COURSES THE INSIDE LINE ON WHERE TO PLAY, HOME AND ABROAD. WORDS kevin brown

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1 COURSES THE INSIDE LINE ON WHERE TO PLAY, HOME AND ABROAD Edited by Kevin Brown CREAM OF EUROPE Britain and Europe s best courses and resorts, according to TG readers T he votes have been counted and once again there were thousands of them and the results are in. So it s time to reveal the courses, resorts and areas you believe are the best in the UK and Europe. The annual TG Travel Awards the Oscars of the golf travel industry have WORDS kevin brown proved a huge hit since being introduced in 2011 and have routinely caused much joy and disappointment. The TG awards provide an objective view of the best hotels, courses and regions, because it is the paying public who decide where the titles go; you are the best judges. Among the thousands of voters was Tony Walker from Wetherby, whose name was pulled out of the hat and as a result earned himself and partner a fantastic break at The Oxfordshire. As ever, some old favourites were honoured, but there were also some really big shocks. Turn over to start discovering the winners and losers... Todaysgolfer.co.uk issue 318

2 TG Travel Awards the top 3s El Valle is one of the superb resorts which led Murcia to be named Europe's best-value destination. Continental Europe s Best Value Destination Murcia, Spain This was a major upset; underdogs Murcia came out on top against all the odds, pipping strongly-fancied Belek (Turkey) by the narrowest of margins with last year s winners the Algarve in third. Murcia lacks the glitz and glamour of the Costa del Sol, but this corner of Iberia promises an equally special golfing holiday and for considerably less money. You really do get great value-for-money in this part of the golfing world. Indeed Murcia is now giving the Costa del Sol, which finished fifth, a good run for its money as a major golfing destination and it s fair to say it has established itself as Spain s fastest-growing destination. Naturally the legendary La Manga Resort (see right) remains the main attraction but the region now features a wide variety of 18-hole courses, including several created by Jack Nicklaus and the late Dave Thomas such as Hacienda del Alamo and Roda. Off-course attractions include great beaches, Mar Menor lagoon and the historic ancient cities of Murcia and Cartagena all within striking distance of San Javier airport, which is located in the heart of the region. TG deal: Three nights self-catering (four sharing a two-bedroom apartment) at Roda Golf Resort and two rounds at Roda with buggies plus two free drinks (1 in 8 goes free), costs 115pp. Valid until Feb 25. To book call Glencor Golf on SPAIN'S Valderrama It s an icon of European golf, having staged the 1997 Ryder Cup as well as a host of major European Tour events. Valderrama is a class act, regularly figuring at the top end of most European Top 100 Courses listings. It has benefited from a recent renovation carried out by Kyle Phillips and no matter what time of year you play it, Valderrama will be in pristine condition. At 300 for a midweek round, vilamoura's oldest course still reigns supreme clearly Valderrama doesn t come cheap. But class very rarely does TG special deal: Valderrama will offer complimentary buggies for readers that mention the Today's Golfer Travel Awards and book directly at greenfees@valderrama.com. Valid until the end of April. SPAIN'S BEST HOTEL/RESORT La Manga Club La Manga has done it again. The pride of Murcia has claimed this award three years running but is not resting on its laurels with P.Y. Gerbeau and former Belfry man Gary Silcock as LMC chairman and Director of Golf respectively. Gerbeau, who was involved in projects such as Disneyland Paris and the Millennium Dome, and Silcock are determined to drive La Manga to even greater heights among Europe s elite. They plan to make LMC even bigger and better, including opening a new David Leadbetter Academy prior to staging the first La Manga Club International Pro-Am in early March (7-11). La Manga three times the size of Monaco boasts three quality 18-hole courses (South, North and West) along with world-class facilities including a stunning spa, 28-court tennis centre and more than 20 restaurants and bars plus its own secluded Mediterranean beach (La Cala). Accommodation is provided by the 192-room, five-star Hotel Principe