Staying and playing in the UK
A visit to Belton Woods in Lincolnshire shortly after hotels re-opened for leisure guests reminded me anew of the pleasures of staying and playing at a golf hotel.
We’re blessed with a high number of stay-and-play options in the UK, from five-star resorts to the more humble dormy house, but wherever it is, there’s something exciting about parking up and not having to drive again for a while. This allows a slightly more relaxed approach to post-round drinks, of course, but more than that, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a golf-mad environment for a couple of days.
One of the beauties of Belton Woods is its two contrasting courses that will challenge you without being too demanding – perfect for visiting groups. The Woods course plays around the perimeter of the property with more changes in elevation, while the Lakes course, not surprisingly, has a number of water features, including a large pond just short of the green on the par-5 18th.
No one likes hitting balls into the water, of course, but as long as no one individual is suffering too much, the odd splash adds to the experience on any golf trip. The green on this closing hole sits close to a large terrace packed with keenly curious golfers who have just done battle with that same expanse of water, whether successfully or otherwise.
Over dinner, the Stantons Brasserie restaurant was buzzing with chat from groups of golfers starved of away trips for several months, with tales of water woes and success stories doing the rounds. Even though I was travelling alone, it was a pleasure to eavesdrop on others delighted to be back out on golf’s stay-and-play trail.