Do you need to pack a jacket and tie?

We’re often asked in the lead up to trips if men need to bring a jacket and tie for access to clubhouses and for evening meals.  Many hotels used to require men to dress formally for evening meals, but that has almost entirely become extinct throughout the UK and Ireland due to golfers being keen to go straight to dinner after golf, with one exception……The Early of Thomond Restaurant at Dromoland Castle in Ireland.  As a result, if you’re staying there and you wish to have a fine dining experience at the hotel, please take your jacket and tie.  They do, however, have other dining options where you can dine less formally so you aren’t restricted.

With regards access to clubhouses, many still require jackets and ties, but that’s only to access their main dining rooms (Royal Lytham, Royal Birkdale, Royal Liverpool, Prestwick, Portmarnock and Formby spring to mind).  Be mindful that these clubhouses also have other areas where you can enjoy bar snacks after golf or between rounds in your golf clothing – so formal attire would only really be required at these courses if you’re looking for an evening meal.  The one exception is at Muirfield where you will need a jacket and tie to gain access to the clubhouse (unless you only wish to go to the locker room); so even if you’re only going for a quick drink or to have a look around the public rooms, please be sure to pack appropriately.

By Keith Baird.  Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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Staying in Cape Town

Cape Town is an interesting and vibrant city; with Table Mountain framing the city and white beaches surrounding it, it really is unique.

I’d definitely recommend a wine tour during your stay which would mean journeying to the Boland Mountains and Cape Wine Country.  With such great wines on offer in South Africa, it would be a definite shame not to experience a tour during your stay.

The Steenberg Hotel's Pool Bar
The Steenberg Hotel's Pool Bar

Steenberg Hotel is accommodation PerryGolf recommend during your stay in Cape Town as it offers a challenging 18-hole golf course and award winning spa.  The hotel is located in the Constantia wine region found just outside the city.  It is quite a small hotel, with only 21 rooms and 3 Suites which are located within the authentic Manor House (which dates back to 1682).  During your stay you are really made to feel welcome…it is a very relaxing experience and definitely first class.

By Denise McKee.  Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.

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London’s Fairmont Savoy Hotel on Time

One of London’s most famous hotels is on schedule for its re-opening in October this year.  The Savoy Hotel on The Strand closed at the end of 2007 and has been undergoing a very ambitious restoration to offer the very finest up-to-date facilities without destroying the much loved atmosphere of this grand hotel.  The hotel has featured in many movies, and no trip to London for the rich and famous was complete without afternoon tea at The Savoy.

The Savoy Hotel
The Savoy Hotel

A mixture of Edwardian and Art Deco architecture and décor has always been the hallmark of this magnificent building and a huge team of architects and designers have worked enthusiastically to bring it into the 21st century while keeping the grandiose spirit of a more opulent era.  They have maintained the historical River Restaurant, and the famous ‘afternoon tea’ can be taken in the new Winter Garden beneath an elaborate glass dome.  There is also the added attraction of a new Beaufort Bar for afternoon tea, extending into cocktails and cabaret – a hallmark of Edwardian society.  There is even a discreet shop selling the famous tea plus fresh pastries and, of course, they have kept The Savoy Grill!

After all this food, patrons will be delighted to discover the new rooftop swimming pool and fitness gallery!

By Yvonne Shaw.  Yvonne has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.

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Run up to the Ryder Cup 2010

With the Ryder Cup not a million miles away, and with only two more majors between now and the ‘grudge match’, the two teams are beginning to take shape.  Graeme McDowell’s win at Pebble has all but secured his spot at Celtic Manor and Tiger’s top 5 finish has got him back into contention; he’s far from a cert though, as he’s sitting in one of the US team’s last automatic spots as it stands, so he still has work to do to make the team, as does the ever consistent Steve Stricker who currently holds the 8th and final spot.

There are also some famous names currently missing out on automatic qualification on both sides of the Atlantic, with Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Stewart Cink and Hunter Mahan the most notable current absentees in my eyes.  Obviously everyone has their own opinion about who should or shouldn’t get those vital wildcard spots, so it’s going to make things very interesting indeed.  There’s only 3 months to go until it all kicks off…I, for one, can’t wait.

By Keith Baird.  Keith has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.

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The Medoc Golf Club

France is a popular destination, and it’s no wonder; what with the great weather, excellent golf courses and fantastic wine, what more could one ask for?  In the Southwest of France, about 20mins from Bordeaux Airport, is The Medoc Golf Club which has 2 great courses; The Châteaux Course and The Vignes Course.  Click here for the Golf World article which covers what a great destination and experience the Southwest of France has to offer to a golfer.

By Denise McKee.  Denise has been with PerryGolf for over 10 years and is a member of our admin team.

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