I was discussing where I would like to take you on a golfing trip in 2025…
In July, will commence the summer series events with two cracking heathland courses, Coxmoor and Sherwood Forest. Ideally situated close to the M1 motorway near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire and only 10 minutes apart from each other. Both are Championship and Open qualifying venues so no excuses for the tough test of golf, but their excellent facilities and breathtaking heathland views will keep you coming back for more. I have visited Sherwood Forest for the last 7 years and the quality of the course blows me away every time.
In early September we will visit the best two courses the Midlands has to offer, Little Aston and Beau Desert. Little Aston is a traditional club set in a woodland setting, with a long heritage of top-class championship golf, believed to be the best inland parkland course in England. Twenty-Five minutes’ drive away and set in the heart of Cannock Chase; Beau Desert is a first-class heathland course lined with glorious towering pines. Described as a ‘beautiful wilderness’, always in excellent condition and a welcoming clubhouse, this is a must play and an unforgettable experience. The busy town of Lichfield is close by and would offer a great base for anyone staying over.
Starting at the very end of September and running three days into October we will travel the coast of Cumbria with events at Furness, Ulverston, Seascale and Silloth on Solway. Running parallel with the Irish sea on the west coast of Walney island is Furness, the third oldest links in England and the 6th oldest course. A true links test and panoramic views on every tee, I am very excited to see this great value, hidden gem. I last played Ulverston some 20 years ago, I remember the colours were amazing with views of Lake District fells and Morecambe Bay. The course is a fun parkland layout, navigate your way around the natural stone and enjoy the excellently manicured fairways. Seascale is a popular golfing destination on the West Cumbrian coast. Lots of interesting holes and a stella finish alongside the railway, this links course is an enjoyable test and well worth a visit. Saving the best until last, Silloth on Solway is one of the best natural links courses I think I have ever played. Always in immaculate condition and views of the Firth hidden sometimes behind huge sand dunes and bright yellow gorse, this course is interesting from start to finish and really is worth the travel.
A little later into October and commencing the Winter 25/26 series, we will enjoy a run of four events on the splendid Aberdeen coastline. If you have never visited, it is vast and wild with many a fabulous links course hugging the coastline. We will experience four of the best, Murcar Links (above), Newburgh on Ythan, Cruden Bay and Peterhead. Murcar Links described by the late Peter Alliss as a hidden gem, is a traditional links course with magnificent views across the North Sea. I for one are very excited to visit. Newburgh on Ythan is 15 minutes from Aberdeen and simply put is ‘old fashioned links golf at its finest!”, dating back to 1888. With spectacular views of the Ythan estuary and North Sea how could you not enjoy your day. A bit further North is Cruden Bay, swamped by overseas golfers during the summer months due to its far and wide reputation for excellence, we will visit a little later and enjoy a green fee reduction and a great value round of golf on one of the best links courses Scotland has to offer. For any golfer this is a must play that will provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience, I can vouch for that. My last event of the year will be at the 18th oldest golf club in the World, Peterhead. Established in 1841, set among the dunes and across Craigewan links surrounded by the North Sea, Peterhead is a classic example of a challenging, great value, Scottish links
Although there are some amazing trips to choose from, including Ayrshire and Fife, I think these four events in Aberdeen would be my trip pick of the year. Two world renowned spectacular courses with 2 hidden gems thrown in, all less than 15-20 mins between them and great value. Close to Aberdeen too for airports, hotels and of course nightlife.
Building an ever-growing community of like-minded golfers has always been important to me, so I hope some of these events will inspire you to want to join me in my first year of the Simpson Series. My tournament playing days are now behind me but I thoroughly enjoy putting great golf trips together for competitive golfers and helping to make memorable events on bucket list courses, accessible to all.
Hope to see you on the links!
G
