TODAYSGOLFER.CO.UK ISSUE 367 101ome golfers pack away their clubs at this time of year- but we think they’re missing out. They’re missing out
on gorgeous, crisp mornings... on tons of pre-spring
practice... on being warmed up by a bacon roll and a coffee...
and, perhaps most importantly, they’re missing on some great
deals. We’re talking Top 100 courses for muni money.
Before you even consider thinking about putting those clubs
into hibernation until next spring, you should see the next few
months as an opportunity to play some of the country’s very
best courses at a fraction of the normal green fee rates and, very
often, with food and drinks included in the deal. Take your pick
from the 50 deals here and you’ll definitely be glad you carried
on playing especially considering the vast majority of these
quality courses will be in great condition throughout the winter.
S
Courses
ALDEBURGH, SUFFOLK
Packs plenty of Suffolk punch close to the
coast so wind is usually a factor. One
demanding par 4 follows another and also
beware of the thick tangly gorse while in
summary every hole presents an examination
in shot-making and accuracy. The deal:
Winter Package £40, includes soup and roll
after play (an additional £4.50 for coffee &
bacon roll on arrival). Contact:01728 452890.ASHRIDGE, HERTS
Arguably Hertfordshire’s finest course sits in
an area of outstanding natural beauty, on the
edge of the Chiltern Hills and has bags of
pedigree – it has hosted many prestigious
events, including Open regional qualifying,
and Sir Henry Cotton was club pro in the late
1930s. The deal: Winter package (for 12 or
more between Nov 1-Mar 31) £76pp,
includes coffee/tea and bacon roll, 18 holes
(morning tee-times only, no temp greens or
tees) and two-course carvery lunch.
Contact:01442 842244.BLACKWELL, WORCS
The pride of the West Midlands is one of the
leading inland layouts in the country and is a
classic 1923 Herbert Fowler/Tom Simpson
parkland creation. Bobby Jones visited in
1930 and modelled the famous par-3 12th at
Augusta on Blackwell’s 13th. The deal:Dec
1-Mar 31 (min. of two golfers) – Bacon roll &
coffee on arrival, 18 holes, soup & sandwich,
£50pp. Contact:01214 451994.BRAMPTON HEATH, NORTHANTS
Maturing modern and undulating heathland
layout with a good combination of short and
long holes and was the only course in the
county to stay open throughout last winter.
Never uses tee mats. The deal:Society
special – packages from £25pp, includes tea/
coffee & bacon bap on arrival and 18 holes.
Contact:01604 843939.BREADSALL PRIORY (MOORLAND),
DERBYSHIRE
Being sand-based and free-draining, the
par-70 Moorland replaces the neighbouring
Priory as the main course in winter and
boasts a strong variety of holes including the
pretty par-3 6th and the testing par-4 12th.
The deal:From £20. Contact: 01332 836016.CALDY, MERSEYSIDE
Home of a splendid clifftop/inland layout on
England’s Golf Coast and Wirral Peninsula
alongside the river Dee, underrated Caldy
provides USGA-spec tees and greens and
outstanding year-round golf. The deal: Nov
1-Mar 31 (Mon-Thurs) – 18 holes with a full
English breakfast for £32.50.
Contact: 01516 255660.