Like many a golfer, I was introduced to the game by my father – perhaps he thought I was going to be the “next Tiger” and keep him in a lifestyle to which he has never been accustomed and to that I say…sorry Dad!
While my golf game has never threatened to make any money out of the game, I am grateful for my early introduction to it. After all as P.G. Wodehouse once said, “Golf, like measles, should be caught young, for, if postponed to riper years, the results may be serious.”
Some of my best memories of being a youngster were made on the golf course with the old man and, when I get the chance, I still enjoy a knock with him despite the sizeable gap between our handicaps!
That is why for Father’s Day this year, I will be pitching in with siblings to buy him a Your Golf Travel Voucher so that we can tee it up together at a “bucket list” venue for a bit of long overdue father and son bonding.
The good news for you guys is that, should you do the same, we will send you a dozen Srixon golf balls to help you on your way once you get to your destination of choice.
Simply buy a Your Golf Travel Gift Voucher worth £150 or more for your Dad this Father’s Day and the golf balls are yours!
Should you need a few ideas of where to head once you have the voucher in the bag, here are a few suggestions from staff members at Your Golf Travel, all of whom have Dads of their own!
St Andrews Old Course
The ultimate bucket list golf course! Not much in the world of golf could beat playing the Old Course with the old manand with guaranteed tee times on offer from YGT, you can sidestep the nuisance of entering the ballot.
The St Andrews Old Course offers a golf experience like no other and the historic importance of the place will surely appeal to Dad!
St Andrews is golf mad so after your round there is plenty to do and see. Dinner and a pint or two in the Jigger Inn followed by a stroll into St Andrews for a few more is the perfect way to cap off a day at The Home of Golf.
Gleneagles
With three stunning golf courses to choose from and one of the finest hotels in the world, Gleneagles is a haven for golfing aficionados.
Gleneagles will host the 2014 Ryder Cup and while the PGA Centenary Course will be at the center of attention over the next couple of years, it is the Kings and Queens Courses that are favourites among the members.
If your Dad is into his food then Andrew Fairlie at Gleneagles – the only eatery in Scotland to be awarded a second Michelin Star – is an absolute must. Enjoy a taste sensation by choosing the degustation menu, which features 9 sumptuous courses, before heading to the Johnnie Walker Bar in the Dormie Clubhouse to sample some of the finest whiskies in Scotland.
Celtic Manor
If your Father is anything like mine then he will be a Ryder Cup nut so where better to head than Celtic Manor which, of course, hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup. The Twenty Ten Course is the only course to have been purpose built for the contest between Europe the USA and with Ryder Cup memorabilia everywhere you turn, your day playing this beauty will be a special experience.
The Twenty Ten Course at Celtic Manor is a must for any keen golf fan.
A relaxing stint in the Forum Spa can be followed by dinner and drinks in one of the many relaxing bars or, for something special, in the Crown Restaurant.
The Belfry
Continuing with the Ryder Cup theme, The Belfry is arguably the ultimate golf break destination for fans of the biennial bout between the USA and Europe. The mighty Brabazon has hosted more Ryder Cups than any other course and has been the scene of some iconic European victories. Challenge your Dad to a match and the loser can take the swan dive, a la Paul McGinley, into the lake by the 18th green!
Will you be brave enough to take on the green on the famous 10th hole on the Brabazon Course?
After dinner in the popular Atrium Restaurant head to the famous Bel Air nightclub to learn a thing or two from your old man on the dancefloor!
The K Club
If you have yet to visit the Emerald Isle with your Father in tow then head to The K Club for a weekend golf break. Not only will you be within touching distance of Dublin City Centre – a great place for a pub crawl – featuring a few pints of Guinness of course – and an evening meal – but with two of Ireland’s finest inland courses, one of which also hosted the Ryder Cup, to choose from, the golf will be of the highest order.
The K Club offers some of the most picturesque parkland golf in Ireland and is just a stone’s throw from Dublin.
