It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to enjoy a weekend of testing golf, accompanied by good food and drink enjoyed in relaxed surrounds. We take a look at Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Spa; where a rewarding round awaits golfers of all abilities.
On the tee … Set in 176 acres of sprawling Hampshire countryside, Botley Park Golf Club offers a challenge to both low and high handicappers alike. Having undergone a redesign by Sky TV commentator and former Tour star Ewan Murray, the course now presents as a 6,370 yard par 70 with two very distinct halves. The front-nine offers traditional, undulating parkland golf, while the run home is played on flatter, tree-lined fairways. The course may not be overly long by modern standards, but mature trees and penal rough make for a worthy test of golf. Furthermore, with an exceptional irrigation system that keeps the greens dry and firm, the course remains in terrific condition throughout the year.
Firm and fast … exceptional drainage means Botley Park’s greens remain in terrific condition throughout the year.
Signature hole … Water comes into play on three holes at Botley Park and creates a particularly exciting approach to the par-3 11th. Measuring 169 yards from the back tees, most players require a mid-iron to the semi island green. A great hole visually, but don’t get too comfortable – you might soon be fishing your ball from a watery fate.
Food and drink … The Macdonald brand is synonymous with providing its guests with fine dining options, and that’s certainly the case at Botley Park. Here the resort’s Winchester Restaurant, owner of a prestigious AA rosette, incorporates the highest quality ingredients in its classic British menu. If you’re after a slightly more relaxed meal, the aptly named Swing and Divot Bar is a popular haunt among golfers ready to dissect their rounds over some live sport, a few cold beers and a bite to eat. The bar’s outdoor terrace overlooks the 18th hole and is a great spot for a drink on a sunny afternoon.
Dining in style … the AA rosette Winchester Restaurant serves succulent cuisine made from the best ingredients.
Who to take … Gather your mates and pencil a date in your diaries. Botley Park is well-equipped to handle a group of even your rowdiest golf buddies, while the course itself isn’t overly taxing for the higher handicappers. With the buzzing centre of Southampton just a 15 minute cab ride away, there’s certainly a good night out on offer.
When to go … Warm weather and golf go hand-in-hand like 3am and a greasy kebab, so shoot for somewhere between May to October and pray to the rain gods to stay away. Travel on a Sunday to enjoy great savings with our Sunday Driver packages – not to mention less traffic on the course for your Monday round.
Getting there … Botley Park is a 15 minute drive from the centre of Southampton and is also within easy reach of Portsmouth, Winchester and The New Forest. The resort is just under a two-hour drive from London and a short cab-ride from the nearby Hedge End and Botley train stations.