I have been going to Farthingstone for the past 5 years. Just outside Northampton so not too far for you. Good challenging golf course with good variety, excellent food and very nice people. Also has its own 16 bed hotel on site.
Well worth a visit.
www.farthingstone.co.uk
I have been playing this game for 20 years and struggle to drive beyond 220 yards. I like to think I make up for it by having a good short game. Distance isn't everything.
"Drive for show, putt for dough"
I went to the Open at Birkdale in 2008 and found it an awesome experience. You get a true feeling of the skill and imagination of the top players. The only disappointment was the fact there was no Tiger due to his injury.
Well worth a visit in my opinion.
A mate of mine had exactly the same problem. His missus ended up ringing them and giving them an ear bashing!!
He got his trolley back and some freebie balls to boot!