How to plan a UK golf break
You may have teed off 1,000 times or only just learned the difference between an eagle and a birdie. Either way, if you’ve developed a passion for golf, combining it with a relaxing holiday makes the experience more memorable – even without a hole in one. To help you book the right UK golf break, here are a few things to consider.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT
Before you start your search, ask what you want from your golf break. It might be improving your game with some serious practice, or simply enjoying a few casual rounds with relaxation, socialising and other activities just as high on the agenda.
The skill level of the course matters too. If you’re playing alone, you’ve only got yourself to think about, but in a bigger group, experience can vary hugely.
Some hotels boast Championship courses with multiple hazards and long fairways – magnets for more experienced players. Others are more forgiving and better suited for beginners and more relaxed games.
Set in 1,000 acres of Northumberland parkland, Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort offers a satisfying game whatever your level. Its two 18-hole courses have played host to numerous tournaments, one throwing down a few challenges, the other more accessible for newbies, making sure no one gets pushed too far out of their comfort zone.
Alternatively, Forest Pines Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Lincolnshire, offers three loops of nine holes, so you can play for as long as you want – or relocate to the The Pines Bar overlooking the course.
Football may be known as ‘the beautiful game’, but a golf course with views cross rolling hills, lakes or coastlines is an inspiring experience. It comes with the added advantage of country walks for those that want them. Many would also vouch for the advantages of being near a town or city, for all the possibilities this offers. What’s going to be the best complement for your golfing experience?
With the cachet of an 18-hole course co-designed by golf legends Seve Ballesteros and Dave Thomas, Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort overlooks the spectacular Kilsyth and Campsie Hills. It’s also just a 35-minute drive from Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, with plenty of culinary and cultural attractions.
If so, practice facilities will play a big part in your decision making. Does the golf resort you’re considering include a driving range and putting greens? If honing your skills is a priority, these extras are important.
At some venues in the QHotel Collection offering golf breaks, you’ll have access to a custom fitting service to help you find the perfect set of clubs, plus professional coaching. This includes Telford Golf Course & Spa in Shropshire and Dunston Hall in rural Norfolk, where PGA pros are on standby to tweak your technique and there’s also a golf pro shop for topping up your kit.
“A 19th hole just yards away from a comfortable hotel room is always a good idea."
Since your UK golf break is also a holiday, you’ve probably got expectations around accommodation. After all that fresh air, a comfortable bed and a good shower may be all you need and a standard room ticks all the boxes. But a suite can be great if you’re with friends or splashing out as a couple. And don’t underestimate the power of a spectacular view or characterful décor to make your stay feel more luxurious.
As well as two golf courses, historic Oulton Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort sits regally just outside of Leeds in beautiful landscaped gardens. Staying in one of the suites, that’s what you’ll see through the window.
With a day of physical activity ahead, a hearty breakfast gets things off to flying start. Many hotels with golf courses also provide choices for eating later in the day too, including indulgent afternoon teas, casual clubhouse bar snacks, and more formal dining experiences. If you opt for a golfing package, you’re likely to get some good deals around food and drink. That’s the case at Belton Woods Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort Lincolnshire, where free drinks, dinner and breakfast are included among their special offers, along with unlimited rounds of Championship-standard golf.
The best golf breaks are often more than golf. After a day on the greens, you might want a dip in the pool, a massage in the spa or some good food and wine to celebrate or commiserate the game.
If fitness is your focus, a gym might be high on your wishlist, with some hiking or cycling on the side. Depending on the location you choose, there might also be cities to explore and nights out to plan, as well as local tourist attractions.
A well-rounded experience can make your golf break more enjoyable for everyone involved – and it’s likely to be essential if you’re with friends or a partner who doesn’t play.
3 must-dos before booking a UK golf break
Confirm who’s coming
Managing the logistics of larger groups can be a challenge. Making sure everyone is free, agreed on the venue and able to get there on the dates you suggest isn’t easy. You might also have to accommodate different levels of experience and expectations. Give yourself as much time as possible to plan.
Make a plan for non-golfers
If your group includes people who don’t play, find out what what’s available to them as part of a golf package. They might have to pay extra to use other facilities.
Read the small print
If people drop out or want to join in, how flexible is your booking? And if you need to cancel the whole thing, will you get a refund? Given that this is the UK, it’s also wise to find out what happens if rain cancels play. Make sure you check the T&Cs well in advance, so you know where you stand.
OUR GOLF EXPERIENCES
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