Have you ever wanted to learn how to play golf but were unsure how to begin? Golf academies are welcoming newbies with open arms. Here are three such golf courses:
Fairmont St AndrewsIn the home of golf, the 520-acre, five-star Fairmont St Andrews boasts two championship courses, The Torrance and The Kittocks, with both courses often recognised as some of the best in the world. Designed by former Ryder Cup winner Sam Torrance, The Torrance has hosted the Senior European Tour Event six times and offers an enjoyable golf experience. The Kittocks is one for the golfing experts, with a challenging course designed by architect Bruce Devlin. Perched on the cliff tops overlooking St Andrews Bay, the resort’s golf courses offer a unique coastal setting and breathtaking views. The hotel has launched its new golfing package Nervous Novices. The package is designed to give beginners the opportunity to learn and practice the core fundamentals of golf in a relaxed, low-pressure environment with a true golfing professional. Nightly rates at Fairmont St Andrews start at £179, based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. De Vere Wokefield
De Vere Wokefield Estate, near Reading – part of the De Vere portfolio of country estate hotels and event destinations – has recently opened its Golf Academy, which includes a brand-new driving range. The Golf Academy will be used for coaching purposes by the hotel’s four professionals and will feature technology such as a ball launch and swing monitors. The driving range comprises eight indoor bays and seven fully lit outdoor bays, which can be used as part of corporate and leisure packages. Set in 250-acres of Berkshire parkland, the estate boasts an 18-hole, par 72, Championship golf course designed to US PGA standards; a practice green with two bunkers, and a putting green. De Vere Wokefield Estate has recently undergone a multi-million-pound refurbishment and now offers 87 luxury guestrooms in the Mansion House, and a further 289 refurbished bedrooms in Wokefield Place and Wellington Lodge. There is also the 1560 Restaurant & Bar in the Mansion House; the re-designed restaurant, The View, and Benedict’s Bar located in Wokefield Place; and an outdoor pizza oven on the terrace, next to the golf shop. Verdura Resort
Since opening in 2009, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotels resort, has established itself amongst Europe’s premier contemporary exclusive golf and lifestyle destinations. Verdura Junior Golf Academy is a fun way for younger guests to discover the great game of golf. Ideal for 6 to 16-year-olds, courses cover every aspect of golf, from practical skills such as hitting the ball, chipping, putting, bunker shots, playing on the par-3 course, to the etiquette and rules of golf. The resort is set in 230 hectares of stunning landscape overlooking the Mediterranean with 1.8 km of private coastline, and offers golfing guests and families an unparalleled modern five-star experience on the largest island in the Mediterranean. The resort is located on the southern coast of Sicily between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports. Verdura features 203 rooms, suites and villas all with sea views, and is a paradise for golfers with its outstanding facilities. Players from all over the world come to enjoy the 18-hole championship course and nine-hole par-three course, with both links-style layouts designed by world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips and built to the highest specifications. Verdura was the host venue for the 2012 Sicilian Open and is home to the European Tour’s Rocco Forte Sicilian Open. The courses are matched by outstanding practice amenities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy and Performance Institute.