Islay: magic Machrie a place to rest and be thankful
Our adventure to the Inner Hebrides had to begin by road and involve taking to the water. Like real travellers. In my mind, it was the only way to prepare ourselves for our time on Islay. Yes, you can board a tiny flight from Glasgow and be preparing yourself to land just almost as soon as you’ve taken off (flight time is 45 minutes), you might even witness the dramatic coastline of the West of Scotland from the air (if you get a window seat). But you’ll miss breathing in the North Atlantic air, being enveloped by the mountains and…
18 Restaurant – not just a feast for the eyes
We have already waxed lyrical about the stupendous golf experience at The Machrie, but that’s only part of what makes any trip special – where you eat, and drink is important too. The good news is that once you finish up your round on the 18th green overlooking Laggan Bay at The Machrie, you’re a matter of steps away from one of the best restaurants in Islay. The aptly named, 18 overlooks the golf course and the ocean beyond. The restaurant itself is bright, modern and beautifully laid out with light flooding in thanks to the vaulted glass ceiling, sliding…
Woodhall Spa’s wonderful Hotchkin Course On The Rise
There’s a rare sense of stillness and tranquillity as you walk Woodhall Spa’s iconic Hotchkin Course. This secluded, unassuming corner of Lincolnshire may be home to one of the best inland golf courses on the planet but there’s no fuss or fanfare here. The contrary is true, in fact. From the moment you leave the relative bustle of the 1st tee behind, this not only feels like a golf course that’s in harmony with the natural wonder of the land it so eloquently occupies, but one with nothing to prove. If there’s an unmistakeable sense of restfulness on the Hotchkin…
Woodhall Spa’s beautiful Bracken Course should not be missed
There’s no escaping that the Bracken Course at Woodhall Spa Golf Club is, like many other fabulous venues the world over, will always exist in the shadow of its more celebrated big brother. The New and The Old Course, St Andrews. The Cashen Course and The Old, Ballybunion. The Castle Course and The Old at Lahinch Golf Club – the list goes on and on. When golfers hear the words Woodhall Spa, they immediately think of the iconic Hotchkin Course – it is, after all, rated the 54th best on earth. But the Bracken need not be defined or limited…