Just because the days are shorter and the weather is colder, it shouldn’t stop you from enjoying an autumn golf weekend getaway.
In fact,
for many, autumn is the best time of year to play. With orange and yellow
leaves lining the fairways, less ‘traffic’ on the course, and softer, more
playable conditions, there’s a lot to like about autumn golf.
Whether you’re planning a late break this year or looking ahead to next, here’s a selection of the best golf weekend getaways across the UK and Ireland.
Prince’s
Golf Club has received considerable investment in recent years and has undergone
a dramatic restyling. In truth, it’s a delight to play here at any time of the
year. However, it’s never a bad idea to go the links route in autumn, as they
drain so well.
A host of Local Qualifying for The Open from 2018 to 2022, Prince’s also co-hosted The Amateur Championship in 2013 and 2017. Let’s not forget that Prince’s is an Open Championship venue, with Gene Sarazen winning the Claret Jug here in 1932.
Today’s Prince’s bears little resemblance to the layout over which the American triumphed all those years ago, however. What you have now is three loops of nine: Shore, Dune, and Himalayas. Martin Ebert has transformed these famous Kent coast links. Combined with superb accommodation with views over Sandwich Bay and dining in the 2AA Rosette Brasserie on the Bay, this is undoubtedly one of the UK’s best golf break destinations.
If
parkland golf is your preference, Breadsall Priory, set amongst 300 acres of
sprawling Derbyshire countryside on the edge of the Peak District, is a great
option. It’s well-equipped to cater for large golf parties and those searching
for a weekend getaway.
It’s one of six golf and country clubs under Marriott’s umbrella, and features two golf courses—The Priory and Moorland. The former was designed by David Cox in the late 1970s, with the latter, the work of Donald Steele, arriving in the 1990s.
As well as golf, visitors can take advantage of a number of dining experiences and leisure facilities, including a fully-equipped gym and pool, alongside relaxing spa treatments.
Dundonald
Links is another club that has benefited from a recent investment. A healthy
£25m, to be exact, has taken this modern links to another level.
Stay and
plays don’t get much better than this. Not only does Dundonald Links boast a
world-class golf course, which has hosted both the men’s and women’s Scottish
Open, but it’s also got a terrific new clubhouse and 18 luxurious lodges equipped
with all the facilities the holiday golfer could wish for.
Situated on a beautiful stretch of Ayr coastline, if you base yourself here, you can also enjoy a number of other excellent links courses nearby, such as Royal Troon, Prestwick, and Western Gailes. One of the highlights has to be sitting in the Canny Crow restaurant after a round, looking out to the Firth of Clyde and all the way to the Isle of Arran.
Golfers
are guaranteed warm Cornish hospitality at this popular resort, which is home
to two fantastic golf courses, both of which boast DP World Tour pedigree. The
Nicklaus Signature course, which opened for play in 1988, hosted the Benson
& Hedges International Open from 1990 to 1995, with José María Olazábal,
Bernhard Langer and Seve Ballesteros amongst its winners.
Located in
the Tamar Valley, it’s a bit of a brute—but great fun, too. Meanwhile, with its
framed fairways and challenging water hazards, the Kernow has gained a popular
following in recent years.
The St Mellion Estate offers a range of accommodation, from the 4-star hotel to the newly refurbished self-catering holiday cottages hidden deep between the fairways of the two golf courses. Meanwhile, the health club and spa are perfect places to relax and unwind.
Padstow is
where you’ll find Rick Stein’s flagship seafood restaurant, famous for its
classic dishes and excellent wines. It’s also home to the wonderful Trevose,
one of Harry Colt’s masterful designs. With its elevated clubhouse and 1st tee,
it’s one of those places that gets you from the moment you arrive—and the
sights and sounds of the Atlantic Ocean will take your breath away.
Like many
Colt designs, the course is set out in two loops of nine—the front of which hugs
the sand dunes and coastline, while the back heads inland towards the
clubhouse. The 4th is the most famous and photographed hole, a terrific
dogleg-left par 5 that takes you right down to the rocks that separate
Constantine Bay from Bobby’s Bay.
Being on the coast means there are plenty of other activities to enjoy during your stay, such as surf school, and there are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. As well as the spacious Trehuel apartments, there are dormy apartments overlooking the 18th green, as well as bungalows and cottages that sleep larger parties.
Gleneagles
needs no introduction. The ‘Glorious Playground’ has it all—world-class golf
and a whole host of activities to enjoy during your stay. In truth, it sits at
the expensive end of the spectrum—but if you’re really looking to treat
yourself, head to Perthshire.
The Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup venue is home to three courses: the PGA Centenary, the King’s and the Queen’s. The PGA Centenary, an American-style layout designed by Jack Nicklaus and Ron Kirby, may not yet boast the reputation of James Braid’s King’s and Queen’s, but the views staring down the 1st hole to the rolling hills beyond will live long in the memory.
As for off-course
entertainment, accommodation and dining, everything is first class. The danger
of staying in the luxury 5-star hotel is that you’ll struggle to get out of bed
and miss your tee time.
There’s fishing, shooting, horse riding, racquet sports, off-roading, and cycling among other activities on offer. It’s impossible not to work up an appetite. See if you can work your way through each of the restaurants. Picking a favourite won’t be easy—and may require more than a long weekend, too.
Wiltshire
may not be quite so well known for its golf, but Bowood has one of the most
beautiful parkland courses in the South West.
Designed
by the renowned Dave Thomas, the course makes best use of the estate’s mature
woodland—and it looks especially easy on the eye in autumn. The fairways are
wide and forgiving, but at 7,300 yards from the tips, it’s also a bit of a
brute.
Recognised as a Four Red Star Hotel by the AA, Bowood Hotel is located on the Bowood Estate, near Calne. It’s a wonderful place to unwind—plus, there’s a luxurious spa that’s not to be missed. What’s more, should you have children in tow, there’s lots to do at Bowood to keep them happy, too.
Nestled in
the heart of 1,100 acres of private parkland in Maynooth, County Kildare,
Carton House Golf is a respite from the outside world and yet is just 25
minutes from both Dublin Airport and the city centre. So, should you want your
golf break to include a bit of nightlife, you’re in a pretty good spot.
During the
day, you have two very fine championship courses to enjoy. Choose from the
classic parkland O’Meara, which meanders through ancient woodlands and the
banks of the river Rye, or play on the soil many a legend has with the
challenge of the inland links, Montgomerie.
Meanwhile, the Fairmont-managed hotel blends old and new seamlessly. To stay here is really something special. The dining, too, is exceptional. You can enjoy fine dining and Sunday lunch in the Morrison Room or sample traditional fare with a contemporary twist from a live open kitchen.
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Any of these golf weekend getaways tickling your fancy? Well, why wouldn’t they? However, you may also want to consider golf insurance before making any concrete plans.
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