The Grove labels itself as “London’s Cosmopolitan Country Estate” – and when you get there it’s easy to understand why. You’ll find it hard to believe that The Grove, formerly the home of the Earl of Clarendon, is just 30 minutes from Heathrow, 17 minutes from London Euston and 3 minutes from the M25!

First off we’ll take a look at The Grove’s magnificent championship track – one of England’s finest luxury golf courses – which is renowned for its all-year-round immaculate conditioning.

The course, which opened in September 2003, was designed by the renowned golf course architect Kyle Phillips whose creations include the epic Kingsbarns Golf Links in Scotland and the stunning Yas Island Links in Abu Dhabi. Troon Golf manages the golf operations at this marvellous resort, and they’ve really helped preserve the quintessentially “English parkland” feel of the estate – something which can be very hard to come by.

The fairways are lush and thickly grassed, so the ball usually sits up proudly – this in turn gives the average golfer a bucket load of confidence and every chance to make solid contact with the ball.

Since its opening The Grove has also played host to some major golf tournaments including the 2006 World Golf Championships – the first time that the American Express event had been held in the UK – with a certain Mr Woods dominating the field to claim the 2006 title. So why not follow in Tiger’s footsteps and take on The Grove yourself?

The track measures a hefty 7,150 yards from the back tees, however the four large teeing areas on each and every hole mean that the course can cater for all golfing standards – reducing the length all the way down to 5,500 yards from the front tees. The putting surfaces, which are undulating and raised, are simply magnificent – lightening quick and very true. There’s no blaming the greens for your three putts here! But if you do miss the green with your approach shot, your short-game will need to be on tip-top form to negotiate the tricky slopes.

Measuring 7,150 yards from the back tees, The Grove can be a bit of a monster, however various tee options allows golfers to play the course from as little as 5,500 yards.

In terms of a signature hole it’s difficult to pick one, because they are all equally as good. However if you had to choose the best looking it might just have to be the 13^th – a long downhill par-3 which is guarded by five greenside bunkers. If you’re feeling brave you could have a go at carrying a long iron all the way, but the conservative option would be to aim right and hope the slopes get you near. To the left of the green there is a big bridge which you will need to cross in order to get to the 14^th tee. A truly stunning sight from the tee.

Who’d have thought you could reach a stunning course like The Grove in just 17 minutes from central London!

But you don’t have to take my word for it, here’s what Ernie Els had to say about The Grove after competing in the 2006 WGC there:

“I loved The Grove. Let me tell you, it is very, very impressive. I would love to say it’s the best-conditioned golf course in Europe, certainly from my experience. Everything was perfect; the course is great, the tees, fairways and greens were incredibly manicured and the practice facilities were amazing. And the food we had at the club all week was magnificent. This was the benchmark for how a tournament should be. It was that good.”

Now onto the accommodation – the 217 5* rooms and suites at the “London’s Country Estate” are split between the magnificent Mansion House and the modern and chic West Wing. The Mansion House is home to 26 rooms and suites; this Grade II Listed mansion harmoniously blends characteristics of period style and original modern art and furnishings. Alternatively you may choose to stay in the contemporary West Wing, which extends into the stunning gardens towards Sequoia Spa. The modern option at The Grove boasts 191 spacious, opulent rooms which are perfect for a luxurious golf break.

Each of the sumptuous rooms at The Grove boast a 42-inch plasma screen TV, Bose iPod docks, complementary Wi-Fi and even a free daily platter of fresh fruit and water.

Whilst you’re at The Grove it would be rude not to spend an afternoon at the award winning Sequoia Spa. Escape the stresses and strains of everyday life by experiencing one of a number of intuitive ESPA treatments, including: facials, body treatments, body massage, manicures and pedicures, waxing and make-up and Sequoia signature spa treatments. Or if you would just prefer to relax, then why not do so in the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi or one of the swimming pools. Amazingly, The Grove also has a beach! Located in the Walled Garden it’s the perfect place to enjoy a BBQ, refreshing drink and partake in a game of volleyball or even build a sandcastle.

Now I’m not sure of the exact numbers, but there can’t be many inland resorts in the UK which are able to boast a beach as one of their attractions.

