fernando torres
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Real-Estate Retail Rfid Sales Security Self-Publishing Semin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zmk7syEANUI&hl=en
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Bonus Bot Omaha-8 Bot
If you really want to develop your poker skills then quite often this is done by watching the seasoned players play the game and the professionals as well. It can also be done through software such as Bonus Bot Omaha/8 bot.
What I like about Bonus Bot Omaha/8 bot...
One of the first issues that must be mentioned about this software is that it is an advanced play and not something probably that the beginner would want to start with. For those somewhat seasoned players that feel that they have mastered their basic skills than it is time to move on to the Bonus Bot Omaha/8 bot. It plays at the professional level.
Another great feature that is important is that this program plays at the higher caliber online poker rooms.
Another great feature of this bot is that you can customize it yourself as much as you want. It is capable of playing any of the games structures. In addition, it will provide you with a hide mode.
It has a good record of accomplishment for scoring high when it comes to raking in the money. The most important feature for information in this program would be its analysis of the various hand strengths. This is critically important when you are playing at the expert level.
It is extremely fast at allowing you different options and getting the information to you quickly so you have time to think about your decisions based on the information that it is supplying you. The Bonus Bot Omaha/8 bot. will support a great deal. For example it will support no limits and limit including pot limit and others as well. Table size can go from 6 to 9 or even to 2 and are all supported.
Another wonderful feature is that you can save profiles and you can use the option of automatically loading the profiles if you wish to do so.
What I do not like about the Bonus Bot Omaha/8 bot... There is nothing that comes to mind. I for one discovered no flaws.
There are many advantages to using a bot particularly one as precise as the Bonus Bot Omaha/8 bot. Some good examples of this are perhaps to get you used to play you may want your bot to start your tournaments for you then after you have become adjusted to the profiles of the game you can then take over.
Then there are no doubt some great overnight tournaments that you just cannot be there for yourself so your poker bot can play it for you. It is also ideal if you have to leave the game suddenly than the bot is able to keep playing for you until you are able to get back to it.
Some individuals may consider that there is just no challenge when one is utilizing a bot program. This again will be a matter of opinion because many players learn a great deal of strategy from their bot and find that they do not depend on the bot to play for them but to guide them.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Football Miracle Review - What Does This Football Betting Software Do?
A professional sports bettor has just released a piece of software called the Football Miracle, which supposedly picks winning football bets for you. This software uses a selection system that qualifies every match for you, telling you whether you should bet on it. Before you try out this system, you should decide if football betting is right for.
1. Is Football Betting For You?
Like any form of betting or investments, football betting also contains big and small risks. The most important thing is that you should have a system to help you understand and limit the risks. This is what Football Miracle can do, since it helps you analyze team factors to help you choose matches to bet on.
2. Take Note Of Picks, But Don't Trust Them Completely
Picks are predictions made by so called experts in football. It is certainly worth listening to them, since you can deduce how the general public will bet since many people listen and follow experts.
3. Knowing The Game
Before you bet on football, you will want to understand the factors that greatly influence the outcome of football matches. It is also necessary that you understand all the rules and regulations of the game.
4. The Most Significant Football Statistic
Probably the most important statistic that every football statistic that every bettor should know is that out of all matches, around 48% are Home Wins, 27% are Drawn and 25% are Away Wins. This shows that home advantage is one of the most significant factors that needs to be analyzed.
If you are looking at 2 equally matched teams, you must take into account their home and away win percentages. This is one of the facts that Football Miracle takes into account.
5. Football Miracle System
To be able to win regularly from football betting, you need to analyze the most factors whether a team wins or not, and this is what the Football Miracle Software is able to do.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Watch Live Premiership Football Online Software - Is Satellite TV PC Scam?
Are you interested in watching live premiership football on the internet with Satellite TV PC? If you are a soccer fan like me, you would definitely need ways to watch live football, regardless of how you do it. Of course the best way to watch it is live at the stadium, but that option is not always available to everyone and definitely not the most convenient.
1. My Experience with Satellite TV PC?
I then decided to find ways to watch soccer live on the web. After many failed attempts with slow streaming sites and bad software, I found one program called Satellite TV on PC. It streams most of the popular sports channels like ESPN, StarSports, EuroSports. On top of sports, it also broadcasts TV shows, movies, music videos, news, educational, geographic, adult, weather, shopping and many other types of channels.
