IT’S at this time of the year when the Rhododendrons will be in full bloom. If Rudding Park didn’t seem perfect enough for a golfing getaway, with or without the other half, then the brightly coloured flowers help the fantastic course shine even brighter.

Only last month Graeme Storm, the European Tour golfer, hosted his first junior event on the North Yorkshire course, localted just on the outskirts of Harrogate.

The first leg of the mini-storm series could not have asked for a better start.

Like those youngsters found, when the sun shines Rudding Park is an even more stunning place to line up your tee shot. It has had a recent twist in recent times with the new routing of the Hawtree Course which has been inspired by the Augusta National.

Designers have set Yorkshire’s very own Amen Corner amid the 2,000 acres of beautiful countryside on the estate, where the 18-hole course swirls around mature woodland with its fairways and greens.

Building up to the 18-hole course’s signature 14th hole, with back-to-back par fours boasting narrow fairways and towering trees either side, sights were provided to savour on the 12th and 13th to create and awesome sight.

Rhododendrons have replaced azaleas and dogwood from Augusta on the 163-yard Par 3 named the Rhododendron Glade because of the colour in late spring. It is well guarded by bunkers and plays uphill to an undulating green.

Rudding Park has its own version of Rae’s Creek to come into play on two holes too.

There are two further holes that can be used to mix up the 18 because of the changes that have been made to accommodate Amen Corner, while the overall facilities provided an ideal afternoon under the friendly golf manager James King.

There are two courses, plus the excellent practice facilities and clubhouse, to enjoy and both were designed by renowned architect Martin Hawtree.

The main 18-hole track provides a test for all levels of player, with the fairways generous enough to appeal to the higher handicapper and the smattering of hazards providing a test for the rest. The round can be broken up with the halfway house.

But then there is the challenging and impressive six-hole Par 3 course too. That shorter track, named Repton, is made up of iconic holes from across the world, and provides the ultimate test of your short game. Its signature is the 17th at TPC Sawgrass, so the advice is to carry plenty balls.

Good or bad, no matter how the golf has gone, Rudding Park is the ideal place to play and stay, and was named the Hotel of the Year by VisitEngland in 2018 because of its setting, exceptional facilities and warm welcome.

The privately-owned estate has been heavily developed. As well as boasting a holiday park, two golf courses (including floodlit driving range) and an extended wing of the 18th century Rudding building to boast 90 hotel rooms, the new spa that opened in 2017 is genuinely one of the best around.

Guests, whether they have walked off the 18th green or out of one of the excellent restaurants, can head for the multi-million pound spa to slip into a hydrotherapy infinity pool, a panoramic sauna infused with scents or a herbal bath steam room.

There is also an ice fountain, a relaxing foot spa, warming Evo lounge beds and an experience shower, plus a sunlight therapy room has opened recently.

There is the option to access the Roof Top Spa, where an oxygen pod has been introduced to help prevent signs of ageing and strengthen the immune system – and to help you get over any of those balls you lost on the Hawtree Course.

n For more information, ruddingpark.co.uk or call 01423 844822.