The Biarritz Golf blog
Great golfing 2012
By Keith Sutherland 2 January 12
We hope that 2012 is a great golfing year for everyone out there and that wherever you decide to tour this year, a good time is had by one and all. However, now that the Euro is weakening under the pressure from internal strife, Biarritz represents a great deal for golfers from the UK and in fact from most non-Euro countries. If Biarritz did not appear on your radar up until now and the prospect of cheaper …. well everything really … appeals to you, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a tailor-made itinerary in 2012. We are already offering 10% off all bookings this year so now is an even better time to enjoy the Euro slump.
A very happy Christmas to golfers worldwide
By Keith Sutherland 25 December 11
A photo taken today of the “main plage” in Biarritz 25th December 2011 If its’s like this on Christmas day, just think how nice it will be during your golf tour next year?
From us all at Biarritz Golfing Experience to all the clients that have visited Biarritz this year and asked us to host your golf tour, thanks for trusting us, it was a pleasure to meet you. We know you had a great time because you were king enough to tell us.
To all those golfers out there who are teetering on the brink of coming to this relatively undiscovered golfing paradise ..we look forward to seeing you next year perhaps. A very happy christmas to you all and a peaceful and healthy 2012
Too much baggage?
By Keith Sutherland 26 November 11
Remember dragging your suitcase and golf clubs into the airport departure lounge, all exctied at the prospect of meeting up with you mates in readiness to fly off to …. Biarritz of course !! That nice warm feeling within and the prospect of four or five days golf with good friends and probably the odd glass or two of something ?. Then you arrive at the check in desk of “let me stripe you off airlines”. Your holiday baggage disappears as does a large amount of dosh from your wallet to pay for it all.
What would you say to us collecting ALL your tour party baggage and clubs from your golf club or appointed collection point, taking it to Biarritz and delivering it to your hotel? and obviously returning it all after your successful tour ? all fully insured whilst in transit. A bit of “no brainer” really. At the moment it is only available for groups of 12 or more but we are working on reducing that number. What a great start to your golf tour. Just get in touch via the contact page for further details.
Manchester to Biarritz at last !!
By Keith Sutherland 3 November 11
We know there is a great deal of rivalry in Manchester at the moment between their two excellent football clubs but hopefully Biarritz may well slip into the mix next summer. If as a Mancunian golfer, you can tear your self away from the football (probably during the off-season) we are very happy to announce that as from the 25 March 2012 you can fly direct to Biarritz from your beloved city. At last the great golf and fun that we offer you is firmly on your radar. For some time our friends in the North west have had to struggle to Stansted or Birmingham for a direct flight but due to the planners at Ryanair all you have to do is drive down the road. Just hit the “contact us” tab at the top of the page for a personalised quote for your 2012 golf tour then leave everything else to us.
Another airline bringing you to Biarritz
By Keith Sutherland 14 October 11
Well nearly Biarritz !! CITYJET are now flying from Dublin and London City Airport direct to Pau. Where ? I hear you say. Well to begin with and from a golfers perspective, Pau boasts the oldest golf course on mainland Europe. This lovely city is about one hour to the east of Biarritz and its all Motorway. We can arrange to meet you and your group at this small provincial airport and deliver you in chauffeured transport to your hotel in Biarritz. There is already a daily service to Biarritz from London Stansted with Ryanair though any additional flights bringing loads more inquisitive golfers to this fantastic region, has to be a good thing. All you have to do is hit our contact page, fill in a few details and before you know it …. oh and minus some dosh of course, you could be on your way out here to enjoy some great golf.
What type of service do you offer ?
By Keith Sutherland 25 September 11
A question which we are asked quite a lot by prospective clients and one which has been well and truly answered by those clients of ours who have experienced it at first hand. Well, it goes without saying that your Hotel, preferred golf courses, tee times along with your organised transport will have all been taken care of prior to your arrival. That’s what every golf tour company should offer as a minimum.
However, we thought it would be a good idea to reiterate what we hope comes across on our website, regarding the standard of service you can expect to receive once you arrive here in Biarritz and chosen us as your host.
