Britain, the home of golf

Britain is a dream come true for golfing enthusiasts. Where else could you watch the likes of Tiger Woods competing for the greatest prizes in the sport one day and play on the same course for modest green fees the next? For spectators there's a host of top-class action where the world's very best can be seen in action on some of the oldest courses in the sport.

The Celtic Manor Resort course, Newport

Famous courses

But the real attraction for golf lovers is the quality of the many courses available to play. For example, you could recreate famous Ryder Cup duels at The De Vere Belfry (www.devere.co.uk/Golf/Default.aspx) in the heart of Warwickshire. Or, get the inside track on Celtic Manor (www.celtic-manor.com/), Wales which will be home to the Ryder Cup in 2010.

Changing landscapes

The variety of other golfing challenges is amazing. You might choose to play on an rugged, windblown seaside course offering the stunning backdrop of the British coastline. Many of these courses have barely changed for 100 years or more and are still as challenging as ever. If that doesn't take your fancy there are lush parkland courses such as Wentworth (www.wentworthclub.com/) in Surrey and Woodhall Spa (www.woodhallspagolfclub.co.uk/) in Lincolnshire. Or, try heathland links such as Walton Heath (www.whgc.co.uk/) in Berkshire and up-to-date American layouts such as St Mellion (www.st-mellion.co.uk) in Cornwall, designed by Jack Nicklaus.

Golfer at St Andrews

Courses in Scotland

Even the most seasoned golfer will admit there’s a special thrill when you step on to one of Scotland’s hallowed courses for the first time, in particular Old Course at St Andrews (www.standrews.org.uk/) as it’s where the game originated. Be challenged by Carnoustie (www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk/aspnet/), widely regarded by the world’s best players as the toughest of all the championship courses on which the Open is played.

The Scottish icons

On Scotland’s west coast Turnberry (www.turnberry.co.uk/) has provided the background to some epic thrills in Open history, as has Royal Troon (www.royaltroon.co.uk/), with its challenging terrain. Finally, who could forget Gleneagles (www.gleneagles.com), Scotland’s best-known inland golfing shrine, home to the 2014 Ryder Cup match, designed by Jack Nicklaus himself.

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