Since 1995 we have organised thousands of golf holidays for golfing parties of all shapes and sizes across
Europe, America and Africa. Every one of our golf holidays is unique as they are individually created
from scratch to suit you and your friends. Our personal service offers you:
• A unique range of destinations and exclusive
Golf Clubs
• In-depth information and advice on the best golfing holiday
destinations
• Hotel and golf course selections carefully tailored to suit you
• Tee-times pre-booked and confirmed (plus buggies/caddies if
required)
• Hassle-free organisation of your travel arrangements
• Freedom to adjust your golf holiday in whatever way you wish
• Savings in time, effort and cost
Golf holidays in France are a delightful combination of uncrowded courses, good
weather, great food, excellent wines and probably the best value golf in Europe: an important factor
in these straitened times. Wherever you travel in this vast fertile land you will find well
designed and beautifully maintained golf courses: around the major cities there are charming
traditional Golf Clubs, out in the provinces stylish modern Clubhouses abound with similarly styled
golf courses. In most French départments golf is still somewhat undiscovered,
so Green-fees are great value and the golf courses are seldom busy, quite the contrary in fact -
particularly mid-week.
As we all know, apart from the golf courses, France has some spectacular scenery,
wide-open acres of countryside, long sandy beaches and historic towns. With a population density
roughly a third of the UK's, there is also plenty of time and space to relax and take it all in.
The North of France is very accessible for UK golfers living in the Southeast via the tunnel and ferry
ports along the south coast. If you are travelling from further North or planning on heading
further into France, there is no shortage of airlines offering good value flights to destinations
further south.
When it comes to cuisine France is pretty well unmatched in Europe, every region has
its own specialities, so there are always new delicacies to discover. Need we add that there are
some rather fine wines on offer too? During our trips to France, we make a point of finding out
where is good and who is up and coming on the local culinary scene: these recommendations we send to
you along with your tickets and other travel documents. Let us know what you think of them and
please pass on news of any good restaurants that you find yourselves!
Every year we send more and more golfers to corners of France they had not
previously considered and every year we receive more and more letters of appreciation from Club
Members all over the British Isles. We will be more than happy to recommend courses and hotels
for you, plus provide you with all the travel help and area information that you might need. So
why don't you give France a try this year?
Italian golf holidays: bellissimo! When it comes to golf holidays,
Italy pretty much has it all: epic scenery, fabulous climate, superb food (and wine) and stunning golf
courses. Plus the fact that very few golfers choose to take their golf holiday in Italy, means
that midweek you may well find that you have the pick of the Italian golf courses to yourself!
The rolling hills of Italy, richly fertile and bathed in sunshine, coupled with its
wealth of artistic and historic (not to mention culinary) heritage have made Italy a world renowned
tourist destination. Add some beautifully designed golf courses to the scenery and you have
yourself the perfect golf holiday destination.
You will find golf courses throughout Italy, some mature Golf Clubs around the major
cities,: Rome, Milan, Turin etc. And newer courses designed in the nineties by the likes of
Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player et al, that are now blossoming under the golden
Italian sun. So far these have only been discovered by the more intrepid golfer. No doubt
the secret will one day get out, so we say now is the time to make the most of the empty Italian golf
courses and enjoy some millionaires' golf - midweek in particular.
Golf holidays in Portugal: sunny fairways – blue horizons
For Winter sunshine golf holidays, Portugal continues to grow in popularity and it's
easy to understand why. There are more good golf courses appearing all over the country in
addition to the huge number of Golf Clubs that already exist down on the Algarve.
The area around Lisbon in particular has many new golf courses and classy golf
resorts, both North and South of the Portuguese capital.
One of the reasons why Portugal is so popular for golf holidays is of course the
climate. As the Southwestern outpost of Europe (next stop North Africa), it has a temperate
climate ideal for year-round golf holidays. High Summer is maybe a little too warm for golfing,
but Spring and Autumn are ideal and even in the Winter the daytime temperatures rarely drop out of the
upper 60’s - and you'll get to see some blue sky!
Golf Holidays in Spain: party or peace - the choice is yours
Heading to Spain for you golf holiday has been almost an automatic reaction for many
golfers over the years. This has encouraged a plethora of golf courses to spring up across the
Spanish countryside, almost too many in certain places.
In the South of Spain the belt of golf courses along the Costa del Sol are extremely
well frequented by all standards of European golfers, keen to make the most of their days - and often
the most of their nights too.
The South-west of Spain (towards Gibraltar) and the area around Sotogrande is much
quieter than the Costa del Sol (and slightly greener) making for a much more relaxing golfing holiday
environment.
For tranquil seaside towns, a taste of real Spain and superb quality golf courses
(slowly being discovered), head for the Costa Brava between Barcelona and Girona - for a golf holiday
in Spain's quieter corner.