Not only does The Grove brag an award-winning spa, world-class accommodation, a beach and a championship golf course, but it also has a multitude of dining options to experience. Choose from gourmet to homely, 10-course to the lightest of snacks; morning, noon and night. There are 70 chefs at The Grove, each as passionate about food as the next. All the ingredients, which are used to make the delicious dishes, are locally sourced and some are even grown on-site in the Walled Garden. Colette’s (a 3AA Rosette establishment) serves fine-dining options where as The Stables offers rustic food for hungry golfers. The Glasshouse is an experience in itself – here chefs prepare mouth-watering food before your very eyes. The Lounges is also on hand for a relaxing drink or a spectacular showpiece from the pastry Head Chef.

Experience the tasting menu at Colette’s, a 10 course extravaganza with expertly paired wine, a creation thoroughly deserving of its three AA Rosettes.

So if you’re thinking about a luxury golf break, in or around the London area, look no further than The Grove. Packages start from just £160 – includes: 1 Night B&B and 1 round on the brilliant championship course which is almost guaranteed to be in tip-top condition for your visit.

Rose has been one of the most consistent players in world golf for a few years now and is seemingly an ever present at the correct end of the leaderboard. There were a few question marks over his ability to finish off the job after moving into the business end of tournaments but those questions were well and truly answered in Philadelphia last night.

In winning the US Open, Rose became the first Englishman to win the US Open since Tony Jacklin and the first to win any of the four major championships since Sir Nick Faldo broke Greg Norman’s heart at the 1996 Masters.

Rose was the last man standing on a brutally tough final day at Merion. His composed level-par 70 was good enough to finish on one over for the tournament and as Merion took big bites out of the rest of the field, 1 over proved to be two shots too good for everyone else.

Rose started the final round two shots off Mickelson’s lead and after two bogeys in his opening 5 holes, things weren’t looking rosy (apologies…couldn’t resist) for the man from Old Blighty.

Soon the birdie putts started to drop though and Rose hit the front at the eighth hole. However the lead would change hands countless times on a tumultuous final day.

Just how turbulent the fourth round would be was highlighted by Phil Mickelson. Two double bogeys in the first five holes seemingly ended the crowd favourite’s charge for his first US Open crown but one unlikely eagle on the 10^th later and he was again heading the pack.

Followed closely by Messrs Day, Dufner, Els, and Mahan – who at one point was in a tie for the lead – Mickelson and Rose duelled down the notoriously difficult closing holes at Merion.

Heart-breakingly so for Mickelson, he dropped three shots over the closing 6 holes and after Rose had made two impressive pars on the 17^th and 18^th, he needed a birdie down the last to force a playoff.

Despite being a maestro with a wedge in his hands, Lefty failed to hole out on this occasion which confirmed Rose as this year’s champion and a sixth runner-up finish for the American, extending a record he already had in the bag.

After tapping in for par following a fine bump and run from just off the final green, Rose pointed his fingers to the sky in tribute to his father Ken who sadly passed away in 2002 after a battle with leukaemia.

“You saw me look to the heavens with it being Father’s Day – I was just trying to remember my dad.”

It wasn’t just his dad looking down on Rose that gave him a sense of encouragement though.

“My coach Sean Foley sent me a text this morning which said ‘Go out there and be the man that your dad taught you to be and that your kids can look up to’.”

Adam Scott also pitched in when he sent Rose a message following his Masters win in April.

“I took a lot of encouragement from Adam Scott. He sent me a fantastic text after the Masters which said ‘Your time is coming soon’. He is a wise man.”

Wise indeed…perhaps even clairvoyant!

“It feels fantastic; absolutely amazing. Going forward it gives me a lot of confidence. I don’t know if it takes pressure off, but it’s a moment where you can look back and think childhood dreams have come true,” said the 32 year old of his maiden major win.

Congrats Justin.

Final leaderboard

+1 J Rose
+3 J Day
+3 P Mickelson
+5 J Dufner
+5 E Els
+5 B Horschel
+5 H Mahan

After a stellar first round it is Phil Mickelson who leads that way. Tied with Billy Horschel at 1 under par, the popular American is well placed in his attempt to win his first US Open.

It was Horschel however who provided the real fireworks as he carded a stellar three under 67 while much of the rest of the field were beaten back by the short but brutal Merion course. The American, who lifted his maiden PGA Tour title in New Orleans last month, hit all 18 greens in regulation and carded four birdies against one three-putt bogey at the 13th. Impressive stuff on a course set up by the USGA to provide “golf’s toughest test”.

