The Biarritz Golf blog
Proper surfing ... no, not on the internet !!
By Keith Sutherland 3 May 08
Before the world wide web came along, there was another use for the word surfing. Yes, this is the real thing .. people on surfboards enjoying the rolling waves of the Atlantic ocean right here in Biarritz. Between the 24 May and 1 June the ISA World Junior Surfing championship is being staged in Biarritz. It is bound to be a fantastic occasion with competitors from all over the globe and their supporters swelling the population of Biarritz and providing an exciting atmosphere. I know, I can here you saying “What’s this doing on a golf blog “? Well my friend, if you are in to the outdoor life and love surfing and “all things fresh air” why not combine a week surfing with a few rounds of golf on our fantastic Biarritz golf courses. Even those inexperienced surfers amongst you are catered for. We can arrange a morning session on the very beach where these championships are taking place, with all the gear included. Just contact us for further details on how to add something different and exhilarating to your golfing break. Good surfing … whichever one it is !!
Lady Golfer magazine
By Keith Sutherland 5 March 08
In a joint venture with Golf Hotel de Seignosse, we are delighted to promote a special offer in Lady Golfer magazine that will appear in the April and May editions. The advert appears on page 50 of the April edition with an editorial about us and the region …. just to let you know what you are really missing …. on page 70. For those of you who will not have ready access to the magazine click here to see what all the fuss is all about. Of course you can always contact me direct if you want to combine this with another few days in Biarritz. There is a reason why special offers are called that … because they are and ours is no exception. The latest edition of Lady Golfer will be on the Lady’s lounge coffee table of all UK golf clubs from April 13 onwards.
Les bleus v Les Rosbif (as we are called in Biarritz)
By Keith Sutherland 25 February 08
Well, it would be irresponsible of me as an Englishman living in Biarritz, probably the most partizan rugby region of France, not to acknowledge the events in Paris last Saturday night. Yes, I am fully integrated into the local culture, speak passable French and embrace all that this fantastic region has to offer those, who like me, originate from foreign shores …. but I was born and bread in England and grew up on a diet of Rugby. As our French guests arrived at our house shouting “allez les bleus” at the top of their voices and having witnessed the earlier debacle against Wales at Twickenham, I was not in a confident mood. At Half time with England on the rampage the red wine tasted very nice indeed and it did help to numb the feeling of panic as the French revival started in the second half. As my French guests bragged of retribution for the defeat in the semi final of the World cup, the red wine kicked in again and with Johnny in full flow and a try in the last two minutes, our friends were struck dumb … 13 -24 !! If you ever want to witness a disconsolate Frenchman drink two bottles of red wine in about thirty seconds .. beat his national rugby team twice in the space of six months and on his own soil. The bragging rights in Biarritz are mine for at least another 12 months … c’est magnifique
Valentines Day ... Biarritz style
By Keith Sutherland 15 February 08
A beautiful sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. What would we golfers think is the perfect way to spend the day ? … I know, 18 or 36 holes of golf !! Hey this is Valentines day when even the hardiest, most committed golfer can take time out to enjoy what this day is all about. So I decided that me and the “missus” should enjoy a romantic lunch at one of our favourite restaurants, La Tantina de la Playa, in Bidart, about a five minute taxi ride from the centre of Biarritz. OK, enough about us sitting there looking longingly into each others eyes etc, this is supposed to be a restaurant review.
The location of the restaurant is enough to inspire even the coldest heart, with Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beach about 50 feet below, this takes some beating. A fish restaurant that has more fresh fish on display than is sold at Billingsgate each day. Laid back, very friendly and a mouthwatering menu presented on blackboards by attentive staff, sets the scene. As usual, we had a choice of tables, by the window or on bench seats around a long table. The grilled sardines entree washed down with a local rose wine was followed by baked cod served on a bed of rice and tomato puree base .. there was no room for dessert and coffee, although there is always plenty to choose from. The fantastic ambience and consistently high quality of good seafood draws us back time after time and I have never stopped recommending it to our clients. There will be no sharp intake of breath as you are presented with the bill either. As we reluctantly left, the place was buzzing. They were queuing outside .. and the French normally never queue for anything …. romantic lot eh ?
Everyone getting in on the Biarritz golfing act !!
By Keith Sutherland 27 January 08
Following on with the announcements from Easyjet and their new direct routes to Biarritz from Bristol and London (Gatwick) this year, their great rivals at Ryanair have decided to start a direct service to Biarritz from Birmingham on the 1st of July. I knew we were popular, though at last, the penny seems to have dropped with the budget airlines. Obviously the senior management at Ryanair like playing golf down here, or the Ryanair Pilots Association Golf Society, have a lot of pull at boardroom level. Welcome one and all to Biarritz, you don’t know what you have been missing !
Hertfordshire celebrates victory against Biarritz
By Keith Sutherland 16 January 08
All you Saracens rugby fans out there must be jumping with joy at the fantastic win against Biarritz, in the Heineken Cup at Vicarage Road, last Saturday. The 45 – 16 score line was very impressive especially as Biarritz are well know for their defensive qualities. Well done Saracens ! Our local team, Biarritz Olympique, may well be licking their wounds at the moment and feeling a little deflated but they have the consolation of coming back to this magnificent region of South West France with it’s great golf courses and very chic town.
If all you Hertfordshire golfers would like to conquer the golf courses of Biarritz as well as their rugby club, have a good look around the rest of our site and request a quote. A direct service to Biarritz operates from your local Airport at London (Stansted). Find the best price and flight time by visiting their site at www.ryanair.com. We look forward to seeing you.
Easyjet announce new routes to Biarritz
By Keith Sutherland 7 January 08
Up until very recently, the only direct flight to Biarritz from London was from Stansted Airport with Ryanair. However and not before time, Easyjet have decided to muscle in on the action. Their initial foray is a direct service from Paris (CDG) Airport starting on the 7th of February. With good links to most UK main and provincial airports this service offers another choice beyond the current monopoly enjoyed by Ryanair. It gets better !! Easyjet have now announced two other direct services to Biarritz starting in 2008 from the UK. The first is from Bristol starting on the 23rd April and the second from Gatwick on the 4th of July.
There are of course many other ways to arrive in Biarritz from all over Europe, but I think the Easyjet announcement is very significant given the large “golfer catchement areas” around the South East and South West of England. To look at the schedules and prices of these new routes visit www.easyjet.com
To see which other airlines currently offer a service to Biarritz and surrounding Airports from other European cities please see our Planes and Trains page.
So there really is no excuse not to come to Biarritz and enjoy some fantastic golf, great weather and mouth watering cuisine. Perhaps you should book now before everyone else find out !!
Welcome to this blog
By Keith Sutherland 7 January 08
I hope you find this blog informative and sometimes amusing. It is intended to keep you, a prospective visitor to Biarritz, up to date with useful information regarding all that this fantastic region has to offer. It is written with the golfer in mind and will include up to date, in-depth reviews of the great courses, travel tips and anything else that you might need to know. I will also review the many restaurants and bars in Biarritz .. just to whet your appetite. Lets get going.