Felipe and Las Lomas self-catering apartments. TG special deal: La Manga Club has teamed up with Today s Golfer to offer readers the exclusive chance to receive a free branded polo shirt each when they stay for three nights or more at LMC from April to June this year. Offer valid until March 31 with one shirt per person. Only available when you book directly through the La Manga Club Resort Reservation Centre. For rates and availability contact the resort, quoting Today s Golfer Offer on or reservas@lamangaclub.com PORTUGAL'S Vilamoura Old Course Vilamoura s oldest course still reigns supreme. Known as the Grand Dame of Algarve Golf, it opened in 1969 and is the region s second oldest course (behind Penina, which opened in 1966). This is the third year in succession the Old Course has clinched the in Portugal title and it is a joy to play. Frank Pennick s masterpiece oozes charm and character from every pore, majestically meandering across gently undulating terrain and through a forest of pine trees. It s not overly long but you need to be accurate, especially off the tee, to avoid having to hit Seve-style rescue shots from the trees. TG special deal: To celebrate the award, Oceânico Golf is offering TG readers the chance to experience luxury accommodation and endless golf with the launch of the Unlimited Golf package at Amendoeira Golf Resort. From 230pp for three nights, the packages are inclusive of accommodation in a luxury two-bedroom apartment (based on two or four sharing), buffet breakfast and unlimited golf on the Oceânico Old Course (one complimentary upgrade), Oceânico Faldo, and Oceânico O Connor Jnr. All packages grant visitors complimentary use of the recreational sports facilities at Amendoeira Sports Club. Valid until Oct 31. To book visit PORTUGAL'S BEST HOTEL/RESORT Vale do Lobo The resort recently celebrated its 50th birthday and goes from strength to strength. The fabulous South course at La Manga is one reason for the resort being named Spain's best while (below) Vale do Lobo took the honours in Portugal. The Algarve s first and largest resort has everything you need for a perfect break, including two outstanding 18-hole courses the Royal and Ocean, both of which feature awesome beach-side holes. A wide range of accommodation is available as well as worldclass facilities such as a spa, 14-court tennis centre and private beach. Praca, a beach-side complex with swimming pool, bars and restaurants, is a great place to head for during the day as well as in the evening. TG special deal: Free buggies for bookings (direct or via Tour operators) until Feb 28 quote TG Award VDL Best Resort Portugal when booking. Visit valedolobo.com Best Value Destination (Continental Europe) 1 Murcia, Spain 21% 2 Belek, Turkey 21% 3 Algarve, Portugal 13% Spain 1 Valderrama 45% 2 PGA Catalunya 21% 3 San Roque 10% 1 La Manga Club 48% 2 Melia Golf Vichy Catalan 15% 3 La Cala 10% Portugal 1 Vilamoura Old 39% 2 San Lorenzo 13% 3 Penina 9% 1 Vale do Lobo 18% 2 Dom Pedro Vilamoura 13% 3 Le Meridien 13% France 1 Le Touquet 26% 2 Paris National 26% 3 Fontainebleau 13% 1 St Malo Hotel, Golf & CC 20% 2 Four Seasons Terre Blanche 16% 3 Hotel du Golf St Omer 14% England (NORTH) 1 Royal Birkdale 27% 2 Royal Lytham & St Annes 26% 3 Royal Liverpool 16% 1 De Vere Carden Park 39% 2 De Vere Slaley Hall 28% 3 The Mere 17% England (SOUTH) 1 Sunningdale Old 26% 2 Woburn G&CC 25% 3 Royal St George s 16% 1 The Grove 23% 2 The Oxfordshire 23% 3 Stoke Park 17% Todaysgolfer.co.uk issue 318

3 FRANCE's Le Touquet Le Touquet is known as Paris by the sea and it certainly possesses all the French capital s charm and sophistication. Another major attraction is that it s just across the Channel, just 45 minutes from Calais. The golf on offer is right out of the top drawer too with the par-72 Sea Course a must play. Designed by Harry Colt, it s a superb links-parkland combination and frequently appears in Europe s Top 100 courses. With several elevated tees, it s a severe test, especially when the wind is blowing. The sister Forest layout is flat and not so demanding, weaving through impressive stands of mature trees. TG deal: Four nights B&B (double or twin) at Westminster Hotel & Spa, one dinner at Les Cimaises (excluding drinks) and four rounds (Sea, Forest and Pines), return Folkestone- Calais travel on Eurotunnel costs 390pp. Valid Feb 1-Apr 10, based on Sunday arrivals and four in a party. To book call