegas. There is nothing more unpleasant than getting a couple of holes into your round and experiencing fierce 20-30mph wind gusts.

That is not a worry at Desert Pines - the property sits lower than any other Las Vegas golf course. Besides, thousands of mature pine trees line each and every fairway that act as your personal force field when Mother Nature imposes a sneak attack of sorts on your Las Vegas golf vacation.

To add a little gaming excitement to the round, Desert Pines offers a ‘Beat The Pro’ challenge for all golfers who wish to test their skill against course personnel on a Par 3 ‘closest to the hole’ contest for merchandise credit in the golf shop.On-course food and beverage service is available.

The Golf Shop (in the clubhouse) This is where you check in for your round. The shop carries all the last minute items you may need, such as balls, gloves, socks, hats, sunscreen and cigars. It also carries a complete selection of clubs, bags, logo’d items, divot tools and some fun on-course betting games.

When you come to Vegas you want to experience some things that you usually don’t do back home. Unless you

are from the Carolinas, playing golf at the Desert Pines Golf Club is one of those experiences. Couple that with all the amenities you would expect at your private country club back home and you’re in for a real treat.

You will know Desert Pines is for golfers when you first enter the clubhouse through the front double doors. Take a moment and view the display of high quality framed photos of legends of the game from the 30’s and 40’. Walter Hagen and Francis Ouimet (1934) are joined there by Champion Claude Harmon at the 1948 Masters on Augusta National’s #13, pant legs rolled up and hitting out of wet marsh area.

There’s Bobby Jones smoking a cigar and dapper Gene Sarazan sitting on the grass as a spectator. Desert Pines was built for, and is run by, people who love and respect this great game. Opening in February of 1997, the course underwent extensive renovation in the summer of 2007.

All 18 greens were completely rebuilt and topped with new bent grass putting surfaces that provide a TOUR quality aspect to the round with speeds planned to roll around a 10. Aesthetic and ecological enhancements were also made.

Golf Digest Top 50 Resort CourseThis is a fun course playing to 6,810 yards from the tips. It has a slope/rating of 70.4/122 and offers three sets of tees and a par of 71. Generous mounding separates the fairways and may often

A Play at Golf OasisDesert Pines Golf Course Las Vegas, NV

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23 in Mauritius

A Play at Golf OasisDesert Pines Golf Course Las Vegas, NV

23 in Mauritius

• Four Heated Swimming Pools & In-Ground Spas • Children’s Pool and Play Area • Tradewinds Restaurant & Bar • Mambo’s Poolside Bar & Grille • Room Service • Eleuthera Spa & Salon

• Fitness Centre • Marketplace Gift Shop & Grocery • Beach, Fishing Dock, Nature Trails • And Much More!

As from $99 per person per night (min 2 p - Max 6 p)

[email protected] - www.golfersprivateproperty.com

The Ritz-Carlton,Orlando, Grande Lakes The lifestyle for the Rock StarsThe Ritz-Carlton Orlando, located in the serene Grande Lakes areas, is more than just a great business destination and five-star hotel. It’s what dreams are made of.

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The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, located in the serene Grande Lakes areas, is more than just a great business destination and five-star hotel. It’s what dreams are made of. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, located in the serene Grande Lakes areas, is more than just a great business destination and five-star hotel. It’s what dreams are made of.

25 in Orlando

“We’re very pleased to unveil the new Royal Suite, which combines the best amenities and accommodations to create an inspired atmosphere unlike any other luxury experience in Orlando,” said General Manager Jon McGavin.

With plenty of living and closet space, including a spacious walk-in closet in the oversized master bedroom as well as seven high-definition televisions placed throughout (including the master bathroom), there is no lack of luxury in the Royal Suite. Taking the in-room technology experience to the next level is the 60” High Definition Plasma TV in the soundproof media room featuring Dolby Digital Surround Sound, which envelopes guests with sonic stimuli.

Guests can stay connected and keep the entire Suite at their command with the Wi-Fi Control Touch Panel, which provides instant, user-friendly access to lighting, temperature and control devices to customize the ambiance. iPod interface technology is installed throughout the Suite, which is also wired for Wi-Fi and high speed Internet access.

Dining experiences in the Royal Suite are certain to be brimming with culinary delights and hold no creative reservations. The pantry (with its own separate service entrance), features top-of-the-line appliances including a Sub-Zero Integrated Refrigerator, Sub-Zero Glass-Front Wine Storage, Miele Integrated Nespresso Espresso Machine, Wolf Integrated Drawer Microwave Oven and Miele Integrated Dishwasher.

As of March this year, the Ritz-Carlton has unveiled the largest Ritz-Carlton suite in the United States at 4,293 square-foot. In

addition to being Central Florida’s largest luxury suite, the Royal Suite is also the largest suite of its kind throughout the entire collection of Ritz-Carlton hotels in the United States.

Offering the ultimate in style and luxury, the Suite features four bedrooms and four and one half bathrooms, a media room, a dining room seating 10 people with a fully outfitted pantry and numerous traditional and technological amenities. Located on the 12th floor, the spacious and sophisticated suite offers eight private balconies overlooking breath-taking views of the lakes on property as well as the Greg Norman-designed golf course, which wraps around the resort.

Contemporary design influences, combined eclectically with crisp architectural detailing, compliment a soothing colour palate that’s rich in aqua and yellow hues with hints of magenta for accenting and neutral tones. Light radiates throughout the Suite to infuse the entire space with a decadent, welcoming warmth and calming, contemporary aesthetic.

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eagles, ospreys, and the endangered wood stork species are all part of the wonderment that is on display during a Shingle Creek Eco-Tour.

For those in search of an instructional experience, an G. Loomis fly fishing school (one of only ten in the U.S.) is located on-site and available to guests at both The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott hotels, as well as to all outside visitors.

Guests at both hotels can enjoy all the facilities and services at Grande Lakes Orlando, including the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Greg Norman, the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa offering a wide selection of natural treatments, baths and hydrotherapies, and advice from the world’s first Citrus Consultant.

Set amidst 500 acres of lushly landscaped grounds, Grande Lakes Orlando is a unique destination estate with a level of service and facilities appealing to the sophisticated traveler. With a luxury 582-room Ritz-Carlton and deluxe 1,000-room JW Marriott, an 18-hole Greg Norman designed championship golf course featuring the Golf Caddie-Concierge Program, as well as a 40,000-square-foot spa and extensive meeting facilities, Grande Lakes truly redefines the Orlando experience.

Guests at both hotels have access to all the facilities at the resort. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orlando/Orange

ECO-TOGETHER

Nurture meets nature with the Grande Lakes Outfitters program to include specialized Eco-Tours for families. Orlando is known throughout the world as being the ideal family vacation destination and Grande Lakes Outfitters’ Eco-Tours add an important learning element to any Orlando adventure, further complimented by the resort’s luxury experience. Priced at $60 per adult and children free per child with a paying adult (17 and under), the two-hour eco-tour experience can accommodate up to a family of fifteen.

The interactive eco-tours include active canoe or kayak journeys through Shingle Creek. Enthusiastic guides start the adventure by picking families up in camouflage golf carts set out for one of the most remote sections of Grande Lakes. After a mini “off-road” experience, groups have the option to explore the creek while paddling in a canoe or kayak, depending on the comfort level.

Throughout the journey, the guides share the history of Shingle Creek, and take parties through a series of close-up observations of native species in their natural habitat. Baby alligators, bald

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experience. To concoct the scrub, the spa Mixologist will pick a variety of fresh herbs daily from the spa’s eco-garden, including lemongrass, chamomile, rosemary and peppermint to combine them with a blend of essential oils, depending on guests’ needs. Himalayan salt or ground poultice is also added to the scrub to create the perfect polish, which leaves the skin soft and glowing. As an added value, guests will receive a recipe card to recreate their own scrub at home.

Guests choose their own mixture and combine it with any of the spa’s exfoliating body scrub treatments or pedicures on the menu. Or, they can use it in any of the three bathing rituals (Revitalize, Renew and Rejuvenate).

Scrub Bar Pricing: • $15 to take the scrub to the spa shower or bathing ritual • $30 for a small scrub for home care• $45 for a large scrub for home care• $65 for a gift set for homecare use, which includes a small

body scrub, body butter, herbal bath sachet and recipe card

The Scrub Bar complements many other natural treatments available at the Spa, including the Eco-Rooftop Hammock Experience. This treatment allows guests to enjoy a feeling of weightlessness amid the peaceful sounds of the environment. The hammock elongates the spine to create a sense floating to give the body greater flexibility and range of motion. Guests are fully-clothed during this treatment, which utilizes different massage modalities such as cranial sacral, reflexology and shiatsu.

County Convention Center, and minutes from all the major theme parks.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa

Featuring The Ritz-Carlton Spa philosophy of sanitas per agua, “health through water,” guests are transported back in time through treatments honoring water therapies famous throughout the world since ancient times. Reflecting its Florida location, the Spa highlights citrus-inspired health and beauty treatments as well as spa rituals from the most exotic Ritz-Carlton locations. In addition, the Carita Institute and Salon brings an elegant international expertise to The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Grande Lakes Orlando with its featured product line.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando continues to incorporate innovative, natural and eco-friendly ways to provide guests with the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. In keeping with this theme, the spa will introduce the Eco Garden Scrub Bar, an interactive spa experience that utilizes the existing outdoor eco- herb garden. In addition, guests can still experience the spa’s signature outdoor Eco-Rooftop Experience, which envelopes guests in the elements of nature atop a private sanctuary for a tranquil treatment.

The new Scrub Bar and dedicated spa Mixologist, will provide guests with a personalized learning

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The Arnold Palmer InvitationalSwingtime at Bay Hill

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Tiger Woods makes his comeback

The Arnold Palmer Invitational saw the return of Tiger Woods after some dry months. Tiger Woods won what was then known as the Bay Hill Invitational four years in a row from

2000 to 2003 Woods also won the 2008 and 2009 tournaments which brought it to his seventh win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational this year.

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Hunter Mahan teeing off

Ernie Els signing a copy of Swingtime

David Duval, former Number 1Phil Mickelson during the ProAm

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The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard held its 34th annual tournament March 19-25, 2012. This event is one of Central Florida’s signature events, a premier sporting event and a highlight of the PGA TOUR, attracting some of the greatest talent in golf. The entire event is overseen and directed by one of the game’s all-time greats — Arnold Palmer. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Arnold Palmer

Medical Center, including Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.

In 2009, the Arnold Palmer Medical Center received the PGA TOUR Charity of the Year award, a recognition that coincided with Palmer’s 80th birthday and the 20th anniversary of the hospital. Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children has been ranked 30th for heart and heart surgery and 28th for orthopedics in U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 edition of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals.

The Arnold Palmer Invitational honors America’s heroes by offering complimentary admission to active-duty military personnel and their families on presentation of valid identification.

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KJ Choi posing for SwingtimeRyo Ishikawa at the bunker

Tiger on the practice

Final Leaderboard for 2012Top 5 Players

POS PLAYER SCORE R1 R2 R3 R4 TOTAL

1 Tiger Woods -13 69 65 71 70 2752 Graeme McDowell -8 72 63 71 74 2803 Ian Poulter -6 71 69 68 74 282T4 Ryan Moore -5 71 71 71 70 283T4 Brian Davis -5 70 73 70 70 283

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The crowd building up for Tiger

The spectators went quiet as the players prepare to putt

the silent auction organised by the Rotary Club

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Wine & Dine party Swingtime staff with an Arnold Palmer autographed picture won at the Silent Auction

The newsroom at Bay Hill

Swingtime sponsoring 5 nights at Caribe Cove Resort

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Justin Rose with our Operations Manager, Kristen TassoneManager, Kristen Tassone

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T his Caribbean-style resort sits on the picturesque banks of Lake Davenport and is laid out over 35 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The apartment-style villas are exceptionally well-

equipped and spacious. Dining is available on property or at any of the area’s many nearby restaurants, which offer a wide variety of cuisine.

Bahama Bay Resort & Spa

A Caribbean feel...

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Bahama Bay offers wide open landscaping, nature trails, water features, 4 swimming pools, bars

and restaurants, children’s pool and play area, and much more. Bahama Bay is ideal for families, couples, groups, and anyone looking for a relaxing holiday in a beautiful, serene environment. Sports enthusiasts will love the tennis court, basketball court, volleyball court and fishing dock. Families and kids enjoy our spacious accommodations, relaxing poolside and the resort’s beautiful natural surroundings. Restaurant, bar, and other facility hours are subject to seasonal changes in days and hours of operation. All buildings have been designed and positioned to provide an open airy feeling with the added attraction of all villas having individual screened enclosed patios or balconies which overlook Lake Davenport, swimming pools, water features, or landscaped areas. Bahama Bay is a gated villa community which offers upscale Florida living combined with all the facilities of a fullservice resort. It enjoys a tranquil setting amidst 70-acres of tropical landscaping on the edge of Lake Davenport, yet is just 10- minutes from T h e Walt Disney World® Resort, 20-minutes from SeaWorld® Orlando and 30-minutes from Universal Orlando® Resort.

This impressive development has been designed to echo the colonial architecture of the Bahamas, its architectural design featuring pitched roofs, graceful columns and wide verandahs; its pastel-colored ‘clapboard’ exteriors counterpointed by immaculate white trim. Roadways with names like ‘Andros Avenue’, ‘Lucaya Loop’ and ‘New Providence Promenade’ also reflect the Caribbean theme, whilst exotic palms, lily ponds and tropical flowers create a suitably tropical environment in which guests can relax and unwind.

At its hub lies an elegant Clubhouse, the two and three-storey buildings

that surround it housing the two and threebedroom villas. They range in size from 1,175 square feet to 1,740 square feet; each villa a private home-away-from-home appointed to high Floridian standards. Features include fully-equipped kitchens, two bathrooms, private screened balconies and spacious living and dining areas; standard amenities including individually-controlled air-conditioning, cable TVs, DVD and CD players, as well as washing machines and microwaves. All bed linens and towels are provided, whilst complimentary starter packs enable families to feel at home soon after they arrive. A room cleaning service is available for a nominal fee.

During their stay at Bahama Bay, families can take full advantage of Orlando’s many attractions, although there are plenty of recreational facilities for them to enjoy right on-site. The three heated swimming pools with whirlpools, floodlit tennis court, full-service spa and air-conditioned fitness centre are complemented by a white sand beach right on the edge of Lake Davenport. Children are not forgotten either. There’s an outdoor Kid’s Club complete with slides and paddling pool, as well as an indoor Activity Centre boasting ‘Sony Playstations’, popular board games and a 22-seat mini-cinema.

Five 18-hole golf courses, as well as world-class shopping malls and outlet stores are also available within a 30-minute drive. And although Bahama Bay is primarily a self-catering resort, ‘Tradewinds’ informal restaurant caters for those seeking other more relaxing options. Guests can dine in air-conditioned comfort inside or on the terrace overlooking the lake, the Continental breakfasts and alfresco lunchtime snacks enhanced by an eclectic dinner menu showcasing American, British, Mexican, Caribbean and Italian favorites. ‘Mambo’s’ in the Clubhouse is a casual poolside grill perfect for quick snacks, whilst the three bars, regular live entertainment and weekly Manager’s cocktail party all contribute to Bahama Bay’s sociable club-like ambience.

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The goal at Highlands Reserve is simple - offer the best value of any championship golf course in the Orlando area. Highlands reserve is open to the public at all times, and welcomes golfers from around the world. Hundreds of Orlando area golfers also make Highlands reserve their home course.The course is located on U.S. Highway 27 just north of Interstate 4 and just south of of Route 192, the main route into disney World.All golfers are welcome and public tee times are available every day at (877) 508-4653 or (863) 420-1724. Tee times also can be reserved online at www.highlandsreserve-golf.com

Directions to Bahama Bay Resort & Spa• From Orlando International Airport (MCO)• North on Airport Blvd West• Take SR-528-Toll West towards I-4• Take I-4 West towards Tampa/Disney World• Take Exit 64 – US-192 West towards Disney World• Proceed west on US-192 about 6.5 miles, then turn left

onto Westside Boulevard• Proceed 2 miles on Westside Boulevard then turn right

onto Florence Villa Grove Road• Florence Villa Grove Road will lead you directly to the

Bahama Bay Resort Entrance, on your right

Known for service excellence, Bahama Bay Resort and Spa offers the area’s best value on 2 and 3 bedroom family villas. Each villa is beautifully appointed and fully equipped with all the comforts of a contemporary Florida home yet all the amenities of a full service resort!

Grand BahamaThe Grand Bahama is our most spacious three bedroom villa. With more than 1,700 square feet of air-conditioned comfort, this villa provides the epitome of relaxation and features two full-sized bathrooms each with an oversized tub, two private balconies, a king-sized bed in the master bedroom, a queen-sized bed in the first guest bedroom, two twin beds in the second guest bedroom, and a sofa in the living room that opens into a queen-sized bed.

AbacosThree bedroom Abacos villas offer a spacious 1,232 square feet of space. It is ideal for the extended family vacationer and features two full-sized bathrooms, a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, a queen sized bed in the first guest bedroom, two twin beds in the second guest bedroom, and a sofa in the living room that opens into a queen-sized bed.

Andros The Andros is a plus sized two-bedroom Villa with 1,394 sq. feet of livable space and architectural details throughout. This well-appointed villa is ideal for the family vacationers who have children and require a little “alone time.” The Andros features two full bathrooms, a large kitchen, living and dining areas, a king-sized bed in the master bedroom, two twin beds in the guest bedroom, and a sofa in the living room that opens into a queen-sized bed.

San Salvador The San Salvador two-bedroom Villa offers comfort and value. Ideally designed for the family vacationer this unit is 1,116 square feet and features two full bathrooms, a spacious kitchen, living, and dining areas, a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom, two twin beds in the guest bedroom, and a sofa in the living room that opens into a queen-sized bed.

Golf at the Bahama Bay Resort & SpaHighlands Reserve Golf Club Combine one of the best layouts in Central Florida with 120-foot elevation changes and superb customer service, and you’ll understand why golfers from all around the world have put Highlands Reserve at the top of their “must-play” list of Orlando golf courses.

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BAHAMA BAY RESORT & SPA400 Gran Bahama Boulevard, Davenport, Florida 33897 Nightly Rates USD (per person per day, minimum 2 persons) excluding taxes & pick up. Effective January 3, 2012 to January 2, 2013.

Dates 2 Bedroom Villa Superior 2 Bedroom Villa Deluxe 3 Bedroom Villa Superior 3 Bedroom Villa Deluxe

(San Salvador) (Andros) (The Abacos) (Gran Bahama)

Jan. 3 – Feb. 16 $75.00 $82.00 $88.00 $ 95.00

Feb. 17 – April 12 $114.00 $121.00 $127.00 $134.00

April 13 – June 14 $75.00 $82.00 $88.00 $95.00

June 15 – Aug. 11 $104.00 $111.00 $117.00 $124.00

Aug. 12 – Dec. 22 $75.00 $82.00 $88.00 $95.00

Dec. 23 – Jan. 2, 2013 $137.00 $143.00 $150.00 $156.00

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BOOK NOW! SPECIALS!

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Caribe CoveCaribe Cove a fun place to be...

Located just minutes from Disney parks, Caribe Cove Resort Orlando is your treasured home away from home, nestled in a quiet corner of Orlando’s lush tropical landscape of fun and entertainment.

Want to experience the excitement of Orlando? No worries. Just minutes from Caribe Cove Resort Orlando, awaits a world of adventure, but you can rest easy knowing your private oasis awaits when you’re ready to relax.

Your vacation is waiting. Reserve your private Villa today at Caribe Cove Resort Orlando and experience the best of Orlando!

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• High-speed Internet (cable connection port)• Cable television with three televisions throughout the Villa• Safety amenities including fire extinguishers, fire alarms,

and telephones• Cribs and highchairs• For your comfort, all Villas are non-smoking.

Three-Bedroom Curaçao Villa

The Curaçao Villa sleeps up to 8 people comfortably with a king-sized bed in the master bedroom, a queen-sized bed in the first guest bedroom, two twin beds in the second guest bedroom, and a sofa in the living room that opens into a queen-sized bed. 1600 sq. ft. of sprawling comfort sum up this luxury two-bath Villa.

Villa Features

• Fully equipped kitchens including refrigerator, oven, stove, microwave, coffee/tea maker, crockery, cookware, utensils, and glassware

• Two full bathrooms with dual sinks, separate showers, and a corner tub in the master bath

• Spacious living room and dining area• Screened, private balconies with table and chairs• Vaulted ceilings• Laundry room with washer, dryer, iron, and ironing board• High-speed Internet (cable connection port)• Cable television with three televisions throughout the Villa• Safety amenities including fire extinguishers, fire alarms,

and telephones• Cribs and highchairs• For your comfort, all Villas are non-smoking.

When you step into one of the luxury Villas, you’ll immediately feel at home in your spacious and beautiful accommodations. Kick off your shoes and lounge on your private balcony or indulge in a quiet soak in your oversized tub.

Choose from luxurious two- and three-bedroom villas, and enjoy the spacious accommodations with the entire family or indulge in a private romantic getaway for two.

Two-Bedroom Aruba Villa

The Aruba Villa sleeps up to six people comfortably with a king-sized bed in the master bedroom, two twin beds in the guest bedroom, and a sofa in the living room that opens into a queen-sized bed. With two full-sized bathrooms and approximately 1400 sq. ft. to spread out in, you can ensure your family’s comfort during your vacation.

Villa Features

• Fully equipped kitchens including refrigerator, oven, stove, microwave, coffee/tea maker, crockery, cookware, utensils, and glassware

• Two full bathrooms with dual sinks, separate showers, and a corner tub in the master bath

• Spacious living room and dining area• Screened, private balconies with table and

chairs• Vaulted ceilings• Laundry room with washer, dryer, iron, and

ironing board

BOOK NOW! SPECIALS! CARIBE COVE RESORT ORLANDO9000 Treasure Trove Ln. Kissimmee, Florida 34747 Nightly Rates in USD (per person per day, minimum 2 persons) excluding taxes & pick up. Effective January 3, 2012 to January 2, 2013.

Dates 2 Bedroom Gran Deluxe 3 Bedroom Gran Deluxe Cutoff Minimum Stay

(Aruba) (Curacao) (Days Prior to Arrival)

Jan.3 – Feb. 16 $78.00 $91.00 1 1 Night

Feb. 17 – April 12 $117.00 $130.00 1 3 Nights

April 13 – June 14 $78.00 $91.00 1 1 Night

June 15 – Aug. 11 $117.00 $130.00 1 1 Night

Aug. 12 – Dec. 22 $78.00 $91.00 1 1 Night

Dec. 23 – Jan. 2, 2013 $140.00 $153.00 3 5 Nights

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Are you ready to take your game to the next level?

Integrated Tour-proven coaching and world-class education in Orlando, Florida

For information, visit www.coregolfacademy.com or

telephone 1.407.592.8236 for Jeff Hay, Director of Operations

The Core Golf Junior Academy in Orlando, Florida delivers intensive instruction by PGA Tour coaches and private secondary school education to young golfers determined to realize their potential on and off the golf course. Our PGA Tour instructional team led by Tom Jackson and Jeff Hay includes:

• PGA Tour Coach Sean Foley • Director of Fitness & Nutrition Dr. Craig Davies • Mental Performance Coach Neale Smith

The program includes:

• Tour-level coaching in all facets of high-performance golf • Instruction in swing mechanics, fitness, nutrition, mental performance, tournament play, and more • Playing/practice privileges at world-class Orange County National Golf Center • Private schooling at acclaimed Windermere Preparatory School • Full schedule on Florida's top junior tours scouted by NCAA coaches • Mentoring from touring professionals • Nike Golf players’ package • Room & board supervised by live-in house parents • Transportation

Tom JacksonDirector of Instruction

Core Golf AcademyIn 2006, having just got done building the OslerBrook Golf and Country Club north of Toronto and acting as the General Manager, Tom decided to start the Core Golf Academy at the Orange County National Golf Club where some of the countries top junior, collegiate and Tour players from around the world work with his talented staff. The Core Golf Academy is quickly becoming recognized as a training ground for the future stars of tomorrow and with it focus on the life long core values of integrity, honesty and commitment to hard work, it won’t be long before you see the present students become the stars of tomorrow.

Tom Jackson is a Class “A” member of the Canadian Professional Golfer’s Association. He has been a golf

professional for 32 years and brings a wealth of knowledge to his present business, the Core Golf Academy. Tom played for 13 years on the Canadian, Australian and Asian tours, as well as many tournaments worldwide. Having gained experience from playing with some of the finest players of his time, Tom understands what it takes to compete at the highest level.

During Tom’s playing career, his pursuits of the perfect golf swing lead him to work with some of the top teachers in the business. He started working on his own golf swing with the late George Knudson and Ben Kern at the National Golf Club and continued his swing education during his playing years with time spent at the David Leadbetter Academy first working with David Leadbetter himself and later with Gary Smith. After that time he came back to Canada and began to work with Mark Evershed and helped Mark produce an instructional video as well, taught many corporate and individual clinics. He later went on to become the Director of Instruction for the ClubLink Academy and over saw over 30 different Academies for the ClubLink Corporation and specifically the ClubLink Academy at Glen Abbey where he hired and supported one of the leading instructors in the game today, Sean Foley.

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Interview with Director PGCC Eric Wofford

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The college assists students with resumé-building and introduction to prospective employers. However, they have to go through the rest of the process as any other applicant would, instilling a sense of ethics, self-confidence and fair play in the future professionals.

