France 2024 – A Right Royal Experience!

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From the royal town of Versailles to the imperial town of Fontainebleau, our France tour felt every bit as regal as its destinations. Luxuriating in privileged accommodations neighboring the grand Palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau, we enjoyed exclusive, guided tours crafted exclusively for On The Tee, along with golf at some of France’s finest courses.

Versailles

We spent five unforgettable nights at the historic Waldorf Astoria Versailles, where the journey began with Taittinger Champagne and delightful canapés, shared among new friends.

Our first game at Le Golf National, on the Albatros course (ranked #10 in France) set a high bar; having just hosted the Olympics, the course was in impeccable condition. Similarly, our golfers enjoyed playing at Golf de Saint-Germain (#5 in France), which they described as “challenging, but thoroughly satisfying.”

Our superb, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide, Elisa, brought Versailles to life with her vibrant storytelling, leading us on walking tours of the town, the palaces, and the gardens of Trianon. In Paris, we followed her through the Louvre’s masterpieces and on to Île-de-la-Cité, where we visited Marie-Antoinette’s chilling cell in the Conciergerie, followed by the glorious Sainte-Chapelle and its awe-inspiring stained glass.

Our exclusive tour of the impressive and opulent Palace of Versailles was an unparalleled highlight. Behind secret doors and beyond public areas, we explored sumptuous rooms up close—spaces usually seen only from afar by the general public. Standing where so many have marveled across centuries, we were struck by the privilege of exploring one of the world’s most celebrated monuments in such an intimate way. What a pleasure it was to avoid the long queues and experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which welcomes almost 8 million visitors each year!

We also visited the whimsical home of Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers. His residence, a small Renaissance-style château complete with a Gothic writer’s studio surrounded by a moat, offered an inspiring glimpse into the mind of this romantic and eccentric literary legend. We could all see ourselves being inspired to write in such enchanting surroundings!

Fontainebleau

On the way to Fontainebleau, we paused to enjoy a picturesque village associated with the pre-Impressionists. After the excitement of Paris and Versailles, it was refreshing to slow down and absorb the simple charm of the French countryside.

In Fontainebleau, we were warmly welcomed at the Hôtel de Londres, which has been in the same family for four generations and is where Marcel Proust famously wrote part of his masterpiece In Search of Lost Time. The elegance and warmth here made us feel like honoured guests in a fine French residence.

Our golfers teed off at Golf de Fontainebleau (#4 in France), one of France’s oldest and most charming courses. They also played the beautiful and challenging course at Golf du Château d'Augerville, rounding off our royal experience in style.

Our evening visit to a privately-owned château, lit by 2,000 candles, was an outstanding highlight. We heard the château’s intriguing history, explored the beautiful gardens, and enjoyed a delicious, gourmet meal inspired by 17th-century cuisine—truly fit for royalty! The night concluded with a breathtaking fireworks display over the château grounds, making it an evening that felt like pure magic and one that each of us will cherish.

So many memories created, so much to absorb… We can hardly wait to return to France in August 2025! We couldn’t resist including some of this year’s special highlights in next year's tour. Take a peek at our 2025 tour here—another journey awaits!

Golf and Wildlife Adventure: A Memorable Journey through Kenya

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I’ll attempt to capture the essence of our recent journey through Kenya—a land where breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and thrilling wildlife adventures converge. From the lush golf courses of Nairobi to the heart of the Maasai Mara and the Indian Ocean coast, each day of our itinerary offered a unique blend of golf, culture, and wildlife.

Golf in Nairobi

Our golf adventure began at the serene Karen Country Club, a splendid introduction to golf in Nairobi. Despite the course being slightly wet underfoot from the major flooding experienced throughout the country a month before our tour, not even an afternoon thunderstorm deterred us—most played through the rain.

Next, we navigated the scenic fairways of Sigona Golf Club. Designed by Tom Simpson, this course is celebrated for its lush kikuyu fairways and challenging contours. Elevated tees and fast greens added to our golfing experience. In Kenya, logo golf balls are a rare find, so we were thrilled to discover Sigona had them in stock.

Friday's highlight was golfing at Muthaiga Golf Club, known for its fast greens and for hosting the Magical Kenya Open. Designed by Peter Matkovich, the course featured the most challenging layout of all the courses we played, especially the front nine accessed by the highway overpass.

Exploring Nairobi’s Attractions

In addition to our golf outings, we had time to explore Nairobi’s other attractions. We visited Nairobi National Park, the Karen Blixen Museum, the Giraffe Centre, and delved into local wildlife conservation efforts at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

We knew our chances of seeing rhinos in the Maasai Mara were slim, so we jumped at the chance for a mini-safari in Nairobi National Park to spot these amazing animals. The park is home to over 150 black and white rhinos, and the best part is you get to see them with the city skyline in the background. It's pretty cool that there's a national park just 20 minutes from the capital city.

The Karen Blixen Museum is based in the home of the Danish author known for her literary works and her life in Africa. She is best recognized for her memoir “Out of Africa” and the short story “Babette’s Feast,” both adapted into Academy Award-winning films.

The orphaned baby elephants and rhinos at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust truly stole our hearts. What started as one family's passion for Kenya and its wilderness has grown into the world's most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program. Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to learn more about their amazing projects and how they are making a difference.

The Giraffe Centre was established to preserve the Rothschild Giraffe. Jock and Betty Leslie-Melville founded it after realizing this species was nearly extinct. They began with a breeding program at their home, now the exclusive Giraffe Manor Hotel, and later expanded it into a more extensive conservation effort.

The Great Rift Valley Adventure

After spending a week in Nairobi, we set off for the Great Rift Valley. On the way, we stopped at Lake Naivasha to see its resident hippo families up close. It was amazing to see the giraffes on Crescent Island where ‘Out of Africa’ was filmed and watch the African Fish Eagles fishing.

Teeing off with zebras at the Great Rift Valley Golf Course was surreal, and sharing the fairways with warthogs and gazelles made the experience even more unforgettable.

Maasai Mara

Our four days in the Maasai Mara were filled with exhilarating game drives, close wildlife encounters, bush lunches, and sunset drinks on the plains. What a way to spend one’s days! The cheetahs were my favorite, closely followed by a massive pride of lions striding past our safari vehicle. Despite the abundance of wildlife, the elusive leopards managed to stay out of sight. The rains had left some parts of the Mara quite wet, making it difficult to reach the tree pockets favoured by leopards.

In addition to the game drives, we visited a Maasai village, learning about their nomadic lifestyle, intricate beadwork, and vibrant dances. Some of us also took the opportunity to see the savannah from a hot air balloon ride, which was an unforgettable experience!

Mombasa and Vipingo Ridge Golf Club

We flew on tiny Cessna charter planes from Keekorok Airstrip to Mombasa, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the savannah, glimpses of the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro through the clouds, and the pristine white sandy beaches of Diani along the Indian Ocean coast.

Our final two rounds of golf were at Vipingo Ridge, East Africa's only PGA-accredited course and the venue for the season opener of the Ladies European Tour, the region's sole professional women’s golf competition. The natural beauty and wildlife, including zebras, elands, and giraffes, made our golfing experience truly magical.

Unforgettable memories of golf intertwined with wildlife encounters, cultural experiences with the Maasai, and the vibrant life of Mombasa will forever inspire our connection to this exotic destination. Kwaheri, Kenya – until we meet again!

