45 of the UK’s Best Winter Deals
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Winter can be a wonderland for golfers with many courses, specially those by the sea, in excellent condition and playable for considerably less money. Here are some of the very best deals around whether you just want to play 18 holes, have a round with some food thrown in or enjoy a stay and play winter break. The choice is yours…
ST ENODOC, CORNWALL
From now until the end of March, St Enodoc, one of the premier championship links in the south west, is offering 18 holes of golf over its James Braid-designed Church Course, coffee & bacon bap on arrival plus ham, egg & chips after golf on any week day for £45 per person, as long as a minimum of 8 people book this offer.
Tel: 01208 863216.
ROYAL COUNTY DOWN, CO.DOWN
Arguably one of the most stunning links in the UK if not Planet Golf, majestically plotted next to the Irish Sea and underneath the mystical Mourne mountains which form a breathtaking backdrop. It’s in tip-top condition year-round and an absolute snip at this price.
The deal: £70 per round until Feb.
Tel: 028 4372 3314.
ROYAL PORTRUSH, CO.ANTRIM
Another must play Northern Ireland links which will take your breath away whenever you pitch up to play, specially at this price (below). It rightly and deservedly returns to the Open Championship rota in 2019 and signature hole is ‘Calamity Corner,’ the 210-yards par-3 14th.
The deal: £60 Nov-Mar (excl Saturdays).
Tel: 028 7082 2311.
ROYAL PORTHCAWL, MID-GLAMORGAN
The pride of the valleys and Wales, Porthcawl is a class links act which has staged a host of major tournaments with next year’s Senior Open being added to the lengthy list. It is enjoyed and respected by everybody fortunate enough to play there.
The deal: £70 midweek till Mar 31.
Tel: 01656 782251.
ROYAL CINQUE PORTS, KENT
Proudly plotted nextdoor to Royal St George’s and a superb links act in its own right – it has staged a plethora of major events including the 1909 and 1920 Open Championships and is a Final Open Qualifying venue.
The deal: Golf and two-course lunch for £75 until end of Feb (Mon-Fri).
Tel: 01304 374007.
SAUNTON, DEVON
Home of two of England’s most revered links, the East and West courses with the former the no.1 and the most challenging of the dynamic duo. Sir Nick Faldo once stated that Saunton was good enough to stage an Open Championship. Say no more.
The deal: £30 Dec-Feb & £40 in Mar.
Tel: 01271 812436.
SILVERMERE, SURREY
Challenging 40-years-old parkland layout with the final two holes played over Silvermere Lake, the finale featuring a semi-island green. Top practice facilities include a 52 bay two-tied driving range.
The deal: From £12.
To book visit https://www.teetimes.co.uk/todaysgolfer
THE WARWICKSHIRE, WARWICKS
One of the best venues in the Midlands with a pair of 18-hole courses created by American architect Karl Litten. But in our view it’s the par-72 Earl’s that reigns supreme – it’s tree-lined and easier on the eye if not to play.
The deal: From £12.
To book visit https://www.teetimes.co.uk/todaysgolfer
MILL RIDE, BERKS
A worthy Ascot neighbour of superstars Wentworth and Sunningdale though you can experience this fine Donald Steel parkland layout for just over a tenner at this time of the year. Not bad going for a former European Tour venue.
The deal: From £12.50.
To book visit https://www.teetimes.co.uk/todaysgolfer
CARNOUSTIE, ANGUS
Arguably the toughest, most challenging of all the Open Championship rota courses, ‘Carnasty’ regularly lives up to its nickname. You can put yourself to the ultimate links test for half the normal rate until the end of March.
The deal: £82.50 until Mar 31 (mats in use on the fairways).
Tel: 01241 802270.
CLOSE HOUSE, NORTHUMBERLAND
Star-studded new venue represented on Tour by Lee Westwood who in fact will be taking next year’s British Masters to this wonderful corner of the north east. The main championship Colt course is ably supported by the much improved Filly layout.
The deal: Four-ball for £201.70 Mon-Thurs after 10.30am till Mar 31.
To book visit www.closehouse.com
ROWLANDS CASTLE, HAMPSHIRE
Lovely Harry Colt par-72 parkland founded well over a century ago and overall a firm but fair challenge and the recent installation of a new irrigation and drainage system means it is in good shape and playable year round.
The deal: Four-ball (Mon, Tues & Thurs after midday) costs £110.
Tel: 02392 412784.
SILLOTH-ON-SOLWAY, CUMBRIA
A top-class links whose reputation would be even higher if it wasn’t in such a remote location.It winds between some serious dunes, producing some of the finest holes in England and also benefits from new extra drainage.
The deal: £30 midweek till Mar 12.
Tel: 016973 31304.
FOXHILLS, SURREY
Superb venue with great accommodation and amenities and a pair of classy contrasting courses (Longcross and Bernard Hunt) backed up by excellent practice facilities. Will prove a worthy 2017 PGA Cup venue.
The deal: Winter four-ball for £201.70 until Mar 31(Mon-Thurs and after 10.30am Fri-Sun).
Tel: 01932 704465.
THE GROVE, HERTS
2016 British Masters venue and striking Kyle Phillips creation which famously hosted the 2006 World Golf Championship – emphatically won by Tiger Woods. The Grove has matured beautifully and arguably boasts the best inland greens in the UK.
The deal: Winter Warmer package (till Mar 31) includes round of golf, breakfast & lunch plus use of the practice facilities, costs £115 Mon-Wed & £135 Thurs-Sun.
Tel: 01923 294266.
BURNHAM & BERROW, SOMERSET
Widely considered one of England’s finest links – a vastly different ball game to 1890 when it started life as a nine holer on a strip of land called the Warren. With many fairways and greens overlooked by giant dunes, it’s the south west’s answer to Royal Birkdale.
The deal: Four-ball for £200 which includes round on Championship course plus coffee & bacon roll on arrival. Available Mon-Fri from 11am until Mar 31.
Tel: 01278 785760.
NORTH FORELAND, KENT
Unsung Kent coast hero even though it´s been around for well over a century. The Final Open qualifying venue´s generous fairways disguise a tricky layout where strategically-placed bunkers lie in wait.
The deal: 18 holes plus coffee & bacon bap for £32.50.
Tel: 01843 862140.
LONDON CLUB, KENT
Star-studded venue which has staged the World Match Play Championship and the European Open and boasts two top tracks (Heritage and International) though visitors can currently only experience the International, a challenging downland layout.
The deal: 18 holes on the International, a sausage & bacon muffin with tea or coffee, range balls and use of practice facilities & two-course meal plus a welcome gift, costs £80 (Sun-Thurs until Mar 31)
Tel: 01474 879899.
TREVOSE, CORNWALL
Harry Colt links classic with a great variety of holes – stand out is probably the stunning par-5 4th with its green right next to the beach. Trevose is always a joy to play and is in top condition year-round.
The deal: Coffee & bacon roll on arrival, 18 holes & two-course meal for £40 (min.of eight players) until the end of Feb (excl Christmas and New Year).
Tel: 01841 520208.
BROCKET HALL, HERTS
Situated within 543 acres of stunning 18th century parkland, Brocket’s two courses are named after the prime ministers who once resided there. The par-72 Melbourne crosses the river Lea several times while the Donald Steel-designed Palmerston is a memorable parkland test.
The deal: Dec, Jan & Feb – £65 for bacon roll, tea or coffee, use of Golf Academy,18 holes and two-course buffet lunch/dinner.
Tel: 01707 394994.
CELTIC MANOR, SOUTH WALES
Scene of Europe’s memorable 2010 Ryder Cup victory and guaranteed to provide plenty of thrills and spills – the venue’s no.1 layout builds up to an exciting climax with the driveable par-4 15th hole.
The deal: Until Feb 28th you can enjoy tea/coffee and bacon roll,18 holes, two-course lunch (available for groups of between 2-40 golfers) from £39pp.
Tel: 01633 413000.
ELSHAM, NORTH LINCS
Underrated Elsham has been around for over a century and is a fine parkland layout close to modern classic Forest Pines. Be wary of the par-4 2nd – an intriguing left-to right dogleg even though it’s bunkerless.
The deal: 18 holes plus a bacon bap & coffee for £25.