2. How Does Satellite TV PC Work?
It is really easy to install, making it a very popular choice amongst TV lovers. There is no need to install extra hardware or deal with cables, dishes or switches. With this software, I can watch not only live premiership football, I also get to watch other popular types of sports like tennis, golf etc. all live on my PC.
3. What Are The Requirements to Use This Program?
The only thing you need to have is a stable and preferably high speed (broadband) internet connection, along with the software installed on your computer or laptop. Inside the program, you will find all the links to the sports channels that are listed on the Satellite TV PC site.
4. Why I Prefer Watching Live Premiership Football Online Instead of On Television Now
I find that I can almost always find the live games I want to watch with Satellite TV, especially when the popular teams are playing. There have been times when my cable TV sports channel has failed to broadcast these games, making satellite TV my preferred choice today. To download this software and start watching live soccer directly on your PC, check out the website link below for more information.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
DANA WHITE TALKS ABOUT SIGNING KIMBO SLICE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOOu0KsN1Zg&hl=en
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Ben Hogan Classic Golf Swing Commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzBMyHeX750&hl=en
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Fred is Sick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJwqdtV-yzI&hl=en
Monday, June 7, 2010
Basics of Playing Poker Online
One thing that prevents many poker enthusiasts from actually playing the game competitively is their lack of formal game knowledge. Many players whose sole experience is Friday night poker games with the boys are worried about getting embarrassed if they sidle up to the felt at their local casino. One wonderful advantage of online poker is its anonymity. If you've let your inexperience intimidate you, then online poker rooms are the perfect place to finally getting some cash game action. That said, there are still a few things you'd be smart to cover before playing poker online.
The Online Poker Technology
The requirements of playing poker online are simple enough: a computer and an Internet connection. Sounds easy right? For the most part it is, but there are a few important exceptions. For one, dial-up is generally not fast enough to support a full poker software package, and if you're running the clock out waiting for your cards to load you're likely to get booted. Second, not all poker sites support Macs. While Mac-friendly software and no download flash sites are becoming more common, it's still best to check a poker room's tech requirements before you make any big plans.
Choosing a Poker Room
A misguided majority of first-time poker players give their money to the first poker room they find only to later learn that that room is swimming in sharks or that it doesn't even offer the game they prefer. It's quick and easy to check out a poker room's traffic, design and table offerings by loading a flash version of their site. Always review a room before you make your first deposit.
Getting Started Playing Poker Online
Once you've found a poker room that suits your needs, the next step is downloading their software. While a flash version of the site can give you instant access to the action when you're playing away from home, only the downloadable software package gives you access to all player features. Most poker software platforms only take a couple minutes to download; it's a small price to pay for the full experience.
After the software is installed, you'll need a member's account to start playing. Signing up for an account is free and rarely requires any sensitive information beyond your name, age and address. If you're planning to play at the free tables, then this is the final requirement before playing. Once you've confirmed your new account, you're ready to hit the tables and tourneys.
Depositing / Withdrawing
If you're planning to play for cash, then you'll need to make a deposit before you can participate - even in freerolls. Part of your pre-download poker room review process should be looking at payment options. You need to know what's accepted, especially if you live in a country with anti-gambling legislation that may prevent you from using common options like a bank account or credit card. Many online poker players open e-wallet accounts that streamline withdrawals and deposits while adding an extra level of security to the funds transfer process.
It's important to note that while deposits are generally instantaneous, withdrawals may take days or even weeks to process depending on a player's home country and available withdrawal options.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Are You Looking For Some Football Betting Tips? Here is One You Should Definitely Consider
If you are looking for some football betting tips then you have come to the right place. There are definitely a few football betting tips you should consider seriously using if you are serious about winning. Sometimes you may not be serious about winning, but you may be serious about making money doing this. This may not make sense to some people, but if you are professional bettor your goal is to make money, not necessarily win a lot of bets.
You do this by knowing which side to be on and which side offers the most value more often than not. Sometimes you win more games than you lose and still end up losing money, and this isn't what you want if you are serious about being a football bettor. So this article I'm going to give you a simple tip you can start using now to help you have more success with your football picks.