Delving into the details of the program he reveals: “Students go for lessons from 8.00 am to midday, Mondays to Fridays. From 1.00 pm onwards, they have golf privileges until they are finished. They may be on the driving range, getting instructions from our PGA members on course or participating in the tournaments we organize regularly.”

He rightly points out that there are very few programs in any discipline where students can enjoy themselves playing golf every single day after a few hours in the classroom. Students are also permitted to work part-time and on weekends. “I personally worked three part-time jobs when I was at school,” he owns up.

Eric is a graduate of the college’s California chapter 2008 batch and joined PGCC as administrator before being promoted to his current position. “I still look into the finances of the college. This job is one of the many new opportunities in the golf industry that isn’t at a golf course or country club.”

On our recent trip to Florida, Swingtime caught up with a gentleman who could best be described as a personification of golf. He is

charismatic and soft-spoken yet very pragmatic. He is wiser than his years and an inspiration in more ways than words can describe.

Meet Mr. Eric Wofford, Executive Director at the Orlando Professional Golfers Career College (PGCC). Eric gets down to business with few formalities and talks about PGCC and its 16-month program that paves the way for students to strike gold in golf management.

“Our students acquire a specialized degree in golf management which gives them the education and knowledge to go out into the golf industry. They become either a head professional, an assistant head professional, a golf teacher or take on one of the hundreds of lucrative jobs in the industry today.”

Eric explains how the industry has evolved in the last few years and created several new job portfolios for career professionals. “Eighty-two percent of our graduates have successfully joined the industry from this school alone. We have a placement program here that helps them break into the industry,” he says.

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quantity. “Our school is known for its integrity and character. The history, culture and tradition of golf are very important to us. We maintain a very high level of professionalism with our students, staff and faculty and carry that throughout the school.”

The school’s faculty members are all professionals in their own areas. “If they’re teaching business, they must have a Master’s degree in the same discipline. Golf teachers are PGA members or certified by our golf director to lecture in their proposed subjects.”

As a result of the high standards, PGCC students climb up the success ladder much quicker. “Something as simple as taking a calligraphy class here enables them to go out and design tournament score cards.” Other skills acquired at PGCC also give students the wow-factor and an edge over their competitors.

Students sometimes earn their PGA recognition faster because the PGCC curriculum encompasses many skills and techniques the PGA teaches.

Competition has never deterred PGCC and Eric says there are golf schools within a few minutes from every branch of the PGCC. “They also have similar programs and curricula because Dr. Somerville developed many of these over the past decades.”

PGCC Orlando is currently in the process of developing a special program for the local YMCA (Young Man’s Christian Association) with the aim of helping underprivileged youth as a contribution to society and the development of golf.

Tuition cost at PGCC is USD 6500 for each four-month semester. The school also offers financial support for students. They are encouraged to complete the program once they have started, as the school believes it’s the best way to go about it.

He admits very few students go out to turn professional. “A couple of guys have gone out and played on the nationwide tour but most of them work in the industry because that’s what they aim to do when they enter the college.”

Nonetheless, there are many contemporary golf innovators, industry gurus and instructors who have walked out the doors of the three branches of the PGCC in California, Florida and South Carolina.

Prospective students must have a high school diploma or GED in addition to a passion for the game of golf. “We also ask for reference letters from personal contacts as well as professionals in the industry to prove they fit the required criteria and can play golf,” adds Eric.

Presently, there are seven international students at PGCC Orlando. “We get a lot of Canadian students in addition to students from Austria, Thailand and other parts of the world. Fifteen of the thirty-seven students in my class were from South Korea,” he recalls.

He attributes the interest of international students to the formidable relationship that Dr. Tim Somerville, President, CEO and founder of the school, has with Europe and Asia. He acknowledges that there are very few students from Africa but that may primarily be due to the school’s target advertising in the northern hemisphere.

He clarifies that the institution is very selective in its admissions and focuses on quality not on

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what you see is what you get. We offer prospective students a free round of golf. We’re comfortable guiding people using modern technologies but I personally believe there’s nothing better than the old fashion way to get into golf.”

He says that people can always request brochures and ask for advice on-line but once they see for themselves what we’ve accomplished, it’s another experience altogether. He highly recommends anyone visiting Florida to drop in and explore their facility.

Having fun while playing golf is the bottom line but the PGCC ensures that everyone representing the school also lives up to their high standards of integrity.

Whether you have decided on a golf career or not, it wouldn’t hurt to visit this great man and fantastic place. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a free round of golf in Florida, is there!

Although the school likes to see students complete the course, a few have achieved their dreams of finding the perfect job in the industry after a semester.

“For such students, we encourage them to chase their dream instead of staying at the school. Our aim is to help people realize their dreams and if a student has done that, he or she is free to either complete their course or devote their time to their dream jobs.”

Eric recalls his own early days when he couldn’t land a job in the golf industry but the school provided him with the right references that enabled him to achieve his targets.

His advice to people who want to take on golf as a career is to come and visit the school. “At PGCC,

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Who said dreams don’t come true?Well, if you ever believed that cliché, it’s time to wake, pack up and take off to the destination everyone’s talking about- Orlando (Florida), the heartbeat of the northern hemisphere.

So, where do you begin?Simple, begin by going on-line and searching for an itinerary planner if you don’t already have family or friends there. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of tour operators, travel agents and itinerary planners available at your fingertips 24/7.

Let’s imagine that you’re going to plan your own itinerary. Let us help you build your itinerary.

So, the first step on your journey is to decide how many days you wish to party. Once you’ve decided on that get your pen and paper (slash tablet PC slash MS Excel slash MS Word slash PDA slash one of a dozen other technologies.)

Personally, I prefer to be immaculately organised so I’d draw a table with columns for mornings, afternoons and evenings for each day of my trip. Therefore, if I were going away for 10 days, I’d have ten boxes containing three columns each where I’d fill in my plans.

Next - book tickets, car rentalsThere’s really no rocket science to booking tickets and wheels. All you have to do is pick up the phone and dial a few numbers or shoot out a few email enquiries and the rest will be taken care of by one of many businesses competing for your dollars. And of course, if one doesn’t work out, you’ll always have ready options.

Choosing the perfect fit for your needs can be challenge. Once again, there’s an infinite number of people willing to help you out every step of the way for negligible fee. I would highly recommend finding a professional service, especially if you’re a first-timer.

When considering the hotel, do remember to explore their restaurants and menus so that you’re not disappointed after your vacation kicks off. As with airline booking, always inform the establishment you’re staying at about any special needs and medical conditions you or those travelling with you may have.

This simple, common sense step will help them provide better service and save you a headache or two in a foreign land, where such headaches can make a serious dent in your wallet.

Sightseeing & daytime partyingSome of the action attractions in Orlando include the Kennedy Space Centre Visitors’ Complex. The exciting venue is easily accessible by car if you’re driving or you can choose one of numerous shuttle services that make the trip during the day. This one should be a great learning experience for the little ones and a welcome break for parents wishing to spend some quality time with their kids.

Orlando also offers theme parks like very few cities around the world. Visits to the city cannot possibly be complete without a crazy day at one of many theme parks, the best of which is without doubt Disney World. Then, when the child inside you craves for more, go to Universal Orlando Resort and SeaWorld. Both are highly recommended.

Cocoa Beach, Canaveral National Seashore and Daytona Beach are the hotspots in the city. As usual, you can drive with the top down or in an air conditioned car or take the hotel’s transportation if you’re not confident driving on that side of the road.

There are many other popular public beaches just an hour or two away from any point in the city. The west

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coast favourites include St Pete Beach, Clearwater and Tarpon Springs.

When you’ve had enough of beaching and still have an appetite for water, the options at waterparks are incredible. Wet ‘n Wild, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach are very popular with visitors. And the best part is that these waterparks are open all year round thanks to the sunshine.

The choice of restaurants and eateries is simply mind-boggling, and since we can only afford limited space in this article, I’m going to side step this one and let you make your own choices.

Personally, I prefer cuisines from South East Asia, especially Pakistani food, which is rarely found easily. But then again, if I was on vacation, I’d spoil myself rotten with burgers, fries, pizzas, tacos and all things that define American eating. As they say, when on Planet US, do as the Americans do!

Choosing the right hotelThis is one of the most important, make or break factors of any trip away from home. A great experience is what you’re paying for, dreaming of and expecting, and you have every right to do so.

However, not everyone stays at five-star hotels and even those that do occasionally have an experience worth forgetting quickly. There’s no counting the number of dreams that have turned into nightmares and these are generally unavoidable in any part of the world at any given time.

However, more often than not, we do make the right choices or compromise just a bit and live with the choices we have made. Flexibility is key, remember!

When you’re away from home, it’s better to be down-to-earth and expect a few hiccups regardless of all other factors. Like a good boy/girl, if you laughed at the unexpected trash-tasting taco or under-par service and forgave the erroneous human beings that caused the chaos, you will walk away with a great memory. Losing your temper will only make the bad worse.

If you are a perfectionist and prefer doing everything with your own hands, there are many short-term rental options. You can find 1 bedroom to 5 bedroom villas scattered all over the city. In addition to giving you a more homely feeling, these are lighter on your pocket and provide great services.

People who enjoy nature and love the outdoors can also camp a few nights. The health benefits and adventure is something I will not attempt to put into words. And as far as your budget goes, it couldn’t possibly get better than this!

Transportation options are as varied as your choices in all other areas of life. The factors are two- what you’re willing to spend and the way you enjoy travelling. I love travelling in buses not only because it’s therapeutic for me but also because it’s a sightseeing opportunity. Take your pick and enjoy, or perhaps try everything you can!

Start discovering Orlando right nowOf course, the most convenient one-stop place for global exploration today has to be the comfort of your armchair, if that’s what you use to surf the worldwide web.

No vacation could go full circle without shopping and enjoying the nightlife. Once again, from the upscale to the down-and-dirty, your options are as infinite as the stars in that diamond-studded Orlando sky. On your next trip to Orlando, there’s just one point to remember- no holds barred!

For the vacation of a lifetime

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Spreading the Word of Golf

Through World Golf

Today, there are 141 members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The May 7, 2012 induction ceremony at the World Golf Village honored a new inductee class of five well-deserving individuals. The museum at the Hall of Fame is a place to visit storied exhibits, historical artifacts and personal memorabilia of golfers past and present and is a true celebration of the game.

In November 2000, GOLF 20/20 was launched with its inaugural meeting at the World Golf Village. The mission of GOLF 20/20 is to enhance the growth of and interest in the game of golf. GOLF 20/20 has initiated a number of activities through the last decade designed to accomplish that mission, including Get Golf Ready, an adult player development program that is currently offered in 2,683 golf facilities across the United States.

Another way to get involved with World Golf Foundation activities is to see if there is a The First Tee chapter in your area. If there is, consider getting involved with it. If not, I encourage you to consider whether or not there should be one in your area. The First Tee has profoundly changed the lives of many young people who otherwise never would have been introduced to golf.

I hope this provides you with insight into the activities of the World Golf Foundation and piques your interest in learning more about our programs. We seek to reach out to every segment of the golf community and look forward to doing so in the future.

Many of you may not be familiar with what the World Golf Foundation is or does. Simply put, its mission is to unite

the golf industry around initiatives that enhance the growth and vitality of the game worldwide. World Golf Foundation was founded in 1993 and its first major initiative was announced in 1997 called The First Tee program.

The First Tee is a youth development program that uses golf as a platform to teach life skills to those who otherwise would not have had an opportunity to be exposed to the game.

Since its launch in November 1997, The First Tee has grown to 198 chapters with a presence in each of the 50 states and six international locations. It has established operations in 86 percent of the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas. Through the chapter network and its National School Program, The First Tee has reached over four million young people worldwide.

In May 1998, the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum opened at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida. The mission of the Hall of Fame is to honor golf’s greatest players and contributors to the game.

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The PurposeThe mission of the World Golf Hall of Fame is to preserve and honor the history of golf and the legacies of those who have made it great. Through revealing and inspirational storytelling and exhibitions, the Hall of Fame & Museum honors its 141 members and the history of this 550-year-old game.

The Hall of Fame’s annual Induction Ceremony is the highlight of each year, when new members are welcomed into the Hall of Fame in an internationally televised event that celebrates the game’s long and rich heritage and recognizes its greatest players and contributors.

The World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum is a nonprofit institution and relies on a variety of revenue streams to support its exhibitions, educational programs and curatorial initiatives.

An aerial view of the Hall of Fame

Preserving Golf Legacy

The History of Golfing

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A Global Institution After years of refining its cause and determining its role within the worldwide golf community, the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum opened in 1998.

Plans for the Hall of Fame & Museum originated with former PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beman, whose vision focused on creating an institution where the greatest players on the PGA TOUR would be honored and celebrated for generations to come. Yet Beman’s vision became bigger over time, and the concept escalated into a worldwide effort that would come to enjoy unprecedented collaboration among the international golf community.

Today the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum works closely with the world’s leading golf organizations, including the PGA TOUR, the LPGA, the Masters, the USGA, the PGA of America, the PGA European Tour and The R&A, along with the professional tours in Asia, Australia, Japan and South Africa.

Each of these organizations believe in the Hall of Fame’s mission and recognizes the importance of the legacy and honoring the history of golf and the legacies of those who have made it great.

Visitors putting on authentic greens

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Amateur Connection The Hall of Fame has a special reverence for the amateur game. Many of its members made their marks in the game through amateur achievements. Here are just a few of the Hall of Fame’s members who have a connection to the amateur side of the game:

Bobby Jones – Jones is generally regarded as the greatest amateur in golf’s history. His crowning glory was The Grand Slam of 1930, in which he became the only golfer ever to win the U.S. Amateur, British Amateur, British Open and U.S. Open in the same year. Jones’ greatest legacy is Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, which he founded in 1934.

Phil Mickelson – Mickelson, a member of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012, is known for his three Masters titles (2004, 2006, 2010), the 2005 PGA Championship and the 2007 PLAYERS Championship. Mickelson has 40 career wins on the PGA TOUR, but his first one came as a college junior at the 1991 Northern Telecom Open – becoming the second amateur since 1954 to win a PGA TOUR event.

Carol Semple Thompson – While perhaps not as heralded as some of the game’s amateur greats, Thompson deserves as place among its best. She accumulated seven USGA championships, a record 12 Curtis Cup selections (plus two more as non-playing captain) and a record number of appearances in USGA individual competitions.

Hollis Stacy – Also a member of the Class of 2012, Stacy burst onto the scene as an amateur in 1969 when she won her first USGA title, the U.S. Junior Girls Championship. She did it again in 1970. And again in 1971. Stacy remains the only player to win three consecutive U.S. Junior Girls titles.

Phil Mickelson’s induction

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Getting to the Hall of Fame World Golf Village is a destination resort and residential community in St. Augustine, Florida, just 30 minutes south of Jacksonville and 100 miles northeast of Orlando on Florida’s First Coast. The Village is home to the World Golf Hall of Fame & Museum.

It is also home to several other amenities, including a PGA TOUR Golf Academy and the World Golf Hall of fame IMAX Theater, that make it one of the world’s most unique golf destinations.

Golf CoursesWorld Golf Village features two 18-hole championship golf courses with special ties to the World Golf Hall of Fame. The King & Bear, named respectively for its Hall of Fame member co-designers Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, opened in 2000. It is the first and only course design collaboration between the two golf legends. The second course, Slammer & Squire, opened in 1998 and was designed by Bobby Weed with consultants Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen, both Hall of Fame members.

AccommodationsThe AAA Four-Diamond Renaissance World Golf Village Resort Convention Center and Beach Club is the “Official Resort of the World Golf Hall of Fame,” offering 301 luxurious renovated guest

rooms and suites. Located next to the Hall of Fame, the resort offers spectacular views overlooking the Village’s lake and golf courses. Guests are able to enjoy World Golf Village’s two championship golf courses, the World Golf Hall of Fame’s 18-hole putting course, renovated pool area, 24-hour health club, restaurant, lounge and full-service concierge.

Travel PackagesThere are a variety of luxurious and affordable travel packages that will get you to the World Golf Village and World Golf Hall of Fame. Log on to WorldGolfVillage.com or WorldGolfHallofFame.org to see all of the options available.

Preserving Golf’s History

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Over the past 30 years, his players have amassed over a dozen Major Championship titles and over 100 individual worldwide tournament victories. David’s coaching has spanned three decades and he has often been recognized as the “man who invented the golf instruction industry”.

For 25 years, David Leadbetter and DLGA have provided world class golf instruction to golfers of all ages and abilities. We are dedicated to helping golfers just like you swing better, score better and have more fun playing golf.

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Plattekloof Home

This exceptional modern/contemporary home is nestled in one of the most sought after suburbs in Northern Cape Town and is regarded as one of the most exclusive in the Western Cape - a breathtaking estate whose grandeur will impress even the

most discerning buyer.

Situated on the edge of the Tygerberg Reserve, it is in close proximity to wine farms, local beaches and large shopping centres. It is ideal for those who wish to enjoy an evening out on the town, as it is a mere 15 minute drive from the city centre and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, or soak up the pleasures of nature as it unfolds in the Reserve.

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the numerous multi-level outdoor areas. Experience amazing indoor and outdoor flow while looking directly across the cityscape to Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

Grand Luxury Home…

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This dream home boasts a state-of-the-art modern designer kitchen, spacious indoor living areas

and high-quality finishes - ideal for large families or for those that love to entertain.

Whether you are enjoying a cool dip in the swimming pool or playing a round

on the roof-top putting green, this world class property – fit for

diplomats or Heads of State - offers an unparalleled

lifestyle.

Enjoy spectacular panoramic views from the numerous multi-level outdoor areas. Experience amazing indoor and outdoor flow while looking directly across the cityscape to Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

This dream home boasts a state-of-the-art modern designer kitchen, spacious indoor living areas and high-quality finishes - ideal for large families or for those that love to entertain. Whether you are enjoying a cool dip in the swimming pool or playing a round on the roof-top putting green, this world class property – fit for diplomats or Heads of State - offers an unparalleled lifestyle.

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Ground floor

Entrance hallLarge lounge with gas fireplace and automated blindsDining room to easily seat 10 peopleGourmet kitchen for the chef in youOpen flowing entertainment area onto the pool deckLarge study for meetings or work from homeCosy wine cellarLift to access all floorsGaraging for 3 carsFlowing water featuresLarge cooling swimming poolUndercover JacuzziHome air-conditioned throughout

1st floor

Extra-large main bedroom with his and her private bathrooms2nd large bedroom with en-suite bathroom3rd large bedroom with en-suite bathroomSeparate double size guest bedroom with bathroom

2nd floor

Entertainment areaMezzanine floorLarge balcony with expansive unobstructed views4 hole undulated putting green

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The adjacent property is available, and is designed to flow into the existing house but with the added benefit of enormous guest accommodation separate from the main property. The two properties can be joined to provide a mansion of colossal proportions (over 1600m2 under roof), with the most stunning views of Cape Town and its famous Table Mountain. Combining the two properties could provide additional accommodation as follows:

65m2 Cinema room66m2 Games room112m2 Indoor swimming pool143m2 Atrium198m2 Entertainment terrace (with access and pathways on to the Tyberberg Mountain)Separate driveway from main house (with room to

establish a security/monitoring station )4 car garageSelf contained apartments (with own entrances)3 large double bedrooms with full ensuite bathrooms42m2 Kitchen 44m2 Living / dining areaDouble staff quartersLaundry

Estimated cost of joining the properties (as described above) to the standards and finishes of the discerning purchaser are in the region of R 2,500,000.

establish a security/monitoring station )

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If, like many of my friends you thought that Raymond Ackerman was resting on his laurels and loafing around playing golf all day, you couldn’t be further

from the truth. At 76 he is still as active as ever and he is still involved in running the retail empire that he has built up over the past four decades.

“The only difference now is that I take on extra break during the year, because I don’t want to die in office. While I’ve split the company with my CEO who is responsible for the day to day running of the company, I try and help him” states Raymond Ackerman who still travels continually, from Zimbabwe to all the South African operations to visit the stores. “I like to keep the warmth and the family-feel of the company. I always go to the supermarket congress in June and we all travel to Europe and America to keep abreast of supermarket trends”.

South Africa without Pick ‘n Pay? Well, thanks to Raymond Ackerman this local retail icon will be around for a while yet.

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Raymond Ackerman

Raymond’s Passion

best day of your life. She was fantastic. If it wasn’t for her and this American guy and his advice, I think I would possibly have packed it in. I think it is important that you have mentors that you listen to, who can be pillars when you have a moment of need. If you are passionate about something and you can convince people that you really are passionate, it works”.

So how did he achieve success in business? Raymon Ackerman claims that he was very influenced by Professor Hutt, one of his lecturer at the University of Cape Town. “It was he who taught me that you have to be passionate about your consumer. However, this philosophy doesn’t apply only to businessmen. If you are a doctor, be passionate about your patient, if an hotelier be passionate to your guest. He also taught me, and this is ver y important, that if you are passionate about making money then you will never be successful. So if you really help the consumer and genuinely believe that and become passionate about you career you will be successful.”

Hutt though wasn’t the only influence in Ackerman’s business career. In the early 1960s he attended a seminar given by Bernard Trujillo, a genius in marketing. Trujillo virtually reiterated Hutt’s advice. According to Ackerman the American’s words were, “You’ve have to make the consumer your queen”. He also gave Ackerman ‘The four legs of the table’ philosophy which he implemented at Pick ‘n Pay. “Basically, the four legs represent the four aspects of your company that supports the top of the table upon which the consumer sits. This really helped me to focus on the consumer.”

In essence, each leg needs to be strong in order to balance the table, which is the business. Administration is the first leg. This covers the various administration controls, finance and store development - in brief, the mechanics of running the business. Next comes the merchandise leg, which involves finding out what consumers really want, and giving it to them at the right price coupled with maximum shopping convenience. Third is advertising and social responsibility, which extends beyond the need for good advertising to cover basic consumerism, courtesy and social responsibility. Last, but definitely not least, is the people leg with remuneration, benefits, equal opportunity and communication as key elements. It is this leg that benefits most from sound management principles.

Is it any wonder then that Ackerman is often referred to as the housewives friend? “I take consumer complaints personally. I had one this morning. It’s amazing the reaction when someone who is angry about something is able to talk directly to the chairman. In such a situation I always apologize, or send a letter or flowers or something.”

What keeps old Ackerman going. May be passion; A passion for challenges coupled with the passion for good sport. “Some of my family thinks I’m crazy and that I should pack it in and play more golf because you only live once, but I’m very lucky because my health has been good. I do play golf on Wednesday and Saturday and I do take this extra break a year to get rid of the pressure. I really just love the game and I’ve made some

Keeping to good habits, Raymond Ackerman makes a point otherwise to be in the office working solidly, including Saturday mornings. “I feel it is important that we should operate the same as the stores. If they work, we should basically do the same” he says. Ackerman’s business career was obviously built on principles of bold positiveness, self-confidence and a deep sense of humanity that sometimes got him into trouble. “I got fired from a chain store at the age of 36. I had built it from one store to 85, when I was called in on a Monday morning and told to pack my bags and get out. I hadn’t stolen and I hadn’t done anything wrong, but I had always fought with them. They were departmental store people and were steeped in those types of ideas which I wasn’t. So they said you know Raymond you are just too difficult. I was given two weeks salary which was terrible. They wouldn’t be able to do it today with the labour laws” he recalls.

Even at the hardest times, Ackerman also knew how to rely on his family and take the best from advice given to him. “I had to decide if I would work for another company, which I nearly did, or pack it in and emigrate, or even go back to university and become a doctor, which is what always wanted. Somebody had taught me a method to face crisis. In short, you must put down your thoughts, establish what your problem is, note its causes and then put down your alternatives and mark them out of 10.

Coming to question: Do I open my own supermarket company even though I don’t have any money? I marked 10. And I said to myself, ‘How in the hell can I open a business like Checkers, OK and Woolworths with no money? Then I remembered something an American had told me years ago.’ You need 90 % guts and 10 % capital to start your business. I went to see an accountant to buy a small company. There was a couple businesses available, including one at R600 000 for three Pick ‘n Pay stores.” It was a question of money, but as this American had said to Ackerman, with guts one can always raise the money. The businessman was advised by the accountant that if he could get 50 shareholders to put in R4 000 quickly, the accountant would help him raise the balance from the bank. “If I may say, I kept hanging to those things which I learned from this American guy. It helped me sit back and not wallow in self-pity.

So how did he break this news to the wife? “I thought that she would be tearing her hair out. We had four kids, no money, no job but she backed me tooth and nail. She said, “This is the

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to play off three and shot and says he would like to bring his handicap down to a 10. However, that didn’t stop him from shooting a 75 at Gleneagles in Scotland in October last year. “There is nothing nicer for me than to play golf with my son and grandson who is a big, burly Stellenbosch university student now 21 years old. He hits the ball a mile, but not as straight as he would like. I’m passionate about golf. It has kept me sane during my business career. For the first couple of holes I’m busy getting rid of the pressure and then I don’t think of anything else. Also I don’t talk business on the course. I think golf has helped me stay alive and I hope to stay alive for many more”.

good friends. I was virtually born on a golf course” says Ackerman. He developed a passion for the game from his father who bought a nine-hole golf course in Clovelly from the Royal Navy for £5 000 in 1951. The dad was a keen golfer even though he had to play one-handed due to a motor car accident when he was younger. After buying the course he handed it to the members on the basis that it was open to all religions. At that time certain clubs wouldn’t allow Jewish members.

