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.
1. Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich, Kent
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.
2. Breadsall Priory Country Club, Derbyshire
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.
3. Dundonald Links, Ayrshire
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.
4. St Mellion, Cornwall
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.
5. Trevose Golf & Country Club, North Cornwall
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.
6. Gleneagles, Perthshire
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.
7. Bowood, Wiltshire
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.
8. Carton House, County Kildare
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.
Specialist golf insurance with Golf Care
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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