This time we managed to avoid the nightmare of the volcanic ash an had a very nice flight out to Turkey on Turkish Airlines. I always find that having a TV screen in the headrest in front of you with 60 films to choose from makes flying a little more bearable. The event took me to the National Golf Club in Belek, Antalya which is a fantastic location for golfers with some superb 5 star al inclusive hotels, which are dangerous if you like a tipple, (just ask some caddies), and equally good resort courses. The national Golf Club is the oldest one in the area, dating back to 1994 so not really that old compared to courses in the UK but considering that 2 of the 13-14 courses in the area are just over a year old, the National is something of a heritage site. The course is tight, tree lined and water comes into play on a majority of the holes so there is plenty to catch the wayward golfer. The greens are also pretty firm meaning that anything but the loftiest of wedges can skid through to the waiting rough or bunker unless your ball striking and spin control is up to speed.
This week turned out to be especially important as Melissa Reid finally recorded her first professional victory. We have all been waiting for a couple of years for Mel to win and 4 second places along with lots of top 10 finishes meant that it was only a matter of time before she won, but she kept us waiting. Anyway, congrats to Melissa, I am sure that this is the first of many wins, and on this form I am sure that she will take her new confidence into next week when we travel to Munich for the Unicredit Ladies German Open Presented by Audi.
Laura Davies, took her second title of the year by winning in Germany. Her earlier win in New Zealand gave her the title of the Oldest Winner on the Ladies European Tour. It was Laura's 74th global victory and she took home the 50,000 Euro winners cheque as well as an Audi A5 convertible.
