Play golf at Oake Manor on the way to the Camelot
Oake Manor, only a few minutes’ drive from junction 26 of the M5 motorway, is a popular stop for golfers wishing to play a round on their way down to the Camelot Hotel.

Nestling between the Quantock, Brendon and Blackdown Hills, Oake Manor is delightfully situated; surrounded by some of Somerset’s most breathtaking countryside, offering spectacular views and a superb golf course.

The well-established 6105-yard par 70 course is a firm favourite with golfers far and wide. Designed in 1992 by Adrian Stiff, who also built the Kendleshire & Players Club, Oake Manor offers a challenging and memorable round for all standards of player. The layout of the course takes the golfer on a varied journey, taking in breathtaking views of local hills and countryside. No two holes are alike and the entire course overflows with spectacular interest.

Water hazards on 10 of the 18 holes
A series of lakes, cascades and a natural trout stream run through the course, creating water hazards on ten of the 18 holes. You are never far away from the sound of running water and quite likely to spot a Kingfisher, heron, swan or buzzard during your round. The course is easy walking with no severe climbs.

In the clubhouse golfers can choose from the extensive range of homemade bar meals or select from the excellent a la carte menu. The lounge is perfectly located to take in panoramic views while watching golfers drive from the 1st tee. Adjacent to the clubhouse the 11 bay covered driving range offers the perfect facility to warm up before play, or use the two splendid 175 yd hole par 3 academy holes. A short game area with bunkers, chipping, and putting facilities is located near the clubhouse.

And then on to the Camelot
Although the 19th hole is an attractive place to pass the time at the end of a round, make sure you allow time to get to the Camelot Hotel for a drink or two before enjoying a great evening meal in Hawkers Restaurant.

The second Camelot Golf Cup competition was held on the weekend of Friday 23rd & Saturday 24th April 2010. The competition, played on a beautiful Saturday morning over the Bude links, was made slightly more difficult with a gentle breeze which tested all of those who competed.

All eight competitors were keen to win but golf is difficult enough without trying to win! As the organiser, I joined the last group with Pauline Pullin and Owen Polden. Whilst I have played shots from most places on the course, I did spot one or two players in front who were attempting the most audacious shots from places I didn't realise existed.

With honours fairly even at the turn the more difficult back nine produced some exciting golf and a close run result. The winner, Peter Wilkie won the event with a total of 31 points, just one point ahead of last year's winner Jeff Pullin, and proudly took home a voucher for £350 to use in conjunction with his group's next visit to the hotel. Well done Peter and everyone else who competed and we are all looking forward to next year's event. If you did not send a team this year, make sure to ask about the event on your next visit.

Martin (part-time chef & golfer)

Today’s featured golf course is St Enodoc, a first rate course which is always a favourite amongst Golfing parties at the Camelot.

Finest links course in the South West?

Ranked 55th in the World for 2009 by Golf Digest for courses outside the United States, St Enodoc has one of the finest links golf courses in the South West of England with everything you would expect from a James Braid design; undulating fairways, firm greens, some blind shots and all with the added bonus of some of the greatest sea and estuary views on any course in the world. With its hilly terrain no two holes are the same; it may not be long by today's standards but it is tight with punishing rough and so requires courage and accuracy to cope with some of the problems posed.

The Church course

St Enodoc's Church course enjoys a justified reputation as one of the West Country's finest links layouts. It may not look it but the par 5 1st is one of the easier holes even if you have to thread your way carefully between the sand dunes. Pars are harder to come by on the long par 4 2nd and 3rd holes.

The 6th really sticks in the mind - a 378-yarder that kinks left at driving distance then climbs up to the green. A hidden fairway bunker may catch out longer players seeking a view of the green but laying up short and right leaves a blind shot over the cavernous "Himalaya" bunker you simply don't want to be in.

The 10th hole is often described as the course's signature hole as it winds its way towards 11th Century St Enodoc Church where John Betjeman lies buried beside his favourite course. It is Stroke Index 1 for good reason! A good drive needs to be followed by an even better second to avoid the lateral hazard which runs the length of the hole which creeps ever close to the left side of the green.

Over the memorable final stretch it is hard to find the right club on the downhill par 3 15th, while the par 5 16th boasts a roller-coaster fairway and potentially distracting sea views all the way down the right. The hole has been lengthened to 560 yards with a two-tier green surrounded by deep bunkers and has now become a stern test particularly into wind and sets the tone for the closing three holes.

You'll need to conjure up your best strikes to make par on the long par 3 17th and tough 446 yard 18th. As you putt out in full view of the clubhouse, you'll probably have total recall of all the magnificent holes you've just enjoyed - a sign of a truly great course. Any visitor who plays to their handicap here can leave feeling that they have done really well.

The Holywell course

The 4082 yard Par 63 Holywell course is also maintained to a very high standard and while it may be less demanding on stamina, it still provides a real test of skill for golfers of any handicap.

Golfing parties at the Camelot play on a selection of 15 varied courses in Cornwall and Devon. Today’s featured course is Lanhydrock.

The course originally opened in 1991 as Bodmin Golf and Country Club. Purchased in 1993 by the Bond brothers (creators of St Mellion) it was renamed Lanhydrock as this is the parish where it is located. Located in central Cornwall just outside the old county town of Bodmin the club is approximately 45 minutes drive from the Camelot.

The course was designed by John Hamilton-Stutt who must be congratulated for blending his design into the natural landscape. John’s career had seen him work on over one hundred courses worldwide. Some of his favourites on home soil include Turnberry, Meon Valley and Woodbury.

By modern standards Lanhydrock is not a particularly long course. Par and SSS is 70 with the course record of 64 by Lanhydrock member Ian Jolliff. It does however require a strategic approach and intelligent shots will be fully rewarded. Protected by only eight (substantial) bunkers, trees provide a greater hazard. Many varieties including oaks, silver birch, hornbeam, lime and chestnut enhance the visual splendour that is Lanhydrock.

An eight-acre practice range with grass tees and covered bays is recommended prior to your round. The Par 4 1st Hole, downhill and 279yds from the white tees, offers an easy lay up or do you drive the water for a potential eagle? Lanhydrock’s Par 3 holes, the 6th, 11th, 15th and 17th are particularly noteworthy. To get a good score you will have to play well on these holes.

Overlooking the 1st, 9th and 18th holes the clubhouse provides wonderful views over the course: an ideal location to relax after your game and enjoy a drink. Catering is available throughout the day.