So golf season is upon us. Playing Parkwood, Biggin Hill for the first time on Sunday. Any good? Played Nizels last week and thought it was great for the money. I use teeofftimes.co.uk for green fees. Some cracking deals.
Just to endorse to your comment re teaofftimes brilliant deals. There is an app for it as well which is really handy.
Didn't know there was an app. Will give that a go.
Mcllroy is playing the new Callaway driver and Irons in his next tournament with the new Pro V ball and Titleist wedges. Apparently the callaway driver works best with the ball and the Irons dont impart so much spin (and less distance) than his Nike irons would with the Pro V ball.
Its fascinating how much work goes into picking clubs these days. He hasn't signed with Callaway, in the previous tournament he played with Taylor made Woods.
Le Touquet is superb for golf, we stayed at the Westminster hotel where you are opposite a casino and about a 20 min drive from many decent courses (Le Pines/Dunes can't remember all the names) but needless to say we played 4 of them (about 7/8 years ago) and weren't disappointed in the slightest with any of them.
Since I got more serious about the bike I've played maybe ten times in three years. Can still nail a drive, but irons and woods are all over the place and the less said about putting the better. Had a golf weekend at Old Thorns last year (hell of a way to travel when you live in Chorley!) which was brilliant (the weather helped - it was perfect all weekend) - despite contributing only one point out of four possible. This year's is at the Belfry, so a bit closer to me, but still a 200 mile round trip.
There are some lovely courses round here, but they're all pretty challenging - there's no such thing as a freebie hole Oop North. Funny, as I've got fitter, I've lost distance - I think that's down to weight loss. One of the lads I work with is pretty handy - plays off 11 and is a member of the local Marriott course in Worsley. Might see if I can get out with him for at least a couple of rounds before the Belfry weekend. Still love the game, but it takes so long to get round, and ruins my bike training
Hitting the range tonight for the first time this year and playing 9 holes Saturday morning at Pedham. All in preparation of my mate's stag weekend in June, going to be some pretty handy players there, so would be nice if I can get it in the rough direction I want off the first tee at least.
Le Touquet is superb for golf. A short trip back up the coast to the two Hardelot courses normally done on a trip to Le Touquet as well. If you need another course, the fabulous Belle Dune at Berck is tough but one of the best courses you will ever play. About a 30-40 minute drive south. Tips. Grab a meal at the fabulous fish restaurant in Le Touquet.
Since I got more serious about the bike I've played maybe ten times in three years. Can still nail a drive, but irons and woods are all over the place and the less said about putting the better. Had a golf weekend at Old Thorns last year (hell of a way to travel when you live in Chorley!) which was brilliant (the weather helped - it was perfect all weekend) - despite contributing only one point out of four possible. This year's is at the Belfry, so a bit closer to me, but still a 200 mile round trip.
There are some lovely courses round here, but they're all pretty challenging - there's no such thing as a freebie hole Oop North. Funny, as I've got fitter, I've lost distance - I think that's down to weight loss. One of the lads I work with is pretty handy - plays off 11 and is a member of the local Marriott course in Worsley. Might see if I can get out with him for at least a couple of rounds before the Belfry weekend. Still love the game, but it takes so long to get round, and ruins my bike training
I had a putting lesson yesterday. The pro didn't change my technique a jot but we spent 45 mins going through drill suggestions and talking about the mental side. We'll see...
I'm playing Chart Hills on Sunday. Played there for £25 last month, they had a couple of JCBs laying about for renovations but it is such a cool course. Most holes felt like they'd be a signature hole elsewhere.
Le Touquet is superb for golf. A short trip back up the coast to the two Hardelot courses normally done on a trip to Le Touquet as well. If you need another course, the fabulous Belle Dune at Berck is tough but one of the best courses you will ever play. About a 30-40 minute drive south. Tips. Grab a meal at the fabulous fish restaurant in Le Touquet.
recognise and did all of that, can second the recommendations !
Used to get out once a week but have only played once in around 3 years. Got down to a 13 handicap at my best but dread to think what'd happen if I went out tomorrow. Usually can get driving back after 3 or 4 range visits but putting and especially the touch around the green would take me ages to get back. Don't miss it as much as I thought I would. Leroy comment about courses being challenging, I loved playing tough courses. Proper tests. Too many play the same easy forgiving smash and chip courses time and time again and think they're something special. Get them down somewhere like Langley park and they would come away ruined.
Were only paying about £130 pp which includes Eurotunnel, 2 nights at the Red Fox and 18 holes at Le Mer and Le Foiret.
Been a few times for beer related activities and really like the town. I fear Le Globetrotter may put an end to any decent scoring.
Anyone know if there's nightclubs in town?
