Stay&Play ■ Packed with ideas for societies,
spas, special occasions and more ■ Deals from £85 ■ Exclusive TG offers
Your ideal break is here e all love a golf break. Whether it’s with the family, the golf society, your partner or a pal, hundreds of UK courses are geared up to welcome you for a night or two – and we’ve picked the best of them here. Based on years of knowledge, the TG team has chosen 100 UK venues where we know you’ll find quality golf and great accommodation. We’ve broken them down into 14 categories (right), catering for different tastes, occasions and budgets. Want a cheap weekend away? There are options in here for less than £85. Looking for ideas for your society? We’ve hand-picked venues that can help. Want to treat your
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StAndrews The ultimate UK golf break destination? It’s right up there.
partner to a spa weekend while you sneak off for a game? We’ve got those covered. It’s worth bearing in mind that many of these venues fit into multiple categories. The Belfry, for instance, is perfect for couples, societies, stag weekends... with a refurbished hotel, a spa, nightclub and three courses to choose from, it has it all. We’ve also added a selection of do-ityourself breaks for each category and there are some cracking deals on offer, including several exclusive to TG readers, who can benefit from discounted drinks, room upgrades… even a complimentary round on the brilliant new mini course at The Belfry. Enjoy your break! Kevin Brown, Courses Editor
Inside... 4 Society specials 6 Breaks with the boys 8 Perfect for couples 10 Family favourites 12 Brilliant value 14 Sport for all 16 Multiple courses 18 City breaks 20 Top 100 venues 22 Bring on the night 24 Money no object 26 Tour tracks 28 2-FORE!-1’s finest 30 Super spas
THE AILSA COURSE REBORN
A dramatic coastal destination. A masterpiece unveiled. An icon reborn. From the 1st of June, the legendary Ailsa course at Trump Turnberry will be available for play following a highly anticipated renovation. Experience the exhilarating changes on this famous course and become part of golfing history as one of the first to take on the reborn Ailsa. Tee off from just £585* per person, which also includes overnight accommodation in one of Trump Turnberry’s lavishly upgraded bedrooms, inclusive of breakfast, and a three course dinner in the hotel’s 1906 restaurant.
*Selected dates. T&Cs apply. Based on single occupancy. To book call 01655 333 991 or visit www.trumpturnberry.com
Society specials Eleven of our favourite UK destinations for groups
Thorpeness, Suffolk This James Braid heathland boasts a terrific variety of holes and is in top condition year-round. There’s 36 comfortable rooms, a cosy clubhouse and wood-panelled bar. Contact: Tel 01728 454926, www.thorpeness.co.uk Forest Pines, Lincolnshire This flagship venue of the QHotels group has been called the ‘Woburn of the North’. Designed by John Morgan, Forest Pines has three nines (Forest, Pines and Beeches) which weave in between trees close to the impressive hotel. Contact: 01652 650756, www.qhotels.co.uk Ramside Hotel, County Durham New star attraction is the Jonathan Gaunt-designed Cathedral course, named in honour of nearby Durham Cathedral and visible from several holes. Part of a £15m development which includes a 47-bedroom expansion of the four-star hotel, a new health club, gym, pool and spa. Contact: 0191 386 5282, www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk Hunley Hall, North Yorkshire Another 27 holes created by John Morgan, several of which overlook the North Sea. Ignore driving through the
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housing estate to reach it, this is very much an underrated venue and you’ll be impressed both by the golf and comfortable on-site hotel. Contact: 01276 676216, www.hunleyhotel.co.uk Greetham Valley, Rutland Set in 276 acres of countryside, Greetham boasts two 18-hole courses (Valley and Lakes), a nine-hole academy course and driving range. It has a threestar hotel and an excellent restaurant and clubhouse. Contact: 01780 460444, www.greethamvalley.co.uk Abbotsley, Cambridgeshire Home to two contrasting 18-hole parkland courses, a nine-hole par-3 layout, excellent practice facilities and a variety of accommodation, including 30 rooms in the main hotel. Contact: 01480 474000, www.abbotsley.com Heythrop Park, Oxfordshire Set in 440 acres and dating back to 1710, this quintessential English country estate combines elegance with style and boasts two hotels (250 rooms in total) plus a stunning Tom Mackenziedesigned Championship course, a health club and spa. Contact: 01608 673488, www.heythropparkresort.com
Top deals ● Tudor Park Sunday Driver special – Sunday night dinner, B&B stay (double occupancy) and two rounds, costs £85pp. Plus one in 12 golfers goes free. ● Thorpeness Unlimited Golf Package includes one night’s dinner, B&B break with unlimited golf, costs from £109 per person. ● Ramside Hall Two nights’ dinner, B&B (superior room), two rounds and access to the spa facilities, costs £215 per person in midweek. ● Ufford Park One-night golf break costs from £93.50pp (Thurs & Sun nights) with up to two rounds (one per day).
Tudor Park, Kent The mature Donald Steel parkland course has hosted the EuroPro Tour and is part of the four-star Marriott country club. The practice facilities are top drawer, too. Contact: 01622 734334, www.marriottgolf.co.uk Bryn Meadows, Caerphilly The mature parkland course is backed up by an on-site four-star hotel offering 40-plus rooms and excellent leisure and spa facilities. Contact: 01495 225590, www.brynmeadows.co.uk Ufford Park, Suffolk A great base for the Suffolk courses such as Aldeburgh, Woodbridge and Thorpeness, though this is a splendid ever-improving parkland course in its own right. The hotel has 88 bedrooms, many overlooking the course. Contact: 01394 383555, www.uffordpark.co.uk Lea Marston, Warwickshire Experience the nine-hole Marston Lakes parkland course built to USGA-spec and a well established, fun par-3 layout while the on-site hotel has 118 rooms, a health club, spa and restaurant. Contact: 01675 470707, www. leamarstonhotel.co.uk
HunleyHall A hidden gem of the east coast.
Connect with us online
1 NIGHT 2 ROUNDS From £109 per person
Play & stay with us!
Join us on the fairway for a round or two then enjoy the night and sleep tight in one of our luxury rooms.
Discover a course that’s above par Book your Golf getaway today. The Abbey Hotel T | 01527 406 600 W | theabbeyhotel.co.uk E | info@theabbeyhotel.co.uk The Abbey Hotel, Hither Green Lane, Dagnell End Road, Redditch, Worcestershire, B98 9BE
Enjoy one nights accommodation, an evening meal and full buffet breakfast, plus two rounds of championship golf at one of the finest coastal heathland courses in Southern England.
