I’m standing on the practice green at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, eyes fixed on a white golf ball, focused on making clean contact. Until now, I’d never given much thought to the language of golf, words like backswing, downswing, and follow-through. Now, on a crisp late-autumn morning, it’s all I’m thinking about. I am learning the game with Daniel Phillips, a PGA professional whose two-decade-long passion for the sport is evident throughout the lesson. Known for helping golfers of all abilities build confidence and enjoyment in the game, he offers some last-minute pointers as my attention turns to the fundamentals: grip, stance, and rotation. With each adjustment, the game begins to feel less abstract and more intuitive, with technical terms slowly translating into movement.
My first lesson at The Belfry’s PGA Golf Academy starts with the fundamentals, how to hold a club, where to place my feet, and how to move my body so the swing feels fluid rather than forced. It all sounds deceptively straightforward, but in practice, it’s anything but. Tennis has taught me coordination and rotation, but golf demands an entirely different kind of precision that is more deliberate. Still, as I begin to understand the rhythm of the swing and feel the satisfying thud of clean contact, my confidence grows.
I keep practising the across-the-body swing, shifting my weight from back foot to front in a smooth, sweeping motion, aiming for controlled, consistent contact. Slowly, a rhythm begins to emerge. The rotation feels right, but golf is about more than mechanics; it’s about letting go, relaxing, and allowing the motion to flow naturally. And then it happens: that perfect, crisp thwack as the ball soars straight down the fairway. I grin like a complete novice, savouring my small but thrilling victory. By the end of the hour, I’m still far from a pro, yet I finally begin to understand the quiet obsession that draws people to the game.
I couldn’t have chosen a better location to begin my golf journey than The Belfry Hotel & Resort, just a 30-minute drive from Birmingham City Centre. Golf is at the heart of the experience here, with three internationally recognised, world-class courses: the legendary Brabazon, the PGA National, and The Derby, catering to every level of player, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. The resort is the home of the Betfred British Masters and has hosted the Ryder Cup four times, more than any other venue in the world.
For those new to the game, The Belfry offers facilities designed to support players at every level. The PGA National course stands out in particular as England’s only PGA-branded course, distinguished by its inland links-style design that both challenges and inspires golfers of all abilities. The floodlit, 34-bay driving range features Toptracer technology, providing instant shot data and ball flight tracking to help refine every swing. PGA-certified instructors deliver personalised lessons, like the one I had, following a structured approach that covers everything from grip to swing mechanics. What sets The Belfry apart, however, is its atmosphere. There are none of the country-club, stuffy vibes you might expect. Instead, it’s welcoming, energetic, and entirely focused on the joy of the game, a place where even a novice can savour the thrill of their first perfect shot.
The resort has recently undergone a major two-year transformation, almost doubling in size and introducing new spaces that enhance comfort and style. Brabazon House, where I stayed, exemplifies this evolution; sleek, modern, and thoughtfully designed, with natural tones. Many rooms feature private balconies overlooking the Brabazon Course, offering a quiet moment to take in the sprawling fairways and early-morning light. Set across 550 acres of meticulously landscaped grounds, the resort strikes a graceful balance between its storied heritage and contemporary luxury, creating an environment that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.
For those who like to stay active, The Club is a highlight. The vast gym, outfitted with the latest Technogym equipment, has views of the PGA National course. Four dedicated studios host yoga, reformer Pilates, spin, and a variety of other classes, while a multipurpose sports hall caters to team sports and indoor activities. The resort’s wellness offerings are equally impressive: a 25-metre lap pool, a family pool with a flume, indoor and outdoor bubble pools, and a series of thermal experiences that rival any top spa.
After my lesson, I made my way to The Belfry Spa for a foot reflexology treatment. From the very first touch, it was pure relief. My therapist worked through pressure points I didn’t even know existed, easing tension in my feet, legs, and lower back. The effect was immediate; I felt lighter, calmer, and the memory of my first swings seemed to dissolve. Afterwards, I wandered into the Fire & Ice Experience, the spa’s signature thermal journey. Moving through warm saunas, steamy rooms, and icy plunge showers, each element designed to awaken the body and reset the senses, was the perfect way to unwind, whether or not the day had been spent on the golf course.
The hotel’s main restaurant, The Ryder Restaurant, showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a modern British twist. Guests can enjoy a relaxed à la carte meal, sample a buffet, or choose one of the restaurant’s themed culinary offerings. To cater to a range of tastes, the à la carte menu features everything from steaks and seafood to vegetarian dishes.
Boasting internationally recognised golf courses, award-winning dining, and a comprehensive range of wellness facilities, the resort caters to every type of traveller, whether seeking activity, relaxation, or a combination of the two. Mornings might be spent honing a swing on the greens, afternoons immersed in the tranquillity of the spa, and evenings savouring the sunset from a balcony overlooking the Brabazon Golf Course, all seamlessly woven into a single, harmonious experience.
Ideal for relaxed travellers looking for luxury that doesn’t feel too uptight.
