Golf holiday (Europe, beginners)

[chemistry]

Mrs chemistry and I have recently taken up golf; we've had half a dozen lessons, get to the driving range a couple of times a week and have played (hacked around...) our local par 3 course a few times, but that's it. We haven't played a 'proper' course yet and don't think we're good enough to, although we hope we'll be able to by late spring. We do have our own clubs etc. - classic 'all the gear and no idea' duo.

Overall it's all been very enjoyable so far, so we found ourselves wondering whether a week-long golfing holiday in June or July would be fun, perhaps in Portugal or some other golf-friendly European destination. In addition, chemistry junior (18) is very sporty and a half-decent 'social' golfer, so a golf holiday where we could all do it together would be less boring for him than just hanging by a pool, sightseeing, etc.

So my question is, are we being foolish even considering it? I doubt we'll be ready to tackle 'proper' courses by then but don't know if there are destinations with courses suitable for beginners but that would also be entertaining for my son to play on.

I'd welcome any recommendations for suitable areas/courses/hotels to consider and/or advice from seasoned golfers to perhaps wait until 2025 instead.

[Bubbas Grill]

Welcome to the most infuriating sport that has ever existed!

Here are my thoughts...

1/ Golf in Spain, Portugal, France is expensive. Obviously you want to feel you're doing your money justice by playing well. That's pressure.

2/ It will be busy in June & July. You may find yourself feeling quite pressured to 'keep-up' with the group in front and again pressured by the group behind. Not good for relaxed golf.

3/ If you do decide to invest in a foreign golf holiday, play on alternate days. Enjoy the pool/beach and maybe choose a resort with tennis courts too if that's your thing on the days off the course. Nice alternative to the faff that comes with transfers to/from the courses with clubs,gear etc.

4/ Consider going away in the UK for your 1st golf-week trial. I live in Scotland and yes we have weather but we also have absolutely loads of special courses that can be had for less than £30 a round. Golfnow is the app you want. Happy to recommend the nicest courses I've played on.

June/July weather should be good for UK golf. It's likely to be extremely hot in Spain & Portugal in July.

Fantastic/Horrible game..

Edited by Bubbas Grill on Monday 12th February 18:16

[chemistry]

Food for thought; thank you!

[fat80b]

chemistry said:

Mrs chemistry and I have recently taken up golf; we've had half a dozen lessons, get to the driving range a couple of times a week and have played (hacked around...) our local par 3 course a few times, but that's it. We haven't played a 'proper' course yet and don't think we're good enough to, although we hope we'll be able to by late spring. We do have our own clubs etc. - classic 'all the gear and no idea' duo.

Overall it's all been very enjoyable so far, so we found ourselves wondering whether a week-long golfing holiday in June or July would be fun, perhaps in Portugal or some other golf-friendly European destination. In addition, chemistry junior (18) is very sporty and a half-decent 'social' golfer, so a golf holiday where we could all do it together would be less boring for him than just hanging by a pool, sightseeing, etc.

So my question is, are we being foolish even considering it? I doubt we'll be ready to tackle 'proper' courses by then but don't know if there are destinations with courses suitable for beginners but that would also be entertaining for my son to play on.

Sounds great - Nothing beats a bit of holiday golf.

I would caution though that going from the driving range straight to playing a full 18 on a busy course (which is what they will be) is not for the faint hearted. They are often fully booked all day, and if there are 2 or 3 of you, you may welll get paired up with someone to fill the four ball. There's nothing quite like the pressure of teeing off needing to carry the water on the 1st with a bit of a hangover!

I'd certainly be looking at playing some courses in the UK first and getting to the point where I can break 100 at least some of the time before venturing abroad as it'll be more enjoyable overall.

In terms of where to go - I've played in the US, Canada, Thailand, Turkey, and Portugal over the years on various work trips and holidays.

Most recently, we went to Vilamoura and stayed near the marina - there are many golf courses close by and a couple of 9 holers as well. The whole area is set up for a golf holiday and works really well. I'd go there.