French Golf on FRANCE's BEST HOTEL/RESORT St Malo G&CC A great place to stay and play in rural Brittany... without having to break the bank. If you re looking for a relaxed, good-value golfing break far away from the madding crowds, St Malo ticks all the boxes. Just 30 minutes from the coastal town of St Malo thus, very handy for the ferry and surrounded by a forest and ancient hunting grounds, the three-star hotel overlooks the lovely Mirloup lake. It offers 30 spacious air-conditioned rooms which have their own balcony plus a restaurant serving tasty French cuisine. Oh, and there are 27 holes of super parkland golf on site while the excellent seaside courses of Dinard and Val Andre are nearby. TG deal: Three nights B&B (double or twin The Forest course at Le Touquet is one of two fine 18-holers at this renowned venue on the Opal Coast. FOR GOOD VALUE AWAY FROM THE CROWDS, ST MALO ticks the boxes bedroom) and two rounds, return Brittany Ferry from Portsmouth to Cherbourg, costs 399pp (based on four in a party). Valid from May 1 June 30. To book call French Golf on ENGLAND'S BEST COURSE (NORTH) Royal Birkdale England s Golf Coast dominated this section, providing the first four courses with Royal Birkdale (pictured above) pipping Royal Lytham & St Annes to the top spot. Birkdale is one of the finest courses on the Open rota and in 2013 once again headed sister magazine Golf World s latest Top 100 Courses in England ranking. The conditioning is immaculate, and the design makes full use of the high dunes as ribbons of fairway cut through the wild grasses, usually ending at subtly-contoured greens. There s not a weak link hole in sight even the so-called lesser holes are solid. TG special deal: One night s B&B (twin rooms) at the Ramada Plaza, Southport, rounds at Royal Birkdale and Formby during March, costs 255pp. Exclusive to TG readers. enquiries@englandsgolfcoast.com ENGLAND'S BEST HOTEL/ RESORT (NORTH) De Vere Carden Park Set amid 1,000 acres of beautiful Cheshire countryside, Carden Park features two championship courses, a luxurious mansion hotel, sumptuous spa facilities and awardwinning restaurants. The main attraction, though, is the Nicklaus course designed by the 18-times Major champion. You can warm up on the less demanding Cheshire course which provides glorious countryside views. TG special deal: Sunday Driver one night s dinner, B&B and two rounds from 99pp. To book visit deveregolf.co.uk ENGLAND'S BEST COURSE (SOUTH) Sunningdale (Old) A very competitive category, with loads of worthy candidates... and this was reflected in the voting with Sunningdale narrowly edging out Woburn G&CC.

4 TG Travel Awards the top 3s England (WEST) 1 St Mellion (Nicklaus) 53% 2 Trevose 14% 3 St Enodoc 11% 1 Trevose G&CC 26% 2 Manor House at Castle Combe 23% 3 Manor House & Ashbury (Devon) 15% Last year s winner Royal St George s could only manage third spot. Sunningdale is a classic heathland framed by Scots pines and undoubtedly one of the finest inland layouts in Britain. The great Bobby Jones is said to have been eager to create a similar feel at Augusta National. That says it all about Sunningdale. Play the equally-sensational New course and you ve got the perfect golf day out Play it for yourself: 205 a round & 295 to play both Old & New courses (on the same day). Call ENGLAND'S BEST HOTEL/ RESORT (SOUTH) The Grove It claims to be London s country club and being just a short drive from the M25, The Grove is easily accessible. Yet on arrival, it still feels like a great escape no wonder England s football team used it as their prematch HQ. The five-star hotel provides stylish accommodation with all the mod cons, a super spa and a brilliant buffet in the Glasshouse restaurant. The Kyle Phillips-designed course hosted the 2006 World Golf Championship won by Tiger Woods and has matured fast. It has a great variety of holes and among the standouts are the stroke index 1 par-4 3rd with the green lurking beyond a lake and the tree-lined You will struggle to find an inland course in better condition than The Grove in Hertfordshire (above). St Mellion's Nicklaus (below) has just celebrated its 25th birthday... and has never looked better. left dog-leg par-4 10th. The Grove is also about amazing service and immaculate conditioning you ll struggle to find better inland greens. That said, it was touch and go the Hertfordshire venue pipped The Oxfordshire only by a few votes. TG