When we all went into lockdown and our favourite sport and weekend plans suddenly halted, it made us think how much we took meeting up with friends to play a round of golf for granted. The banter and conversation have been greatly missed, as well as seeing the flight of the ball and hopefully making a few birdies too.
Why not to get a date in the diary to play some championship golf with your pals for later in the year.
And one golf resort that always ticks the boxes is Celtic Manor, host of the 2010 Ryder Cup. Read the Top 5 Reasons Celtic Manor is the perfect Staycation for your golf group, as told by YGT Tommy (Tommy Eatenton)
1. Croeso (Welsh for Welcome)
The moment you drive over the TOLL FREE M4 Bridge, Wales and its Dragons welcomes you with open arms and the greeting at The Celtic Manor is no different. From the car drop meet and greet, reception and Concierges warm regards to all the staff you meet, The phrase ‘Croeso’ is always sincere. It is embracing and courteous at every turn and meeting, just splendid.
2. The Golf…
From the magnificent Par 3s on the Montgomerie course, manicured fairways of the Roman Road and the shots to recreate on the Ryder Cup ‘TwentyTen’ Course. The Celtic Manor was once described to me as the Disneyland for golfers and who am I to disagree.
3. Welsh Fayre
Did anyone order the Lamb? The Celtic Manor has a plethora of dining options from the renowned ‘Steak on Six’ to my favourite ‘Newbridge on Usk’ located off site on the River Usk. A quaint Country Pub feel, head down there an hour earlier than your dining time and sit out side with cold glass of Chablis watching the Salmon leap up stream. A world away from the home, don’t forget to capture that moment for Instagram.
4. Any Graeme McDowell Fans?
Head to the Twenty Ten with 23 other golfers and recreate your own Ryder Cup. Bag drop and concierge service awaits with a show around of the clubhouse and locker rooms that still have the lockers aligned to the Captains, Vices & players from 2010. Make your way to the practise ground for complimentary range balls on the grassed driving range and a putting green which is as slick as the 18 your about to face. Matchplay at its finest…
5. Whose round is it?
Some will say the 19th Hole is the best hole you will play so with a clubhouse for the Montgomerie and Roman Road and a separate clubhouse for the 2010, The Celtic Manor will guarantee your well deserved beverage of choice will be served just as you want it. The main hotels ‘Merlins Bar’ will host you in the evening with live music and my favourite, a chilled G&T.
I am looking forward to playing there sometime in the coming months, I just need to get the other guy’s into the same thinking mode.
I’d recommend it. I’m lucky enough to play there every week, this article could not be more accurate. And when it comes to the golf, you absolutely will not regret a long weekend stay playing all 3 courses. Apart from the worst times in winter, they’re immaculate. The greens staff are superb and do a magnificent job year on year.