Tel: 01652 680291.
HORSLEY LODGE, DERBYS
Another underrated venue offering a good combination of holes and challenges and is in good shape and playable year-round with its USGA-spec greens always a joy to putt on.
The deal: Coffee, bacon roll and 18 holes costs £22 from Nov 1.
Tel: 01332 780 838.
LITTLE ASTON, STAFFS
Worthy Top 100 UK Courses venue featuring fairways lined with mature trees, two lakes and defensive bunkering requiring precise approach work. A round to remember…
The deal: 18 holes and breakfast midweek till Feb, costs £200 per four-ball.
Tel: 0121 353 2942.
THE SHIRE LONDON
Home of the thrilling Ballesteros Masters course – still Seve’s only UK course design and a sparkling tribute to the Spanish legend. There are six par-3s, 4s and 5s and you’ll relish putting out on the USGA-spec greens.
The deal: Four-ball breakfast, golf and hot soup special costs
£150 per four-ball Mon-Thurs (£160 on Fridays) before 10am until Mar 31.
Tel: 020 8441 7649
SHERWOOD FOREST, NOTTS
Located in the heart of Robin Hood country and a pleasure to play throughout the year, majestically weaving between rows of silver birch, pine and oak trees within the legendary Sherwood Forest itself.
The deal: £140 per four-ball (Nov-Mar), including breakfast.
Tel: 01623 627403.
SANDIWAY, CHESHIRE
A quality mixture of woodland and heathland which offers some really quirky holes and a serious test of golf, specially following a recent refurbishment carried out by the prolific Mackenzie & Ebert Design team.
The deal: Mens Team Open on Feb 21, costs £100 per team. Book at www.golfempire.co.uk
ST ANNES OLD LINKS, LANCS
Tends to get overlooked for the world-famous links nearby but St Annes is a top links in its own right and offers excellent value. The par-3 9th is so good that the legendary Bobby Jones took measurements of it so he could recreate it in America!
The deal: Pairs Open on Jan 20 costs £60 per pair. Book at www.golfempire.co.uk
WORKSOP, SOUTH YORKS
Inland golf doesn’t get much better than this wonderful wooded heathland layout which has been challenging golfers, most notably local hero Lee Westwood, for just over a century.
The deal: Pairs Open on Mar 13, costs £40 per pair. Book at www.golfempire.co.uk
MACHRIHANISH DUNES, ARGYLL
See in the New Year in style at this magical natural links nestled in the southwest corner of the Mull of Kintyre where the movements of sea, sand, wind and grazing sheep have intertwined over countless centuries.
The deal: Individual Open on Jan 1st, costs £5pp. Book at www.golfempire.co.uk
THE CARRICK, DUNBARTONSHIRE
Quality parkland-woodland combination which enjoys significant changes in elevation as you play your way round the world-famous Loch Lomond. The par-3 14th and the following par-5 along the loch are the stars of the show.
The deal: Individual Open on Jan 1st, costs £35. Book at www.golfempire.co.uk
FELIXSTOWE FERRY, SUFFOLK
The Martello is one of East Anglia’s best layouts and provides a real coastal treat. It’s gently undulating and has been testing golfers, especially the tricky-to-read greens, since 1880.
The deal: Pairs Open on Mar 28, costs £70 per pair. Book at www.golfempire.co.uk
GATTON MANOR, SURREY
This mature woodland course, established in the late 1960s, was the handiwork of renowned Canadian architect, Commander John D Harris and is supported by an on-site hotel comprising 18 rooms.
The deal: Selected dates in Jan and Feb for B&B golf breaks from £49pp (2 sharing clubhouse room).
Tel: 01306 627555, quoting unlimited winter golf offer.
THE BELFRY, WEST MIDLANDS
World-famous West Midlands venue which has benefited big-time from a recent major refurbishment and is the home of three 18-hole courses, including four-times Ryder Cup course The Brabazon.
The deal: Brabazon package costs from £125pp and includes overnight B&B stay,18 holes, dinner in Sam’s Club House or Rocca’s Pizza Pasta restaurant, or an additional round on The Derby plus 10% off in The Belfry Golf Shop.
Tel:
Tel: 01675 238600.
