Darwin Ambassador and Sky Sports presenter Sarah Stirk is holding a charity golf day at The Springs in Oxfordshire this October

Taking place on Thursday 31st October, the charity event aims to raise funds for Dogs for Good, Sarah has been an ambassador of the charity for over two years. The charity trains and provides dogs to people with a variety of needs, including physical disabilities, autism, dementia and learning disabilities, giving them a more independent life.

The charity golf day hosted at The Springs will also be full of fun for everyone, including prizes and a Question and Answer session with professional golfer Eddie Pepperell, who won the 2018 Qatar Masters. The charity golf day is sure to be a fantastic day raising funds for a worthy cause!

You’re still within a chance to play in the tournament too! You can enter with a team, or individually if you choose, all you have to do is get in touch via email on events@dogsforgood.org or call 01295 759 838. This is already a hugely popular event, so make sure to register your interest as soon as you can.

play one of the best courses in oxfordshire at the springs golf club

Located in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, The Springs Golf Club has a fantastic course spread over 133 acres of parkland. The course itself was designed by Brian Hugget, a very talented golfer and former Ryder Cup Captain who created a course to test all skill levels and challenge off the tee.

Our membership costs are competitive and offer a wide range of benefits, including priority online booking, access to practice facilities with a putting green and practice range.

Sarah Stirk’s lucky competition winner spent the day playing a round of golf with the Sky Sports reporter at our very own Springs Golf Club. Darwin Ambassador and Sky Sports golf reporter, Sarah Stirk recently ran a competition in partnership with Darwin Escapes, where one winner would be able to play a round of golf with her at The Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire.

Scott Peggie, from near Falkirk in Scotland was that lucky winner and travelled down the country to Wallingford, Oxfordshire to play with Sarah! Scott was surprised and delighted to hear he had won the social competition and was excited to play alongside Sarah and Matt Kimber, the pro-golfer at The Springs. Scott regularly plays with his friends at his local clubs, including St Andrews Golf Club and Falkrik Golf Club, as well as having played on our own championship course at Dundonland Links Golf Club.

Although the weather was not on their side, the trio had a wonderful (if wet) day playing golf on the stunning Oxfordshire course, with Sarah winning the day. Scott and Matt both ended on 35, with Sarah out-scoring them on 39 points.

the q&a

We sat down with both Sarah and Scott after their game and had a quick question and answer session with them about the day.

scott peggie

What made you enter the competition? – I’m a big fan of Sarah’s work on Sky Sports & thought it would be a great chance to play golf with her.

Are you a keen golfer? – I try to play golf every week whether its games with friends or medal competitions at my local golf club.

Are you a member of any other golf clubs? – I’m currently a member of Falkirk Golf Club and The St Andrews Golf Club.

How did you find the day? – It was a fantastic experience & everyone made me feel very welcome. I was a little nervous prior to meeting with Sarah but she was so easy going & down to earth that it felt like I was playing with a lifelong friend!

What did you think of the course? – The course was excellent, very playable for all levels of player. The condition of the course was great, the green in particular were fantastic to putt on, running very true which gives a lot of confidence. The rain didn’t have any negative impact on how the course played as there was no noticeable water lying on the course. The green keeping staff should be commended for the overall condition.

Did you encounter any difficulties/what was your favourite hole? I didn’t encounter any difficulties. There were a number of good holes but my favourite was the 8th hole, which is a short par 3 with a lake to the left of the green. I didn’t play the hole as well as Sarah but it’s one I would like to play again!

Did the weather affect the day? – The weather wasn’t pleasant that’s for sure! However, it didn’t impact on the quality of the golf we all played and certainly didn’t reduce the enjoyment on the day. Only thing it probably stopped me taking photos on the way round as trying to stay dry!

How did you find the clubhouse facilities? – The facilities were really good, the locker room was well set out with individual lockers available for belongings etc. The Pro shop was well stocked with lots of quality brands, both in clothing & golf clubs. The bar/lounge area was spacious and comfortable with nice views out onto the golf course. The staff throughout the clubhouse were very welcoming & happy to assist with any queries that I had.

