Whether you’re planning a short break close to home, a society trip, captain’s away day or setting up your next golf holiday, we have a destination for you…
Alnmouth Golf Club
A trip to the Northumberland coast and Alnmouth – England’s fourth oldest golf club – is a must. Overlooking Foxton Bay, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the course around Foxton Hall was designed by Harry Colt. Renowned for its overall presentation – which has been further enhanced ahead of the 2023 season with the remodelling of several key bunkers across the course in-line with Colt’s design principles – Alnmouth is also home to first-class practice facilities and a driving range. Only 40 minutes’ drive from Newcastle, visitors are always given a warm welcome here and the 26-bed Dormy House within the clubhouse is designed to accommodate golfers with twin or single rooms and en-suite facilities.
Alnmouth Golf Club, Foxton Hall, Alnmouth, NE66 3BE, tel 01665 830 231, www.alnmouthgolfclub.com
Bellingham Golf Club & Riverdale Hall Country House Hotel
Set in the spectacular Northumberland National Park in the North Tyne Valley, Bellingham offers some of the best golfing views in the region. Founded in 1893, the par 70 course features a mix of birdie chances and challenging holes – particularly on the back nine, where you’ll find the signature par four 12th, Dormouse, one of the best short par fours in the North East.
The club has close ties to the Riverdale Hall Country House Hotel, which means societies get a great deal on stay and play golf too. For those playing golf along the Tyne Valley, a stay here is highly recommended. The relaxed feel and hearty food are perfect for those setting out for a day on the course or returning to unwind and recharge to go again tomorrow.
Bellingham Golf Club, Boggle Hole, Bellingham, NE48 2DT, tel 01434 220 530, www.bellinghamgolfclub.com
Riverdale Hall Hotel, Bellingham, NE48 2JT, tel 01434 220 254 www.riverdalehallhotel.co.uk
George Washington Hotel, Golf and Spa
Resort courses can vary a lot – from merely acceptable to the fantastic – and from your first steps into the clubhouse at George Washington Hotel, Golf and Spa you know you’re in for a fantastic experience. The modern clubhouse is close to the 16-bay driving range, complete with heated bays and six power tees, while the excellent bar/lounge and pro shop are staffed by a welcoming team. The luxury continues in the hotel – which features the Carter & Fitch restaurant, a spa and leisure club. At the heart of the resort is the par 73 golf course, which can be stretched to 6,625 yards from the back tees. Opened in 1979, the tree-lined fairways are reasonably generous, though beware wandering off into the trees as it can be tough to recover.
George Washington, Stone Cellar Road, Washington, NE37 1PH, tel 0191 402 9988, www.georgewashington.co.uk/golf
Golf Escapes
For those in search of their next weekend away in the UK and Ireland, or some much needed sunshine and golf a little further afield, Golf Escapes offers a wide range of tailored golfing holidays for people and groups of all golfing abilities. Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary, Golf Escapes continues to offer the very best in value and service with a wide range of destinations on offer, including the best golfing resorts in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and across Europe; some deals closer to home in the UK & Ireland; and long-haul options including South Africa, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The Golf Escapes team pride themselves on first-hand experience and inside knowledge – ensuring they provide the very best golfing getaways time after time. For those looking for some winter golf in the sun or early booking discount for your 2023 group, the team are ready to help. All this and much more can be found on www.golf-escapes.com, then get in touch on 01342 811 777 or send an enquiry to info@golf-escapes.com and the team of platinum-accredited experts will be happy to help you on your way.
Newbiggin Golf Club
The links and moorland at Newbiggin have stood the test of time and remain a great example of Northumberland’s links golf. Designed by Willie Park Junior – and featured in Today’s Golfer’s Top 200 courses in England in 2023 – the links-style bunkering, sand dunes and North Sea wind make for a difficult test. Big hitting is an advantage here, particularly on the opening holes, while good long-range putting is also a key to good scoring – particularly if you happen to find the wrong side of one of the double greens. More than 6,800 yards off the back tees, Newbiggin is certainly no pushover.
Newbiggin Golf Club, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, NE64 6DW, tel 01670 817 344, www.newbiggingolfclub.co.uk
Prudhoe Golf Club
Play Prudhoe in the height of summer and you’ll understand why the club has produced some of the region’s finest golfers. From British Amateur champion and tour player David Curry and British Ladies Amateur Strokeplay champion Janet Soulsby to British Mid Amateur champion Shaun Philipson and a number of county players through its near-100 year history, the Northumberland club’s short but tactically challenging layout and fast, undulating greens make it a stern test.
Visitors are always sure to receive a warm welcome to Prudhoe Golf Club, with societies and group booking catered for on weekdays and weekends. Groups can also make use of the club’s state-of-the-art studio with TrackMan 4 technology before or after their rounds – with every group booking for 12 or more in 2023 having the option to add a free nearest the pin competition in the studio to their day.
Prudhoe Golf Club, Eastwood Park, Prudhoe, NE42 5DX, tel 01661 832 466, www.prudhoegolfclub.co.uk
Sand Moor Golf Club
The Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed course at Sand Moor Golf Club, laid out in 1926, is just five miles from Leeds city centre, making it an ideal location for a one-day trip or part of a longer visit to north Leeds and its incredible golf courses.
With stunning views over Eccup reservoir, the course has not stood still in its near-100 years, with Henry Cotton advising on changes in the 1960s and Andy Watson Golf Design currently ensuring the course maintains its unique character and challenge as it nears its centenary.
Measuring 6,446 yards, the success of rounds at Sand Moor often hinge on the four challenging par threes – each still true to the Good Doctor’s designs.
Sand Moor Golf Club, Alwoodley Lane, Leeds LS17 7DJ, tel 0113 268 5180, www.sandmoorgolf.co.uk
Seahouses Golf Club
Home to one of the finest par threes in the UK, if not the world, Seahouses Golf Club has to be on everyone’s must-play list. Set on clifftops above the North Sea, the course is a tricky test with a number of demanding tee shots and birdie opportunities on both nines. The 15th is recognised internationally as one of the finest short holes in golf. Played over an inlet with the North Sea crashing below, this 124-yard hole can be anything from a wedge to a long iron depending on the wind. The clubhouse and veranda, with its views across the course to the sea, are as perfect a spot as we’ve found to recount the tales of your round.
Seahouses Golf Club, Beadnell Road, Seahouses, NE68 7XT, tel 01665 720 794, www.seahousesgolf.co.uk