You want to take a little bit of time to study what type of current form and direction your particular football team is in.
One of the best football betting tips I can give you is to look into the current condition and emotional state of the particular football team. Sometimes a team may be coming off of a crushing loss and they may be very pumped up to play today in order to bounce back. Sometimes you may have a football team coming off a very emotional win; if this is the case they may come out and perform very deflated the next week because of all of that emotion. Always take into account these things if you hope to be successful in the long run with your football picks.
You want to look into why certain losses occurred in a particular football teams past performance.
Even if a particular team has a bad loss record, if you have a quick look into that teams past you may find some of those losses were very close. You may even find some of the goals were very controversial. What this means is a particular team may not be as bad as they look in the win / loss column. A couple of calls here and a lucky break there, and they would have a much better win record than they do now.
Once you're able to successfully discover such things you'll find it much easier to make profitable football betting tips. This is one of the better football betting tips, and it is one you should always consider if you are serious about being a successful football bettor. You may also discover the opposite is true, a particular team may have a lot of wins but many of these wins could have come against poor quality opposition.
This team may have had a lot of lucky breaks thrown their way and as a result they have a superior win record. When you're doing your research if you discover this you may have a match which spells upset and could be very profitable.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Sports Video Games For Everyone
Unlike shooter games that feature content for mature audiences only and fantasy games that are made for specific niche markets everyone can play and enjoy sports video games. Whether as a single user or engaged in teams there are a wide variety of video sports games to satisfy every fan including football, golf, baseball, tennis, racing games and soccer. Though some sports games can branch out to include action/adventure themes and virtual reality character capabilities the jist of these games is simple one on one fun.
Perhaps the most well-known and popular sports video game is the Madden NFL franchise. Named for the Hall of Fame head coach and broadcaster many have joked that the game has made John Madden more famous than any of his other noteworthy accomplishments. Originally launched in 1989 the game has grown immensely during its two decades on the market and now is considered a staple for any serious game player's collection.
The technology in the Madden games feature the ability to call the offensive plays, audible at the line of scrimmage, choose multiple "hot routes", make receivers alter their routes in motion and call formation shifts. Later versions of the game also expanded on the game players control over defensive players as well. The latest version, #10, has complete ratings for every player in the league and features commentary from ex-NFL stars including Chris Collinsworth. A fun side note to the Madden NFL franchise is the cover jinx theory. Since releasing covers with star NFL players many of those featured have suffered injuries in the year following their cover shot.
Tiger Woods has had his fair share of negative publicity of late but his signature brand of video golf games continue to move off the shelves in mass quantities. The franchise of Tiger Woods PGA Tour has over nine versions to date and each has done very well among the gaming community. Developed by famed game maker Electronic Arts the Tiger Woods series feature a performance coach who offers tips, advice and challenges to improving your golf game skills, a club tuner to maximize each shot and the ability to adjust your handicap as you progress to match your skill levels with the changing courses. The field is a who's who of major tournament golf including Tiger himself, Vijay Singh, John Daly and Retief Goosen.
Soccer, or as it's known around the world, football is one of the most played sports video games. The international governing body of the sport FIFA has launched a series of soccer games beginning in 1993 and now are on version 2010. Being linked with FIFA allows the creators of the game, Electronic Arts, to use famous teams from major soccer clubs around the world including the English Premier League, Spain's La Liga and the German Bundesliga.
Monday, May 31, 2010
FREE LIVE SPORTS ONLINE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIe8jh6FuJw&hl=en
Saturday, May 29, 2010
2009 JETS POST GAME OPEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFfMkaQgcm0&hl=en
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Mixing Up Your Play in Online Poker
When you look at the poker calculator profile statistics of your opponents you can often recognize rather quickly what type of opponent you are up against. But don't forget that your strong opponents will have the same data on you, and if you are a typical tight-aggressive player their own poker software will show that too. So you should incorporate strategies in your game that will skew those statistics, resulting in confusion about your true profile.
Once you learn the basics of poker, you will inevitably have to learn how to be deceptive and confuse your opponents. Lets face it, playing a straight up book game may only win you money from players with less experience than you, because they might be the only ones who don't know you just play strong cards. For everyone else at the table, you might be an easy read.
