Thursday 14 August 2008

Archerfield Links

In the same mould as other private members clubs such as Queenwood, Loch Lomond and The Wisely, Archerfield Links is opulence defined. From the moment you enter the gates at the mile-long driveway you are whisked away into a world very different from the normal golfing experience.

Despite its youth, from the moment you walk onto the first tee, it becomes very clear this is historic golfing turf. Set between the ancient Championship Scottish links of Muirfield and North Berwick, Archerfield has emerged from these formidable brothers to become a stand-alone Championship venue.

Since its opening in 2004, Archerfield has received rave reviews not just for its two Championship golf courses but also for its 5* elegance. The Fidra and Dirleton courses are golfing paradises, weaving between pine forests and the sea. They offer vastly differing challenges, which contribute to being one of the greatest golfing experiences available in the world. However it is not simply the golf courses at Archerfield which set it apart as one of the great golfing destinations, it is the facilities. Archerfield House itself has been the recipient of a £22 million refurbishment, the result is simply phenomenal, combining the comfort of home with all the luxuries that can be expected from a 5* venue.

Friday 8 August 2008

Selsdon Park...the golfing retreat awaits

Located a mere 12 miles from the hustle and bustle of Central London, Selsdon Park Hotel and Golf Club is a country retreat like no other. A golfing break which is beyond expectation at a golf hotel unlike any other. Your golf break starts driving down the winding driveway of Selsdon Park, the Jacobean mansion that greets you is an incredible sight, not just in stature but also the sense of history which pours from its every turret. Set within 250 acres of prime Surrey parkland, the golfing treat which awaits is one which captivates the mind and rewards the brave. Your normal golf breaks have a clinical feel, this is never the feel at Selsdon Park.

It is only from the golf course you are able to appreciate the grandeur of Selsdon Park. Looking back towards this mansion, set between the rolling Surrey Downs and the metropolis of London, it becomes very clear you are not looking at your normal golfing retreat.

Golf has been played on this site since the early 19th Century, however it was the 5-time Open Champion JH Taylor who in 1929, set about creating the course as we see it today. The par 5, first hole gently meanders to the right with the gaping oak and pine forest to the left waiting to gather any tee-shots from the less than prepared. The front nine is a steady test with the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th the most memorable. It is however, upon starting the back nine that you realise the different test which awaits which takes you. This is epitomised by the tricky 13th, a sweeping par 5 which will only reward a sweetly struck shot. It is however, the finishing stretch which sets this course apart. The 16th is a glorious dog-leg par 4 with strategic bunkering for both the drive and approach, the 17th is a dangerous par three across a valley with emphasis on both length and accuracy. Now with the end in sight, the 18th is a short but potential card wrecker, which will reward only the most accurate tee-shot and approach. With the golf course complete, it is only now you realise your greatest challenge awaits, the 19th hole...

The bars located in the hotel cater for every need from the casual Tempus Bar to the grand formal dining areas. The hotel itself is grand with each of the rooms individually styled, this is rather a cause, as opposed to design due to parts of the hotel being over a thousand years old, meaning each guest is given a unique experience.

The unique combination of history and location make Selsdon Park a treat for any golfer. With golf breaks starting from £89 for a one night stay and two rounds of golf the value is unquestionable.