Luke Donald had set the early pace despite dropping five shots in a six hole stretch on the front nine when he returned to the clubhouse at level par. It was bogeys and birdies a plenty for Donald and he was not the only Englishman mounting a strong challenge in Philly. He was joined on level par after play had concluded by Ian Poulter and Justin Rose, who is seemingly an ever present at the top end of the leaderboard these days. The next 48 hours will tell if he can convert his consistent early tournament form into a win on the biggest stage. His 1 under 69 was only the third sub par round of the completed scores on day 2.

Fearless amateur Cheng-Tsung Pan was also at level par after nine impressive holes featuring two birdies. He will be up early today to complete his round and try to continue his form so that he stays in contention with the biggest fish in the golfing pond.

What of the marquee group I hear you ask?

At 8 over for the tournament it seems that Adam Scott can wave goodbye to the title – stranger things have happened in golf but 9 shots is an awfully big ask on a tricky US Open course – but Woods and McIlroy scrambled hard to remain in contention.

Both sit at three over which is just four shots off the lead. Both completed their first rounds early in the morning, each carding a three over 73.

Tiger twice managed to claw his way back to one over before dropping shots at 14 and 18. Still, with an injured left arm clearly bothering the world number one, being three over and within touching distance of the lead is no bad thing. After all; we all know what happened last time he played injured in a US Open. Fingers crossed for more Saturday fireworks a la 2008 at Torrey Pines…now that would really put the cat amongst the pigeons!

Despite struggling for anywhere near his 2012 form, Rory McIlroy stayed hot on the heels of his playing partner and four birdies and four bogeys saw him card a more than respectable even par 70. It looks as if the world’s top two golfers could be paired in the same group again in round three.

As the shadows lengthened the cut mark continued to drop – currently those on +7 are almost certain to be around for the weekend – some players, like the late starters on day one, had to call time on their rounds and head for the clubhouse with an early start on day three looming large in an effort to complete round two and head into the weekend.

“Why practise out of fairway bunkers? We might as well just throw the ball out and add a shot. I must have been in 25 of them. I don’t think I advanced it more than 30 yards out of any of them.”

~ 2006 US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy on the devilish bunkers that are dotted all over Oakmont Country Club.

(They’re hazards Geoff…you’re s’posed to avoid them!)

Before the final round Arnold Palmer had been told by journalists that 7 shots were too many to make up in the final round of the US Open. After 6 birdies in the first 7 holes, said journalists hustled out to the golf course to witness the conclusion of Palmer’s final-round comeback.

When he saw his doubters in the gallery, Palmer said, “Fancy seeing you here. Who’s winning the Open?!”

“Johnny Miller!? I didn’t even know Miller made the cut!”

~ Tom Weiskopf after hearing the news of Johnny Miller’s stunning final round of 63 at the 1973 US Open.

“Nobody ever wins the National Open. Somebody else just loses it.”

~ Bobby Jones

“A difficult golf course eliminates a lot of players. The US Open flag eliminates a lot of players. Some players just weren’t meant to win the US Open. Quite often, a lot of them know it.”

~ Jack Nicklaus

“When people say they dream of playing in the U.S. Open someday, what they’re really saying is, they’d like to be good enough to play. Trust me; the U.S. Open is not fun.”

~ Tom Weiskopf…clearly not a fan of golf’s toughest test!

“The U.S. Open has never been exciting to watch. It has always been a sad tournament. There is no excitement, no enjoyment. It is all defensive golf, from the first tee to the last putt.”

~ Then again…neither was Seve!

“The U.S. Open is my favorite week of the year. To a lot of people, it is the worst week of the year. To me, you should be punished if you miss the fairway. You should be punished if you miss the green.”

~ Colin Montgomerie

“Shoot a lower score than everybody else.”

~ Ben Hogan when asked the secret of winning the US Open.

“If I had been able to beat that strong, young dude in the tournament, I might have held him off for another five years … I let the Bear out of the cage.”

~ Arnold Palmer after losing to Jack Nicklaus in the 1962 US Open Playoff; the forst of the Golden Bear’s 18 wins.

“You not only have to be good, but you also have to have two horseshoes up your rear end. You’ve got to be lucky to win the U.S. Open.”

~ Sam Snead who, despite his 82 PGA Tour victories, never won his national open.