A member of our bilingual team will meet you and ensure safe arrival at your hotel
We will brief you about Biarritz and answer any questions you might have regarding your tour and give you maps of the area along with any relevant up to date information. (This normally takes place in an bar)
We recommend and book restaurants for you ensuring that you dine at the appropriate establishment according to your party’s palate. This also avoids disappointment to larger parties who because of their number need to book in advance
We arrange “tasting trips” to local vineyards or “tapas tours” to San Sebastian, helicopter flights over Biarritz, golf trick shot specialist to attend your tour along with a PGA professional to help you with those “swing adjustments”
We precede you to your chosen golf courses, take care of all the admin, arrange golf buggies and obtain up to date course information so that when you arrive there is nothing left to do …. except soak up the atmosphere and hope that your first tee shot, in front of all your friends, goes 260 yards straight down the fairway
We arrange for your chauffeur to pick you up from your course when it suits YOU then return you to your Hotel in time for your evening festivities.
We remain on hand at all times to ensure the smooth running of your tour and to ensure that you spend all your time doing what you came here for
When the time arrives, we ensure your are reluctantly returned to the point of your departure in plenty of time for your flight/train
…. and how much more do you pay for this service ? absolutely nothing!!. It is all included in your quote. Should you prefer to be more independent and for us to hover in the background, we are happy to do so, whatever suits you ..all part of the Biarritz plus service
Now we don’t claim to cover every eventuality but we try. We also know that in general, our competitors do not offer this type of service .. because we have phoned them and asked. Vouchers only I’m afraid. Now, we don’t think that’s service !!
Glorious September
By Keith Sutherland 7 September 11
Whilst September spells the end of summer holidays for most families and the dreaded return to school for our kids, we have always been informing our golfing clients in person and via this blog, that September and October in Biarritz are great months to come out here and golf. The weather is still great and most of the non golfing holidaymakers who rightly chose Biarritz as their preferred holiday destination have departed.
Well in case there are any sceptics out there, it’s the 7th of September and the temperatures in Biarritz this week are or will be (all in sunshine) ……. Monday – 22c, Tuesday – 23c, Today – 22c, Thursday – 25, Friday – 29c, Saturday – 23c & Sunday – 25c. You have to agree that with that kind of weather, Biarritz can more than match other Southern European venues. Very agreeable golfing conditions indeed …fancy a suntan ?
Extended Radisson Hotel deal
By Keith Sutherland 7 September 11
We blogged on the 24th of June that our good friends at the Radisson Hotel in Biarritz had decided to offer 20% below the normal rates. Now we know that those of you who came out here and took advantage of this great offer, certainly enjoyed staying at and enjoying the superb facilities at the Radisson. For those of you who think that this offer has passed … think again !! The offer is being extended until the 20th of October and is available on a standard double room with a Biarritz view. A Great hotel and great golf in a great town, we think it’s a winning combination and we hope you do to
Haven't we all been there but don't like to admit it?
By Keith Sutherland 3 September 11
Carry you bags sir ?
By Keith Sutherland 17 July 11
We know that Biarritz is not the most difficult golfing destination to reach in the world, though that never stops our quest to explore different ways of making it even easier for our clients to do so. Fed up with lugging the suitcase and golf clubs to the airport only on arrival at the check in desk to be told by the smiling assassin check in girl that you are overweight ? (sorry,not YOU are overweight but your precious clubs and clothes) Wouldn’t it be great to arrive at the airport with just hand baggage, no exces charges to pay and fly one in the face of the bucket airlines who have been ripping golfers off for years?
Well we can now offer UK golfers door to Biarritz return transportation of your clubs and suitcases 24/7. How good is that ? There are conditions of course but by no means restrictive. There is a weight limit of 30kg per item and there are restrictions on what can be included in your baggage, as indeed there is with any transporter. The service requires a minimum of 12 in the party. A full list can be sent to you on request. Another great personal service from Biarritz Golfing Experience to add to the already impressive list. E-mail or call us soon for a quote to make your tour in Biarritz even more hassle free
Late booking special
By Keith Sutherland 8 July 11
OK so its July and most people’s thoughts are turning to the annual family holiday which is just around the corner. But when you have spent all day long on the beach making sure the kids don’t come to any harm then run out of spare change to buy ice creams for everyone and there is not a cold beer in sight … what do your thoughts turn to ? A short late break with your golfing buddies ? Well we know only to well from past experiences that many other golfers think along the same lines and Biarritz features high on their list of preferred destinations. September is a great month in Biarritz as the weather is great, most of the madding crowds have returned from whence they came and the golf courses resemble a haven of peace and tranquility again.
