Golf Travel Guide - Top 10 UK & Ireland Golf Breaks

Travel Guides
Top10
Golf Break Destinations
in the
UK & Ireland
A guide to an irresistible mix of UK & Irish golf break destinations combining quality, good value
and some of the world’s most sought after courses. You’ll find tips on where to stay and play as
well as holiday packages at surprisingly affordable prices. Start planning your trip!
Courses include
Royal Birkdale
Old Course at St Andrews
The K Club
The Brabazon
Must visit destinations
Luxurious accommodation
Highly rated courses
In partnership with
1

The Belfry
Must play iconic Ryder Cup venue
The 18th hole on The Brabazon course played host to a historical shot by Christy O’Connor Jr. From approximately 229-yards, O’Connor
played 2-iron over the water to perfection. This goes down as one of the most memorable and emotional moments in Ryder Cup history.
Overview
The Belfry is steeped in Ryder Cup heritage
that is rightly celebrated at this 4* venue
set in 550 acres of beautiful Warwickshire
countryside.
After all, it has staged golf’s biggest event on
four occasions.
The venue boasts 319 well-decorated and
elegant rooms, which have all been part of
a £26 million major refurbishment of the
resort.
There are three courses to choose from at
The Belfry: the PGA National, the Derby and
the world-famous Brabazon, and all have
their own character.
This is on top of the outstanding PGA
Academy, which is perfect to practice both
your long and short game.
The majestic fairways and carpet smooth
greens of the 7,235-yard Brabazon course
form a world-famous stage on which some
of golf’s most exhilarating dramas have
played out.
The meticulous design involves tight
fairways, perilous bunkers, lakes and fast
undulating greens, creating iconic holes that
have challenged some of the greatest.
This course is without a doubt a must-play
for anyone who is serious about golf.
From Seve’s historic drive onto the 10th
green and Christie O’Connor Jr’s twoiron
across the lake at the 18th, to Sam
Torrance’s winning putt that won the 1985
Ryder Cup, there is just so much history to
indulge in.
The PGA National boasts its own lengthy
examination of golf too, measuring at
7,053-yards.
Its inland links appearance presents a
unique test thanks to the hard and fast
running fairways, undulating greens, severe
run-offs and its 70 strategically placed
cavernous bunkers.
The course has hosted two European Tour
events to add, and is fast becoming one of
the top courses in the United Kingdom.
Finally, The Derby course is a kinder
6,099-yard course, with strategically placed
bunkers, water hazards and well-designed
risk and reward holes.
Offering a much more gentle challenge, this
course is perfect for players of all levels.
The course demands accuracy right from the
1st tee, not to mention good club selection
and intelligent course management.
While principally being a golf hotel and
resort, it also serves other sectors and is a
hotbed for corporate activity.
The Belfry manages to merge all facets while
never losing sight of the fact golf should
always be at the forefront.
It will be hard not to fall in love with this
place, especially knowing so many legendary
golfers have played before you such as Tiger
Woods and Seve Ballesteros.
Course Info
The Brabazon
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,235
PGA National
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,053
The Derby
Par - 70 Yardage - 6,099
Best For
The great thing about this resort is it can
facilitate various groups of golfers from
those looking to incorporate nightlife
with golf, to those looking to unwind in
the spa after a challenging test of golf.
Inside Track
The 10th hole on the Brabazon course is
arguably one of the most famous holes
in golf.
It is a classic risk and rewards hole where
trees guard the front and there is water
to the left of the green on this 311-yard
par-4.
Seve Ballesteros was the first to drive this
green, but could you resist not having a
flash at the green?
Or will you be reserved like Tiger and hit
a short iron?
2

What Else To Do
The Belfry Spa is the perfect place to
relax and unwind thanks to use of ESPA’s
award-winning products, which are loved by
women and men alike.
Carefully designed to spoil you from tip to
toe, the treatments on offer are among the
best in the West Midlands and the UK.
The hotel features luxury rooms with a host
of modern amenities for extra comfort.
With six restaurants on site, you won’t
struggle to find a large variation of exquisite
foods from pizza to classic Sunday lunches.
If a night out is your thing, you can take
advantage of the on-site nightclub, the Bel
Air, which is regularly packed on a weekend.
When you’re not on the golf course, in
the spa, eating in one of the exquisite
restaurants or dancing the night away, you
can venture into the city of Birmingham for
a show at one of the superb theatres.
You won’t be short of things to do.
Getting There
The course is easily accessible from the
M6 and M42. From the south, take J9
from the M42 and follow the signposts.
From the north, take exit T2 on the M6
Toll and follow the signposts.
The Belfry is just 20-minutes away from
Birmingham New Street Station, and 30
minutes from East Midlands Airport.
Why We Like It
The Belfry offers outstanding
championship golf, where you can follow
in the footsteps of legends.
The hotel facilities can accommodate just
about every type of guest, from business
to leisure.
You can hone your skills at the PGA
National Academy.
A range of exquisite dining experiences
await guests.
3