How was lunch? – I had fish & chips from the ‘specials’ menu and it was tasty. I would definitely recommend having food & a drink after playing as it rounded off the day perfectly.

Would you try another Darwin Escapes Golf Resort? – I’ve been lucky to have played twice at Dundonald Links in the past so I’m really looking forward to seeing how Darwin Escapes develop the course & in particular the facilities further. I’d like to have a game at the Kilnwick Percy Resort in Yorkshire as it looks a good set up with accommodation available onsite & restaurant facilities.

sarah stirk

How’s the course playing at the moment? – Fantastically well, the greens are great and it’s certainly more challenging off the tee

What was your favourite hole? – 18, visually it’s stunning with the trees splitting the fairway. A real tough driving test and it’s imposing from the tee

Lose any balls in the water? – No, but lots on the bunkers!

How did you find golf pro Matt’s performance? – Matt was fab, a true professional despite him saying he rarely gets to play nowadays, it doesn’t show

How did you find Scott’s performance? – Scott played really well. A lovely guy and an unbelievable putter. He couldn’t miss!

You don’t play as much as you’d like to? How does that affect you? – I miss it, I’ve played more this year, but still not enough. Definitely hope to get a few more rounds in this season and aim to play more in 2020

Sarah will be running another social competition to play at Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club very soon! Make sure to keep an eye out on her social channels for a chance to win and play a game with her at another of Darwin Escapes’ luxurious golf resorts!

From 29th July to 4th August, England Golf are celebrating and focusing on women and girls in golf, and Golf by Darwin Escapes is right there celebrating too!

The Springs Golf Club is one of 3 beautiful golf courses owned by Darwin Escapes and is located in Oxfordshire. The Springs Golf Club is one of the most popular clubs in the region and offers competitive membership rates, a fantastic and challenging course and a wonderful social life for all its members.

England Golf are celebrating Women in Golf and sharing stories via their social media using the #whyigolf, there will be celebrity stories, stories of women’s careers in golf, and even raising awareness of the volunteers who keep the game going behind the scenes.

In honour of Women in Golf week we had a quick sit down with our amazing Lady Captain at The Springs, Lyn Bewley to talk about her inspirations and why she loves the game. Take a read of our Q&A session with our talented lady in golf and her story of why she golfs.

• What or who inspired you to get involved with golf?
  My boss who was a single figure handicap player and he was always telling me what a wonderful game it was.
• How long have you been playing? Or what age did you take it up?
  I’ve been playing for 21 years, I took it up at 50 but wished I had started earlier.
• How often do you play?
  It varies from a couple of times a week to 5 times a week.
• Do you have a favourite tournament format?
  I enjoy a 3 ball alliance, it’s a friendly format with no pressure on anyone.
• In three words describe how golf makes you feel?
  Aren’t I lucky!
• What does it feel like when you finally hit ‘that shot’?
  Amazing!
• What would you say to someone thinking about taking up golf?
  I would say to them, “it’s a wonderful game that everyone can play and a great place to have a social life.”
• Why did you decide to become a member, and then captain, at The Springs?
  I moved from Essex 7 years ago and when looking at the various clubs in the area, prior to our move, we were impressed with the Course and the Club Secretary at the time sent us newsletters informing us of all things happening at the club. I put myself forward to be Lady Captain as I enjoyed the Club and the members and felt it was right for me to put something back into the club.
• What is your favourite hole at The Springs?
  The 16th, very pretty at the moment with the Purple Loosestrife, Bullrushes and smell of mint growing up from the water feature.
• How has golf positively impacted your life?
  Moving from another area when you have retired could be difficult to meet people but join a golf club and you meet so many people from all walks of life and enjoy a very sociable life.
• What’s the best thing about being part of the golfing community?
  The friendships and social life.
• Who is your all-time favourite female golfer and why?
  Laura Davis for her sense of humour and being British.

