GOLF IN THE SUN 

The summer weather in the UK and Ireland may not be the most reliable, but it is normally good enough to allow the avid golfer a few rounds in short sleeves. However, come the start of October, the clouds tend to gather and even the hardiest of golfers are left rummaging around for polo necks, waterproofs and wooly hats.

For most golfers, the start of the winter season means finding a corner of the garage to store the clubs, and retiring to the living room for some armchair golf - all that has changed.

As the reach of the low cost airlines stretches further into Europe, North Africa and beyond, winter golf in the sun is now readily available. Many of the finest championship golf courses lie in wait, with the added bonus that the low season offers fantastic value for money.

As the rain, snow and wind batter the shores at home, you can escape to the Algarve, the Costa Del Sol, Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey or many other sun drenched golfing hot spots, and all you have to remember is to send a postcard to your shivering golfing chums at home.