One thought is that a UK trip might be an easier way in to start with - We stayed at Breadsall Priory last year near Derby - They have 2 courses and a spa / hotel and you can normally pick DB&B up for £145 each with two rounds of golf included. I'd do this and if this goes well, get a trip to Portugal booked.

[chemistry]

Thanks! I'm getting the feel that we'd be better off getting our skills up here in the UK before heading abroad for a golf holiday BUT it would be a realistic option for 2025.

[rallye101]

I'd always check for handicap restrictions too, guessing you're 28? Apologies if not....no point shelling out for green fees and buggies to then get booted off by a marshall for slow play...
Head to the sports/ golf page....loads of great suggestions where to go...

[chemistry]

rallye101 said:

I'd always check for handicap restrictions too, guessing you're 28? Apologies if not....no point shelling out for green fees and buggies to then get booted off by a marshall for slow play...
Head to the sports/ golf page....loads of great suggestions where to go...

Good point! No handicap yet (so yes, 28....)

[chip*]

Check out the Marriott website as they offer ideal golf weekend breaks for you e.g. 1 night, 2 games of golf + dinner. Try to book a later tee time (not the morning tees) and hopefully you can play at your own pace.

[bodhi]

I can heartily recommend The Ashbury in Devon:

https://www.manorandashburyresorts.co.uk/golf/

4 or 5 courses, loads to do in the evening including snooker and pool tables, darts, bowling (ten pin and crown last time we were there) and is normally really good value. Courses won't be in as good a condition as Portugla/Spain etc, but they're ideal if you're just starting out.

Last time we went (pre COVID) it was something like £200 pp full board for 3 nights, with golf on all four days.

[Fastchas]

If I were you, I'd be looking at improving my game in the UK before tackling golf abroad, just for self-improvement and confidence.

[chemistry]

This all sounds like good advice, plus some good tips for UK breaks. Thank you all!

[theplayingmantis]

Bubbas Grill said:

Welcome to the most infuriating sport that has ever existed!

Here are my thoughts...

1/ Golf in Spain, Portugal, France is expensive. Obviously you want to feel you're doing your money justice by playing well. That's pressure.

2/ It will be busy in June & July. You may find yourself feeling quite pressured to 'keep-up' with the group in front and again pressured by the group behind. Not good for relaxed golf.

3/ If you do decide to invest in a foreign golf holiday, play on alternate days. Enjoy the pool/beach and maybe choose a resort with tennis courts too if that's your thing on the days off the course. Nice alternative to the faff that comes with transfers to/from the courses with clubs,gear etc.

4/ Consider going away in the UK for your 1st golf-week trial. I live in Scotland and yes we have weather but we also have absolutely loads of special courses that can be had for less than £30 a round. Golfnow is the app you want. Happy to recommend the nicest courses I've played on.

June/July weather should be good for UK golf. It's likely to be extremely hot in Spain & Portugal in July.

Fantastic/Horrible game..

Edited by Bubbas Grill on Monday 12th February 18:16

i dont think beginners want spec ial courses and neither will fellow players be enamored with them tbh.

i would ignore that one OP, you want a resort with a par 3 course on the med, so you are not annoying proper players, until you are up to a break 100 standard at least.

thats the thing to do if you are set on warm weather golf, if not then simply get better locally, then branch out. You will have no fun hacking around a proper course, feeling under pressure, even if if it is merely holiday golf.

[alps028]

Have you thought about coaching or an academy? There are several in the Algarve. We stayed at the Club Med Da Balaia years ago and they offer on site lessons and access to nearby courses if you are up for it.

[andyA700]

This is a beautiful little par 3 course in the Algarve, which is very good value for money. It is testing without being too harsh and everything was in fantastic condition. Neither my wife or I had an official handicap when we played it and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

https://valedemilhogolf.com/fees/

[Boxster5]

As others have said, I would definitely get some practice on UK courses.
There’s nothing like being held up by complete hackers who don’t know the etiquette of the game.
There are plenty UK courses where you won’t feel intimidated - a half decent links course is a good starting point as there won’t be many (if any) trees to cause you issues although the bunkers can be fun.
Definitely a frustrating game at times but you’ll always remember your first par, birdie, eagle - enjoy!