As proud owners of The Springs Golf Club, Darwin Escapes are happy to support the Women in Golf week from England Golf and showcase Lyn’s story and why she golfs.

The Springs has over 120 women members, with 100 holding an official handicap, so when you join us you’ll know you’re doing one of the top clubs in the region. Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the course offers a fantastic game to all and a ladies membership brings quite a few benefits at competitive rates.

The Springs Golf Club could be just what you’re looking for…

England Golf are celebrating Women in Golf from 29th July to 5th August, and we are celebrating right along with them! Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club is part of Darwin Escapes’ portfolio of 3 beautiful golf courses around the UK. Located in 180 acres of the stunning Yorkshire Wolds, you can enjoy a challenging game on the 120 acres golf course. Memberships offer competitive rates, a fantastic social life and access to Kilnwick Percy Resort’s 5 star facilities too!

Celebrating Women in Golf, England Golf will be sharing stories of all the different roles woman have in the game, from talented players and celebrities to the amazing volunteers behind the scenes. Keep an eye out for their #whyigolf on their social channels to read some amazing stories.

Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club are honouring our own talented Women in Golf, we had a quick Q&A session with Lady Captain Delia Smith, so read below to find out more about her and why she golfs.

• What or who inspired you to get involved with golf?
  I worked at a golf club part-time from 2001 and full time from 2003 and after a few years I thought I should have a go. The greenkeepers received free memberships but I would be the first member of the clubhouse. The pro gave me a few lessons and then when he left, a member took me under his wing and taught me everything, he took me onto the course every Tuesday and was very patient!
• How long have you been playing? Or what age did you take it up?
  I am 37 and have played for 12 years
• How often do you play?
  Usually twice a week Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Do you have a favourite format?
  Stableford, you can pick up and move on if having a bad hole!
• Do you play with the same people all the time?
  I usually play Tuesdays and Thursdays with the ladies.
• In one word describe how golf makes you feel?
  Challenged
• What does it feel like when you finally hit ‘that shot’?
  You think you can play!! Returning time and time again to see if you can do it
• What would you say to someone thinking about taking up golf? Have a go, you will have a laugh and meet lots of people.
• Why did you decide to become a member, and then captain, at Kilnwick Percy?
  When the business I was working for went into administration I didn’t know if I wanted to keep playing. One of the lady members invited me to Kilnwick Percy, which was where she joined with her husband. I enjoyed the game and so decided it was close to home and a good course. It has come on so much in since I joined, this year it looks and plays very well. After a few years I was asked to think about being captain, I thought it was the right time and I have followed fantastic captains. Life is busy but I enjoy organising things!
• What is your favourite hole at Kilnwick Percy?
  The 16th because the views are fantastic
• Have you played at any of Darwin Escapes’ other golf clubs?
  No, but I would like to
• How has golf positively impacted your life?
  It gives me a challenge and exercise
• What’s the best thing about being part of the golfing community?
  Meeting a wide variety of people and in my job a lot of people who come to the bar talk golf so we have common ground

Darwin Escapes are proud owners of Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club and are happy to help support England Golf’s week of Women in Golf in telling Delia’s story and why she golfs.

Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club membership brings discounts at our 5 star facilities, including the Glasshouse Restaurant, as well as competitive rates for one of the best golf clubs in the region, with a spectacular course to help challenge you. Enjoy a drink after your game at the Glasshouse Restaurant, or opt for a relaxing Aromatherapy Associates treatment at the Tranquility Spa to soothe those aching muscles.

Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club has facilities to delight and a course to excite you, it could be everything you’re looking for…

Our annual Legends Day Tournament is just around the corner on Wednesday 15th May at The Springs, with everyone helping to raise funds for a worthy cause

The Springs Golf Club in Oxfordshire boasts beautiful scenery and a championship course, which was designed by a true golf legend, former Ryder Cup Captain Brian Huggett. Brian created a beautiful course to challenge and delight all ages and skill levels.

