Golf News Digest: 30.11.2007

Trump denied Scottish dream course

Aberdeenshire Council's infrastructure services committee has voted against American real estate mogul Donald Trump?s plans to build a £1 billion golf resort outside the village of Balmedie.

?Mr Trump is shocked, extremely disappointed and dismayed at this decision,? said managing director of Trump International Golf Resorts, George Sorial through the Associated Press.

Trump?s plans for the resort had called for a pair of 18-hole championship courses, a 450-room luxury hotel and over 1,400 vacation homes to be built on the sand dunes of the Menie Estate outside of Aberdeen. He was said to be planning an appeal against the decision.

Roxburghe announces expansion plans

Roxburghe Hotel and Golf Course in Scotland has unveiled plans for a significant expansion.

Among the additions to the resort will be a new golf clubhouse, complete renovation of the hotel?s spa complex and over 60 new lodges available for purchase or rental.

New CMAE qualification system instituted

The Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) will introduce a new continent-wide qualification called Certified Club Manager (CCM) in 2008.

?This is good news for managers,? said CMAE CEO Jerry Kilby. ?For the first time, we will have a professional qualification recognised throughout the European club industry.?

The Certified Club Manager qualification will be available to everyone from food and beverage managers to agronomy professionals and club secretaries. All candidates will be required to attend a two-day review and examination in order to attain certification in their area of focus.

Interested managers can download complete details of the new certification program at the CMAE website, www.cmaeurope.org.

Westwood awarded honorary degree

Lee Westwood was presented with an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Nottingham Trent University at a ceremony at Nottingham?s Royal Concert Hall on November 24.

Worksop-born Westwood was honoured for his contributions to golf both as a successful professional and as an international ambassador for the game. Westwood recently completed another solid season on the European Tour by finishing in 10th place on the Order of Merit.

?Lee is without doubt an inspirational figure and we are genuinely delighted to be awarding him this special honour, ? said Nottingham Trent?s pro-vice chancellor Yvonne Barnett.

Safe Hands to benefit Moore Fund

Former England goalkeeper David Seaman will host his seventh annual Safe Hands Charity Golf Classic at Parque da Floresta Golf Resort in Portugal from July 10-13, 2008.

This year?s event will be held to benefit the UK Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research. Celebrities from the sports and entertainment world will participate in a two-day golf tournament, with 22 teams of three players each competing for the championship trophy.

More information on the Bobby Moore Fund is available on the organisation?s official website at www.bobbymoorefund.org.

Future R&A venues named

The R&A has named Burnham & Berrow, Royal St David?s Golf Club and Portmarnock as the hosts of the 2011 Boys Amateur Championship, Boys Home Internationals and Jacques Leglisle Trophy respectively.

Burnham & Berrow played host to the Jacques Leglise Trophy in 1999, while Royal St David?s held the Boys Amateur Championship on its course that same year. Portmarnock?s last major amateur event was the 2000 Boys Home Internationals.

2011?s Seniors Open Amateur Championship will be played at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland.