CORNWALL FEATURE: Can there be anywhere finer than on a golf course in Cornwall? Certainly many people from around the West Country, Wales and the rest of England are happy to play there.
There are a number of classic courses and clubs, ranging from the gateway course at Trethorne to Cape Cornwall at St Just, near Penzance.
Let's start with Trethorne, the first course that attracts you as you journey west. Take the turn off the A30 to the A395 at Launceston and there you are.
It has developed from a nine-hole course to a full 18-hole lay out and has matured so much that the West Region PGA are delighted to take a Pro Am there each year.
Professional Mark Boundy and experienced administrator Colin Willis are really taking the club places.
One of the favourite courses is at Bude and North Cornwall. But resident professional John Yeo may not be there as much as usual this year as he is the captain-elect of the Professional Golfers' Association.
He is one of the most respected pros in the west, but has passed on all his experience to his son Mark who stands in his absence. Bude is full of hotels and guest houses offering great golfing packages.
Bowood Park at Camelford is a just a little further past Trethorne. The back nine holes are among the best in the county and there is plenty of accommodation at the course and nearby.
St Kew is just a little further down the A30. It is one of the best nine hole courses in the West and is home to the Cornwall short course championship.
Roserrow is a fine newish course on the way to Polzeath while Killiow Park at Kea, near Truro, is gaining a reputation as place to play with excellent driving range facilities.
Newquay is a cliff-stop links-like course that dries exceptionally well and offers a fair test to golfers of all abilities. Secretary Graham Binney is on hand to help and the course is used by the PGA for the annual Cornish Festival at the end of April.
The Scilly Isles course was also used by the PGA for an annual two-day Pro Am. The welcome is worth the boat or helicopter trip across the water.
Mullion is right on the coast but is well worth a visit. One ho1l1e is played from the cliff almost into the water. On a nice day it's an idyllic spot.
Tehidy Park is a quality course near Camborne. It's a little difficult to find, but the search is very worthwhile. Long-serving professional James Dumbreck will be guarantee a warm welcome.
Lanhydrock is one of the best newer golf courses, not only in Cornwall, but also in the country. Situated near Bodmin, it has been superbly developed by the Bond brothers, late of St Mellion, and run by Graham Bond.
There is accommodation on site and the clubhouse is a very special building.
West Cornwall, a links course, has been put on the map by Philip Rowe who has progressed from a Cornwall county player to become an England international and Walker Cup player who is now in America.
Perranporth, another exciting links course, has possibly the best and slickest greens in the entire county. There are a number of blind holes, but it's a great adventure.
The Whitsand Bay Hotel course at Torpoint offers fine stay-and-play deals and is on the fringe of the bustling city of Plymouth.
The attractive Looe course where veteran professional Alastair MacDonald holds sway is another fine holiday venue on the south of the county.
China Fleet at Saltash has strong naval connections, but possesses both a quality golf course with fine accommodation.
St Austell secretary Keith Trehair runs the Cornwall Alliance so he is the ideal man to talk to about golf in the south of Cornwall.
The county is a great place to visit and the popularity of the quaint towns, villages, fishing ports and hamlets complement some excellent golf courses.
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