Call 01728 452 176 | info@thorpeness.co.uk | www.thorpeness.co.uk
Lea Marston Hotel T | 01675 470 468 W | leamarstonhotel.co.uk E | info@leamarstonhotel.co.uk Lea Marston Hotel, Golf & Spa, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, B76 0BY
Breaks for the boys Stag weekends, birthday bashes or just a good time The Belfry, West Midlands Follow in the footsteps of the Ryder Cup heroes on the demanding Brabazon course though the neighbouring PGA National and Derby are well worth trying, too. All 319 rooms have been refurbished and guests can unwind in the sumptuous spa or cocktail-serving Brabazon Bar, or let their hair down in the Bel Air nightclub. Contact: 0844 234 7784, www.TheBelfry.com Celtic Manor, South Wales (above) Take your pick from three outstanding courses, including the Twenty Ten Ryder Cup layout, while off it you can choose between the five-star Resort Hotel, the four-star 19th century Manor House or 10 luxury Hunter Lodges. The resort has refurbished the rooms in the Manor House, a favoured retreat for golfers with its Cellar sports bar and, with no fewer than six restaurants across the resort, there are plenty of 19th hole options. Contact: 01633 413000, www.celtic-manor.com Rusacks St Andrews, Fife Located in the heart of the Home of Golf, the hotel overlooks the 18th hole of the world’s most famous course and provides quality accommodation
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Top deals ● The Belfry Overnight B&B and two rounds, including one on the Brabazon, costs from £149pp. Quote ‘Today’s Golfer’ to receive a free round on the new Ryder Legends Mini Golf course. ● Craigielaw The Gosford Package costs from £317.50pp (week day price based on two sharing) and includes two nights at The Lodge on a dinner, B&B basis and three rounds at Craigielaw, Longniddry and Kilspindie. Valid Apr 1-Sept 30. ● Sprowston One night, dinner and B&B (max. double occupancy per room) and two rounds, costs from £110pp.
experienced by many of golf’s legendary names. You can dine in style in the three AA Rocca Restaurant or the more relaxed One Under Gastro pub where you can catch live sporting action while enjoying a drink or meal. Contact: 0344 879 9136, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Sprowston Manor, Norfolk Mature parkland course with a good combination of holes and overlooked by a 16th century manor hotel offering fourstar accommodation, stunning grounds, a deluxe spa and restaurant and bar – all a taxi drive from lively Norwich. Contact: 01603 410871, www.marriott.co.uk Hollins Hall, West Yorkshire You’ll find this top Marriott venue near Bradford and the modern European TheBelfry Four-time Ryder Cup venue.
HollinsHall Marriott on the moors.
Golf Design moorland track has a good variety of holes and is well worth playing. The hotel, a wonderful Elizabethan-style mansion with 122 bedrooms and a spa, is set in 200 acres of scenic grounds and features excellent leisure facilities and two fine restaurants. Contact: 01274 534211, www.marriottgolf.co.uk Craigielaw, East Lothian Top modern links layout designed by Donald Steel in 2001 that has hosted a cluster of major tournaments. With spectacular views over the Firth of Forth and the new on-site The Lodge (25 rooms), it is the ideal base for exploring Scotland’s Golf Coast, providing sea view or courtyard accommodation. Contact: 01875 870803, www. craigielawgolfclub.com
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GOLF SOCIETY BREAKS
Grange Park, Butterwick Road, Messingham, In your own superb quality North Lincolnshire Pine Lodge, overlooking the DN17 3PP magnificent Grange Park 18 Hotel Golf Course. Each 3 bedroomed 2 bathroom lodge has extensive views of the 16th hole and is only a short 2 minute walk to 1st Tee and Clubhouse.
Golf Societies always welcome Facilities include: s 18 Hole Golf Course s 20 Bay Floodlit Driving Range s 5 Tennis Courts s Fishing s Restaurant & Bar
Short Breaks Available
£99
From Per Person
Tel 01724 762945 www.grangepark.com
Crowne Plaza Resort Colchester – Five Lakes With two 18 hole golf courses, extensive leisure facilities and 194 luxury bedrooms
Golf breaks from just £89 PLUS 1 in 12 goes FREE! Quote “Today’s Golfer” Valid until 31st March 2017
Call 01621 862 330 or visit www.cpcolchester.co.uk
Tee off, Taste and Relax in SPECTACULAR Surroundings Combine luxury accomodation with fine dining, and some of the most scenic golf in Scotland Enjoy the perfect golf break at Scotland´s leading independent country house and golf hotel.
1 Night Golf Break – Dinner, bed and breakfast with one round of golf from £120.00pp
Treat yourself to a game of golf on our award-winning golf courses and to fine dining at our 2 AA rosette Old Masters Restaurant.
2 Night Golf Break – Dinner bed and breakfast with two rounds of golf from £240.00pp with 3rd round complimentary.
Sunday Driver – Bed and breakfast with a round on each course from £89.00pp
Book now to receive this special offer: call 01738 551171 and quote: TTR2016
MURRAYSHALL HOUSE HOTEL & GOLF COURSES | Scone | Perth | Scotland | PH2 7PH | +44 (0)1738 551171
www.murrayshall.co.uk
Romantic retreats When you want to earn some brownie points (so you can play more golf!) Manor House, Wiltshire (below) This undulating parkland course and luxury mansion house accommodation is set amid 365 acres of Cotswold countryside on the edge of Castle Combe. The course was created by Voice of Golf Peter Alliss and features sensational short holes, driveable par 4s and a twisting par-5 12th. Contact: 01249 782206, www.manorhousegolf.co.uk The Welcombe, Staffordshire Originally built in 1866 and standing in 157 acres of beautiful grounds, the Jacobean-style house is a quintessential four-star country house in the Shakespearean surroundings of Stratford-upon-Avon. The rolling,
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parkland course ensures it’s a big hit with golfers, while sporting all-rounders can also take advantage of the allweather tennis courts. Contact: 0330 028 3422, www.hallmarkhotels. co.uk/hotels/welcombe The Mere, Cheshire It’s known as the ‘Wentworth of the North’ – and you realise why as soon as you drive through the grand arch leading into this premier resort. The course itself is a quality layout designed by James Braid and George Duncan in 1934 and The Mere is a place to be seen for the well-heeled Cheshire set with its modern hotel hosting a popular restaurant and spa. Contact: 01565 830155, www.themereresort.co.uk
ManorHouse Set in some wonderful parkland in the Cotswolds.