In that sense, its important to mix up your play in order to confuse your opponents, especially those that use poker calculators to track your actions. Confusing your opponents leads them to make mistakes - that's a good thing. So here are some useful tips for mixing up your play. Choose a favorite hand that you always raise with. Use the colors of your cards to dictate how much to raise. And play a hand like it was another hand altogether.
For instance, one of my favorite hands is ten-eight suited, and I often raise with that hand to mix up my play. Now I won't get silly with it and reraise, but if the action is folded to me anywhere past early position, I will frequently put in a raise. Now you don't want to get caught in reraising battles with your favorite hand, but more often than not, some opponents will call your raise, and then you can play the flop with a continuation bet just as if you still had the best hand. You can also use your poker calculator to help you make better decisions post-flop.
So let's say you actually had a much better hand like AK off-suit and hit top pair with top kicker, where normally you would make the same size of bet at about 2/3rds the pot. Well to mix up your play and confuse opponents, when you want to lead out and bet you can vary your bet size to another amount like for instance a pot size bet, every time you have 2 red cards like AK of hearts or AK of diamonds. This way, you will be betting different amounts in a random pattern, but it wont take any extra brain power on your part to inject some unpredictability into your play.
Anther way to mix up your strategy is to pick a certain hand to play as if it was another hand. Let's say for instance you choose 6-5 suited and you decide every time you get that hand you will play it like Ace King. So with a floip like 8K2, even though you have nothing really you bet out because if you had Ace King, well that's what you would do right? When you go into a hand with a betting strategy for a certain other hand, players tend to put you on the hand that is representative of your actions, not your actual hand.
Confusing your opponents can result in huge pots for you when they have no idea what you are playing. But when the play doesn't work for you, you need to be able to keep the pot size under control, and always have an exit plan when another player reraises you and makes it too expensive. When you go to the river or are heads up, show your cards once in awhile but don't offer any other information. Players may very well end up getting frustrated at your confusing play and walk right into a big mistake against you in a later hand. Hope that helps you an element of deception to your game.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Women in Poker
Venus Vs Mars or Adam, Eve and the pot! Let's face it. Like the forbidden fruit, many gaming events have eluded "the Eves" for decades until they finally get to enjoy it. Women have always been considered the underdogs, may it be Football, basketball, cricket or Golf, and now poker due to the age old conditioning, societal pressures or their own ignorance. Whatever the reason be, here is a game of broken toothed, cigar chewing, pot bellied men which women could fight single handedly in the enemy's den. No Kidding! Poker is a game which is intrinsically intuitive, manipulative, tactical and of high discipline. Somehow women just score so well in all of these sections!
Entering the casino and playing with all men at the poker table has been one of the most adventurous experiences for many women. The key is not to lose cool. There would be plenty of domination, picking and provocation; guys would just want to have fun. Yet there is the other side too of getting those not demanded favors or more importantly being underestimated. Add to it women are generally more spendthrift, would always make the best bet or get the best poker deal which makes the odds of losing less damaging. Add to that another dollop; women are born lie detectors. Bluffing wouldn't get away very easily with these devilish angels. Now sprinkle that recipe with oodles of charm, a kind look and a mischievous laughter equals Success Story of Women in Poker.
But if no one gives a care to sex rations and the focus is just to concentrate on the game then Online Poker is an Eden. Online poker sites offers lots of interesting options to make money to its players. With complete anonymity, experienced players to test skills with, brilliant graphics, great deals and offers, BINGO! Moreover, poker as a game is a great equalizer. Whatever, whoever you are outside; at the table you are all on the same plane; are all exposed to the bare essentials: honest talent, wit cunning and good old-fashioned guts. And WOMEN sure as hell have plenty of those guts.
Making money online by playing poker is an open, level field for both men and women; we need to see more women in poker and on the poker tables soon.
Friday, May 21, 2010
How to Play Soccer - Ball Control
This article is part of a series on how to play soccer, and this article will focus on ball control and the way to get the soccer ball under control as quick and as effectively as possible.
Controlling the ball in soccer is a fundamental skill that is essential when you are learning how to play soccer. In simplistic terms, controlling the ball is the "simple" task of receiving the ball and getting the ball in a position that you want it for your next move. Generally this means getting the ball on the ground and in a position where you are able to kick the ball with your preferred foot in the direction that you wish to kick the ball. Simple, right?