Join Us Next June!

Join us in June 2025 for our escorted tour to this exotic destination, perfect for both couples and solo travelers looking to explore East Africa. Following the success of our 2024 tour, we’ll offer similar extensions in 2025 to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Uganda for Mountain Gorilla Trekking.

To express interest in joining our limited 16-guest tour, please email Ria at ria@onthetee.com.au.

Custom Safaris

In addition to escorted golf and safari tours, we specialize in arranging custom safaris throughout Southern and East Africa. Contact us to create an adventure tailored to your preferences and wishlist!

Golf and Cherry Blossoms Tour 2024

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Golf and Cherry Blossoms Tour 2024

Our journey began with unexpected cherry blossoms from Kobe to Tokyo, thanks to a timely cold snap. We started in Kobe at the Meriken Park Oriental Hotel with a surprise fireworks display. We explored Himeji Castle, tasted sake, and shopped in Motomachi. Our golfers faced unique challenges at Arima Royal Golf Club and Rokko Kokusai Golf Club, where our golfers faced unique challenges.

Despite the rain, Kyoto dazzled us with the Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and a magical nighttime walk in Gion. We even took a kyogashi-making class. We also played at the challenging Seta Golf Club.

In Mie, we visited Ise Jingu Shrine, learned about Ama divers, and toured Mikimoto Pearl Island. Staying at Umi-no-Chou ryokan in Toba, we enjoyed views of Ise Bay, relaxing onsens, and an unforgettable lobster sashimi meal. Golf was at another Seiichi Inoue designed course, Ise Country Club.

Mount Fuji greeted us from the shinkansen as we headed to Taiheiyo Gotemba, rated Japan’s top golf course. Our tour concluded in Tokyo with visits to Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, bar-hopping and a fun "mamachari" cycling and food tour.

Join us for an equally exciting Autumn Tour to Japan and Okinawa in November!

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Queenstown 2023

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Picturesque Queenstown adorned with mostly sunny days, set the stage for a week filled with excellent food, great company, and, of course, magnificent golf.

The golf adventure began at journey began at Jack's Point Golf Club. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of the Remarkables and shimmering Lake Wakatipu, this course was set to unfold a rugged and wild adventure. John Darby’s design showcases New Zealand's prowess in creating golfing masterpieces. One can't help but marvel at the charm and the rugged allure that defines this course. It was more than a round of golf; it was an adventure etched in the untamed landscapes of the South Island.

Our next round was at Arrowtown Golf Club on a day forecast to be chilly and wet. However, as luck would have it, the sun decided to grace us with its presence, proving that even the weather favours On The Tee Tours. The hosts had a warm surprise planned for the the golfers at the 11th hole– a wee drop of scotch at the tee-box of the aptly named 'Johnny Walker' hole. But with the unexpected sunshine, spirits remained high, and the scotch became a delightful option rather than a necessity.

Next on our golfing adventure was Millbrook Resort, nestled near Arrowtown. The Coronet Championship Course awaited our tour, blending seamlessly with the natural rugged features of the landscape. From schist outcrops to undulating terrain, the course offered a truly spectacular golfing experience. The Mill Stream quietly meandered through, providing a peaceful contrast to the drama of sheer rock faces.

Post-game, we ventured into the historical charm of Arrowtown itself. The streets lined with quaint shops beckoned us, offering a perfect complement to our day on the course. A refreshing drink at one of the local watering holes was the ideal way to round off the day.

After a leisurely day exploring non-golf activities in Queenstown, we concluded our journey with a final round at Queenstown Golf Club. Situated amidst the beautiful surroundings of Lake Wakatipu and above the town, the course was nothing short of picturesque. Every tee offered ample photo opportunities, capturing the essence of the stunning scenery that surrounded us.

As we wrapped up this tour, the last for 2023, we reflected on the camaraderie, the challenging courses, and the picturesque landscapes that made this trip truly special.

Until our next swing together, may your drives be long, your putts be true, and your golfing memories be everlasting!

Golf and Culinary Delights - Kyushu 2023

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“It was the trip of a lifetime! The golf courses we had the opportunity to play – all magnificent. The Japanese way of golf – from caddies, lunch in the middle and the after golf onsens! Never in my dreams did I think I would be ‘onsening’ after golf!
I loved the mix of golf courses, accommodation, and food! My expectations were exceeded again, again and then again! The tour ran perfectly for me – but I know how much work went on behind the scenes. I greatly appreciate On The Tee for the work you do.
Thanks for so much fun and a very memorable trip.”
— Heidi Darwell

Our inaugural women's journey to Japan was expertly guided by Yoko Timbs. Instead of following the well-trodden paths of Kyoto and Tokyo, for this tour we ventured into the hidden golfing paradise of Kyushu—an island pulsating with vitality and adorned with active volcanoes. Our exploration covered a myriad of sights, from Miyazaki’s serene Shinto shrines to the enchanting gardens and castle in Kumamoto, and the mesmerizing wonders of Sakurajima and Mount Aso with its daily eruptions.

Our culinary escapades were equally delightful, featuring splendid dinners showcasing a diverse array of styles. We savoured every mouthful from a sophisticated kaiseki dinner to a replica of Hideki Matsuyama’s Champions’ Dinner, shabu-shabu, sukiyaki, and izakaya dinners. Our journey through Kyushu also included an exploration of its rich produce, from scochi to rice wine vinegars, as well as indulging in the flavours of Korobuta Pork, Miyazaki Chicken, and Miyazaki Wagyu.

We immersed ourselves in the warmth of the heated sand baths in Ibusuki, luxuriated in the comfort of hotel onsens, and onsens at golf clubs. We experienced onsens indoors, outdoors, at sunrise, at sunset, under the stars and in forests. Any excuse for an onsen! With the addition of seven exhilarating rounds of golf, this tour was undeniably a one-of-a-kind experience—a truly fantastic adventure that left us with lasting memories.

The courses played were all magnificently manicured championship courses, each had their own unique charm.

UMK Country Club

We were honoured to be the first western group to play at UMK Country Club and it was the perfect introduction to the customs and traditions around golf in Japan for the group. From the caddies to the five-person self-drive-remote controlled carts that remain on a fixed track, to lunch after nine holes and the the après-golf onsen, we loved it all.

Designed by Hisamitsu Onishi, the two nines were quite different. The outbound nine had relatively wide fairways while the inbound 9 holes required more thoughtful and accurate shot making.

Queen’s Hill Golf Club

We played at Queen’s Hill Golf Club by special invitation. The course and the club deserve all the kudos they receive! The par 72 championship course designed by Akira Hattori left an indelible mark on our golfing experience, offering a delightful blend of natural beauty and challenging play. Water hazards came in to play on a few holes, so course management was important but the fairways were wide allowing one to play freely from the tee. The greens had subtle undulations, and putting largely determined your score.

The sheer size and facilities on offer at Queens Hill Golf Club were equally impressive.

Ibusuki Golf Club

The scenic Kaimon course designed by Seiichi Inoue lies at the foot of the Satsumafuji Kaimon Mountain with views of Kagoshima Bay. The fairways were wide and long and contoured with palm trees. The terrain was varied with tricky and deep bunkers.

The mountain wind 'Kaimon Oroshi', and the sea breeze 'Umikaze', competed to create challenging but enjoyable conditions for the group.

