Golf experience days – our pick of the best

Play 18 holes at St Andrews
There are plenty of experience day websites offering the opportunity to play at the spiritual home of golf. The packages even include the chance to join a PGA professional over 18 holes. Before you tee off on your round the experts will talk you through your long and short game for some last-minute pointers. You can perfect your swing and put it to good use right away.

Stay at the world’s largest golf resort
If you want to push the budget on your next golf break, why not head to Mission Hills in China? The Guinness World Record-holding resort hosts 12 18-hole courses designed by some of the game’s biggest names. There are fairways from Faldo and greens from Greg Norman in this must-see metropolis. If it all sounds a little bit daunting, one of the 4,000 caddies on site should be happy to help you get in the swing of things.

Enjoy a break for two at the Belfry
For a course closer to home and with Ryder Cup pedigree, The Belfry is a natural choice. The Warwickshire resort offers overnight stays for two, with a round of golf on both days. Your itinerary’s sorted with breakfast, lunch and dinner available on-site, did we mention there’s even nightclub access thrown in? If you’re feeling particularly indulgent after a tough day on the tees, there’s always the chance to unwind at the hotel spa instead.
  


  
Drive the Wild Atlantic Way
The west coast of Ireland is home to one of the world’s longest coastal driving routes. A winding scenic road 1,500 miles long, littered with championship standard courses. ‘Puttstops’ along the way include Ballyliffin, Ireland’s northernmost golf club in County Donegal and the Old Head of Kinsale in County Cork, surrounded with views of the Atlantic. Don’t forget the Emerald Isle’s most famous greens at Ballybunion, a links classic since 1926.

Take an indoor lesson
The Great British weather can usually put a damper on a game of golf but thankfully simulators can help you work on your game without worrying about the elements. Some of the best clubhouses in the UK have installed projectors, sheets and cameras so you can perfect your swing surrounded by home comforts. You can enlist the help of a professional too. Look out for retailers selling the complete lesson package to make the most of an indoor round.