Singaporeans are ardent golfers and holidaymakers, evidently shown by their weekend tee times in local golf clubs or clubs around the region. With this in mind, British Airways has identified 8 of the best courses in the UK to provide Singaporean golfers with a combination of a memorable holiday with the ultimate golf experience. You and your golf kakis can now enjoy British Airways’ value holiday package with four nights in London from just S$1,438 per person.
1.St. Andrews Old Course (St Andrews, Scotland)
One of the oldest and most famous golf courses in the world, St. Andrews Old Course is regarded as the mecca of golf. Playing a round at St. Andrews is a pilgrimage and an ultimate dream for golfers around the world. The Win, weather and uneven terrain make the course very challenging – even for the most experienced- and getting a tee-time on the popular course can be equally challenging. Don’t miss out the town of St. Andrews as the medieval village is worth the trip itself just as much as the golf. The course requires a maximum handicap of 24 for men and 36 for women.
How to get here: Fly to Edinburgh and take the train on to Leuchars. Alternatively, rent a car and explore the great Scottish countryside.
2.Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club (Lancashire, England)
Founded in 1886, Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club has managed to preserve its traditional English charm – the classic red brick clubhouse has even become a symbol for English golf. The club is located in the village of Lancashire in Northern England and has hosted 11 British Open tournaments, most recently in 2012. Experience true English countryside atmosphere by spending the night in the club “Dormy House” – a traditional English brick house overlooking the magnificent course. You get access to club facilities with breakfast and dinner in the iconic clubhouse, as well as access to extended tee-times.
How to get here: Fly to Liverpool or Manchester and drive an hour north to Lytham St Annes, Lancashire. Read more: www.royallytham.org
3.Royal Troon Golf Club (Troon, Scotland)
Royal Troon hosted this year’s British Open in July, bringing together some of the world’s best and most famous players. Throughout the years, the club has hosted numerous major championships, meaning you can test your skills in the footsteps of golf legends like Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.
How to get here: Fly to Glasgow, Scotland, and drive approximately 40 minutes south. Read more: www.royaltroon.co.uk and www.royaltroon2016open.com
4.Celtic Manor Resort
Located in south-eastern Wales, Celtic Manor Resort is a famous golf hotel and one of Britain’s finest vacation destinations. The resort’s three world-class golf courses have hosted numerous championships, including the Ryder Cup in 2010. The luxurious facilities include two hotels, six restaurants, two spas, and a wide variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy. After a round of golf, you can test your skills in mountain biking or canoeing, go shopping in nearby Cardiff or Bristol, or visit some of Wales’s most famous castles. Walk in the footsteps of famous golf players, celebrities, and even the 28 world leaders who gathered here for the NATO summit in 2014.
How to get here: Fly to London Heathrow and make the short 90-minute drive to Newport. Alternatively, you can fly on to Bristol or Cardiff, both 45 minutes from the resort. There are also direct trains to Newport from Central London, Cardiff and Birmingham. Read more: www.celtic-manor.com
5.Trump Turnberry Resort (South Ayrshire, Scotland)
Donald Trump owns golf courses all over the world and is known to add an extra touch of luxury to his properties. Turnberry Resort in southwestern Scotland is no exception. This magnificent hotel recently reopened after having undergone extensive refurbishment and offers a magnificent ocean view, fantastic golf, and a focus on wellness both on and off the course.
How to get here: Flights to Glasgow and drive an hour south. Read more: www.turnberry.co.uk
6.Royal St George’s Golf Club (Kent, England)
Located barely 120 kilometres east of London in Sandwich in Kent, Royal St George’s hosted the 2011 British Open and is considered one of the very best in England. While open to visitors Monday through Friday, weekends are reserved for club members only. Royal St. George’s requires a maximum of 18 in handicap for both men and women. Aside from the exceptional golf, Kent is itself a great holiday destination and offers everything from luxury hotels to typical English bed and breakfasts.
How to get here: Fly to London and take the train to Kent. Read more: www.royalstgeorges.com
7.Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Dornoch, Scotland)
Located in a small holiday town in the Scottish Highlands, Royal Dornoch is a great opportunity to combine world-class golf with a trip along the magnificent coast. Royal Dornoch managed to capture the coveted title of the Best Course in Scotland ahead of Old Course in this year’s ranking by Golf Digest. Certainly no small feat in the home of golf! While the course is among the best in the world, Royal Dornoch Golf Club never hosted a British Open – most likely due to the fact that is four hours from the nearest airport. The course is, however, undoubtedly worth the trip and said to spellbind even the most experienced players.
How to get here: Fly to Glasgow and drive approximately four hours to Dornoch. Read more: www.royaldornoch.com
8.Royal County Down Golf Club (Newcastle, Northern Ireland)
The 127-year-old links course in the countryside village of Newcastle in Northern Ireland is surrounded by magnificent mountains and beautiful ocean views. It is particularly known for having the perfect combination of natural bunkers and world-class golf design. Golf Digest recently named Royal County Down the world’s best golf course and it is one of the main reasons why Northern Ireland has established itself as one of the world’s top golf destinations.
How to get here: Fly to Belfast and drive approximately an hour south to Newcastle. Read more: www.royalcountydown.org
You can now fly to London on British Airways’ daily Airbus A380 service from Singapore. Visit ba.com for tickets and reservations today! Click here for more golf articles.