 

Phoenix Country Club

Designed by Goukichi Ohashi, the course and is relatively flat with Japanese pine trees lining many of the fairways. This was also our first encounter with the solitary pines in the centre of a fairway favoured by some Japanese course designers. Lone trees are generally beautifully pruned and sculpted to look like giant bonsai. These tortured pines added a layer of complexity to course management and tested the repertoire of the golf shots in our bags. Some went over, others under and others tried to shape their shots around the tree.

We had the pleasure of playing at Phoenix Country Club in the lead up to the 50th Phoenix Dunlop Tournament. Grandstands were being built and the course was in prime condition for upcoming tournament.

 

The caddies had their work cut out for them, managing the group’s bags and being in the right place with the right club for each golfer on this walking only course. We played the tournament combination of the Takachiho and Sumiyoshi loops and it was probably the toughest of the 7 courses we played in Kyushu.

Kumamoto Kuko Country Club

Designed by Seizo Tomisawa, the course is located at the foot of the majestic Mount Aso, adjacent to the airport and provided the unique combination of golf and aviation spectacle. It was the perfect course for the avid plane spotters in the group as the planes seemed to just skim the treeline. It featured two uniquely Japanese design elements - lone fairway trees and two greens per hole; a bentgrass green and a zoyisa green, one used in the dry season and one used in the wet season.

Kumamoto Kuko holds a special place in the chronicles of On The Tee, marking the site of its inaugural hole-in-one on tour. Lynda Bayliss, a three-time hole-in-one achiever, etched her name into the record books with a masterful shot on the 16th hole, a 137-metre triumph to the bentgrass green.

 

Tom Watson Course

Some of the ladies played at the Tom Watson Course, easily accessible from our accommodation at the Sheraton Grande Ocean Resort. Carved from the native Japanese pine forest the course demanded accuracy and length from the tee and nerves of steel for the approach shots. The fairways are narrow, framed by Japanese pines with bunkers which always seemed to be in play.

Kedouin Golf Club

Our round at Kedouin Golf Club was the only one affected by rain. Some of the ladies preferred to stay in the club house after lunch, relaxing in the onsen and then enjoying a drink in the lounge overlooking the course.

 

Our Swinging Clubs and Culinary Delights Golf Tour culminated in a memorable celebration at the ANA Crowne Plaza in Fukuoka. The grand finale featured the rhythmic beats of Taiko drummers, award presentations, and an exquisite dinner.

Kyushu, often hailed as Japan's hidden golfing gem, is rapidly gaining recognition. The overwhelming response to our 2024 November tour, sold out over a year in advance, attests to the growing allure of this golfing haven.

Discovering Golf In Greece: Costa Navarino.

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When it comes to golf destinations, Greece might not be the first place that springs to your mind. Yet, hidden along the tranquil shores of Messinia, on the pristine southwest coast of the Peloponnese, Costa Navarino has transformed golf in Greece and captivated the hearts of golf enthusiasts worldwide.

A Journey Beyond Expectations

Greece has long been known for its stunning Mediterranean landscapes, ancient history, and delectable cuisine. Golf, however, was not a part of its appeal until the inception of Costa Navarino in 2010, when this exceptional destination opened its gates, beckoning travellers to experience something truly extraordinary. Initially, it boasted two opulent five-star resorts, The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort and The Westin Resort Costa Navarino, along with its inaugural golf course, The Dunes Course. Shortly after, in 2011, The Bay Course was added to its golfing repertoire. Today, this luxury golf haven features a further two five star resorts, the vibrant lifestyle retreat W Costa Navarino and the newly unveiled Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino. as well as two additional course at Navarino Hills.

On The Tee at Costa Navarino

Our group had the pleasure of staying at the W Costa Navarino nestled right on the beachfront of Navarino Bay and we were spellbound from the very moment we entered the lobby. As our vision took in the magnificent pools and the sweeping azure vistas of Navarino Bay, we knew we were in for something truly special. We were captivated by the angular low-rise stone architecture, as well as the inviting modern, open interiors. The extensive use of natural materials continued in our beautifully designed and spacious rooms, all with sea-views. Even the breakfast concept was unique with the tables set-up outdoors in the village square and each morning we selected our breakfast from the shops surrounding the square - the bakery, the deli, the cheese-shop and the coffee-shop.

We were spoiled for choice with dinner venues and cuisines, with over 27 restaurants to choose from, all in walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the W.

Our golfing journey commenced at the Dunes Course, Greece's first signature golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer, two-time US Masters Champion and former Ryder Cup Captain. The Par-71 offers an wonderful backdrop of both sea and river views, accompanied by the gentle presence of the Sellas River meandering along a few holes. Much of the course's layout pays homage to the rugged contours of the distant mountains. As we ventured further inland, it felt as though we were teeing off in Navarino's very own food basket, with fragrant rosemary, thyme, and fennel lining the paths. The course continued to surprise and delight us as we journeyed through olive groves and orchards, where citrus, fig, quince, pomegranate trees, and grapevines thrived in abundance. The fairways, lush and verdant, beckoned us, while the rough was almost as pristine as the fairways. Remarkably, The Dunes Course was in impeccable condition, a testament to its resilience in the face of unseasonal rain in the days leading up to our round. Playing The Dunes was nothing short of a joyous experience. Its expansive fairways, undulating greens, and the strategic placement of steep-faced pot bunkers added layers of excitement to our game.

Our next round was at The Bay Course. Prior to teeing off, we took the opportunity to loosen up with Lynda, our group's "physio," who expertly led us through a series of stretches. It wasn't long before more golfers began joining in on our impromptu warm-up session!

Set against the backdrop of olive groves and commanding views of the Bay of Navarino, this par-70 course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, artfully winds its way through three distinct terrains – the coastline, canyons, and olive groves – offering a visual feast of contrasts. Four holes had seaside greens framed by a scenic backdrop of the tranquil waters of the bay. As we moved inland into the canyons, the scenery transformed, and play was to elevated greens. Next were the grove holes graced by over a thousand mature olive trees, some dating back more than five centuries. These holes offered distinctive mountain views, a stark contrast to the coastal and canyon sections. The Bay Course may not have had the fruit trees present on The Dunes Course, but it did have the same abundance of fragrant herbs. The scores were high today, with three golfers scoring over 40 stableford points, and the winner coming in with 45 points!

The afternoon flew by; drinks at the beach bar, relaxing poolside, before a walk along the water’s edge to a local village for a spot of souvenir shopping.

Our third round was a relaxing Ambrose Competition at The Hills. We arrived at Navarino Hills early and took full advantage of the excellent practice facilities, explored the well-stocked Pro-Shop, and savoured a coffee to kickstart the day.

Navarino Hills is home to two remarkable resort courses: The Hills and the International Olympic Academy Course, spanning across 125 hectares with commanding views of the Bay of Navarino and the Ionian Sea. Both courses were designed by José Marίa Olazábal, who has quite masterfully created two quite different courses which also stand apart from The Bay and The Dunes courses.

The par 72 Hills Course climbs upwards away from the sea, is rocky, rugged and untamed with large elevation changes and a good mix of lengthy challenging holes, and exhilarating short holes. Routed through an ancient forest with no sea views to distract us, we needed all of our focus to stay on the fairways. We loved the change of viewpoint and the raw ruggedness of the course. The garden plantings of the flowering grasses in large swathes along some of the paths was a feast for the eyes and beautifully softened the ruggedness of the course. The Hills was an excellent choice for our Ambrose round - we all enjoyed the day.

