Golf 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…
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). Of course, all the courses are also open to new visitors who don't want lessons.
2. Try the six-hole Academy Course at The Kendleshire Golf Club
Warm up on the six-hole par-three Academy Course at this serene Frome Valley club. Great if you haven’t got long to play with, plus it’s a steal at just £3 for a day’s unlimited use.
Image credit - Burnham & Berrow Golf Club
3. Stay over at golf camp
Think you could do with more of an intensive session? Then sign up for one, two or three nights with Bristol Golf Breaks. Depending on your length of stay, you’ll be able to take in up to three different courses in the area – with accommodation provided at a local hotel within easy reach of them all.
4. 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
5. Take some swashbuckling swings at Pirate Bay Adventure Golf
Swords, I mean golf clubs, at the ready for some family fun down at Pirate Bay. You’ll have to navigate pirates up to no good and creepy crocs lurking in lagoons to strike gold here.
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