Old Thorns, Hampshire Another splendidly scenic and rolling Peter Alliss design, which meanders through mature woodland and is usually in top condition. The course opened in 1992 with an exhibition match involving Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros. Off course you can take advantage of luxury accommodation including family rooms, penthouse apartments and the quirky Beams Suite. Contact: 01428 724555, www. oldthorns.com
’The Mere is a place to be seen for those in the well-heeled Cheshire set’
CarlyonBay Thrilling golf and fine dining in Cornwall.
South Lodge, West Sussex Facilities include an all-weather tennis court, running and walking trails and Victorian wine cellar and a short drive away you’ll find sister property Mannings Heath GC and its two classy courses. Guests not only have access to both, but receive preferential rates. All 89 rooms and suites are individually designed and named and feature hand-made mattresses and pillows. Contact: 01403 210228, www.southlodgehotel.co.uk Carlyon Bay, Cornwall Perched on the clifftop and providing breathtaking coastal views, this luxury hotel stands in 250 acres of grounds which include sweeping gardens. There’s a fun par-3 layout, and an impressive clifftop/parkland course with a stunning stretch of coastal holes. You’ll also love the sumptuous rooms, fine dining, spa, pool and tennis courts. Contact: 01726 812304, www.carlyonbay.com TheMere Impressive entrance.
Top deals ● Heacham Manor Sunday spring special (until May 26): One night dinner, B&B in a standard Cottage room with two rounds of golf, costs from £94pp. Quote Today’s Golfer on booking and you’ll receive 10% off drinks (excluding wine) during your stay. ● The Mere Golfer’s Getaway package costs £129pp and includes: One night’s dinner, B&B stay in a luxury room and two rounds plus full use of the award-winning Spa facilities. ● South Lodge One night’s dinner, B&B (based on two sharing) and one round on the Waterfall and one round on the Kingfisher courses at Mannings Heath, costs £159pp Mon-Thurs & £185 on Fri.
SouthLodge Great place to unwind.
Spey Valley, Highland The course opened in 2006 and is one of the most scenic in Scotland – it is set against the Cairngorms with the River Spey running through it. Architect Dave Thomas rates it among his finest work and it has staged some leading events, including the Challenge Tour. It’s part of a major Macdonald Hotel Aviemore Resort complex, providing the ultimate outdoor escape. Contact: 0344 879 9152, www. macdonaldhotels.co.uk Heacham Manor, Norfolk This charming seaside venue just outside Hunstanton has bags of appeal on and off the course. The fast-maturing coastal layout unusually features several water features, most notably at the thrilling par-3 7th hole, and is supported by splendid manor house accommodation and the smart new Avocet bar and spa created from a onetime barn. Contact: 01485 536030, www.heacham-manor.co.uk
Cornwall Golf Breaks 2016 2 Day Golf Break from £89.00 3 Day Golf Break from £172.00 4 Day Golf Break from £225.00
1 in every 16 Players goes FREE Trethorne Golf Club Kennards House Launceston Cornwall PL15 8QE
01566
86903 www.trethornegolfclub.com eservations@trethornegolfclub.
Trevose Seaside escape.
Family retreats The kids will have a great time and won’t be bothered if you slope off for a few holes Foxhills, Surrey A family-owned and family-friendly resort offering a wide range of leisure activities including plenty of quality golf (Longcross & Bernard Hunt courses) on London’s doorstep. At the centre of everything is the 19th century Manor House – a spacious well-appointed fourstar accommodation, with 20 newly refurbished poolside rooms. There’s a superb spa, four swimming pools, three restaurants, tennis and squash courts, state-of-the-art gym and a children’s clubhouse. Contact: 01932 872050, www.foxhills.co.uk Trevose G&CC, Cornwall Classic Harry Colt links with a great mix of holes, the pick being the stunning par-5 4th where the hidden green overlooks the beach. Trevose is always
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in top condition, and if the wind is blowing can be a severe examination. A wide range of accommodation is available including flats, bungalows and some luxury lodges and the on-site amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts and children’s playground. Contact: 01841 520208, www.trevosegc.co.uk Rudding Park, North Yorkshire The Grade 1 regency house hotel and surrounding parkland has undergone constant development over the past 20 years and facilities at the 90-room resort are first-class. The Hawtree course weaves around the 200-year-old Repton Park and is backed-up by a sixhole short course and superb practice facilities. Contact: 01423 871350, www. ruddingpark.co.uk
HeverCastle Play a round in the morning then visit the famous castle in the afternoon.
Dorset G&CC, Dorset Home to 27 holes of golf (Lakeland, Parkland & Woodland nines) and some of the best accommodation options, including luxury lodges, in the south of England. The four-star Dormy Golf Hotel – attached to a bowls and fitness centre – houses 16 comfortably spacious and impressively furnished twin en-suite bedrooms. Contact: 01929 472244, www.dorsetgolfresort.com Hellidon Lakes, Northants A fresh, modern boutique-style hotel with splendid accommodation, great leisure facilities including a spa, an indoor golf simulator and 10-pin bowling alley – plus 27 holes of parkland golf in the heart of the country. Contact: 01327 262550, www.qhotels.co.uk
Hever Castle, Kent The home of 27 holes of testing parkland golf plotted in the mature grounds of Hever Castle Estate. The main course is made up of the Kings and Queens nines and is supported by the nine-hole Princes. If you’re staying on site, you and the family receive complimentary castle and grounds access. Contact: 01732 701003, www.hever.co.uk Point at Polzeath, Cornwall Improved last year with the opening of seven on-site apartments in addition to the existing accommodation. A par-72 course has a good variety of holes and after a round you can chill out in the health club with its refurbished pool, sauna and steam room. Contact: 01208 864603, www.thepointatpolzeath.co.uk RuddingPark Par-3 course is brilliant.
Top deals ● Rudding Park Book the golf, dinner, B&B offer on selected nights throughout 2016 and enjoy up to four rounds (two on the Hawtree course and two on the six-hole par-3 Repton course). Costs £120pp. Call 01423 844822.
SPRING
GREENS AT WA L E S ’ SW E E T S P OT
● Trevose Stay three nights or more and receive one day’s complimentary golf plus a bottle of house wine. From £345, based on two sharing and subject to availability. ● Hever Castle. Packages start from £95.50pp for a deluxe double room (including breakfast), nine holes on the Princes course and access to the Hever Estate.
Wales’ Leading 4º Golf, Spa and Leisure Resort • 143 bedroom luxury 4* hotel • Wales National course - 7433 yards • Lake course - 6436 yards • Award winning dining options • Extensive leisure facilities • 19 treatment room spa • FREE parking and WiFi
B&B Break + 18 holes from £79* pp D,B&B Break + 36 holes from £109* pp 2016 society days from £30* pp
’The home of 27 holes of testing parkland golf in the mature grounds of Hever Castle Estate’
01443 667800 | www.vale-hotel.com Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY *Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability.