Slaley Hall
The North East’s must visit venue
The 9th hole on Slaley Hall’s Hunting Course is just one of many holes that imitates those you would find at Augusta National.
Overview
Q Hotels’ Slaley Hall is widely regarded as
the premier golfing resort in the North East
of England thanks to its impeccable service
and fantastic golf courses.
Just a 30-minute drive from Newcastle city
centre, the hotel is set in 1,000 acres of
Northumberland countryside making this
Edwardian mansion perfect for an idyllic
short break.
Slaley Hall offers two, 18 hole championship
golf courses in the Hunting course and the
Priestman course.
The Hunting Course, known as the “Augusta
of the North” and the “Gleneagles of
the South” thanks to its fast, undulating
greens and tree-lined fairways, is perfect
for the tactical golfer who enjoys a mental
challenge.
The course demands long and straight tee
shots due to its yardage of 7,000 yards,
careful club selection on approaches and a
steady hand on the putting surface.
Although the surrounding moorland may
distract you from your game at times, focus
is key if you are to score well.
It is carved through dense pine forest, with
rhododendrons and cherry trees providing
some welcome seasonal colour.
However, it is the predominant pines that
will punish any shot that is slightly off line.
Renowned for designing unique and
interesting holes, you can certainly tell this
is a David Thomas course at Slaley Hall.
The bunkering design is masterful and
he has skilfully used natures features
effectively.
This Thomas design is one of the premier
courses in the North East of England and
it is not surprising that this course is a
previous European Tour venue.
Although not as challenging as the Hunting
Course, the Priestman has a superb layout
in its own right and you will need to play
well to avoid the course’s biggest defence,
strategically placed bunkers.
The course stretches away from the resort
itself, offering golfers panoramic views of
the Northumberland countryside.
With the course being more exposed to
the elements, different aspects of your golf
game will come under scrutiny.
It most certainly is not a course for the faint
hearted.
Slaley Hall also boasts a seven bay driving
range, with additional Flightscope swing
studio.
The USGA spec short game area and putting
green are open for practice all-year-round.
All the rooms, bar seven, are located in the
modern building attached to the main hall,
with each being elegant in design with all
the mod cons you need.
The perfect way to end a long day golfing.
Course Info
Hunting Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 6,850
The Priestman
Par - 72 Yardage - 6,597
Best For
With some of the country’s best nightlife
just 20-minutes down the road, this
resort is perfect for those looking to
combine golf with their stag do.
Inside Track
The Great North Open was a European
Tour event played at Slaley Hall between
1996 and 2002.
Previous names included the Compaq
European Grand Prix and the Slaley Hall
Northumberland Challenge.
The event has seen major winner Retief
Goosen, World Golf Hall of Famer Colin
Montgomerie and former World No.1 Lee
Westwood win here.
4

What Else To Do
The cosmopolitan city of Newcastle lays
claim to rich history, culture and nightlife
with a blend of modern and historic
architecture.
For those not wanting to stray too far from
the resort, they can indulge in a delightful
meal in Hadrian’s Brasserie, The Dukes
restaurant or the Claret Jug.
Alternatively you can unwind in the luxury
ESPA with its tropical pool room and Jacuzzi.
For those wanting to get the full country
living experience, the Slaley Estate and
surrounding areas offer several world-class
grouse moors.
Local shooting estates include Chipchase
Castle, Whitfield Estate, Lambston Estate,
Longwhitton Shoot and the Raby Estate.
If fishing is your thing, you should note
that the Derwent Reservoir is just five miles
away.
Other popular country pursuits include
quad-biking, kayaking and gorge walking.
Getting There
From the South you should take the A68
link road and follow the signs to the Hall.
From the North you should take the A69
toward Corbridge, then follow the A68
south and look for the signs.
The resort is seven miles from Hexham
Station.
Newcastle Airport is only 28 miles away.
Why We Like It
Slaley is home to two of the best courses
in the region.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne offers some of the
best nightlife in the country.
There is the opportunity to try unique
outdoor pursuits such as gorge walking.
The luxury ESPA is regarded as one of the
best in the North of England.
5

Gleneagles
The palace in the glens
The view back down the PGA Centenary Course’s 9th is something to savour.
Overview
Located in the county of Perthshire is
The Gleneagles Hotel, and you may well
recognise the name as the PGA Centenary
course played host to the 2014 Ryder Cup in
which the European team were victorious.
The grand opening of Gleneagles dates back
to 1924.
Since then the resort has expanded ten fold
and now features some of the finest golf
courses Scotland has to offer.
The venue offers three 18-hole
championship courses, a nine-hole par
3 course and a pitch and putt course for
beginners.
The three 18 hole courses are: the PGA
Centenary Course, the King’s Course and the
Queen’s course.
The PGA Centenary Course hosted the Ryder
Cup in 2014, won by the European side, and
is set to host the 2019 Solheim Cup.
A feature of the PGA Centenary Course
is the feast of views of the spectacular
countryside, in which Gleneagles is set.
Putting on the two-tier second green,
you can easily get distracted by the lush
panorama of the rich Perthshire straths.
The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus
and he described the course as “the finest
parcel of land in the world I have ever been
given to work with.”
The Queen’s Course threads through high
ridges on the north and west sides of the
estate, in a lovely woodland setting, with
lochans and ditches as water hazards.
The natural beauty of the Queen’s Course
inspires the world’s most experienced
players, and has seen the likes of Greg
Norman, Seve Ballesteros and Lee Trevino
walk the fairways.
Although the front-nine is only 3,192-yards,
even some of the best players can find it a
test to play this deceptive group of holes
into a fresh south-westerly breeze.
The King’s Course tests even the best
players’ shot-making ability, with raised,
severely sloping greens.
Sweeping views from all the tees make this a
beautiful place to play golf.
Finally, the PGA National Academy Course
is a nine-hole course that offers a great test,
and a lot of enjoyment, for every standard
of golfer.
The PGA National Golf Academy at
Gleneagles also has a 320-yard doubleended
driving range for golfers to help focus
on their long game.
There are also undercover pitching bays, a
short game area, three short game practice
greens with five varied bunkers and two
putting greens.
You can have no excuses that your game
was not ready after practicing here.
All these courses combine natural beauty
with a truly unforgettable golfing adventure.
Course Info
PGA Centenary Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,296
Queen’s Course
Par - 68 Yardage - 5,660
King’s Course
Par - 71 Yardage - 6,790
PGA National Academy
Par - 54 Yardage - 2,962
Best For
This resort is perfect for those looking
to go all in on their golfing getaway.
You will not find a resort with as much
to offer in the UK, without a doubt.
Inside Track
The hotel’s grand opening was in
1924. Donald Matheson was the
General Manager of the Caledonian
Railway Company and his railway
line ran through the valley. He was
so impressed with the surrounding
countryside that he decided, as it was
the era of ‘Grand Hotels’, that he would
build a large country house hotel and
provide golf as a form of leisure.
6

What Else To Do
At “The Club,” Gleneagles Resort offers state
of the art fitness equipment, swimming
pools, spa, Turkish baths and a sauna as
well as health and beauty treatments.
The Spa maintains the highest of quality
standards with its ESPA providing a holistic
range of therapies.
There is also a Shooting School on-site that
is open to everyone, whether you’re new to
the sport or not.
This includes clay pigeon shooting, archery
and full stalking.
The Equestrian School is one of the best in
the country, and the Falconry classes bring
the ancient sport to life for a new age - an
opportunity not to be missed.
Other outdoor activities include exhilarating
off-roading with both 4x4 Land Rovers
and All-Terrain vehicles; spectacular
opportunities for Wildlife Photography and
the winding rivers are perfect for some laidback
fishing.
Getting There
Gleneagles has its own station less than
two minutes from the hotel and the hotel
even offer complimentary transfers if
you let the hotel know what time you are
arriving.
Alternatively, both Edinburgh and
Glasgow are less than 50 miles away and
there are numerous routes by taken by
car, most heading via the M6.
Why We Like It
You have three 18-hole courses and a
further nine-hole course to choose from.
The resort is in one of the most beautiful
settings in Scotland.
There is so much to do when you are not
on the golf course.
You can indulge in Ryder Cup history.
7

St Mellion
A must play Nicklaus masterpiece
St Mellion is situated in one of the most tranquil areas of the UK, perfect for golf.
Overview
St Mellion International Resort is a stylish
and modern resort in 450 acres of Cornish
countryside, with a great golfing heritage,
and has recently undergone a £20million
refurbishment.
Now boasting 80 guest rooms, a wonderful
range of dining facilities, the “Aero Leisure
Spa,” three swimming pools, gym and Elemis
Spa, the resort has a lot more to offer on top
of its fantastic golf courses.
The two championship courses are the
Kernow Course and the UK’s first Jack
Nicklaus designed Signature course, only
one of three in England.
The latter plays over 7,000 yards and puts a
premium on placement.
With several unique water hazards, cleverlyplaced
bunkers and its very own Amen
Corner, it is no wonder people are starting
to put this course on their bucket list.
Despite only opening in 1988, the Nicklaus
Signature Course would host the Benson
& Hedges International Open for five
consecutive years from 1990 to 1995.
Winners include Jose Maria Olazabal,
Bernhard Langer and Seve Ballesteros.
Nicklaus himself said: “I knew it was going
to be good, but not this good. It’s everything
I had hoped for and more. The Nicklaus
course at St Mellion is potentially the finest
golf course in Europe.”
This course is also renowned as one of the
UK’s best spectator golf courses, as the
fairways are lined by banks.
The beautifully conditioned greens have
been constructed to a special American
specification that produces excellent
surfaces.
The Kernow course is the perfect tonic to
the sharp teeth of the Nicklaus course and is
an essential part of the itinerary.
This course has also hosted the Benson &
Hedges International Open, so don’t mistake
it for a walk in the park.
Having undergone major development
in 2008, this course offers an exciting but
challenging test for all golfers.
Holes from the original course have been
extended and include exciting new features
to challenge the modern golfers of today.
This includes the extended first hole, one of
the longest on the golf course, with enough
quality to grace many of the best golf
courses in the world.
Its wide fairways and big greens have gained
a popular following among members and
visitors alike.
In particular, the back-nine at the Kernow
Course is simply spectacular and begins with
three stunning, high risk holes.
Its wide fairways and big greens have gained
a popular following among all golfers.
St Mellion is sure to become on of the UK’s
leading golf resorts.
Course Info
Nicklaus Signature Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,010
Kernow Course
Par - 70 Yardage - 5,606
Best For
St Mellion International Resort is a
must visit golf resort for those looking
for something in the south west. It’s
sure to become one of the UK’s leading
golf resorts with its superb hotel and
championship golf courses.
Inside Track
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at
St Mellion was the first course in the
UK to be designed by 18-time major
champion Jack Nicklaus, and is one of
only three in the UK.
St Mellion offers a unique opportunity
to play a course designed by one of the
greatest ever golfers.
8