Ackerman obviously takes after his father. Currently saddled with a 13-handicap, he used

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Fair Acres Hotel

Fair Acres Hotel is settled in Knysna, along the beautiful coast of the Garden Route, a well known and scenic South African route used by many locals and tourists.

The hotel boasts a 180° view of the famous Knysna Heads. It is so easy to become hypnotized by the panoramic view of the Heads and the Lagoon… one almost feels like being in a bubble, untouchable and far removed from the busy town below.

Fair Acres Hotel has its own character and history. The estate was owned in the early 1900’s by the Thesen’s, one of the first families to have lived in Knysna. Behind the main house, there were horse stables, which have now been renovated into suites. The gable in front of the house still exists today, as part of the heritage of the house.

Fair Acres Hotel is settled in Knysna, along the beautiful coast of the Garden Route, a well known and

Fair Acres Hotel

Fair Acres Hotel is settled in Knysna, along the beautiful coast of the Garden Route, a well known and Fair Acres Hotel is settled in Knysna, along the beautiful coast of the Garden Route, a well known and

peace and tranquility

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In 2004, the hotel was refurbished and renovated into a four star Hotel and has been accredited with the Tourism Grading Council. The hotel consists of 17 suites, each being tastefully decorated and fully air-conditioned.

Among other services offered are the shuttle service to the airport, baby-sitting, swimming pool, splash pool, laundry and DSTV. The in-house Restaurant provides breakfast and lunch to the guests and can also cater for weddings and functions for clients.

In fact, Fair Acres hotel prides itself in hosting some of the most beautiful weddings. The team gets involved with the bride-to-be from inception, organizing flowers, catering, decorating the dining area, arranging music and presence of a minister. Guests from as far as the UK and Canada have been sealing their vows in those beautiful gardens, with a view on the Heads.

The hotel has a five star conference facility equipped with state-of-the art technology and

accommodating up to 50 persons depending on the layout required. Fair Acres’ professional team provides a turn-key conference service from accommodation, theme evenings, and excursions for teambuilding to organizing golf games. The conference venue offers a combination of “Work and Play” feeling and is perfect to create excellent inter personal skills and enhance team work and at the same time. A great place to relax and have fun.

The reservationists are always ready to recommend some of the most visited places in and around Knysna. The hotel focuses on continuous development of its services and ensures that training of highest standard is given to the staff.Knysna and the surrounding areas, have plenty to offer when it comes to excursions such as abseiling, paddle cruise & boat trips; site seeing; nature reserves/parks; etc.

The hotel is also situated in close proximity to a few of the most well known golf courses, such as Pezula, Simola & Fancourt.

Fair Acres Hotel invites you to experience the warm South African culture and beauty it has to offer.

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Out of the woodsGolf is one of the most frustrating sports, yet the First Swing programme is using it to help people overcome their handicaps.

ASHLEY VAN SCHALKWYK

African Disabled Golf Association (SADGA) in 2002 by American Bob Wilson. A double below the knee amputee, Wilson, developed and perfected the concept as far back 1988 with the intention to instruct therapists to teach and encourage the disabled to learn or re-learn the game of golf. The reason behind this thinking is two-fold. Not only is just about every physically challenged individual, regardless of age, able to play, but also because it contributes dramatically to the individual’s emotional and physical well-being, instilling self-confidence and pride in personal achievement.

In South Africa SADGA immediately saw it as a valuable addition to their goals in promoting of golf for players with physical disabilities. As both rehabilitation and recreation, the kids involved have the opportunity to learn the game, and to socially interact in a new, exciting environment, under the guidance of golf instructors and therapists and the results have been excellent.

“My handicap? Woods and irons.” With these words US Baseballer and part-time golfer Chris Cordiroli succinctly summed up the many frustrations that bedevil golfers around the world. However, a handicap is what you make of it and this is precisely what First Swing is aiming to do – make the most of a having a handicap.

What began as a pilot project in the USA in 1986 has grown into a global system, teaching the basics of golf to rehabilitation therapists and recovering disabled persons as a means to utilise golf for recreational therapy. The First Swing programme is designed around the premise that a therapeutic application of GASP (Grip, Alignments, Set-up and Posture) has proved highly successful as a motivator for those with a physical disability. A combination of golf teachers and therapists introduce golf to the disabled, many of whom are still in hospital recovering and adjusting to recent disabilities. Designed to promote golf among players with disabilities the Golf for the Physically Challenged concept was introduced to the South

The drive to take golf to disabled children across South Africa is slowly gathering steam. There are currently twelve clinics operating throughout South Africa with each one providing golf education for 10 to 12 disabled children. These children are mainly drawn from disadvantaged backgrounds where the opportunity to participate in golf is non-existent.

Excellent coaches are provided to the clinics by the South African Golf Development Board (SAGDB). To fund the project that costs in the order of R300 000 per year SADGA raises sponsorship support from the corporate world.

Additionally, the top performers from each clinic are invited to attend

Who qualifies for First Swing?People suffering from any number

of physical disabilities: arm and leg amputees, hemiplegics,

paraplegics, stroke victims, blind and deaf people – that are able

to grip the club with at least one hand and hit the ball.

Who qualifies for First Swing?People suffering from any number

of physical disabilities: arm and leg amputees, hemiplegics,

paraplegics, stroke victims, blind and deaf people – that are able

to grip the club with at least one hand and hit the ball.

in South Africa74

the Nedbank South African Disabled Golf Open that was held this year at the Erinvale Golf Club in Somerset West. However, the event wasn’t just about golfing activities. A programme was drawn up for them for the duration of the six-day tournament. It allowed them to not only participate in golfing activities, but to also experience various aspects of life that is completely new for many of those who attend the clinics.

SADGA Executive Director, Eugene Vorster, explains though that for these players to make it to the highest level and become a champion golfer would be extremely difficult. “But as an entry level sport, it is ideal.” Earlier this year two participants in the First Swing Programme at the 2006 tournament, Mandisi Sikweyiya and Olwethu Tiyabilika, were invited to compete in the main competition at Erinvale.

To enable them to play in the tournament Vorster arranged membership for them at their local clubs at reduced rates where they soon achieved an official handicap – they both play off a 24 handicap. Olwethu, a leg amputee and Mandisi, a cerebral palsy sufferer from Port Elizabeth, scored 49 and 30 stableford points respectively for the tournament.

While there is great enthusiasm about the project, especially from those who are benefitting from it financial and resource constraints limit the rate at which SADGA can take the game to disabled children. “I feel we are already achieving a lot,” Vorster says, “but we’d like to achieve more. It’s not easy funding everything we do, but we are getting more and more help from a lot of great people.

Clubs like Bloemfontein, King David in Cape Town and Graceland in Secunda have been incredible supporters especially with their membership fees. And our sponsors are terrific,” he continues. “Transport is a major issue: getting kids to and from clinics, and getting out to areas like Shoshanguve is vital. The help we get from Grand Central Motors is terrific and ultimately it is the children who benefit because they get a unique opportunity.”

First Swing Clinics are active in the following venues:

CAPE TOWN: Eros School – physically disabled.

SOMERSET WEST: Rusthof Special School

GEORGE: Carpe Diem – Special School

PORT ELIZABETH: Northern Lights School – physically disabled.

EAST LONDON: Vukuhambe School – physically disabled.

JOHANNESBERG: Hope School – physically disabled.

PRETORIA: Soshanguve School – the deaf – physically disabled.

DURBAN: St. Raphael School – physically disabled.

BLOEMFONTEIN: Martie du Plessis School – physically disabled.

In their wordsSome of the golfers give thanks for the experience:

“I would like to thank SADGA Committee for helping me fly from Bloemfontein to Cape Town and the Lord Charles for their privileged accommodation. Secondly I would like to thank golf coaches for their coaching skills. I thank all the sponsors small and big for their efforts and concern for making this experience more fun and enjoyable.” – Khotso Ritmolamlehi, 17

“I enjoyed myself. It was my first time in Cape Town. I learned to play golf. I enjoyed the driving range. I enjoyed the movies at

Somerset Mall. I enjoyed the games today. I like the room. I like watching TV and listening to music. I enjoyed my stay. Thank you Eugene!” – Preston Naicker.

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cationCLUB

When you’re looking to get away, retire to your own comfortable home away from home at Sun City Vacation Club, Sun City. Timeshare homes like those offered at Sun City Vacation Club offer luxury and amenities you can’t fi nd anyplace else.

The resort is part of Sun City which comprises three hotels (including The Palace of the Lost City), and one of the biggest entertainment centres/casinos in South Africa. The Pilansberg Nature Reserve is only 10 km from Sun City. The Valley of the Waves which is part of Sun City is a complex of water slides, man made sea with 2-metre waves, beach and lush tropical gardens. There is a golf course on site, a crocodile farm and a lake with all sorts of water sports. This resort is an ideal fun holiday place - an oasis in the parched African landscape.

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that would allow this. Robert Trent Jones willingly agreed to come back and redesign his original layout of ten years earlier. Together the two men spent many hours walking around the course and discussing where and how improvements should be made.

Ortiz-Patiño renamed the course Valderrama, after the ancient estate on which the land is situated. The pair shared a common aim: to create a course that would present a test of golf to the everyday golfer and the first-class player alike, and would bring out the best golf that is in him. Valderrama has since risen in the Golf World rankings to become the No.1 golf course in mainland Europe, a position proudly held since 1989.

No championship course in modern times has so swiftly achieved such recognition. As early as 1988, Valderrama began to host the newly-launched Volvo Masters, the flagship tournament of the PGA European Tour, and continued to do so until 1996.In 1997 the Club hosted the 32nd Ryder Cup, won by Europe in a most thrilling finish. Valderrama remains today the only club ever to have hosted golf’s pinnacle event outside its traditional homelands, USA and Britain.

Next, in 1999 and 2000, Valderrama went on to host the first two editions of the World Golf Championships - American Express Championship, which were won by Tiger Woods and Mike Weir respectively. The tone for the Ryder Cup event was set by Severiano Ballesteros, the Europe captain, when he walked the course with John Paramor, the chief tournament director. ‘I found everything perfect,’ he said. ‘It’s impossible to imagine a golf course in better condition. Valderrama is a private Members’ club, but a limited number of starting times are offered for visitors most days of the year.

Swingtime Golf Travel embarked on a Global Golf Tour playing golf around the world. The first leg in Spain brought us to Valderrama

Golf Club, a destination which has seen the drama and gravitas of the beautiful game of golf unfurl on its greens by so many of golf’s greats.

Valderrama is located in Andalucía, the largest and southern-most region of Spain. A few miles north of Gibraltar, it is approximately two hours’ drive from Cádiz and one and a half hours from Malaga. The climate is ideal for year-round golf. The Par 71 Championship Course measures 6356 meters from the professional tees. The fairways have been described by top pros and leading golf writers as the best in Europe, if not the world. It is not an easy course- nor was it intended to be. It is designed so as to call forth thought and precision for every shot.

The course was designed in 1974 by Robert Trent Jones, Sr, one of the great golf course architects, and was originally known as Sotogrande New. In 1981 its name was changed to Las Aves. Its incarnation in its present form began in 1984, when Jaime Ortiz-Patiño was able to acquire it from the developers who a few years earlier had laid out the very extensive Sotogrande area so imaginatively and tastefully. Ortiz-Patiño had been one of the first to build a house, and for some years he had nursed the secret ambition to bring Las Aves to a greater potential.

In 1984 he was able to acquire, along with the golf course, certain additional parcels of land

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Flamingos Golf Resort

The second leg of the Swingtime Golf Tour took us to the spectacular Flamingos Golf

course.

The Flamingos Golf Resort has a spotless reputation for its immaculately maintained golf courses and top class amenities. Los Flamingos is one of three golf courses at Costa del Sol in Malaga and opened for play in July 2001. It is the older of the Flamingos Courses and a preferred one for several golfers, with its challenging layout and hazards.

Flamingos is a par 72, 18-hole course spanning 5,906 meters designed by renowned architect Antonio Garcia Garrido and is characterized by numerous trees such as orange, cypress, pine, olive, chestnut and carob. A lake has been formed due to the Arroyo del Taraje stream on the course.

The course is located amongst the hills on the western side of San Pedro de Alcáara with an eye-catching panorama across the Costa del Sol, over the Mediterranean Sea, Gibraltar and Africa.

The greens on the course are generously sized whilst its fairways

are somewhat narrower on the front nine, where more precision playing is required than on the back nine. The bunkers are filled with white marmolina sand. The fairways are sown with Bermuda, except on certain holes where grass has been used, whilst the greens and tees have been sown with Pencross.

You will need to be cautious of the tricky sand bunkers and tapered fairways. This course is well established and there are several professional golfers who enjoy playing here. The vegetation is not very old but a lot of care is taken to provide golfers with an environment full of diverse plantation.

The ‘Arroyo del taraje’ stream flows through the course, testing your accuracy from the tee on holes 1, 4, 9 and 10. In addition to the stream, 3 lakes also come into play at holes 1, 10, 15, 16, 17 and 18. The vegetation has been thought about very carefully as different trees characterize each hole.

After a satisfying game of golf you can enjoy the chic and sophisticated venue of the café-bar, clubhouse or enjoy your drinks on the terrace taking in the natural vista around it, or

in the outstanding 5 star hotel, with a more breathtaking panorama.

The complex incorporates one of the best hotels in Andalucía

with exceptional cuisine.

Los Flamingos hosted the 2003 Senior PGA Matchplay Championships. There is no doubt that the course has been designed in perhaps the most spectacular enclaves of the Costa del Sol. It can be quite a test of accuracy for an experienced golfer as well as a beginner. There is also a short par 3 course on the practice range.

Playing golf at Los Flamingos is a unique experience, with its lively ambiance, state-of-the-art facilities and personalized, professional service. In a short period of time, the Golf Club has already attained international repute. It is true that Los Flamingos is a taxing course with its tight fairways, but you are sure to enjoy the course maintained at the very highest level.

The club is also a trendy venue for weddings with the classic Roman decor on the course as well as the hotel.

Golf Club: Flamingos Golf ClubDesigner: Antonio Garcia GarridoOpening year: 2001Holes: 18 Maximum hcp: Men 27 / Ladies 34Driving Range: YesBuggies on fairways: Yes, depending on course conditionsGolf shoes: Soft spiked shoes compulsoryHotel Resort: Hotel Villa Padierna 5*Close to: Estepona & San Pedro de Alcantara

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Flamingos Golf Club: One of the most select golf clubs in Costa Del Sol Spain.

Set in beautiful natural surroundings, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where playing golf becomes a unique experience, Flamingos Golf Club offers an exquisite atmosphere, the most advanced facilities and a personalized service that allows you to enjoy and appreciate every little detail.

In its short history, Flamingos Golf Club has already attained well-deserved international renown for the high level of quality it offers and for having been, for three consecutive years, the venue for the ‘European Seniors’ Final’, ‘The Daily Telegraph European Seniors´and ‘Match Play Championship’.

Carretera de Cádiz,km 166, 29679 Marbella, Málaga, Costa del Sol, Spain

www.� amingos-golf.com

Flamingos Golf Club

Whilst enjoying a peaceful rural setting, The Springs is conveniently situated for

sightseeing with excellent road and rail links giving easy accessibility to key tourist attractions; the Capital city of London with Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament is within 35 mins reach, Oxford with its world renowned University colleges and Thames punt trips is 15 mins away, Windsor with the Royal Castle and changing of the guard is within 40 mins, the picturesque town of Henley on Thames famed for the Royal Regatta is within 15 mins reach, to name but a few. Stately home tours, river cruises,

wine tasting at the nearby vineyard and historical walk along the ancient Ridgeway path can all be arranged with ease.

The hotel has a fascinating history which mantles it an indelible allure. It was once owned by the international pop star Ian Gillian of the rock band Deep Purple who eccentrically installed the distinctive guitar shaped pool. In addition, the hotel is said to be haunted by the famous English contralto Dame Clara Butt, who lived in the local village of North Stoke. In honour of her ghost, a room in the hotel is named after the opera singer.

Nestled deep within the Oxfordshire countryside and bordered by the

banks of the River Thames, lies the Springs Hotel and Golf Course.

Constructed in 1874, and named after the spring fed lake it overlooks,

the Springs Hotel is a charming example of a Victorian Tudor-

styled country house imbued with and retaining all the traditional values associated with the great

Country Houses of England. In the oak panelled reception halls you

will find crackling log fires in open hearths and beckoning comfortable

upholstered chairs creating a uniquely English atmosphere.

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The hotel has 32 well-equipped en-suite bedrooms, all of which are double or twin. Many have balconies with exceptional views of the spring-fed lake.

Dining at the Springs is an epicurean delight, where cuisine of the finest quality can be enjoyed in the AA Rosette Lakeside Restaurant, a captivating venue with views of swans gliding majestically on the lake in the most mesmerising light so very indicative of the magic of the countryside. For less formal gatherings the Golf clubhouse provides a relaxed atmosphere and incorporates an extensive and varied menu. The elegant function rooms including the oak-panelled Lord Nelson Suite and Green Suite lend themselves to more private celebrations. They are ideally located adjacent to the Lakeside Restaurant and have spectacular views of the well-kept gardens, swimming pool and the spring-fed lake.

The hotel offers wedding, banqueting and conference facilities, with various options available at the Hotel itself or alternatively in the Golf Clubhouse. The Springs specializes in corporate events where unobtrusive service and attention to detail are prerequisites for successful meetings, and encompass a selection of services tailored to meet exact requirements applicable to conferences, training days and business dinners. The conference room and meeting space can accommodate groups of all sizes and can seat from 20 to 150 in comfort. The location of the hotel with accessibility to the M4 and M40 motorways, in conjunction with the serene rural environment creates the ideal setting conducive to important discussions away from the distractions of a busy office.

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Schloss Goldenberg Golf Club

approach. You will want to balance a defensive-aggressive play as your main tactic, working towards those birdies which are well worth the satisfaction of play on this course.

Facilities of a driving range, putting green, pitching green, indoor range and pro shop are all available to enhance your golf experience. In addition, golf pro Paul Dougan’s Golf Academy provides a wide range of courses from beginners to advanced, with analysis on the entire game, exact exercises are provided to improve your golf. Training, in the form of private lessons as well as group lessons up to four persons, is accommodated.

After your game, relax and enjoy the restaurant, bar and terrace where a very diverse gastronomy menu features seasonal trends and the traditional Wiener schnitzel along with the Flaach asparagus in May and the delicate roe deer in autumn can be savoured. The bar and restaurant also proudly feature the Gold Berger wine of the castle as well as many international wines of note. The golf club has an exciting calendar which not only presents excellent tournaments but also fashion shows, charity events and Dixie breakfasts.

As one of the private golf clubs in Switzerland within a slightly isolated location away from the hustle and bustle, defining rest and relaxation, and excellent golf with good accessibility incorporating 1st class infrastructure, Schloss Goldenberg Golf Club is unique in the canton of Zurich. Consequently, it swiftly exhausted its quota and membership applications are currently on a waiting list, but guests of members do enjoy certain discounts.

The atmosphere of the Schloss Goldenberg Golf Club is one of sporty, easy going elegance and, in conjunction with a challenging and exciting round of golf, encompasses a true reflection of the modern golf experience.

Located in the picturesque wine country town village is the Schloss Goldenberg Golf Club. It is one of but few 18-hole private

golf clubs in the canton of Zurich and one of the most renowned in the whole of Switzerland. Half an hour from Winterthur and Schaffhausen, it is easily accessible. High on the Gold Mountain is a part of the former palace, now incorporated as the clubhouse of Schloss Goldenberg Golf Club. The castle extends far beyond the hill and is surrounded by vineyards and pasture. Former orangery of Oekonomiegeäudes Castle, the clubhouse is enjoyed by golfers. As a historical site it provides a very unique golfing experience.

The golf course was designed by Kurt Ross and was opened in 1997. The 18-hole course is built around the mountain, integrating the natural topography and creating a very distinctive playing location that blends the arresting environment in a seamless fashion. Your round of golf is punctuated by dramatic lookout points, where views of birds of prey in flight immerse the golfer in nature.

Architecturally, Kurt Ross has certainly challenged golfers by the construction of the course on hilly terrain. Course management is non-negotiable, with play demanding the very best of technique taking in the varied course. You will be playing up and down hills, avoiding bunkers next to landing zones with runaway slopes that are beguiling. Water hazards, in the form of ponds, add a magic to the environment but can be lethal. Fairways are long and narrow with trees always lurking nearby. Good shots are rewarded and bad shots punished, necessitating a sound strategy and a cool and calm

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Bad Ragaz in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley at the foot of the Pizol has a long tradition as a health spa. Today it is a wellness

resort with top-class hotels, thermal baths and golf courses. The warm (37°C) healing waters bubble up from inside the mountain in the deep, mysterious Tamina Gorge in nearby Pfäfers.

From the middle of the 13th century, pilgrims journeyed to the Abbey of Pfäfers near Bad Ragaz, where the Tamina opens into the Rhine Valley to bathe in the thermal waters. In 1535 the doctor and philosopher, Paracelsus, became the first doctor in Bad Pfäfers to testify the healing powers of the thermal springs. Thus began the age of spa tourism.

In 1716 the earliest baroque bathhouse in Switzerland was built below the Benedictine Monastery in Pfäfers. From 1840 the thermal water was piped down to the more easily

accessible village of Ragaz, 4km away; so Ragaz quickly became a renowned health resort. Luxury hotels were built to accommodate wealthy travelers, including Russian nobility, and like the traditional Grand Hotel in Bad Ragaz, they still attract guests from all over the world. Today Bad Ragaz with its Tamina Thermal Spa, offers a broad range of medicinal and wellness packages.

What to do during winterThe Pizol ski region stretches between 1600m and 2220m. Winter sports enthusiasts will find 12 railways and lifts, more than 40km of Piste- a free-ride paradise, a winter sports school, cross-country trails and interesting ski tour routes. Toboggan fans will rave about the 7 km toboggan run, and there are marked trails for snowshoe hikers. The attractive mountain footpath affords panoramic views.

What to do during summerThe two golf courses in Bad Ragaz ideally complement the spa. The Bad Ragaz home mountain, the Pizol, and the plain of the Rhine Valley provide wonderful biking and hiking country.

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Bad RagazBad RagazBad RagazSwitzerland

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Bad Ragaz in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley at

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There is a popular cycling and inline skating route on the nearby Rhine Dam and marked Nordic walking trails are also to be found on the Pizol. The 5-lake walk on mount Pizol, which takes about four hours to complete, passes five crystal clear mountain lakes and, with its magnificent views of the eastern Swiss alpine landscape, it is a classic among mountain hikes.

From Bad Ragaz there are rewarding excursions into Heidi country, to which Bad Ragaz belongs, to the nearby Principality of Liechtenstein, to Chur, the castle at Sargans, St. Gallen and Lake Constance.

If you visit Bad Ragaz on the first Sunday in May, you will be in for a surprise: there is a May bear rambling through the alleyways. The boys of Ragaz band together to catch the beast and throw it into the gurgling Tamina brook, thus

definitely ousting winter and celebrating the advancement of spring. The custom may also be interpreted as a fertility rite.

Must visit spotsThe natural spectacle of the Tamina Gorge: a wild, mysterious, narrow gorge near Pfäfers with cliffs up to 70 meters high, where the most prolific radioactive thermal water (pure, warm spring) in Europe gushes from a chamber deep in the mountain at 36.5°C.

Ancient Bad Pfäfers: beautiful walk from Bad Ragaz through the thermal ravine to Bad Pfäfers where kings and princesses once bathed, and where there are now two museums and a Paracelsus memorial.

Tamina Thermal Springs: the thermal spa centre near the Grand Hotel has two indoor pools and one open-air bath with whirlpool, water chute, waterfall, spa bath and spa grotto with massage jets.

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Pizol: at 2220m, the home mountain of Bad Ragaz offers a wonderful view of the Rhine Valley right across to Lake Constance and plenty of trails for hikers, Nordic walkers, cyclists and skiers.

Heidi experience: the home of this children’s storybook heroine offers Heidi experience trails on the Schwarzbüel Alp, the Pizol and above Maienfeld. Other Heidi attractions are also available.

Play Golf in Bad Ragaz The 18-hole PGA Championship Course of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers everything that golf enthusiasts could possibly desire. Here, beginners and professionals alike find a very special challenge. The 5700m long symbiosis of golf and the natural world– slope 125, course

rating 70.1– was laid out by Don Harradine for all types of play as a flat golf course which combines all the beauties of nature.

Many a golfing ace succumbs to the special charm of this course, with its exceptional standard of care, the unspoiled park setting with firs, birches and pines, the natural water hazards and the impressive mountain backdrop.

The first tee and eighteenth green are situated directly next to the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. As a hotel guest you benefit from a reduction in green fees and reserved tee- off times.

Guests (subject to acceptance) are entitled to play on the 18-hole PGA Championship Course provided they are members of a golf club recognized by the course owner and can provide evidence of an official handicap of 30 or less by means of a certificate from their home club.

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has been immortalized, receiving such poetic and literary acclaim. The White Nights without fail beckons thousands of tourists in their droves, with many residents staying out all night, especially during the last days of June.

With sunsets that fall too late and sunrises that come too early, everything looks new and a little bit otherworldly in the strange milky light bathing the cities many monuments, palaces, statues and sculptures with no shadows. It is the perfect time to take photographs and capture the genius and craftsmanship worked into them. It is also the time when most of the open air music concerts, theatre and festivals are staged. The White Nights creates a cultural smorgasbord of artistic performance by bringing musicians, orchestras and ballet companies from all over the world. There are a plethora of events and art happenings around the city to delight in from the St. Petersburg Jazz Festival of White Night’s Swing, The Theatre International Art Festival of White Nights Stars, and The White Nights Tango to regattas, marathons, Orienteering Festival and White Nights Motor Rally.