Another area of Spain for a quieter Spanish golf holiday is Jerez, Seville and Cadiz
over towards the Portuguese border. Apart from some excellent golf courses there is also the
Spanish national tipple to try (sweet, medium or dry) - in moderation) of course!
Golf holidays in Morocco: a whole world of difference
Golf holidays in Morocco are quite simply fascinating. It is a very different
place to play golf and an enticing country to visit. The closest part of Africa to Europe - a
unique melting pot of races and cultures, where various desert peoples crisscrossed the plains, towns
and mountains; each adding their own spice to the proceedings. Unsurprisingly, the country has a
very Arabian feel to it, but there is also a ready awareness of Western culture, so the culture shock
is never too severe! If you have never been to Africa before, then Morocco is a great place to
start.
The epicentre of everything (including golf) is Marrakech. A wonderful city
with an attraction that never dims, no matter how many times you might have visited. All
around the throbbing centre are luxury hotels and just outside the city limits a dozen golf courses to
choose between. The weather in the Winter is perfect for golf - dry, blue skies and around 20
degrees during the day - just lovely.
In the warmer months head for the coast at El Jadida (Mazagan), Essaouira or Agadir,
where the ocean zephyrs will keep you cool. All have a selection of great golf courses, making
Morocco truly a golf destination for all seasons.
Golf holidays in Belgium: a tasty golfing selection box
Taking a golf holiday in Belgium might not spring instantly to many golfer's minds,
but with a broad range of golf courses, good connections to all parts of Europe and some stimulating
cities to visit, Belgium is well worthy of consideration when planning your next golfing break.
True, the weather might not match the incessant sunshine of more southern golfing destinations, but
you will find the cooler Belgian climes ensure that golf courses maintain their greenness throughout
the Summer. Although nowadays at the very centre of Europe, Belgium still remains a mystery to
many people. The combination of cultures at this continental crossroads lends Belgium a very
cosmopolitan feel.
In the North of Belgium, Dutch and Flemish are the languages commonly spoken and
the people have a correspondingly Teutonic approach to life: in the southern half of the country the
language of choice is French and a more relaxed lifestyle is discernible. But whichever half of the
country you head for, just about everybody speaks perfect English in addition to their mother tongue,
so there are rarely any Belgian communication problems!
Near the Belgian coast, around Oostende and Zeebrugge, the land has only recently
(geologically speaking) returned from the sea and is fairly flat sandy links with outbreaks of dunes
here and there - perfect golfing terrain for links style courses. Heading south, the countryside
soon changes to farmland, small villages and green rolling hills, a fine pastoral framework for
parkland and woodland golf courses.
The Belgians, supposedly famous for not being famous, will point out that their
beers, chocolates and mussels are second to none (difficult to argue with that!). And that there is
plenty more on the tourist menu besides these highlights.
They will also be only too pleased to point out some of the other attractions of
this intriguing coalition of contrasts and why it's a country so well worth discovering.
In a land where the grass is the greenest, it is no surprise that golf vacations
have been taken for so long - and with such passion! It is worthy of note that of the 150 links
courses in the world 44 of them are to be found in Ireland.
You do not have to travel too far in Ireland to begin discovering these superb golf
courses, plus the affable characters and warm Clubhouses that Ireland is so famous for. We have
researched the very best Irish golfing destinations, spread across the island of Ireland from Dublin
to Killarney and Cork to Portrush.
St. Andrews, Turnberry, Gleneagles, just some of the magical names amongst the
roll-call of world-renowned golf courses in Scotland. All golfers should enjoy a golf break in
Scotland at some stage in their golfing lives (in our opinion!) after all, it is where it all
began! Alongside these stellar (and sometimes pricey) main attractions, there are charming local
Clubs with some stunning courses, where you will arguably find a more Scottish air (and sensible
Green-fees!). We recommend including a couple of these courses in any Scottish golf break to
experience the true nature of Scottish golf.
Should you be interested in a trip to St. Andrews, be it in the luxury of the Old
Course hotel or somewhere less 'touristy', we can make all the arrangements for you to get there and
play the multitude of courses in style. Likewise should you prefer Turnberry or Gleneagles - or
maybe you are planning a tour of all three and Carnoustie and Royal Dornoch to boot?
Whatever and wherever you are planning your trip we know the best places to stay,
the best courses to play and will be more than happy to share our inside knowledge with you (even a
few tips on where to find some local 'hidden gems').
Unsurprisingly given the evolution of the game, spread between England and Wales
there are some superb golfing destinations and individual golf resorts that offer attractive
alternatives for UK golfers looking to holiday at home. Alongside the big names such as Royal
St. George's, The Belfry et al, there are lesser lights such as the Forest of Arden, Trevose,
St. Pierre and Saunton to consider that offer superb value golfbreaks in England and Wales.
