Royal Birkdale has become the very first Open Championship venue in England to obtain the GolfMark; awarded by the English Golf Union.
GolfMark is a national scheme which finds and acknowledges junior and beginner-friendly golf facilities. This recognition means that Royal Birkdale is now able to improve its practice and coaching facilities for beginners through the funding provided by GolfMark.
To read more, click here.
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.
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.
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.
If, like me, you have been following the gradual progress of the massive Gleneagles Hotel renovation, you will be interested in the article found below as it not only points out both the subtle and grand changes to the hotel and golf courses, but also reminds us of all the fantastic activities on offer at the Resort.
If you are planning a trip to Scotland, you must fit a stay at Gleneagles; one of the country’s finest 5 star properties.
Click here for more information.
Being based in Scotland, we watch developments with Donald Trump’s Aberdeenshire project with particular interest, and it seems like the project is finally getting underway now. This will no doubt be a great addition to an area that already boasts some fantastic courses such as Royal Aberdeen (host to 2011 Walker Cup matches), it’s lesser known hidden gem of a neighbour, Murcar; and, of course Cruden Bay only 45 minutes up the coast. As for Mr Trump’s claim that it will be the “world’s greatest golf course”, that remains to be seen! He has pretty tough competition on his doorstep never mind the rest of the world.
For further reading, click here.
By Alastair Niven. Alastair has been with PerryGolf for over 9 years and is one of our Golf Travel Specialists.
