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GOLF BREAKS AT HOME AND ABROAD
by Nicola Palmer , Perfect Getaways
Golf is one of the most popular sports in the UK with over one million registered players and over 6,900 golf courses to choose from across Europe . More and more golfers nowadays are becoming members of golf societies or forming groups to enjoy golf ‘ away days ’ at home and abroad where they can sample the best courses ( and often walk in the footsteps of golf idols and legends ) whilst also enjoying the social side of it .
This month we are looking at golf breaks at home and abroad and what you can experience .
UK Golf Breaks
You don ’ t have to travel the world to experience world-class golf as the UK has some of the most famous and challenging courses to choose from . From challenging links courses to beautiful parkland courses , the UK as it all . There are plenty of resortclubs such as Carden Park , Forest Of Arden and Celtic Manor where they package a stay at their on-site hotels with dinner , bed and breakfast included and a number of rounds of golf on their amazing golf courses . Whilst if you wish to travel up to Scotland , all of the famous ‘ Open ’ courses are accommodating to groups of golfers with packages ranging from one nights accommodation and two rounds of golf , to seven nights accommodation and five rounds of golf .
We are going to feature The Belfry which is situated just to the North East of Birmingham and near the town of Sutton Coldfield . The Belfry is famous for its thrilling ‘ Ryder Cup ’ course , The Brabazon , but it has three excellent courses on the grounds :
• The Derby Course is a woodland course and probably the least famous of the three . It was designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas and this picturesque course requires a good accuracy from the tee .
• The PGA National Course is a world-class tournament golf course which hosts two PGA European Golf events each year . It presents a unique challenge with fast running fairways , undulating greens , severe run-offs and its 70 strategically placed cavernous bunkers and is a must for golfers who enjoy the creativity required for links golf .
• The Brabazon Course boasts majestic fairways and carpetsmooth greens where some of golf ’ s most exhilarating dramas have played out . Its meticulous design involves tight fairways , perilous bunkers , lakes and fast undulating greens that have challenged some of golf ’ s greatest players . As you ’ d expect , it ’ s a challenging golf course , but a mustplay for anyone who ’ s serious about the sport . Walk in the footsteps of Ryder Cup folklore and golfing legends – Seve ’ s historic drive onto the 10th green , Sam Torrance ’ s famous putt that won the 1985 Ryder Cup match for the European Team or Christie O ’ Connor Jr ’ s belligerent 2 iron across the lake at the 18th .
However , the Belfry isn ’ t just about golf . It is a complete resort in itself with the centrepiece being the hotel with its impressive selection of restaurants and bars , each a little different from the other . If it ’ s classic à la carte dining , head to The Ryder Grill . However , if you ’ re looking for a more casual option , the Italian restaurant Rocca ’ s serves up delicious pizza and pasta , or you can enjoy some relaxing drinks at Sam ’ s Club House . In addition , the Belfry Spa is the perfect retreat for peace and pampering . For those not wanting to play golf , you can enjoy a spa day or an indulgent spa break alongside your golfing friends .
Golf Breaks Abroad
For those looking to go further afield , there are plenty of opportunities for groups to travel abroad and enjoy spectacular courses coupled with accommodation and plenty of food and drink . Spain and Portugal have been major golf destinations for
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