Brilliant value Looking for value? These start at just £85
Top deals
HillValley Stay and play for just £85.
Cottesmore G&CC, West Sussex This splendid venue comprises the Griffin course, which staged the Sussex Open Championship in 2006, and the nine-hole Phoenix layout, along with 21 comfortable, fully refurbished rooms. Contact: 01293 528256, www.cottesmoregolf.co.uk Windmill Village, Warwickshire This excellent Best Western Plus resort has a short but fun 18-hole course along with 100 recently refurbished rooms, a spa and a variety of eating options. Contact: 02476 404040, www.windmillvillagehotel.co.uk Abbey Hotel, Worcestershire The hotel includes 100 contemporary en-suite rooms overlooking a mature
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● Macdonald Hill Valley One night’s dinner, B&B and two rounds of golf costs from £85pp with 20% discount on drinks, a free FitBit Watch, while one in 12 go free. ● Tenby Summer Stay and Play group (eight or more) special includes two nights’ B&B and three rounds. Costs £165pp. ● Wensum Valley One night’s dinner, B&B and unlimited golf, costs £85pp Thurs & Sun sharing (available Apr-Oct). ● Abbey Hotel One night’s (midweek) dinner, B&B and two rounds, costs £119pp (Apr, Aug & Oct).
parkland course plotted within a lovely 175-acre estate. You’ll also be impressed by the two-tier 28-bay floodlit driving range. Contact: 01527 406600, www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk Macdonald Hill Valley, Shropshire With two excellent contrasting courses (Emerald and Sapphire) and 86 well designed rooms in an idyllic setting, you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy the experience. Contact: 0344 879 9049, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Trethorne, Cornwall Fun, friendly venue just off the A30, comprising six rooms in the clubhouse, four single storey lodges and two detached cottages plus a challenging undulating parkland course. Facilities Cottesmore West Sussex parkland.
‘Tenby is home to a cracking links course where golf has been played for 125 years’ include a bowling alley! Contact: 01566 86903, ww.trethornegolfclub.com Tenby, Pembrokeshire (above) Home of a cracking links where golf has been played for 125 years. Tenby has it all – fast-running, gently rolling fairways, pot bunkers, blind shots and lightning greens. It now boasts seven on-site dormy (three-star) accommodation. Contact: 01834 844447, www.tenbygolf.co.uk Wensum Valley, Norfolk It’s just outside Norwich and offers 90 en-suite rooms and outstanding leisure facilities, including two 18-hole courses – the Championship Wensum and the shorter, not-so-demanding Valley. Contact: 01603 261012, www.wensumvalleyhotel.co.uk
Swing into Suffolk
at Ufford Park Woodbridge
Looking for the perfect venue for your golf break? Then join us at Ufford Park Woodbridge Hotel, Golf & Spa, located just off the A12, near Ipswich. A warm welcome, superb greens and fine food await in the heart of the Suffolk countryside. An award-winning course where visitors return time and time again. Top winter, 18 hole, par 71 golf course Corporate & society days 2 storey floodlit driving range Open to members and non-members Special rates at other top Suffolk golf courses AmericanGolf store Doctorgolf academy Thermal suite spa and health club
Golf and Spa Breaks from £93.50 per person t 0844 477 1834 w www.uffordpark.co.uk
Yarmouth Road, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 1QW
TEEWELSH OFF AT TENBY GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR 2014 Visitors are very welcome to enjoy our Rolex World Ranked Championship Links Course all year round - Superb Sea Views - Driving Range and Par 3 ‘warm up‘ course - 7 En-suite twin bedrooms for great value play and stay breaks - Snooker Room, excellent Bar/Catering SUMMER PLAY AND STAY PACKAGES 2 Nights B+B,3 Rounds from £165,1 Night breaks from £74.50 Society Golf only £30.00 p.p For bookings and more information
Call 01834 842978/844447 or e-mail info@tenbygolf.co.uk www.tenbygolf.co.uk
That’s very sporting Combine golf with racing, football, cricket and motorsport Lingfield Park, Surrey Set in the grounds of Lingfield Park racetrack and with great views over the racecourse, golf course and surrounding countryside, the Marriott hotel offers 116 luxury rooms, a spa, leisure club and restaurant. Contact: 01342 834602, www.lingfieldpark.co.uk Goodwood, West Sussex Home of two very distinctive courses – the newer Park course, designed by
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Donald Steel in 1987, and the classic Braid Downs layout – plus a four-star hotel with 93 bedrooms, surrounded by the stunning 12,000-acre Goodwood Estate. All this within a short drive of Glorious Goodwood racetrack and the motor racing circuit, which stages the Festival of Speed. Contact: 01243 927076, www.goodwood.com St Pierre, South Wales It’s built around a charming 14th
Goodwood South Coast playground has golf, horses and racing cars.
century manor and a beautiful 11th century church and has benefited from a £1.8m facelift. Two contrasting courses – the Old (staged the British Masters & Solheim Cup) and the Mathern – make it a wonderful place to stay and play. Close to Chepstow race course, home of the Welsh Grand National. Contact: 01291 635208, www.marriottgolf.co.uk Formby Hall, Lancs It’s one of the finest resorts on
England’s Golf Coast, just north of Liverpool within striking distance of Premier League sides Liverpool and Everton, plus Aintree. The four-star hotel has 62 rooms, a spa and health club, a challenging par-72 parkland course, a nine-hole par 3 and brilliant practice facilities. Contact: 01704 875699, www.formbyhallgolfresort.co.uk Meon Valley, Hampshire Four-star Marriott venue with spa, gym and award-winning restaurant plus an established 18-hole parkland course and a fun nine-hole Valley layout. It’s just a few miles from Southampton, home of a Premier League football club, and the Rosebowl, which stages county and international cricket. Contact: 01329 836831, www.marriottgolf.co.uk
FormbyHall Great for Liverpool.
Top deals
LingfieldPark Have a day at the races, too.
MeonValley Handy for the Rosebowl.
StPierre Close to Chepstow.
● Meon Valley Sunday Driver Special: Sunday night dinner, B&B stay (double occupancy) and two rounds on Championship course, costs £95pp. ● St Pierre Two nights’ dinner, B&B (max. double occupancy per room) and three rounds (two on Mathern & one on Old Course), costs from £203pp.