“A lot of zeroes, with the one number in front.”

~ Lee Trevino when asked how much winning the 1968 U.S. Open meant to him.

“You can’t win the Open on Thursday and Friday, but you can lose it.”

~ Jack Nicklaus

“I’m glad I was finally able to bring this course – this monster – to its knees.”

Ben Hogan on the monstrous Oakland Hills

So as the day, which is designed for people to honour their fathers, draws closer we thought it relevant to take a look at some of the best father-son pairings in the game of golf.

Having trawled through the many father-son golfers over the years, on the internet, we’ve been able to come to the conclusion that on the two main men’s professional tours (the PGA and European Tours) there are only 11 examples of a father and a son both winning at least one tournament – 8 in total on the PGA Tour and 3 on the European Tour. Interestingly enough, there have been no mother-daughter winners on the LPGA Tour.

The Morris’ and the Parks are part of the 8 PGA pairings during the very early days of the Open Championship. This was far before the Open was actually recognised as a PGA Tour event – in 1995.

In 2002, all Open Championship winners between 1860 and 1994 were retroactively awarded with official wins on the PGA Tour, so that these two extraordinary golfing families from the early days of professional tournament golf are included in this list, and rightly so.

It’s also worth mentioning, without drawing to any conclusions, that in the “modern era” (with one exception – the Burkes) it is the fathers that have had the more successful careers by a considerable margin.

So here’s the list of these famous Father/Son doubles in chronological and tour order:

PGA Tour

All 8 of the Morris’ Open Championship victories came at Prestwick Golf Club.

The Morris’

Tom Morris Sr. (4 Open Championships between 1861-67)

Tom Morris Jr. (4 Open Championships between 1868-72)

Young Tom’s first Open Championship win in 1968 came at the tender age of 17 – making him the youngest major champion in golf history! Interestingly, Young Tom was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1975 – a year earlier than his old man. This also means that they are the only father and son in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The pairing has a combined eight Open Championship titles between them – making them the most successful father-son duo in Major Championship history.

The Morris’ also made history when, in 1869, Young Tom won the Open Championship and Old Tom came second. It is the only time a son and father have finished 1^st & 2^nd in this or any other major championship.

The Parks

Willie Park Sr. (4 Open Championships between 1860-75)

Willie Park Jr. (2 Open Championships between 1887-89)

Park Sr. was the first ever Open Champion in 1860.

Park Sr. also had a brother (Mungo Park) who was victorious in the 1874 Open Championship – making Wille Sr., Willie Jr. and Mungo the only Father-Uncle-Son winning trio in major Championship history!

Park Sr. is the only Hall of Fame inductee of the trio, initiated into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2005.

Joe Kirkwood Sr. came T4th in three Open Championships, including at the 1923 event at Royal Troon.

The Kirkwoods

Joe Kirkwood Sr. (13 wins between 1923-33)

Joe Kirkwood Jr. (2 wins between 1949-51)

In 1948, Kirkwood Sr. and Kirkwood Jr. both made the cut at the US Open – this is the only time a father and son have managed this.

Jack Burke Jr. won the Masters in and the PGA Championship in 1956! A feat which has not been repeated many times since.

The Burkes

Jack Burke Sr. (1 win at the 1941 Senior PGA)

‘Jack Burke’ Jr. (16 wins between 1950-63, incl. the Masters and PGA in 1956, one of only a few to have won two majors in one year)

Jack Burke Jr. shares a permanent locker at Augusta National (home of The Masters) with Tiger Woods. Due to Masters Tradition, they both keep their Green Jackets in a wooden locker with golf name plates which also states the year(s) they won.

The Heafners

Clayton Heafner (4 wins between 1941-48)

Vance Heafner (1 win in 1981)

Clayton Heafner played in nine Masters in total, and when Vance competed in the 1978 Masters, they became one of nine father-son duos to play the famous event.

The Boros

Julius Boros (18 wins between 1952-68, incl. the 1952 &1963 US Opens & the PGA in 1968)

Guy Boros (1 win in 1996)

The Geibergers

Al Geiberger (11 wins between 1962-1979, incl. the 1966 PGA)

Brent Geiberger (2 wins between 1999-2004)

Al Geiberger was the first golfer to score a 59 (on a par-72 course) in a PGA Tour event. On 10^th June, 1977, in the second round of the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic at the Colonial CC in Memphis, Tennessee, he had a blemish free round with 6 pars, 11 birdies, and 1 eagle – he also went on to win the tournament.