What Else To Do
St Mellion’s Elemis Spa offers a delightful
setting overlooking the beautiful Cornish
countryside.
Amenities include treatment rooms, a steam
room, a jet pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.
The in-house team can offer an extensive
choice of health and beauty treatments too.
If you want to keep the blood pumping after
your round of golf, you can choose to have
a game of tennis or pump some iron in the
health and leisure club.
The extensive Matrix Fitness System
available on the main gym floor features
more than 30 pieces of cardiovascular
equipment including treadmills, elliptical
cross trainers, steppers, upright and
reclining bikes.
The wonderful range of dining facilities on
offer before or after your round are just
as impressive as the courses themselves,
with the a la carte An Boesti restaurant a
favourite among golfers.
Getting There
St Mellion is located just off the A388 for
those travelling by car.
Exeter Aiport is an hour away from the
resort.
The best way to visit St Mellion
International Resort is by car, as there are
few train stations nearby.
Why We Like It
Recent refurbishments have made this
resort one of the best in the UK.
Just a 20 minute drive to the popular
seaside towns of Polperro and Looe.
St Mellion offers guests a wonderful
range of dining facilities.
Located 20 minutes west is the Adrenalin
Quarry, which houses the UK’s largest zip
wire.
9

The K Club
Ireland’s Ryder Cup resort
The Smurfit Course clubhouse.
Overview
The K Club is a luxury resort nestled in the
beautiful County of Kildare, just outside of
Dublin, and was the country’s first AA 5 Red
Star Hotel.
There is an emphasis on luxury at The K
Club, with individually designed rooms and
the internationally acclaimed, hidden oasis
that is The K Club Spa, offering the ultimate
in comfort and escapism.
The great thing about this resort is the
two Arnold Palmer design golf courses on
offer, which have hosted the 2006 Ryder
Cup, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and 13
European Opens.
Recognised as one of Europe’s most
spectacular courses, The Ryder Cup Course
charms, entices and brings out the best in
your game.
At 7,179-yards in length, the winding
fairways of the Palmer course cleverly
incorporate the old trees and water hazards,
making it a layout that is being talked about
all over the world.
Arnold Palmer even said: “We could draw
and plan for 100 years and still not come up
with as good a vision.”
The course is regularly ranked in the top
three parkland golf courses in Ireland, and
has many memorable moments to recreate,
such as Europe’s emotional Ryder Cup
victory.
Guinness, champagne and tears flowed,
with Darren Clark, who had lost his wife to
cancer just six weeks earlier, downing a pint
of the black stuff on the balcony during the
celebrations.
Arnold Palmer’s 7,277-yard, par-72 Smurfit
Course offers a much different test, as it is
an inland links.
The course has many dramatic landscapes
with dune style moulding throughout,
offering spectacular views.
This assists in making the course into a
true Championship golf course with many
vantage points for spectators to view golf
professionals at work.
The Smurfit Course also shares the same
abundance of challenging water hazards as
its neighbouring Palmer Ryder Cup Course.
Don’t be put off by its length from the back
tees, as there are several tees on each hole
to accommodate all levels of player.
Retief Goosen is a winner here, doing so just
two weeks after taking his second US Open
title. Colin Montgomerie has also picked up
silverware on this course.
In fact, it was the 2008 Smurfit European
Open where Montgomerie finally ended his
18-month drought without a trophy.
The beauty of this resort is that you can
follow in the footsteps of the world’s very
best golfers.
One night and two rounds of golf at The K
Club start from just £165.
Course Info
Ryder Cup Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,353
Smurfit Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,277
Best For
Those who are looking to follow in the
footsteps of legends will love the K
Club’s Ryder Cup Course as it very much
holds the must play ‘badge of honour’.
For the ultimate in 5-star luxury, look no
further than The K Club.
Inside Track
If you slide a drive down the right hand
side of the first and avoid the water on
the left, you can say you hit a better tee
shot than Tiger Wood’s did after he put
it in the water during the Ryder Cup.
You can then follow it up by chugging a
pint of Guinness on the balcony just like
Darren Clarke, if you really wish.
10

What Else To Do
The K Spa at The K Club is a hidden oasis of
calm, with the highest levels of luxury and
comfort.
All of this is just a 40-minute car journey
away from the bustling city of Dublin.
Every detail has been tailored to suit your
needs making the internationally acclaimed
K Spa at The K Club a favourite with regular
and new guests alike.
Other activities on offer include fishing,
falconry, kayaking, tennis, clay pigeon
shooting, air rifle shooting, horse riding,
archery, cycling, art & history tours, wine
tasting and whiskey tasting.
Visit the local town of Kildare and its many
local activities and tourist attractions.
For a spot of shopping then Kildare
Shopping Village will supply you with big
name brands and high street shops.
You certainly won’t be short of things to do
when you aren’t golfing.
Getting There
From N7 take Straffan exit. After
approximately 4 miles, over Liffey Bridge,
resort gates are on the left.
The nearest train station is 5 miles away
– Hazelhatch and Celbridge Train Station
Dublin Airport is only a 30-minute drive
from the K Club.
Why We Like It
Home to two of the finest golf courses in
Ireland.
Aside from golf and spa, you can also try
falconry, fishing and even horse riding.
There are eight dining options to choose
from, with everything from light snacks to
gourmet meals.
The K Club is less than a 40-minute drive
from Dublin city centre.
11

St Andrews
The proud home of golf
The famous Swilken Bridge on the 18th hole of the Old Course.
Overview
St Andrews is a must visit for true golfers,
after all it is the home of golf.
With seven golf courses to choose from, St
Andrews really is the ultimate UK golfing
haven, steeped in history.
It is so much more than your average round
of golf when you visit St Andrews, that is for
sure.
Playing St Andrews Links is about writing
your own chapter in a story that continues
to unfold 600 years after it began.
Obviously, the Old Course is the one every
golfer wants to play, as it is the world’s
oldest and most iconic course.
It has hosted The Open Championship 29
times, with winners such as Tiger Woods,
Seve Ballesteros, and most recently, Zach
Johnson.
Your heart will beat a little faster when you
stand on the first tee, and you will find it
hard not to stop for a moment and consider
all the legends that have played before you.
Why not see if you can get up and down out
of the Road Hole bunker, or stand on the
Swilken Bridge and feel the emotions that
the likes of Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and
Arnold Palmer felt as they crossed it for the
very last time.
However, the Old Course isn’t the only
reason to visit St Andrews, oh no.
There are plenty more great golf courses in
the region
Other courses on offer are the Torrance
Course at Fairmont. The Kittocks Course
at Fairmont, Scotscraig, the Castle Course,
Kingsbarns and Lundin, and all are
presented just as well as the Old Course,
with their own unique links test.
Kingsbarns is one of the stand out courses
in the St Andrews area, as it co-hosts the
annual European Tour Alfred Dunhill Links
Championship and recently hosted The
Ricoh Women’s British Open.
The traditional Scottish links course is
situated along 1.8 miles of picturesque
North Sea coastline, where each hole
embraces the sea.
The Castle Course at St Andrews only
opened in 2008 and offers a new, exciting
challenge for golfers.
Offering spectacular views as you progress
to the higher ground and back down again,
with the closing three holes along the
Scottish coastline, you will no doubt enjoy
this modern links.
St Andrews is also home to the British Golf
Museum, which any golf fan with an interest
in the sport’s history must visit.
It is difficult to find any golfer in the world
who has played at St Andrews that hasn’t
felt overwhelmed when they arrive in this
historic part of the UK.
One night and two rounds of golf start from
£125.
Course Info
Old Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 6,721
Castle Course
Par - 71 Yardage - 6,759
Torrance Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,037
Kittocks Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,049
Scotscraig
Par - 71 Yardage - 6,550
Kingsbarns
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,212
Lundin
Par - 71 Yardage - 6,371
Best For
Absolutely everyone. St Andrews is
special and any true golf fan will enjoy
playing the numerous links challenges
at the home of golf.
Inside Track
St Andrew was actually born in
Bethsaida, in Galilee (Israel), not
Scotland, and is also the patron saint
of Greece, Russia Italy’s Amalfi and
Barbados.
12

What Else To Do
No trip to St Andrews can be considered to
have been completed without visiting the
Jigger Inn, located not far from the 17th
green.
If you are looking for somewhere to sit
down and reflect upon your round with likeminded
people, this is the place to do it.
If you have any feelings about the game of
golf then a trip to the British Golf Museum
is a must.
It is full of treasures that will delight any golf
fan.
Alternatively, West Sands Beach was the
setting for the opening scene in Chariots of
Fire.
The 2-mile-long beach is adjacent to the
Old Course - take time to go for a stroll and
enjoy the sea air.
You can also wander around the historic
campus at St Andrews University that was
established in 1413 and has attracted some
of Britain’s finest minds.
Getting There
From the south, take exit 8 from the M90
and follow the A91 all the way to The
Links at St Andrews.
The nearest airport is Edinburgh Airport,
50 miles south of St Andrews
St Andrews train station is just a 5-minute
walk from St Andrews Old Course.
Why We Like It
It is the home of golf.
There are numerous courses to choose
from, each better than the last.
You can recreate those moments you
have seen at past Open Championships.
The area is steeped in history, perfect for
those who want to explore more than the
golf courses.
13

Celtic Manor
Wales’ stunning Ryder Cup venue
The 14th hole on the Twenty Ten Course was one to keep an eye on during the 2010 Ryder Cup.
Overview
Home of the 2010 Ryder Cup, the five-star
Celtic Manor Resort is set in more than
2,000 acres of parkland at the gateway to
Wales.
The venue boasts two fantastic hotels, along
with eight restaurants, three championship
golf courses, two health spas, two fitness
clubs and a wealth of leisure activities for
guests to enjoy.
Celtic Manor is well known for The Twenty
Ten course that hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup,
which was won by Colin Montgomerie’s
European side.
The parkland course has plenty of stunning
holes with spectacular scenery, with water
hazards on nine of the 18 holes.
Where else can you find a course with six
signature holes and a host of risk-andreward
challenges?
One of the features of this spectacular
course is its variety with many of the earlier
holes having a links-like feel, with long rough
and greenside swales, before the middle
section reveals the full extent of the lakelined
challenge.
There is also the Montgomerie course,
designed by the Scott himself, and the
Roman Road course.
The latter overlooks the Severn Estuary,
Somerset and Devon, and features large
well-contoured greens.
It is named after the old Via Julia Roman
highway that ran through its fairways.
The par-70 golf course varies from long
open fairways and dramatic descents on
the front nine, to a back nine that twists and
turns through trees and across lakes and
streams.
All this was considered enough challenge
to host the Celtic Manor Wales Open from
2005 to 2007, as well as the star-studded All
Star Cup.
The Montgomerie course, although par 69,
is regarded challenging enough to host the
Wales Open.
Spectacular views abound with dramatic
tee shots over valleys and breath-taking
downhill shots make this course an eyecatching
one, but difficult test as well.
The course also features deep pot
bunkering and some tricky greenside swales
combined with natural hazards to give this
course an inland links feel.
Be sure to take in the views on the
spectacular 10th hole, with its lake
protecting the front of the green.
The resort also offers one the best golf
academies in Europe and a visit is a must for
beginners and experienced players alike.
Golfers of all standards can brush up their
skills on a 28-bay two-tier driving range, or
have a lesson in one of the state-of-the-art
swing studios.
There are also three pitching greens and an
Indoor Putting Laboratory.
Course Info
Twenty Ten Course
Par - 71 Yardage - 7,008
Roman Road Course
Par - 70 Yardage - 6,406
Montgomerie Course
Par -69 Yardage - 6,294
Best For
This resort is perfect for families with
activities such as footgolf, archery, laser
combat, two nine-hole Adventure Golf
courses, mountain biking, woodland
walks, fishing, shooting and forest
jumping,
Inside Track
For the first time in its history the Ryder
Cup spilled on to a Monday in 2010.
Why not recreate Graeme McDowell’s
magnificent birdie putt on 16, which saw
him go two up with two to play against
Hunter Mahan. Try not to buckle under
the pressure like Mahan, and ultimately
handing Europe the trophy.
The Twenty Ten Course is a real
challenge and you will most certainly
appreciate why it was chosen to host the
2010 Ryder Cup.
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What Else To Do
Say goodbye to your diet. Eight restaurants,
that includes the fine-dining Epicure, Steak
on Six, Cen with MasterChef finalist Larkin
Cen, and the Newbridge on Usk.
The après-golf is just as memorable with two
award-winning spas providing a heavenly
sanctuary from the stresses and strains
of everyday life, and includes a 20 metre
swimming pool, spa café and Europe’s
longest Jacuzzi.
There are also 20 treatment rooms offering
a range of treatments, and a state of the of
the art gym.
Away from the Resort, guests can enjoy
canoeing at Symonds Yat, walking the
Brecon Beacons, shopping in Cardiff or
Bristol, or soaking up the rich Roman
history.
The hotel offers 330 luxurious rooms, with a
further 70 rooms to be found in the Manor
House, an additional 148 rooms at the
Codra Court and six bedrooms in a country
pub.
Getting There
Celtic Manor Resort is set in the beautiful
Usk Valley, just off the M4 at J24.
It is 90 minutes from London Heathrow
and 45 minutes from Cardiff Airport and
Brsitol Airport.
The Resort is also close to intercity rail
services at Newport.
Why We Like It
It is a rare opportunity to play a recent
Ryder Cup venue in the UK.
There are three golf courses to choose
from at Celtic Manor.
The resort is home to one of the best
academies in the whole of Europe.
Aside from the golf, there is plenty to do
such as mountain biking and woodland
walks.
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Forest of Arden
The Midlands’ British Masters venue
Looking back down the 5th hole on the Arden Course.
Overview
The Forest of Arden resort is part of the
Marriott hotels chain and offers stylish, wellappointed
rooms, a spa and an AA Rosetteawarded
restaurant, along with 36 holes of
Championship golf.
Everyone of the 214 stylish bedrooms come
well equipped with everything you could
possibly need during your stay, along with
an abundance of leisure facilities and lavish
surroundings.
Both courses were designed by Donald Steel
on Lord Aylesford’s vast 10,000-acre estate,
back in the early 1970s.
The surrounding ancient woodland
combined with natural lakes make this part
of the Midlands’ countryside a picturesque
place to play golf.
The more well known of the two courses is
the Arden Course, as it has hosted seven
English Opens and Five British Masters.
Winners on this course include Seve
Ballesteros, Colin Montgomerie, Thomas
Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Robert Allenby to
name but a few.
Measuring at 7,213 yards from the
championship tees, the signature hole
comes at the last – a 200-yard par-3.
Your tee shot must carry the full 200-yards
over a lake to an undulating green perched
to the side of the hotel.
A variety of different tee boxes, water
hazards, trees, which nearly line the
fairways, and thick rough make this course
a long and challenging one, but very
enjoyable nonetheless.
The Aylesford Course opened more
recently and is considerably shorter than its
neighbour at 5,801 yards.
Although it may not have the reputation of
the Arden Course, it is not to say it does not
possess its own unique test for even the
more advanced golfer.
Here there is a premium on accuracy as
this Donald Steel course has several water
hazards and large trees – typical of a Donald
Steel design.
The hard to read green design and
bunkering are also just a couple of the many
Donald Steel hallmarks you will find on this
course.
After your round you can relax in style, with
options of an indoor pool, sauna, steam
room, gym, tennis courts and a health and
beauty salon.
Alternatively, try out one of the two
outstanding dining options.
Forest of Arden golf breaks are incredibly
popular and it’s not hard to see why.
With the two fantastic golf courses on offer
at great value, Forest of Arden Golf Course is
a must play.
With one night and two rounds of golf
starting from £99, why wouldn’t you choose
Forest of Arden for your next golf trip?
Course Info
Arden Course
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,213
Aylesford Course
Par - 69 Yardage - 5,801
Best For
Those looking to play two fantastic golf
courses for great value, in some of the
UK’s most picturesque countryside.
It is no wonder this resort is an incredibly
popular golf break.
Inside Track
The club is located in 10,000 acres of
Warwickshire countryside, surrounded
by ancient woodlands, natural lakes, and
varieties of wildlife, including the famous
deer that live in the majestic countryside
setting.
It is not rare to see numerous deer
roaming around the course, especially on
the back nine.
Make sure you take your camera in case
you get chance to picture the deer up
close.
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What Else To Do
Local attractions include Cadbury World,
Warwick Castle and Drayton Manor Theme
Park to name but a few.
When you add to that Royal Shakespeare
theatres, magnificent castles and historic
houses, Warwickshire is an exceptional
place to visit.
Drayton Manor Theme Park is the perfect
place to take the kids, and can offer hours of
excitement for all the family.
Just down the road you will find Wedgnock
Rifle Range, a large adventure sports centre
featuring a spacious wooded paintball area
covering over 50 acres.
To add, there is also a rifle range offering
shooters a complete spectrum of clay
shooting disciplines.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to unwind,
look no further than the resort’s spa, with its
large range of treatments.
The cultural city of Birmingham is also only a
20-minute drive away.
Getting There
From the north and the south, take J6 of
the M42 onto the A45 at the first exit and
follow the signs.
Birmingham Airport is just 3.7 miles east
of the resort.
East Midlands Airport is 40 miles west of
the resort
Birmingham New Street Station is less
than a 30-minute drive away.
Why We Like It
The resort is only a 20-minute drive
outside of Birmingham city centre.
If you’re with young children, you can
spend an exciting day at Drayton Manor
Theme Park.
The resort is just six miles away from
Birmingham Airport.
If you love outdoor sports, venture a
30-minute drive down to Wedgnock
Shooting Ground.
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Oulton Hall
Q Hotels’ Yorkshire charm
The magnificent Oulton Hall overlooking the Hall Course.
Overview
Yorkshire is littered with fantastic golf
courses, but few have the option to play and
stay.
However, one resort in the sleepy village
of Oulton offers that, and more – Q Hotels’
Oulton Hall.
The unique 18th Century former family
mansion, converted into a stunning hotel
just six miles outside of Leeds, offers three
loops of nine holes offering great variety in
an idyllic location.
The white nine hole loop, known as the Park
course features holes 1 to 9 and arguably
requires some clever thinking off the tee.
There is the perfect mix of long and short
par-4s on this nine.
However, many of the shorter holes require
an iron off the tee due to the landing zone
getting narrower the further you hit it.
Holes 10-18 come under the Yellow loop of
holes called the Calverley course.
The par-4s on this nine also require some
tactical thinking off the tee due to the tree
line and doglegs.
However, it is the par-3s that really stand
out on this nine.
Although there are only two, they have the
potential to ruin a scorecard due to their
length.
The 11th plays 192-yards off the white tees
and there are two bunkers waiting to collect
any balls left short.
The 14th plays even longer at 230-yards
off the white tees and again requires an
accurate shot with a long iron or wood (or
driver) in order to have any chance of a par.
The 18th is a beautiful finishing hole as
you make your way up the hill towards the
clubhouse.
For many, the fact that an ice-cold beer
from the Claret Jug is in touching distance
is enough to give them that final boost of
energy.
The Hall course is a picturesque extension
to the Claverley course, which is played with
either nine holes from The Park course or as
just a single nine holes, for those who don’t
have time for a full 18.
Although new, this nine is arguably the best
loop at the resort.
Holes 19-27 feature a lot of undulation,
water features and fast running greens.
This is the longest nine holes at the resort
and is perfect for those who like to get the
ball out there.
Oulton Hall also features a luxurious 14 bay
covered driving range with top grade range
balls, a purpose built short game area and a
Trackman analysis studio.
The extensively qualified and experienced
team of PGA Professionals are on hand to
provide an outstanding game improvement
service for every level of golfer.
Course Info
Park Course
Par - 35 Yardage - 3,157
Calverley Course
Par - 35 Yardage - 3,302
Hall Course
Par - 36 Yardage - 3,181
Best For
Oulton Hall is perfect for those looking
for a golfing getaway in the North of
England, close to some of the UK’s most
exciting nightlife.
It is also perfect for couples looking for a
romantic getaway.
Inside Track
Mark Pearson, coach of European Tour
player Chris Hanson, is based at Oulton
Hall Academy. In fact, he is Academy
Director here, as well as combining his
role with that of coach to his stable of
European Tour players.
Mark has presented at PGA Coaching
Conferences and has coached amateur
