Macfivenews

Golf hope group offers thank you break to key workers

Golfers looking to test their mettle after lockdown have a chance to strike while the iron is hot and help give a short break thank-you to NHS or key pandemic workers.

The UK’s largest golf resort operator, QHotels Group, has seen an influx of new members and a massive increase in green fee revenue as the sport’s popularity soars after lockdown – with no signs of slowing down any time soon.

For every one in five breakaway packages booked, the group is donating a complimentary two-night stay to an NHS or key worker to thank them for their hard work during the pandemic.

The group has signed up more than 500 new members across its seven golf resorts, with June seeing 50 per cent of its annual green fee revenue taken in one month at most venues.

The general opinion across the golf industry is that the recent success of the UK market will be short lived, but the QHotels Group is optimistic that it is here to stay – with the current trends across its golf resorts suggesting that domestic UK golf break business is looking strong for the next nine months.

Belton Woods, in Grantham, Lincolnshire – a stunning four-star resort with two championship-standard courses and an extensive offering of leisure facilities, including tennis and squash courts, spa, swimming pool, gym and even croquet and archery provision – has always been a good barometer for UK demand and is already seeing 2021 filling up fast.

DoubleTree by Hilton Forest Pines Spa & Golf Resort, in Brigg, is a 27-hole championship venue with an enviable reputation for winter golf – with excellent course conditions all year round – and is already filling up nicely for winter. The resort is also home to a first-class spa, health club and swimming pool, as well as an array of dining options, to unwind and relax after a day out on the course, which offers three loops of nine holes.

Slaley Hall, in Hexham, Northumberland, is also enjoying its busiest time. The popular 36-hole golf complex is the perfect destination for a golf break, offering two stunning 18-hole championship-standard courses in the heart of the picturesque Tyne valley, each providing a different challenge, as well as top-quality practice facilities and a spa and health club on site.

And with golf breaks set to be so popular, the group’s top tip is to book midweek, which will be better value, less busy and will provide a better choice of tee times and quicker rounds.

Group Chief Executive of QHotels Group, Richard Moore, said: “With overseas travel still so uncertain, we know that many golfers will be swapping their usual golf trips overseas with a staycation in the UK, and we can already see the trend with bookings quickly filling up across our resorts.

“All of our resorts offer top-notch golf courses in usually stunning countryside surroundings, with an array of other leisure facilities on site, offering a memorable golfing getaway that is better than most local golf clubs – it will definitely feel like a holiday, even if they aren’t getting on a plane.

“The great thing about golfers staying at one of our resorts is that they will realise how good the offering is and they will realise they don’t need to travel abroad, when they can save time and money staying closer to home and still be able to escape to brilliant courses with their friends or family. The UK golf boom is here to stay and we are delighted that we can be a part of it.”

Other golf resorts managed by the QHotels Group include Dunston Hall, in Norwich; Oulton Hall, in Leeds; Telford Hotel & Golf Resort, in Shropshire; and DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow Westerwood Spa & Golf Resort.

The group has launched a reopening offer across all of its seven golf venues called ‘The Great British Breakaway’, where golfers will be able to enjoy a luxury four-star overnight stay with breakfast, 36 holes of golf, a bucket of beer in their room upon arrival and a packed lunch for each guest, with packages starting at just £93 per person.

The breakaway package is available for bookings until September 30 and can be booked by calling 0845 074 0064 and quoting ‘GBBGOLF20’.

For every one in five breakaway packages booked, the QHotels Group is donating a complimentary two-night stay to an NHS or key worker to thank them for their hard work during the pandemic.

www.qhotels.co.uk/golf | www.almarosehotels.com

Audi Q8 50 TDI quattro S line

By Bill McCarthy

THERE’S a saying that all good things come in small packages. In Audi’s case that is partially true. The German car maker produces fine smaller cars, but the same is true of its bigger models, including the flagship Q8.

It’s a huge SUV that proves good things also come in larger packages. It features a mini-hybrid, 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine combined with a lithium battery set up, eye-catching styling and a raft of high-end hi-tech equipment.

Usual Audi size grading by letter has been partially ignored here as the Q8 is around the same size as the Q7. It is actually shorter, although wider and is available only as five seater.

The interior is the usual Audi class act, with plush leather seats and virtual cockpit

The Q8 is still very large, with styling cues from the original Audi quattro. ThisS line includes high definiition LED lights, 21-inch alloy wheels and adaptive air suspension as standard, not to mention the allwheel drive and eight-speed tiptronic gearbox.

Despite its near three-metre wheelbase it looks pretty sleek, almost coupe like, with a swooping profile and raked rear end. It has a large grille with the signature four rings sitting on six vertical fins, giving it a slightly aggressive look.

The interior is the usual Audi class act, with plush leather seats, the now familiar virtual cockpit over two screens, in a pleasing piano black finish.

The upper display controls infotainment and the navigation system, sat nav, Apple and Android connectivity and the superb Bang and Olufsen sound system. The lower 8.6-inch display manages the heating, ventilation and air conditioning as well as comfort functions.

The top screen and TFT display can also be configured in various way to whatever is the driver’s preference.

The trim and finish is first class, with electrically operated leather seats, soft touch finish to dash and doors, with aluminium flashes throughout.

It is packed with equipment, including goodies like the 360 degree camera for parking, collisions and lane departure warning, head up display, ambient lighting , full climate control and parking aids plus a full range of safety kit.

In typical executive German style, optional extras can add thousands to an already eye watering price.

On the road, the six-cylinder 50 TDI with 286ps, hits 62mph in 6.3 seconds and a 144mph top speed. Lightning quick for such a big car.

The power plant integrates a lithium-ion rechargeable battery located underneath the luggage compartment floor and stores 10Ah of electrical capacity. This allows the SUV to coast between 34 and 99mph with the engine switched off.

Duringdeceleration the system can recover up to 12 kW of energy. This delivers an impressive, claimed economy of 41.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 178g/km.

For a sportier drive, switch to the steering wheel mounted paddles and choose dynamic driving mode from the five available to sharped up throttle, gearing and suspension and you get a surprisingly engaging drive.

The four wheel drive with the optional all wheel steering means the car is both agile, with sharp, precise steering and provides plenty of grip, especially in inclement conditions.

The quattro system provides power to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 as standard. When required, it transfers the majority to the axle with the better traction.

The clever sound insulation and the sophisticated aerodynamics, with double-layer windscreen means occupants are well insulated from road and wind noise.

In practical terms there is a host of storage compartments and tray areas, while the boot area offers 605 litres as a standard, which increases to 1,755 litres with the rear backrests folded down. Two golf bags can easily fit in diagonally. The tailgate can be opened and closed electrically as standard.

Factfile

Price: £64,115

Mechanical: 286ps, 2,967cc,6cyl diesel engine driving foiur wheels via 8-speed automatic gearbox

Max Speed: 152mph

0-62mph: 6.3 seconds

Combined MPG: 41.5

Insurance Group: 45

C02 emissions:178g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles

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