‘Goodwood stages the annual Festival of Speed’
Five Lakes, Essex Home of a modern upmarket Crowne Plaza Resort and two 18-hole courses (Links & Lakes). The Neil Colesdesigned Lakes features water on nine holes and perfect for matchplay. Close to Colchester, on-site facilities include an indoor pool and spa. Contact: 01621 868888, www.cpcolchester.co.uk
Take your pick Venues with more than one course
Barnham Broom, Norfolk Boasts two 18-hole courses (Hill & Valley) plus excellent practice facilities and a hotel featuring 46 refurbished rooms just off the A47 on the doorstep of Norwich. Contact: 01603 759393, www.barnham-broom.co.uk Breadsall Priory, Derbyshire The four-star Marriott resort introduces modern comfort to a stunning grade II listed building dating back to 1260 set in a 300-acre estate on the edge of the Peak District. The Priory is a rollercoaster of a mature parkland track and is backed-up by the Moorland which is playable year-round. Contact: 01332 832235, www.marriottgolf.co.uk Fairmont StAndrews Stunning Fife coast views.
Top deals
BreadsallPriory Lovely Derby destination,
Ashbury Manor House Hotels, Devon With 99 holes of golf available, this is the UK’s biggest single golfing venue. It also offers an unrivalled range of other leisure facilities, including 13 tennis courts, 13 indoor bowls rinks, 28 snooker tables, tenpin bowling, three indoor pools and two hydro spas. All activities, including golf, are complimentary for guests. Contact: 01837 53053, www. manorhousehotel.co.uk Fairmont St Andrews, Fife A superb resort just outside the Home of Golf where many players stay for the Open at St Andrews. The resort has everything including a luxury hotel with world-class facilities and two clifftop courses (Torrance & Kittocks). Contact: 01334 837000, www.fairmont.com/standrews-scotland
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● Ashbury Manor House Hotels Four nights’ fullboard from July 17 costs £288 & free unlimited golf between Jul 17-Aug 31, with buggies just £8 per round. ● Breadsall Priory One night, threecourse dinner, B&B stay and two rounds (one on each course) costs from £120pp. ● Fairmont St Andrews Sunday Driver deal: Overnight Sun B&B stay and 18 holes, costs from £84.50pp. ● Barnham Broom One night’s dinner, B&B and one round plus use of Health facilities, costs from £99pp sharing (Sun-Thurs).
Slaley Hall, Northumberland The award-winning Hexham venue – it was voted ‘Best Golf Hotel/Resort in the North of England’ in the latest TG Travel Awards – is a short drive from Newcastle and home to a luxury hotel set in 1,000 acres of moorland and forest and a pair of Championship courses (Hunting & Priestman). Contact: 01434 676587, www.qhotels.co.uk Carden Park, Cheshire Classy venue with the No.1 attraction being a Jack Nicklaus course, which finishes in style in front of the luxury Tudor mansion-style hotel. The course is a joy to play too and you can warmup for both by taking advantage of the outstanding practice facilities. Contact: 01829 731000, www.cardenpark.co.uk
CardenPark Quality Nicklaus design.
East Sussex National, Sussex A class act both on and off the course – the East and West layouts offer different challenges with the East, a Stadiumstyle layout, being a former European Tour venue. The luxury hotel has a range of superior bedrooms, including 10 luxury suites. Contact: 01825 880088, www.eastsussexnational.co.uk Dale Hill, East Sussex Plotted within 350 acres high on the Sussex Weald. Star is the Woosnam layout (designed by the former Masters champion), but the neighbouring Old Course is well worth playing, too. Many of the four-star hotel’s 35 bedrooms provide stunning views. Contact: 01580 200112, www.dalehill.co.uk Murrayshall, Perthshire A chance to experience two contrasting 18-hole courses (Murrayshall & Lynedoch) within 350 acres of pristine Perthshire countryside. Off-course, you can unwind in 41 individually styled bedrooms, including 16 suites. Contact: 01738 551171, www.murrayshall.co.uk Hawkstone Park, Shropshire Former Open and Masters champion Sandy Lyle learnt his skills here. It has the Hawkstone and Championship courses, plus excellent on-site hotel (66 en-suite rooms), a great clubhouse and testing short course. Contact: 0844 854 2910, www.hawkstoneparkweston.co.uk
TheManor House
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Hotels
Set in the foothills of Dartmoor National Park, Devon. The Ashbury Hotel is the ideal venue for your golf break.
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Kigbeare 15th 415 yards, Par 4
We are already talking about returning for our next tour and we’ve not been home for 24hrs!! Bakes71 - Trip Advisor
Pines 17th 442 yards, Par 2
Oakwood 16th 172 yards, Par 3
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City breaks Combine quality golf with off-course attractions
Oulton Hall, Leeds One of the top golf resorts in the north of England is getting better following a £1.1m refurbishment. Besides featuring 27 holes designed by Dave Thomas and outstanding practice facilities, Oulton Hall boasts a state-of-the-art golf academy. Contact: 0113 282 1000, www.qhotels.co.uk Selsdon Park, Croydon You’ll discover this gently undulating golfing paradise plotted within 250 acres of rolling parkland which shares star billing with a luxury hotel housed in a neo-Jacobean building. Contact: 0208 6578 811, www.selsdonparkcroydon.co.uk Mar Hall, Glasgow A luxury five-star hotel, golf and spa 10 minutes from the city set in 240 acres of woodland. The Edwardian mansion has 53 rooms, a championship course, spa, swimming pool and fine dining and casual dining options. Contact: 0141 812 9999, www.marhall.com Aldwark Manor, York Four-star QHotels accommodation with 50-plus rooms in the striking Manor house, backed-up by a spa and health club, Brasserie restaurant and two bars
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Residence. Contact: 0115 933 3344, www.thenottinghamshire.com
MarHall On the Clyde.
‘Oulton Hall boasts a stateof-the-art golf academy’ overlooking the short but testing parkland course, which starts and finishes with a par 3. Contact: 01347 838353, www.qhotels.co.uk The Nottinghamshire, Notts As Nottingham’s only 36-hole golf and hotel complex, this is an ideal location set in 340 acres of rolling countryside just six miles from the city centre. It boasts two 18-hole layouts (the Open & Masters courses) and stylish bedrooms within the on-site newly-opened The
Top deals ● Aldwark Manor Overnight dinner, B&B and two rounds, costs from £99pp. ● Worsley Park Two nights’ dinner, B&B (max. double occupancy) and three rounds, costs from £231pp. ● Oulton Hall Overnight dinner, B&B and 36 holes, costs from £95pp.