Any part of the body (except for the hands and arm) can be used to control the ball, but the main body parts are the foot, thigh, torso (upper and lower) and head. I have sometimes used the back of my legs too, but only in certain circumstances, which I will explain later. Get Behind the Ball It doesn't really matter what part of the body that is used, the technique is the same. As the ball is approaching, the player must adjust their body position so that they are ready to receive the ball. This means on their toes and ensuring that as much of their body is "behind" the ball. It is imperative to get your body behind the ball for two main reasons.
You will have a front on view of the ball as it approaches and therefore have a better view of the ball.
If you have misjudged the flight of the ball having more of your behind the ball reduces the risk of you not controlling the ball as the ball is likely to connect with another part of your body.
Body Position After getting behind the ball, the player must consider the body position that is needed to control the ball in such a way that the ball is directed where the player wants the ball to go. One good example of this is getting the player to "open up" or receive the ball with an open body stance, allowing the player see more of the playing field and to direct the ball forward, by receiving the ball with their back foot. The technique of "opening up" and receiving the ball with an open stance is invaluable, and one which must be taught to your players. The next time you are watching a televised game, just watch and see how players position themselves when receiving the ball.
Cushioning the ball The last part is the actual contact of the body with the ball. This is the most important part of controlling the ball and needs accurate execution. The technique is to cushion the ball so that the ball does not bounce off the players' body too far. To cushion the ball, simply withdraw the part of the body that is receiving the ball on impact, which "softens the blow" and ensure that the ball stays within reach of the player.
The Next Step One common mistake when teaching players how to play soccer is for players to be taught to stop the ball "dead" and right in front of their foot. When you are learning to control the ball, it is often far better to either have the ball moving in the direction that you want to go at a pace that keeps the ball within your reach and makes the ball ready for your next move, whether that is a shot, a pass or to dribble with the ball. Knowing how to control the ball and getting to do what you want it to as quickly as possible, gives you the edge over your opponents.
Back of the Legs?
If the ball is coming from a great height, then an unconventional way to control the ball is to use the back of the legs by "sitting" on the ball immediately after it bounces. This technique is quite fun,but does require good timing to ensure that you are in a sitting position, over the ball, at exactly the right time and in the right place. This technique is not often taught when teaching players how to play soccer, but it is a good one and can be very effective at the right time.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Virtual Poker
There are a lot of issues to consider when playing virtual poker--and some of these are similar to playing at a standard casino. One of the most important considerations with virtual poker is table selection. Every poker player dreams of finding someone who doesn't quite know what he's doing and keeps betting big money.
This is true for both land-based and virtual poker. There are a lot more people playing online poker at a given time than you'll find in a Las Vegas casino. After all, a standard casino can only hold so many people, while cyberspace is unlimited. A great number of players--many of them beginners--are coming to play virtual poker.
You have to learn to read players in order to have a good chance of winning virtual poker. Some players come and play a few hands and then duck out. Good table selection means finding a good online poker room with players who are going to stick around for the long haul--players you think you can beat.
Another key to winning virtual poker is how you fare over the long haul. If you lose your first few hands, don't worry. So long as you win the majority of your games, you'll be OK. With virtual poker you need to be patient. Impatience can lead to excessive betting that can put you in a hole. Patience, reading your opponents, selecting a good room, and measured betting are all keys to successful virtual poker.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Watch NFL Playoff Games Online - Do This And Never Miss Your Favorite Team Play Again
Doesn't it just drive you crazy? Your favorite NFL team made it to the playoffs, but the game is outside your local area. You want to watch the game, but your cable or satellite TV service provider isn't carrying the game. Now your really stuck...or are you?
If you aren't satisfied with watching whatever NFL game happens to be televised in your local area, then you need an alternative solution to all those blacked out playoff games. Let me tell you able an inexpensive solution that will let you watch NFL playoff games online.
One of the most cost effective solutions is a piece of easy to install PC satellite TV software that will let you to watch NFL playoff games online! The service I use to watch NFL games and other premium sporting events online is inexpensive, easy to use and I don't pay a monthly bill. Let me take the opportunity to tell you how you can take advantage of this software for yourself.
