Golf365 review: Oulton Hall perfect for a sporting weekend

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Oulton Hall in south Leeds is the perfect venue for a sporting weekend – both on the golf course and in the clubhouse.

England’s 2019 Cricket World Cup-winning ODI squad stayed at the hotel ahead of their semi-final with Australia, while a host of football teams including Arsenal and Southampton have also enjoyed the luxurious surroundings and facilities at the QHotels resort.

There are 27 holes to tackle, preferably over a two-night, two-round stay which is available for £169pp and includes dinner, bed and breakfast.

And although you can relax and unwind in the stunning 18th-century mansion, it’s the Claret Jug bar and clubhouse that feels like home for all golfers, with live sport screened on several TVs, a bar looking out over the 18th green and helpful, friendly staff in the club shop.

Oulton Hall entrance

Gareth Southgate and his England squad stayed at Oulton Hall before their World Cup 2018 warm-up friendly with Costa Rica at Elland Road – and the venue is a firm favourite with many football teams taking on Leeds United as it’s close to the M62 motorway, and just five miles from Leeds city centre.

Director of golf Jon Pilkington is a huge sports fan himself so ensures all the major sporting events are screened in the Claret Jug restaurant, which has an excellent menu and a fine selection of drinks to enjoy either in the bar or on the viewing area overlooking the 18th green.

Read more: Golf365’s gallery guide to Oulton Hall golf course, hotel and spa

Leading golf course architect Dave Thomas has designed 27 holes which are an enjoyable challenge for all players with some forgiving fairways, plenty of bunkers and a standout 24th hole which features an approach over a water hazard.

Oulton Hall has outstanding practice facilities and boasts the north of England’s leading golf performance centre, while the impressive driving range is open until 8pm.

Oulton Hall golf range

If you fancy a weekend or midweek break with your partner, then the hotel has an AA Rosette award-winning restaurant, and also serves Afternoon Tea.

The spa is also the perfect place to re-energise between rounds, with a pool/jacuzzi/sauna/steam room providing lots of opportunity to rest your weary legs.

An evening dinner in The Calverley Grill is included in most packages on offer, as well as a buffet breakfast fit for a king and queen, with Sunday Lunch also served on weekends.

And after a decent night’s sleep in one of the 152 bedrooms, you’ll be ready to tee off and pick which 18 holes you fancy taking on, with holes 1-18 classed as The Calverley, and holes 19-27 The Hall.

The 21st hole needs to be carefully navigated, while the closing 27th offers an excellent chance to end your round on a high, with a tantalising view of the flag from the tee.

There are many offers for you to consider at Oulton Hall, which deserves to be top of your list for golfing breaks.

By Simon Wilkes, @SimonJWilkes on Twitter.

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