MAN UP! And get some balls (Golf in the Isle of Man)

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“Golf is a game whose aim is to hit a very small ball into an even smaller hole, with weapons singularly ill-designed for the purpose,” expressed Winston Churchill. Though that may well be, you can bet your titanium-coated sand wedge that our old curmudgeon was not whacking a Twilight Tracer golf ball when he said it.

There’s just something special about the Twilight Tracer golf ball, which is the brightest thing to hit the fairway since Tiger Woods dazzled us with his dentistry. This golf ball is like no other and illuminates when smacked. Yep, you won’t hear that often. This is a must have for any budding golfer, saving you money and man-hours. How? Well, with its ultra bright glow, it’s very hard to miss so you won’t be caught rummaging through the bushes or hiking the countryside in a desperate attempt to find your golf ball. Even the worried birds on their leafy perches will see it coming. But the ball doesn’t just stop there. Nope. Basically, Twilight Tracer is a pro-quality golf ball (conforms to U.S.G.A. and R&A rules and regulations). So undeniably your game of golf will only be improved.

And here on the Isle of Man there is no better place for a game of golf. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United Kingdom, there are a total of nine golf courses that range in difficulty from a 9-hole course, to the Championship level courses that will even challenge the world’s best. If you are only visiting the island for a few days, no course is further than 45 minutes away from another, allowing a visitor to play multiple courses during their stay, and thanks to the Isle of Man’s consistent climate, golf is available virtually year round. The two municipal courses on the island, with their high standards of course maintenance and local wildlife roaming the course, rival even the most luxurious private courses. Assistant Professional, Scott Donald claims Castletown Golf Links to be “the championship golf course!” adding to that “it’s been in the top 100 for the UK.” Luckily Mr. Donald has never seen my shaky swing, with no claims to being on a golf course than Moby Dick on a mountain bike. My first tentative shots with a wedge produced slice after slice, with the odd hook, just before I managed to actually hit the ball at all.

Established way back in 1892, Castletown Golf Links is the Isle of Man’s premier golf course, offering challenging play and stunning views. Its unique setting along the Langness Peninsula allows for a view of the ocean on every hole. Plus a combination of picturesque views and challenging layout has allowed it to play host to PGA and European Tour events in the past. The 2011 British Open Champion Darren Clarke said, “Castletown is undoubtedly one of the greatest links courses.” And to that remark, I was compliant to agree with him. Sitting on the patio in the glorious sunshine, the course stretching out to the horizon, I began to realise the appeal of golf.

In addition to Castletown, the island’s other courses; Douglas, King Edward Bay, Mount Murray, Peel, Port St Mary, Ramsey, Rowany, and the newest course, Glen Truan, all offer unforgettable views and unmatched hospitality during your time there. Likewise, Gary Hunter, Assistant Professional at Douglas Golf Club argues “the golf club is definitely worth a visit being in the centre of the capital, with generous rates.”

However, golf can be a frustrating pursuit. So it was with my first game that I realised the gulf between hitting the ball and actually getting it into the hole. My putting wasn’t too bad and I did hit one sizzling five-iron which soared over the trees taking my spirits with it. But between the passable shots there were several absolute horrors with no rhythm. Having a Twilight Tracer golf ball will definitely improve the game especially in the winter months, where the weather is often frosty and dark. So man up, and get some balls!

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