That's a hell of a deal @jamescafc. We're at a different hotel (Le nouveau caddy) playing La Mer and La Foret, eurotunnel and an extra game at St Omer on the Sunday and we're paying £270 per head. Who did you book with mate if you don't mind me asking? We're golfbreaks.com
Having played a lot of golf in Spain I could certainly recommend some great courses, not quite as exotic as some but a great 1 or 2 week tour, hiring 3 cars with 4 per car works really well.
Were only paying about £130 pp which includes Eurotunnel, 2 nights at the Red Fox and 18 holes at Le Mer and Le Foiret.
Been a few times for beer related activities and really like the town. I fear Le Globetrotter may put an end to any decent scoring.
Anyone know if there's nightclubs in town?
That's a hell of a deal @jamescafc. We're at a different hotel (Le nouveau caddy) playing La Mer and La Foret, eurotunnel and an extra game at St Omer on the Sunday and we're paying £270 per head. Who did you book with mate if you don't mind me asking? We're golfbreaks.com
Golf breaks too but I did book back in September when they had a promo on.
Were only paying about £130 pp which includes Eurotunnel, 2 nights at the Red Fox and 18 holes at Le Mer and Le Foiret.
Been a few times for beer related activities and really like the town. I fear Le Globetrotter may put an end to any decent scoring.
Anyone know if there's nightclubs in town?
That's a hell of a deal @jamescafc. We're at a different hotel (Le nouveau caddy) playing La Mer and La Foret, eurotunnel and an extra game at St Omer on the Sunday and we're paying £270 per head. Who did you book with mate if you don't mind me asking? We're golfbreaks.com
Played st omer a few years ago. We played it the day after a European tour event. I learned what the term "greens up to speed" meant. It was like putting on smooth ice.
Were only paying about £130 pp which includes Eurotunnel, 2 nights at the Red Fox and 18 holes at Le Mer and Le Foiret.
Been a few times for beer related activities and really like the town. I fear Le Globetrotter may put an end to any decent scoring.
Anyone know if there's nightclubs in town?
That's a hell of a deal @jamescafc. We're at a different hotel (Le nouveau caddy) playing La Mer and La Foret, eurotunnel and an extra game at St Omer on the Sunday and we're paying £270 per head. Who did you book with mate if you don't mind me asking? We're golfbreaks.com
Golf breaks too but I did book back in September when they had a promo on.
You out there next weekend too?
No. 7,8,9 April. Look forward to your recommendations for pubs and grub. Early booking is the answer. We only booked about a month ago.
Were only paying about £130 pp which includes Eurotunnel, 2 nights at the Red Fox and 18 holes at Le Mer and Le Foiret.
Been a few times for beer related activities and really like the town. I fear Le Globetrotter may put an end to any decent scoring.
Anyone know if there's nightclubs in town?
That's a hell of a deal @jamescafc. We're at a different hotel (Le nouveau caddy) playing La Mer and La Foret, eurotunnel and an extra game at St Omer on the Sunday and we're paying £270 per head. Who did you book with mate if you don't mind me asking? We're golfbreaks.com
Golf breaks too but I did book back in September when they had a promo on.
You out there next weekend too?
No. 7,8,9 April. Look forward to your recommendations for pubs and grub. Early booking is the answer. We only booked about a month ago.
Quick summary.
For beers we drank in Le Globetrotter which is the closest thing to an Irish bar servicing a good selection of beers including a few Belgians as well as guiness etc. Got a decent games room at the back with two pool tables and plenty of TVs showing football.You're likely to meet big groups of golfers from the UK in here. Opens at 7.30am and closes at 2am.
We also drank at L'Impasse which is a few doors down and slightly more lively with a younger crowd. Louder music inside and a nice terrace if the weathers good. They have La Chouffe on tap and some decent cocktails.
For food we ate at Le Paris Plage on the first night which was average at best. On the second night we ate at Le Coq Hardi which was excellent but you'll defo need to book. Le Perard is also great if you fancy seafood.
We also sampled a few too many nightclubs for my liking which are dangerous as they don't close until 7am. Le Chatham most suitable for those over 30.
Played La Mer and Le Floiret and both were in excellent condition. The wind is a bit of a killer and greens a lot harder than I am used to. You'll score well if you're straight off the tee though.
Buggies good but a little pricey at €42. Clubhouse serves some great beer and freshly made baguettes at €5 are worth investing in.
Cheers James. Glad you had a good time. Looking forward to it. Three of us are meeting up for a bite and a beer tomorrow night to do some advance planning so your recommendations are very timely.