For our finale, we tackled the International Olympic Academy Course, perched high on the clifftop plateau. The front nine of this course shared a kinship with The Hills Course, albeit with a touch less ruggedness and more large plantings of the vibrant flowering grass gardens lining the pathways. But as the course looped back towards the sea, the fairways narrowed, and the holes stretched longer and were more demanding. The gardens with their mass plantings were more prominent, setting the course apart from the others.

The mesmerizing seascapes that surrounded us made it all the more challenging to maintain our focus on scoring. Despite the faster greens, our group ended up posting its highest scores on the last day of play. It's no surprise that this course garnered the title of the group's favourite among the Costa Navarino courses with its combination of ruggedness, sea views and manicured gardens.

In the realm of golf travel, Costa Navarino boasts nothing short of exceptional golfing facilities. From the architectural marvels of the clubhouses to the meticulous driving ranges and short game practice areas, every aspect is crafted with excellence in mind. Even the hire clubs delighted. But it wasn't just the equipment, courses, and facilities that stood out; it was the remarkable golf staff who made our journey truly extraordinary. From the welcoming caddy masters to the friendly starters, the vigilant marshals, the dedicated course staff, and the accommodating pro-shop teams—every individual we encountered exuded warmth and helpfulness. Our stay was a masterclass in exceptional service, where every detail was meticulously attended to, leaving us with an experience that exceeded all expectations!

On The Tee in Athens

Before heading to Costa Navarino, the group spent up to four days in Athens depending on their arrival date. We spent the days journeying through time and culture in the city where ancient myths and modern life seamlessly coexist. We delved into the city's rich history from the magnificent Acropolis to the winding streets of Plaka, With our guide we skipped the queues to the superb Acropolis Museum, saw the ancient jewels in the Benaki and embraced the vibrant energy of Monastiraki. We walked up Lycabettus Hill, witnessed the changing of the guard ceremony and the procession of the guards in their striking uniforms and noisy pom-pom clogs.

We enjoyed lunches in Athenian tavernas, dined - with views of the Acropolis, with sea views and marina views, enjoying meals of slow roasted lamb and goat, and more meze dishes than we can remember the names of.

Silversea Cruise of the Greek Islands

The vibrant energy of Athens and the warmth of her people lingered on as the group embarked on the next leg of their Grecian odyssey touring the Greek Islands aboard the Silver Spirit.

Mauritius

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Mauritius is a relatively short flight from Johannesburg, making it the perfect post South Africa tropical island golf holiday. With lush fairways, beautiful coastal backdrops, luxurious resorts - this Indian Ocean island is a golfers’ haven. We stayed for a week and enjoyed the perfect blend of sun, sea, and swings.

My favourite course was Ile Aux Cerfs, set on its own island and only accessible by air or water. We arrived by ‘golf water shuttle’ which was an outing in its own right. Designed by Bernhard Langer, all 18 holes have views of the ocean. If you only play one course on the east coast, I would recommend this one.

We also played at Heritage Le Château Golf Course. Carefully curated in the lush, landscaped grounds of a 19th century chateau, and blessed with lakes, streams and grand centenary trees, stepping out onto the Le Château Golf Course is like playing in a tropical garden.

The two Constance courses rounded out or week on the island. The Legends is a short walk from the Constance Belle Mare Plage, designed by Hugh Baiochhi it is set in the heart of an indigenous forest and it features lagoons and lakes with dense, natural vegetation.

The Constance Links designed by Rodney Wright and Peter Allis is set over rolling links style terrain and is complemented by excellent fairways and firm greens. Surrounded by forest, it is dotted with natural ponds, plants, volcanic rocks and craters. The volcanic rock outcrops are reminiscent of golf on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The Constance Belle Mare Plage was home for our week of fun in the sun.

Get in touch to tee off with On The Tee on a tailor-made tour for your group or join us when we next visit in April 2025!

South Africa - Golf, Wine and Safari

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We started in Cape Town and had fantastic weather for our sightseeing days. We visited Table Mountain on an unusually still and sunny day which was magnificent. We toured Robben Island, walked through colourful Bo-Kaap and the peaceful Company Gardens. We visited clifftop suburbs and impossibly beautiful beaches lapped by the icy Atlantic Ocean. We saw the penguins at Boulders Beach and travelled as far as Cape Point. Our nights were filled with whiskey tasting, drumming, African theatre and dinners at the V&A Waterfront. The Taj truly spoiled us with beautiful accommodation, a lovely welcome function and magnificent Club Rooms.

In the Cape Winelands we stayed at the glorious Lanzerac Hotel and Spa, took the Wine Tram to Boschendal and Babylonstoren, visited the Motor Museum and got a round of golf in at the #3 course in South Africa, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course - Pearl Valley.

From Stellenbosch we headed to the heart of Garden Route for a serious stretch of golf. The three rounds of golf at Fancourt were outstanding as expected. Designed by Gary Player and ranked 23rd in South Africa's Top 100 Courses  Fancourt’s Outeniqua provided a more forgiving terrain than its counterpart, Montagu, but still offered its fair share of challenges.

Montagu, ranked at #5 was a visual treat from first tee to the 18th green, with its wide fairways framed by trees and gardens and set against a backdrop of the Outeniqua mountain range. Both courses were exquisitely conditioned and provided a riveting golfing experience with fast-paced firm greens.

The group had the privilege of playing The Links (#2) with its dramatic, unconventional holes, undulating fairways, pot bunkers and links-style greens. We knew that we were bound to have a fantastic day from the moment we arrived. Caddies wearing bibs with each golfer’s name met us on arrival. The wee dram of scotch offered by the starter was a pleasant surprise and a nice touch to settle the nerves teeing off with an audience.

Pinnacle Point ranked #15, is one of a rare group of golf courses built on high cliffs overlooking the ocean. Designed by Peter Matkovich it definitely has the wow factor. It is a challenging course with an exhilarating layout and it was a tough day of golf for some of us! We also toured the Point of Human Origin Caves which revealed evidence of modern humans dating back 160,0000 years.

In Knysna, the heart of the Garden Route we played our last two rounds of golf, ate out every night and cruised the lagoon on the Paddle Boat. Pezula (#20), designed by Ronald Fream and David Dale delivered one exceptional hole after another. The front nine’s views over the Knysna Lagoon were magnificent. The drama reached a crescendo on the back nine with the holes tumbling downhill to the brink of the high cliffs above the Indian Ocean.

Simola ranked #16 is a spellbinding Jack Nicklaus signature design high in the hills above Knysna. Even with all the uphill and downhill holes, Nicklaus has cleverly achieved a course where you seldom have an uneven lie. Simola is situated lower than the ridges that surround it and is therefore less troubled by the wind, although it was wet and chilly on the day we played.

Our action packed tour then headed to Kariega Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape for two days of Safari.

That brought our action packed tour to an end. Our next Southern Africa will be March 2025. Drop us a line if you’d like to join us.

ria@onthetee.com.au

“Ria organised an amazing and action packed trip. Thank you. A trip of a lifetime 😀”
— Di Godson

VICTORIA FALLS

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An awesome pre-tour to our South Africa - Golf, Wine and Safari Tour.

Our stay at the Royal Livingstone Hotel at the end of March was magnificent. Located in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the banks on the Zambezi River with zebras and giraffes roaming the hotel grounds, it felt as if we were on a luxury safari.