Worsley Park, Manchester A four-star Marriott venue just 10 minutes from Manchester city centre. There are 158 rooms, an AA rosette award-winning restaurant and spa and leisure club with heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room... and a demanding parkland course with eight lakes and 71 bunkers to avoid. Contact: 0161 975 2000, www.marriottgolf.co.uk The Westerwood, Glasgow Four-star modern hotel set in 400 acres of woodland at the base of the Campsie Hills. It has over 148 bedrooms, plus a cracking parkland course designed by Seve Ballesteros and Dave Thomas. Contact: 01236 457171, www.qhotels.co.uk AldwarkManor Striking entrance.
Oulton Hall Close to Leeds, but feels a million miles away.
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Top 100 venues Bucket-list courses among the world’s best
Top deals
TrumpInternational Stay in the stunning MacLeod House.
Prince’s, Kent It may be overlooked by neighbouring Royal St George’s and Royal Cinque Ports, but unlike the ‘Royals,’ Prince’s boasts 27 holes (Shore, Dunes and Himalayas nines). This historic links venue is now backed up by The Lodge which opened in 2012 and offers 38 bedrooms, all with en-suite facilities and either course or Channel views. Contact: 01304 611118, www.princesgolfclub.co.uk Saunton Sands, Devon The elegant, four-star art deco Saunton Sands hotel is a flagship of Brend Hotels, and overlooks Saunton’s stunning East and West links layouts which unfurl across 1,000 acres of Braunton Burrows, England’s largest dune system. Contact: 01271 890212, www.sauntonsands.co.uk
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● Trump International Stay, Play and Dine Package (Apr 1-Nov 30) includes one night B&B in MacLeod House & Lodge in a superior queen twin/double room, 26 holes & two-course meal. From £295pp (low season rates; Apr, Oct & Nov). ● Prince’s Overnight dinner, B&B at The Lodge at Prince’s (two sharing) and a round on the Championship links, from £129pp from May-Oct 31. ● Carnoustie Five nights at Carnoustie Hotel (May 8-12) plus four-course Carnoustie Classic Trophy comp, daily prizes, social events, transfers and prize dinner, costs from £749pp.
Trump International, Aberdeenshire This course was years in the making and it lives up to all the hype – it is one of the most dramatic in the UK. The threat of an offshore windfarm may have thwarted Trump’s bid to build a hotel, but you can still stay in style in the grand MacLeod House & Lodge. Contact: 01358 743300, www.trumpgolfscotland.com Carnoustie Golf Hotel, Angus This Angus links is one of the toughest courses on the Open rota (it’s staged seven Opens) and is an absolute must play. The fact that a four-star hotel with excellent facilities overlooks it and is just yards from the 1st tee is an added bonus. The neighbouring Burnside and
Saunton One of England’s oldest courses.
‘Trump says it will top the list of world’s greatest’ Buddon layouts are well worth playing, too. Contact: 0843 178 7109, www. bespokehotels.com Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire (above) The Donald has splashed out £200m redesigning the Ailsa course, a new-look second course and the total renovation of the hotel, which towers over the links. Trump says it will “go to the top of the list of world’s greatest resorts” when it re-opens in June. Contact: 01655 333991, www.trumpturnberry.com
aft re-o C er pe e ma nin leb jor g o rat bu f th ing nk e C th er o e ref lt C urb o ish urse me nt!
THE GREAT BRITISH ESCAPE Stoke Park is a luxury 5 Red Star Hotel, Spa and Country Club set within 300 acres of beautiful parkland and offers incredible sporting and leisure facilities. These include: 49 bedrooms & suites, award winning Spa, 27 Hole Championship Golf Course, 3 Restaurants & Bars including 3 AA Rosette winning HumphryĂs, 13Tennis Courts (indoor, grass & artificial clay), Indoor Pool, State-of-the-Art Gym, Studios, CrĂ‹che, Games Room and Playground. Being 35 minutes from London and 7 miles from Heathrow Airport, makes Stoke Park an ideal location and perfect setting for stopovers and luxury breaks.
For enquiries please call 01753 717172 or email reservations@stokepark.com. www.stokepark.com
Bring on the night After golf, head for some bustling nightlife nearby Portmarnock Links, Dublin A great place to stay and play with the four-star hotel overlooking a stunning Bernhard Langer-designed links which sits next to Portmarnock’s historic Old Course and is a short drive from the bright lights of Dublin, one of Europe’s leading party capitals. Langer has created a proper links which puts much better-known seaside tracks in the shade. Contact: Tel: 003531 846 0611, www.portmarnock.com North Shore, Skegness On the outskirts of Skegness, the star attraction is the splendid James Braid course, a fine mixture of links and
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parkland holes and an ideal venue for year-round golf breaks. The 34-room Best Western hotel overlooks the 18th. Contact: 01754 763298, www.northshoregolf.co.uk Village Urban Resort, Blackpool Blackpool’s Heron’s Reach course provides plenty of thrills and spills while you can also brush up your tennis skills, treat yourself to some treatments or relax in the heated pools. Contact: 01253 208870, www.heronsreachgolf.co.uk/our-hotel Vale Resort, Cardiff (pictured) A short drive from Cardiff, you’ll
‘Langer’s links puts betterknown tracks in the shade’ discover this outstanding four-star resort with excellent accommodation and facilities, including a stunning spa – the largest in Wales – and two contrasting 18-hole courses (Wales National and Lake). It has 143 rooms, many with balconies overlooking the Lake course. Contact: 01443 667800, www.vale-hotel.com
Top deals ● The Vale TG readers will receive a £10 drink voucher for golf breaks booked in July. ● North Shore. Spring break (until May 1); One night stay & two rounds, costs £119pp.
Golf as it should be
Great Golf... and now a great nights sleep in our new 4* 25 bedroom lodge. Visit www.craigielawgolfclub.com for offers.
Money’s no object It’s worth breaking the bank for these special breaks Close House, Northumbs North east entrepreneur Graham Wylie has invested over £12m putting this venue – represented on Tour by Lee Westwood – on the map. Chief attraction is the stunning Colt Course, which tips its hat to the master course architect and is supported by the revamped Filly layout. Off-course the dozen courtyard suite-style rooms and four Terrace rooms are superb. Contact: 01661 852255, www.closehouse.com Gleneagles, Perthshire World-class, word-famous resort which staged Europe’s last Ryder Cup triumph in 2014. The five-star ‘Palace in the Glens’ has been around since 1924 and comprises 232 rooms, including 26
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sumptuous luxury suites, a sensational spa and a range of outdoor activities including three wonderful 18-hole courses (PGA Centenary, King’s & Queen’s). Contact: 0800 389 3737, www.gleneagles.com Old Course Hotel, Fife It’s a five-minute stroll from the historic town of St Andrews, the Home of Golf, and you get bird’s eye views of the Old Course, West Sands beach and beyond. All the golfing greats have stayed at the iconic five-star hotel, which has 144 rooms including 35 suites. Enjoy a pint at the legendary Jigger Inn or a round at The Duke’s, owned by the hotel and St Andrews’ only inland course. Contact: 01334 474371, www.oldcoursehotel.co.uk
Renaissance Renowned designer Tom Doak’s only course in the UK.