special deal: Exclusive fourball throughout January and February: Mon-Wed, 240 (save 140), Thu-Sat, 299 (save 161). Call or tee.time@thegrove.co.uk ENGLAND'S (WEST) St Mellion (Nicklaus) It s the flagship venue of Crown Golf and St Mellion picks up this award just after celebrating its 25th birthday. You normally head west for the stunning links of Saunton, St Enodoc and Royal North England (EAST MIDLANDS) 1 The Belfry (Brabazon) 52% 2 Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin) 22% 3 Forest Pines 9% 1 The Belfry 41% 2 De Vere Belton Woods 20% 3 Marriott Forest of Arden 18% Scotland 1 St Andrews Old 25% 2 Gleneagles (King s) 17% 3 Turnberry (Ailsa) 11% 1 Gleneagles 34% 2 Cameron House at Loch Lomond 26% 3 Old Course Hotel, St Andrews 15% Wales 1 Celtic Manor (Twenty Ten) 43% 2 Royal St David s 21% 3 Royal Porthcawl 15% 1 Celtic Manor Resort 67% 2 Marriott St Pierre 16% 3 The Vale 8% Ireland 1 K Club 30% 2 Royal Portrush (Dunluce) 20% 3 Royal County Down 12% 1 K Club 43% 2 Portmarnock Hotel Links 10% 3 Lough Erne 10%

5 The Belfry's iconic 10th hole. Devon but St Mellion beat them all... by a landslide margin. The Nicklaus is the Golden Bear s first UK design and has staged six Benson & Hedges International Opens. St Mellion's premier course is a formidable foe, the ultimate examination of parkland golf with no easy holes or weak links. Everyone fancies a go on the mighty Nicklaus and no wonder it topped the latest 2-FORE!-1 Top 100 listing. It is the main attraction at a resort now featuring a revamped hotel and neighbouring 18-hole Kernow course. TG special deal: Stay & play at St Mellion from just 79pp until the end of March. The Nicklaus is celebrating its second consecutive title with something special for TG readers: golf breaks Jan-March include B&B, unlimited golf on the Nicklaus & Kernow courses, plus free buggies on the Nicklaus. When booking, TG readers should quote Today s Golfer Award Offer to receive a FREE drink and goody bag. To book call ENGLAND'S BEST HOTEL/RESORT (WEST) Trevose G&CC The perfect all-round holiday venue in a magical corner of Cornwall off Constantine Bay. A range of accommodation options are available including flats, apartments, bungalows and relatively new swish lodges the 1st tee of the old course makes the hairs on your neck stand up sitting alongside the demanding par-4 18th of the classic Harry Colt links. Trevose also offers a nine-hole 3,000-yard Headland course and a Short course plus tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant fronted by former Rick Stein Executive Chef Julian Lloyd. The Championship course is always in tiptop condition, with a cluster of memorable holes including the par-5 4th with its blind beachside green and some stunning par 3s. It s flat, easy-walking and fair although it bares its teeth when the wind is blowing. TG special deal: Two-for-one (midweek) offer exclusive to TG readers two nights accommodation and two rounds for the price of one, costs from 130 (for two people). Valid until March 1. To book call ENGLAND'S / HOTEL (EAST & MIDLANDS) The Belfry The Belfry is the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup; the West Midlands venue has staged a record-breaking four Ryder Cups and its Brabazon layout has therefore been the scene of more joy and despair than anywhere else. The Brab as it is affectionately known is always in immaculate condition... as are the neighbouring PGA National and Derby tracks. Once potato fields, it was dramatically transformed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss. And this is a big year for the iconic Ryder Cup venue, which is currently undergoing a 26m investment to ensure it is seen as a luxury golf resort. Due for completion in early, many of the new bedrooms have already been fitted and the new-look Sam s Clubhouse Bar and Ryder Grill Bar and dining options are open. TG special deal: Overnight B&B accommodation, 18 holes on the Brabazon and 18 holes on The Derby (based on two sharing) from 139pp. Valid until March 1. To book visit thebelfry.co.uk SCOTLAND'S Old Course, St Andrews It s the Home of Golf, it s St Andrews, it s the Old Course. It s where the game was first played 600 years ago and it provides the golfing experience of a lifetime. It doesn t matter how many times you ve played it, standing on the 1st tee outside the R&A clubhouse still makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention.

