Golfers flock to UK Golf Resorts amidst travel corridor confusion

The number of customers that booked to visit a UK golf resort between June and September 2020 more than doubled compared to the same period last year, according to Glencor Golf.

The York-based golf holiday specialists are well renowned for offering holidays to luxurious resorts and sun kissed golf courses around Europe. However, the uncertainty of overseas travel during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic has seen a big shift to domestic breaks.

In 2019, UK holidays accounted for just 11% of the firm’s overall bookings but during this summer, it made up 45% of all holidays booked. Overseas golf holidays meanwhile have dropped from 89% of all trips booked to just 55%.

Spain and Portugal are traditionally the most popular destinations for UK golfers to visit but, due to travel restrictions, Glencor Golf have seen their popularity significantly drop year on year.

Spain was removed from the travel corridor list at the end of July, which meant holidaymakers were required to self-isolate for 2 weeks upon returning to the UK. 

Subsequently, Glencor Golf have seen a 66% drop in bookings to popular Spanish golfing regions such as the Costa Del Sol and Costa Blanca.

Bookings for Portugal holidays meanwhile have seen a more moderate 49% drop year on year. 

This is largely due to a resurgence of bookings after the country was placed on the government’s travel corridor list on August 20.

"During the summer, we saw a lot of golfers looking to arrange a last-minute getaway as lockdown measures were eased," said Corrie Renton, Director at Glencor Golf.

"Booking a UK break was in keeping with the staycation message the government communicated so many people focused on the domestic courses.

"A number of our clients have rearranged their 2020 European breaks for Spring 2021 and then looked to fill the gap with a UK break until international travel returns to normality.

"We are doing everything we can to get our customers to warmer climes in 2020. But we understand that a lot of people are looking for breaks closer to home this year and we’re doing all we can to provide them with the best deals. 

"Here in the UK, we are fortunate to be blessed with a lot of incredible golf courses and resorts on our doorstep and many customers are discovering them for the first time this year.

"The destinations that have proven the most popular are the two former Ryder Cup venues - Celtic Manor and The Belfry. Both of these resorts have multiple courses on-site as well as great bars, restaurants, spas and gyms.

"The facilities are so good, they appeal to both golfing fanatics looking to play bucket list courses such as the Brabazon and also couples looking for a relaxing long weekend."