When it comes to picking a destination for a golfing trip, there are no shortage of considerations but travel times can rank pretty highly.  So can making sure any non-playing partners don’t get bored out of their minds, if a good book and a comfy clubhouse chair just won’t cut it.

So, if golf isn’t the only interest of your group or you require some bargaining power to swing the case in your favour, perhaps pairing golf with a city break is the answer. Golf and cities aren’t necessarily a natural pairing, after all you need a fair bit of acreage, but within reach of two of our most exciting capital cities are some exceptional courses, allowing the perfect blend of exceptional golf and metropolitan entertainment. So, with this in mind, here are few suggestions for golf trips near Dublin and London.

Dublin – The K Club, Castleknock, Portmarnock

Dublin’s draw is evident before you even think about golf.  Famously convivial and with a fascinating history to explore, Dublin over-delivers on just about every front, perhaps with the exception of the weather, and even that is easily ignored.  Add in some world-class championship golf courses and what more could you ask for?

Where better place to base yourself than at the resort which provided breathtaking Ryder Cup moments nearly five years ago. Fortunately, the circus has left town, leaving the tranquillity of The K Club Resort to provide glorious golf and first class facilities. Both courses are at their sumptuous best, and the Play & Stay packages currently on offer are surprisingly good value.

 

When you venture into Dublin, and perhaps while others are sightseeing or shopping, the golfers in your party can instead make a beeline for the modern parkland course at Castleknock.  Perhaps less well known than some of its higher-profile neighbours, Castlenock is a top-quality venue that is well worth the visit. Views extend to the Dublin Mountains, while the course winds through woodland and around several lakes. It will certainly test your game, without testing your wallet, with green fees starting at 20€.

To complete the Dublin experience, get a taste for some links golf at Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links.  Until the end of August, you can enjoy a B&B package with a round of golf for less than 100€. After a night out in Dublin, some sea air might be just the ticket, while the golf is amongst the most rewarding in the region.  The course was designed by Bernhard Langer, redeveloping the original layout, so despite only opening in 1995, you’d be mistaken for thinking it’s been there for decades.  Off the back tees it’s a tough challenge, and very strategic, but wherever you play from you’ll be assured of a superb experience, with sea views, elevation changes, and a diverse arrangement of holes.

North London – Brocket Hall, Moor Park, Old Fold Manor, Trent Park,

The northern outskirts of London, drifting into Hertfordshire, offer some stunning golf courses that can be too easily overlooked by visiting golfers. Some of England’s oldest and finest golf courses can be discovered around here, with Open Qualifying venues, European Tour venues, and one or two of the best municipal golf courses in the country.

Brocket Hall has two superb Championship golf courses, the Melbourne Course and Palmerston Course. Set in the grounds of one of Britain’s most historic stately homes, and with first class facilities and services, the residential golf breaks on offer at Brocket Hall provide superb value for money with two rounds of golf, dinner, B&B available for under £200pp. Considering the quality of this five star destination and its proximity to London, this is an excellent chance to enjoy Brocket Hall this summer.

There are two fine golf courses at Moor Park, too. The imposing clubhouse is worth a visit in its own right, with the sensational grounds and warm hospitality delivering a memorable experience. All that said, the Harry Colt designed High Course is probably the highlight. You’ll play some of the most impressive golf holes in the country here, and the visitor experience of golf at Moor Park is certainly one of the best going. For the assiduous golfers amongst you, willing to take on 36 holes, the West course is a very enjoyable challenge, too.

Just north of Barnet is the Open Qualifying venue of Old Fold Manor. A traditional member’s golf club, Old Fold Manor is another designed by the legendary Harry Colt and established in 1910. The golf course requires a deft touch to negotiate the subtle undulations, while the emphasis is on straight and strategic play, as opposed to brute strength. It’s a lovely golf course, and the clubhouse is traditional, relaxing, and a great place to enjoy lunch, and a pint. It’s definitely the course to play in the area, especially at £35 for a green fee during the week.

Last but not least, try the public golf course at Trent Park. Having been around since 1974, this Peter Alliss & Clive Clark designed course is well established, and has become one of the most popular golf courses in the area. Social and very well maintained, Trent Park will provide a surprisingly pleasing experience for even the snobbiest of golf enthusiasts.  Not only that, but at approximately £20 for a round of golf in London, you really can’t beat it for value.

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