Archerfield Home to two quality links.
Slieve Donard, County Down It neighbours magnificent Royal County Down, arguably the world’s best links course, with the Mourne Mountains and Irish Sea as a backdrop. The four-star hotel offers 181 comfortable and stylish bedrooms, including six luxury suites, and a spa. Contact: 028 4372 1066, www.hastingshotels.com Archerfield, East Lothian Boasts two stunning courses (Fidra & Dirleton) next to Muirfield on this
breathtaking coastline, a range of top accommodation, an award-winning spa, elegant clubhouse, world-class practice facilities and a Nike Performance Fitting Centre. What more do you want? Contact: 01620 897050, www. archerfieldhouse.com Renaissance, East Lothian It’s a classic modern Tom Doak links in immaculate condition on the Archerfield estate next to Muirfield. It’s exclusive, but you can take advantage of the ‘One Time Experience’ offer (see panel), unwinding after a round in the spa and staying in a suite overlooking the course. Contact: 01620 850901, www.trcaa.com Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh This five-star resort hosted prime ministers and presidents at a G8 Summit. It is home to a magnificent Faldo championship course in the
LoughErne Faldo’s finest.
surrounds of Fermanagh’s lakelands, a range of fantastic facilities plus 120 luxury rooms and suites. Contact: 028 6632 3230, www.lougherneresort.com Cameron House, Dunbartonshire The five-star hotel has it all, most notably amazing views across Loch Lomond. It features 132 spacious rooms
and a superb spa. The other star is the nearby Carrick course, a lovely parkland-woodland combination which enjoys significant changes in elevation – the 14th, played from a tee high in the woods to a green 100ft below, is a gem of a par 3. Contact: 01389 755565, www.qhotels.co.uk K Club, Co Kildare Follow in the footsteps of Ian Woosnam’s 2006 Ryder Cup heroes on the highly challenging Palmer course, which is supported by the neighbouring Smurfit, a fine parkland layout in its own right. The courses are overlooked by a luxury hotel with beautiful rooms, a spa, several dining options and fantastic facilities. Contact: 003531 6017 200, www.kclub.ie
Top deals ● Gleneagles Golf & More at Gleneagles: overnight B&B stay (based on two sharing), one round on one of the three courses and full use of The Club leisure facilities with prices in April starting at £415 per room per night. TG readers will receive a complimentary room upgrade for voting Gleneagles Scotland’s Best Hotel/Resort in the latest TG Travel Awards. ● Renaissance The One Time Experience costs from £325pp sharing for stay and play and £250pp for play only (May through Sept). Availability is strictly limited Thurs through Sunday. ● Archerfield Guests staying in either the Pavilion Suites (from £235 for two people) or lodges (from £565) have the opportunity to book tee-times at an Archerfield guest rate.
Tour tracks All these venues have hosted the pros at some point
St Mellion, Cornwall The venue is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and is arguably the best resort in the south west with two 18-hole courses, including the legendary Nicklaus – the Golden Bear’s first UK layout and former home of the Benson & Hedges International Open. It is well supported by the shorter but testing Kernow. Contact: 01579 352001, www.st-mellion.co.uk Hanbury Manor, Herts Staged the English Open from 1997-99 and is often described as ‘London’s Country Retreat’. The challenging parkland course is open to members and hotel residents only and is always in top condition. Guests can also take advantage of a super spa and health club facilities. Contact: 01920 487722, www.marriott.co.uk Forest of Arden, Warks Parkland courses don’t come much better than the Arden, which has tested Europe’s finest in the past in the British Masters. It boasts some cracking holes and has a real sting in the tail in the form of a long par 3 over a water-filled valley. The neighbouring Aylesford layout provides the ideal warm-up at
26 STAY AND PL AY TODAYSGOLFER .CO.UK
this outstanding Marriott venue set on the 10,000-acre Packington Estate. Contact: 01676 522335, www.marriott.co.uk Dalmahoy, Edinburgh It’s hosted both the Solheim Cup and the Scottish PGA Championship with the highly challenging East course – one of the longest in Scotland – being the main attraction, though the West is a fine layout in its own right. Located just three miles from Edinburgh, the four-star hotel has 215 rooms and a variety of leisure and spa facilities. Contact: 0131 333 1845, www.marriottgolf.co.uk Galgorm Resort & Spa, Co Antrim This premier venue located just 30 minutes from Belfast is the perfect place to relax. The course, plotted within 220 acres of mature parkland in the grounds of one of Ireland’s historic demesnes, provided a solid test to last year’s Northern Ireland Open Challenge Tour participants. Contact: 028 2588 1001, www.galgorm.com Mottram Hall, Cheshire The mature Dave Thomas design has benefited big-time from a major
Top deals ● Forest of Arden Sunday Driver special includes Sunday night dinner, B&B stay (based on double occupancy) and two rounds on Aylesford course, costs £99pp. ● St Mellion Academy break; Two nights’ B&B (two people), three-day tuition break, costs from £295pp. ● The Oxfordshire One night’s B&B and two rounds (Mon-Thurs), costs £169pp. ● Mottram Hall One night’s dinner, B&B and two rounds, plkus one in 12 golfers go free, costs from £79pp.
upgrade carried out prior to the successful staging of the 2013 PGA Seniors Championship. Relax in style in the 131 comfortable, spacious rooms and take advantage of the excellent leisure and spa facilities. Contact: 01625 828135, www.qhotels.co.uk The Oxfordshire, Oxon The pride of the Leaderboard group has staged a string of top events including the B&H International Open, Andersen Consulting World Championship and Ladies English Open. The linksy, water-strewn course is perfect for matchplay. The fairly recent addition of a 50-room hotel and spa has taken it up another notch. Contact: 01844 278300, www.theoxfordshire.com The Roxburghe, Borders One of Scotland’s finest inland layouts staged the 2010 Scottish Senior Open. It boasts an outstanding rolling Dave Thomas parkland design overlooked by luxury mansion house accommodation. The course crosses glorious countryside next to the River Teviot and the par-5 ‘Viaduct’ hole is an absolute belter. Contact: 01573 450331, www.roxburghe.net
TheOxfordshire Former host of numerous Tour events.