With water levels at their peak, the Falls were an awesome sight, even if we got quite wet.

We enjoyed an action packed few days in the region, spending a day in Botswana visiting Chobe for a land and river safari, walking with rhinos in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, getting a bird’s eye-view of Victoria Falls from a helicopter and walking to the Falls on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides. The density of wildlife was outstanding, especially on the river safari.

Visiting Victoria Falls is definitely a must on any Southern African adventure whether or not you play a round of golf at Elephant Hills Golf Club.

We’ll be back! Get in touch if you’d like to join us in March 2025.

ria@onthetee.com.au

 
“Brilliant trip. Accommodation was stunning, food was fabulous and the sightseeing exceeded all expectations. Will definitely go on more OnTheTee trips.”
— P. O'Donnell
 

Orange in Autumn

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Perfect in autumn, Orange is a thriving country town as rich in heritage as it is in award-winning restaurants, boutique shops, magnificent gardens and bustling markets. Famed for its rich produce-yielding soils, cool-climate wines and spectacular scenery, this gem of a place enchanted our group on our three-day golf trip.

The group had a choice of accommodation, either at Byng Street Hotel or Oriana Hotel. Both choices had their own charm.

The welcome dinner at The Schoolhouse Restaurant was most enjoyable. The food was delicious, the wines were great and the company superb!

Three rounds of golf later (Bathurst Golf Club, Duntryleague Golf Club and Wentworth Golf Course) and we were all left wanting more!

King Island

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You have to go to King Island

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You have to go to King Island 〰️

Our first-time visitors to sleepy, rural King Island were in awe at the the golf on offer on this humble island, home to two world class courses. Our group of King Island newbies flew in from Essendon on a tiny plane, landed at tiny King Island Airport and travelled on a bumpy road to their glorious accommodation with a wallaby waiting to greet them on arrival.

The fun started the next day as we headed to the northern tip of the island to Australia’s best public course. Its rating is no surprise with the fairways rolling down to the ocean, it is one of the world’s best seaside courses. The weather was perfect, we had escaped the rain in Sydney and relished the opportunity to play golf in the sun in such a glorious location. The bonus was - no wind! We had a brilliant day, I can’t say that the scores were fantastic, but everyone was smiling, you couldn’t but be happy. The only fly in the ointment, or should I say flies in the ointment - march flies; so many, gathered in one place. I don’t know if march flies are a regular pest at Cape Wickham or if they had gathered for a special event, possible the annual March Fly Festival as we were there in March. Maybe if it had been windy, they’d have been blown out to sea. Don’t let the possibility of march flies spoil your fun, be prepared, wear long light pants and long sleeves and don’t forget the insect repellent. Cape Wickham is home to numerous copperhead and tiger snakes, we saw a couple, but the march flies were far more threatening on a still and sunny day.

The sunshine continued on Day 3 at Ocean Dunes. Another wildly beautiful course shaped across sand dunes, with magnificent views. The course can be trickier than Cape Wickham’s challenging layout - a Par 3 with a wicked open water carry to greens edged with ridges of rock comes to mind. It is good thing that once again we were lucky enough to have a still day, with barely any wind, or getting to the beautiful bent grass greens would have been even more difficult. Both courses were magnificent but this one just edged in front of Cape Wickham for this group. The were no march flies to be seen, but we did spot a couple of snakes. Be prepared with lots of extra golf balls because it is definitely not worth looking for balls that have missed the fescue blend fairways and found the rough, even if it’s just a metre in.

There is third course on the island, King Island Golf & Bowling Club, it is a 9-hole course and it resembles the layout of St Andrews. It’s a good spot to fit an extra round of golf in, meet the local golfers and make the most out of the few days you spend on King Island.

Accommodation on the island is not plentiful. Cape Wickham has 16 villa style rooms, each boasting views across the golf course. There’s the local King Island Hotel in Currie and also a handful of lodges. Ocean Dune’s new owners, a Melbourne based consortium intend to build much needed accommodation on the course - good for Ocean Dunes, and good for golf on King Island.

Other than golf, you could visit King Island Dairy, book a gin tasting at a local distillery and for history enthusiasts, visit the King Island Historical Society Museum. The produce on the island is excellent, meat lovers will love the steaks, for seafood lovers, lobster is a must.

Spend a minimum of two nights, or get your fill of fabulous golf and stay for 5 days, playing each course twice and spend a little time exploring the island.

Get in touch and we’ll arrange your next great golfing holiday.

Port Stephens in Winter

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Our last trip to Port Stephens was in summer, this winter trip was quite different. The group was smaller and an all woman group. We chose to stay at Oaks Nelson Bay Lure Suites. Apartment style accommodation with enough space to stretch out is always a bonus on a golf trip.

Our first round of golf was at Pacific Dunes, where course architect James Wilcher has cleverly crafted a relatively flat woodland setting to create a risk-reward layout. Holes 1 to 9 amble through a woodland setting and the back nine lace through wetlands. Most in the group were playing the course for the first time and playing it blind - there were many surprises on the back nine; water hazards that cut into the fairways and collections of casual water that happily swallowed up golf balls. The lesson well learnt was to stay on the fairways as balls that strayed were lost, even balls that one imagined would be just in the rough somehow made it to ball heaven. Needless to say scores were not high!

The course at Nelson Bay was in excellent condition. We played the Brushbox and Gymea Lily combination of holes. Scores were a little higher than at Pacific Dunes but not by much. The bonus at Nelson Bay Golf Club is having GPS in the carts as most of the group had not played the course before; everyone at least had some idea of the lie of the land. Warren and the rest of the Nelson Bay team are always super organised and helpful no matter how busy the course is. A few drinks and snacks and a fun rules quiz in the clubhouse was the perfect way to finish the a happy day of golf.

A very early start at Horizons had us all warmly rugged up and hanging out for a steaming cup of coffee. The pairs multiplier event added a little pressure and playing through the sprinklers on the 9th hole added a laugh a two. Scores were higher, but not nearly as high as they were in our last outing to Horizons; we’ll put that down to the season.

We were happy that the group mixed well together and believe that a few new and strong friendships have been forged.

Our next escorted trip will be to Orange in September followed by a longer roadtrip down the NSW South Coast in November.

Love the NSW South Coast!

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What a week it’s been! A group of 28 of us, nine couples and 11 solo travellers had a fantastic time travelling down the NSW South Coast playing golf and having fun.
Our favourite route to the South Coast is via the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge and the villages of Thirroul and Austinmer before reaching the green rolling hills near Kiama. From there, we travelled as far as Narooma.

Shared carts were included making for light travel. We played four rounds of golf, on very different courses. Mollymook Hilltop with its meandering tree-lined fairways and undulating greens was immaculately presented.

Narooma Golf Club never fails to impress with its spectacular location. Perfect weather on the day had everyone smiling no matter how good their golf. Its most memorable holes are the six perched on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The back nine head slightly inland and feature a series of holes framed by tall trees before meandering around a lake. The group relished the challenge of the vastly changing environment within a single round of golf.

Catalina Country Club in Batemans Bay boasts 27 championship holes free from mountain climbing and back breaking bunker shots. They rolled out the green carpet for us with friendly staff and fantastic service.