The annual White Nights Festival, a truly remarkable event, is organised by the St. Petersburg City Administration and begins in May with the “Stars of the White Nights” performances in the city’s Mariinsky Theatre, and concludes in July with the superlative “Scarlet Sails Celebration”. A variety of concert programs feature both contemporary and classical composers including symphonic and vocal-symphonic pieces and are presented inside venues as well as open-air in awe inspiring natural settings.

The most northern city in the world bursts at the seams with cultural, architectural and artistic treasures. St. Petersburg swirls

with palaces, museums, art galleries, broad avenues and winding canals to the rhythm of a beating heart redolent with gravitas and history. Many who have influenced Russia and for that matter the world by redefining Politics, Art and Literature have walked its streets. The names of the greats like Pushkin, Dostoyevsky, Lenin, Chekhov, Gogol, Tchaikovsky, Lermontov, Aivazovsky, Turgenev, and Rasputin together with world famous landmarks such as the Hermitage, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the Mariinsky Theatre showcase both the pomp and extravagance of St. Petersburg’s political and Imperial past, as well as the mysterious, romantic and very often tragic genius which had its sway over so many of the city’s artists and writers. The best way to discover the magic of the city is to walk in the places where these characters walked and allow the spirit of history to unfurl around you.

St. Petersburg can be enjoyed all year round, but a visit during the “White Nights” is simply an unforgettable experience. “Beliye Nochi , or the White Night phenomenon, when darkness hardly touches St. Petersburg due to its northerly geographical location, is not exclusively unique to the city, but none other than St. Petersburg can lay claim to how it

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each corner. “Lomonosov Bridge” is one of the few bridges from the 1780’s to have survived unaltered. The “Bank Bridge” has 4 strikingly beautiful golden griffons and the “Trinity Bridge” is a magnificent Art Nouveau structure with panoramic views from the centre. The raising of the bridges happens at night and the White Nights provide a wonderful opportunity see their glory in full detail.

Your journey to St. Petersburg cannot be completed without at least one visit to one of the world renowned Imperial palaces in the city’s suburbs. They present a gala of sumptuous palaces, expansive landscaped gardens and treasure chests of art and history. Should you remain culturally unsatiated, St. Petersburg boasts over 200 museums with many in historic buildings. The Hermitage, the largest, features interiors of the former imperial residence and a vast collection of art, and the Russian museum houses Russian fine art specifically.

St. Petersburg is extraordinary in that to visit the city is a continuous discovery of something unique. To get the most out your trip it is advisable to seek out an English speaking professional guide. This ensures that your visits are informative and fun and never short of fascinating anecdotes and stories. Seeing the city by walk tours, bike tours or boat tours during White Nights is incredibly memorable with a mixture of the three really getting you under the skin of the city. It pays to be prepared with water-proof clothing winter or summer and don’t be surprised by the year-round high humidity. All in all, St. Petersburg will linger in your mind and heart for many years to come.

A very popular series of carnivals are also staged around the city. The largest and most well known takes place in the Peterhof suburb of St. Petersburg and features actors garbed in period costumes from the times of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, performing authentic reproductions of historic events. There are so many that occur at all times, but artistic ones to take note of happen at Catherine Palace and in Pavlovsk suburb.

The original notion of Peter the Great, the city’s founder was to recreate and capture the ambiance of Venice an Amsterdam, hence St. Petersburg has been built on numerous islands connected by hundreds of bridges. A boat trip is the best way to gain and enhance a different perspective of the city from water-level. It is a fun and all together informative fashion to discover the city’s bridges, rivers, canals and the splendour of its palaces, gardens and cathedrals along the embankments. Many of the bridges are masterpieces of engineering and architecture, and you should definitely see the “Palace Bridge” which connects Palace Square with the Strelka on Vasilevsky Island and which spans the historic centre of St. Petersburg. When raised at night it provides one of the most arresting views in the city. “Ainchkov Bridge” is particularly famous for the 4 equestrian statues “The Horse tamers” at

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On the peninsula of Belle Mare, there is paradise on earth.

Enlivened by its enchantress setting and charm, the One&Only

Le Saint Géran invites you in a unique trip in dreamland.

Immortalized by the novel written by Bernardin de St Pierre – Paul and Virginie, the hotel acquired its name from the famous boat

Saint Géran which wrecked on the same coast. A jewel for some… a

heritage for others…

a journey through time ...

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Luxury, calm and voluptuousness …

ocated in the North East coast of Mauritius, One&Only Le Saint Géran hotel is laid on two kilometers of golden beaches. Inaugurated in 1975, the hotel presently counts 5 stars Deluxe and built up through the years a solid reputation worldwide. It is in fact one of the most prestigious hotel that Mauritius has acquired.

The hotel is surrounded by countless greeneries and unobstructed view of the Indian Ocean, where luxury lives in perfect harmony with nature. All suites consist of a terrace or private balcony with Cape view or tropical garden populated with majestic palms. The hotel proposes three types of accommodation namely Junior Suites, Ocean Suite and the Villa.

Butlers are put at customer’s disposal for individual service. The warm-hearted welcome as well as the friendliness of the employees contributes to a great extent to the success of the hotel – pushing them

to come year after year to find the same family attitude unique to the One&Only Le Saint Géran.

Facilities of the hotel

One&Only Le Saint Géran is a shrine of contemporary comfort where colonial décor is perfectly mixed with Mauritian charm. The suites are inspirational and awake the senses while the curtains design, the thick cushions of couches as well as the sieved light is an invitation to relax…

The suites are well equipped to satisfy the modern needs of the clients. Not only the rooms are air-conditioned but are endowed with an up market multimedia system, with flat screen television, satellites chains, DVD, CD, Internet Access/ ADSL and WI-FI, traditional mini-bar with Nespresso coffee machine and Ipod loud speaker.

Restaurants

From the best cuisine in the world to fine Mauritian gastronomy, the three

restaurants of the One& Only Resort titillate one’s taste bud with excellent dishes prepared by Chefs from the four corners of the world.

Restaurant : La TerrasseLocated next to the swimming pool and in front of the beautiful ocean, La Terrasse offers international and local specialities. Sumptuous buffet for breakfast and a selection of fresh salads and other vegetarian and biological dishes for lunch. Dinner (à la carte or by themes) is accompanied with a generous catalogue of wines as well as a selection of cigars which embarks you in a cultural journey in the universe of taste. Restaurant Rasoi de VineetThe tropical restaurant and its famous Chef awarded by Michelin guide, Vineet Bhatia propose a contemporary oriental kitchen by waterside. The restaurant consists of an opened kitchen where innovative dishes from Pizzanaans to tandoori salmon smoked and so on is a real show for senses.

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Restaurant : Le Spoon des îles d’Alain DucasseIntimate, avant-garde and refined, Le Spoon des îles has tropical garden view. Created by the famous French Chef, Alain Ducasse, Spoon is the first restaurant which the Cook opened in the Indian Ocean. The serving dishes are the results of a perfect mixture of tradition and modernity accompanied with a unique selection of wines in the world.

The golf course

A showpiece designed by Gary Player in 1975, Le Saint Géran golf club is the second oldest golf course on the island after Gymkhana Club. The 9 holes measuring 2540 m with 33 Par whose fairways and greens stretched in the middle of coconut and exotic trees offer a unique experience to every golfer who ventures. In spite of the success of the neighbor’s 18 holes courses, the One&Only le Saint Géran artfully succeeds in drawing its pin out of the game and be competitive.

The proximity of the golf course with the hotel as well as the short time allowed to end the game are some of the advantages that motivate amateurs and professionals to choose the Saint Géran.

Free access to hotel clients as well as those from Constance Belle Mare Plage, the golf course is opened as from 7 o’clock in the morning until 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Sometimes, it happens that the course is opened after hours especially in peak season. Two Pro golfers are at the client’s disposal for games and golf tuitions. The One&Only Le Saint Geran aims excellence in the services offered and promotes to be a ‘one stop shop’ for golfers on holidays. In fact, intensive training accompanied with videos analysis as well as supervised training by a PRO to half day picnic with members of the family on the green are available. Committed employees fulfill clients’ needs and guarantee an unforgettable stay at the hotel. Thirty staffs are based exclusively on course

to ensure the maintenance of the green, the restaurant and bar services as well as caddies.

Special features of the course

This 9 holes course is unique in Mauritius since it is the only one which still uses local turf on the greens as well as the fairways. It is also encircled with hundred of palm trees . The grass not only emphasizes on the exotic part of the course but also offers a challenge for the golfers. You are constantly put to test especially on Par 4 and 5 which are lengthy. Furthermore, the grass on these pars are thicker preventing the ball from rolling over long distance. The sixth hole offers a magnificent view of the ocean as it goes along the coast. At the same time, the few ponds are cleverly camouflaged to reinforce the challenge of the track for both the confirmed golfers as well as amateurs. Note that clients can also book for an 18 holes game at different tees.

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Mauritius embraces you like you have been away for far too long. This was my first thought just hours after arriving for my first trip to the island. The subsequent days were a delightful discovery. I soaked up the breath taking beauty I was constantly surrounded by, the warmth and hospitality from the diverse mix of Mauritians, proud of their cultural heritage, harmoniously co-existing with one another. I simply could not wait to wake the next day and submerse myself in more. By Rob Greeff

Le Labourdonnais,Mauritius A bespoke business travellers experience

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My C.E.O two days later indicated that he played golf with a gentleman by

the name of Rolph Schmid, the GM of Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel, and I should rendezvous with him post haste if I truly wanted to experience something unique and exceptional.

Port Louis in the afternoon tropical heat bustles with activity. This hub of business throbs with the comings and goings of pedestrians, traffic, markets, construction, parliament, banks, various financial institutions, private companies and the ever present dynamic operations of the free port. But, I discovered another world within the stately doors of the Labourdonnais Hotel. It is a sublime moment. The immediate effect is of serenity, calm, understated sophistication and elegance. Everything has been carefully considered. Nothing is left to chance from the designer furnishings in cool shades of mint and cerulean, a balm for the senses, the Zen-like water feature, to the well-groomed attentive staff that greets you at reception, right down to the embroided napkin accompanying my glass of water. Rolph Schmid embodies many of the characteristics of the Labourdonnais Hotel. He is stylish, exudes an air of calm, is articulate and efficient, denoting a seamless blend of affability and professionalism.

I spoke to Mr. Schmid about his love for golf, (he has played since the age of 12), and his many years in the hospitality trade, and was curious if there was a common thread between the two? There was no hesitation in his reply.”They are both about the pursuit for perfection”. “In striving for excellence in the hospitality industry, like in golf, one must be passionate about it. I try to pass on and instil this same passion to my 11 executive staff members as well as cultivate that same passion amongst all the staff here at the Labourdonnais. This passion is demonstrable in the manner that the needs of guests are catered to, particularly those of the business traveller.

Labourdonnais has the strategic location of being 5 minutes away from the financial and business hub of the Mauritian Capital, Port Louis. It is within easy reach of the International convention centre and the Cyber City. Together with the conference rooms, it also has a hi-tec business centre with all the necessary facilities and services to conduct business at any hour. They create a bespoke business travellers experience: from monogrammed bed linen for the discerning traveller to something simple like personalized business cards printed for your convenience. Upon arriving in Mauritius, my C.E.O had his company up and running in 3 weeks.

Labourdonnais played a pivotal role in assisting in any capacity it was called upon to. I understand now how he came to live there for 18 months. For all frequent travellers, Labourdonnais not only endeavours to become your home away from home, but your personal assistant too.

Labourdonnais’s premier gourmet venues and luxurious accommodation continue to set the bar for hotels on the island and so together with its 12 years of operation and developing and maintaining its brand, has positioned it as the preferred hotel for the business traveler. Simply put, it is a unique product and concept that distinguishes itself from the recent introduction of new hotel developments such as the Four Points Sheraton.

It was at this stage that Mr. Schmid mentioned Le Suffren, Hotel and Marina, Labourdonnais’s sister hotel. But that is a story yet to be continued.

Hi-tec Business Centre:The Labourdonnais offers all the necessary facilities to conduct business efficiently by day or night. These include committee rooms, secretarial services, and computer booths with internet access, rental of cellular telephones and computers, courier and messenger services, email, fax and photocopying, office stationary and materials and executive office back up.

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Bel Ombre… a historic name evoking the grace and the romance of the plantation era,

originating from a noble sweet water fish “the Ombre” found in the region.

There are places in this world that seem to relate wonderful memories of a rich past still today: Bel Ombre is such place. Already in the early 18th century, the famous writer Bernardin de Saint-Pierre recorded the birth of magnificent sugar estates across the wild South overlooking the emerald waters of the Bel Ombre lagoon. The reputation of the Domaine de Bel Ombre is attributed to a n exceptional man, Charles Telfair, who from 1816 to 1833 substantially enhanced the region with his social, botanical and engineering innovations.

“In the small Eden of Bel Ombre” as he used to call it, Charles Telfair nurtured new species of cane and botanical plants. As a humanist and a progressive he introduced many new social and mechanised concepts that reformed Mauritius.

As one of his contemporaries once wrote “the Telfair residence is a

gathering place where the hospitality is generous, unrestrained and frank. Where receptions are joyful and all amenities are offered to you. This history is still true for golfers who visit Golf du Château. Peter Matkovich, the golf course designer describes it as a place where they will find the right balance and variation in length of holes, width of fairways and green sizes, all designed with passion, love and attention to detail.”

Peter Matkovich has to drawn upon 25 years of experience as a golfing professional, and 15 years of designing and building golf courses. This source

of knowledge and experience combined with his

i n t e n s e love and

understanding of the game, enabled him in his almost instinctive quest to create balance in a golf course. These qualities and approach has been distilled into a spectacular golf course set in the unique and beautiful south part of Mauritius.

A snapshot brief of the 1st hole advises a good warm up, a good clean strike is necessary. The hole plays uphill with a prevailing wind into and off the right. There are 3 bunkers up on the right, the last of which are not visible from the tee.

Regular players describe the 8th hole as exciting. The longest of the par 3s is a good test of your ability without demanding too much. The difficulty lies in its length, judging the breeze and getting around the bunker in the front right corner.

The 17th Hole is a challenging one. It is a big hole with most players electing to lay it as a 3 shooter. There are 2 bunkers to the left and right halfway down the fairway. The green has 2 levels and is protected by bunkers as well.

Complete your round with a big finish over the water feature. Good aim is essential with 3 bunkers leading up to

the green which has a big ridge running into the middle of it.

Golf du Château,

Mauritius

in Mauritius98

Golf CourseA 18 hole championship golf Course with 5 different tee options on all holes.

9 hole par 3 golf courseA 9 hole par 3 course ranging in distance from 60 meters to 165 meters is available for all level of golfers.

Driving RangeA double-sided driving range utilizing top quality range balls is available from 07.00 to 17.00.

Putting GreenA large putting green situated between the 18th green and the clubhouse is available for golfers during daylight hours.

Chipping FacilitiesA separate chipping, pitching and bunker practice facility is located

adjacent to the 9th green.

Pro ShopA fully stocked Pro-Shop with both local and international brands are open between 06.30 and 18.30 seven days a week.

Bar and RestaurantThe bar is open for drinks service between 07.00 and 19.00, and kitchen operating hours are 10.00 to 18.00. A menu consisting of light meals is available throughout the day.

Hire EquipmentEquipment hire for golfing purposes include golf carts, trolleys and International branded golf clubs catering for men, women and juniors.

CaddiesThere are a limited amount of caddies available. Should clients wish to utilize this service, please ensure that you book a caddy in advance when securing your tee-time.

Locker roomsA fully functional locker room is available during clubhouse operating hours for both gentlemen and ladies.

Shuttle serviceBoth the Heritage and Le Telfair Golf and Spa Resorts offer a shuttle service to and from the respective hotels.

TuitionBoth group and individual tuition is offered by a PGA Golf Professional. Lessons can take the form of video analysis, private tuition or playing lessons. Bookings for the above tuition are essential by contacting the Golf du Château Pro Shop or via e-mail to [email protected]

99 in Mauritius

As a holiday destination, the island of Mauritius is already a landmark on the world’s tourism

map. The impressive beauty of its long, sandy beaches and turquoise seas stir up feelings of tranquility, exoticism and dolce vita. So it comes as no surprise that water-sports are a big trend on the island. Big game fishing, also called deep sea fishing, is a favorite among many visitors as it does not necessarily involve any previous experience.

Mauritius has nothing to envy to any other country as far as big game fishing is concerned. Game fishing is practiced all year round although the most prolific season for big fishes is during the summer, between November and March. It is during these months the chances of catching fishes such as marlin and tuna are the highest. However game fishing can also be enjoyed during the mild winter

months when smaller fishes such as Bonito and Dorado can be caught.

Even if fishing is no hobby of yours, you will find that big game fishing is not only tremendous fun, but has also an addictive feel to it. According to Mario Annoua of Sportfisher in Grand-Bay, a fishing village in the north which boasts some of the nicest beaches of the island, the majority of his customers are repeaters, i.e. those who, year in and year out, come to Mauritius to go out fishing on one of the boats the agency has to offer. 4 categories of boats are offered for hire namely 34-foot, 42-foot, 47-foot and 50-foot, and each one comes fully loaded with fishing equipment, safety equipment as well as bunks and bathrooms. The crew consists of a skipper and 2 members at hand to help the beginners.

For obvious reasons, the catch cannot

be guaranteed, but game fishing in the Mauritian waters is a great activity for both you and your family. Boats can be hired on a full-day, 7am to 4pm, or half-day basis, 7am to 1pm or 1.15pm to 6.30 pm, for your own purpose or can be shared with other anglers. Non-anglers will experience a great outing just off the coral reefs in the magnificent Indian Ocean. Prices depend on the boat chosen and whether you want to go out for half or full day. At Sportfisher the prices range from EUR 250 to 775 approximately.

You don’t have to have ever dreamt of catching a huge marlin to be thrilled by the big game fishing experience. The sun, the superb Mauritian seas, the sleek boat and the excitement of a probable catch are all factors that will shape the serious angler like the beginner’s experience into an unforgettable adventure.

Big game fishingBy Nadiaa Sumodhee

Despite being a tiny spot on the world atlas, the island of Mauritius has a lot to offer. We’ve been exploring the striking beauty of its challenging golf courses but the wonders of the island are limitless. If you are planning to put your golf clubs away for a day, this is the perfect place for you to discover the island’s beauties, entertainment and leisure.

in Mauritius100

101 in Mauritius

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103’s Social Responsibility

We all know that golf is one of the fastest, if not the fastest growing sport in

the world. Ever since Tiger Woods exploded on the golf scene there has been an unprecedented boom in the number of people who have been converted to the sport. Many of these are youngsters who have been entranced by the American’s displays around the world and are flocking in droves to driving ranges and golf courses to emulate their hero.

Mauritian youth also holds its load of promising talent. On the golf estates or at the golf clubs, academies are working with them to nurture and develop their aptitude. And on the greens, the best players are spending hours of training to perfect their technique, aiming at reducing their handicap and only dreaming

to be given more opportunities to participate in tournaments at regional and international level.

However, it is easier said than done. In many instances this dream is allowed to flounder as the cost of pursuing the sport is prohibitive. Golf has never been the most affordable sport in the world and with the rapid strides made in improving the technology that cost has continued to escalate, pushing it further and further out of the hands of these aspiring golfers.

To solve this, a bold new plan has been formulated to assist aspirant golfers in fulfilling their potential. Adopt-agolfer is an innovative plan to assist a young golfer to realise his potential. This entails sponsoring an aspiring pro golfer (preferably from a disadvantaged background) for one

year. Any person regardless of their sex, race or religion can potentially be given the opportunity of a lifetime to showcase their talents to the world and progress in their careers in a shorter time.

Swingtime Mauritius is inviting companies and other corporates to support this initiative by adopting golfers who have the potential to become the next Mauritian big star, with professional sponsoring provided to them for one year. The fact is that it is extremely difficult for these golfers to get sponsorships as companies are really not always interested in producing the sports stars of the future. In any type of economics, companies are supposed to uplift the communities in which they operate. Corporate social responsibility is already being

Adopt your golfer and win in talent promotionLooking for an innovative approach to social corporate responsibility? Want to give someone a hand-up? Then the Adopt your golfer initiative is your chance to help promising golfers fulfill their potential.

‘s Social Responsibility104

implemented in Mauritius by some golf club through support to the neighbouring community. But specific support needs to be designed for the young aspiring pro golfer to train without worries and only concentrate on improving his or her game as well as being given the chance to be propulsed on the international scene. The initiative was already and successfully implemented in South Africa.

One of the first players to have benefited from the initiative is Morgana Robbertze whom we have adopted. The 27 year old Robbertze started playing in 1998 and turned professional in 2002 and was named Rookie of the year for the Nedbank Women’s Golf Tour South Africa. She was awarded Junior Springbok colours for the SAAB International in Belgium for both 2000 and 2001 as well as

Federation colours for Test matches against Great Britain and Ireland.

Adopt your golfer is a unique promotional product developed by Swingtime Media and Swingtime Mauritius. The concept and application of this product by corporate clients provides exceptional promotional and media exposure, with access to the printed media, TV and marketing/project management in a variety of combinations, suited to the customers’ need.

The answer to, “Why adopt a golfer?” is simple. To get the maximum, measurable promotional and marketing exposure from a given project, over an extended period, at a predetermined cost. The sponsorship of a golfer over a 12 months period brings the following advantages to the corporates:

• Capitalising on a powerful business tool• Contributing to development of golf,

one of the fastest growing sports in the world

• Entering into an influential market, where 80 % of participating individuals are high earner, opinion formers and influential in both the business and social community

• Quantitive exposure far beyond mere advertising

• A highly visible extended promotional campaign with the added advantage of acting as a customer relations building tool, through the powerful media of golf

The concept is most exciting and rewarding. To fully discuss the benefit to your organisation of this affordable, but powerful marketing tool please get in touch with Swingtime Mauritius Team.

105 ‘s Social Responsibility

Moura

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Rid

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asy

ADOPT-A-GOLFERa new format of play and the experience gained is invaluable to their development with regards to shifting the paradigms of golf playing strategy, teamwork and perseverance. Under normal circumstances, the golfers would not have had this opportunity to add this particular aspect of the varied game of golf to the repertoire of their knowledge, and this experience will stand them in good stead in the future, particularly on an international level.

This tournament was also the biggest to date that the golfers participated in and with the corporate nature of the event, they were also put in direct contact with potential sponsors from various business sectors locally and internationally. For those with ambitions of embarking on a professional career in golf, being able to showcase their talent is essential in laying the foundation of a financially viable career. Raising

the profile of the individual golfers’ work in tandem with their brand development as the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer

programme creates specific and targeted platforms for this to occur. Along with the necessary training

the players receive, they are made privy to vital components of a contemporary career in golf such as brand development and career management. Their participation in the

Corporate Challenge encompassed all these aspects. The young golfers participating in the

tournament were: Team A, Mourad Bundhoo and Ridwan Purdasy and Team B, Jayesh Choony

and Vicky Panoo. They had this to say about their experience.

Mourad Bundhoo:“We began day 1 of the tournament with the aim

of achieving good scores. By the 3rd hole we were in good spirits, but soon we felt the pressure of playing the better-ball format which cost us a few strokes. We were glad to finish in the top three at the end of day 1. A discussion with our coach Billy Narraina refocused us on playing against the course and not our competitors. Day 2 at the Legend presented a real challenge as it is a tough course to play and a few mistakes were made with regards to club selection and course management. Playing with better golfers was a wonderful learning experience.”

A s part of the ongoing training and development inherent to the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Programme, two teams

of Adopt-A-Golfer participated in the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge 2010. The importance of their participation was evidenced at many levels. The young golfers were exposed to a new formula of play, namely: two-ball better-ball, with the best net

score on each hole. This w a s

‘s Social Responsibility106

training. Playing with other golfers who are at a higher level of play also provides them with a comparative understanding of their own performance and ability. The direct outcome of the tournament as part of their training will be a focus on course management and a strategic analysis of club selection. In addition, the Adopt-A-Golfers have also experienced the dynamics of the mental aspects of golf during a two-day tournament. They have recognised the importance of mental discipline and focus, and various aspects of behavioural psychology will be emphasised in their training regime within the coming weeks to specifically address mental obstacles they may have encountered or which may have influenced their game. The Adopt-A-Golfers are all enthusiastic, serious and eager to improve their level of play.

Adopted Golfers Mourad Bundhoo and Ridwan Purdasy were also the recipients of professional sets of golf clubs in recognition of their commitment and dedication shown in the Swingtime Adopt-a-golfer Programme. The provision of brand new equipment is in line with the further development of their skills and performance as golfers. They said: “We are deeply grateful and appreciative to Swingtime for providing us

with new professional equipment. Being a part

of a once in a lifetime opportunity is so special and without the training, sponsorship and support by Swingtime our

dreams of furthering our ambitions in golf would not

have been possible. We know that Swingtime believes in us and our only aim is to become successful and play

the very best golf so that we honour everything that Swingtime i n v e s t s in our future.”

