Have you ever considered an overseas ladies’ golf coaching break?
After what can only be described as an epic two weeks with 45 LLG members flying to Portugal from multiple locations across the UK, here’s what we got up to and how we packed the LLG ethos of ‘improve, socialise, play’ into each day.
It’s all in the prep
The LLG team headed over to the warmer climate of Portugal a couple of days before the event began to make sure all the transfers, tee times, rooms and buggies were in perfect shape for the ladies’ arrival.
Following a smooth flight and transfers organised by our travel partner golfbreaks, everybody was welcomed with a glass of port, LLG tour shirts and welcome pack before settling into our new base for the week, the beautiful 5-star Dona Filipa hotel.
Improve - tee offs, timelines and triumphs
Our coaching breaks abroad provide a unique experience for ladies of all abilities, from those just starting out on their golfing journey to more experienced players, to immerse themselves in what can only be described as an intensive golfing experience. From daily themed clinics with our PGA professional coaches to personalised tips on the golf course, it’s amazing to see progression over just a few days but also following the trips. Six ladies have gone on to win competitions back in the UK just one week after their coaching breaks.
There are too many improvements to name, but here are just a few. Shout out goes to Mari-anne Bayliss from LLG at 3Hammers who only picked up a golf club for the first time 14 weeks before the trip. After committing to a series of 1-2-1 sessions with LLG coach Meghan Hopkins, she successfully completed 9 holes on day 1 followed by 18 holes on day 2 and 3 and is leaving Portugal full of confidence and new-found friendships. In her own words, the trip has been a life-changing experience.
Another shout out goes to Sally Budd, LLG member at the Beeches, with a handicap of 27. Sally has been using only her 5-iron from the tee and hated her driver before the trip! After attending one of our coaching breaks in Spain in May 2022, Sally set herself the goal of becoming more confident with her driver and improving distance off the tee. It was graduation day on this trip when Sally used her driver every day, and won the longest drive competition, achieving a personal best of 207 yards.
Socialise - sunshine, shots and salsa
At LLG, we’re all about creating a welcoming environment for ladies of all ages and abilities and there was no shortage of socialising on this trip!
Each day, we mixed up the pairings, giving the ladies chance to get to know each other better on the course. The evenings included meals at local Portuguese and Italian restaurants and a chance to chat, reflect on the golf and look forward to the next day promising new courses, pairings and formats.
On our final night, we revealed the prize winners for the week and organised some live music and dancing. After 4 days of clinics, rounds and socialising, everybody headed back to the UK with plans to meet up across the country to visit each other’s golf clubs.
Play - practice, putts and pines
At LLG, we provide the opportunity to play golf all year round and where better than San Lorenzo and Pinheiros Altos in 22 degree heat in November?
San Lorenzo provides a stunning outlook over the Ria Formosa lagoon with elevated tees and ocean panoramas. Its challenging 18th fairway weaves around the water and bunkers all the way to the green and is not for the faint-hearted.
Pinheiros Altos is a firm favourite year round with its pine trees, olive groves, immaculate greens and striking clubhouse. Its practice ground was perfect for our golf tuition clinics and the 17th hole provides a memorable experience with its island green surrounded by water on all sides.
The winners of the greensomes competition on day 2 were Kerry Farrell with a handicap of 27 and who has only been playing golf for 18 months, partnered with fellow Branston LLG member Anne Finnochio, who was enjoying her first golf trip abroad.
Obrigada to our wonderful community of ladies
This has been our largest coaching trip to date bringing together 45 ladies from our centres across the UK. Everybody is leaving Portugal with new friendships, fantastic memories, improved golf skills and plans for the future.
We can’t wait for our next trips in 2023. Check out our calendar of events here and why not join us on our next break - you won’t regret it. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions.