Alisa Course, Turnberry - Number 1 in the UK & Ireland

For the first time ever Golf World Magazine recognises the Ailsa Course at the Westin Turnberry Resort, Ayrshire as the number one in the UK & Ireland. The Ailsa Course, with its close proximity to the sea and spectacular views of the Ailsa Craig, offers some of the most challenging and exciting links golf in the world. "It's comfortably my favourite course in Britain" says Gary Player. "Everything about it just emits class. Everyone talks about how beautiful the surroundings are, and the fabulous hotel, but the golf course itself is the star."

The award rounds off an amazing year for The Westin Turnberry Resort. Since the R&A announced the 2009 Open Championship will be staged on the Alisa Course, they have celebrated their 100th birthday and now the Ailsa is given recognition as the number one ranked golf course in the UK & Ireland.

My own thoughts are very clear on this golf course. Having travelled the world playing golf I can honestly say that there is no better place than standing on the 1st tee at the Alisa Course - it is as simple as that! I consider the Alisa Course the finest golf course I have ever played. This year the Alisa is preparing to host the Amateur Championship and the introduction of new tees and bunkers have improved the course.

East Sussex National

Welcome to the Golf Hunter's 1st ever blog posting. I went to East Sussex National last weekend on a Sunday Special for only £99 that included one night dinner, b&b and two rounds of golf.

I had an awesome time in what is a great hotel. It is very spacious set over three levels and staff offer an exceptional level of service. It is an ideal resort golf break. Here are my thoughts on both courses:-

The East Course is a tough test of golf and probably hence why it was chosen to host 1993 and 1994 European Open. Well bunkered greens and fast fairways will test your skills to the maximum. The front nine will lull you into a false sense of security however the back nine is arguably one of the best stretch of finishing holes in Southern England.

The West Course is known as ‘The Members Course’ in the pro shop, it is the more scenic of the two courses. It is a lot tighter off the tee and has smaller geens so accuracy is very important. It surprisingly longer than the East Course but seems to play a little easier. Probably for that reason I enjoyed it more than the East Course. I managed to shoot somewhere near my handicap - came in with 35 stableford points to take the money! Both courses are in excellant condition.

Having been to quite a few golf resorts in England I rank this as high as any I have played. The hotel is a great addition to what has always been an awesome facility. I expect East Sussex National to become a very popular destination for golfers as soon as the word gets out!