Paul's home patch: the North East.
Where Paul learned the game. A junior club at Boldon, an old links at Seaton Carew, and a tournament course at Close House.
The trip in a minute
The North East doesn't shout about its golf, which is exactly why it's good value. You'll find honest members' clubs, a proper old links on the coast and a modern tournament course, all within an hour or so of Newcastle.
Paul started at Boldon as a junior with a half set of Dunlops. This is the patch he knows best.
The courses
Boldon Golf Club
Par 72 · about 6,400 yards · founded 1912
Where Paul learned the game, played the school holidays away and got his name on the clubhouse board. A friendly members' club in East Boldon where visitors are welcome, and green fees are a fraction of the famous courses.
Seaton Carew
Old Course par 71 · about 6,600 yards · founded 1874
One of the oldest clubs in England, with an Old Course reworked by Alister MacKenzie. A real links by the sea at Hartlepool, and the Brabazon course is the longer test.
Close House
Colt course par 71 · Filly course par 70
Lee Westwood's home course in the Tyne Valley. The Colt hosted the British Masters in 2017 and 2020; the Filly is the gentler option. Pricier than the members' clubs, but a proper day out.
Which course to play on which day, the tees to pick for your handicap, and the holes you'll still be talking about at the bar.
Join the ClubhouseMembers' love-hates
Been? Tell us the one thing you loved and the one thing you'd change. The best go up here with your name and handicap.
Send your love-hateKeep planning.
Costa Blanca, SpainOrihuela Costa for a winter fourball
Las Colinas, Villamartin, Las Ramblas and Campoamor within a short drive. Paul's old stomping ground.
Murcia, SpainAltaona: the new course under the mountains
A modern par 72 in the foothills of the Sierra de Carrascoy, with a society scene to match.
Kent, EnglandSandwich and Deal: a links weekend from London
Two days, three links and one very good pub.