The Belfry is the most popular destination for golfers looking to take their next golf break in the UK, according to a survey* of more than 1,300 regular players.
The four-time Ryder Cup venue is seen by more than a third (35%) of golfers as the destination they are most likely to choose for their next golf break, compared to 24% contemplating Celtic Manor, venue for this year’s Ryder Cup contest.
In responding to the survey, conducted by National Club Golfer magazine, nearly 17% would prefer to go for their next golfing break to St Andrews, which hosted this year’s Open Championship, while 8% see Gleneagles, venue for the 2014 Ryder Cup, as a likely destination. Other potential venues mentioned included Turnberry (7%), Carnoustie (6%) and The Grove (4%).
Many of these golfers, who on average take a UK golfing break between once and three times a year and play three times during each break, will be making return visits to the most popular venues. The Belfry again heads the list with 38% having played there in the past five years, followed by Celtic Manor (28%), St Andrews (23%) and Gleneagles (18%).
The vast majority (98%), say they are either ‘very likely’ or ‘fairly likely’ to return to a good destination and most (62%) say the same about the importance they attach to the venue having more than one course to choose from. The same number (62%) believe that a strong golfing heritage is also ‘very or fairly important’.
Almost two out of three golfers (61%) say that value for money is another ‘very important’ consideration when choosing a golf break destination. In terms of spending, 40% would consider a total outlay per person of between £200-300, while one in six golfers are prepared to pay more than £300 per person.
The majority (64%) prefer to book their golf break direct with the resort or club, while one in three (34%) will go through a dedicated golf breaks company. The factor most likely to encourage them to book direct with a resort or club is ‘better value packages’, according to 80% of respondents.
“Although the last Ryder Cup match was played here eight years ago, golfers still regard The Belfry as the spiritual home of the event in this country and we are delighted that this survey confirms the No.1 status of the resort in the eyes of those looking to take another domestic golfing break,” said Gary Silcock, Director of Golf at The Belfry.
“The Brabazon course is prepared to a tournament level on a daily basis and its greens will be comparable to those for a Ryder Cup contest later this year, while both the PGA National and The Derby courses are also in great condition,” he added.
The majority of those who took part in the survey (46%) are aged 55 and older, while 41% are between 40-54 years old. Most (62%) hold a handicap between 10-20, but one in five (20%) have a handicap of nine or less.
* The survey was conducted online in July 2010 by National Club Golfer magazine among a total of 1,340 respondents.
The Belfry www.thebelfry.co.uk