DESTINATION GOLF GLOBAL GUIDE AUTUMN 2026
Golfers can also make time for the PGA National Golf Academy. Its floodlit 34-bay Toptracer range, custom-fitting suites, putting and short-game facilities and PGA coaching make it possible to work on your game before or after tackling the courses. its own Ryder Cup folklore, while recent changes to the sixth have created another demanding challenge on the Brabazon.
One of The Belfry’ s greatest strengths is that golfers aren’ t restricted to a single championship layout. Alongside the Brabazon sits The PGA National, England’ s only PGA-branded course. At par 72, it provides an inland links-style experience, with fast-running fairways, severe run-offs, undulating greens and strategically positioned bunkers. It has also hosted two European Tour events.
The Belfry’ s appeal extends well beyond the first tee. Its 468 bedrooms and suites provide a comfortable base for a golf break, while the resort’ s restaurants and bars offer plenty of choice once the clubs are back in the locker.
Sam’ s Bar & Kitchen, named after Ryder Cup hero Sam Torrance, provides an appropriately themed 19th-hole setting for
Then there is The Derby, which has undergone a major redesign and, as of 2026, offers a distinctly heathland character. Heather planting, sculpted white-sand bunkers, reworked fairways and elevated tees have transformed the layout, with the third, fifth and 13th among the holes highlighted by the resort following the redesign.
The result is an unusually varied golfing destination: championship parkland on the Brabazon, inland links-style golf on the PGA National and heathland golf on the new-look Derby. comparing scorecards and recounting the day’ s best shots, but I chose The Ryder Restaurant in the hotel. I could choose off an extensive A La Carte menu or a selection from the buffet, which was very generous in its choices. After dinner, the lively Brabazon Bar had live music on offer, so a night cap was required.
For those who prefer relaxation to another 18 holes, the Belfry Spa offers treatments alongside its famous Fire & Ice Experience, sauna, steam room, whirlpools and relaxation facilities.
The recently expanded The Club is another major addition. Designed as the resort’ s home for fitness and leisure, it features a Technogym-equipped gym, dedicated yoga, reformer Pilates
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