Now that I can watch NFL playoff games online, I never miss a game that's important to me. I can turn on my computer, activate my internet connection and watch any sporting event I want. I can even switch between any game that happens to be playing regardless of the viewing area or imposed black outs. You can even connect your computer to your large flat screen TV, run your software and watch NFL playoff games online with your family room TV!
You can get a top of the line premium satellite service that includes everything you need for a one-time payment of $99. The best thing is that $99 costs less than one weekend of pay-per-view games. That's all you have to spend to watch NFL playoff games online. You can access over 4000 channels and you'll never get surprised by hidden charges. It's still a bargain even if the football season if halfway over. Don't forget you will have lifetime access to watch any other sports you like as well. Keep up with all your favorite teams without paying extra.
Besides being able to watch NFL playoff games online, you can watch your regular TV shows, premium movie channels as well as programs from other countries. You really can't beat the value of this piece of software when you stop to think about how much regular satellite TV providers charge in monthly fees and rental equipment.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Fantasy Football Sleepers - Kicker Rankings in Fantasy Football 2009
Kickers are generally drafted in the last 2 rounds of Fantasy Football Drafts. Since most Fantasy Football leagues have 12 owners, your goal is to pick one of the top 12 scoring kickers in the league. There are 32 NFL teams, so you have a better than even chance to get a top 12 kicker, even in a blind draw. The difference between the best kicker and the 12th ranked kicker is only about 2 points per game. Everyone knows Gostkowski et al, but who are the true sleepers out there? Read on and pick up some extra points about sleeper kickers.
Sleeper #1
Rian Lindell of the Buffalo Bills finished the 2008 season as the 11th ranked fantasy producer at his position. However, that came in a year that saw one of his worst conversion rates ever, 79%. Because of this, he will fall in most owner's eyes. When one looks deeper into his stats, you see that he was forced to attempt as many kicks from 40+ yards last year as his previous 2 years combined! This means that with the coming of WR Terrell Owens to Buffalo opposite Lee Evans, more attempts from 25 to 35 yards are almost guaranteed, due to the fact that Buffalo has the 13th easiest schedule for WRs. I look for production in the 138 point range, a steal as your last draft pick.
Sleeper #2
Garrett Hartley was perfect as a rookie for the New Orleans Saints last year, while playing in only 8 games. In a standard scoring format, he scored 67 points, which extrapolates to 134 points in a complete season. Getting 8+ points from a kicker you may be able to pick up in the last round is a great value, and you know Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas are going to move the ball. Kicking in a dome doesn't hurt either, and I look for the second year kicker to see about 135 points this year.
Every year, one owner gets itchy and takes a Gostkowski or Akers with 3 or 4 rounds to go, and touches off a kicker run. DO NOT get caught up in this, pick your kicker last, and take one of the sleepers mentioned above to produce maximum value. Sure a steak dinner for $15 is nice, but if you can get a hamburger for a nickle, it sure as heck tastes better.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Excellence Part 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7qH9aqtFPU&hl=en
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Play Golf In Two Countries
Between Spain and Portugal lies the Guadiana River. On its banks, and within a radius of about 30 kilometers, are more golf courses than you can shake a stick at. As a result, it's possible to find a place to stay from which you could reach and play 14 courses in as many days, without ever having to drive for more than 40 minutes.
The Guadiana river provides the border between Portugal and South Western Andalucia, or Huelva, in theCosta de la Luz. It is also the location for an extremely large number of top-notch golf courses, all within easy reach of each other. There is none of the high-rise hotel development here that you will find on the other Costas, since local government has insisted on the preservation of protected natural spaces.
Instead you will find a few attractive hotels, and a good selection of fairly new apartments and villas. The more temperate climate means that it is possible to play golf for most of the year, and, being in a river delta, the area is protected to a large extent from the strong winds that characterise this coast further south.
All these courses are conveniently reached by the airports of Faro in Portugal, or Seville in Spain.
Golf in Portugal.
