Volvo Golf Tour - UK

[Martin Toal]

http://www.volvogolf.co.uk/tour/tourschedule.aspx

If anyone is interested, this is a series of open golf events held throughout the UK, with a few overseas trips thrown in.

It is a chance to play some pretty interesting courses: Swinley, Hunstanton, West Hill, Beau Desert, Addington, Lytham, Castle Stuart, Birkdale, St Georges Hill, Sunningdale etc. Overseas include Thailand and Doral,

The days are very well organised, usually involving 36 holes. They are not cheap, but worth considering. I have entered a few, and paces will sell out quickly on the most popular.

[Tony_Muldoon]

Martin before I met some of this gang and joined a second club, I used to play a couple a year. Even brought "the Yank" along as my guest to Swinley , back when it was known as the Fore tour..  They are very well organised and I enjoyed the idea that I was playing e.g. 36 at Sunningdale in a proper competition.   As you know the top scores over a no of events (it used to be 6) qualify free for the end of season event in Portugal. In the bar after one outing I was told I was sitting next to someone who had finished in the top three in five events making him a cert to get a space in Portugal.  ON enquiring further I discovered that far from being a consistent 36  points type of guy he was a consistent 42 ;points type of guy, off a 24 handicap and no stranger to birdies and eagles!   As long as you don’t’ take it too seriously I think the chance of having good play rewarded with a prize on the day adds spice. If I had more time I’d certainly go to some events.

[Tony_Muldoon]

ROYAL LYTHAM & ST ANNES, Lancs Monday 6 Aug    £215.00

FORMBY, Merseyside       Tuesday 7 Aug    £136.00   

ROYAL BIRKDALE, Southport    Wednesday 8 Aug    £240.00   


Interesting to see what being a current Open course is worth financially to the paying punter and therefore club,  assuming they all sell out . There’s only one of those 3 courses I’m happy to py full price for and its not because it s the cheapest.  Formby makes my top 25 list and the other two are nowhere.

[Martin Toal]

Martin before I met some of this gang and joined a second club, I used to play a couple a year. Even brought "the Yank" along as my guest to Swinley , back when it was known as the Fore tour..  They are very well organised and I enjoyed the idea that I was playing e.g. 36 at Sunningdale in a proper competition.   As you know the top scores over a no of events (it used to be 6) qualify free for the end of season event in Portugal. In the bar after one outing I was told I was sitting next to someone who had finished in the top three in five events making him a cert to get a space in Portugal.  ON enquiring further I discovered that far from being a consistent 36  points type of guy he was a consistent 42 ;points type of guy, off a 24 handicap and no stranger to birdies and eagles!   As long as you don’t’ take it too seriously I think the chance of having good play rewarded with a prize on the day adds spice. If I had more time I’d certainly go to some events.

Tony

I just use it as a chance to play some courses I want to play, and I don't worry too much about their order of merit. From the latter part of last season, the events are CONGU- qualifying.

I have played Hankley Common, Hayling Island, Frilford Heath, Woburn and my home course, Bearwood Lakes in the last season or two. I was amazed to find that there are a few people who play 20 or more of these each season. I guess they must be independently wealthy and have understanding (or couldn't care less) spouses.

[Sean_A]

Martin

Yes, I played in one event as Spangles guest some years ago and was greatly impressed with the operation.  They play good courses, the organizer was personable and knowledgable and the golfers seemed a good lot.  I would play in again if the prices weren't so high.  The already expensive courses are made more so and as I don't really care about the competition it doesn't make much sense for me, however, for those looking for an easy way (pay and show up) to play great courses than this is a great society.  There is nothing else quite like it so far as I know. 

Ciao