THORPENESS, SUFFOLK
Outstanding James Braid heathland layout which is both scenic and challenging with a terrific variety of holes, a charming cosy clubhouse and improved on-site accommodation options.
The deal: One night’s B&B and unlimited golf over two days, costs £79pp sharing until Mar 31.
Tel: 01728 452176.
TRETHORNE, CORNWALL
Just a pitch shot away from the A30, Trethorne is a decent all round golfing venue, offering a fast-maturing parkland layout, impressive two-tier driving range facilities and a number of accommodation options.
The deal: Winter Sunday Driver (Nov-Mar) – One night’s B&B and two rounds, costs from £58.
Tel: 01566 86903.
WENSUM VALLEY, NORFOLK
Good value stay and play venue and the home of two contrasting 18 hole layouts (Wensum & Valley) plotted in 350 acres of rural Norfolk countryside. The Wensum is the main course and has regularly hosted key professional tournaments.
The deal: Unlimited golf, dinner & B&B costs £85pp Nov-Mar.
Tel: 01603 261012.
WOODHALL SPA, LINCS
Home of England Golf and arguably the country’s no.1 inland layout, the sensational and highly demanding Hotchkin, a classic heathland and ably backed-up by the Bracken, a modern parkland course.
The deal: Until Apr 30 – One night’s B&B (local partner hotel) and one round on the Hotchkin & Bracken costs from £137.
Tel: 01526 352511.
PRINCE’S, KENT
Boasts three loops of nine (Dunes, Shore & Himalayas) nextdoor to Royal St George’s along with luxury Lodge accommodation. Scene of the 1932 Open won by the legendary Gene Sarazen.
The deal: One night’s B&B (based on 2 sharing standard room), two rounds and a two-course dinner from the Lodge Bar menu costs from £99 until Mar 31.
Tel: 01304 611118.
HEACHAM MANOR, NORFOLK
Home of a fast maturing modern coastal course featuring man-made lakes and splendid accommodation within the stunning manor hotel plus on-site cottage self-catering.
The deal: £79pp Sunday saver for dinner, B&B and unlimited golf until end of Mar. Quote Today’s Golfer on booking and you’ll receive 10% off drinks (excl wine) while 1 in 10 go free.
Tel: 01485 536030.
DALE HILL, EAST SUSSEX
One of the leading venues in the south east and home of two contrasting layouts with the Woosnam being the star attraction, and a four star hotel sitting pretty amidst 350 acres exquisite countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The deal:Golf break from £89pp (2 people sharing) includes overnight B&B stay in superior room, two rounds and two-course bar meal until Feb 28.
Tel: 01580 200112.
TEWKESBURY PARK, GLOS
A golfing paradise in rural Gloucestershire with the main refurbished par-72 course being supported by good practice facilities,a six-hole par-3 course and a fine hotel, all providing fine views of the Cotswolds and Malverns.
The deal: Overnight dinner, B&B and two rounds (Mon-Thurs) costs £119pp (Fri-Sat) until Mar 31.
Tel: 01684 272300.
CHIPPENHAM, WILTS
Excellent par-72 parkland founded in 1896 and which has seen significant changes and improvements, specially in recent times, with the opening of several new holes along with a smart new clubhouse.
The deal: Winter society offer from £29 includes coffee & bacon roll, 18 holes and one-course meal.
Tel: 01249 652040.
HEVER CASTLE, KENT
Nestles in the river Eden valley and is the home of the Kent PGA Championship. A serious examination with lots of water around and the feature holes include the 2nd which overlooks the historic castle.
The deal: £37pp for groups of 12 or more, which comprises 18 holes, tea/coffee & bacon roll plus post-round meal. Valid Mon-Fri until Mar 31. Plus one free place for 16+ players.
Tel: 01732 700771.
LITTLESTONE, KENT
Kent boasts gorgeous links such as Royal St George’s, Royal Cinque Ports, Prince’s…and not-so-well-known Littlestone. The latter is though a Championship links (it staged Open Final Qualifying in 2011) in its own right and has some of the best greens around.
The deal: Society rate of £20pp for 10 or more players for 18 holes until Feb 28.
Tel: 01797 363355.
