news archive
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e-news
issue 5 |
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Welcome to the latest e-newsletter from Thomson Perrett & Lobb. It has been another fine few months for TPL and a busy one, too, with the Open Championship in July. Peter Thomson made the journey to one of his favourite Open venues – Royal Birkdale – where he won two of his five Claret Jugs. Read his thoughts on this year's Open below.
As well as the TPL Golf Day at The Berkshire, Tim has been busy talking about
eco-friendly golf course design on the BBC World's Fast Track programme.
Watch the interview via the link below.
Over the summer TPL has some exciting news with a big announcement on the horizon. Watch this space.
You'll find all our latest news here – and on our new-look website: www.tpl.eu.com. If you would like to contact us after reading this newsletter, please e-mail Tim Lobb: tlobb@tpl.eu.com.
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| Royal Birkdale was the Open winner >> |
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Five-time Open champion Peter Thomson believes the course was the real winner at this year's Open |
Peter Thomson won the first of his five Open Championships (1954) and his last (1965) at Royal Birkdale, and was in Southport in July to watch Padraig Harrington lift the Claret Jug for the second successive year:
Peter said: “Golf is played at a variety of venues and this year's
Open Championship showed that Royal Birkdale is as good as there is in the world
of golf. Naturally you feel good about a place where you have won, and so I have
always had an affinity with Royal Birkdale.
“Since I won, the course has been lengthened considerably. This year, the course was difficult because of its narrowness, lushness of the rough and, of course, the weather. One thing they did do which I didn't
particularly like was the way the tees were offset to the fairways, forcing the
players to hit across the fairways and, in some cases, over the crowd, making
it difficult for the players to drive effectively. I wondered whether it was
sensible to set it up like that, but it produced that uncertainty until Harrington
shook everyone off.
“I thought Harrington was the front-runner from the half way stage, even though Greg Norman was ahead. It seemed incredible that Greg could lead, as it is almost 20 years since he played that well.
“I don't think Tiger would have won, had he played. I don't think he could have driven it into play.
“The weather was certainly a test of temperament and I think many players must have given up at the start knowing deep down they couldn't cope with the conditions. But it wasn't in any way unplayable, as proved by the winner.
“In my opinion, Royal Birkdale came out on top.”
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| TPL on the BBC >> |
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Tim Lobb on BBC World's travel programme Fast Track |
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Tim Lobb made an appearance on BBC television in June when interviewed for travel programme Fast Track, aired on BBC World.
The six-minute programme explored best practice in environmentally friendly golf course design and maintenance.
To view the Fast Track programme, click
this link.
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| TPL
takes leading role in education >> |
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Thomson Perrett & Lobb is at the forefront of educating the leading golf course architects of the future.
London-based Tim Lobb is the European Institute of Golf Course Architects' chairman of the education board, which manages the Professional Diploma in Golf Course Design. Meanwhile, his Melbourne-based colleague, Ross Perrett, fulfils a similar role maintaining a close relationship with Melbourne University having completed a Bachelor of Architecture, a Masters of Landscape Architecture and a diploma of Turf Management there.
Since graduating Ross has been active in various roles including lecturer, tutor and an industry representative on course advisory panels. Recently he was appointed a Faculty Alumni Mentor to advise the Dean of The Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning on future directions of the newly established Melbourne School of Design.
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TPL is helping to shape the golf course architects of the
future like these EIGCA
students constructing a revetted bunker |
Back in Europe The Professional Diploma in Golf Course Design is a two-year, distance-learning course, run by the EICGA to funnel young, aspiring course architects into the business.
Lobb said: “The course gives successful candidates an essential introduction into the business. At the moment we have 17 students from 12 different countries on the course.”
With environmental concerns topping international agendas, it is a key time for the golf course design business to lead the way in environmental and social responsibility.
Lobb added: “It is a great time for the industry as there is plenty of work. However, it is essential people are well trained and fully qualified to do the job. With all the environmental issues, it is imperative to have professional and highly trained architects working on projects, and through the Professional Diploma in Golf Course Design that is what we strive to provide.
“Education is also an essential part of the long-term vision for TPL – we see it as investing in the future and a way of attracting the best people. People are a key asset of any business and ongoing professional development is vital to maintain a competitive edge.”
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| On course with TPL >> |
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Thomson Perrett and Lobb hosted its annual golf day at The Berkshire Golf Club the week after the Open Championship, with all three partners in attendance.
Golf industry colleagues and clients, including a team from Carya Golf Club, Turkey, joined Peter, Ross and Tim for an enjoyable day on The Berkshire's outstanding, heather-lined Red Course.
Winner of the prestigious Thomson Cup was Fredrik Hansson, director of golf at Carya Golf Club, with a score of 39 stableford points following an outstanding round of gross 69.
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Fredrik Hansson (with trophy), of Carya Golf Club, collects the Thomson Cup from TPL partners (from left) Ross Perrett, Peter Thomson and Tim Lobb, after scoring 39 stableford points at the TPL Golf Day
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Hansson said: “Participating in the second Thomson Cup was a fantastic experience, and I think everyone enjoyed a memorable day at the magnificent Berkshire. Thank you to everybody involved in this event. For me to come out on top with a five-time Open champion in the field is just fantastic, and inspires me to play even more when we are open at our own heathland course in Turkey.”
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| Final phase underway at El Ein Bay >> |
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The heavy machinery has now moved onto TPL's development on the beautiful Red Sea Coast of Egypt at El Ein Bay.
With the first two phases of the real estate and resort development now complete it is time for the TPL-designed golf course to be constructed.
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The Red Sea Resort at El Ein Bay where golfers will be able to wind down after a round |
The golf course will form part of an integrated housing development including hotel, retail hub, main swimming pool, spa and golf clubhouse.
TPL has designed an enjoyable, resort style course that will be a par-72 at 5,000-6,000m long, built on 160 acres of land.
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| Watch this space >> |
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Thomson Perrett & Lobb will shortly be announcing a major new contract win. Please keep an eye out for media coverage and the next TPL e-newsletter.
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| When was TPL established?
Thomson Perrett & Lobb’s origins date back to 1965 when Peter Thomson, the five-times British Open Champion, formed the founding design practice based in Melbourne, Australia. Since then, the company has expanded and opened a further
office in Beijing and, in 2004, Tim Lobb joined Peter Thomson and Ross Perrett to head up TPL in London, giving the business a truly global reach.
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Moonah Links, Open Course (Melbourne) |
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| Who we are
Peter Thomson, Ross Perrett and Tim Lobb who, together, have more than 75 years' experience in creating internationally recognised, integrated golfing facilities in more than 30 countries worldwide. The principals are actively involved in the business and our
team includes vibrant professionals with qualifications in golf architecture, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering and CAD.
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(from left) Peter Thomson, Tim Lobb
and Ross Perrett |
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For more information visit: www.tpl.eu.com |
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©2008
Copyright. THOMSON PERRETT & LOBB |
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Media contact
For the latest TPL press releases, news and high-resolution images, please visit www.landmark-media.com or call Matt Moore or Gary Firkins at Landmark Media on tel +44 (0)1780 752790 |
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