For our fourth round of golf, we played in a 2-person Ambrose at Gerringong Golf Club as part of the Sam Matters Plate. With half the On The Tee group playing in the 6:45 field and half in the 11:45 field it was an all-day affair! Another glorious day of golf supporting a worthy cause. Thank you to Shane and the commitee for putting on a special event; we’ll be back.

Some of our favourite spots along the route included the Mossy Cafe for breakfast, Bodalla Cheese Factory for coffee and snacks; Malua Bay and Gerringong for walks and the towns of Mogo, Milton and Berry for shopping, lunches and wine- tastings.

Our next trip down south will be in November; get in touch if you’re keen to join in on the fun.

Port Stephens November 2020

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With overseas and interstate trips out of bounds this year, we have thoroughy enjoyed exploring regional NSW with our customers. This was our first road trip to Port Stephens and it won’t be our last.

We chose to stay at Oaks Pacific Blue as the resort was able to accommodate our large group of golfers and a few non-golfing partners. With everyone holidaying locally it is no easy task to find accommodation for large groups. We also wanted apartment style accommodation with enough space to stretch out, as kitchens and laundries are always a bonus on a golf trip.

Our first round of golf was at Pacific Dunes. Course architect James Wilcher has cleverly crafted a relatively flat woodland setting to create a risk-reward layout enjoyable for all golfers . Holes 1 to 9 amble through a woodland setting where tee shots demand accuracy as each hole is tight and tree-lined. The back nine laces through wetlands, is more open but surprises await; water hazards that cut into fairways, blind tee shots and bentgrass greens that hide their subtle breaks. There were some outstanding scores on the day; congratulations to Trish and Steve who walked away with the team prize and to Steve for winning the individual stableford with 44 points. A fantastic score particularly as it was his first visit to Pacific Dunes.

We stopped at Murray’s Brewery after golf to taste some gins and some brews, enjoy a late lunch and stock up on regional wines and locally brewed beers.

Some of the group started Day 2 with an early morning chipping clinic at Horizons Golf Club, honing their skills prior to the competition. Designed by Ross Watson and Graham Marsh, Horizons features intricate waterways, expansive lakes, manicured bentgrass greens, well maintained couch fairways and an abundance of native wildlife. Another superb winning score today with TJ coming in with a whopping 48 points! Team honours went to Sandra, Cathy, Vicki and Margaret.

A few of us had enough energy to go sandboarding down the dunes at Anna Bay. Getting down was easy, climbing back up was the difficult part.

Golf at Nelson Bay was a fitting close to the trip. The clubhouse was the perfect spot for breakfast. With 27 holes on offer and a number of groups playing on the day the Pro Shop staff did an amazing job getting everyone off on time. The course showcases its challenging layout and the abundance of native wildlife. We spotted an enormous lace monitor and more kanagaroos than we could count. Sandra won the individual stableford with 41 points and teamed up with Carol to take the pairs. Sandra also took out the overall individual prize with 124 stableford points over 3 days. That will see her handicap plummet!

We will continue exploring regional NSW, venturing down the South Coast in April. Save the dates - Sunday 18th to Friday 23rd April.

Hunter Valley Ladies' Golf Trip

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This trip was our first since Covid-19 entered our lives. The sheer number of registrations was overwhelming and an indication that we are all feeling rather cooped up with our travel wings tightly clipped.

Planning a trip in the current environment takes special care and effort. We worked closely with the golf courses and the resort to ensure that we were all complying with the required safety measures. We also had to consider border closures are we had registrations from interstate.

Some started their trip a day early with an overnight stay in Newcastle. The weather was perfect and the beach very quiet relative to Bondi on the day. We discovered a magic spot for dinner and a drink, Babylon on King Street, a short walk from the hotel. Located in a heritage building that has gone through a number of incarnations, including the old Mission Theatre. It was the perfect place to be transported back to the 20’s with plush booths and an opulent bar.

The courses we played were very different. The most acclaimed in terms of design is Newcastle Golf Club, a favourite within golf architecture circles; especially the 5th, 6th and 7th holes. The Par 5 5th hole is regarded as one of the best twenty holes in Australia. The Par 4 6th is ranked in the top 500 golf holes in the world and only one of 16 holes from Australia to feature. The Par 3 7th hole continually wins design acclaim and is ranked as one the best 18 holes outside of the US and Britain. Truly a hidden gem in regional NSW.

Hunter Valley Golf makes good use of water in its layout. Clever club selection was crucial. The unpredictable bounce of the hard fairways didn't help golf balls drawn to the water! 

The Vintage was all class; a bold and beautiful Greg Norman design with signature Norman bunkering. The water hazard on the first made for a difficult start off the red tees but the ladies tackled the first shot of the day with good humour. 

We will continue with self-drive trips in regional NSW until state borders are opened permanently, and once we can we’ll take to the air again: we have a number of trips planned from South Africa to Vietnam, China and Fiji and the US Masters. Our next trip is to Port Stephens. This trip is capped at 40 golfers, not limited to women only and the format will be more relaxed with 2-person team events each day. Early 2021 will see us venturing to the South Coast and to Orange.

January 2020 - Discover Paris at its best→

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Calling all golfers with a love of fashion and a flair for decorating. January is the best time for a girls trip to Paris! Check out the runway shows at Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020, shop until you drop at the Winter Sales, find inspiration and discover the latest in home design at Maison & Objet Paris.

Combine your love of fashion, decor and golf. Gather your girl friends; get in touch and we’ll plan the most stylish Parisian holiday for you.

Play golf at Le Golf National. Ranked amongst Continental Europe’s Top 20 resorts (Golf World Magazine UK) in 2019, Le Golf National boasts 3 golf courses for a total of 42 holes, including the well-known Albatros Course of Ryder Cup 2018 fame. With more than 60 golf clubs in the Great Paris Region, we can arrange as many rounds of golf as you desire.

Fashion and style events in January include:

Paris Fashion Week - Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020.
January 20th- 23rd
Take your place alongside the style icons; you never know who you might see in the front row. Ask us about tickets to the best runway shows and access to your favourite designer for a unique moment with stars.

Winter Sales
From 8th January for 6 weeks.
Shops and department stores in all French cities will be offering reductions of up to 70%. Get in touch and we’ll arrange access outside of opening hours.

Maison & Objet Paris
January 17th-21st 
Discover the best objects and decorative accessories and explore the latest decoration and home interior solutions. Meet the major players, find innovative solutions and learn from industry experts.

We’ll create a memorable getaway and arrange all - transport, tickets, accommodation, golf and any special requests that you may have whether it’s this January, or any other time. Let us know your interests and we’ll explore all our resources in France and create a custom holiday for you.

At On The Tee we pride ourselves in offering more than just golf!

US Masters 2019

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Pre-Tour Dallas

This inaugural trip to the Masters, along with the pre- and post- tours was held in conjunction with Golf To The Max.

Our trip started in Dallas, where we stayed at the Grand Hyatt hotel literally above DFW airport. Located mid-way between Dallas and Fort Worth, we were able to easily access both cities. Welcome drinks were held in the hotel on the first evening and we were able to meet most of the crew (a few were delayed due to flight vagaries and other commitments). 

Our first golf game was at the Old American Club, a traditional course. Jet lag and extraordinarily tricky greens meant that most people struggled a bit. Our winner of the day seemed to be the only one who conquered the course. The daily prize of a shirt from the pro-shop was much appreciated by all.