Ridwan Purdasy:“We spent many hours preparing for the tournament. Participating in this contest was very important, in order to experience the correct balance of confidence and coping with the mental pressure of the game, so that we ensure good quality of golf throughout the round. Our pro Billy was instrumental in keeping us focused on our own game and maintaining a strategized level of concentration. Playing at this particular level

with better players was also very helpful in increasing our confidence and broadening

our horizons to another format of play.”

Jayesh Choony: “I am very grateful to

Swingtime for giving me this opportunity to participate

in the tournament. C o m p e t i t i o n s like these provide the best l e a r n i n g experience in how to handle pressure and remain focused. A game review with our golf coach Billy Narraina was very helpful in targeting specific aspects that we need to work on and develop further.”

Vicky Panoo:“I would like to express my gratitude to Swingtime for being part of the Adopt-A-Golfer Programme and being able to participate in the Corporate Golf Challenge. It is the first time that I have played the better-ball format, but this allowed me to gain an insightful perspective into the strategic handling of course management and the mental discipline of the game. I look forward to implementing the adjustments to my game as per the review of our play by Billy Narraina in the coming weeks.”

Golf Pro and Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Coach Billy Narraina was very pleased with the young golfers’ performance. Their first hand experience of a golf tournament of this nature gives them a true representation of their progress through their

address mental obstacles they may have encountered or which may have influenced their game. The Adopt-A-Golfers are all enthusiastic, serious and eager to improve their level of play.

Adopted Golfers Mourad Bundhoo and Ridwan Purdasy were also the recipients of professional sets of golf recognition of their commitment and dedication shown in the Swingtime Adopt-a-golfer Programme. The provision of brand new equipment is in line with the further development of their skills and performance as golfers. They said: “We are deeply grateful and appreciative to Swingtime for providing us



dreams of furthering our ambitions in golf would not



with better players was also very helpful in increasing our confidence and broadening

our horizons to another format of play.”

Jayesh Choony: “I am very grateful to

Swingtime for giving me this opportunity to participate

in the tournament. C o m p e t i t i o n s like these provide the best l e a r n i n g experience in how to handle pressure and remain focused. A game review with our golf coach Billy Narraina was very helpful in targeting specific aspects that we need to work on and develop further.”

Vicky Panoo:“I would like to express my gratitude to Swingtime for being part of the Adopt-A-Golfer Programme and being able to participate in the Corporate Golf Challenge. It is the first time that I have played the better-ball format, but this allowed me to gain an insightful perspective into the strategic handling of course management and the mental discipline of the game. I look forward to implementing the adjustments to my game as per the review of our play by Billy Narraina in the coming weeks.”

Golf Pro and Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Coach Billy Narraina was very pleased with the young golfers’ performance. Their first hand experience of a golf tournament of this nature gives them a true representation of their progress through their

Jaye

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hoony

recognition of their commitment and dedication shown in the Swingtime Adopt-a-golfer Programme. The provision of brand new equipment is in line with the further development of their skills and performance as golfers. They said: “We are deeply grateful and appreciative to Swingtime for providing us





Vicky P

anoo


‘s Initiatives Around the World108

Part of our annual contribution to the development and promotion of golf in Mauritius is our free annual golf initiation camp at the

University of Mauritius (UoM) in Reduit. The initiation also serves as the cornerstone of our contribution to the youth of Mauritius.

This year, Swingtime’s General Manager Nic Huddy was accompanied by Adopt-a-Golfer beneficiary Mourad Bundhoo, amateur golfer and young entrepreneur Jean Marc Piat, and members of the Swingtime team.

Opening with a talk on golf and how the sport can help the youth of Mauritius take control of their future, GM Nic Huddy discovered that the students of the UoM were enthusiastic about the prospects that golf can bring to their lives.

With reference to business, he added: “You’ll always find it hard to get a few minutes with an important corporate personality. But if you find them at the golf course, you can play a round of golf with them for 4 hours and then spend another hour or two over drinks on the 19th.”

Swingtime’s brand ambassador Mourad Bundhoo narrated how golf had turned his life around for the better and how Swingtime had provided him with the opportunity to travel the world and be recognized in golfing circles from Africa to Europe and the Americas.

Jean Marc Piat also briefed the packed auditorium at the Faculty of Agriculture before the Swingtime team headed out to allow the students a free practice session and lessons in the basics of golf.

Over 200 students participated in the practice and most vowed to take up golf as a pastime in the future.

Swingtime golf initiation at the University of Mauritius


The concept:

• Fastest growing sport among females and youth amateurs

• Branded through indoctrinated review as “an elite sport for the wealthy?

The swingtime golf mission:• To provide an education curricullum to the

disadvantaged golfers both in theory and practical programmes

• To offer employment opportunities in various business sectors through the sport of golf and its partners

• To provide opportunities for potential golfers to qualify various professional status in the sport of golf

• To enable our youth with career opportunity that will include: Golf administration: professional golf teaching: Golf equipment engineering: intergrated technology: import and export:Retail and wholesale: marketing & sales: business management and entry level mba

The swingtime business model:

• The swingtime business model is a unique model, specifically developed to be a matchless force world wide in the golfing industry.

• In the development of the model we fully recognized modern business, marketing and legal requirements.

• The model recognizes four business units, each unique in the market place:

The hub - tournaments, teaching & analytical functions - the” draw card”

The clubfitting centre - fit a grip, replace a shaft, build your own set of clubs tailored around the analyses obtained from the hub.

The pro shop - ladies, kids and gents golf & lifestyle clothing - unique designs

The Swingtime Golf Academy


Club house and restaurant: a unique restaurant for the golfers

The concept provides a turnkey service under 1 roof 24/7

Support Services To The Franchisee• Fully Detailed Operations Manual

• Archirect Designed Shop Interior

• Project Managed Impementation

• Hands On Implementation:• Systems Implementation & Training• Stock Take On And Count• Merchandising Of Goods• Training Of Staff On Systems And POS • Presentation on Operations Manual -

111 ‘s Initiatives Around the World

in Mauritius112

The Swingtime Mauritius Open took place on the 21st and the 22nd Of November 2009 at the

historical Gymkhana Golf Club, the 4th oldest golf club. DAY 1 began as early as 5h00am on Saturday morning with golfers teeing off with great enthusiasm. Golfers were treated to lovely sunny weather, with a moderate breeze presenting an extra challenge to some golfers.

Swingtime, together with the other sponsors of the OPEN were well represented with regards to brand

awareness. Representatives of various Media (Newspapers, MBC and sports photographers) joined us in coverage of this event.

Swingtime’s very own team, comprising of Alan Duval (Marketinfodirect), Gary Skwaric (Benz and Partners) and Dr. Roy Charrimootoo (President of the Mauritian Golfing Federation) kicked off with a dynamic start, smiles amid the determined concentration.

At 2 p.m., Rob Greeff (Media Manager and Editor) and Dhinesh Rai Kallee

(General Manager) appeared on a live broadcast at M.B.C Studios to speak about the democratization of Golf in Mauritius, the Swingtime Mauritian Open and the Adopt-A-Golfer Program initiated by Swingtime. The Adopted golfers also participated in the event.

DAY 2 continued with a flurry of excitement and enthusiasm. The Editor of Swingtime met the oldest participant; a Mr. Sidan Baram aged 83 with a handicap of 19. The gentleman indicated that he thoroughly enjoyed the event and hoped to participate

Swingtime Mauritius Open Mauritius Open Mauritius Open Mauritius Open Mauritius OpenNovember 2009


next year. TAO energy drink (a sponsor) was very popular with the golfers, keeping flagging energy levels up.A strong breeze presented a challenge to golfers at the first tee, but they were encouraged by 3 dogs that came to lend their support.

All in all, everyone had had a fantastic time, golfers and fans alike. However, mention must be made of the state of the greens. It was unfortunate that in many cases a true account of golfers skills could not be garnered as the course was not conducive. This in essence presents a setback

for Gymkhana when one considers the heritage of the club. For it to take its rightful place in the annals of golf history a serious refurbishment is required.

The Swingtime Mauritius Open concluded with a Cocktail and Prize Giving attended by winners, supporters, sponsors and the Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Satyaprakash (Devanand) Ritoo. Alan Duval (CEO of Swingtime) made a very encouraging speech as to the state of golf in Mauritius and highlighted the importance of developing golfing

talent with emphasis on the Adopt-A-Golfer program. The overall Winner in the Men’s category was Reshad Purdasy with a score of 144, Overall runner up was Billy Narraina with 146 and the overall ladies winner was Nathalie Serret with a score of 148. Swingtime’s team member Gary Skwaric won an award for nearest the pin (76cm).

Swingtime will be presenting the “SWINGTIME COPORATE CHALLENGE” in May 2010, and that promises to the “the” event on the golfing Calendar.

Overall winner of Swingtime Mauritius Open, Reshad Purdasy


Swingtime selected Ridwan Purdasy and Mourad Bundhoo, participants in the Adopt-A-Golfer program initiated by Swingtime

magazine, to accompany Billy Narraina to India, who was there to obtain the renewal of his P.G.T.I Membership card. Over the course of a week, the 2 Adopt-A-Golfers were given the opportunity to experience firsthand a Golf Pro participate in an international tournament, observe the logistics of a sporting event on a grand scale and monitor players attitude on and off the course.

The Adopt-A-Golfers were also privileged to play a round of golf at The Jaypee Greens in Noida, one of the most prestigious golf courses in India and also at the New Delhi Golf Club. During the period of stay in New Delhi, they participated in a training session with golf coach Mr. Jagit Singh, as well as have a full day of golf with Billy Narraina working on various aspects of their game.

Swingtime created this opportunity for the Adopt-A-Golfers specifically to provide them with invaluable insight into the world of professional golf. Integrating the Adopt-A-Golfer Program, excursions like these provide young golfers an important perspective into their aspirant careers on the professional circuit. This is a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses the psychological, physical and technical aspects of the game of golf.

Swingtime created this opportunity for the Adopt-A-Golfers specifically to provide them with invaluable insight into the world of professional golf. Integrating the Adopt-A-Golfer Program, excursions like these provide young golfers an important perspective into their aspirant careers on the professional circuit. This is a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses the psychological, physical and technical


Ridwan and Mourad had this to say about their experience.“First of all we would like to thank Mr. Duval for the creation of the Adopt-A-Golfer Program and giving young golfers like us a chance to improve our game and become respected golfers. With this wonderful initiative we have been able to travel overseas to follow a Professional Golf Tournament, to play a great golf course, have a training session with a professional golf coach with whom learnt so much, and of course, receive expert advice and support from Mr. Billy Narraina who focuses on the improvement and development of our level of play. It was a dream for us to be in India. Billy, on the course is tough, but creates an environment of positivity and learning. His dream is to see us among the best 10 players of Mauritius. He believes that we have the ability to reach this target and so hopefully we will have more opportunities to play different courses as this experience has broadened our horizons to what can be achieved.

We are much honored that Swingtime selected us for this trip and we are very grateful and appreciative. Everyone whom we have met has told us how

fortunate we are to have had this experience, to be a part of the Adopt-A-Golfer Program and to have Billy, golf pro teach us. We hope to be able to pass on this knowledge to the youngsters soon. “Long life to Swingtime Mauritius”.

fortunate we are to have had this experience, to be a part of the Adopt-A-Golfer Program and to have Billy, golf pro teach us. We hope to be able to pass on teach us. We hope to be able to pass on this knowledge to the youngsters soon. “Long life to Swingtime Mauritius”.


The launching ceremony held on Wednesday 10th June 2009 at Constance Belle Mare Plage set the tone for the Grande Première

of the Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge. One of the best challenge ever organised in Mauritius for amateurs. This challenge is a step forward to put Mauritius in the lime light as a preferred golf destination. Organised by Swingtime Magazine – pioneer of the 1st golf magazine published in Mauritius, the three days event (11th, 12th, 13th June) was played in three different 18 hole golf courses namely Constance Belle Mare Plage – Links and Legends as well as Le Touessrok golf course according to the 4 BALLS ALLIANCE format – whereby the two best scores count. A wonderful human experience for the players and organisers which is meant to flourish in the future…

A picture is worth one thousand words… The following pages will depict some of the unique moment of the tournament. Flashback…

Launching of Event at Constance Belle Mare Plage

Swingtime 1st Corporate Golf Challenge 2009

The team behind the event

Gala Night

Mr & Mrs Luron chatting with

the GM of Fedex (Mtius) Mr Michel Préfumo

Beautiful swing at the first tee

Alan Duval and Gerhard Skwaric (Benz & Partners)

congratulating each other


Swingtime 1st Corporate Golf Challenge 2009

The One&Only Saint Géran

The Prize Giving Gala Dinner of the Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge was held in the wonderful sea-view le RASOI restaurant at the One&Only Le Saint Géran.

Beforehand, the guests were welcomed in the conference room of the hotel for a welcoming cocktail. This was great opportunity for the different protagonists to meet and chat in a festive ambiance. Later, they were all invited for a gala dinner at Le Rasoi restaurant near the seaside.

Surrounded by the guests, sponsors and organisers, the different teams were awarded a prize. In fact each participant received a beautiful medal with the Swingtime logo as souvenir for their participation in the tournament. This was accompanied by other interesting prizes from different sponsors. The winners were announced by the Master of Ceremony. Ernst and Young team won the game with 134 points followed by A.C.N.L team which scored 129 points. The Sullivan and Perdrau team took the third place with 128 points while Subra Consult and COROI teams were ranked 4th and 5th respectively.

Prize Giving


a beautiful medal with the Swingtime logo as souvenir for their participation in the tournament. This was accompanied by other interesting prizes from different sponsors.

The winners were announced by the Master of Ceremony. Ernst and Young team won the game with 134 points followed by A.C.N.L team which scored 129 points. The Sullivan and Perdrau team took the third place with 128 points while Subra Consult and COROI teams were ranked 4th and 5th respectively.


The winners were announced by the Master of Ceremony. Ernst and Young team won the game with 134 points followed by A.C.N.L team which scored 129 points. The Sullivan and Perdrau team took the third place with 128 points while Subra Consult and COROI teams were

Mr Duval, CEO of Market Info Direct interviewed

by MBC television

Mr Gérard Manuel (M.C.) welcoming the guests

Photo souvenir of the winning team

Representatives of COROI Ltd receiving a souvenir from Mr Duval

Welcoming of Mr & Mrs Chriatian Perdrau

Cocktail Gala Night


Swingtime Mauritius, The Business of Golf, held a very exclusive Press conference for

News Broadcasters and Media on the 10th of February 2010 at the Labourdonnais Hotel at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, to make a very exciting announcement, kick starting a dynamic and spectacular 2010.

Swingtime under the aegis of MARKET INFO DIRECT Mauritius ltd has entered into an agreement with the Mauritian Broadcasting Corporation MBC, to as of March 2010, for a period of 32 weeks; broadcast a program to be known as the “SWINGTIME TALK SHOW”

The mandate of this 26min show is to provide an insightful perspective into the golfing industry and sport of Mauritius. With such an analysis will come constructive criticism, but more importantly, create a platform for discourse and integration within the golfing fraternity. This will take golf in Mauritius to new untold dimensions. It will serve as a reference for golf amateurs, golf professionals and golf business personalities by bringing added value in demarche’.

This show is a bid to further the aim of democratizing golf in Mauritius. It intends to take the sport into the

homes of all Mauritians and give an inside view into all things golf related.

Market Info Direct, with the support and hosting by the Mauritian Broadcasting Company will also broadcast a further 5min retro of golfing tips for existing golfers and new-comers, for development and preparation of their game. It will be headed by our in-house Mauritian golf pro champion Mr. Billy Narrainer. The press conference included the viewing of a video reel of the multiple thrusts of Market Info Direct with focus on the synergy of all the aspects and sectors it is involved in, the business of golf is one such sector generating great international interest within the business world. This was followed by Rob Greeff, Media Manager of Market Info Direct welcoming all present and introducing the concept and aims of the “Swingtime talk Show”.

Delegates from MBC included Mr. Jug Gokhool, Head of Sports News and Mr. Dhanjay Callikan, Director General of MBC. Both gentlemen in their speeches made reference to the ongoing efforts by MBC in delivering media items to the Mauritian public that opened up the genre of golf as a sport and offering variety in sports broadcasting. The initiation of such golf orientated programming is in line with these goals.

Present in the Market Info Direct representation was Mr. V.T Rajah, Global Board Chairman of MINT who eloquently intimated the positivity generated by investment in projects by Market Info Direct under the drive of Mr. Alan Duval, C.E.O of Market Info Direct.

Mr. Duval reiterated the many opportunities for golf and the business of golf in Mauritius. Development and progress of the sport required the participation of investors with regards to corporate responsibility and that motivates the success of programs such as “The Adopt A Golfer” initiative. Laying a good foundation in developing young golfing talent is vital in ensuring that Golf in Mauritius takes it rightful place on the international stage. He thanked the sponsors for their ongoing support and recognised and acknowledged their valuable input financially who without would not ensue success.

The press conference concluded with a signatory ceremony committing Market Info Direct and the Mauritian Broadcasting Corporation to the fulfilment of the said SWINGTIME TALK SHOW.

Rob Greeff (Media Manager MID), Dhinesh Rai Kallee, VT Rajah, Alan Duval, Dhanjay Callikan , Jug Gokhool (Head Of Sport News Mbc)


THE SWINGTIME GOLF SHOW


Swingtime returned to Constance Belle Mare Plage Golf Courses of the Links and the Legends to

stage the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge 2010.

This event kicked off a week earlier with a press conference held at the offices of Market Info Direct in Port Louis, where all the details concerning the tournament were communicated to members of the press and MBC.

The tournament officially began with a “welcome cocktail”, at the Indigo Restaurant at the Belle Mare Plage Hotel. This very stylish evening was sponsored by the Ruth Linder Peter Foundation (Gold Sponsor). In a moving and heartfelt speech,

Ms. Linder, Asset M a n a g e r ,

entrepreneur and lady

golfer from

Switzerland, explained that

the Ruth Linder Peter Foundation was established to alleviate conditions of poverty and

suffering of c h i l d r e n .

The Foundation has a particular interest in providing education and life skills to children, especially girls, so that they are able to ensure the success of their futures. At this stage the Ruth Linder Peter Foundation does work in Brazil, India and Nepal. Ms. Linder encouraged all present to do what they could to help children around the world.

Mr. Alan Duval, Swingtime C.E.O., then proceeded to warmly welcome all the players and guests. Initiatives and developments at Swingtime have been dynamic and swift. Mr. Duval gave guests a brief overview of the many projects that Swingtime had successfully implemented and they included:

• Swingtime, “The Business of Golf” Magazine: the first Mauritian golf magazine, in its 2nd year of publication and distributed to 17 countries worldwide and now proudly in association with TIMES ONLINE of London.

• The Swingtime Golf Show, “Where we talk the Business of Golf”: the first Golf and Business talk show in Mauritius where golf and business

are discussed, where the

democratization of golf is championed and particularly where amateur golf can be showcased.

• The Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Golf Tips Show: The first 5-minutes Golf Tips show, featuring the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfers and golf pros giving and demonstrating tips for beginners and established golfers.

• The Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program: a unique initiative entailing the sponsoring of talented disadvantaged Mauritian youth for one year, also providing a dynamic platform for Corporate Branding as part of Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives.

• The Swingtime Mauritius Open: a golf tournament in Mauritius registered for five years with the Mauritian Golf Federation.

• The Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge: a unique international golf tournament bringing together business leaders and investors in an exciting networking platform together with amateur golfers. Registered for 10 years.

Swingtime 2nd Corporate Golf Challenge 2010 by Robert Greeff


Swingtime 2nd Corporate Golf Challenge 2010 by Robert Greeff

Mr. Duval went on to mention forthcoming projects that Swingtime would be launching. These included:

• Swingtime Travel: an exciting magazine concept showcasing international golf venues, golf related holiday destinations and Golf Property Investment opportunities.

• The Swingtime Indoor Golf Academy: an indoor golf venue for playing and learning the sport of golf (all year round), geared for the whole family.

• The Swingtime Agency in Zurich Switzerland: the establishment of Swingtime Offices in Zurich.

The cocktail evening within the premise of the Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge also created the opportunity for networking between

guests from Switzerland within the business

and banking sector with local business people of Mauritius.

DAY 1Day 1 of the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge began bright and early at the Links (Par 71) Golf Course. Clear skies and no wind had all the participants teeing off with great enthusiasm. The format of play was “2-ball better ball”, with the best net score on each hole. Team work was the strategy of the day. “The Swingtime Golf Show” together with MBC was also in attendance to capture the excitement and passion of amateur golf on display. Amid the concentration, determination and good cheer on the golf course, the Swingtime Golf Show swooped in on participants from Zurich to gauge their play and enjoyment of the first day on the greens. A resounding p o s i t i v e response as to the

course ,

weather and level of fun was displayed by all.

DAY 2The good weather continued for Day 2 of the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge at the Legends (Par 72) Golf Course. Golfers arrived to tee off within 10 min of each other in a smooth fashion. The Legends is renowned for posing a good challenge, and many of the golfers adopted and more serious outlook for the day. The Swingtime Golf Show and MBC were once again on hand to capture the thrilling golf. Amongst the spectators were a collection of deer looking in on the action from across the dramatic finish at the 18th hole.


The awards & prizes

The Adopt-a-Golfers being interviewed by MBC TV

Alan Duval with winners Luc Bax & Jeremy Mamet

Mala Mana, Liseby Ng, Greta Sanson & Angela Peer with Swingtime hostessesMala Mana, Liseby Ng, Greta Sanson & Angela Peer with Swingtime hostessesMala Mana, Liseby Ng, Greta Sanson &

Sega singers


Ruth Linder, Alan Duval, Helena & Gilbert Schöni, Maria Komorowski & Gary Skwaric Gala Night dinner

Players returned to the Club house for a superb lunch and were treated to a view of some of the fantastic prizes on display, which included trophies and golf equipment.

After the lunch, four new Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfers were incepted into the program. The new initiates are:• Cécilia Gallet (14 yrs)• Stéphane Hein (14 yrs)• Max Daruty (14 yrs)• Emmmanuel de Labauve d’Arifat

(13 yrs)

These young golfers will participate in the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program under the direction of Mr. Billy Narraina.

PRIZE GIVING GALAThe Prize Giving Ceremony and the Gala Dinner of the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Challenge took place at the Deer Hunter Restaurant. Guests were welcomed by exotic and indigenous sega dancing and music, setting the scene for a beautiful tropical Mauritian evening.

MBC in continuing coverage of the tournament interviewed Adopt-A-Golfers Jayesh Choony and Vicky Panoo about their participation. They collectively expressed their thanks to Swingtime for the opportunity and were enthusiastic about improving their performance and developing their abilities further.

Swingtime C.E.O. Mr. Alan Duval spoke to the “Swingtime Golf Show” about the success of the tournament, the

input of the sponsors and was pleased with the participation of golfers from Réunion. He also went on to mention how the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program was expanding with the inception of four new young golfers and that Mauritius would be reaping the benefits of these talented youngsters soon.

The Prize Giving Ceremony began with Mr. Duval receiving an award as platinum sponsor for Skyprops and Ms. Ruth Linder receiving and award as gold sponsor for The Ruth Linder Peter Foundation. Gilbert and Helena Schöni and Maria Komorowski received awards as silver sponsors.

Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfers, Mourad Bundhoo and Ridwan Purdassy were awarded a set of professional golf clubs by Mr. Duval in recognition for their outstanding commitment and progress within the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program.

Swingtime Director of Golf, Mr. Billy Narraina also received a set of golf clubs from Mr. Duval in recognition for his continued outstanding contribution to the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program and the instruction, support and guidance in furthering the talent of the Adopt-A-Golfers.

The proud winners of the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge were the team from SCETIA: Mr. Luc Bax and Mr. Jeremy Mamet, with a score of 130. In second place was the team from Golf Bassin Bleu (Réunion) Mr. P Cachia and Mr. P. Licari, with a

score of 132 and in third place was the team from SUBRA CONSULT, Mr. Salim Rojoa and Mr. Deepak Ramessur, with a score of 136.

The winners for “the longest drive” included Mr. Dieter Praun (Men) and Mrs. Valérie Raffray (Ladies).

The winners for “nearest the pin” were Mr. Christian Perdrau (Men) and Mrs. Irène Tine (Ladies).

The Top 5 FINAL RESULTS for the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge were:1. (SCETIA) Luc Bax & Jeremy Mamet

(130)2. (Golf Bassin Bleu) P. Cachia & P.

Licari (132)3. (SUBRA CONSULT) Salim Rojoa and

Deepak Ramessur (136)4. (Ladies Golf Union) Valérie Raffray

& Francine Delloye (137)5. (Lataniers team) Ashock

Rughooputh & Guillaume Bouic (137)

The 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge Prize Giving concluded on a high note with a further set of Golf Clubs raffled off, with the proceeds going towards the S.O.S Children’s Villages of Mauritius.

Guests were then treated to a sumptuous culinary feast completing a delightful evening.


Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfers Vicky Panoo & Jayesh Choony

The 1st Bern Golf Trophy

1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st Bern1st BernMauritian Team: Luc Bax, Jayesh Choonee, Mourad Bundhoo,

Mauritian Team: Luc Bax, Jayesh Choonee, Mourad Bundhoo,

Billy Narraina & Jeremy Mamet


Billy Narraina & Jeremy Mamet


Josef Nemeth, Lea Sauer & Kurt Schori

(CEO Swiss Invest Group)


Swingtime, the Business of Golf travelled to Switzerland to attend the 1st Bern Golf Trophy

held by the Swiss Invest Group. The tournament was staged at the Moosee Golf Park in Bern and was a phenomenal success. Golf and business go seamlessly as one and this particular corporate event brought together a diverse group of business people and golfers from all around the world, including a contingent from Swingtime, featuring the winners of the 2nd Swingtime Corporate Golf Challenge 2010, Luc Bax de Keating and Jeremy Mamet.