Our Legends Day Tournament takes place on Wednesday 15th May, it is an 18 hole Texas Scramble event, with 8 sporting legends on some lucky teams! The teams which they will be playing will be drawn in the morning before tee-off.

This fantastic event is helping to raise funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation, which is a truly wonderful charity that works to improve the quality of life, and overall wellbeing of young people who have suffered life changing injuries through sport.

In 2005, Matt Hampson was left paralysed from the neck down after an accident during an England Under 21 training session. Ever since, Matt has fought hard to live as normal a life as he can and as a testament of his bravery and determination, he created the Matt Hampson Foundation to help others. Matt provides advice, mentoring and inspirational talks across the country, as well as being a forward coach at Oakham School and Oakham Rugby Club.

The Springs Golf Club’s annual Legends Day Tournament will be proudly raising funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation, with the help of 8 great sporting legends.

who are the legends?

Here’s the cast list of our wonderful legends who will be helping to raise funds and join a lucky team for the day:

• Max Evans – a talented Rugby Union and Scotland International player. Max played for the Glasgow Warriors from 2007 to 2011, scoring 50 points in 63 appearances, as well as having 44 caps for Scotland!
• Louis Deacon – a great former Leicester Tigers and England International player, he had 29 caps for his country and 274 appearances for the Leicester Tigers!
• Freddie Tuilagi – the Samoan born, talented International Rugby Union and Rugby League player will also be joining us. Signing with the Leicester Tigers in 2000, Freddie was part of the 2002 Heineken Cup winning side
• Nick Compton – Former cricketer for Middlesex and Somerset, as well as playing internationally for England, Nick has played 16 Test matches between 2012 and 2016.
• Greg Searle – winning Gold in rowing at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Greg was then awarded an MBE. He went on to win Bronze medals in both the 1996 Atlanta and 2012 London Olympics, as well as winning the Gold at the 1993 World Championships with his brother.
• Paul Doran-Jones – an accomplished retired Rugby Union player, who played for a number of teams from 2003 to 2018, including Gloucester, the London Wasps and the Harlequins.
• Chris Wyles – an American-British Rugby Union player who also represented the USA Eagles in the 3 world cups. Chris signed for the Saracens in 2008, where he made 254 appearances and scored a whopping 375 points!
• Matthew Hoggard – Matthew joins us at the Legends Day for a second consecutive year. A former cricketer who played for England from 2000 to 2008, and was also the captain at Leicestershire until 2013.

• Laurie Evans – a fantastic cricketer for Sussex County Cricket Club and was picked for the Rajshahi Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League in the 2018-19 squad. He enjoy a fantastic tournament as the lead run scorer, with 339 runs in 11 matches.

All our teams and legends are sure to have the best day at the tournament while raising funds for the Matt Hampson Foundation.

Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club is a championship course in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, enjoy an office day like no other with our corporate packages. The Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club offers great 12 month corporate golf membership packages, which offers the ideal play to build business relationships with both clients and colleagues. Escape the office and boardroom meetings for the 120 acre championship golf course, create a memorable meeting for all involved and have a great time too.

Our 12 month corporate membership packages are the perfect excuse to mix business with pleasure, read below to see the full benefits for you, your clients and your employees.

platinum package

£1000 EX VAT

• 8 rounds per month
• 8 range tokens per month
• Preferential rates on corporate golf days
• Corporate accommodation rates
• 10% off gym membership for employees
• 10% off spa treatments for employees
• Offers and promotions
• 2020 renewal at 2019 prices

platinum+ package

£1663 EX VAT

• Includes all of the Platinum Package
• 4 buggy hires per month
• Golf hole sponsorship

Kilnwick Percy Resort & Golf Club is perfectly located and easily accessible, being only 30 minutes outside of York city in Pocklington. So no matter where you are in the area, you and your employees can benefit from one of our great corporate membership packages.

With the corporate accommodation rates, you can relax in luxury in one of our beautiful, self-catering two storey lodges or luxury hotel rooms. Soak in the surrounded views of our 120 acre championship course, either from the floor to ceiling windows, or a private hot tub.