2-FORE!-1 venues Courses you can play with a half-price voucher Dartmouth G&CC, Devon (above) Dartmouth is a wonderful venue with an on-site hotel and excellent facilities, the stand-out being the demanding championship parkland layout with a terrific set of par 3s. Contact: 01803 712686, www.thedartmouthhotel.co.uk Bowood G&CC, Wiltshire It’s plotted in the grounds of a 2,000acre Capability Brown estate owned by the Marquis of Lansdowne, with the Dave Thomas-designed parkland masterpiece – one memorable hole follows another – supported by a modern hotel with excellent amenities. Another plus is that guests gain complimentary access to nearby Bowood House and gardens. Contact: 01249 823881, www.bowood.org Belton Woods, Lincs Play two contrasting 18-hole courses – the longer, tighter Lakes with, as you
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Top deals ● Portal Sunday Driver includes one night dinner, B&B (based on double occupancy) and two rounds, £90 per person. ● Bowood B&B stay and one round of golf per person with full use of the spa facilities, from £115pp. ● Dartmouth Two nights’ B&B, one evening meal and three rounds on Championship course (unlimited play on Dartmouth course), free use of the spa, costs £185pp May-Sept (midweek).
would expect, plenty of water hazards and the shorter, gentler Woodside, which still requires good course management. Contact: 0871 222 4691, www.qhotels.co.uk
Bowood Stunning surroundings.
Portal, Cheshire Golfing heaven in rural Cheshire with the superb Championship course backed up by the 18-hole Premier layout and the nine-hole Aderne course. You’ll love the modern Macdonald hotel and spa, too. Contact: 0344 879 9082, www. macdonaldhotels.co.uk
in the heart of the Cotswolds. Contact: 01454 311818, www.theplayersgolfclub.com
The Players Club, Bristol After tackling the formidable Codrington course – where water features on 14 holes – or the neighbouring, not-so-testing Stranahan layout, you can retire to nearby Canons Court Mews, a recent development of self-catering cottages
Donnington Valley Hotel & GC, Berks Play in style on the mature parkland course with its demanding finale and stay in style at the four-star on-site hotel. The clubhouse is a Grade II listed Victorian building and a great place to unwind. Contact: 01635 551199, www.donningtonvalley.co.uk
THE CLUB
Dedicated to the game of golf
2 NIGHTS & 3 ROUNDS FROM £149pp
1 NIGHT & 2 ROUNDS FROM £99pp
One of the best UK golf courses to emerge in the last few years TodayÕs Golfer Magazine
Tel: 01454 313029 | Email adrian@theplayersgolfclub.com | www.theplayersgolfclub.com
ONE OF THE MOST DISTINCTIVE GOLF HOTELS IN CORNWALL
• DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST • UNLIMITED GOLF • 3 NIGHTS FROM £220 PER PERSON Tel: 01503 230276 email: whitsandbayhotel@btconnect.com www.whitsandbayhotel.co.uk
Super spas Pamper yourself at some of Britain’s best retreats The Grove, Hertfordshire Dubbed London’s Country Club, The Grove returns to the big-time in October when it stages the British Masters hosted by Luke Donald. It will be a decade since The Grove put on the Tiger Woods-dominated American Express World Golf Championship, still the only WGC event ever played on UK soil. The resort is less than 25 miles from central London, and offers luxury accommodation in 26 historic Mansion House suites and 191 rooms within the contemporary West Wing close to the Sequoia Spa, where you can indulge in a variety of treatments. Contact: 01923 807807, www.thegrove.co.uk
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Stoke Park, Bucks Stay-and-play venues simply don’t come much better than this iconic Buckinghamshire venue, which boasts 27 holes of quality Harry Colt parkland golf (Colt, Alison & Lane Jackson nines), luxury accommodation in the incredible Palladian manor house – which doubles up as the best clubhouse around – and The Pavilion, an award-winning spa, plus the finest of dining options… and loads more leisure activities. No wonder it’s played starring roles in numerous movies, including 007 classic Goldfinger. Contact: 01753 717171, www.stokepark.com
LutonHoo A magnificent place to spend a weekend.
Luton Hoo, Beds A magical place to stay and play, thanks to an historic 18th century mansion house hotel, which has entertained royalty and prime ministers alike. The modern par-73 course features a monster 261-yard par 3, while you can unwind in the beautifully appointed spa housed within old stables. Contact: 01582 734437, www.lutonhoo.co.uk
‘A gloriously historic hotel, which has entertained royalty and prime ministers alike’
StokePark Part resort, part movie set.
Bovey Castle, Devon This stunning estate oozes charm and includes a 64-bedroom hotel, mature undulating parkland course, a wonderful spa, gorgeous lodges and an outdoor pursuits centre. It’s a luxury retreat on the edge of Dartmoor National Park – and we can recommend the golf balls massage treatment! Contact: 01647 445000, www.boveycastle.com Rockliffe Hall, Co Durham Plotted on the banks of the River Tees, it recently won Best Large Hotel of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards. The course is a modern masterpiece with stunning bunkering and water features and is overlooked by a magnificent grand mansion house hotel providing 61 spacious rooms and suites and backed up by adjacent quality apartment and lodge accommodation. Contact: 01325 729999, www.rockliffehall.com
TheGrove Ready to host the British Masters.
BoveyCastle Gorgeous Devon golf.
Top deals ● Stoke Park One night’s B&B in a Superior Room, three-course dinner and 18 holes, costs from £309pp. ● Luton Hoo Overnight B&B accommodation (based on two sharing), threecourse dinner and 36 holes of golf, use of the Country Club facilities, costs from £145pp on Mon–Sat. ● Bovey Castle Two nights’ B&B and two rounds, costs from £598 for two people sharing a Classic room.
Marine, East Lothian North Berwick’s shining star is the four-star Macdonald Marine Hotel, which overlooks the famous West Links and provides glorious Firth of Forth views. The hotel can arrange tee times and special rates at many of Scotland’s Golf Coast courses, including Open qualifiers Dunbar, Gullane and North Berwick and unsung clifftop hero The Glen. Contact: 0344 879 9130, www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Stapleford Park, Leics Surrounded by 500 acres of Capability Brown landscaped grounds in scenic Leicestershire countryside, with a Donald Steel-designed course meandering its way around the estate. The course has seen European Senior Tour action and is overlooked by a luxury hotel supported by a sensational spa. Contact: 01572 787044, www.staplefordpark.com