 That night we headed in to the old west city of Fort Worth. Drinks were at legendary White Elephant bar – and a tradition of margaritas for the women and local beer for the men was started. After a steak dinner, many headed to the Friday night rodeo and onto a local hotspot. Both bars featured excellent bands and friendly locals dressed to the nines in full western gear.

Saturday was a golf-free day, and the afternoon meant a private tour of Dallas. The highlight of this was following JFK’s route through the city, and visiting the Dealey Plaza 6th floor museum. Most folk went to watch the local ice-hockey team, the Dallas Stars, play their final regular round game, against Minnesota Wild. After a scoreless first 2 periods, the Stars ran away with the game, leaving the partisan local crowd very happy.

The next day, Sunday, saw us playing at Dallas Cowboys Golf Club. The fairways were immaculate and the greens a little fairer than the previous course. 

Main Tour – The Masters

Monday dawned and we travelled from DFW to Atlanta for Masters Week.  Our accommodation was at beautiful Lake Oconee – a traditional American summer lake and golf resort, where there are numerous high quality courses within a few minutes’ drive.  We settled into our luxury condominiums and houses, and tried to get some rest for the next day’s golf. 

We woke to steady rain, but this didn’t dampen our enthusiasm… much. We experienced a very wet first 9 holes at The National Course, but were rewarded with a dry back nine on a course hugging beautiful Lake Oconee. We enjoyed the first of three dinners at various restaurants in the resort over the week.

Wednesday was our first (very) early pickup for the drive through Georgia countryside to famed Augusta National.  This is the final practice round day for the professionals, with the legendary Par 3 competition in the afternoon.  This was our chance to see up close and personal some of the absolute icons of the game – Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Fred Couples to name a few. The Par 3 course is a separate, adjacent course to the main track, with some terrific viewing opportunities.  It was intriguing to see Nicklaus have difficulty in placing a tee into the ground, but still hit the ball incredibly well over water onto tricky, small greens.  There were holes-in-one, families caddying, and kids taking on putting responsibilities (with mixed results!).  It was a relaxed, charming afternoon.  Wednesday is the last day that cameras are allowed on course, so it is the perfect opportunity to take some snaps of your favourite players and capture those iconic course angles.  We enjoyed both breakfast and dinner at Perrin House, our hospitality home for the week.

Another golf game awaited us on Thursday, at Cuscowilla Golf Club, and Saturday at The Oconee Golf Course,  where we once more experienced manicured fairways, water carries and gorgeous little friendly fox squirrels.  We were able to play early golf and head back to our accommodation to watch the tournament coverage live, while enjoying a relaxed drink.  It was with delight that we celebrated with special client Janiece who took out the “Georgia Green Jacket” for the best 2 Stableford scores of the 3 rounds of golf played in Georgia.  Consistent, smart golf won the day.

Our Masters experience consisted of attending Wednesday’s practice / Par 3 round (see above), and the tournament rounds of Friday and Sunday.  We were all excited to head to Augusta early, place our Masters chairs in a good vantage point, and follow our favourite players.  It is a Masters tradition that these chairs cannot be moved by another person, and remain in their spot whether occupied or not until removed by the owner.  It is acceptable to temporarily sit in someone else’s chair, as long as it is vacated should the owner return. Some of the group headed straight down to Amen Corner or the 16th green to plonk their chairs for the day, and others went to the central vantage point of the 2nd green, including yours truly. On Friday we perched ourselves at the back of the green, slightly elevated. We watched every group come through – on this par 5 hole there is a good view of the approach shot, as well as putts.  From this location there is also easy access to food, amenities and a couple of tees and greens.  We also walked down to Amen Corner, took advantage of some empty chairs, and watched players on the 11th green and the notorious par 3 12th hole. There was rain in the morning, but our raincoats and ponchos prevented us becoming completely soaked, and the afternoon was sunny and hot, allowing us to dry out.

The final tournament day, Sunday, we were at the gates by 6am, ready to get as close as possible to the 18th green to place our chairs. The whole group managed to get extremely great positions, with many being in the front row, level with the pin.  Having secured these spots, we wandered off to make a last visit to the merchandise store. This is an experience in itself, where attendees are able to buy Masters memorabilia including clothing, posters, candles, wash bags, pet accessories, tableware and obviously golf accessories. With storms threatening, officials had made the surprising decision to start all groups off in the early morning, using both 1st and 10th tees. This meant that there was plenty of great golf, and groups in contention, from early in the day. We watched some groups come through the 2nd green again, cheering on our Aussie contenders Adam and Jason, as well as other favourites Brooks, Dustin, Louis and Jon. We also spent some time on the 8th green where very few players were able to get the ball to stay from their second shot. Only Jon Rahm was able to get the ball close to the pin and stick – he went on to make the put for a rare eagle on that hole.  Once the top 12 or so groups were finishing, we made our way to our seats on the 18th green. Soon after, a highlight was having Justin Thomas politely approach our group wondering whether we knew where his ball had ended up, but no one in the crowd had seen it. It turned out that the ball had landed behind the rows of seats and the standing spectators.  We were all instructed to leave our seats, many of which were moved by officials. A few of us were led to the green fringe where we sat still until the hole was played out – one could not be any closer to the action!

There is an idiosyncratic rule at the Masters – no electronic devices whatsoever are allowed on course.  While this was inconvenient for communication between members of our group, and seemed strange initially that we scores and tournament progress is not readily available to the attendees, it makes for great theatre: all crowds are dependent on looking out for the manual scoreboards changing over to reflect each player’s results. A full leaderboard is located at the 18th green.  Each player’s hole-by-hole cumulative score is displayed after their name and current scores are flipped back out of sight – the crowd waits with baited breath as a new score is flipped back up and posted. Each time Tiger’s score was being adjusted and eventually displayed, there were loud cheers and gasps.  When Francesco’s double bogey was revealed, the crowd’s disbelief was awesome – the excitement and tension of this entire process was incredible. I hope this never changes. The result was not known until the final hole was played by the final group, and a more thrilling conclusion would be hard to find. Tiger was an extraordinarily popular winner, and we were so excited to be there for the making of history.

Post-Tour Las Vegas

We were excited to get back into the city lights for a final few days in Las Vegas.  Some of the group attended planned concerts and shows, while others simply enjoyed excellent dining and shopping.  We had two full days in Las Vegas, where, of course, we played 2 of the region’s bucket-list courses.  First up was Wolf Creek, on a day that was bitterly cold and squally.  This course has been carved out of the desert, and features incredible elevation changes.  There were wildflowers, red dirt and plenty of trouble for regular golfers.

The next day we were privileged to play Shadow Creek, which is a full-on celebrity experience, from the limousine transfer, to the star-studded locker room. The course itself is lush and gorgeous, with trees framing every hole. We were lucky enough to see a real roadrunner bird which intrigued our playing group. The whole day felt like a real treat, and should be a course every golfer aspires to.

We reluctantly packed our bags and memories and headed home, but vowed to return.

This inaugural trip to the Masters, along with the pre- and post- tours was held in conjunction with Golf To The Max.

On The Tee in Mallorca

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In typical On The Tee fashion, we pick locations that offer more than just golf, and Mallorca fits the bill perfectly. This Balearic Island was a superb extension to our South of France and French Riviera Tours. The weather was perfect - sunny skies and warm days. Simply superb.