6 Walking over the Swilcan Bridge is one of the iconic experiences in golf. It doesn't disappoint... The Old Course is special, and of course it hosts the Open Championship every five years. It has to be on every golfer s wish list. After all, you can t play at Wembley or Wimbledon can you? But you can play at the Home of Golf even if it s likely you ll have to rely on your name being pulled from the daily ballot. Such is the demand for tee-times. TG deal: One night s B&B at Fairmont St Andrews, one round on the Old Course and one on the Torrance course for 239pp until end of March. To book call Golfbreaks on SCOTLAND'S BEST HOTEL/RESORT Gleneagles Often referred to as the Palace in the Glens, A Riviera in the Highlands or the eighth wonder of the world as it was described when it first opened in 1924 Gleneagles celebrates its 90th anniversary in. It will, of course, host the Ryder Cup in September. Set amidst the gentle beauty of 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, the hotel is home to three quality courses, a multi award-winning spa, sumptuous guest bedrooms, elegant fine dining (including Andrew Fairlie Scotland s only two Michelinstar restaurant) and an array of outdoor activities. The Ryder Cup will be staged on the Jack Nicklaus-designed PGA Centenary course... even although many golfers believe the neighbouring King s, a James Braid masterpiece, is still the no.1 Gleneagles layout. Braid was also responsible for the shortbut-sweet Queen s, which boasts some of the best and hardest par 3s you ll ever play. TG special deal: A complimentary buggy for readers when booking to play the PGA Centenary course before April 30. To book call WALES' & HOTEL RESORT Celtic Manor The home of two hotels and three 18-hole courses, including one which has staged the Ryder Cup. What more can you ask for? gleneagles queen s boasts some of the best par 3s you ll play Well, it also provides a wide range of facilities and activities and later this year 10 luxury lodges are scheduled to open. Current accommodation options are the five-star Resort Hotel with 330 rooms and the four-star 19th Century Manor House which provides 70 traditionally-styled bedrooms. Celtic Manor, of course, hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup on its Twenty Ten course (pictured above), with Graeme McDowell being the hero of Europe s thrilling, nailbiting victory. Naturally most visitors want to play the Twenty Ten and follow in the footsteps of the Ryder Cup heroes, although with water featuring on half the holes, it s ultrademanding and definitely no stroll in the park. The on-site Roman Road and Montgomerie layouts are not quite as challenging but nevertheless are well worth playing the Robert Trent Jones Snr-designed former is a one-time Wales Open venue while the latter has been comprehensively upgraded in recent times with input from the man who captained Europe in that 2010 Ryder Cup. Both courses, by the way, belong to 2-FORE!-1. TG special deal: Celtic Manor s exclusive TG offer is: a dozen free balls for anyone booking a fourball in. Bookings must be made between Jan 20-March 17, but can be for any date in. Quote TGDOZEN when booking. Green fees are from 28 and stay & play packages (one night, two rounds) from 69. To book call IRELAND'S & HOTEL/RESORT The K Club The Ryder Cup legacy of 2006 lives on. This high-class Co Kildare resort remains the pride of Ireland according to our readers after celebrating another double success. Once again The K Club saw off fierce opposition, edging out the royals of Portrush and County Down to claim the top course title and then emerging handsome victors in the best hotel category. Clearly, despite the hefty green fee, many golfers are still keen to test themselves on the Palmer course, which was the scene for such a thumping Ryder Cup victory for Europe nearly eight years ago. Both courses are always in great shape the neighbouring Smurfit layout is an outstanding parkland test in its own right and are overlooked by a luxury five-star hotel featuring a sumptuous spa, several dining options and offering various other activities besides golf. All of this sits within 550 acres of idyllic Kildare countryside. Paradise. TG deal: One night s B&B and one round on the Palmer & Smurfit courses for 145pp until the end of March (staying Sunday night). To book call Golfbreaks on