Richard VandePutte
Head of Sales Performance
UK & Ireland | Europe | Worldwide
Head of Sales Performance
UK & Ireland | Europe | Worldwide
I've worked in golf travel for over 15 years now and during that time I've dealt with trips from the UK to the UAE so I have a pretty rounded view on proving advice to customers.
That knowledge is really important when recommending to new options to customers, if I know what they liked in the UK I'm in a good place to advise what will work for them in Europe and vice versa!
What's in my bag?
Taylor Made Driver & Fairway Wood
King Cobra Gravity Back irons
Scotty Cameron Outter
My first few years at the company saw me visit 50+ resorts & courses within the UK, Gleneagles and Turnberry were certainly highlights of those years. I'd say I'm pretty well versed in UK golf and offering advice to suit any groups requirements.
Moving on from there I've played a lot in Spain & Portugal (love the Lisbon area!) and other golfing trips or holidays that snuck in a round of golf has taken me to Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Cyprus, Switzerland, Austria, Morocco, Turkey, UAE, USA, Australia and Fiji".
UAE
Three high quality courses in close proximity along with more or less guaranteed sunshine. Still doable for a 3 night trip but my recommendation would be 5.
Morocco
Add 40 minutes on to your flights to Southern Spain/Portugal and you'll be met in Marrakech by a favourable climate, a great choice of courses and plenty to do away from the golf course. Getting lost in the Souks or visiting the Atlas mountains woud be 2 of my favourites.
Turkey
A golfers paradise, 13km stretch of hotels and courses, all inclusive...what's not to love!
Scotland
Domestically it has to be the best hotel I've stayed that, the staff and service are next level. Twin that with 3 different courses and you have a great weekend on your hands.
Belgium
A surprise package, combine a great city break and Belgian beers along with the likes os Bercuit, Sept Fontaine and La Tournette which has possibly the best 3 finishing holes of any course I've played!
Scotland
I have been to the area a few times and have been lucky enough to play a few of the courses but I'm yet to tick off the main draw...The Old Course. Walking it on a Sunday doesn't quite cut and watching The Open there in 2022 only increased the urge!
Europe
It offers something different and with more flights available now to Varna throughout the Summer season, getting there has become a lot easier. Thracian has received most of the headlines from hosting the European Tour but I'd be sure to include BlackSeaRama and Lighthouse as and when I get to visit.
Norway
I love Norway and have long wanted to visit the Lofoten Islands during the Midnight Sun so this course is another great reason to go.
USA
I played it's lesser known neighbour, 'The Coast' a few years ago as part of an ongoing Ashes series with an Australian friend.