Castro Marim
This is one of the newest courses to play golf in Portugal, having opened in the year 2000, in an area of the Algarve that until recently had no golfing infrastructure at all. This 18 hole, par 72 course has a very beautiful setting in the peaceful atmosphere of the eastern Algarve, offering players breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean, the River Guadiana and the nearby nature reserve. The fairways have been made with Bermuda grass, whilst the greens are made with the new Penn A4 grass. Unless you are a mountain goat, it's advisable to hire a buggy, since parts of the course are extremely steep indeed.
This golf course offers challenges to all levels and abilities. In some places the layout is deceptive, and a well-struck drive could quite easily land in one of the ornamental lakes. Its unique underground irrigation system enables play even in the driest of weathers. A driving range, putting green and putting course are also available for pre-round practice.
Benamor
The late Sir Henry Cotton designed this 18 hole, par 71 course. Sir Henry was apparently inspired by the ancient church, which is now situated next to the clubhouse.
The resulting layout offers a challenge to players of all standards. The course is undulating, but although less hilly than the Castro Marim course, still offers stunning views to the mountains in the north and the Atlantic to the south.
Indigenous olive, cork, carob, fig and almond trees, many of them centuries old, add to the beauty of the area whilst also creating natural hazards. In addition, water hazards and bunkers are strategically placed around the course to test your strategy and accuracy. The greens of Penn A4 are superb, and fairways of Bermuda Sahara provide good opportunities for well-placed shots. There is also a driving range and putting green for you to get in a little practice before you play the course.
Quinta da Cima
This 18 holes, par 72 course is a great test of golf with dog-legs to the right and left, open fairways and well placed bunkers and lakes. A stream with dams and permanent flowing water crosses holes 4, 5, 6 and 13. This is a true championship course. Watch out for the tricky par 5 16th hole, and expect some surprises on the 18th!
This course offers breathtaking views, and is an exceptionally beautiful course to play. From any point on the course the views of the sea and the mountains are a delight. Century-old olive and carob trees and the typical orange groves provide a truly peaceful feel to this wonderful course.
The greens have been seeded with Bent Crenshaw. Tees and fairways are seeded with Zoysia.
Two large driving ranges provide magnificent views of the mountains as well as of the ocean.
The Robinson Golf Academy can be found on the second driving range, which is designed for practice with irons only. It comprises 3 greens and 6 tees for concentrated tuition.
Quinta da Ria
This spectacular 18 hole, par 72 course is situated in the Ria Formosa Natural Park and spreads along a gently rolling area down to the Ria Formosa itself, with a stunning view of the sea and the Huelva coastline
It comprises two loops of 9 holes with each loop having 2 par 5's, five par 4's and two par 3's. Five lakes were strategically built around the course, near greens 5, 10 and 14. Hole 16, a par 5, is played between the two biggest lakes. The green of the par 3 17th brings one of the lakes into play and also has an island where a large number of local bird-life nests. Besides the beauty the lakes bring to the course, they are also used as water reservoirs for irrigation and are nourished by a stream, in play on some holes.
The greens, smoothly undulating, are well protected by bunkers. Greens, tees and fairways are seeded with Bent Crenshaw and the rough with Poa Pratensis with Fescues. There are wide fairways and well maintained rough, so the course is suitable for the higher handicapper.
Although the course is relatively new, it has been planted with more than 300 trees, such as olive and carob, in order to produce a more established feel, and to maintain the ancient border. From any point on the course, one can see both the mountains and the sea. The surrounding orange groves and vineyards contribute to make the landscape of the course even more beautiful.
On this course, as with the Quinta da Cima, there will be no housing development, so there will be nothing except the breathtaking views to distract you from your game. Together these two golf courses provide a fine choice for golf holidays.
For golf in Spain, there are a number of equally beautiful and equally challenging sites.
Isla Canela
This 18 hole par 72 links golf course is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, overlooking the Guadiana River. It was designed by Catarineu, and completed in 1994. It's set in a beautiful landscape dotted with olive, orange and eucalyptus trees, and offers challenging and entertaining play on its gently sloping dunes.
Trolleys and buggies can be hired from the clubhouse; however there is little need of buggies since the entire course is relatively flat. It extends over a salt marsh crossed by small seawater rivulets.
The gentle slopes are formed by dunes, and the course provides a beautiful landscape dominated by broom, eucalyptus, olive and orange trees some of which require consideration when playing some fairways. Overall, accuracy rather than distance is key here.
