Golf
Whether you're seeking help from a legend to get your handicap down or in the mood for a thwack around a coastal classic course, Britain is a mecca for golfers. Here's our rundown of what makes Britain a golfing great.
Play Golf's Roots
Golf is a great British export and home to the world's most historic courses. What surprises many golfers is that the Old Course at St Andrews - a holy ground for any golfer - is a public course where rounds are allotted via a daily ballot, as well as advance request. You'll also find the oldest course in continuous operation anywhere in the world at Musselburgh in Scotland. Sure, the Links here may only have nine holes, but where else can you play on a course once used by Mary, Queen of Scots?
Greatest British Golfers
From 19th-century legends like Harry Vardon to yesterday's heroes Tony Jacklin and Nick Faldo and today's big names like Colin Montgomerie, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, big-name Brits have been thwacking their way to glory for generations. Recent Major success has been elusive, but British golfers have dominated recent Ryder Cup victories. The British Golf Museum at St Andrews is the best place to explore this glorious history.
When Golf Goes Wild
Not all golf is played on greens. For a more radical spin on golf, try the fast-growing sport of Disc Golf, where players lob frisbee-type discs along courses. Played by dedicated enthusiasts who'd love to share a round with you, courses are found mainly in cities up and down Britain. For more information, visit British Disc Golf Association (www.bdga.org.uk/).
England's Golf Coast
Nowhere are legendary greens as accessible as in the northwest of England, where you'll find the Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham and St Anne's courses. That's 30 Open Championships between 3 courses. If tough courses like these are beyond your range, there are several excellent and cheaper options in the area. See England's Golf Coast (www.englandsgolfcoast.com) for more information.
Hammer that Handicap
Bettering your game is almost a given on a golfing visit to Britain. The National Golf Centre at Woodhall Spa (www.woodhallspagolfclub.co.uk/) is one of Europe's finest coaching facilities and the perfect place to start. If you fancy getting a few tips from a legend, the Faldo Golf Institute (www.brocket-hall.co.uk/) features staff hand-picked by 3-times US Master Nick Faldo, and advice boards on tees giving tips on how to play each hole.
The 19th Hole
Scotland's other great contribution to the happiness of humankind, whisky, offers the perfect complement to a round. Speyside in Scotland is the best place to combine these passions, with a round at Scotland's highest course in Dufftown in between visits to a distillery or two. But you'll find clubhouses throughout the land offering a dram or two to commiserate or celebrate a day's walk made better.
Watching Golf
The world's top golfers had better make sure they've showered - golf buffs can get close enough to smell their heroes at events all over the country. Even the really hot tickets - the British Open and the 2010 Ryder Cup held at Celtic Manor in Wales - are affordable and available online. Family concessions make golf events a fine day out. Golf Monthly (www.golf-monthly.co.uk/) is a great place for listings, news and links to courses throughout the UK.