Top 10

Golf tour resorts

[ IN NO ORDER WHATSOEVER ]

[1] BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Denmark’s Anders Hansen was victorious in 2007, as glamorous Wentworth in Surrey, England, played host yet again to the European Tour’s flagship event. And this year promises another fantastic contest, with the action taking place from 22—25 May. www.europeantour.com

[2] MERCEDES-BENZ CHAMPIONSHIP
This wily test of a golfer’s will was designed by the Golden Bear himself, Jack Nicklaus. Fly to Düsseldorf, then head to Gut Lärchenhof, from 11—14 September. www.mercedes-benz-championship.de

[3] QUINN DIRECT BRITISH MASTERS
The Belfry, near Birmingham, will be the setting for this year’s battle from 25—28 September, as players gear up to top the efforts of 2007 winner Lee Westwood. www.quinninsurancebritishmasters.com

[4] IRISH OPEN
Last year’s winner Padraig Harrington was the first Irishman to win the Irish Open for 25 years. Head to Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in County Limerick (fly to Shannon), from 15—18 May, and find out who’ll win this year. www.irishopenatadaremanor.com

[5] OPEN DE FRANCE ALSTOM
The Golf National’s Albatros course (fly to Paris Beauvais) will see the best European pros battle it out for much-needed points for the upcoming Ryder Cup. www.opendefrance.fr

[6] ALFRED DUNHILL LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP
Incredibly, this championship in Scotland (fly to Edinburgh), is played over three courses — St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns. Get going on 2—5 October. www.alfreddunhilllinks.com

[7] SAS MASTERS
Hot home-grown pros like Henrik Stenson will be hoping for victory on their own turf this year, as Arlandastad, just outside Stockholm, prepares for the contest taking place from 14—17 August. www.arlandastadgolf.se

[8] VOLVO MASTERS
The Volvo Masters in Cadiz, Spain will witness who wins the European Tour Order of Merit race. Fly to Seville, Malaga or Jerez and head to Valderrama Golf Course, Sotogrande, from 30 October—2 November. www.volvomasters.com

[9] 137TH OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
Host to two Ryder Cups and eight previous Open Championships, the magnificent Royal Birkdale in Lancashire has been voted number-one course in England. Padraig Harrington will be defending his 2007 win, so fly to Liverpool and head there from 17—20 July for a truly unmissable event. www.britishopengolf.co.uk

[10] MALLORCA CLASSIC
Frenchman Gregory Bourdy took the top spot in 2007, but most of the previous years have seen wins from leading Spaniards — Sergio Garcia, José Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez have all triumphed. Pula Golf Club is the setting, so fly to Palma Mallorca from 23—26 October, for sun, sea and a Spanish showdown. www.pulagolf.com