Al and Brent were also the first father and son pairing to compete in the PGA Championship in 1988.

Bill Haas was victorious at the 2010 Bob Hope Classic at La Quinta Resort – something his father, Jay, did in 22 years previously.

The Haas’

Jay Haas (9 wins between 1978-1993)

Bill Haas (3 wins in 2010-11)

Bill Haas was victorious at the 2010 Bob Hope Classic, which his father Jay also won in 1988. This is (apart from the Morris’ and the Parks in the Open Championship) the only time of a father and son winning the same PGA event.

Jay also has another son, Jerry Jr., however he has yet to win a PGA Tournament – should he do so this trio of Haas’ will become the first ever father-son-son group to each win on the PGA Tour.

Jack Nicklaus, an 18 time major champion, and his son Gary have also come close, but didn’t quite achieve the father and son double. Gary lost a playoff to Phil Mickelson at the 2000 BellSouth Classic.

European Tour

1997, at the Valderrama Golf Club, was the year that the Garridos became only the second father-son pairing to have competed in the Ryder Cup.

The Garridos

Antonio Garrido (6 wins between 1972-86)

Ignacio Garrido (2 wins between 1997-2003)

In 1997 the Garridos became only the second father and son to have competed in the Ryder Cup (the first was Percy and Peter Allis).

Jose Maria Canizares won five times on the European Tour, including the Roma Masters in 1992 at Castelgondolfo.

The Canizares’

Jose Maria Canizares (5 wins between 1980-92)

Alejandro Canizares (1 win in 2006)

Craig Stadler won the Swiss Open at Golf-Club Crans-sur-Sierre in 1985.

The Stadlers

Craig Stadler (13 PGA wins incl. the 1982 Masters; 2 European Tour wins between 1985-90)

Kevin Stadler (1 win in 2006)

If and when Kevin gets that elusive win on the PGA Tour, the Stadlers will become the ninth father-son pair to each win on the PGA Tour.

One of those who did finish round 1 was Phil Mickelson, who shook off any cobwebs from a West to East coast Red-Eye flight back from his daughter’s graduation to fire an impressive 67; good enough to take the clubhouse lead.

“The golf course is playing about as easy as it could, but Merion is really fighting hard. It’s one of the best US Open venues I’ve seen,” he said.

As easy as Merion might be playing according to Phil The Thrill, world number one Tiger Woods struggled from the outset. A bogey at the first set the tone for the day and after hitting out of the rough on the 5^th, the 14 time major winner seemed to hurt his left wrist. Of course Tiger has fared well at the US Open while injured before, winning the 2008 tournament on a broken leg, but sitting at 2 over with 8 holes remaining in his first round, the hot favourite for this year’s tournament will have to get the putter going if he wants to stay in touch with the leaders going into the weekend.

Partnered with Woods were world number 2 and 3, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott. McIlroy has struggled this year since his much talked about switch from Titleist to Nike but he offset two bogies with two birdies to stay at level par before the end of play; right in the mix.

Masters Champion Adam Scott mixed four birdies with a solitary bogey to get to -3 before play ended for the day. A solid start for the only player in with a chance of the elusive grand slam in 2013.

There was plenty of interest in the wicker baskets that are used at Merion in place of conventional flags and it didn’t take long for them to be centre stage.

Lee Westwood, still looking for his first major win, got an unlucky break at the par 4 12^th, as his fine approach cannoned into one of the former lobster crates and made its way miles back down the fairway to leave a tricky up and down for par. In an eventful first 13 holes, Westy also chipped in for a birdie at the 7^th after blocking his approach to the 6^th into the grandstand. Westwood was given not out as a fan in the grandstand caught the shot on the fly and he sits at -1 with a handful of holes to go.

Westwood’s unlucky break in Round 1…

It was another Englishman however who snatched lead just minutes before the lights went out at Merion, halting play for day one.

With a hat trick of birdies from the 11^th, Luke Donald moved to -4 and into sole possession of the lead. Still with a number of tricky holes to play, the former world number one will need to continue his classy iron play displayed over the front nine to hold his position atop the leaderboard.

The remainder of the first round will get underway shortly with the second round officially starting at 09:45 (14:45 BST). With the USGA playing catch-up due to the weather delays, round 2 is unlikely to finish in full by the end of today.

LEADERBOARD

1 Luke Donald - -4 (Through 13)

T2 Phil Mickelson – -3 (Finished)

T2 Adam Scott - -3 (Through 11)

T4 Webb Simpson – -2 (Through 8)

T4 Matthew Goggin – -2 (Through 6)

T4 Alistair Presnell - -2 (Through 6)

T7 Nicolas Colsaerts – -1 (Finished)

T7 Lee Westwood – -1 (Through 13)

SELECTED OTHERS

T16 Rory McIlroy - E (Through 11)

T35 Justin Rose -  +1 (Finished)

T35 Ian Poulter – +1 (Finished)

T51 Tiger Woods - +2 (Through 10)

T78 Sergio Garcia – +3 (Finished)

I’m confident, that if you’re anything like me, that some of your best childhood memories were made on the golf course with your dad. So why not re-live some of these memories this Father’s Day and treat your old man to ‘Golf in a Box‘ – with a special 10% discount!

Father’s Day Promo Codes:
1. 10% off Golf in a Box (from now until 21st June) with promo code: FATHERSDAY

2. 10% off Golf/Spa in a Box (from now until 21st June) with promo code: MUM&DAD

The second code is for if you’re feeling extra generous and fancy treating mum to either a spa or golf break as well.

This special Father’s Day promotion allows you to purchase “Golf in a Box” for just £90 (usually £99 without the promo code) you could make your dad very happy this Father’ Day.

The price includes One Night’s Dinner, Bed & Breakfast and Two Rounds of Golf, as well as a superb presentation box, personalised voucher and brochure. This is the perfect gift to put a smile on your dad’s face this Father’s Day.

So let’s take a quick glance at the 10 wonderful venues we’ve included in our ‘Golf in a Box’ Father’s Day gift:

The Essex Golf & Country Club (Colchester, Essex)

Hugely underrated as a golf break venue, The Essex is a top choice especially if high quality parkland golf appeals. Expect comfortable accommodation in the onsite 42-bedroom hotel, extensive leisure facilities and a laid-back atmosphere.

Old Thorns Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Estate (Liphook, Hampshire)

Following a comprehensive refurbishment and development effort, Old Thorns is now entrenched among the elite of residential golf destinations in Southern England. A deluxe spa is at the heart of the Old Thorns experience, the ultimate complement to the resort’s famed Peter Alliss design.

Ufford Park (Ufford, Suffolk)

With 11 lakes to negotiate, it’s fair to say the championship course at Ufford Park is both entertaining and challenging and it regularly hosts PGA EuroPro events. Those high standards are carried over to the hotel and spa complex, and the superb two-tier driving range.

Hawkstone Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club (Weston-under-Redcastle, Shropshire)

Spanning the estate’s glorious Grade 1 English landscape, Hawkstone Park is blessed with two outstanding 18-hole courses, not to mention a 6-hole academy layout. The two distinct challenges complement one another in fine style, and should ensure that the golf break is packed with variety.

Brook Bank House Hotel, Golf & Country Club (Bransford, Worcestershire)

Some 123 acres of Worcestershire countryside set the stage, with the Malvern Hills overlooking, for the comfortable 70-bedroom hotel. Settle into the contemporary surroundings, dine in Farthings and enjoy a beer in the excellent Exchange Bar. No small appeal of the Bank House Hotel is the fantastic golf course at Bransford Golf Club, located adjacent and home to a distinctive Florida-style layout.

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa (Southport, Lancashire)

Just a few minutes from the heart of Southport, the capital of ‘England’s golf coast’, Formby Hall is a unique resort that has proved hugely successful in recent years. Expect outstanding practice facilities, a top class, fast-running course, high specification accommodation and a luxury spa.

Maften Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa (Maften, Northumberland)

The historic manor house at Maften Hall dates back to 1830, and much of the character has been retained, yet with the restoration and decoration, the hotel is updated for the modern day. Head to the luxury spa, play the splendid golf course, and even take the chance to visit the onsite pub.

The Green Hotel, Golf & Leisure Resort (Kinross, 26 miles North of Edinburgh)

The unique Green Hotel is located in the heart of Scotland, close to the banks of historic Loch Leven, where two fantastic courses, the Montgomery and Bruce, await. Both are good 18-hole tests, and are matched by the facilities and wonderful dining at the splendid four-star hotel.

