Having spent considerable time in Europe in 2006 and 2007, caddying on the Ladies European Tour, I regrettably never had the opportunity to play golf through the UK.
Well, combined with the opportunity to take three weeks off work and a low priced airfare from Australia, I’ve bitten the bullet and booked a trip at the end of May.
With a tight schedule over just 17 days, I’m going to miss out on a lot I want to see. But, I think I’ve got a pretty good itinerary, which allows me to play the links and heathland I really want to experience. Here it is…
Monday 28 May: Arrive to London early AM
Tuesday 29 May: PM Golf TBC
Wednesday 30 May: Drive Wales to London – no golf
Thursday 31 May: Wales Open at Celtic Manor
Friday 1 June: Wales Open at Celtic Manor / golf at Royal Porthcawl?
Saturday 2 June: Wales Open at Celtic Manor, drive back to London
Sunday 3 June: Golf TBC or sightseeing
Monday 4 June: Fly to Edinburgh, train to St Andrews
Tuesday 5 June: Golf at St Andrews (Old Course)
Wednesday 6 June: AM golf at St Andrews (Old Course) or North Berwick
Stay in Edinburgh
Thursday 7 June: PM golf at Royal County Down
Friday 8 June: Royal County Down
Saturday 9 June: PM golf at Portstewart - TBC
Sunday 10 June: AM golf at Royal Portrush (Dunluce) - TBC
Monday 11 June: Royal Cinque Ports
Tuesday 12 June: Royal St Georges - TBC
Wednesday 13 June: Sunningdale (Old)
Thursday 14 June: Depart London
Now for a couple of questions that many of you might be able to help me with.
Golf on Tuesday 29 May and Sunday 3 June:
I’m hoping to play at Swinley Forest on one of these two days, depending on which one the club offers (if at all). On the alternate day, I’m tossing up whether to go with Walton Heath (Old and New), St Georges Hill or The Berkshire.
At this stage, I’m leaning towards Walton Heath. From what I’ve read, its an open heathland and very different to the others. Do you agree, disagree or have other suggestions?
Royal Porthcawl:
I’m thinking of playing at Royal Porthcawl on Friday 1 June, instead of watching the golf at Celtic Manor.
Is Royal Porthcawl easily accessible via train//bus and taxi from Celtic Manor?
Dinner Recommendations:
Whilst in St Andrews and Portrush, any recommendations on spots for dinner and drinks?
I’ll be travelling solo to St Andrews and Portrush. If anyone happens to be in the area at the same time, feel free to contact me if you want meet up for dinner and a few drinks.