Fairmont St Andrews was host to a number of sports celebrities in July, to mark the re-opening of the golf courses, which have undergone a major design and reconstruction programme for the past two years. A bevy of stars joined host Sam Torrance to christen the new Torrance course layout.

From the first visit I made to the Mull of Kintyre several years ago, I was smitten by the two renowned golf courses there. The rugged beauty of Machrihanish Golf Club, with it's majestic opening drive over the ocean, and the quaint and unusual challenge of Dunaverty set hard at the base of the Mull at Southend.

Carnoustie Country, the mere phrase conjures up images of linksland, bordered by long sandy beaches, sand dunes and wonderful golf courses, home to some of the oldest golf clubs in the world. Clubs that are steeped in the history of the game, and that strive to preserve the traditions of the sport, and despite doing all that, ensure that the warmth of the welcome is always there for the visitor.

Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announces that the historic Turnberry golf resort will re-open as part of the renowned Luxury Collection brand at The Open Championship 2009 following a $ 65 million (approximately £ 40 million) renovation by owner Leisurecorp, a division of Dubai World company Nakheel.

Overlooking St Andrews Bay - The opportunity to visit St Andrews is always impossible to resist, the magic of the old town, steeped in the history of the game, boasting some of the most intruiging golf courses, a mecca and the spiritual home of golf for all true fans. A place that has to be visited at least once, and for the real glutton, as often as humanly possible.

Number Seven - It is said that the number seven is lucky, but there was no luck involved in the creation of the seventh course at St Andrews, just 220 acres of farmland running along the cliff tops and the sea shore, location close to the old town, and the final ingredient, the choice of a brilliant architect, Scotsman David McLay Kidd.

The Resurrection - The final part of the trilogy of Fife, was a visit to Kingsbarns. Since the course opened in July 2000, I have been regaled with stories from friends and colleagues as they return from the Kingdom, reporting the best new course they have ever played. Regularly ranked in the top courses in the world by all the pundits. Having been and seen for myself, it is difficult to disagree, certainly The Castle and Kingsbarns are the front runners.