4 minute read

I found my balance, took a deep breath and then finally hit the ball with a giant thwack and watched with great satisfaction as my golf ball soared over the green. It was my first ever golf lesson and after half an hour of tuition with Mathew Gallery, the Senior Golf Professional at The Belfry in Warwickshire, I was consistently hitting the ball across the driving range. I could see why this could become addictive. No longer the playground of middle-aged men, women are taking to the golf courses to destress, keep fit and connect with their friends, explained Galley. The recent #thisgirlcangolf campaign increased the number of women golfing on their courses by over 30 per cent.

Walking up to 6 miles per game, getting out in the fresh air, learning something new, golf is certainly a healthy and stress-relieving past-time and The Belfry is a glorious place to start your lessons with its PGA golf academy, onsite golf shop and 3 world-class golf courses, The Brabazon, PGA National and The Derby, all set in 550 acres of north Warwickshire countryside. Hosting the Ryder Cup four times, you couldn’t choose a better venue to start your golfing adventure.

Named as England’s Leading Resort at the World Travel Awards, The Belfry Hotel and Resort is not just about golf – it has something for everyone – a luxury spa, 2 restaurants, 2 bars and even a nightclub. When I arrived, the reception area is bustling with wedding guests, hen parties, family groups, gathered around the real fire, having afternoon tea, drinking a post-spa prosecco. With 319 rooms, I got lost on the way to my beautiful luxury suite (a huge bed, a bath you can swim in) and found myself in one of the numerous bridal function rooms all set up for a wedding with trees, confetti and candle lit altar. I wasn’t surprised to learn that it’s of the most sought-after wedding venues near Birmingham.

If weddings are not your thing, you can check out the spa and simply enjoy the ‘Fire and Ice’ experience where you get to journey through 12 bio thermal rooms – everything from salt caves to crystal steam room- a great place to relax after your day’s golf.

Rooms from: 1 nights stay and 2 rounds of golf £119