3 min readGolf fans know the season doesn’t truly begin until the beautiful Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia appears on our TV screens at the Masters. The lush, verdant greens framed by hot pink azaleas are instantly recognisable and signal many relaxing afternoons ahead on the fairway.
Whether you’re a golf pro or a total novice, we’ve put together some great ways you can give the sport a go on your next visit to Bristol. Birdies and bogeys aside, it’s a fine way to stretch your legs and spend some time outdoors with friends and family over the summer…
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Image credit - Burnham & Berrow Golf Club
1. Book a private lesson
Whether you're starting from scratch or working on reducing your handicap, you can sign up for one-to-one tuition. Brean Golf Club offers tuition, whether you're a beginner or just want to tighten up your skills. Otherwise, you can choose to learn from experts at the second oldest course in the West Country at Kingsdown Golf Club, to some challenging links at Somerset's Burnham & Berrow (recently ranked 28 in Golf World's Top 100 Courses in England). For something a bit more serious, Bowood PGA Golf Course & Golf Academy in Wiltshire is the Official PGA Golf Course for the South West, with a team of PGA Professionals offering lessons for all abilities, plus a 3-hole academy course and floodlit driving range to practise on afterwards. Of course, all the courses are also open to new visitors who don't want lessons.
2. Head to Thornbury Golf Centre
As well as a 15th century lodge where you can stay, Thornbury Golf Centre offers an 18-hole par-3 course, a full-length main course, a state-of-the-art driving range, and a dedicated short game area with a putting green, chipping green, and practice nets. These facilities provide golfers with everything they need to practice, improve, and enjoy their game.
3. Play pitch and putt at Ashton Court Estate
Take your pick from two 18-hole pitch and putt courses at Ashton Court (also home to a deer park and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta). It’s affordable, accessible and a great place to start what could be a life-long love for the hobby. As an added bonus, parking is free for golfers. The estate also has FootGolf and DiscGolf if you want to try some other games!
Image - FootGolf at Ashton Court Estate
4. Find the course for you at Mad Swans
A quirky retreat in the Mendips, Mad Swans has not only a 12-hole course, but also 'Putt Patch', a 12-hole mini golf course, perfect for beginners or those looking for a quicker game! Stay at one of their eco cabins and book their Breakfast Ball Package to enjoy freshly baked pastries and tea or coffee before you tee off.
Image - Golf course at Mad Swans
5. Venture further afield
If you fancy making a day of it, there are some excellent courses just outside the city worth the drive. Tracy Park, near the Cotswolds, sits within 240 acres of mature parkland, its two courses (The Crown and The Cromwell) rolling out in front of a Georgian manor house. Further south, Enmore Park, at the foot of the Quantock Hills near Bridgwater, offers two loops of nine holes with views stretching to Glastonbury Tor and across the Bristol Channel to Wales. And for a proper Cotswolds day out, Minchinhampton and Chipping Sodbury between them offer four courses, plus the chance to soak up the Gloucestershire countryside afterwards.
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