One of the UK's top female golfers and Caxton FX Ambassador, Mel Reid, has shared her insiders knowledge on which golf courses to see and be seen on this summer. Whether you are a beginner or advanced, this guide includes tips on what to pack, how to improve your golf and how to find the right golf course to suit all your needs.

Mel Reid

Mel Reid

Mel Reid is part of Caxton FX All Stars, which was launched in 2014. Mel is joined by British snowboarder Aimee Fuller and four time Winter Olympian Chemmy Alcott.

Mel is one of the brightest talents and recognised faces on the female golf scene. Mel's career has seen her represent Europe in the Solheim Cup and play on the Ladies European Tour for the last eight years. She has travelled all around the world playing a range of courses for her day job.

Born in Derby, England, as an amateur she won several events including the 2004 and 2005 English Girls' Championship and the 2006 and 2007 Helen Holm Trophy, before going on to the Australian Open and Solheim Cup. Most recently she won the Turkish Airlines Ladies Open in May 2015. Mel is excited to share her insider knowledge of some of her favourite golfing destinations around the world.

Mel Favourite Golf Courses

Sunningdale Golf Club, Berkshire, England

"It is such a lovely and quintessentially English golf course. The 12th hole is an exciting challenge, with its right to left par 4 and the bunkers. You know you are playing in your own country, with its mix of old and new world."

Kingston Heath Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia

"This course is in superb condition all year round. Best to avoid the rough if you can, and on a windy day it's a real tester. The best feeling when you play well here."

Merion Golf Club, Philadelphia, USA

"The wicker baskets on the East Coast instead of flags are pretty cute. The course is particularly challenging, so as difficult as it can be, it's rewarding when you play well."

Albatross Golf Resort, Stokolska, Czech Republic

"This is a great course; it is situated on a hillside bordering the Cesky Kras Nature Reserve and has seven spectacular lakes. It was here where I won the Raiffeisenbank Prague Golf Masters, so the memories make the course much more special for me."

Pebble Beach Golf Links, California, USA

"A classic favourite, but it's a course with so much history. I remember watching many of the U.S Open Championships being played there as a child. With the sloping greens and ocean backdrop, the views are outstanding."

Royal County Down, Newcastle, Northern Ireland

"With the magnificent Mourne Mountains backdrop, this course, a challenger indeed, has views of the great green Irish Sea to remind you how lucky you are to be playing sport in these surroundings."

Chevin Golf Club, Derbyshire, England

"I couldn't not include my local club! I love the views of the English countryside, especially the five county view from Chevin Ridge and the wild moorlands and parkland."

Kingsbarns Golf Links, St Andrews, Scotland

"Stunning views of the sea and rugged coastline on 17 of the 18 holes. The course is challenging as you can never predict what the weather will be, however this makes it even more exciting!"

Royal Golf Course, Vale do Lobo, Almancil, Portugual

"Features rolling fairways set between pine trees, and beautiful lakes surrounded by wild flowers."

Carya Golf Club, Belek, Turkey

"The course is very demanding and exciting with free flowing holes that run between pine and eucalyptus trees, with a dramatic sand ridge. "

Mel's tips on the best way to play golf:

  1. Always respect local customs and cultures. Although there are universal expectations, some countries and courses have different requirements, such as the heights of your socks.
  2. Show respect on the golf course and try to control your emotions. It is difficult when you double bogey on your favourite hole and you have to bite your tongue, but be mindful of the other players on the golf courses.
  3. Avoid slow play. If you are finding it hard to keep up with the pace of play of the group in front of you, make sure that you walk at a reasonable speed between shots and being planning your next shot as you approach the ball.
  4. Repair the ground you play on. Always bring a penknife for fixing ball divots. If you have made a divot, replace them or use the seed mix.
  5. Be a silent partner. There is nothing worse than a distracting partner, expecially when you are about to hit a shot. Always position yourself directly across or at a diagonal from a player setting up. Never stand on the line of play, either beyond the hole or directly behind the ball.

Mel's Tops Golf Holiday Apps

  1. Hole 19 - An intelligent caddy in your pocket, integrating a GPS rangefinder, Club Tracker, Strokesaver and a mobile Scorecard into one device.
  2. GolfMatch - An app that connects you with golfers your age, with similar skill levels, looking for the same style of play.
  3. KAYAK travel app- Searches for and books the best deals on flights, hotels and car hire. Along with this you can check in using it, which saves you running around trying to find a printer.
  4. The Weather Channel - Gives you a 10-day summary forecast for cities, with maps for shorter periods ahead.
  5. Caxton FX currency card app - This lets you manage your holiday money with zero fees and even less stress. You can load your card at any point before or during your trip, check your balance and transactions, and real time exchange rates

And last, but not least, Mel shares her final tips and advice on getting into golf:

  • Start playing with a friend. Like most sports, golf is more fun when you play with others.
  • Take Lessons. It is best not get into bad habits too early as these difficult to change and they can become ingrained in your play.
  • There's no shortcuts to success. Always practice those areas of your game you struggle with, but also maintain your favourite
  • Be creative in your practice. Don't always take the obvious shot try different clubs and push limits.