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Golf on the Algarve

GETTING THERE
Monarch has flights to Faro International from Birmingham, Gatwick, Luton and Manchester. Check the website for last minute deals. golf bags must be pre-booked and paid for. Extra leg room and seat selection is available on some flights.

WHERE TO PLAY
Perched on a rugged, orange cliff, the par-3 16th on the Royal Course is one of the most photographed holes in the world. Although the ocean Course lives in its sister's shadow somewhat, the sea views and the rollercoaster fairways make this course a beauty.

two minutes drive down the road lies Quinta do Lago in the Ria Formosa natural Park. There are two courses the North and South, each of which features water. The latter is the tougher of the two and has hosted eight Portuguese Opens.

If you walk to the edge of the resort you'll reach the salt marshes which are home to a host of birds and other wildlife. It's in this particularly beautiful spot that the fairways of another great course, San Lorenzo, twist and turn, using the spectacular views of the sea and the marsh water to great effect.

Ten minutes to the west lies Vila Sol, one of the best courses in Europe. Every hole offers a new delight, although clipping the pines with a well-struck shot can be frustrating. Also unmissable at Vilamoura is the Frank Pennink-designed Old Course an umbrella-pined oasis in the metropolis. The par 3s are particularly good and although the greens are tricky, with the right club selection you could see some birdies flying your way.

WHERE TO STAY
Stay in any of the Vale do Lobo properties and you'll be given a card which entitles you to savings on things such as restaurants and green fees.

Club Med Da Balaia is perfect for families containing only one golfer as there's a golf desk where you can book tee times and hook up with other players. Transfers to courses are included and tournaments arranged. Golfing couples can deposit babies aged over four months in the crche.

Vila Sol is the Algarve's only Leading Hotel of the World. A wonder of chrome, glass and wood with a good handful of art thrown in, the hotel has a contemporary feel.

OFF COURSE
Vilamoura is a modern, purpose-built resort offering high-rise hotels and apartments. There's a wide beach but it's not nearly as pretty as the dunes and cliffs of Vale do Lobo. However, the casino and bar-packed marina make this a lively centre and great for people watching. There is a large shopping mall outside the region's capital of Faro but the historic town centre contains some good shops too. There are golf equipment stores everywhere.

Loul is one of the most historic cities in Portugal and has Roman ruins and a castle. cool off on a hot day on the water slides at Aqualand in central Algarve. Armao de Pra is a fishing village with one of the biggest beaches on the Algarve. Tavira is one of the most attractive market towns in the region with cobbled streets and fine churches.

East of Tennis Valley in Vale do Lobo, with views over the dunes, lies The Shack. prices are good and the food which varies from four-inch thick homemade burgers to prawns in garlic is outstanding. Gigi's on the beach in Quinta do Lago has a daily fish menu.

www.golf-monthly.co.uk
golf Monthly is the UK's best-read golf magazine. It features star interveriews, up-to-the-minute equipment reviews, instruction and travel features as well as news from the tours. The online site features daily news and has a dedicated golf forum. Users can also view video reviews of the latest equipment.

posted by 14228 @ 6:34 PM 0 comments

Tired of Dark Spaces? Install a Halogen Lighting Kit

For some time now, many a homeowner feels they have installed lighting everywhere they could possibly need it: In the closets, over the bathroom sink, over the stove top, and sometimes even in the oven. There are lights for the fish tank, the garage, and even the children's desks. but there is one area that has been in the dark far too long.

How many times have you found yourself looking for a certain pot or pan, but it seems to hide in the shadows? How many times have you looked for the perfect spice, but missed it due to the label being hard to read? And how many times have you been caught with the last square of toilet paper, so you desperately search the bathroom cabinet while trying to stay seated - and the new roll appears to be hiding from you?

Well, a new innovation that has been on the market for a short while is available to you to solve all of these painful experiences, and more: Under-cabinet halogen lighting. This kit is the answer to not seeing well inside your kitchen and/or bathroom cabinets, fumbling around aimlessly for what you need.

If you are interested in solving your lighting needs by yourself, a low voltage system is the way you will want to go. If you want to go with the higher-voltage, it will require the aide of a specialist to help you get the job done right and safely. Low voltage can be installed by any do-it-your-selfer. Another great bonus to a low-voltage system is that is is operated by a remotely controlled wall-mounted switch which looks as good as the permanent system and can be installed in as little as a day.

To begin, you will need a drill, keyhole saw, screwdriver, a wire stripper, a few connecting wires and the lights (with included transformer). Once you have the kit and necessary tools in place, determine the location for each light so that it won't shine in your eyes while you work. Also remember that halogen lights do produce heat, so installing on to wooden cabinets is fine, but keep the lit bulbs away from paper and plastic items

Once you have determined where to install your lights, remember to remove the lens and trim rings from each light. install with screws to underside of your cabinets. Make a note to align the lights bases so they all face the same direction. next, Drill small holes for the wires and feed them towards the power block inside the cabinet. connect wires to power block. now, connect power block to transformer and run a wire to your 120-volt receptacle.

Once the bases are installed, just snap the lens covers onto reflector rings. next, attach the switch anywhere you choose (keep in mind its wireless) by screwing it into the wall, preferably at a stud. Finally, screw the cover plate to the switch housing and your cabinet lighting dilemma over! Congratulations!

Dan Rockington is a remodeling veteran having rehabbed many homes. lighting can be a key element for resale and he recommends the experts at Lofings for all your Sacramento lighting needs.

posted by 14228 @ 3:59 PM 0 comments