Wherever you would like to play in the British Isles, we can make all the
arrangements for you to get there and play the multitude of courses in style. Whenever and
wherever you are planning your trip we know the best places to stay, the best courses to play and will
be more than happy to save you some time in making the arrangements and to share our inside knowledge
with you (even a few tips on where to find some local 'hidden gems').
Golf Par Excellence: knowledge & service
We pride ourselves on our first-hand knowledege of all our destinations and our personal service.
We continually strive to be the best (not the biggest) golf Tour Operator for Golf Club Members seeking
professionally organised golf holidays to high-class destinations in Europe, Africa and the USA. We
hope you will find us friendly and attentive, ready to take care of every aspect of your golf tour and we will do our utmost to ensure that your golfbreak runs without the slightest hitch.
For your golf holiday (or corporate event) we'll take care of every aspect of the trip including
flights, ferries, hire-cars, coaches, hotels, dinners and of course Tee-times: all just the way
you want it.
You always have total flexibility to choose where you stay, the golf courses you play and have the
freedom to add whatever else you choose. Restaurant bookings, dinners, wine-tastings, sightseeing
days: anything (within reason!) is possible when we create your personalised golfing itinerary.
Planning your Golf Holiday
Simply browse the destination pages of our website, or
request a copy of our full colour brochure by clicking the image opposite and completing your details on
our simple form. Once you have decided on a destination, simply call or e-mail us to arrange your
personal itinerary or to ask for any advice or recommendations regarding travel, golf courses, hotels,
costs, restaurants - frankly, whatever you need to know!
Luxury gift packages for groups of eight or more from Taittinger, Glenmuir and Srixon. You will receive:
two bottles of Taittinger champagne, a Glenmuir golf shirt, a dozen Srixon SoftFeel golf balls, plus a
Golf Par Excellence shoe bag and shoe-trees.
Groups of sixteen or more qualify for two of our Champagne Prize Parcels, plus an additional two bottles
of Louis Jadot's Burgundy and a Golf Par Excellence holdall.
Very handy at prize-giving time! *To qualify, your booking must include at least two nights accommodation, golf and travel
arrangements.
E.B.G.B. (Early Booking Golf-ball Bonus)
For every month prior to travel that you book, we shall be delighted to send each member of your party
a Srixon 'Soft Feel' golf ball. This means: book two full calendar months before you go and
receive two each: book six months ahead and receive half-a-dozen each! Incidentally, the maximum is a
dozen per golfer: if you can organise your troops a year or more in advance.
Financial Security
You have total financial security when booking your holiday through Golf Par
Excellence. All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially
protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate.
Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is
listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about
financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate.
Monies received for holidays that constitute a 'package' i.e. include accommodationa and golf, but not
including flights booked through Golf Par Excellence are 100% protected via a trust account. This
means that your money is not released to us until you return from your holiday.
Travel arrangements - Fly/Drive
With our ATOL licence, we have everything required to provide a full flight-booking service for you, wherever you may be headed. The European flight scene is continually evolving with plenty of competition these days between the airlines on the popular European routes. We keep tabs on the curent situation and will advise you of the best flights for your golf holiday.
We can book these for you (for a small booking fee to cover our ATOL licencing costs) or you can book these yourselves if you prefer: the choice is entirely yours.
Once your flights are booked, we shall make all the arrangements for hire-cars or onward coach travel. If you have any queries at all on flights to Europe or further afield, please just call for all the information you
require.
Travel arrangements - Self-drive
Taking your own car on holiday is one of the most convenient ways to travel. You can take all your clubs, electric trolleys etc with you and bring back all the French, Italian, Spanish or Portuguese goodies that you like!
For getting across the Channel, we have arranged some very good fares that we can offer you, whether you are zipping under the Channel on Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais, sailing across from Dover to Calais or Zeebrugge or taking the longer crossings on the western Channel with Brittany Ferries to St. Malo or Caen.
If you are Ireland bound, we can equally arrange crossings with both Irish Ferries and Stena Line. Their routes from Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare are perfect for southern Ireland golfbreaks and the routes into Belfast from Liverpool and Stranraer are the easiest way to golfing in Ulster.
Travel Insurance
It makes a lot of sense to protect yourself and your belongings whilst abroad with a good travel insurance policy.
We are happy to recommend some insurance companies for you should you not already have a policy in place. If you are taking your vehicle on holiday we can also advise on European Motoring Breakdown Assistance with roadside assistance and other cover to stop your holiday being spoiled by a minor motoring mishap.
Inclusive car hire insurances carry large excess amounts that you will be liable for in the case of an accident or theft of the vehicle (in the region of €1,500.00 for accidents and €2,500.00 for theft).
If you would like to reduce these excesses to zero you can purchase "super insurance" when you collect your car which will cost around €20.00 per day; alternatively you can purchase an annual policy from Insurance 4 Car Hire for around £50.00 which will cover all your trips for a full year - we think it's much better value!