Just back from weekend in Le Touquet. Had a great time. Weather was unbelievable. Glorious sunshine and very benign wind. Played La Mer, La Foret and Le Val at St Omer. Enjoyed all three. All in great nick. Personal favourite was La Foret as it is quite forgiving and I am a long hitter but prone to being a bit wayward. Greens at La Mer have lots of horrid run offs which border on unfair at times. Would happily play all three courses again though. You need buggies for St Omer as it's very hilly.
Stayed in a small two star hotel (Le nouveau caddy) which was basic but excellent. They are golf party specialists and could not have been more helpful.
Food wise a little disappointing. We ended up in Paris Plage (couldn't get into le coq hardi) and as @jamescafc suggested its not all that. Perfectly pleasant but expensive and a bit of a tourist trap. Ate the other night at Restaurant du Marche. Good enough but unremarkable. Had a few beers in a bar near the Casino but drank mostly in our tiny hotel, bar which had the Masters on a big screen and poured the most unbelievable hand poured measures of spirits I've ever seen. First time I've been hammered on G&T in many a year!
Eurotunnel was awful last night. An hour and a half queue and missed our train after arriving miles early but home in time to watch Sergio triumph (what I remember off it).
Great weekend. Will be repeated. 18 holes at sunny Dartford this morning before back to work tomorrow!
Comments
Its fascinating how much work goes into picking clubs these days. He hasn't signed with Callaway, in the previous tournament he played with Taylor made Woods.
Not played for about 6 months so hoping the courses are forgiving, especially as I'll spend most of the trip hungover
was absolutely smashed for most of it though...
There are some lovely courses round here, but they're all pretty challenging - there's no such thing as a freebie hole Oop North. Funny, as I've got fitter, I've lost distance - I think that's down to weight loss. One of the lads I work with is pretty handy - plays off 11 and is a member of the local Marriott course in Worsley. Might see if I can get out with him for at least a couple of rounds before the Belfry weekend. Still love the game, but it takes so long to get round, and ruins my bike training
Tips. Grab a meal at the fabulous fish restaurant in Le Touquet.
Got down to a 13 handicap at my best but dread to think what'd happen if I went out tomorrow. Usually can get driving back after 3 or 4 range visits but putting and especially the touch around the green would take me ages to get back.
Don't miss it as much as I thought I would.
Leroy comment about courses being challenging, I loved playing tough courses. Proper tests. Too many play the same easy forgiving smash and chip courses time and time again and think they're something special. Get them down somewhere like Langley park and they would come away ruined.
Been a few times for beer related activities and really like the town. I fear Le Globetrotter may put an end to any decent scoring.
Anyone know if there's nightclubs in town?
You out there next weekend too?
It was like putting on smooth ice.
For beers we drank in Le Globetrotter which is the closest thing to an Irish bar servicing a good selection of beers including a few Belgians as well as guiness etc. Got a decent games room at the back with two pool tables and plenty of TVs showing football.You're likely to meet big groups of golfers from the UK in here. Opens at 7.30am and closes at 2am.
We also drank at L'Impasse which is a few doors down and slightly more lively with a younger crowd. Louder music inside and a nice terrace if the weathers good. They have La Chouffe on tap and some decent cocktails.
For food we ate at Le Paris Plage on the first night which was average at best. On the second night we ate at Le Coq Hardi which was excellent but you'll defo need to book. Le Perard is also great if you fancy seafood.
We also sampled a few too many nightclubs for my liking which are dangerous as they don't close until 7am. Le Chatham most suitable for those over 30.
Played La Mer and Le Floiret and both were in excellent condition. The wind is a bit of a killer and greens a lot harder than I am used to. You'll score well if you're straight off the tee though.
Buggies good but a little pricey at €42. Clubhouse serves some great beer and freshly made baguettes at €5 are worth investing in.
Have fun, I'm sure you will.
And I don't mean the big corporate ones like Celtic Manor - Porthmadoc, Tenby, Royal Porthcawl & Cardigan are all in my top 20.
Stayed in a small two star hotel (Le nouveau caddy) which was basic but excellent. They are golf party specialists and could not have been more helpful.
Food wise a little disappointing. We ended up in Paris Plage (couldn't get into le coq hardi) and as @jamescafc suggested its not all that. Perfectly pleasant but expensive and a bit of a tourist trap. Ate the other night at Restaurant du Marche. Good enough but unremarkable. Had a few beers in a bar near the Casino but drank mostly in our tiny hotel, bar which had the Masters on a big screen and poured the most unbelievable hand poured measures of spirits I've ever seen. First time I've been hammered on G&T in many a year!
Eurotunnel was awful last night. An hour and a half queue and missed our train after arriving miles early but home in time to watch Sergio triumph (what I remember off it).
Great weekend. Will be repeated. 18 holes at sunny Dartford this morning before back to work tomorrow!