Despite the unpredictable, patchy weather the UK has recently endured, the summer sizzled for England’s Atlantic Links as all six courses enjoyed record tee times right the way through until the end of September.
England’s Atlantic Links (www.atlantic-links.co.uk) comprising Burnham & Berrow in Somerset, Devon’s Saunton and Royal North Devon and Trevose and St Enodoc in Cornwall all experienced their busiest summers for several years with an average increase in tee times of over 10% across the group.
While it is difficult to identify exactly what led to the boom, factors such as the rise of ‘staycations’, the easy accessibility of the region and the availability of a plethora of off-course activities for both adults and families are all thought be contributory factors.
The inclusion of all the Atlantic Links courses in Golf World’s latest rankings for the Top 100 Golf Courses in England and the securing of the top spots in the “Best in County” rankings for Cornwall, Devon and Somerset by Top 100 Golf Courses in June has also given the group great profile and reinforced the links cluster as one of the highest quality golf destinations in the country.
However the group attributes the key factor in the surge in tee times to the tremendous value for money that playing the courses represents: the average green fee for these premier championship links courses in the south west is just £65. Visitors from the continent in particular have been finding that, given the current exchange rate of theUKpound to the Euro, the trail offers tremendous value.
“Although we have not had ideal weather, Trevose has experienced an extremely busy summer and even in September, which is late in the season for us, the course has been virtually full from dawn till dusk,” comments Nick Gammon, managing director of Trevose Golf & Country Club, where golfers and their families can stay on site in a variety of bungalows, apartments and lodges.
“This proves that the Atlantic Links is really beginning to be discovered by golfers in search of good quality links courses at affordable rates. At the same time, the strong showing of the clubs in various course rankings has boosted the group’s profile whilst its reputation as a prime golfing destination that offers accessibility and a wide choice of activities away from the course continues to grow.”
England’s Atlantic Links: www.atlantic-links.co.uk