Natural lakes border a number of holes, and the greens are generally large and well protected by bunkers. The par five 7th is reachable in two, but the river to the right of the green is likely to catch the unwary. The construction of strategically placed tees means Isla Canela is enjoyable for golfers of all abilities. The club also offers very good practice facilities.
There is a permanent golf school as well as a golf shop, a bar and a restaurant. In addition there is a swimming pool and two bowling greens next to a beautiful terrace on which to sit and relax after a game.
Plans have been approved for a second course on the island, together with a third a little further up the River Guadiana at Costa Esuri.
Islantilla Golf Course
There are 3 separate courses at Islantila, each surrounded by luxuriant vegetation with stunning sea views.
"Course 1" is best suited to medium or low handicappers as it requires precision, stroke ability and skill.
"Course 2" is ideal for high handicappers, as, although it has a somewhat difficult beginning, there are fewer quirks and the layout is less deceptive to the inexperienced eye.
"Course 3" is the official 18 holes par 72 course which requires considerable skill, and is ideal for medium handicappers.
Established 1992 this golf course has been the stage of important events like the "Campeonato de Espana de Profesionales", and the PGA European Challenger Tour.
In addition there is a training centre, the Islantilla Top Golf Academy, which includes: -
· Individual and/or group lessons
· Weekend courses
· Digital video camera with specific golf analysis software
· On course lessons
· Clinics with professional guests
· Special junior programmes
· Golf club repair
· Pro shop
Nuevo Portil Golf Course
This 18 hole, par 71 course has been relatively recently built. The design is characterised by wide fairways and gently sloping greens, and follows a path between pines and other local trees, starting out in a wood of Mediterranean pines. It is a rolling type golf course, offering a pleasant walk for those not wishing to use buggies, and the Bermuda fairways, which are lined with indigenous vegetation, offer splendid sea views over the immense dune beaches that are close by. The tiered greens offer a tough challenge for birdie-seekers.
The club has a driving range, pitch and putt area, gym, sauna and swimming pool, together with a four star hotel and clubhouse with coffee shop, restaurant, pro-shop and all golfing facilities.
El Rompido
This 18 hole par 72 course is the furthest east of all those mentioned in this guide. The complex actually comprises two courses, the original South course and the brand new North course.
The South course sits on the edge of a tidal lagoon overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, and sprawls across an interesting mix of parkland and marshland with some amazing views - the walk from the 8th green to the 9th tee takes you across a 650ft pontoon right across the protected marshland where you can see freshwater crabs and an abundance of bird life.
The new North course, which only opened in June 2006, offers a little more challenge. It has been designed by the famous Spanish golf course designer Alvaro Arana. This course winds through protected salt marshes, and offers a varied range of hole styles. The front nine features a run of holes with very tight drives - a typical "risk and reward" opening 9; while the back 9 is shorter, but demands greater accuracy from the fairway into small target greens which are of a consistently high standard.
The complex boasts a five star hotel complete with full health spa, conference and leisure facilities including private beach club, football pitches, tennis and paddle courts and much more. Altogether, it comprises a fully equipped golf resort and spa perfect for a golfing holiday.
Convenient holiday location
For those looking for a holiday location that allows easy access to all courses, it would be difficult to beat the exclusive resort of Isla Canela. Situated on the beach by the pretty town of Ayamonte on the Guadiana River, it is well within an hour's drive of all the courses listed. Indeed the courses at Isla Canela itself and at Castro Marim, are both within 20 minutes' drive. In this little resort you have the choice of 5 hotels, and a good range of rental properties with either golf, sea or marina views, starting from a humble one-bed apartment and progressing to a luxury 3 bed, 2 bath penthouse with breathtaking views and a Jacuzzi on the terrace.
For non-golfing family members the beach apartments are ideal, giving quick and easy access to 7km of lustrous golden sand, with safe beaches for bathing. Small shops, bars and restaurants are all within walking distance, and the little Andalusian town of Ayamonte is a short bus ride away. For days when you might be 'golfed out'(!) it's possible to join a guided coach tour of Seville, or even a jeep safari through the Donana National Park. River trips are also easily available.
Of course, that's if you don't want to just 'chill out' on the beautiful beach!