I rather like the idea of a long weekend at the Belfry for the Ryder Cup. Is it too late to book?

Not yet, according to Golfbreaks.com, although it may eat up your annual bonus. A day's spectating with a picnic hamper, breakfast and supper costs £355 plus VAT. (The VAT isn't included because you might be entertaining clients.) Three-night packages cost £715 plus VAT.

Surely it costs less than that to play there?

Yes, it does. A two-day break playing 36 holes costs £144.

Where else can I spend a weekend golfing?

The site offers 111 different venues - some in Ireland and Europe. The cheapest is a session of night golf in London with a buggy full of vin chaud, supper and nine holes for £49. Two days at Gleneagles in Scotland costs £335. Neither price includes transport.

I've heard that US courses are very different.

Try ifyougolf.com, which sells holidays in the US and Bermuda. It also recommends places where "non-playing partners" are less likely to become bored, and has a section for beginners. If you're a member of a club and want to negotiate discounts, however, or you just want a weekend break, Golfbreaks.com is probably more useful. It does offer a few tuition weekends and gift vouchers, and groups can arrange their own mini-championships in the manner of the Ryder Cup.

And if I'm a woman?

Amateurgolf.com has a list of "women-friendly" US courses at amateurgolf.com/learnwmn_courses.cfm.