Team Swingtime also included CEO Alan Duval, Swingtime Director of golf Billy Narraina and Swingtime Adopted-Golfers Mourad Bundhoo and Jayesh Choony. A practice day saw all the golfers familiarising themselves on the 18-hole golf course at Moosee Golf Park in superb weather. The day of the tournament, capitalising on the first foray into the Swiss Summer promised excellent conditions for golf.

Participants teed off at 10 a.m. sharp and enthusiastically took to the greens. The course set in the country side and on farming area provided some challenging action with bunkers

lurking behind bushes, long fairways, a snappy pace on the greens and a tricky breeze on the higher areas.

Driving competitors on was a BMW prize for a hole-in-one on view, where golfers stopped for a brief break. Entertainment in the form of a wine and cigar tasting at the 12th hole was a popular surprise with the participants. After a very exciting day, golfers in good cheer made their way to the 18th hole completing their rounds in what can only be described as the true spirit of camaraderie, as only seen in the golf fraternity.

The prize-giving held later that evening at the historical restaurant Lurenzini showcased the 1st Bern trophy as tour de force for Swingtime with Swingtime Adopted-Golfer Mourad Bundhoo declared as the winner. This followed with Team Swingtime scooping the rest of the top prizes finishing high in the various categories.

Golf-pro and trainer of the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program said that he was delighted with both the young men and their performance. They certainly put in the work and trained very hard in the weeks leading up

to this trip. ‘I’m very happy that the Swingtime Adopt-a-Golfer Program is yielding results. We are very grateful and thankful to Mr. Duval for creating these opportunities for the young golfers to compete internationally and further their development.”

Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Mourad Bundhoo was ecstatic with his win. “I can only but thank Swingtime and Mr. Duval for this opportunity. Without the support of Swingtime I would never have had the chance to develop as a golfer let alone travel to Switzerland to participate in this event. We trained very hard for this competition and I am very happy with my performance and the fact that we could showcase the golf talent of Mauritius here”.

Jayesh Choony, who recently joined the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program, echoed his team-mate’s thoughts. “Thanks to Swingtime and Mr. Duval, I am receiving the best training to develop as a golfer. My golf has improved dramatically and I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity to represent Swingtime in this tournament.”

FINAL RESULTSGROSS MEN CATEGORY Pro. Andreas Spiekerhoff Pro. Billy Narraina (Swingtime) 1st. Mourad Bundhoo (Swingtime) 2nd. Jeremy Mamet (Swingtime) 3rd. Rudolf BaurNETT MEN CATEGORY 1st. Luc Bax de Keating (Swingtime) 2nd. Jayesh Choony (Swingtime) O.C.B 3rd. Daniel RutschGROSS LADIES CATEGORY 1st. Veronica Blaser 2nd. Maria Komorowski 3rd. Jelena RothNETT LADIES CATEGORY 1st. Maria Komorowski 2nd. Marion Moser-Heuer 3rd. Ruth LinderLongest Drive Men Rudolph BaurLongest Drive Ladies Lea SauerNearest to the Pin Mixed Roland FreyNearest to the Line Mixed Maria Komoroski

The 1st Bern Golf Trophy


in Mauritius126 ‘s Initiatives Around the World126

Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfers Ridwan Purdassy, Jayesh Choony, Vicky Panoo, Mourad Bundhoo

and John Bougas teed off at 7.40 am. This was the 2nd day of competition for the Adopt-A-Golfers who were playing a stroke play format. Teams made up of golf pros and amateurs, who played a Stableford format for 18-holes teed off after. In what can only be described as optimum golf weather – the sun peeking out through a mildly over cast sky, temperate 26 degrees Celsius and the lightest of breezes (just enough to accommodate international visitors to tropical climes) –, set the tone for a spirited and enjoyable day of golf on immaculately manicured greens.

The Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer ProAm 2010 has been anchored in the success of encompassing the all embracing aspect of golf as seen in the appeal of having players from both genders, all ages, pros and amateurs alike, as well as those representing local and international business across various sectors.

MBC Sports News together with the Swingtime Golf Show were also in attendance to capture the event for

broadcast on Mauritian Television.

Prize Giving LuncheonParticipants gathered on the veranda of the clubhouse to take in a much deserved refreshment after a challenging day of golf. Swingtime was very honoured to have sponsors of the 1st Swingtime Adopt-A-golfer Pro-Am join us for the prize giving and were warmly received and thanked. The golf event had an unprecedented number of 23 sponsors recognizing and bolstering the support of golf in Mauritius. These included: Skyprops, Market Info Direct Ltd (Mtius), Swingtime Global Chairman V.T Rajah, Private Property Ltd, The Ruth Linder Peter Foundation, Air Mauritius, Mikado, Adamas, Karl Kaiser, Mauritius Post Ltd, SBM ltd, MPCB ltd, Surya Spa, Happy Rajah, Maeva Catamaran, 20 Sur Vin, Emotions Golf Events, Tamarina, Winners Ltd, Le Touessrok,

Heritage, C Delights and the Grand Mauritian.

RESULTS:Winners and Prizes:The nearest the pin and longest drive winners won a night stay for two in

a deluxe double room included dinner & breakfast at The

Grand Mauritian Hotel Resort & Spa.

The 1st Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Pro-Am 2010

by Rob Greeff

Championship Golf Course Golf du Château in Bel Ombre, which is also the official training ground of the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program, played host to the 1st Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Pro-Am 2010 Golf Trophy on the 30th October 2010. Over 70 golfers, pros and amateurs, local and international, came together to support the highlight event of the Swingtime Golf Calendar in recognition of the success of one year of training since the inception of the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program in 2009 in Mauritius.


Nearest the Pin Awards (Ladies) Hole 15: Mrs. C.WolfLongest Drive Awards (Ladies) Hole 11: Mrs F. Delloye

Nearest the Pin Awards (Men) Hole 13: Mr. J.F. de RobillardLongest Drive Awards (Men) Hole 18: Mr. Eric de Chalain Special Prizes to Senior Golfers – valued at Rs 7,600.Senior Men Prizes – Special Tribute: Mr. Tamby Palayandi (1 voucher C-delight worth Rs 1,500 + 1 Mikado voucher Rs300)

Senior Women Prizes – Special Tribute: Mrs Francine Delloye (1 voucher C-Delights worth Rs 1,500 + 1 Mikado voucher Rs300)

Senior Women Prizes – Special tribute: Mrs. Angela Peer (1 green fee for two at Bel Ombre Golf Course)Sponsor Team Ladies special prizes - valued at Rs 10,000/-2nd Runner up – Mrs. Veronika Blaser (Maeva Trip worth Rs 2,500)1st Runner Up – Mrs. Ruth Linder Peter (Complimentary massage treat from Surya Spa)Winner – Mrs Dora Wittwer (1 bottle of Champagne Moët & Chandon by Grays)

Sponsor Team Men special Prizes – valued at Rs 10,000/-2nd Runner up – Mr. Wittwer – Maeva Trip 1st Runner Up – Mr. René Yves Luron – (Complimentary massage treat from Surya Spa)Winner – Mr. Blaser (1 Bottle of Champagne Moët & Chandon by Grays + Emotions shirt)

Local Sponsors special Prizes – valued at Rs 20,000/- Amaresh Ramlugan (SBM Ltd) –

2 green fees with buggy at Golf du ChâteauGerard Bayeran (Karl Kaiser) – 2 green fees with buggy at Golf du Château

Anand Chakowa (Mikado) – 2 green fees with buggy at Golf du Château

Vic Chakowa (Mikado) – 1 night stay for 2 on half board at Heritage Le Telfair

Special Award to Team – consolation prize (Rs 12,000)

Akam Li, Vishuene Vydelingum & Thierry Ng (2 green fees with buggy at Tamarina Golf Estate

& 2 green fees with buggy at Le Touessrok Golf Course)

Lucky draw – Winners. Prizes valued at Rs 25,000/-

Jeremy Mamet – (Swingtime Jacket)Patrick Li – (Emotions Golf Shirt)

New cheerleader in town: J.F. de Robillard

A. Palanyandi, L. Bax, J. Planel & J. Mamet

R. Espitalier-Nöel, B. Gremaud, N. Isram & A. DevasleR. Espitalier-Nöel, B. Gremaud, N. Isram & A. Devasle


Arlette Chung – (Mikado Voucher)Patrick Ng – (Mikado Voucher)Jean François de Robillard – (Adamas Jewellery)Patrice Perdrau – (Adamas Jewellery)2nd Runner up – Billy Narraina, Mrs & Mrs Shi Shun & P. Koon (4 Vouchers Winners + 4 Vouchers Mikado + 3 Shirt Karl Kaiser + 1 Trouser Karl Kaiser)

Adopt A Golfer Winners by Order of Merit: (value of Prizes Rs 69,000)

Winner – John Nicolas Bougas (Trophy + Bank Account SBM + Cash Prize from Sponsors + Karl Kaiser Suit)1st Runner Up – Ridwan Purdassy (Trouser Karl Kaiser + Bank Account MPCB + Sponsor cash prizes)2nd Runner up – Jayesh Choony(MPCB Bank Account)3rd Runner up – Vicky Pannoo (MPCB Bank Account)4th Runner up – Mourad Bundhoo (MPCB Bank Account + Special Prize from Sponsors)

Overall Value of Prizes = Rs 322,200/-Number of Winners = 62 out of 79 participantsDiscounted Vouchers to 100 people10% discounts at Happy Rajah30% discounts at Surya Spa10% discounts at C-Delights10% -20% discounts at Grays Store –20 sur Vin15% discounts on Maeva Catamaran Trip / Cruise15% discounts on Karl Kaiser AttiresRs500 discounted vouchers in any Adamas Shops

* Professional participation included = (round of golf+ buggy + breakfast & lunch) = Rs 500

* Amateur participation included = (green fee + buggy + breakfast + lunch) Rs 2,000/-breakfast + lunch) Rs 2,000/-Amateur participation included = (green fee + buggy + breakfast + lunch) Rs 2,000/-breakfast + lunch) Rs 2,000/-

J. Bougas, Adopt-A-Golfer winner & V. Seeneevassen, Pro winner

P. Ng, T. Palanyandi, F. Delloye & G. Yan

The awards & prizes

I. Hajee Adam, C. Perdrau, S. Shearer & A. PerdrauI. Hajee Adam, C. Perdrau, S. Shearer & A. Perdrau


by Rob Greeff


The event was covered by Swingtime: The Business of Golf magazine as well as the

Swingtime Golf Show, and captured the fun and enthusiasm had by all.

Golf Director of Golf du Château, Steeven Shearer extended great thanks to Swingtime for its generous sponsorship of the event which ensured an awesome day of golf for local golfers. He further mentioned that the day ran very smoothly and it was most enjoyable to play a stroke play format. Individual stable ford better play formats tend to be the standard for golf tournaments on the island, so not only did the stable ford format generate excitement amongst the players but also yielded some impressive scores.

Golf du Château is also the training ground for the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program. We asked Steeven what Golf du Château’s particular interest in the Program was. “As a PGA Professional Golfer myself, I am looking to promote golf not only to

the Foreigners coming to play golf in Mauritius, but also to the Mauritians themselves. Many of the youngsters had never even been to a golf course 10 to 15 years ago. We also have 2 young men participating in the Program, and by making our world class facility available to the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program is our part of giving back to the community. We believe that it is a fantastic initiative that reaps results. Not only has the Swingtime Adopt-A-Golfer Program given the opportunity for some talented youngsters to play and train, but also provided the chance to travel to India and Switzerland and broadened their horizons in golf and in life.”

The winner of the Swingtime Golf du Château Cup: Judson Mathias was very enthusiastic about his win.” I had an excellent day. The wind was a bit tricky, but that added to the excitement. The tournament was well organized and everyone had a great time. It was also great to see the Swingtime Adopt- A-Golfers playing. They are doing very well.”

Swingtime Golf du Château

Cup Golf du Château in Bel

Ombre, together with Swingtime,

hosted a golf tournament on

the 24th July 2010 to huge

success. The Swingtime Golf du

Château was well received with

a participation of 80 players,

with many on a waiting list in the

week prior eager to enrol.


in Mauritius132

On Sunday 4th of September, Swingtime Golf League, the first ever golf league in Mauritius,

drew to a close at the picture-perfect Tamarina Golf Club. Nine teams teed-off at 0800 on a cloudy, and thankfully, dry morning on the west coast and completed their rounds shortly after midday.

The winning team in the Gross category with a score of 136, Akam Li and Arvin Appanah, received their Air Mauritius-sponsored airline tickets.

The team of Ravin Chunivan and Vincent Cavalot won the 2nd Nett category and two nights’ stay for two at the Heritage Awali Hotel with a score of 133. Clifford Fon Sing and Derrick Fon Sing won the 3rd Nett prize, two

nights’ stay for two at Le Touessrok Hotel, with a Nett score of 131.

Other prizes for the day included the closest to the pin (Akam Li), longest drive (Daryl Csizmadia), 2nd Nett (Robert Espitalier Noël and Francine Delloye), 1st Nett (Mourad Bundhoo and Fafa Hardy) and 1st Gross (Olaf Boulle and Loic Csizmadia).

Speaking to Swingtime after the awards ceremony, the winner of the Gross category Akam Li said, “I think the Swingtime Golf League was a great initiative that I really enjoyed being part of. It was the first ever league in Mauritius, so the experience was different but still lots of fun. Arvin and I played four round.”

Swingtime sponsored two children from the SOS Village to have their first

taste of golf at Tamarina on the day. They practiced a few strokes on the driving range before heading off to the course for some real action.

Thirteen year old Sleven told Swingtime that he plays at Gymkhana and Dodo Club on weekends and wants to become a golf instructor in the future. Mary Jane confessed she might not seek a future in golf, but the game remained her only sporting passion.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Swingtime CEO Alan Leslie Duval thanked the partner golf courses and sponsors for their unflinching commitment to the League. Mr Duval also saluted the players for their participation over the six months and all others who made the tournament a massive success.

Swingtime Golf League concludes in style

Ice Watch, one of our sponsors

Arvin Appanah swinging from the bunker


133 in Mauritius

Swingtime Golf League concludes in style

Arvin Appanah & Akam Li, the winners of the League

Mary Jane & Sleven Alain Lenoir, Golf Director at Tamarina

The winner of the draw

Olaf Boulle & Loic Csizmadia, 1st Gross winners

Christopher Hardy Clifford Fon Sing, winner of 3rd Nett Prize Mrs Csizmadia



The third annual Swingtime Corporate Challenge was held in the scenic town of Gams in

Switzerland to tremendous success. Organized by Franco Cavegn Events with the aid of our generous Swiss sponsors, the Challenge was attended by 74 players, each battling it out for the coveted first prize – two tickets to Mauritius, courtesy of Air Mauritius.

Whilst the condition of the greens was less than ideal, everyone had a good time as teams of four set out to enter what amounted to very respectable scores. The prize giving ceremony was held at the Gams Golfbahn’s clubhouse, MC’d by Franco Cavegn and featured an impressive lineup of prizes and giveaways thanks to the day’s sponsors.

The hole in one prize, which unfortunately went un-awarded, was a beautiful pair of Franco’s self designed snow Skis. Additional prizes included hampers of wine, golf apparel, bags, trolleys and a

putter, with card draw giveaways that included accommodation packages in over 30 countries around the world.

The individual winner and proud recipient of the Air Mauritius tickets was Giannino Maron of the Murk Schimun team who returned a net score of 33 points off of a 5 handicap. The corporate leaders in this year’s challenge were the team of Emser Flight who returned a score of 37 points for the day.

Longest drive was won by Giannino Maron in the men’s division with a drive of 228 meters and Corinne Gut Klucker in the lady’s division with 188 meters. Marco Schulz won the men’s closest to the pin at 3.34 meters whilst Susanne Brunold took the prize in the lady’s division with 5.40 meters.

In addition to the usual prize categories, the organizers of the 3rd Swingtime Corporate Challenge arranged a club head speed competition, the object of which was to guess your club head

speed off the first tee. Whilst there were many golfers who came close, Christof Ziegler hit the nail on the head, correctly guessing his club head speed at 167 km/h.

The Swingtime team, represented by Mourad Bundhoo and Fafa Hardy (Swingtime’s Adopted Golfers from Mauritius) as well as Alan Duval (Swingtime’s CEO) and Nic Huddy (Swingtime’s GM) put in an impressive performance on the day, finishing a close second in the overall tournament. On individual scores, Fafa and Mourad placed 2nd and 5th respectively in category A with scores of 27 and 23 points while Nic Huddy came in 1st in category B with 20 points.

Our thanks go out to all of the sponsors, players and organizers who made the 3rd Swingtime Corporate Challenge such a resounding success and we look forward to an exciting time ahead as we set out arranging our future golfing events.

Giannino Maron wins 3rd Swingtime Corporate Challenge

Giannino Maron, the winner


in Mauritius1361Swingtime Adverts 2012

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137 in Mauritius

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SkypropsAd2010.indd 1 2010/07/21 12:17 PM

Partnerships for progressAs I enter his office complex to meet him, I’m told to proceed to the third floor using the staircase. If

first impressions are anything to go by, I was evermore impressed at the man I’ve only met once before when he played the 4th round of the Swingtime Golf League at Le Touessrok.

I meet him on the staircase as he is returning from one of his many errands to the other sections of the building. We perch in a conference room on leather sofas. He orders Orangina and takes a sip before talking.

Mr Bax has just returned to golf after some reconstruction surgery to one of his knees. 50 years of sporting 7 days a week do take their toll on bones and joints. Yet, he remains active and competes like there’s no tomorrow.

As a young man, he played international volleyball, basketball, athletics and squash. On the national level, he played football; and availed every opportunity to try any sport that came his way. He even participated in decathlons. He represented Mauritius at several African games and played across the region for many years.

“I have lived a very fulfilling life and I’ve enjoyed every day of it. I must thank sports for keeping me away from cigarettes, alcohol and other evils. It has also taught me determination. I was only 21 when my father passed away and since then I’ve taken charge of life and done pretty well, I think,” he says unpretentiously.

by TJ Hussain

Entrepreneurial Partners & Sponsors Worldover138

139 Entrepreneurial Partners & Sponsors Worldover

On the verge of turning 69, Luc is still brimming with energy and zest for life and takes part in golf alongside his sons almost every weekend. In addition to golf, he plays tennis at the Dodo Club in Curepipe and other facilities around the island.

He laments the fact that the youth of today are distracted by so many unhealthy attractions that keep them away from real sports and healthy living. “This is the reason Mauritius is no longer challenging as a force in the region. We lived for our inter-school and inter-college competitions. Times have changed and not always for the better. It’s so, so sad,” he sighs.

He still remembers his first job and the fact that he went from it straight into his own business in 1974. “All by myself, I started the company with 2 people back then and now there are 160 people working at my various companies. These days it’s impossible to survive only on one type of business. Therefore, we have diversified.

“My main business is still importing of JCB excavators, bulldozers, road rollers, construction equipment and agricultural machines. Another aspect of my business is contracting. I contract sugarcane harvests and their movement; I also contract rocks for crushing; I have a sand quarry where we get sand for construction and allied industries; we import coal

for all the sugar estates on the island; we have a hydraulics company, an advertising agency, we import tires, and perhaps one or two others that I can’t remember right now,” he laughs.

Intelligently working together as a group, the companies all form a chain with each link fortifying and complementing each other to create a one-stop shop for clients of MECOM. “Whatever a client needs, we can provide all business solutions under one roof.”

Luc admits that Mauritius isn’t the easiest market but perseverance and patience win the day for those who refuse to accept defeat. Plus, the recent economic imbalances around the globe have made life difficult for all businesses regardless of geographic positioning.

“About a year ago, the situation was so bad we were looking at shutting down some operations. Thankfully, the diversity of our businesses helped sustain the group. Mauritius is a small country and it’s absolutely essential that we not put all our eggs in one basket.”

Then suddenly, he spills the beans on the secret to success. “It’s very simple. You have to wake up and start working before your competition does and keep at it long after they’ve gone to bed.” He admits the strengths and

weaknesses of his business, which shows just how well he understands not only himself but also everyone he deals with.

Commenting on the business possibilities on the island, Luc says it depends on the nature of business you’re in. “If you’re into heavy machinery, you need lots of capital and patience in order to beat the established competition here. Yet, there are many industries where the opportunities are better than many places around the world today.”

He points to offshore businesses, the business process outsourcing industry, textile and tourism as potential investment gold mines but warns at the same time that the present time is not ideally suited to investing in infrastructure. Therefore, one could also look at the present time as a consolidation period.

Mr Bax quite rightly believes that economic conditions in one part of the world will inevitably impact every corner of the globe and it might be best for established businesses to play their hand with caution. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic about the future.

After running the company for 47 years and working for well over 50 years, he is pleased with the way things are going presently for his business.


We return to our favourite subject and he reiterates how sports help people discipline themselves and learn so much about action and reaction in real life. He praises team sports and how they inculcate unity, team spirit and support. He thanks the clubs and people who gave him the opportunity to lead a sporting life.

He recalls his father being the greatest inspiration in his life and supporting his every endeavour in his youth. Other than that, he says he has never been impressed by the big names in sports and other arenas though he looks up to everyone who is ahead of him in any way.

Walking in his father’s footsteps, he tries to be an inspiration for his own children but admits they will not take over his business. Now that’s a lesson in ethics many people forget to give their children!

“I have people here who can run the business when I decide to hang my boots. If any of my children take over from me, it has to be purely on merit; but I don’t see any of them coming up to the standards I’ve set in the next 6 years or so I have before I retire,” he confesses.

In the next 10 years, he wants to serve people. “I will work as long as my health permits and then I’ll go into social work. I want to join a little

organisation and devote my time to service of humanity.”

Talking about his passion for golf he admits that his only regret is that he was introduced to the sport very late. “I started playing golf after I turned 50. But I still thank God I found it. It’s such a great, social game. Moreover, one day you could be ruling the greens and the next day the game brings you back to earth.”

He’s never had a golf lesson and still managed a 13 handicap. He says he has learned about golf from watching the game on TV. He was captain of the Dodo Club team and is a member of many clubs. He is also a frontrunner for the Mauritius Golf Federation.

He narrates some of the obstacles the Federation faces in Mauritius such as limited budget and facilities. “This is where Swingtime can play a major role for golf, working hand in hand with the Federation. The chairman is a devoted man who is willing to take steps in the right direction given the right circumstances.”

He lauded the superlative service Swingtime has rendered to golf in Mauritius and believes that Swingtime must now take the next step and be more accessible to over 70 per cent of the population that cannot afford golfing facilities.

“Alan did a fantastic job introducing the ‘Adopt-a-Golfer programme’, ‘the Swingtime Golf League’ and ‘Corporate Challenge’. These initiatives are a first in Mauritius and have immense potential. A vast majority of people cannot afford golf facilities. Therefore, getting companies to sponsor a few tournaments or a league should be the next project for you guys.

“If Swingtime can come up with other programmes that help the next generation of golfers, we will extend a helping hand,” he vows. Within the next minute, he explodes with innovative ideas for competitions, one-off games, 2 ball and 4 ball rounds, scrambles and so much more.

Mauritius is also a great golfing business holiday destination and most business visitors to the island want to play golf here. He says in the peak season around the end of the year, it’s nearly impossible to find random tee off without reservation.

He wishes more Mauritian youth would focus on sports, and on golf in particular, and that training facilities could be more convenient and more cost-effective.

The possibilities are infinite, says Luc, we just have to find our feet, find the perfect partners, and move steadily in the right direction!


in Mauritius142

The Ruth Linder Peter

Foundation:

When a Golfer gives!


and subsequent child bearing, thus propagating the cycle of poverty with non-existent family planning, poor child care and little expectation of their daughters being educated.

Morning Star Secondary Boarding School, situated in Naudanda, a village in the “Kaski District” of the “Grandanki Zone” in Northern Nepal continues to be a beneficiary of the Ruth Linder Peter Foundation. The school answering the need for an education institution catering to the local population was established in 1989. Since then, the old buildings of the school, originally used as kitchens, dormitories and kindergarten classes have systematically been dismantled. A new building, which now houses a kitchen, hostel store, hostel dormitory, classrooms, science lab and dining hall was constructed in 2007 and 2008. Additionally, new student toilets and toilets for the students who live in the hostels were constructed. The new multi-purpose spaces were supplied with new furniture. The main school building had its entire roof replaced with windows and window panes inserted, the building repainted and classrooms refurbished with new black boards and furniture. Further developments included the upgrading of the science laboratory and addition of a functioning computer room. The library has been fully stocked and is an integral learning venue.

As many students commute far distances to and from the school, the school hostels house children where they are fed regular meals and cared for. The Ruth Linder Peter Foundation plays an active role in fully sponsoring students particularly girls with regards to their education costs, uniforms and hostel accommodation.

Through the efforts and financial support by the Ruth Linder Peter Foundation, impoverished Nepalese children have been clothed, fed and been given the chance to go to school. By simply graduating the 10th grade a girl will have the tools to support herself. The Ruth Linder Peter Foundation gives children without any resources or opportunity, the chance to blossom and grow into active, happy and healthy individuals who a capable of giving back to their society. If one of us can make a difference, imagine what we can all do together.