The golf was simply out of this world. The island has over 20 golf courses to choose from, no wonder it has become the ideal destination for European golfers looking for their slice of the sun. According to a number of the local operators, On The Tee is the first Australian golf travel company to host a group of Australian golfers in Mallorca, which is surprising considering that it ticks all the boxes for a super golf trip. It is definitely a destination that will stay on our agenda.

The courses we played were beautifully maintained, all had superb club-houses and excellent facilites. We chose three courses, Alcanada, Son Gual and Son Muntaner. Son Gual came with the additional sport of guessing the airline, as it was right under the flight path. You’d be surprised at the number of airlines we Australians had never come across before. You’d also be surprised at the sheer number of planes landing during one round of golf!

We spent some time in the historical village of Pollenca, before moving closer to the coast. Palma is an amazing city, with a long history.

The Cathedral is the city's architectural landmark. Its size is remarkable and with interior features designed by Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló, it truly is a unique cathedral. We wandered from the cathedral along the medieval streets and public squares, stepping out of the way of the touristy horse-drawn carts that share the road with pedestrians. We could spend days exploring this stunning city with its mix of old and new.

The train and tram trip to Soller and to the port of Soller is a must. An exquisite day’s outing and opportunity to see more of this Balearic Island. As on our other two 2019 European tours, art was never far away. We enjoyed an unscheduled visit to the Picasso Ceramic Museum at Soller Station and viewed some extraordinary Picasso ceramics. The highlight for all was an afternoon on a motor cruiser, swimming, soaking up the wine and drinking champagne. That’s one of the reasons our customers keep coming back, we go that one step further to make our trips memorable.

Golf On The French Riviera

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Our golf trip to the French Riviera coincided with the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, what a fantastic time to tour the playground of the rich and famous!

Golf

We loved the peaceful setting of the Royal Mougins Golf Club situated between the sea and the mountains. Designed by the late Robert von Hagge, the course stretches across a tree-lined valley surrounded by olive trees and ancient stonewall terracing. It has a real Provencal feel to it. Lunch with the well-heeled at Terrasse du 18 after golf was quite a treat.

We played the prestigious Cannes Mougins course. This private club founded in 1923 is well known for the quality of the fairways and the speed of the greens. For 14 years, the club hosted the Cannes Open. This flagship competition on the European circuit has included prestigious players such as Greg Norman, Severiano Ballesteros and Ian Woosnam among its winners.

The Gary Player designed course at Chateau de Taulane with its seven lakes in the heart of Gorges du Verdon was an outstanding course to finish the tour on. Our only shotgun start of the tour, in a full field of French golfers, made the round even more special. Definitely a course I’d like to play again.

French gastronomy

We seemed to stumble upon Michelin star restaurant after Michelin star restaurant. The food was simply outstanding. The tiny village of Mougin has produced more than its share of Michelin chefs - just the place for fine food lovers.

Places to see and be seen

La Promenade des Anglais in Nice is one of France’s most iconic seafronts and so very instagramable. Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild -the villa and gardens overlook the Mediterranean Sea and are simply stunning. We loved the charm of the stone architecture and the narrow alleys of Gourdon and St Paul de Vence. The genius of Henri Matisse is something to behold in the Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence  in which he combined the artistic and the spiritual. Matisse considered the chapel his ‘masterpiece’.

The golf courses we played were all in superb condition, the resorts we stayed at were excellent, the Michelin Star restaurants did nothing to stop our expanding waistlines, the art was sublime, the tour guides superb and the company outstanding! On The Tee cannot wait to bring this tour back to the market in 2020.

Golf, Art and Good Food in Provence.

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So much to see and to do.

Bonjour and a smile, goes a long way!

With no French, I had a few concerns about travelling with a group of golfers in Provence. I found that a smile and friendly “bonjour” went a long way. Some miming and charades along with a smile and somehow I was understood. Sure it’s much easier if you do speak some French, but it can be done.

Golf

Every course we played was totally different. We played the only Seve Ballesteros course in France, Pont Royal on a cool and windy day. The views of the Luberon and Alpilles were stunning. We expected a tough course based on the course rating but we were all surprised that it played easier than anticipated.

The Ronald Fream designed Fregate was a firm favourite - a challenging and technical course with extraordinary scenery and numerous viewpoints over the Mediterranean. We were all well prepared for the challenges of the Fregate course, having played a practise round on the Fregalon course.

Golf de Servannes was another picturesque and challenging course where olive trees tend to find wayward shots. The greens were fast and consistent, just the way we like them! The sixth was one of the stand-out holes.

Golf at the beautiful Domaine de Manville made for an exciting final round. It's the only course we’ve come across with a geometric theme - rectangular bunkers and greens of various geometric shapes. The tee-boxes had interesting and hard to find locations, some required climbing and orienteering skills to find.

Be prepared to eat well

Consider losing a kilo or two before a trip to France as you’re bound to gain weight, rather rapidly! The food was truly magnificent, from the baguettes to the numerous Michelin star restaurants we ate at. More fabulous food than our waistlines could cope with. It is worth noting that French golfers walk and either carry their bag or use a push buggy - it’s no wonder that most looked like they were fresh from a fashion shoot - stylish, fit and trim.

Markets

A highlight of any trip to Provence is at least one visit to the open-air markets and the explosion of colour, scents and sounds that await. They’re fun to explore even if you’re not there to shop. You’ll be amazed at the different cheeses, breads, chestnut creams, truffles, oils, olives - anything that goes in a picnic basket, really. And the fabrics, tableclothes, clothes and gifts and so much more.

Dogs

The French love their dogs. They accompany their owners to restaurants, shops and can even be spotted on golf courses. Some work for their treats, hunting for truffles! Somehow the dogs tend to match the owners - burly men with bulky breeds and stylish ladies with impeccably groomed tea-cup size dogs in tow.

Perched villages

High up on rocky crags, many with a castle and the remains of fortified city walls, you can’t miss the perched villages dotting the countryside. We wandered through so many narrow cobbled streets with stone-built houses, shops, a church or two, an art gallery or three, a trebuchet, a fountain in the square and pavement restaurants. Don’t be surprised to see famous art works in the local Musee, maybe a chapel designed by Folon or an art show projected on quarry walls. There is so much more to see and do than just golf!

See the calanques

Calanques? A series of rocky limestone cliffs and bays between the city of Marseille and the town of Cassis, which we saw from the sea. Basically inlets that have been formed in the limestone cliffs, leaving behind a series of beautiful little bays with clear water and secluded beaches.

Art

So many iconic artists are associated with Provence, Cézanne especially. We visited his favourite painting spot in Aix, and its spectacular views of his biggest love, Mount Sainte-Victoire - he painted it 87 times. Cézanne’s work inspired many later artists, particularly Picasso, who called Cézanne ‘the father of us all’. Saint- Remy is home to the clinic where Van Gogh was treated for depression in 1889, during which time he spent many hours painting. We followed his trail to discover the places in his paintings, like the Quai du Rhône which is in ‘The Starry Night’ and ‘Pont de Langlois’. We were especially fortunate to catch the Thannhauser Collection on show at the beautiful Hotel Caumont in Aix.

Truffle Hunting

We spend a brilliant afternoon hunting for truffles and drinking endless glasses of champagne and truffle treats. A winner with this group of golfers!

Truly the ultimate trip for golfers with a passion for the arts and a love of fine food. On The Tee trips are so much more than just golf - we aim for the complete experience each destination has to offer.

Get in touch if you’d like to join us in Provence in 2020.

info@onthetee.com.au