Carton House* (Co. Kildare)

This lavish resort is a phenomenal place to spend time. The striking five-star contemporary hotel is equipped with comprehensive facilities, including 330 deluxe guest rooms and suites, many of which provide splendid golf views. The Ryder Cup matches were staged on the astonishing Twenty Ten Course, a true stadium layout was designed to not only host but also add to golf’s most exciting event. Combine the Roman Road and the Montgomerie courses for the quintessential Celtic Manor experience.

Celtic Manor* (Coldra Woods, Newport)

Carton House is the definition of a luxury country house retreat, where the imposing façade gives way to a haven of pure luxury. Messrs Montgomerie and O’Meara were enlisted to plant Carton House on the golfing map, and they succeeded with aplomb.

*Dinner not included

Here’s a link to the Terms & Conditions.

Or, if you think your deserving father would prefer a voucher for use towards his next golf break to a destination of his choice then you might also want to check out our other super Father’s Day offer. Spend £150 or more on Your Golf Travel vouchers and receive a dozen free Srixon golf balls.

For golf fans, Thursday and the first ball struck in anger at this year’s tournament can’t come quickly enough so to keep you going until then, we thought we’d give you a little fix by taking a look back at 5 of the greatest moments from US Open history…

Arnold Palmer – 1960 – Cherry Hills

Arnold Palmer trailed by a whopping seven shots heading into the final round of the 1960 US Open at Cherry Hills. After driving the green at the par 4 1^st and two putting for an easy birdie, Arnie was up and running. He would go on to birdie 6 of his first 7 holes.

Palmer’s early surge in the final round brought Cherry Hills to its knees and set up a remarkable comeback win.

Having been told by the likes of Bob Drum that 7 shots were way too much to make up in a US Open, Arnie carded a final round 65 and won by two shots from a young Jack Nicklaus. When Drum and few other journalists hurried out to witness the close of Arnie’s spectacular final round, The King simply said: “Fancy seeing you here. Who’s winning the Open?”

Jack Nicklaus – 1980 – Baltusrol Golf Club

Heading to the US Open at Baltusrol in 1980, the 40 year old Jack Nicklaus had been largely written off as a spent force in the game of golf. Past glories were a distant memory for some and he had not won any event in 2 years.

Nicklaus’ record breaking play at Baltusrol reminded the golfing world that, at the age of 40, he was by no means washed up!

Queue an opening round of 63 – still tied as the lowest round in major championship history – and a new US Open scoring record sealed by a final hole birdie and the Golden Bear had won US Open title number 4, tying him for most wins with Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan.

Tom Watson – 1982 – Pebble Beach

Two years later Nicklaus was gunning for a record 5^th US Open and in the final round an early salvo of birdies had got him into contention.  Tom Watson was also in the mix and by the time he had reached the 17^th tee he was tied with the Golden Bear.

The 17^th at Pebble Beach is a daunting prospect and Watson pulled his tee shot into the rough to the left of the green. With the thick US Open rough and lightning fast greens, he was left with an unlikely up and down to save par. To remind Watson to, at all costs, give himself a chance to make another par putt, Watson’s caddie said, “Get it close.” Watson replied, “Get it close? Hell, I’m going to make it.”

Watson’s chip in at the 1982 US Open is regarded as one of the most iconic shots in golf.

His ball landed just on the green, hit the pin and dropped into the cup for a remarkable birdie followed by a memorable celebration. The roar was heard by Nicklaus who had finished his round and he knew exactly what had happened. Another birdie for Watson on the par 5 18^th sealed the victory by two shots.

Tiger Woods – 2008 – Torrey Pines

It’s fair to say that Tiger Woods’ career has a pretty healthy highlight reel, punctuated particularly by must make putts that always seem to drop, but if there’s one shot that could sum up Tiger, it is the fifteen footer he holed for birdie on the 72^nd hole at the 2008 US Open.

Woods had struggled through the tournament with torn ligaments and a double stress fracture in his left leg and thanks to a stunning back nine on day three, he was tied for lead going into the final round. A 54 hole lead in a major was as good as a done deal back in those days but Rocco Mediate provided an unexpectedly stern challenge and Woods needed a birdie to make it into an 18 hole playoff the following day.

Tiger had to play a total of 91 holes on a broken leg in order to win the 2008 US Open which was his 14th major championship.

“Expect anything different!?” exclaimed the commentator as the putt slid in the right hand side of the cup, cuing one of the most memorable celebrations in US Open history. Tiger’s refusal to be beaten is a huge factor in many of his career wins, none more so than his 14^th (and last) major championship.     

Rory McIlroy – 2011 – Congressional Country Club

Having been through a major self destruction at the Masters just a couple of months previously, nobody could have predicted what was to come from Rory McIlroy at the 2011 US Open.

Congressional had taken a good walloping from the rain and was soaked through, leaving it at the mercy of the world’s best players. While scoring was unusually low for a US Open, McIlroy’s game was on another level to everyone else and he simply steam rolled the opposition.

McIlroy’s ball striking exhibition at Congressional blew everyone else in the field away.

After four rounds in the 60s, he became only the sixth golfer in the history of the tournament to shoot under par in all four rounds. That led to an eight shot victory and a shed load of tournament records including the lowest 72-hole score.  Impressive stuff from someone who had looked so utterly lost at Augusta just a few weeks previously.

Using the line “while we’re young” from the character played by Rodney Dangerfield, the comical chain of public service announcements was launched by the USGA yesterday just before the start of the US Open.

“Pace of play is a big issue,” said Tiger Woods, who is seen in the advert being told to hurry up by a group of kids before missing a putt on a mini-golf course. “Rounds of golf take too long and no-one enjoys it.

“’While we’re young’ is part of the golfing vocabulary and Caddyshack is iconic in our port. This campaign is light-hearted but it also shows that we need to pick up the pace of play.”

Probably the most controversial incident of recent times was when Chinese teenager Guan Tianlang was controversially given a one-shot penalty for his pace of play at the Masters earlier in the year; however the USGA president Glen Nager thinks that players should not be the sole bearers of responsibility when it comes to slow play in the professional game.

“At the professional level there are actually pace of play policies in effect,” Nager said. “And if the players in a professional event are playing within their pace of play rules, they’re fulfilling their responsibility in the event that they’re playing in.

“It’s the people who put the event on that have to set that policy. It’s the people who put that event on who have to do the kind of things that we have done in anticipation of this championship to keep them from being delayed.

“Yes, the players have a responsibility, but these players are playing by a set of rules and should be judged against the set of rules that they’re being subject to. And we shouldn’t try to blame them for playing consistently within those rules when we’re the ones who set the rules and we’re the ones who set the golf courses up and we’re the ones who design the golf courses and we’re the ones who control the spectators.”

With regards to this, the USGA have revised their policy for this week so that all players in a group must have their ball in play before the group in front is off the green or they will be considered out of position.

Before now, only one of the players had to have a ball in play for the group not to be out of position, which activates the timing process which can ultimately lead to a penalty being assessed.

The Your Golf Travel Global Ambassador has said that the second major of the golf season is always special, and is hoping to make up for lost time after he had to pull out of the competition in 2012 due to a groin injury.

“It’s always a special tournament,” stated the Northern Irishman. “This year the course is going to be a little bit different. It’s a little bit shorter but I’m sure they’re going to make up for it in different ways.

“The rough is going to be thicker than ever and they’re going to try and protect the golf course a little bit.”

The 44-year-old also added: “I’ve played the course a few times before. They say it’s short but the last few holes are pretty long, so it’ll be a good week. They don’t give you any margin for error at all.

“With the rough as thick as it is, and around the greens it’s the same sort of thing. The test is always very, very stern.”

Darren has already tipped his fellow countryman, Graeme McDowell, to be among the contenders in Pennsylvania this year, and the 2011 Open Champion is looking to produce a solid performance of his own after missing the Masters at Augusta earlier in the year, after suffering a hamstring injury.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he continued. “It’s where I want to play and what I want to do. I’ve just got to keep hitting the ball the way that I am and hopefully I’ll have a really good week.

“Because I missed a lot of golf at the start of the season, I’m not competitively sharp. But I’m working hard and will keep doing what I’m doing. I played not bad at Wentworth a couple of weeks ago and I’m happy with the way I’m swinging the club. I’ve just got to get back into scoring mode again.”

In 1999 Darren finished in a tie-for-10^th at the US Open at Pinehurst, which was his best ever finish, however he is feeling optimistic that he can do better more than a decade on.