Play like a pro during The Masters

From 6th to 9th April golf fans around the world will be transfixed to TV screens as The Masters gets into full swing. The first Major golfing event of the year, The Masters indicates the start of the golfing season, held at the same golf course each year, Augusta National Golf Course, one of the most exclusive locations to play as well as the most widely known to the eye.

This is the one event professional golfers want to win and once won, you get a lifetime event every year until you pass away without qualifying. The year after a player wins, they get the honour of hosting all past winners for the Champions Dinner - they even get to choose the menu (this year, Scottie Scheffler has opted for 'Scottie-style' cheeseburger sliders).

Even the pros get their kids involved in golf

The week kicks off with the iconic Par 3 Contest before the actual tournament. It is, above all, a family affair, with wives and girlfriends, children and grandchildren, nieces and nephews all happily serving as caddies - it's quite something to see toddlers outfitted in miniature Augusta National jumpsuits. The tournament has a ceremonial 'tee off' by three legends of the event - a tradition that began in 1963, when Jock Hutchison and Fred McLeod, two former Masters champions, were asked to start the tournament.

The course and golf has so much history for golfers and is it a bucket event to go and watch live. Augusta National Golf Course looks like something from a computer game and is known for its lush grass and blooming Azaleas.

Inspiring you to get into golf

While most of us won't get to attend, both the family atmosphere at the Par 3 Contest and the impressive nature of the official event are inspiring to golfers who have been playing all their lives, as well as those who are considering trying their hand for the first time. Whether you're a beginner or already know the ropes, now's a great time to get back in the game - on your own, with the family, with friends.

Where to golf and spa

Book a golf and spa holiday

As we start thinking ahead for summer holidays, trips and escapes, the UK's golf and spa hotels make an excellent case for being the destination of choice for a longer getaways this year. Here are some of the best golf and spa hotels for long stays.

Book a golf and spa break at a championship course

For those who want to take their game up a notch and combine their spa break with an exceptional round of golf, a spa hotel with its own championship golf course is hard to beat. Across the UK, spa hotels are blessed with some of the most famous courses to play on as well as adjacent facilities for those who want to learn, practice and improve their swing. Here are some of our favourite spa hotels with championship golf courses.

Book a golf and spa break with practise facilities

For those who want to try golf for the first time, spa and golf destinations with practice facilities are a particularly great idea because they have the kit and the space to give it a go without having to invest in everything before you try your hand. Here are some of our favourite golf and spa destinations where practise makes perfect.

Book a self-catering golf and spa break

Looking for a golfing getaway with friends? Perhaps a weekend for two where you can really enjoy time to yourselves? Sometimes you want all the luxury of a hotel but with a little more privacy - that's where these self-catering golf and spa retreats come into their own.