Over the past few weeks there have been some changes to our holiday administration, and I am sure many of you will know by now that the Inta Group, which included Bill Goff, has ceased trading. This came as a shock to both of us.
Fortunately we only used them for our holiday administration, bookings etc and in return we booked all of our tours and Golf Schools through them.
We have now made new arrangements. Some of you will remember that we once booked through a Company called Distant Landings, and it, once again, is going to take over our administration. All you have to do is book your Golf School, Holiday or Golf Tour through Marion and I on either 01376 563104 or 07801 428174, and everything will be taken care of. The booking will go through Distant Landings which is a respected golf tour operator. So, all you have to do is look forward to your golf holiday.
We have also re named our web site. It is basically the same, although I plan to have the information of my UK Golf Academy at Forrester Park GC included on the site.
If you now go to garypikegolf.com all of the information you will need will be there.
This is now our brochure, but if you are not 'web friendly' we are happy to send you the information you require through the post, simply call Marion on 01376 563104 or Gary 07801 428174.

Next years Golf Schools
We have six schools scheduled for 2010 all at the 5 star Penina Resort. The Golf Schools are now in their twelfth year and are as popular as ever. The dates are 13th March, 1st April, 10th of April, 10th of May, 25th September, 2nd October and the 20th of November.

The Schools cover everything you will need to improve your scores, including full swing computer analysis, putting, chipping, pitching, bunker play, game management and, of course, mind management. So, whichever area you feel is weak in your game, we will help you improve in the delightful surroundings of Penina in Portugal.
The coaching takes place each morning from 9 'til 12, and in the afternoon you will play golf, 3 rounds on the Championship Course and 3 rounds on the Resort Course.
In the evenings three meals are included in the price of the holiday, but, over the years we have built great relationships with the local restaurants, including Fernando's up in the hills, a short taxi ride away. So the evenings are very sociable, making them ideal for independent travellers as there is always company throughout the days and evenings.
The Golf Schools are suitable for golfers of all abilities, from beginners through to experienced players. All of the coaching is based on individual needs and the group size is limited to 12 to ensure maximum attention from Gary.

Holidays and Tours
18th January South Africa
We are starting our year in the Cape. (Marion's favourite destination) Whether it is the lack of jet lag, the food, or the bright colours when we are in the midst of the winter blues here in the UK, it's a great destination.

The start of this tour is in wonderful Cape Town with Table Mountain as a backdrop. Then on to Fancourt, the number 1 golf resort in South Africa. Finally to Jocks Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park to see some game and play the ranked number 1 course, Leopard Creek.
Although this tour is already full, and has been for some time, Marion and I have decided to try and do more tours to South Africa in the future as it's always so popular and is such a fantastic and diverse Country. You will be able to follow this year's tour on Facebook or read the report on the garypikegolf.com web site under 'reports and galleries'.
If you are interested in a South African Tour please let us know and we will contact you when our next tour is available.

8th May 2010 Fairplay Hotel and Spa, 5 star all inclusive.
This is our third year returning to Fairplay, and it is hard to describe just how good it is. The first thing to mention is that it is situated near Jerez on the Southern Coast of Spain, on the edge of a vast natural park with the most stunning views of unspoilt countryside.

The hotel is a suite hotel. Each room has a lounge area and bedroom and is probably the best hotel room Marion and I have ever stayed in. Each of the rooms is themed and centred around individual courtyards, for example the African courtyard the Asian Courtyard, Colonial Courtyard and so on, and the whole hotel is built in the style of a typical white village, so much a part of the Andalusian landscape.
As for dining, when we say 'five star' we are confident that you will agree; There are two lunchtime restaurants, the poolside and the Spanish. In the evening we have a choice of three, the Spanish, French or Asian, with fabulous wines all included in the cost of your holiday, and the standard is nothing short of excellent.
The golf course is a lovely design, very 'walkable', with tricky greens and strategic design of each hole making it a challenge for all abilities of player.
We have already taken bookings for this holiday from guests who went last year; this is always an indication of a great venue.

2nd September 2010 Casa Velha Hotel and Spa 5 star half board
This is our 4th year at the Relais Château, Casa Velha Hotel on the sun drenched and beautiful Island of Madeira. Set on the Palheiro Estate with their wonderful gardens and 18 hole golf course, where, from the clubhouse terrace there are views over the historic town of Funchal. This holiday provides everything, challenging golf, wonderful fine dinning and the service and attention which one would expect from a Relais Château hotel.

Over the years I have always marketed Casa Velha as 'golf and gourmet', this is the primary reason we opt for half board, there seems little point in dinning anywhere else with such a high standard of cuisine and, of course, great wines.
We play three times at the Palheiro Course which is undulating and very pretty but challenging, and once at the Santa da Serra layout, host to the Madeira Open for many years and truly spectacular in design and scenery.

1st November 2010 Myrtle Beach South Carolina USA
This has to be one of my most favourite places in the World, a big statement, but its for a big holiday. What do I like to do the most? Number 1 play golf, 2 I love to eat, and 3 I love to shop, and its all there.
We stay at the Hampton Inn on Broadway at the Beach, a top tourist attraction in South Carolina. Broadway at the Beach is designed around a large lake and around the outside are some great attractions, including Riplys Aquarium, a Movie Theatre and the greatest crazy golf course, the Dragons Lair. Also around the lake are some fantastic restaurants, including Liberty Steak House, Tony Roma's Rib House, Yamoto Japanese and many many more. The Hampton Inn is situated on the lake so we can walk to eat.
The golf courses are just fantastic. We always play a mixture of resort and premiere courses, so, something for everyone.

As for the shopping - it can't get any more fun! For golfers there are several Martins Golf Stores, they are about the size of your average Sainsbury's, crammed with every conceivable golfing club and accessory, and, as for clothes, the Tanger Outlet stores are just down Route 501 with all of the big designer names at low low prices. So, don't pack heavy, you may need the space.

Please Book Early
As ever all of our tours run on a limited number of guests. There is an increasing trend in the travel industry of booking later and later, however tours cannot run like this. We have to reserve rooms, flights and tee times, and if the
required number is not taken in time, we have to let them go, and it may not be possible to reserve them at a later date. So, booking early really helps us to organise your holidays and tours so that you are not disappointed.

We both look forward to seeing you in 2010

Gary and Marion

7/1/2110

The calendar below has the details of our forthcoming long haul tours, the prices quoted are not including a flight. This means your travel can become more flexible. I.e. using air miles or preferred airline etc. If you require more detailed itinerary's or flight bookings and costs please call us.

CALENDAR 2010
From:		to	Nights	Country & Location:	Price:
06/03	-	13/03	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5		details	GS
13/03	-	20/03	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5		details	GS
10/04	-	17/04	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£820*	details	GS
01/05	-	08/05	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£820*	details	GS
08/05	-	15/05	7	Spain, Benalup; Fairplay Hotel and Spa: Luxury All Inclusive Hotel 5 (approximate price including flight £1615**)	£1435*	details
02/09	-	09/09	7	Madeira , Casa Velha 5	£1325*	details
25/09	-	02/10	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£820*	details	GS
02/10	-	09/10	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£820*	details	GS
01/11	-	14/11	13	USA, Myrtle Beach	£1,995**	details
20/11	-	27/11	7	Portugal, Western Algarve, Le Meridien Penina 5	£TBA	details	GS
				*Prices per person sharing including golf excluding flights **Prices per person sharing including golf & including flights
GS - Golf School Brochure link      Available Fully Booked