Booking golf trips or breaks in the UK and Ireland...

JezzE

JezzE

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Afternoon all,
We're looking at our UK courses coverage in the magazine going forwards and just wanted a bit of input from anyone who regularly or occasionally goes away for golfing breaks in the UK or Ireland.

Not a set questionnaire, but just looking for a few thoughts on the following kind of things...

* Do you always book everything up before you go?
* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?
* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?
* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?
* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?
* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?

That kind of thing, and anything else that springs to mind...

As ever, thanks for your help and input
 
Do you always book everything up before you go?
Yes always book everything, don't like leaving things to chance
* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?
Bit of a balance really,value for money is important too
* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?
No,but would if I thought it was worth it.
* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?
Defiantly a mixture but would always do the homework on the other courses first
* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?
Very important I like being pampered and comfortable
* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?
Don't mind as long as they are a challenge/interesting or have a history attached to them.

My answers are based on going away with friends or trips organized from the club as i don't play golf when away with HID as she has no interest in it.

Nightlife and other places of interest/things to do are other factors to consider.
 
My input doesn't really cover what you have asked for Jezz, but i am going to share it with you anyway!!

So as per a lot of people, the other half is not a golfer. (in fact, mine hates pretty much everything about golf!) However, she does like hotels and she likes spa's. so recently I was looking for somewhere that could keep a party of 6 women and 6 men happy, 6 fellas for golf and the ladies spa it up. This was actually harder than i thought! a couple of our friends are on a tight budget, so 5* was out of the question. Booking agencies or the venues them selves should think a bit more about the "his&hers" type packages and deals! It actually proved to be not as simple as you would think to sort and book!!

PS. if it were down to me, would all be about a quality course, i would sleep in the stables for a top course. you could even call me Jesus!
 
* Do you always book everything up before you go?
Usually always like to get best deals in place beforehand

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?
Both. Always look to play the best looking/rated courses in the area but wont pay anything that i feel is a rip off.

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?
I have got ideas of courses to play by magazine articles but never specifically booked a trip to somewhere off the back of reading one.

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?
Ideally the top courses in the area first and foremost and then gauge the best price options on other highly regarded courses. Wouldnt ever bother with a budget option as there wouldnt be much point in going away imo.

* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?
Accomodation has to be of a reasonable standard but not necessarily amazing. Ideal if they can offer single rooms or doubles at reasonable rate so people can have their own room.

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?
Not specifically but would possibly give them a go if they caught the imagination.
 
* Do you always book everything up before you go?
Yes, Always booked and paid for in advance.

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?
Yes! A quality course offering a good deal.

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?
Partially, Used the GM Top-100 for inspiration when we booked Woodhall Spa and Turnberry.

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?
Like Turnberry & Woodhall Spa we look for a venue with 2 courses 1 in the top bracket and a decent second course.


* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?
We were spoiled with Turnberry but in reality all we're really after is a place to get our heads down between rounds.

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?
Wouldn't refuse a quirky second course but would have to be a pretty special nine-holer
 
Think Rooters covered a lot of where Im coming from!

Often when I go away with the Mrs I want to play golf and she wants a spa to use. Unless prepared to pay top dollar this can often be hard to find somewhere different (having been doing this for a few years lol) and the thing that really gets the goat is when they will often have a spa package for 2 or a golf package for 2 but offering 1 of each to a couple is not possible (even when the spa and golf packages cost the same!!!)

We tend to prefer to have everything on site (in terms of the spa/golf) just makes life easier and nice not to be using the car when away for a few days. Room is important, at least the quality of bed and the shower are. Nothing worse than playing a nice golf course then having a shower that would be no use to anyone more than 5ft6 then sleeping on an uncomfy bed and not getting much kip. Also a decent restaurant or dining options are important, if we're away we tend to like to have a nice meal whilst there (and again prefer it to be on site).

Once all the above have been taken into account, the quality of golf course etc get little look in lol as the short list is already tiny. Genuinely think hotels that have golf courses and additional facilities really could sell themselves a whole lot better and get a lot more business by doing so but most shoot themselves in the foot in how they are set up and/or how they market themselves. (As do decent hotels and courses that could easily pair up to offer decent packages)

To answer your specifics:

* Do you always book everything up before you go? Not usually no, we often add an extra round (or spa treatment) and usually dont book dinner until there
* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor? Value! (so a combination of the two). Not going to play a goat track but also not a fan of paying way over the odds for a top end course either
* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature? Yes
* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course? Bit of everything really, personally prefer to try somewhere ive not played before and revisit a few gems too. A course in decent condition, thats not too busy often the main criteria
* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night? Quite important to me (see above)
* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer? Depends on the quirks really, a venue that has a decent par 3 course (kept to standard of main course) can be a huge bonus
 
Here you go Jezz, hope this helps.

* Do you always book everything up before you go?
Yes. My mild ocd kicks in and I would get anxious if I didn't have an itinerary for a golf trip. That said, I have arrived at a location and played a spontaneous nine holes and on a few occasions 18 as I have got their early.

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?
Quality of course for me. I think traveling with the sole purpose to play golf, the quality of course is key.

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?
I can't recall that I have played a course because of a magazine feature. That said, I have played several courses on weekends away and day trips due to them being in GM's top 100 (or recommended as those that just missed out on the top 100 list.)

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?
I look to play a couple of trophy courses a year, but in the main, look to play mid price courses on away days. Often, I look to play said mid-price courses in open's as you often get superb deals.

* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?
Not neccessarily just a bed for the night, it needs to be clean and reasonably priced.

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?
Yes and yes. Often we would play a nine holer, or nine holes if we get to the course early evening.
 
We tend to book in advance and often use a company to do this for us, we have previously booked amixture of courses but now try and book the best courses in an area or play the courses at a multi course complex. Since it costs us 100 quid plus in flights we try to keep the costs down by getting a cheaper hotel and not scrimp on th e courses, we have a look at features and reviews prior to choosing where to go. We also look for an area with decent nightlife and do not want to travel to far between courses, next uk trip is southport playing birkdale, hillside and formby, should be good!
 
The times I have been away we pick an area find well thought of mid range courses and book everything in advance. Hotels again tend to be mid range with food and beer nearby. Whilst it may be easier, we avoid resort courses as there is always someone on a budget and the last thing you want is to find that a bacon roll is nearly a tenner and a round of 4 drinks is nearly £25. Sadly that seems to be the norm at courses with hotels etc even in Grantham and that is not exactly a respected golf break venue.
 
I arrange trips to Saunton and St Andrews.

Always book everything in advance.

Try and play top courses but at discounted rates. Saunton courses are usually about £40 with lunch between November and March and St Andrews in October (Shoulder period was just over £200, for the Old, Jubilee and Castle) All links courses, so drain well if wet.

Not played courses on a review in a magazine, more word of mouth from other golfers.

We go for decent accommodation, but needs to be local and usually get a deal especially at Saunton Sands Hotel by booking late.

Not into quirky courses, though we do play Royal North Devon.:whistle:

Only ever play 18 holes in a day, and not keen on playing more than three or four days in a row.

Next trip I fancy is Royal County Down, possibly in March or April.
 
* Do you always book everything up before you go? Yes definitely golf and accommodation

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor? Quality first but wouldn't generally play a top course everyday

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature? No but it's probably played a part in choice

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course? Mix of trophy and mid price

* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night? So far we've normally rented a flat or house for a few nights rather than a hotel so there's a bit more space and generally works out well price wise. Doesn't need to be any more than basic though

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer? Haven't yet but wouldn't rule it out if it was supposed to be special in some way
 
* Do you always book everything up before you go?

Normally no.

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?

It really depends on who I am going with. 1 group I go with are very cost based so I organise rounds within the budget.

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?

Yes quite a few times we have done this.

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?

Again depends on group but nothing to silly, Normally play at least one top course in the trip.

* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night? I would say its just a bed for the night,

Stayed in Premier inn's motels and rented cottages.

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?

Yes like quirky courses all adds to the fun and yes we have done 9 hole courses.
 
* Do you always book everything up before you go?

Generally yes, the golf and hotel/b&b etc. will be booked, my wife and I are likely to head out of the hotel for evening meals though.

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?

Both, I’m not going to play a rubbish course when I go away, I want to play somewhere I’ve heard/read is nice – I’ll pay top dollar for something special, but I like a bargain too.

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?

Not really, though I’ve been prompted to visit somewhere I’d already heard about because of a glowing feature on it in a magazine – The Golf Monthly top 100 and near misses does influence me though.

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?

A mixture of top quality ‘trophy’ courses (Doroch/Lahinch/St Andrews etc.) and less famous gems (Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Silloth, Boat of Garten etc)

* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?

It depends, sometimes very important, other times not at all - when my kids were small we used to go camping - my condition was I got some golf - so anything from a tent to a five star hotel has been used over the last twenty years

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?

Yes, but they’d never be the reason I was travelling, I’ve added places like Nethy Bridge and Cullen onto trips to play courses which I was keen to play – both of those I’ve mentioned were fun.
 
Last edited:
* Do you always book everything up before you go?
Yes, I always get it booked before, just in case - courses could be booked up/events taking place the day you wanted to play.
* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?
For me the course quality is paramount, but occasionally we've gone for the good deal.
* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?
Not yet.
* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?
Mostly the top courses, ones which have held events, or ones that I've read about on the forum. But sometimes I've filled a break with a lesser course just so I can get more games in. Playing Sandilands, for example, whilst on a break that included Seacroft.
* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?
A nice comfy bed is important, but the rooms don't have to be too fancy. Good food at the venue is a bonus. Also, a sports bar at the venue is a nice extra.
* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?
Prefer the top courses. But we did go to the Windmill course & hotel (Best Western) near Coventry for a weekend. The course was quirky but booked last minute so the best, cheapest one in the vicinity. I wouldn't bother going back!
 
My answers for you:

* Do you always book everything up before you go?

Yes, pre booking the hotel and tee times so we know what the plan is for the weekend.

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?

Both are factors. We don't want to play rubbish courses but we're not also wanting to pay £100's in green fees.

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?

Yes.

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?

For weekends away the aim would be to play a couple of mid price courses.

* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?

Just a bed most times. If it's with the Mrs then the quality of accommodation becomes more a factor in the choice.

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?

No not really. Rather a full round.
 
Do you always book everything up before you go?
Yes always book everything.

* Is cost or quality of course the more important factor?
Bit of a both really,value for money is important but no the end of the world important.

* Have you ever been and played anywhere purely because of a magazine review or feature?
No, always use people that have played the courses opinions.

* What kind of courses would you look to play - 'trophy' courses, mid-price, budget or a real mix perhaps treating yourself to one star course?
Tend to base it on where we decide we want to go area wise then choose the courses, trophy courses up here tend to be extortinate so we don't bother, but want nice courses.

* How important is quality of accommodation or is it just a bed for the night?
Just a bed for the night, as long as it's clean.

* Do you like to play quirky courses or the odd nine-holer?
Don't do 'nine-holers', quirky depends on why it's quirky, but we'd suss that out before booking.
 
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