THE latest blast of wintry weather will have seen many golfers heading for the 19th hole instead of trying to plant a pitching wedge as near to the pin as possible – that’s if their course was able to open to players.

To beat the snow, ice and frost and course closures around this time of year many will head off to sun kissed fairways in exotic locations around the world, yet there could be a solution much closer to home.

Down in Devon the Dartmouth Golf & Country Club is offering golfers the ideal opportunity to blow away the winter cobwebs and get their swings in shape for the new season following the return of its popular free golf breaks.

From now until February 28, golfers can enjoy a three-day golf package at the South Devon resort, with one in four players in every group staying and playing absolutely free, from as little as £97 per person.

The attractive discount breaks include three days of unlimited golf, two nights' bed and breakfast accommodation, one two-course evening meal and free use of Dartmouth's leisure facilities.

Golfers keen to extend their trip for an additional day can do so for just £35 per person while shorter, one-night bed and breakfast packages featuring two days' unlimited golf can be booked from £75 per person, or £56 per person when staying in a group of four. Unlimited golf comprises one round per day on Dartmouth's well-regarded Championship course and unrestricted use of its nine-hole Dartmouth course.

Guests can also enjoy complimentary use of the Lakeside Health and Leisure Suite, so non-golfers needn't miss out as they can exchange their rounds for selected spa treatments.

Situated in 225 acres of south Devon countryside, just outside the beautiful town of Dartmouth, the resort boasts 27 holes of golf with the 18-hole Championship Course and nine-hole Dartmouth Course complementing each other nicely.

The Championship Course was designed to challenge the most proficient golfer, with strategic positioning of tees, meandering streams, 12 water features and undulating greens. But while it makes the better players think, it is not so punitive as to spoil a round for high-handicappers and provides an excellent and enjoyable challenge to golfers of all abilities.

Although only a nine-hole layout, the Dartmouth is built to the same high standards as its sister course. Measuring 2,252 yards with a par of 33, it is guaranteed to test players while they enjoy a more relaxed round.

The area's mild winter climate means closures or temporary greens or tees are a rarity and, in addition to golf, the resort also boasts first-class leisure facilities, which include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and spa. For more information, or to book your stay, call 0800 043 3669 or e-mail reservations@dgcc.co.uk.

AW