Travel Guide: Domestic suggestions
EAST SUSSEX NATIONAL
Sitting in the heart of the county, East Sussex National comprises two magnificent championship 18- hole layouts.
The East Course staged the European Open in 1993 and 1994, and over the years has played host to the likes of Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.
The resort offers a selection ofbreaks, with one-night winter packages including dinner, B&B and 36 holes starting at £130pp. Its four-star hotel has 104 rooms and 10 luxury suites, as well as a health club containing a 50-station gym, 20m pool and nine-room spa. www.eastsussexnational.co.uk
MACDONALD HOTELS
With resorts spread across both England and Scotland, Macdonald Hotels are the ideal companion to any home-based golf holiday.
The championship course at their Portal Resort in Cheshire was voted Golf Course of the Year in 1995, and the 5th at Spey Valley, near Aviemore, is, at 635 yards, the longest hole in Scotland.
Despite the recognised pedigree of their courses, novice players will enjoy a Macdonald golf break just as much.
Expert tuition is available at their Botley Park venue, while the Cardrona resort, with its wide range of tee options, sums up Macdonald’s inclusive policy.
www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk
LA GRANDE MARE
Tucked away on the western coast, La Grande Mare Hotel, Golf & Country Club is one of Guernsey’s finest resort destinations.
Perfect for any business or recreational retreat, the club boasts an 18-hole parkland course that complements its magnificent four-star hotel.
The original course was designed by the reputable Hawtree and Sons and comprised 14 holes with four double greens before it was updated to its current 18-hole layout in 2001.
The club actively welcomes green fees, allowing their guests to enjoy a round and bask in the beauty of the adjacent Vazon Bay.
www.lagrandemare.com
OLD THORNS
Flanked by the glorious hills of northern Hampshire, this championship 18-hole course is a delight for novice and experienced golfers alike.
Commander John Harris was commissioned to design the course back in the 1970s, but sadly died before his plans were realised. The BBC’s ‘Voice of Golf’ Peter Alliss took over developments and the course was completed in 1981.
The club staged a competitive fourball to celebrate its grand opening, welcoming Isao Aoki, Seve Ballesteros, Jack Nicklaus and the then Open champion Bill Rogers to the Hampshire countryside. The card is displayed in the Legends Restaurant.
www.oldthorns.com
MCMILLAN HOTELS
Situated close to a range of the region’s finest courses, McMillan Hotels provide the ideal base for any golf break in southern Scotland.
The jewel in the crown is most definitely the Cally Palace resort, a picturesque venue that boasts its own 18-hole championship course designed by renowned course architect Tom Macaulay.
At any of the group’s other three venues – Kirroughtree House, Fernhill Hotel and North West Castle – guests can enjoy the beautiful Stranraer parkland course at Creachland, or sharpen their links game at the nearby Portpatrick and Glenluce courses.
www.mcmillanhotels.co.uk
Built into the sprawling parkland surrounding the ruins of a medieval castle, the championship course at Hawkstone Park matches the spectacular backdrop. LONDON GOLF CLUB
You can experience the first-class facilities of the London Club and play the International Course for outstanding value this winter.
Conveniently located just 20 miles from London, the club offers two championship courses and firstclass service. Until the end of March, for £70 you can play the International, after starting with a breakfast muffin, tea or coffee and enjoy soup at the halfway house and round the day off with a Kentish meal. The offer is valid from Mondays to Thursdays and includes use of practice facilities.
www.londongolfclub.com
HAWKSTONE PARK
Built into the sprawling parkland surrounding the ruins of a medieval castle, the championship course at Hawkstone Park matches the spectacular backdrop.
The hotel owns two 18-hole courses as well as a 6-hole academy course that are sure to test all aspects of your game and this is where two-time Major champion Sandy Lyle learnt the game.
The resort’s rare blend of quality course architecture and natural beauty saw it recently ranked in the top 20 golf holiday destinations in the world.
www.principal-hayley.com
AIKENSHILL HOUSE
This is the ideal base for a golf break to Aberdeen, located less than half a mile from the Trump course, one of the finest in Scotland. The resort sits less than 15 miles from several other top courses. In 2011, it was awarded a five-star rating by Visit Scotland and this spacious and well appointed house boasts stunning views over rolling sand dunes.
www.aikenshill.co.uk
PETWOOD HOTEL
Set in the heart of Lincolnshire, the Petwood Hotel is the perfect spot for a getaway. The nearby Woodhall Spa centre is home to two 18-hole courses including the championship Hotchkin course, consistently ranked as one of the top 20 in the world. The team at the Petwood will happily book your tee-times for you.
Until the end of March you can get B&B and a round on the Hotchkin for £80pp. Until April 30, £139pp secures dinner, B&B and two rounds.
www.petwood.co.uk
LYTHAM GOLF BREAKS
The North West is rightly regarded for its stunning links courses like Royal Lytham, and there are some great inland layouts too, like Lytham Green Drive.
Laid out in 1913, this lush, easywalking layout is known for its pristine fairways and the attractive trees that line the holes. St Annes Old Links is another North West gem and is regarded as one of the top 100 courses in the country.
Take advantage of a wonderful offer allowing you to play Fairhaven, St Annes Old Links and Lytham Green Drive with a twonight B&B stay for just £169pp.
www.lythamgolfbreaks.com
WENSUM VALLEY
Situated in the glorious Norfolk countryside, the Wensum Valley Hotel provides guests with two of the county’s best courses.
The par-72 Valley course demands accurate tee shots and finesse on its undulating greens, while the Wensum championship layout hosted the 2012 Motocaddy Masters, a EuroPro Tour event. Its water hazards will pose a challenge even to skilled players.
The hotel offers 90 en-suite rooms and boasts a leisure centre with a well-equipped gym, swimming pool and spa.
www.wensumvalleyhotel.co.uk
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