Take advantage of your discounts and indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment at our Tranquillity Spa Lodge, where our fully trained therapists offer a wide range of treatments to ease those aching muscles after a long day of golf.

Perhaps you’d like to work off any extra energy in The Box Gym, which has everything you need for a full body workout.

Or opt to indulge yourself and your business associates with a meal and drink from our Glasshouse Restaurant, which boasts wide reaching views of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Contact our team today for more information about our 12 month corporate golf membership packages, email us on golf@darwinbusiness.co.uk

The Springs Golf Club is one of the most popular golf clubs in Oxfordshire, so why not take advantage of our 12 month corporate packages today? Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at The Springs, where our 12 month corporate packages offer a great alternative to formal boardroom meetings.

Spread over 130 acres of picturesque parkland, our championship course was designed by Brian Huggett MBE, Ryder Cup Captain and all round golfing legend. Brian perfected the course during the design and use the space to challenge all skill levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy their time at The Springs.

Our corporate membership packages allow you to spend time with clients, colleagues and business associates and create an unforgettable working day. Our corporate packages are below:

platinum package

£1000 EX VAT

• 8 rounds per month
• 8 range tokens per month
• Preferential rate on a corporate golf day
• Offers & promotions
• 2020 renewal at 2019 prices

platinum+ package

£1663 EX VAT

• Includes all of our Platinum Package
• Golf hole sponsorship
• 4 buggy hires per month

Ideally placed in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, no matter where you are in the local area, you’ll be able to take full advantage of our 12 month corporate membership packages.

Enjoy a round of golf with business associates, then head into our beautiful Tudor-style clubhouse, where you can relax with a drink or enjoy a mouth-watering meal.
Create a meeting everyone will remember with our golf corporate membership packages.

For more information about our corporate membership packages contact us direct on golf@darwinbusiness.co.uk

Join one of Oxfordshire’s most popular golf clubs and learn a new skill in a friendly environment, with a fantastic golf course to take advantage of. If you’re a beginner or looking to start golfing, The Springs Golf Club offers a wonderfully inclusive and friendly environment to start, with our Golf Pro Paul Cook on hand to help you get started. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of 133 acres, the golf course was lovingly designed by former Ryder Cup Captain Brian Hugget MBE, and was created for all skill levels to enjoy.

In this post we’ve listed some top tips for golfing beginners, with brief explanations, but why not book a day of golf or a Pro Session with Paul to see what it is all about?

get your aim spot on

Your aim isn’t just in your feet, but you need your knees, hips, shoulders and club face to all follow suit. Always check your alignment is spot on in every practice session, even the pros still do this.

solid stance is key

You need to have a wide, solid, stable and balanced stance to begin any shot, build from the ground up (meaning your feet, not the actual ground). The general rule of thumb is to make sure the inside of your feet line up with the outside of your shoulders.

get that grip right

Practice holding your club as often as you can, even if that means taking into the house and picking it up every time you walk past it, your grip is key to a successful stance and swing.

work on your posture

This doesn’t mean walk around with books on your head, don’t worry. You need to make sure you are tilting from your hips and not your waist, while keeping both your arms and back straight, with a very slight bend to your knees.

start swinging your hips

Your down swing needs to start with your hips, not your upper body. Similar to skimming a stone, the lower part of the body starts the movement, with the upper body following the momentum, this should happen when you swing.

use the short clubs first

As tempting as it is to get the driver out and start swinging, mastering your core skills on each of the clubs to begin with is the best course of action. Once you are confident and consistently hitting with the shorter ones, move up to the longer club.

keep up with your skills

As your love of golf grows, so will your knowledge and you will start to read magazines, forums and websites all talking about new ways of doing things. This can cloud the fundamental skills you’ve learned. Make sure to book regular coaching sessions with our resident Pro to keep on top of your skills.

And those are our top tips for all beginners, start with the small and core skills which you can build on and create a successful game from. Are you ready to join The Springs Golf Club?

