So the Professionals are playing today over Ferndown's links (see below). What's it like for a visitor taking on a course much beloved of Peter Allis, playing at just under 6200 yards and a par of 71 (the Pros use the back tees measuring over 6500)?

Preliminary course design work to prepare the venue of The 2018 Ryder Cup, Le Golf National, Paris, for one of the world biggest sporting events, has begun.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi the UAE's newest, award-winning golf course, has been decorated with another accolade, receiving the prestigious Asian Golf Monthly (AGM) 'Best Course in the Middle East' Award 2011.

The five-star Fairmont St Andrews resort has cemented its position as a leading golf destination by being voted the International Association of Golf Tour Operators' (IAGTO) European Golf Resort of the Year 2012.

Estonian Golf & Country Club was one of the big movers in the latest edition of the influential Continental Europe's Top 100 Courses rankings, published by Golf World. The highly acclaimed Sea Course - located just 20 minutes outside the country's stunning capital city Tallinn - has moved up 11 places from 95 to 84, capping a fantastic year for the European Tour Course which staged the Omega Mission Hills World Cup European Qualifier for a second time.

Our last full day in Las Vegas started with a breakfast presentation from Papillon , the largest helicopter company in the area. From various locations they fly (fixed wing and helicopter) 3,500 tourists a day to the canyon! Interestingly their man told us 'Las Vegas is the barometer of the US economy being the principal example of discretionary spend'.

Day Two started with a visit to the Wynn golf course right next to the hotel in the centre of 'town' - the only 'town' course. Built on 85 acres, with huge amounts spent on it recently (800,000 cubic yards of earth moved to create serious undulations), the course looked to be of a very high standard and was excellently maintained. The green fee is $ 500, including a cart, the course all part of the luxurious surroundings for the two hotels.