Amateur Golfer and Asset Manager extraordinaire; Ms. Ruth Linder whom we met in the previous issue of Swingtime:

The Business of Golf, demonstrates in the most elegant and humble fashion the true tenets of the philosophy of Golf. Through the sincere pursuit of the high ideals and ethics the sport of golf instils, one’s life is irrevocably changed for the better. Unbeknownst to many, the Ruth Linder Peter Foundation is changing the lives of children in Nepal not only for the better but also ensuring the success of their future.

The Himalayan country of Nepal occupies the broader Western consciousness as a unique place shrouded in mystique. In the lofty mountainous geography exists a fascinating and exotic mix of diverse cultures, languages and religions set amongst a striking landscape of tropical savannas, forests and mountain peaks. Although a great tide of migration to Kathmandu and smaller cities has been evident, the vast majority of Nepalese still continue to eke out a daily survival from subsistence farming in rural areas far from the infrastructure of electricity, running water, roads and social services.

Medical care is severely limited with virtually no social programs attending to the needs of the destitute and homeless. Women and girls fall into a category of the particularly disadvantaged. With only 42% of girls that are able to read and write (the majority of older women are illiterate) together with a legal system that discriminates against women, a further vulnerability is compounded by cultural mores that devalue women’s basic human rights and prevent them from receiving health care and a decent education. The resultant lack of education among girls usually entails an early arranged marriage


Franco CavegnHitting the and

Snow

by Rob G

reeff

Greens


RG: In a career full of achievement, where did it all begin?FC: I was born in 1971 and grew up in Cave Vella, in Grisons country. I liked being active as a kid, and skiing suited me down to a tee. I was very blessed to pursue a professional career in something that I grew up with and also having the opportunity to fully explore the potential I had as a youngster for this sport.

RG: What are the highlights that come to mind, when you reflect on your career?FC: There are so many of them. I have had a 16-year career as a ski racer. That was certainly a long time to have met many amazing people, from friends to other competitors, and also to travel to many beautiful destinations. My sport requires the world to be very different form the norm, so I have been very lucky to see some of the most dramatic landscapes mantled in snow. It’s really something special. Of course I would have to mention that there were extraordinary moments that I will treasure, like three appearances in the Olympic Winter Games in Lillehammer, Nagano and Salt Lake City, seven appearances at the Alpine World Ski Championships, being 4th placed in the overall downhill World Cup 2002, two downhill podiums at Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Kvitfjell and 35 placements in the top 10 World Cup.

RG: Have the lofty highs of a sporting career, together with the many opportunities for learning, translated into what you are doing now?FC: Indeed they have. I can say that during my career every moment had something valuable to teach. I have certainly

THE LANDSCAPE OF AMATEUR GOLF IS A

DIVERSE TERRAIN INHABITED BY AS DIVERSE

GOLFERS. AMATEUR GOLF SPARKLES WITH

LUMINARIES FROM OTHER PROFESSIONAL

SPORTS AS WELL. SWINGTIME: THE BUSINESS

OF GOLF MET UP WITH ONE SUCH HIGH

ACHIEVER: FRANCO CAVEGN, SWISS SKI

CHAMPION AND AMATEUR GOLFER. AT THE

FOOT OF THE SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS

SURROUNDING BAD RAGAZ IN SWITZERLAND

(FAMOUS FOR ITS THERMAL SPA AND WELLNESS

CENTRE, CENTURY-OLD GOLF COURSE, SKIING

ADVENTURES AND LEGENDARY HOME OF HEIDI

FROM THE ALPS), SWINGTIME SPOKE TO THIS

VERY BUSY ENTREPRENEUR.


six days of Heliskiing at 30,500 metres. An average package includes line of flight in economy class, accommodation full-board in double room, all transfers with Zai skis available. During January 2011, myself and Silvano Beltrametti host two educational and fun days in the snow at Ski Resort Lenzerzeide. These are just a few, but there are many more.

RG: You have also entered the domain of golf. How did that come about?FC: About 10 years ago I was invited to Golf Club Bad Alvaneu together with two other skiers to do a promotion and that was where my passion for golf grew. When I was competing I never had the time to play much. But now that I do, I very much enjoy it.

RG: The transition from skiing to golf must be an interesting one. Is there a dramatic paradigm shift between the two sports disciplines?FC: The one fundamental difference is that when you play golf, on average it can take four and a half hours. When you’re skiing it can be over in two and a half minutes. Both, however, are tactical and strategic sporting activities that require a resilient and disciplined mindset.

RG: You have played golf around the world. What courses have you enjoyed?FC: I have been lucky to play in the United States, Antigua and South Africa. The thing about golf courses is that they are so very different and each one of them brings something individual to the experience. I have to say that playing in the Bahamas was a very enjoyable experience and one of my favourites. I am looking forward to visiting Mauritius and playing in one of the Swingtime Golf events too.

RG: Your events company also encompasses an association with golf as well, doesn’t it?FC: Yes, that is correct. Through an association with Scout 24 Birdie Open, Golf Club Bad Alvaneu and Golf Club Bad Ragaz, golf can be enjoyed to its full extent just as much as skiing is in top quality tournaments, golf tours and golf courses.

benefited from a distillation of an array of technical information that has added a depth to my knowledge, coupled with a distinctive interactive experience. I am well versed in the field of drive technology and appropriate ski construction. The environment of the national and international ski circuit, dealing with the media, cultivating the support of sponsors and meeting many interesting people from all around the world, has provided the best educational learning ground to expand my horizons. All of these threads have come together and been incorporated into Franco Cavegn Events.

RG: Tell us about Franco Cavegn Events.FC: ‘Franco Cavegn Events’ presents and creates exclusive ski events of the highest level, which are endowed with fun, enjoyment and excitement at all times. The ski events are limited to small groups, so as to maximise a superb skiing experience with participants benefiting from my skills and tricks and insider know-how. Selected ski destinations in Switzerland, the USA, Canada and only other suitable places around the world that ensure a premier skiing environment and adventure are chosen. We cover all needs in the areas of carving, powder skiing and helicopter skiing and endeavour to create an all round quality escapade.

RG: What skiing events have you lined up for next year?FC: There are quite a few. The Skeena Heliskiing adventure takes us back to Canada in the exclusive Bear Claw Lodge in British Columbia. Then of course we also have various packages in Switzerland during the winter which includes


special on the day of competition. I would also advise them to focus on successfully completing one step at a time as they move forward through their training and build on experience and learning opportunities. As a professional athlete, it is also important to pay attention to the business of the sport that you are in. A sporting career can provide many lessons that can be turned into a financially rewarding business after one retires.

RG: As a successful athlete and entrepreneur, what advice can you pass on to youngsters who are embarking on sporting careers, whether in skiing or golf?FC: I would say training is vital. This is where one puts in the time and effort to perfect one’s natural ability and bring that extra something


André Jaeger

“A work of Art between Emotion and Reason”B

y R

ob G

reef

f Entrepreneurial Partners & Sponsors Worldover148

to the French, Italian and German speaking areas. In those days gastronomy was still quite simple, but with very good produce and quality. Switzerland being a simple country, when it came to food needed the nouvelle cuisine push to create a revolution in the understanding of food.

RG: Prior to that, was it very conservative and traditional?AJ: Yes, rather. As I mentioned, what happened was that international cuisine occurred in the big hotels. That was where the established and renowned chefs were. These places served as launching platforms for Swiss chefs internationally and generated fame for Switzerland as a culinary country.

RG: Please describe the process of discovering the “East” with your arrival in China.AJ: I had much to discover. I was 23 years old and the world began to open up to me. To discover Chinese cuisine in Hong Kong was indeed something special. It was a fundamental paradigm shift for a farm boy like me, and an extraordinary experience. My wife then and my mother-in-law were instrumental in showing me many things when it came to food, and my interest built with all the things that came along with it and this furthered into Japanese food. My first Japanese meal was an experience that I will never forget. It carved my senses of presenting food in a very simple and clear but very distinct way. This was a very visceral moment that was truly fantastic and influenced me very deeply to this day.

The entirety of this process may be seen as a tripod. There are the basics of the very best in fresh produce from Switzerland, the tastes and textures from Chinese food and my fascination with the aesthetics and presentation of Japanese food. With these three elements you have the explanation of what my way of thinking, my liking and my motivation towards food are all about, and this continues to today.

RG: Does a particular set of values define who a chef becomes and the cuisine they represent?AJ: Absolutely. You see a particular approach to food is built on the foundation of their values which has become even more important with the evolution of cuisine. Many great chefs have trained so many young people and those young chefs hop from place to place soaking up as many impressions as possible, but only a few have a clear concept of what really good food is. They endeavour to impress their colleagues and their chefs and you may end up with food that looks astonishing, but does not taste very good. This is something which reassures me. That if you know what is really good and you have the courage to stick to it and do it in the very best way you can never fail.

RG: Would you say that as a chef you have to have conviction about what you are doing, from the products you source, to the way you cook and present your dishes?AJ: Absolutely. That is a very perceptive question. The most vital part of cuisine is the sourcing of products followed by what you do with them. It has become increasingly important today with pollution, the state of the oceans and the effects of climate change. My daily worries include where I find what I need.

Whilst in Switzerland, Swingtime had the great privilege to speak to Mr André Jaeger, Master Chef and amateur golfer.

Mr Jaeger enjoys an illustrious career which has spanned well over 30 years. His restaurant, “Die Fischerzunft”, in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is celebrated for its visionary cuisine which not only transcends grand French cuisine and shatters the notions of westernised Chinese food, but lovingly crafts a unique blend of the highlights of ancient eastern and modern western cooking. The synthesis of two cultures sees the inspiration taken from Asian cuisine with regard to aesthetic, tastes and textures meeting the high standards set by nouvelle cuisine for the freshest products of the very best quality and lightness and transparency in cooking them.

“Die Fischerzunft” takes its rightful place among the best restaurants in Switzerland. In accordance with the very influential gourmet food guide Gault Millau, where recognition is highly prized, it has been awarded 19 points out of 20 for ground breaking and outstanding cuisine. The maximum of 20 points has never been awarded. The restaurant is also recognized by Relais et Châteaux, with Mr Jaeger being one of their 160 Grands Chefs on five continents. The accolades flow with Les Grandes Tables du Monde - Traditions et Qualité (the Traditions & Qualité association was created in 1954 by a group of Parisian restaurateurs with the aim of promoting gastronomy and a specific art de vivre). It is composed of 144 restaurants in 23 countries and three continents. André Jaeger the man is thoughtful and articulate and remains humble in spite of his many accomplishments.

RG: Mr Jaeger, you have become a fixture in the highest echelons of the culinary industry in Switzerland with over 30 years of dedication and experience. What were your early days like?AJ: Everybody thinks that I have been cooking all my life, which is not the case. I come from very humble beginnings, growing up on a farm. My early years consequently is informed from knowing excellent fresh produce and subsequently my formative years were about learning what really good food was about. At the time that I left Switzerland there was no world of nouvelle cuisine, so to speak. From the period of 1970 to 1975, Switzerland was really in the darkest of gastronomic scenes, where cuisine, mostly French, happened in big hotels and not in restaurants. Basically, restaurants catered to Swiss palettes with a few Italian ones here and there and no Asian, Oriental, Mexican or Turkish eating places at all. Switzerland was sort of structured into regions with cuisine applicable



show what can be

done with some chicken and fresh herbs and vegetables, than simply popping

a pre-cooked meal into the microwave oven. Shows that give people ideas and encourage them to open a cupboard and cook something themselves to me are a great success. Motivating the younger generation to go to the supermarket to buy fresh food and prepare it instead of pre-cooked packaged food is fantastic. You can say what you want about Jaime Oliver, but he was the one that enlightened the youth and brought them back into the kitchen in his funny and easy way, unlike the big chefs who take themselves too seriously.

RG: The younger generation for quite some time has been disconnected from the pleasure of fine dining and gourmet food, with gastronomy often associated with snobbery.AJ: That is indeed correct. If we look at the young people in Switzerland, many of them live with their parents and have a disposable income. The thing is do they want to spend it on an I-Phone or clothes, or is it worth to them to spend a nice evening in a restaurant having good food with their friends or partners? This is where we, especially in our country have failed. We have not made it “sexy” and “cool” enough. This is also in keeping with changing our thinking of how long a meal should take. A perfect meal of 3 courses can easily be taken in 2 hours and the cost can still remain within the limits of allowing the ending of an evening with a drink in a bar or club.

RG: Does the contemporary focus of health and wellbeing come into play with your cuisine?AJ: Indeed it does, particularly with the influence from Asia. There food is not just for pleasure or sustaining existence, you also eat to enhance your health. And this was something which very much impressed me. It was interesting to observe how the Chinese use and eat their produce when the weather is hot or cold, what they consume to cleanse their systems, for example, drinking ginger tea with rock sugar after eating crab rolls which is high in cholesterol. These things got completely lost or missed in Europe. In Asia it is absolutely present. This notion has helped me to construct a cuisine which is really light, enhancing and over all contributes to well being. When you eat at certain places, after 2 or 3 courses you are completely full and exhausted. It may very well taste fantastic, but if it tires your digestive system and makes you lethargic, to me this no longer constitutes pleasure. I personally like to nibble on a lot of things and also feel good and enhanced after. This is one part of my philosophy of what good cuisine should be.

RG: What are your thoughts on trendy gastronomy shows and the idea of crunching down of cuisine into 10 or 15 min cooking time?AJ: There are 2 ways of looking at it, firstly, its complete nonsense and secondly they are great entertainment. I am all for modern, fun, cooking shows that get people interested in cuisine and


AJ: When I returned to Switzerland in 1975, the first Asian influence was only really seen in 1978. Those days were filled with talk of nouvelle cuisine. Essentially you had some unknown come and “spit in their soup”. Everyone said I was crazy and there was no future in what I was doing. I always believed there was something more to it and that it was not just a trend. The idea was born out of my memories and nostalgia of my time in Hong Kong. I missed the tastes so much. I will never forget the first time I made fried rice in the kitchen in Schaffhausen. It was the best fried rice I had in my life. Also as I mentioned earlier, the aspect of health and well being was important to me. I could not achieve this with the conventional ways of using cream and butter which makes cuisine taste good. With the Asian influence I had all the flavours and lightness.

In the beginning we had a traditional menu and then we had this experimental menu. It took about 2 years of “suffering” until we got discovered by the press, and all of a sudden things started to snowball in an incredible way. One thing happened after the other and we could hardly keep up.

RG: What was the process like in developing the concept of the restaurant?AJ: In the beginning I had many illusions. I believed that opening a small restaurant in Switzerland would be easy. I was very much mistaken. The process itself was very natural and organic. My former wife and I were a great team and we both pushed ourselves to the limit to achieve what we set out for. As it grew we became more ambitious. Our main goal was to be associated with “Relais and Châteaux”. When that happened in 1982, it was a major breakthrough. This furthered more awards and accolades. The recognition itself is purely the result of focusing on our guests and their happiness and satisfaction. I believe that this is something extremely important and an integral part of advice which I give to the young people in my restaurant. Quality and respect in what you do is much more important than a big show and a lot of money. Your passion and commitment is always rewarded.

RG: How did you come to the sport of golf?AJ: I had a great love of horse riding and had my own horse in China and also when I returned to Switzerland. Of course a horse requires a lot of attention and time. As the restaurant became busier and gained more acknowledgement, the 2 or 3 times a week that I would go riding diminished considerably. Eventually after not seeing my horse for 6 months I decided that I would have to do something else. At that same time a friend suggested I play golf. Needless to say I was not interested in golf at all. My friend gave me a putter and 3 balls to which I said what I should do with them, and that he should take them back. But he was very smart and started showing me how to putt. My first shot was dead on and he immediately said that I had talent. I began to take lessons and swiftly grew to love golf. This was all 12 years ago.

RG: Does golf suit your lifestyle?AJ: Yes, very much so. I am an early riser and go to a nearby golf course at 6 am and can play a 9-hole and be back in the

RG: That is a very youth orientated way of thinking and very indicative of contemporary lifestyles.AJ: Absolutely. To me it is very important. We have to cater for the future. In our country we have a lot of wealthy elderly people who love to go out to restaurants. We have a very loyal clientele of people aged 50 and over, but the day will come when they begin to fade out due to health etc and consequently we have to ensure that the next generation cultivates a love of good food. Looking to educate the youth in cuisine is both legitimate and necessary, especially now with the globalization of everything. People think that everything goes together and everything is permitted and this is something that I am quite sad about. It makes the “true” values fade. Every nation, country and culture has its extraordinary outstanding dishes and I believe in defending the basics and the values those dishes extol. And so again we come back to what essentially is good in food and learning first the real values before exploring and experimenting. The extent to which everything leads to sweet and sour or barbeque does nothing but create a new blandness. In this country many have taken to the American Oklahoma Barrel. They cook everything in it from meat to fish and everything ends up tasting the same and of smoke. I don’t understand why people rave about it. It spoils the taste of everything. I think they should be done away with.

RG: What are your views on trends in cuisine like “molecular gastronomy”?AJ: Again, there 2 ways of looking at it. It brought about a lot of aesthetic things, modern touches to cuisine in enlightening ways of preparing food and the of course it’s ridiculous when it is badly copied. You get the most ridiculous dishes under the moniker of molecular gastronomy composed of chemicals that put on a show.

RG: Ending up with a puddle of foam on your plate?AJ: (laughs) Yes. I do have the greatest respect for molecular gastronomy chefs of the likes of Hestor Blumenthal, and I know many of them very well and have dined in their restaurants. What these chefs do is absolutely outstanding, what is to be understood is that they have spent years of doing research and have written many books. Many people have copied them and of course a copy is always second best. You lose the ‘soul’ in the food. This does nothing but harm a wonderful, inventive way of preparing food and diminishes the importance of culinary understanding.

RG: What was the initial reaction to you bringing an Eastern taste and aesthetic to a country like Switzerland?


RG: Is there a link between what you do in your professional capacity and golf?AJ: Indeed there is. In my business you have to be humble and determined and above all patient, if you want to succeed. This is exactly the same in golf. With my restaurant having 19 points, means that I have to be very disciplined when it comes to treating my staff, sourcing produce and preparing for lunch or dinner service. I see the result of a successful round of golf employ the same sense of discipline. To play the first 9 holes is easy, the next 9 holes is often more challenging, when you become tired and your concentration starts to wane. In presenting a series of courses in a meal to a full restaurant is much the same. How you finish and the high standards throughout, together with commitment and passion is the overriding linking factor.

RG: Over the course of your gastronomic career and your experience playing golf, would you sum up your journey so far?AJ: I would say that being passionate, humble and showing gratitude are keys to the success of all pursuits.

restaurant at 10 am. Also the restaurant business keeps one mostly indoors. Consequently, I enjoy being out in the sun and the ensuing exercise. This has been the best thing for me. Furthermore, golf is also very social. It is fabulous in the way that through golf you get to meet so many interesting people. We all have to face the same battle on the greens and I enjoy seeing the humbleness it inculcates.

I have to say too that if you want to do business with someone, you should play a round of golf with them. It gives you the best insight into their character. How they handle themselves and the challenges the game of golf presents is so indicative of how the conduct themselves in their everyday life. To me this is something extraordinary.

RG: Have you seen the value of this in your own business dealings?AJ: Oh yes, every time.


Maria WalliserSwiss Olympic Ski racing Champion and lady Golfer


M aria Walliser is a former Swiss alpine skiing champion. Together with fellow Swiss Erika Hess, Michela Figini and

Vreni Schneider, she dominated the female alpine skiing category during the 1980’s. Among her many successes, she won two overall World Cups (1986 and 1987), with a total of 25 individual victories. Crowning an impressive list of achievements, Maria also won three World titles in 1987 and 1989 and three Olympic medals at Calgary (1988) and Albertville (1992). Since retiring from the competitive skiing circuit, Maria has embraced the world of amateur golf, with a particular interest in participating in charity golf events. Swingtime the Business of Golf met with this phenomenal sporting personality and lady golfer on the historical Bad Ragaz Golf Course, and spoke about her career, life and golf.

RG: How does the amazing story of yours begin?MS: As you know Switzerland is a winter sport country, so it is normal that children start skiing with their families at about three or four years old. In our village, my parents were the owners of a small ski lift and so I discovered the thrill of going faster and faster at an early age. I was ten when I had my first race, and that truly set the moment for me embracing the exhilaration of flying down a snowy mountain. Of course skiing is not only about speed. It involves a lot of technical and physical training. When you embark on a professional skiing career all of these aspects have to come together, especially with the mental training part and being strong in the mind.

RG: When did you turn professional?MW: I was 17 years old. I had a great race. I was 2nd behind Hanni Wenzel who was a brilliant Olympic winner and followed by Erika Hess, another talented skier and team mate. The media and coaches had their eye on me and from that moment I was not only in the European Cup but I went on to participate in the World Cup as well.

RG: Of the many competitions you have participated in, what has been the most memorable?MW: Winning a silver medal in the Olympics in Sarajevo in 1984 and winning two bronze medals in the Olympics in Calgary 1988 were very memorable and of course my gold medals in the World cups were very special.

RG: What goes into the training for the Olympics?MW: I was part of the Swiss national team, and we prepared over the year. Of course one cannot ski the whole year, so we did lots of biking and hiking and other sports that kept us strong. It is also during this time that one works on the mental discipline that is required. All of these training regimes come together as you push your body to the limit and prepare for the Olympics.

RG: When did you start playing golf?MW: I started playing golf when I retired from ski racing.


My husband actually started playing earlier and we wanted to play together. A wedding gift to ourselves was a membership at the golf club here at Bad Ragaz. Although I haven’t taken the time to significantly work on my handicap, which is 18, it is sufficient for me to enjoy the sport and participate in charity events.

RG: What do you enjoy most about the Bad Ragaz Golf Club?MW: It is an old course with a lot of history; in fact it’s over a century old. There are many beautiful big trees and the area is very green. I also enjoy the many churches on the golf course with their charming architecture. Of course we are also surrounded by the mountains. I always say I cannot live without mountains. To play golf and have one’s eyes embrace these magnificent mountains is very special to me.

RG: You mentioned earlier the mental discipline and strength one has to develop for professional ski racing. Has that same mental discipline been useful when playing golf?MW: Oh yes indeed, it has been very helpful. I apply the same amount of concentration on the greens, especially when I have to motivate myself to fight for the last shot or putt. The internal thought process of playing against the course is very challenging.

RG: What do you derive personally out of the game of golf?MW: For me golf is about relaxing. It’s a wonderful period that I can take for myself and be in my own thoughts and enjoy the outdoors. I enjoy playing later in the day when the course is less busy and I can soak up the beautiful surroundings, have my own challenge on the greens and explore my own rhythm of the physicality of the sport.


Launched in 1994, Benz and Partners Asset Management Ltd have built up through the years a strong and vast reputation in

the European financial world. Well known for its personalised and resourceful services, the business has recently established a sister company in Mauritius. A risky challenge during this crisis period, yet, Benz and Partners company is out to make it work and will rely in its goodwill and trustworthiness to break the ice.

Benz and Partners Asset management Ltd was founded by Alexander Benz and was transformed as a joint stock company in 1998. Situated in Zurich in Switzerland, the company was sold to René K. Voser and Alexander F. Galli in 2003. As from that time, the company welcomes new partners; experts in different areas in the financial field to strengthen the company’s status with regard to financial knowledge. Moreover, Alexander Benz is still playing an active role in the company together with the other six professionals

Benz and Partners aim at providing a tailor-made service to their private and institutional clients. They focus mainly in the management of assets of different clients around the world. Benz and Partners provide security portfolio on a flexible basis for its global customers and is responsible for the allocation of funds in the international stock and bond markets. Their stock selection strategies are based on deep knowledge of markets. And when it comes to emerging markets, they rely on the expertise of the best external fund managers

to guide them and identify new opportunities. Furthermore, B &P is also responsible of the European Property Fund which deals in the investment of Commercial Real Estate mainly in Germany and Nederland’s.

After years of experience working with different institutions and Swiss banks such as Bank Julius Bär, Credit Suisse Private Banking, Zurich and so forth. Benz and Partners has decided to expand and extend its services in the Indian Ocean through Mauritius. According to Gerhard Skwaric, one of the partners, ‘’Mauritius is a highly interesting financial place which offers a lot of investment opportunities. Not only the country has a stable political condition and interesting tax rate but the government is making huge efforts to encourage people to invest or book for holidays’’. In fact the choice of Mauritius was not made at random. Benz and Partners got positive feedbacks from current investors “Mr Alan Duval, Chief Executive Officer of Market Info Direct convinced us to invest in Mauritius. We were given tangible proofs of the advantages of Mauritius and more importantly how the country can benefit from our services.

For Benz and Partners, the global crisis represents enormous business opportunities. Different options are offered to the courageous businessperson. “Our valuable advices allow clients to overcome a bad situation and aspire to a better future. We pick, we cho0se and we apply the best solution at very low costs. In the end, the client is happy” said Mr Skwaric.

Golf has always been part of the culture of Benz and Partners. While some of the partners are regular golf players, the company has been one of the biggest sponsors of the Keiler Cup golf tournament since three years. Benz and Partners will carry on this tradition in Mauritius by co sponsoring the 1st exclusive corporate golf challenge of the year organised by Swingtime Magazine Mauritius.

Benz and Partners Asset Management Ltd:

the key to success…

Dr Alexander F. Galli

Alexander Benz

Gerhard F. SkwaricRené K. Voser


Meet Gabriela Frey In a league of her own


the time out and visit this wonderfully warm woman so she can read your body and its language in order to weave the perfect outfit to suit your personality and set the tone for your evening.

