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few years ago only a small number of European golfers considered America when choos­ing a golf holiday. Americans came to Europe; European golfers stayed closer to home. Even American resorts did not consider Europe a market. That's changed. With an unlimited choice of golfing facilities, coupled with a service second to none, the Americans, past masters of marketing, now have a large share of the European travelling golfers' market and are going for more.

America has 14.500 golf courses and 25 million golfers with an ever increasing growth rate. Courses are kept in immaculate condition and well run. The efficiency in the States marks them as serious competition to other winter golfing areas within Europe.

A Florida course overlooking Mt. Dora Lake

Nine times out of ten your first golf experience in America will be to Florida or South Carolina; without doubt they are the most popular destina­tions for European golfers. "You all have a nice day now", smiles the girl as you pull away from the car pick-up point. There is no doubt where you are, it seems everyone has just stepped off the "Gone with the Wind" set. They all have that warm southern drawl and there's Coun­try and Western music everywhere.

Asprey Point, Kiawah Island, South Carolina

The ever-ready smile, the helpfulness you find wherever you go marks these south­erners down as not only right hospitable folks, but very professional when it comes to dealing with tourist.

Changing currency into US dollars takes time. America in general is just not geared for Euros, but there are plenty of cash points everywhere for credit card holders. The USA is extremely service orientated, you will travel far to find better. This is much in evidence wherever you eat.

The quality and friendli­ness of restaurant service is incredibly good, whether it's a fast food stop, or up-market dining. To those of you who are fast food lovers, you will be in heaven at little cost. European style dining is harder to find but a good choice does exist - it just needs looking for. As one American put it: "You guys dine out, we eat out". But wherever you go, tipping is never below 15%, and ex­pected.

Sedona Golf Resort, Arizona

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