The Belfry, four-time venue for the Ryder Cup, has reported growth in both the number of golfers playing its three championship courses and using its PGA National Golf Academy during 2011.
The number of rounds played over The Belfry’s Brabazon, PGA National andDerbycourses increased by 10% from the previous year, taking the total amount to more than 300,000 during the past three years.
Meanwhile, the number of custom-fit sessions undertaken in the resort’s PGA National Golf Academy exceeded 2,000 for the year – representing another 10% increase – as more golfers looked to take advantage of the largest dedicated custom-fit venue in Europe. The Academy also hosted the Today’s Golfer Day, the UK’s first ever National Demo event, which saw eight leading brands providing free of charge custom-fit sessions for hundreds of serious golfers.
“We’re delighted that the number of golfers playing the three courses and taking custom-fits is increasing year on year,” said Gary Silcock, Director of Golf. “It’s thanks to the hard work of our greenkeepers, PGA Professionals and resort staff that we can offer a level of service that leaves such a positive impression on golfers of all abilities.”
Speaking of the flagship Brabazon course, recent Brabazon Challenge winner Edwin Martin of Upminster Golf Club said: “The condition of The Brabazon course is truly top class and it offers five or six of the best matchplay holes in the world. I’m already looking forward to returning to The Belfry.”
Golf Monthly associate editor Jezz Ellwood was another who was impressed with the four-time Ryder Cup course. “The condition of The Brabazon is as good as it’s ever been and the enhancements to various holes over the past few years have made it an even better course than it was when hosting tournaments,” he said.
The award-winning golf resort was also able to report an increase of 8% in the number of visitors booking Stay & Play deals, with the most popular break being the ground-breaking ‘2 nights, 3 rounds’ deal that is available from just £270.
The popularity of the resort was recognised at the 2011 World Travel Awards ceremony, where The Belfry was chosen by over 200,000 travel agents and members of the public worldwide as England’s ‘Leading Golf Resort’. It was also voted as the ‘Best Hotel / Resort’ in the East and Midlandsin the Today’s Golfer Travel Awards, while The Brabazon picked up the ‘Best Course’ award.
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