Her exquisite outfits are manufactured in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Her fabrics are carefully selected from these destinations in addition to England and Italy. She selects her fabrics from the likes of Cerruti, Barberis, Loro Piana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Holland & Sherry and Dormeuil.

Production partners and clientele are always handpicked from the highest ranks in their respective industries. Gabriela supervises every step of the production process personally in Switzerland while ensuring that quality and service standards are met day in and day out- no exceptions to the rule!

Inside her Bern showroom, you are welcome to spend as long as it takes to try on the samples and select the right blend of fabric, design and colour. While the experience is one to remember for a lifetime, the personalised service reflects the commitment to professionalism that only Gabriela Frey offers.

One can spend hours studying the trendy dresses and sporty elegance in sections of her website entitled Women, Men & Corporate Fashion. Gabbie will soon be designing a few outfits for Swingtime so watch out for the hottest corporate team on the planet!

For a glimpse of some of her jaw-dropping designs, feel free to explore her website: www.gabriela-frey.ch

Gabriela Frey exudes warmth, distinction and elegance every woman dreams of. She is, without a shadow of a doubt, a

woman of substance.

Gabbie has been working as a fashion designer in her Bern hometown for well over three decades now. Her love affair with the garment industry began early and until the year 2000 when she opened her own exclusive showroom, her designs were the hottest finds in Zurich and Gstaad fashion stores.

Earlier this year, she unveiled her landmark 20th collection as she launched her 2011 spring and summer range. Her signature designs include exclusive lines of casual, business and eveningwear.

Gabbie’s designs can be anywhere between subtly elegant and classy to shout-out-loud blushes that attract every eye in town. She is very choosy about the fabrics she uses and can spend up to four weeks on designing a single evening gown. Her attention to detail is second to none.

The best way to dress like royalty is to take


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Moossee Golf Park in Bern Switzerland stands at the forefront of the Migros

Group philosophy, by very clearly illustrating through its construction and operation, the realisation of the goal of making golf, a highly elitist and expensive sport accessible to everyone. By encouraging young and old to explore the fulcrum of the body and mind, through the conduits the sport of golf extols like; concentration, co-ordination, discipline and endurance, the promotion of a healthy and balanced lifestyle can be achieved. “Golf for all!”, as the Migros motto goes is clearly evident by the exciting and bustling atmosphere at

Moossee Golf Park. The parking lot is full, the club house brimming with activity and the courses ablaze with golf played and enjoyed by everyone. This is what the “future” of golf looks like.

The very dynamic Moossee Golf Park is built and operated according to the “M-Code”, undoubtedly a winning formula. A quick scan around Moossee Golf Park and you see this very clear ideological integration into all aspects of the facility. The course is available to the entire population; it is planned in a partnership relationship with the landowners; it is integrated into the landscape of the region, respecting

the existing habitats for plants and animals and further enhancing it by creating new ones; a pre-emptive approach to the deterioration of ground and surface water is in place; the course is designed to the latest technical expertise and maintained according to sustainable principles, and offers golfers the best in playing techniques and interesting and varied activities, as well as providing recreational facilities to non-golfers.

This impressive golf complex comprises of 3 courses; 18-hole Par 72 / 6,316 m, 9-hole Par 35 / 2,755 m and a 6-hole Par 19 / 907 m. It includes a Driving Range with 83 tees of which 37

By Rob Greeff

Moosee Golf ParkBern, Switzerland


are covered, a Pitching / Chipping Area 3,000 m2 and a Putting Green 2,400 m2. On site is a Golf Academy with a Head Pro and 5 additional Golf Pros which facilitate Individual and Group training /and incorporate special teaching weeks as well as Golf Travel.

Head Golf Pro Thierry Moser (RenommiertenGolgkonferenzen National Diploma French Golf PGA, author of “The Five Elements”, TPI Certified Golf Pro, Level 2) says, “Golf has no age limits and is therefore played a lifetime, for fun or as competition - Golf, arouses passion and meaning for many, even a new lifestyle. In order to play good golf, it is not sufficient to control only part of the game. It has been proven that 35% of the game consists of full strokes, 20% and 45% approach shots make the putting. If you neglect any of these three elements, it will inevitably be reflected in your score. In addition, your performance will also depend on your mental strength and strategy of your game. Being as good as possible in all of these five elements is to learn the game of golf.

Our Pros teach according to this philosophy and with a specific program for each level of play. The duration and intensity of your

training program are to meet your needs and are accordingly adapted. Supporting tools are the V1 Coaching System, which analyzes your swing via computer software.

Private coaching is geared to individual needs and every golfer can participate. It establishes a personalized lesson plan and progress is continuously measured and monitored.”

The main building houses the administrative department, effectively and efficiently coordinating the smooth running of the Golf Park. It is also the location of the restaurant, which is well known for its varied and creative market cuisine, daily lunch menu and vegetarian dishes. Their evening menu changes frequently and offers specialties for all tastes and also employs a children’s menu with a very kid friendly snack menu available throughout the day. The space is modern and expansive and overlooks the putting green. It seats 150 indoors with an additional 180 terrace seats, and is popular for golfers and non-golfers with the capacity to host functions and events. Adjacent to the restaurant is the Pro-Shop, helmed by Ralph Gurtner, engineer and Club-Fitter who is able to assist in the best club selection and customizing, to

enhance your game. The Pro-shop stocks a varied collection of men’s and women’s golf apparel, accessories and equipment.

Overall highlights of Moossee Golf Park include a total area of 105 ha, of which one third (39 ha) integrates natural elements (ecological compensation areas), Rough including hedges and individual trees (14.42 ha), Pond and brook embankments (3.55 ha), Wet and dry meadows (11.49 ha), Extensive pastures (4.72 ha), Ponds and lakes (3.89 ha) and Brooks (0.82 ha). The “ladenBrutvogelbestands Survey” of 2007 indicates that the Moossee Golf Park has become one of the most ecologically valuable areas in the north of the agglomeration of Bern. Head Greenkeeper Rolf Wiggiswil, advised by biologist Roland Luder ensures that the plant and animal habitat areas maintain their environmental integrity. Many of the environmental goals that were set in the context of the environmental impact assessment for 2010 have been achieved in 2006 and 2007. Moossee Golf Park is thus a very unique place to play golf with nature beautifully highlighted. The concept of golf for all is proving to be a thriving endeavor and bodes well for the future of the sport of golf.

By Rob Greeff


Mr. UttamSingh MundyDirector of PGTI at the Golden

Greens Golf & Country Club, Gurgaon (Haryana)

A: As you have already come to know, we are representing the Swingtime Golf Magazine from Mauritius, and we would like to thank you for giving your precious time. On behalf of Billy and Vishnu, both from Mauritius, it is an honour and privilege for us to come and participate in your tournament, we are extremely grateful for your warm reception.M: Thank you for your kind words and it is a pleasure having you here with us. We look forward to the participation, especially from overseas and time given to come here and try to qualify for the 2010 calendar.

A: Firstly, how did you get introduced to the game of golf?M: Going back to my old days, reminds me of how I started. I was surrounded by golf, my brother played the game, and the journey since then has been really sweet. I picked up the game really fast, and 3 years later I played for the national team. I played for Team India till 1991, after which I turned pro. I played till December 2008, and then I took the role of administrator.

A: Most Indian administrators do not have a background in the sport. You have done very well for the team and game, because of your experience as a player and now, administrator. When did you decide to take this

important role for golf in India?M: I think, a number of things went with the fact that I’m not taking on much. I’m not actively playing golf as I’ve said, I played till December, and then this suddenly came up. I didn’t have much time to make the decision, and thought I must try this as well. It’s a different ball game. When playing golf, one doesn’t realise what goes on behind the scenes and how one has to manage an event or putting things in the right perspective. The decision took me a week to make. Last year, when I was still playing, I slid down to number 16, and here I am. As of now, I don’t play much golf. I wish I could play, because my friends would play on the course, and you look at the conditions and it itches. But now, I enjoy it, but it’s different.

A: When you started golf and turned pro in the early 1990’s, how would compare the golfing scene in India now, compared to people who are trying to be pro now? Do they have better advantages and better facilities at this moment?M: There is a vast change to what it was 12 years ago compared to what it is now. One is at a competitive stage, of course, back then it was competitive but now, the courses earn a lot, what with teaching and technique. I suppose the courses back then, didn’t have

what we have now in terms of golf courses of international standards. We have the facilities, we have the coaches. People are now working with swing coaches, or working with mind coaches so things have obviously gone a number of steps forward. It’s a different ball game. Now you have to be playing your heart out, to be right up there. Back then, it wasn’t the case. Even the youngsters are now far more serious, and more into the money aspect. Before, money was not a big issue, but now, you are playing for big bucks and for that, you have to be at the top of your game.

A: Most middle class people in India are not even aware that there are 18 holes on a golf course. They’re not interested in golf as in football, cricket or even tennis. What do you think the PGTI or corporate houses can do to make golf more accessible to the common people, who may not be as financially accomplished?M: There are a number of factors contributing to that. One being that golf isn’t what it used to be, and unfortunately, the games are on private golf courses. If you get a membership on a golf course, you are fortunate. In India, we have public driving ranges, and that helps, but obviously we have to arrange for more public courses and ranges that can accommodate the

During Swingtime’s trip to India we were very fortunate to speak to Mr. Uttam Singh Mundy: The Director of the P.G.T.I

Mr. Mundy proved to be very affable and presented a wealth of Golf experience. He spoke to our Representative Mr. Arjun

Chakraborty about his journey as a golfer, turning Pro and the state of golf in India today.


average person. Golf has been included in the Olympics, so we could see more courses springing up. Secondly the media also plays a huge role in this, and now that we have two partners to help. People watch television, and can get an idea of what the sport is about, and hopefully in the next few years, it can do that job. Golf courses should also provide more junior programs, and that is what we need to do. I’m not just talking about member’s children in the clubs; I’m talking about school kids. That we get kids from schools into playing the game. That is how one can attract more people.

A: What steps is the PGTI considering making this happen?M: You see, what we did last year helped generate that interest amongst people in golf. We had an event last year that we, the PGTI took on upon ourselves and we plan on taking a mini group. The idea is to try and take the game to different levels and then people get to see what the game is about, because they come across some golf and that’s how one can generate interest.

A: Swingtime Magazine has a programme called Adopt-A-Golfer,

therefore along with us, we brought two young men who are receiving, with the help of you and Mr. Chary, the opportunity to feel the atmosphere and accompanying our players onto the field. What is your opinion on this effort from Swingtime?M: It’s fabulous! One way to generate interest among the youth and any help to bring those youngsters in, to make it more popular, I think you’re on the right track.

A: In India, do you know of any corporate houses who may be thinking of such a programme. That maybe PGTI can encourage or appeal to corporate houses to sponsor initiatives like Adopt-A-Golfer?M: We just got our bearings on this little boy who’s only 3 years old. We have our eyes and mind set on certain things, training programmes, getting good coaches, all sorts of things. We would like that, we just have to formulate how best to put them forward, and get sponsors and trusts to take care of certain programmes.

A: Are companies starting to express some interest in investing in golf, where public houses are?M: This was a trying year, because of

the global meltdown. We broke the spell. We didn’t lose any sponsors and actually increased the number of golfers from last year. We did very well this year, we increased the number of players. The prize money has gone up too and in 2010 we are looking at an even bigger prize pack, perhaps 26+. That’s all a good sign.

A: We would like more junior golfers from Mauritius to come here to India. We are free to accept any exchanges from India if they would like to come to Mauritius courses and have the experience over there, what do you think of this idea?M: Sure, that would be good.

A: This year, we are having our Swingtime Corporate Challenge in May; we would like you to encourage Indian golfers to come, as well as yourself.M: I would love to.

A: And to play.M: Definitely, any opportunity to come and play.


in Mauritius164

You grew up in the city of Detroit, Michigan. As a young man, did you have an interest in the sport of golf?Absolutely not. I didn’t start taking up the sport until I was about 45 years old, even though they were trying to get me in earlier. I was just not ready mentally or physically, but ever since that day when I got my first round of golf in, I was pretty much hooked.

Detroit is the automotive capital of the world. That is where you eventually ended up in your career. Can you tell me about how that happened?I worked for GM for almost 35 years in engineering and design. I was a wooden model maker. I worked on all the concept vehicles and prototypes.

Another one of the blessings that I have had early on was that I started working for General Motors in the sanitation department. I was cleaning toilets. But, it allowed me the opportunity to be exposed to the design staff and design center. I never knew what a model maker was until I was exposed to it. I found out what it took to get into the field and I went back to school, passed all the tests, and a couple of years later, I got the call, started my first apprenticeship, and that is how the story goes from there.

For kids it is important to be exposed to as many things as they possibly can.

Over the years you were quite involved with things in the community. And I understand today you are quite an activist as well.It all starts from my childhood. I come from a broken home. I never had a father that was really involved in my life. So, with the birth of my son, it was so important for me to be a good father and to make sure whatever I did not have in my life growing up, I made sure he had. And through that, I was exposed to being involved with the kids in my neighborhood and his school and that set with me to where it was probably the best feeling that I ever had in my life. So, when he grew up and I didn’t have that any more, it was always something in me that wanted to work with kids.

How did you end up moving here to Florida?If it wasn’t for golf I would not be here today. You hear people taking about golf relationships and the business that is done on golf courses. It is absolutely true. It was some casual friends that I met in Michigan, Desi and Hernando Johnson, after I retired. They mentioned that they were on their way to Florida to spend the winter. I took a leap of faith and asked if I could go. Now,

pays tribute to our Amateur Golfers164

165 in Mauritius

ROBERT DOOLEYGolf Careers Education, LLC

Celebration, FL

165 pays tribute to our Amateur Golfers

Robert Dooley is a retired General Motors design executive who grew up in Detroit. He started

playing golf at age 45 and the sport has become an important part of his life. After moving to

Orlando, Florida, Mr. Dooley spent his time developing programs for underprivileged children. Through his company Golf Careers Education, LLC,

he is taking a program he developed for the YMCA and implementing it at public schools throughout the US.

by Frank Befera

he is taking a program he developed for the YMCA and implementing it at public schools throughout the US.

in Mauritius166 pays tribute to our Amateur Golfers166

167 in Mauritius

how many husbands and wives are going to allow a single man to come into their winter home and spend the whole winter with them? So, that just shows their character and what they mean to me today. It is because of that act of kindness that I was presented with the opportunity to retire here in Florida, which I had been dreaming about for years.

So, kids are your focus now that you live here in Florida and that focus has blossomed into a golf program for black children. Tell me about that.The YMCA in Tangelo Park was just looking for someone to spend time with the kids chipping and putting and I figured I could do that. The most amazing thing happened when I arrived there and saw the situation. I got people to buy in to an idea. There was an elementary school right across the field from the YMCA. I went to all of the major golf courses in the area and asked them if they have any programs for underserved children. They said no. I asked about the “First

Tee” program. There was no “First Tee” in the area either. So, I was able to get everyone to buy into the idea that we could expose the kids to golf though an after school program. So, I talked to the principal of the school and he agreed to expose the kids to golf during their PE program. It blew up from there. Every kid in that school wanted to learn how to play golf. So, that’s when we started our after school program at the YMCA. The first thing the kids did when they came over after school was homework. Their grades went up and the kids and the parents were happy. Then we taught golf.

Tell me more about Tangelo Park and the connection to Lockheed Martin.Tangelo Park was one of the first suburbs forged down here before Disney and all the theme parks were built. And all of the employees of Lockheed Martin and their families used to live in Tangelo. So, once upon a time, Tangelo Park was the area to be in, but time went on and it went from the top to the bottom. Well, while I was putting together the program I met a guy who is a VP at Lockheed Martin who was also born in Tangelo Park. I learned that plans were under way for Lockheed Martin to build a technical center elsewhere, but once he found out what we were doing here, he changed those plans to build it right here in Tangelo Park. So, now the kids get to work with engineers and as they get along in the process then they go over to Lockheed Martin and start getting exposed to engineering, just like I did when I was working with General Motors. That gave our program instant credibility.

So, how does that translate into giving the kids the best possible training in golf?There is a local man in the Orlando area by the name of Dr. Robert Dorsey, who is nationally known for his golf program with minority children. He’s got children

competing on the highest level from 5 years on up. Once he found out what we were doing with the YMCA, Lockheed Martin, and the school, he supported us and we are teaching his techniques. Now, with help from the county, we have an artificial putting green and 9 hitting bays. So, the program has just been growing and growing and the YMCA is going to take it nationally.

Can you tell me about the little paraplegic girl that you have in your program?We were out putting and chipping and a little girl came up in her wheel chair and saw what we were doing and asked me if I could teach her how to play golf. Her mother was standing right there and said she is the most determined kid and if she sees something and wants to do it, she will do it. I said, “If you want to learn how to play golf, we’ll teach you.” Not only are we teaching skills, we are changing lives.

You’ve created a company called Golf Careers Education. What are your goals for the company and how will you apply what you’ve done in this program?My goal is to make this thing work at every public school. We will teach golf and everything that the sport of golf can bring to a young kid, like confidence and accomplishment. We are dealing with 1st through 5th graders. That is the group we can most readily have an immediate impact on. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get there, but now with the help of Swingtime Golf and Mr. Alan Duval it is all possible. With the Adopt-A-Golfer program and the educational programs I see a marriage of two ideas. We can really make something big happen and Swingtime Golf can give our program credibility.

So, you’ve played with Alan, our CEO, a few times on various golf courses. How did you do?How did I do or how did he do? (Laughs) Let me be political about this. We both struggled.


RG: I believe that you play golf?CdB: I have to tell you that I am an occasional golfer. I used to play a lot of golf. I have played, I suppose for about 30 years, but the last 4 or 5 years I have been so busy and finding the time to play has been difficult. I am a member of the K Club where they have the Ryder cup and a member of Druids where they also have some major P.G.A championships.Of course, the thing about the game is that golf is a cruel mistress. I have got down to a handicap of 16, which is pretty pathetic, but if I worked harder I could drop down to 12. I don’t hit a long distance, but I’m pretty straight and I have developed my short game. I have played quite a few PRO-AMs and made many friends who are professional golfers like Nick Faldo and Chris O’Connor and many more. I also ran a charity golf competition for 10 years. It was to raise money for handicapped children, particularly for those in Ireland. Over the 10 years we raised about a million pounds. I stopped doing it about 8 years ago, but back then it was a considerable amount of money. We got many top people coming in to support the event including Football players, and again, I made a lot of friends.

RG: When and how did you start playing golf?CdB: I started playing when I was on tour in America. That would have been in the late 70’s. I had a Canadian band and we were trying to “break”. I’ve had a 35 year career, and you have to remember that those were the days before the internet, before X-Factor or Pop Idol, before digital information. So you worked your craft from the bottom up. The people who have survived, the people who I know in my business like Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel and Elton John, they all have one thing in common: we all learned our trade from the bottom up and that is what helps you with longevity. Back in the early days it was tough.I remember I was the opening act for Peter Frampton and Eddie Money. I had loads of time and my band all played a bit of golf. So we would turn

up in the first town, straight from the airplane or the bus and find the nearest municipal golf course and play. And I have to say, I was pretty bad, but I eventually got thevknack of it. In fact I really got into it. There is nothing like hitting a great shot. I remember Chris O’Connor telling me that you’re not supposed to be good at golf. But if you hit a good shot, celebrate it. If you have a bad shot, then don’t worry about it. Just move on. And that is great advice. Advice for life I think.

RG: I’ve been told by many golfers what really matters is how you finish the game. I’m sure you can draw a parallel to the song writing process?CdB: Absolutely. There are many hits and misses in both golf and song writing. It makes me think of the Ryder Cup of 1991 and 1993. I was invited by the P.G.A to perform at the dinner which precedes the Wednesday event. I got to meet loads of people. And the Americans particularly, were good fun with the likes of Tom Watson.

I wrote a song specifically for the performance, a little made up story about how the Americans and Europeans battled, and it was called “The ballad of the Ryder Cup”. In the song, the last night before the final day, the Americans are forging ahead, and they were taken to a night club, where the flower of English womanhood basically kept them up till 6 in the morning. By the time they stood on the first Tee, they could hardly hit a shot! The game in my imagination comes down to the 18th hole. It’s a drive across the water, followed by another. Ballesteros hits his drive and his second shot goes in the bunker. Watson plays his first and with his second slightly to the right, looks like he is going to win it for America. But Ballesteros gets his sand wedge out and it goes straight into the hole for a 3. It was a very funny song, and of course when I sang it, the European team went nuts, so I had great fun. Payne Stewart, who died in that tragic plane accident, he was great fun too. He played a good

harmonica; I played the piano, so I got very close to these guys.

RG: Stories like these are very indicative of the camaraderie displayed by golf. It’s a fraternity of sorts. Of course, it also has a philosophy and a code of ethics that permeates every aspect of the game, providing many lessons.CdB: Indeed. I have learnt a few lessons myself talking to professional golfers. One of which is playing the hole backwards. It took me a while to understand it. You’ve got a par 5 or a par 4; you play it backwards when approaching the green. I’m sure that not all golfers play that particular way, but what impressed me about it was that you can apply it to many things in life. It’s not just about the journey getting to some place. When you want to achieve something, you work backwards and you are able to see how to get to that particular point.

RG: How long have you been coming to the One and Only at St. Geran?CdB: I’ve been coming here for about 16 years.

RG: So this is almost like a second home?CdB: Oh yes! I absolutely love it. As do my children. My 2 sons are now 21 and 19 years old and they love coming here, it’s very much a second home to them. Round about August we start talking about St. Geran and where will be for Christmas. I’ve made many good friends here too. I think it’s a stunning hotel. Marvelous actually. I don’t want to tell too many people about it, but I will. I feel like I’m a bit of an ambassador for the hotel as I’ve turned so many people on to it. I’ve played a bit of golf here too, on the 9-hole, The Gary Player course, who so famously remarked when told that he was lucky on the greens; “The harder I practice, the luckier I seem to get”. A notion that I love. I played the 9-hole with my son Mike the other day. He has a beautiful swing but with a few things he needs to correct. But by and large, with a swing like that he will


SWINGTIME IN CONVERSATION WITH

MR. CHRIS DE BURGChris de Burgh is a singer, songwriter and performer with a

legendary 35 year career. His music and talent has captured the hearts and minds of music lovers worldwide and to this

day continues to do so. SWINGTIME sat down with him in an exclusive conversation at the One and Only, St. Geran, and spoke

about music, life and golf. Rob Greeff


make a good golfer should he pursue it. We both got sets of Callaway’s from the Proshop. I haven’t played for 5 months, and after I got into my rhythm I was having a great time, so I had to buy those clubs , and I tell you what I was thrilled with myself.

RG: Have you had those “brilliant “golfing moments that took your breath away, after rising up to the challenge?CdB: Absolutely! I am challenged by the game of golf every time I go on the greens. I played a course in Madrid once. I was on an elevated section after having to carry a bunker and the green was away from me. I’d practiced this trick shot in my garden, of cutting underneath the ball, taking it really high and landing on a back spin. And, as golf does, the moment presented itself. I followed through and the ball landed virtually in the hole. I wished someone had seen that shot.

RG: How does playing golf in front of a crowd compare to singing in front of a crowd?CdB: It’s funny. I can play my music in front of a 150 thousand people, but playing golf in front of one person I tend to freeze up. There was this one time in Scotland, the opening of the Kings Course at Glen Eagles, a very serious occasion. Prince Andrew was

there in front of me, I was playing with Jim Kelly, a football legend and there was a thousand people on the 1st tee. The first 2 guys hit the ball into the crowd and I was worried. The Scottish caddy I had handed me a 5 iron and said something I barely understood, but I gave it a good wack and the ball disappeared. I got up to the hole and there was quite a crowd waiting. There were 2 balls. One on the edge and one near the hole. I of course went to the one on the edge. To which the caddy said that’s not yours, yours is over there and pointed to the one near the hole. I said he’s got to be kidding! Needless to say I birdied on the 1st and that was a euphoric moment, particularly in front of a cheering group of people. Of course it never got as good as that again.

RG: With all that you have achieved, success and accolades, do you have some advice for the talented youngsters in Swingtime’s Adopt-AGolfer Program?CdB: Yes. I read about them in the Swingtime Magazine. In my career and I suspect it’s the same in golf, you have to be a bit like a boxer. You have to absorb the blows that come your way. You have to be able to get up again and again. It’s a career built on disappointment. Not everything will go your way every time. There will be trials and tribulations, but they have

to accept that they have to learn their “trade”. Success will not necessarily come instantly, and it’s unfortunate that we live in world based on instant gratification and where everyone expects instant success.

I read an interesting book recently, based on the people like Bill Gates, David Beckham and Tiger Woods. It is the writer’s contention that it takes 10 years to actually be on the brink of success. It’s hard work on the way to success, and I agree very much with that. It was just before Christmas, that I was in London with my daughter, she was an ex Miss World 2003, and we were at X-Factor, An English talent show. There I met Paul McCarthy, my hero and idol. He was very charming to me. He said that he felt like he has known me for years through my music even though we haven’t met. I went to see his show which was amazing. I reflected on the book, in that he and the Beatles played more than 150 shows in Liverpool then they went to Hamburg, and then they went into the recording studio, and that is why the 1st album they recorded took one day.

These days that is inconceivable, but for the adopt-A-golfers, if you put in the hard work and make the sacrifices, then maybe, just maybe you will emerge ahead of the pack.


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Swingtime Golf Magazine - Issue 17