AN iconic golf venue near Tamworth has won two top accolades after leading the votes in a popular golf magazine poll.

Ryder Cup venue The Belfry, which is currently for sale, has won the Best Hotel/Resort and Best Course title for the East and West Midlands in the first travel awards by Today's Golfer magazine.

The awards, chosen by thousands of readers, in association with golf travel operator Your Golf Travel, placed the Wishaw golfing venue as number one in the area with over half the votes, ahead of the Forest of Arden which polled 22 per cent and Forest Pines with 12 per cent.

The hallowed Brabazon course, scene of Europe's first ever triumph over the USA in 1985, won the Best Course title with 43 per cent of the votes, beating Woodhall Spa into second place and the Forest of Arden in third.

The club welcomed the news, which comes after recent figures show the number of golfers playing at the prestigious venue's three courses rose by ten per cent in 2011.

The Belfry's director of golf, Gary Silcock, said: "We'd like to thank all Today's Golfer readers who voted for us in what is yet another major accolade for the resort.

"It's further proof that when golfers come to The Belfry, they're not only impressed with the world-class condition of the golf courses, but also with the level of service in our hotel, restaurants, bars and leisure facilities."

Anyone wanting to find out more about the venue can visit www.thebelfry.com