Why The Belfry remains so popular with golfers

When you ask someone to name an English golf resort, there's an extremely good chance that The Belfry will be the venue that first comes to mind.

It's a reputation that was built on an enviable history of staging the Ryder Cup on four unforgettable occasions, in 1985, 1989, 1993 and 2002, when some of the most indelible moments in European golf were forged.

However, it's been decades since the showpiece event last made its way to this magical corner of Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham, so quite why does The Belfry continue to captivate attention in the manner that it does? This is a place that remains one of the most popularly reviewed on Golfshake - so it must be doing something right.

Becoming regular host of the British Masters in recent years has reignited its wider profile, but the truth is that The Belfry never went away, it continued to be one of the most sought-after destinations by golfers throughout the country, which is a demand that shows no signs of relenting as we edge towards the end of this century's third decade.

Let's take a glance at what you can expect from a Belfry experience - something that you could even secure today by booking with our expert travel partners Golfbreaks.

The Golf Courses

It goes without saying that the Brabazon Course is the main attraction. This is where Ryder Cup dreams were made and it's a layout that still possesses enough bite to challenge the very best golfers on the planet.

You will instantly recognise some of the holes - it's that iconic - with the standouts clearly being the 18th, that fearsome par 4 that requires a carry over water, and the famed 10th that can be driveable for those with the ability and nerve to take it on, just as the legendary Seve Ballesteros did all those years ago.

This is an opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those giants, the likes of Faldo, Woosnam, Langer and Lyle, and recreate some of the moments, like the winning putts of Sam Torrance and Paul McGinley, that will forever be etched in our minds.

But there is more to golf at The Belfry than just its most celebrated creation.

The PGA National is another formidable course that has tested some of Europe's leading players in the past, while the Derby is a refreshing change of pace, no less enjoyable but not quite at the same exacting level of difficulty as its two siblings, which makes for a welcome alternative for many a visitor seeking a more rounded golfing examination from their stay at The Belfry.

With a trio of renowned courses to play, there is more than enough here to satisfy the keenest of connoisseurs.

The Resort

Given its storied past, you might think of The Belfry as being a 20th century resort, but this is a venue with a vision belonging to the current century and beyond, with significant investment having been made in recent years to upgrade and transform just what it can offer guests who have grasped the opportunity to discover its charms for themselves.

Most relevant for golfers is the new wing housed within the Brabazon House that consists of 149 bedrooms, including the first two-bedroom suite at the resort, with expansive views across the Brabazon Course itself.

Whichever part of the resort you choose to book, the rooms are outstanding, but it's within the bars and restaurants where many of you will spend the most rewarding of times, reflecting on your day out on the courses and exchanging stories and special moments of camaraderie with those who you are sharing the ambiance with.

The Ryder Restaurant has something to offer everyone, crafted by a tremendous team of chefs, while Rocca's is where you can sample a taste of Italy, with the very best in Mediterranean cuisine being available.

Sam's Bar & Kitchen is the perfect place to unwind, offering quality food in a relaxed environment, where live sport will be a permanent backdrop on the many TVs within sight. 

For a more refined and indulgent setting, the Brabazon Bar offers fine wines, chilled champagne and delectable cocktails, while the live music nights offer a sense of stylish glamour to your evenings enjoyed here.

The Exceptional Facilities

If you've spent all day on the courses and nights by the various watering holes, then you may not believe that you have much time for anything else, but that would be a mistake, as The Belfry has so much more to offer.

The luxurious spa is truly glorious and a magnificent place to relax and enhance your general sense of wellbeing, with various treatments and facilities being presented to you, including a whirlpool, steam room, a heated indoor pool, and numerous other additions that complement each other to create the ideal fire and ice blend.

Part of the major renovations that have been undertaken here, The Club is a major highlight to The Belfry these days. This is the ultimate fitness and wellness location, with an extensive gym, various classes, and just about everything you could imagine, all of which you can benefit from as a guest of the resort.

Golfers may also love paying a visit to the PGA National Golf Academy - home to a floodlit, 34-bay driving range that boasts Toptracer technology - to hone their game ahead of the next round.

The Belfry has a remarkable history and celebrates it fully, but this is a venue that is equally looking into the future, striding forwards to deliver the most complete of experiences that will remain beloved by the keen golfers who choose to embrace everything that this revered destination continues to provide. 

If you would like to know more, please visit The Belfry's official website or see our Golfbreaks for the very best deals and packages that you can get your hands on right now.