Our good friends at the Radisson Blu Hotel are making the decision to come on out here for a few days, very much easier. They are offering during selected weekends in September, a double room … WITH BREAKFAST at an amazing €66 per person !! This incredible offer means that a weekend away at this fantastic hotel with great facilities, including a heated rooftop swimming pool, spa, two restaurants and a breakfast buffet fit for a King allied to great golf and our first class service, is not only affordable but also exclusive.
Come on, it’s not to late to find some late summer sun and a great time in Biarritz. Just click on the “love golf” link on the main page of our website and you could be in Biarritz before you know it.
What's a Biarritz green ?
By Keith Sutherland 28 June 11
A Biarritz, or Biarritz green, is a green that features a deep gully bisecting its middle. The gully, which is manicured the same as the rest of the green, usually runs from side-to-side, but sometimes runs from front to back. A biarritz is especially challenging when the hole is cut on one side of the gully and your ball is sitting on the other side, requiring a long putt that must travel down the gully then up its other side to reach the hole. Some golfers choose to pitch over the gully rather than putt through it. There .. I bet you didn’t know that ??
Golfers deals only
By Keith Sutherland 24 June 11
Once again our friends at the Radisson Blu Hotel have offered our clients some further reductions on their already competitive prices, though this time it is for GOLFERS ONLY.
Like all hotels, golf courses and everyone else connected with the golfing industry in Biarritz we want to see more golfers out here enjoying the unique experience that this wonderful region offers clients. The Radisson have reduced prices below our normal rates to another 20%. The hotel is very conveniently situated only a drive and a pitching wedge in distance from the town centre. They have their own spa, a rooftop pool, two very good restaurants and the serve the biggest breakfast in Biarritz ! Reasons enough ? Get in touch soon and let us tailor make your package to include this very good 4 star hotel
Gallant losers
By Keith Sutherland 10 April 11
What a match !! No, for once we are not talking golf here but the fantastic, hard fought and thrilling encounter with Toulouse in San Sebastian today. A marvellous advert for the Heineken cup and unfortunately a defeat for Biarritz. Well done Toulouse and good luck for the semi final in Dublin.
Now that you have brought a lot of your supporters to the Beautiful Basque country and seen what we have to offer, when you come back here next time why not bring you golf clubs. Now I speak from personal experience and if there is one thing that you will never excel in over Biarritz … it is our fantastic golf courses. Enjoy the day Toulouse and come back soon to enjoy out unique hospitality.
Do you need enticements ?
By Keith Sutherland 18 March 11
BOOK FIVE YEARS IN ADVANCE WITH US AND YOU WILL RECEIVE A FREE SLEEVE OF GOLF BALLS PER PERSON !!
Do you really need incentives to come to Biarritz ? Look, we have obviously thought about how we can entice golfers to come to this fantastic region and play great golf courses, eat in superb restaurants, soak up the truly unique ambiance of Biarritz and then return back to whence you came wondering why you had never done this before.
But then we thought, well Biarritz speaks for itself. That is not some arrogant marketing boast, just a simple statement which is backed up by many happy clients who visit us year in year (yes, they also go elsewhere in the world as well ) and enjoy all that this fantastic region offers.
OK, you want a free beer ? No problem. We would be delighted to meet you at the airport, take you to a bar and share a beer or two whilst filling you in on all the inside info on Biarritz along with suggesting a great restaurant to visit and then booking it on your behalf.
FORGET GOLF BALLS .. WOULD’NT YOU RATHER HAVE A BEER ?
Another great deal from our Radisson Hotel partners
By Keith Sutherland 24 February 11
There is not long to go until the main golfing “season” starts in Biarritz and golfers from all over the world descend on the region to play some quality golf courses, experience great scenery and of course delicious local wines and cuisine. However, the climate in Biarritz right now is very agreeable and the golf courses are in great shape. Why not take this opportunity to beat the crowds and sample the delights of Biarritz before the season starts.
Our partners at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Biarritz, a great four star hotel that serves the biggest buffet breakfast in town, are offering our clients a fantastic 10% discount until the 31st March 2011.
Great golf, superb accommodation, fantastic Biarritz .. come and enjoy it all before the crowds arrive. Just click on our link on the home page to enquire
Fancy a really relaxed way to arrive in Biarritz ?