golfers and professionals that have won
tournaments on the Europro, Challenge
and PGA European Tours.
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What Else To Do
Like all outstanding golf resorts, Oulton Hall
offers exceptional food and drink in both
the Claret Jug and the Calverley Grill.
Alternatively you can relax in the
Champagne bar adjacent to the Calverley
Grill.
The ESPA at Oulton Hall offers a compliment
of therapeutic and rejuvenating face and
body care treatments. Guests can choose
from a variety of experiences from back,
neck or shoulder massages to anti-aging
facials.
The swimming pool features ever-changing
mood lighting and relaxing music, allowing
you to drift away from stress and relax your
muscles after a tough day on the course.
If you have to be out and about non-stop,
then you should definitely head into Leeds
city centre, which is just over six miles away.
Wasting a day in the city centre isn’t hard.
From stylish shopping, to a vibrant nightlife,
Leeds is abundant with things to do.
Getting There
The resort is just a five-minute drive from
junction 44 on the M1.
If you take the train, it just a 13 minute
journey from Leeds to Woodlesford, the
nearest station, which is only one mile
away.
Leeds Bradford Airport is less than
20-miles away.
Why We Like It
There are three loops of nine to choose
from, which can be played in numerous
combinations.
The resort is close to Leeds city centre
and its exciting nightlife.
The ESPA provides the perfect place to
unwind before or after a round of golf.
The resort is easily accesible from both
the North and the South.
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Southport
Must visit golfing capital of England
The Art Deco clubhouse at Royal Birkdale is one of the most famous in golf.
Overview
Named the “Golfing Capital of England,”
and rightly so due to its staggering number
of championship standard golf courses,
Southport is a great golfing getaway.
Within close proximity of the town there is
a range of outstanding links courses, which
have been cut between the sand dunes of
the Lancashire coastline.
Southport is without a doubt an absolute
golfing powerhouse and is unquestionably
one of the game’s links golf hotbeds with
more than a dozen courses strung out along
a 50-mile stretch of glorious coastline.
The Royal trio of Birkdale, Liverpool and
Lytham & St Annes are the big names in
the area, and have all hosted The Open
Championship.
There are plenty of hidden gems that may
not have the global reputation of their
illustrious neighbours, but they will certainly
not disappoint.
Birkdale is the nearest Open Championship
venue to Southport, and is regarded as tour
player’s favourite Open course, meaning you
definitely won’t be disappointed.
The course is set sculpted beautifully
through the dunes and although not
exceptionally long, you can easily be caught
out by the strong winds.
Since first hosting The Open in 1954, the
course – alongside Royal Lytham – has
been the most regular venue for the
Championship other than St Andrews.
The most recent winner was Jordan
Spieth at the 146th playing of The Open
Championship.
Spieth finished with birdies on 14, 16 and
17, as well as an eagle on 15 to add to his
Masters and US Open crowns.
If you stay at the Vincent Hotel or Ramada
Plaza not only do you have plenty of great
bars and restaurants on your doorstep, but
also fantastic courses like Hesketh, West
Lancs, Southport and Ainsdale, Hillside and
Formby.
Any combination of these, and the addition
of Royal Birkdale, will create a golf break to
remember.
If you don’t want to travel far between
rounds then look no further than Hillside,
S&A and Birkdale.
These three courses are all adjacent to each
other – literally.
You could be playing one hole on Hillside yet
be no more than a few yards from golfers
taking on Southport and Ainsdale.
However, it is definitely worth the short
journey to the likes of West Lancs, Hesketh
and Formby.
This gem of a golfing town is at the very
epicentre of the North West’s golf coast and
has everything you need, whether it is a
quiet or lively weekend away and one night
and two rounds of golf starts from £175pp.
Course Info
Royal Birkdale
Par - 72 Yardage - 6,871
Hillside
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,029
Southport & Ainsdale
Par - 72 Yardage - 6,836
Formby
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,031
Hesketh
Par - 72 Yardage - 6,718
West Lancs
Par - 72 Yardage - 7,055
Best For
Those who absolutely love links golf
should consider Southport as it has so
many to choose from, each with their
own individual challenge. On top of this,
who doesn’t enjoy playing a popular
Open venue?
Inside Track
A record-breaking crowd of 235,000
attended The 146th Open at Royal
Birkdale setting an attendance record
for a Championship staged outside of St
Andrews.
20

What Else To Do
Although famous for its golf, Southport is
also a great place for those with a thirst for
new experiences.
The Phoenix, Coronation Walk is located just
off the Lord St and is the ideal place to go
and watch live sport, with a big screen, lots
of TV’s and a plethora of drinks promotions.
Southport Splash World is perfect for those
families with young children as they can ride
fast flumes and water slides, all-year round.
This is because Splash World is an indoor
water park.
There is even a bubble spa for both children
and adults alike to relax in.
Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre offers
water sports including windsurfing and
sailing.
Looking for something a little more relaxing?
Why not take a stroll along one of the many
beautiful beaches and sand dunes?
For a truly unique experience, visit the
Lawnmower Museum.
Getting There
From the South - take the M6 to exit 26;
the M58 will take you to Ormskirk and
then take the A570 to Southport.
From the North - follow the A59 from
Preston (exit 31 from the M6) and then
follow the signs to Southport.
Train services run from various towns
and cities into Southport.
Why We Like It
Some of the finest links courses the UK
can offer in close proximity.
Southport has great transport links.
Packages include an Open Championship
venue.
Perfect for those looking for new
experiences in the UK, with so much to
do in and around Southport.
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