Embrace Ryder Cup Fever this September! Experience a golf break with a difference - play a course designed by former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas

August 29th 2006

As far as major sporting events go, the World Cup is a distant memory, and the Ashes too far off yet to generate any excitement. Yet for golf fans, the biggest battle of all is about to commence - the biannual Ryder Cup takes place at the K Club in Ireland from 22nd - 24th September, and with rivalries between Europe and America stronger than ever, its set to be an incredible tournament, as Sam Torrance's European team strive to retain their winning title!

But you don't have to travel to the Emerald Isle to get your Ryder Cup golf fix - experience three challenging Dave Thomas-designed courses in Scotland and North of England or simply sharpen up your game at a variety of other locations across the UK with Macdonald Hotels & Resorts.

One of Europe's leading professional golfers for over two decades, Thomas also represented Great Britain and Ireland four times in the Ryder Cup before turning his able hand to golf course design. Sample overnight golf packages for September are outlined below:

Golfing Breaks at Dave Thomas-designed courses:

Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort from £144 pp - set in the heart of the Cairngorms, the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort boasts Scotland's newest Highland golf course. The Dave Thomas designed Spey Valley Championship Golf Course opened on 1st July 2006 and is set in some of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland. Offering 7,177 yards of spectacular golfing fairways, the 18-hole par 72 course is predicted to become one of Scotland's leading golf venues. Green fees start at £79 for a standard round, with discounts available for resort guests. A night's stay in September at the four star Macdonald Four Seasons Hotel on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis including one round of golf costs from £144 per person per night based on two sharing.

Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Country Club from £99 pp - located within the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, just 20 miles from Edinburgh, the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Country Club features an 18-hole par 72 course designed by Dave Thomas. A challenging course, the fairways make the most of the woodland, parkland and river features that dominate it. Full warm up and practice facilities are also available, as well as tuition from the resident pro. A night's stay in September on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis including one round of golf costs from £99 per person per night based on two sharing.

Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Shrewsbury from £89 pp - the Macdonald Hill Valley Hotel, Golf & Country Club has not just one but two 18 hole golf courses, ideally suited to the club and scratch golfer alike. The courses, designed in a joint venture by international TV and golfing stars Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, have fairways that thread their challenging way through the 300 acres of Hill Valley's trees, lakes and picturesque streams to American style holding greens trapped by sand and water. A night's stay in September on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis including one round of golf on each course costs from £89 per person per night based on two sharing.

Golfing Breaks - Hotels with on-site courses:

Macdonald Linden Hall Golf & Country Club, Longhorsley, Northumberland from £109 pp - set in 450 acres of park and woodland, the Macdonald Linden Hall, Golf & Country Club's 18-hole golf course offers a real challenge to the good golfer while remaining sympathetic to the average player. The water hazards and prevailing wind make for a thrilling game, while the views of the Northumberland coast will make up for any foul shots. A night's stay in September on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis including one round of golf costs from £109 per person per night based on two sharing.

Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club, Southampton from £149 pp - Set at the heart of a 176-acre exclusive parkland golf course, the Macdonald Botley Park Hotel, Golf & Country Club is surrounded by unspoilt Hampshire countryside, and the 18 hole golf course and practice area fulfils every requirement of the modern golfer. Re-designed in 1995 under the guidance of Sky Sports' respected Ewan Murray, the 6000 yard par 70 parkland course offers a superb balance of challenge and playability which will appeal to both pros and beginners alike. A 12 bay driving range, practice bunker and putting area allow for the all important pre-round warm-up before the real golf begins. A night's stay in September on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis including two rounds of golf costs from £149 per person per night based on two sharing.

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