By Keith Sutherland 18 January 11
Well, you won’t have to put up with delays, small seats, little or no leg room, food of questionable quality, earache and a whole lot more on this journey. Now I’ve got nothing against flying but the last time I looked, there were not many volcanic cloud problems down her on “terra firma” of such magnitude that they would interfere with this very relaxed form of travel. Ever thought of kicking back on the very fast TGV service from Paris to Biarritz direct ? It’s simplicity personified to get to Paris from the UK via St Pancreas in London and once on board you can relax and watch the beautiful French countryside roll by as you sip your first aperitif. Prices are really good, there is no exorbitant fee for your golf clubs and when you arrive in Biarritz, we will be there to pick you up. It couldn’t be easier. Granted it takes a little more time than one of many flying Airbus or Boeing creations , but aren’t you supposed to be on holiday ? For further information see the RailEurope website at www.raileurope.co.uk/tgv
Train , plane or automobile ? for the chilled out amongst you, it’s got to be the train every time.
Biarritz and Bayonne ..A tale of two cities
By Keith Sutherland 18 January 11
So close and yet a world apart. Biarritz, on the dramatic Atlantic coast of southern Aquitaine, is a former whaling village that became a gracious resort and more recently also morphed into a cool surfing centre. Bayonne, just 8km inland, is an intriguing little cathedral city of wobbly old timber-frame houses and extraordinary topography, set on the confluence of two rivers: the Adour and Nive. It takes under 15 minutes to drive from the centre of one town to the other – a remarkably short journey for a striking change in atmosphere and outlook.
The residents of these cities revel in their differences – and their rivalry. All of which adds to the appeal of a visit here. It’s rugby, they’ll tell you, that most neatly illustrates their contrasts. Any Bayonne resident will admit wistfully that their team is struggling, but will add with a big smile that it has a passionately strong following. Biarritz people, on the other hand, acknowledge with some sang froid that they are much less supportive of their players, although their team is far more successful.
What the locals do share is an enormous pride in being Basque. For you’re in the heart of France’s small Pays Basque here. Its rich heritage is reflected in restaurant menus; in the language, Euskara, that is fairly widely spoken; in the fast-moving games of pelota and in the traditionally styled houses dotted around both towns. It was this time honoured architecture that enchanted Victor Hugo when he visited Biarritz in 1843; then a cute little harbour village. Hugo remarked that Biarritz was bound to become fashionable soon. And it did, big time.
VAT increase .. whats that?
By Keith Sutherland 5 January 11
Judging by the stats we receive daily on our website performance, visitors and the like, there are a lot of golfers out there sitting at home, or more likely in the office, dreaming of your 2011 golf tour and musing over the pictures and golf course descriptions here in Biarritz.
With the dreaded VAT increase upon us and the daily comings and goings on the various news channels of us Brits running around like headless chickens buying up several 42 inch plasma TV’s as a perverse way of beating the hike.
Fear not as anyone who is wondering how George Osborne’s fiscal policy is about to effect your 2011 tour need not panic about any increase from us. We have declared ourselves a non VAT increase zone for 2011. So after having spent some time on our website choosing what combination of the eight fantastic courses you want to play and what lovely hotel suits your purse, rest assured that you can make the choice safe in the knowledge that we are not and never will be, one of George’s robbing pirates.
Is it me ?
By Keith Sutherland 5 January 11
New Year’s resolutions, I mean what’s the point? How many of you have actually made a resolution that you’ve stuck with? In fact, how many people nowadays even make New Year’s resolutions?
I stopped making resolutions long ago. I have come to realise that I’m probably not going to make any dramatic changes to my marginally over 50 year old body, certainly not going to join a gym, when I’m surrounded by great walks, fresh air and several great golf courses. As a matter of fact, the only resolution I have stuck with is to not make any more resolutions. It seems to be working for me so far.
However, this year I’ve decided to make a special exception. This year, I’m going to make a resolution regarding my golf game. I’m not going down the same old road of resolving to lower my handicap. Nor to practice a lot more. I will practice a bit, but no more than usual. What I am going to do is resolve to play more .. that’s it. Now that seems an attainable goal to me.
I think that’s the key to a New Year’s resolution – make it attainable. I’m not going to practice more because, well, I don’t want to! I play to play. My score is my score. My handicap (or anyone else’s for that matter) is meaningless to me. So that’s out the window. But I very much want to play more than I did last year! So there we are ….. instant resolution!
Even if it’s just nine holes, half a round of golf is better than no golf! So I’m going to buck my normal trend and actually make a New Year’s resolution. Simple, attainable and something I want to do. I resolve to play more golf in 2011. How about you?