I go on an annual golf trip with a group from my club - usually about 24 of us in late September/early October. We travel Sunday morning, play 18 on Sunday afternoon, have dinner, bed & breakfast and play another 18 on Monday morning - a package known in the UK as a "Sunday driver". If you go to a resort type hotel (typically a Marriott or De Vere) you generally get a very good rate (circa £100 a head).
I've been lumbered with arranging the 2007 trip (I'm almost too modest to mention that this was my "reward" for winning the 2006 event
). I originally thought I'd try something different and introduce several of them to links golf. However having costed Southport with a hotel room and two rounds at the likes of Formby, S&A, West Lancs, Hillside etc it's impossibe to get anywhere near the prices quoted by the resort hotel groups. Our group of golfers is probably typical of most UK golfers - architecture isn't a priority; getting what they perceive to be a good deal is
I currently have a short list of Forest Pines in North Lincolnshire or Belton Woods near Grantham. Has anyone played either of these courses and would care to comment on their architectural merit and other advantages/disadvantages?
Are there any alternative venues in the North of England I should be considering? The budget will be in the region of £90 - £110 for 36 holes plus dinner, B&B
. In recent years we've played Slaley Hall, Carden Park, Ramside Hall, Breadsall Priory and Wychwood Park. Generally we don't go back to the same venue.
All comments gratefully received.