Memberships at The Springs are available for almost any age, with options for both Juniors and Seniors, as well as a Ladies membership being available. Members are able to take full advantage of the exclusive members-only events, which includes a number of golf tournaments and community events in the Tudor-style clubhouse all year round.

The Springs Golf Club offers a fantastic range of memberships at our beautiful course in Wallingford, Oxfordshire

Our wonderful course is spread over 133 acres of picturesque parkland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, meaning you can soak up the tranquil countryside when you play. The Springs offers more than golf, with a stunning Tudor-style clubhouse hosting a range of events all year round, including quiz nights, afternoon tea days and festive dinners to enjoy.

the course

Our popular course challenges beginners and advanced golfers alike, it was originally designed by Brian Huggett MBE, a former Ryder Cup Captain.

Brian managed to incorporate the range of terrains found around the parkland of The Springs to create an innovative and admired golf course, which is popular with players all over the UK. The course recently featured the prestigious and popular Trilby Tour Championship, which was featured on Sky Sports.

As well as the course itself being challenging, the surrounding area adds to the game as it is completely open to the elements. The 8th hole in particular will challenge all, as it is the place you’re most likely to be impacted by the wind of the day, which means that depending on weather conditions you could need anything from a wood to a mid-iron for the shot. Our beautifully designed course will test all your skills and knowledge, making a fun round of golf for all abilities.

the benefits

Becoming a member at The Springs Golf Club means taking advantage of all the below benefits open to you, as well as enjoying a range of members events at the Tudor-style clubhouse.

• Access to the immaculately kept course and grounds all year round
• Use of our perfect practice facilities, including a practice range, bunker practice facilities and a putting green
• Priority online tee bookings, plus tee booking 2 weeks in advance
• 24 hour booking availability via from brsgolf.com
• A fully stocked pro shop onsite for all your needs
• Official CONGU handicap administration
• Player Score Input (PSI) for competition cards
• Enjoy membership only access to a range of Theatre and Bridge clubs

As a member, you will also benefit from a country card, which allows discounted fees at over 1000 other golf courses around the UK.

the fees

Our 2018 annual fees are currently:

So what are you waiting for? Find out which membership option is right for you and join one of Oxfordshire’s most popular clubs, The Springs Golf Club.

Call us on 01491 827300 for more information.

Enjoy a fun day of golf with one of our fantastic sporting legends in aid of charity at The Springs Golf Club!

As one of the most popular golf clubs in Oxfordshire, The Springs is set within a 133 acres of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with a beautifully built golf course to test and challenge all skill sets. And on the 7th June, you could be challenging your skill with a sporting legend in aid of Reach Out, a mentoring charity for children and young adults. There will also be a charity auction all in aid of Reach Out.

The teams will undertake a Texas Scramble over the 18 hole golf course, in teams of 4, with either 3 players and 1 legend for £1200, or 4 players (no legend) for £600 entry fee. The legends will be placed in a team via a live draw, which will featured a live Facebook event for you to see how it all unfolds and who is placed on what team!

the sporting legends

Keep an eye on the website for more detailed information about our cast of sporting legends*, but below is to roll call and where you will know them from:

• Will Greenwood – a former Rugby Union player, who was part of the 2003 England World Cup winning squad!
• Matthew Hoggard – a former English cricketer who played for the national team between 2000 and 2008. Was captain of Leicestershire from 2010 to 2013.
• Monty Panesar – a current English international cricketer, a popular fixture in the cricketing world.
• Scott Quinnell – a Welsh former Rugby Union and Rugby League player, gained 52 caps for Wales and 7 of them were as Captain.
• Nick Gubbins – an up and coming England player, who currently plays for Middlesex.
• Zinzan Brooke – a former New Zealand Rugby Union player. He once held the record for most tries scored by a forward in International games.

Don’t forget to like our page on Facebook to see our live Facebook event of the drawing of the teams!

To learn more about the event and how you can book your team into the tournament, check out our official Sporting Legends Golf Day page.