John Lowe on golf: Iberian Club Challenge

Scores of 161, 154 and 140. Sounds like a bit of a hack. No, it’s a professional dart player having a very good day - treble 20, treble 17, Bullseye, a great way to finish a game and most probably your opponent.

Comparisons can be made between darts and golf. Both require you to keep your head still, and your stance and grip rock solid. The only difference is what the ultimate style of play produces, at golf, low scores, darts, high scores. Both sports have the same finish though. In golf holing out, in darts that final double.

So, it is no wonder I was attracted to golf. After winning three world championships, over 1500 events worldwide, and completing the first ever nine-dart finish on television, I consider I have my chosen profession in good shape.

I approach golf with much the same enthusiasm. I have the Explaner swing trainer in my garden. I have my teaching book: ‘Tiger Woods Play Golf my Way’ and I always use a Titleist Pro V1 golf ball. I know my club handicap says 15.7, but I can knock it round in the low 80s on a good day. My aim is to reach single figures next year, but sadly my work load on the darts circuit means just that: next year!

There's nothing more rewarding than hitting a drive 250 yards down the fairway. Equally so, the 60-yard chip to the pin, and the 15-footer when it all goes to plan. It creates the best feeling of self satisfaction you can hope for.

I have travelled the world playing darts, with my golf clubs never far behind. Las Vegas is one of my favourite golfing locations, no wonder when there are over 30 clubs to play within a short distance.  My favourite course in the world is the Blue Canyon on Phuket, Thailand. However, the place I have been playing most over the last five years is the Amarilla Golf & Country Club in Tenerife.  Incidentally, I am the current seniors champion there.

This year I will be brushing up my play in the Costa del Sol in preparation for 2010. I have teamed up with tournament organisers Golfing Options SL to co-host their Iberian Club Challenge, 30 January – 6 February, 2010. Golfing Options are at the forefront of golfing holidays for Spain and Portugal, with unbeatable offers for travelling golfers. 

The Iberian Club Challenge is open to all standards of golfer and whilst competition is taken seriously, enjoying Spain’s winter sunshine and making new golfing friends is the order of the day. The event is played over seven days with four rounds of competition golf with additional discounted golf available on rest days. This superb event is available for €285 to include seven nights bed and breakfast in the Las Palmeras Hotel, Feungirola, and four rounds of golf with buggies included. The week concludes with a presentation and buffet. Non golfers can join in the activities for only €195 and those who live nearby or have their own accommodation can join the competition for €170.

In 2010 there will be an additional attraction to the event included in the package: “The Battle of the Legends”. Eric Bristow, five-times world champion versus John Lowe, three-times world champion. The rematch of the 1985 World Darts Final will take place on 3 February at the Las Palmeras Hotel. There will be audience participation, so if you enter the golf tournament, make sure you take your arrows as you could be playing against us.

The Boxing Legend “Dave Boy Green” also known as the “Tiger of the Fens” will be returning again for the Iberian Challenge. He will also entertain golfers with an evening talking about his career as a boxer.

To book your place contact Golfing Options SL by e-mail info@golfingoptions.com or telephone (+34) 952 494 747.

Where next?

Tour news: 91st USPGA Championship  Amateur news: England win 2009 Boys Home Internationals Equipment: PowaKaddy Freeway II trolley review Competitions: Win some great new golf prizes Golf blog: Chris Wood at the USPGA