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TWO BREATHTAKING VENUES FOR ANY EVENT

Here in the North West we are lucky to have two of the most prestigious golf, social and business venues in the UK, namely Mere Golf & Country Club and Hawkstone Park Hotel.

Having visited them both over a weekend in September to witness the Howard Keel Celebrity-Am NSPCC Classic (held at Mere since 1987) and the Apex Travel Ryder Cup held at Hawkstone it is clear to see that these two venues do not know the word ‘complacency’ in fact I have never been to either when there wasn’t one event or another taking place.

Mere Golf & Country Club is situated in the heart of Cheshire but within easy reach of the major business centres of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham and only 10 minutes from Manchester Airport. The Club’s history dates back as far as the 12^th Century with a listing in the Doomsday Book.

Having played there a number of times it is clear to see why so many golfers return to play this championship parkland golf course, one of the most challenging in the UK and is renowned as the ‘Wentworth of the North’ and is constantly voted best-kept course in the North West.  Indeed as a member of the North West Travel Trade Golf Society it is noticeable that every year our visit to Mere is always the best attended event in our calendar. It is also worth mentioning that it also has a reputation for being one of the most romantic settings for a wedding.

The 6,817 yard course was designed by Open Champions James Braid and George Duncan in 1935 and has many distinctive holes, of which the last four are the most famous. Comprising long, accurate drives over ravines and water, 90-degree doglegs, devishly positioned trees and bunkers, the “famous four” will provide even the most experienced golfer with an exceptional challenge!

The Club also provides a wide range of practice facilities for its members and guests including six practice bays, a two tier putting green, bunker and pitching area and for those players wishing to improve their game a full video analysis.

Having organised a number of events there myself I found the co-ordination and management second to none. The facilities provided include a private bar, private registration, dining suite, deluxe changing facilities and a superbly stocked professional shop.

If I lived nearer as I would love to be a member of this club which with all its leisure amenities and excellent golf course provides its members with all the facilities for a healthy and balanced lifestyle, whether relaxation, stress relief, fitness and stamina building or just a friendly social atmosphere in which to meet and make new friends.

For those of you not aware since August 2000, Mere Golf & Country Club has had a sister course namely Hawkstone Park and Historic Follies in Shropshire.  Still run with the same enthusiasm this venue has the added bonus of a Hotel which means you can not only play golf but take a week-end or mid-week break. My only criticism here being that it lacks a health and beauty centre which I think would be of added attraction as befits a hotel of this calibre.

Located between Shrewsbury and Whitchurch in the village of Weston-under-Redcastle in Shropshire and set among 400 acres of breathtaking parkland, the Hawkstone Park Hotel is a three star country house hotel comprising 66 en-suite bedrooms in the hotel and an exclusive 4 bedroom Lodge. Two restaurants are also available offering a wide range of menu selections supported by licensed bars.

Continually subject to investment, 32 of these bedrooms are scheduled to be refurbished at the end of the year, while the hotel’s Lounge and Hill Suite and front of house have also benefited from a dramatic revamp in the past 12 months.

Hawkstone offer many excellent golf packages through-out the year and were recently voted ‘18^th favourite golf destination in the world’.  It is home to two championship 18-hole golf courses known as the Windmill and the Hawkstone, and an amazing six-hole academy course, well worth taking the time

out to play.

Set around the 12^th Century Red Castle, the Hawkstone Course opened for play in 1920.  It meanders through the 18^th Century parkland and historic follies, with fairways lined with oak and birch trees. The course makes full use of some of the most dramatic landscape in Britain over its 6,491 yards length.

The Windmill Course was designed by former Ryder Cup captain and player, Brian Huggett, and opened in 1995. Complementing the Hawkstone Course, it is also a parkland design featuring an undulating landscape and many American style features including strategic water hazards.

Hawkstone’s Academy Course is built in silver birch wood and is maintained to the same high standards as the two 18-hole championship courses. The holes vary in length from 75 to 160 yards incorporating two very challenging tee shots.

Taught by his father, Sandy Lyle learned to play golf at Hawkstone. His career began at the club at the age of three and you can see reminders in the club house.

There is a dedicated golf centre and the golf club is an excellent place to stage corporate or society golf days with an event controller to discuss your every need.

The club house sees an endless stream of golfers passing through and the Terrace Bar and Restaurant, situated on the first floor and is open all day, buzzes with golf talk and general camaraderie between members and visitors alike.

It would not be possible to mention Hawkstone Park without including the historic park and follies which have secured the title of Adventure of the Year 2003 and Family Attraction of the Year 2004 by the Good Britain Guide. Hawkstone particularly excels at Christmas when Father Christmas comes to visit! – voted ‘Best Grotto in the Midlands’.

The 100-acre, parkland has intricate pathways, caves, ravines, arches and bridges, towering cliffs, and collection of eccentric follies, all created in the 18^th century, sometimes referred described as a lost world deep in the heart of Shropshire.

For further details on either venue log on to: