9 Top 100 Golf Venues Where You Can Stay and Play
By: Joe Hughes | Mon 02 Jul 2018
Gone are the days where only the rich and elite could play at the best golf courses in the UK, now you can too. We all know that Golfshake users are an honest bunch and are keen to review the courses they’ve visited, so here are some of the venues from their Top 100 that you can stay and play at, in future.
Gullane Golf Club
The 54-hole links complex is a great option if you are looking for some challenging, yet enjoyable golf. With the choice of three courses, you can test your game around the varying layouts whilst taking in some of the finest views that links golf has to offer. Gullane Golf Club is packed with tradition and Heritage and according to the club themselves, golf has been played on the land for over 350 years. Ranking as high as third, based on Golfshake reviews, the quality of this venue is unquestionable, and with the choice of three separate accommodations, you’re spoilt for choice. If you’re looking to play links golf of the highest quality then I’d encourage you not to overlook this outstanding venue.
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Gleneagles
As many of you will know, former Ryder Cup venue, Gleneagles, is one of the most highly rated and prestigious golfing destinations in the UK. Made up of three championship courses and a nine-hole par three course, there’s something for everyone at the Scottish resort. Jack Nicklaus is the man behind the PGA Centenary Course which was the setting for the 2014 Ryder Cup, whilst expert architect James Braid created two fantastic courses in the form of the King’s and the Queen’s. In a similar way to other venues such as Celtic Manor, Golfers can test all aspects of their games on the variety of course styles whilst getting a taste of what it’s like to play around a course fit for professionals. Couple up these brilliant golfing facilities with Gleneagles’ five-star hotel and leisure facilities and you have yourself a golf break of the highest quality.
London Golf Club
Once more, it is the legend, Jack Nicklaus who is responsible for both of the courses at London Golf Club. Particular emphasis is on the International Course, which played host to the European Tour’s 2014 Volvo World Match Play Championship. With testing rough and some water hazards, the course offers a realistic insight into the world of professional golf and the challenges that they face on courses around the world. If you are looking for a high-quality course packed with exciting tee shots and superb greens then this may well be the one for you. Once you’ve finished your round, you’ll be able to kick back in a choice of nearby hotels, all of which are just a short distance from London Golf Club. And that’s not all you can get from your trip. Why not add to your experience by including a round at the fabulous North Foreland Golf Club, which will provide you with a slightly different but no less enjoyable challenge to the International Course.
Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort
18 lush holes await for those who wish to visit this classic Wiltshire resort. The course features some water hazards and nicely designed bunkers, with a range of tees on each hole, making the course suitable for all level of golfers whilst still providing a compelling test of skill. Designed by renowned course architect Dave Thomas, there is an most definitely an element of class about the layout, which is to be expected from such a successful designer. Your trip to Bowood does not only revolve around the golf, however. Once you’ve completed your 18 holes, you can head back to the luxury four-star hotel and take advantage of the wonderful spa facilities before grabbing a bite to eat and resting up for any more golf that you may have planned.
Celtic Manor
There are few better golfing resorts than the legendary, Celtic Manor. Home to the Twenty Ten course which played host to the 2010 Ryder Cup. As well as their marquee course, the resort also features the stunning Montgomerie course and the aptly named Roman Road course, both of which are outstanding to play. There is no shortage of options when it comes to a golf break at this five-star location. Many packages are available allowing you to choose the combination of courses that you will play and even whether you will stay in the large Celtic Manor Resort hotel or the smaller but equally as classy, four-star Manor House. The Resort hotel is a particularly big draw and has a multitude of facilities from dining restaurants, to a swimming pool. All of which allow you to unwind after a long day out on the course. This is one that is not to be missed.
Close House
Host of the 2017 British Masters, under the guidance of fan favourite, Lee Westwood, Close House is one of the top courses that you can stay and play in the north of England. Boasting the only two Lee Westwood courses on the planet, this venue offers an insight into a professional course and a brilliant challenge for all. The Lee Westwood Filly Course has a little more history than its counterpart, The Lee Westwood Colt Course but is by no means the only one worth playing. According to the club themselves, experienced architect Scott McPherson designed the 18-hole outfit in such a way that it would appear as an old-fashion design and incorporate the existing woodland in the area. Away from the course, Close House offers an intimate and luxurious experience. With only 16 bedrooms, you can be sure that they will be of high quality and the same can be said for the on-site restaurant, No. 19, which offers delicious home-cooked meals. If you’re looking for a personal and classy break, then this could well be the one for you.
The Oxfordshire Golf, Hotel & Spa
This luxury getaway offers something special in terms of course quality, having hosted multiple European Tour events in the past. According to the club, this was the first course designed in the UK by Rees Jones, who is a well-known golf course architect. Although the course does feature plenty of hazards, mostly in the form of bunkers and water, these may not come into play if you manage the course well and golfers of all skill level are able to thrive in this outstanding setting. Coupled with the championship golf course, the four-star hotel and spa facilities make for a comfortable and luxurious stay. With its so many obvious qualities, it is not hard to see why this is one most popular and sought after golf breaks.
Hever Castle Golf Club
If historical value is a big thing for you, then a golf break at Hever Castle Club in Kent, may be right up your street. Home to a young Anne Boleyn, Hever Castle is heaped with history, and the image of the club very much reflects that. The 27-hole club features three, nine-hole course but combines the Queens and Kings courses to create their 18-hole championship course. This course boasts a range of different hole lengths and difficulties, ranging from short par 3’s to incredibly long par-5’s, most notably the 644 yards 17th hole. When staying in Hever, you will find the hotel to be in keeping with the villages look as it is a refurbished 16th century building which provides a comfortable and pleasant surrounding for you to rest up after your round. For a golf break that offers something a little different, be sure to check out Hever Castle.
Hanbury Manor
Hanbury manor is one of Marriott’s finest hotel and golf course combinations. The course, originally built in the late 1800’s has been redesigned by Jack Nicklaus II and now provides 18-holes of wonderfully challenging yet thoroughly enjoyable golf. Featuring multiple beautifully designed water hazards, the course is aesthetically pleasing as well as offering a number of risk-reward shots. Having hosted professional events from both male and female tours, the course is maintained to a high standard and gives a taste of what it’s like to play a tour quality course. Accompanying the brilliant golf course is Marriott’s Hanbury Manor Hotel. The five-star hotel and country club provides golfers with an opportunity to relax in style following their round. With a swimming pool, spa pool and gym, guests are able to wind down in a range of different ways, or simply take in the picturesque views that surround the hotel. I you are looking for a high quality golf break, this venue should not be overlooked.
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