Heart of England
The Midlands counties contain a mix of exceptional courses to choose from. Will Spence picks his favourites
Beeston Fields
Nottinghamshire
A BEAUTIFUL and challenging parkland course, Beeston Fields was designed in 1923 by Tom Williamson. Always presented in superb condition, the club has received many plaudits especially for its greens. They are a delight to putt on but fool many with their subtle borrows.
6,430 yards, par 71
www.beestonfields.co.uk
0115 925 7062
Nottinghamshire
A BEAUTIFUL and challenging parkland course, Beeston Fields was designed in 1923 by Tom Williamson. Always presented in superb condition, the club has received many plaudits especially for its greens. They are a delight to putt on but fool many with their subtle borrows.
6,430 yards, par 71
www.beestonfields.co.uk
0115 925 7062
Herefordshire
Herefordshire
ORIGINALLY part of the Foxley Estate, this spectacular country course has previously drawn comparisons with Gleneagles thanks to its high-quality fairways and greens, not to mention the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The pick of the holes here is arguably the 168-yard par-3 15th that is protected by a lake to the front left of the green and two bunkers on the right.
6,055 yards, par 70
www.herefordshiregolfclub.co.uk
01432 830 219
Herefordshire
ORIGINALLY part of the Foxley Estate, this spectacular country course has previously drawn comparisons with Gleneagles thanks to its high-quality fairways and greens, not to mention the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The pick of the holes here is arguably the 168-yard par-3 15th that is protected by a lake to the front left of the green and two bunkers on the right.
6,055 yards, par 70
www.herefordshiregolfclub.co.uk
01432 830 219
Worksop
Nottinghamshire
HAVING helped to develop the games of European Tour players Lee Westwood and Mark Foster, the heathland course of Worksop is a must-play venue when visiting Notts.
With a mixture of open fairways that lead to true and always well-presented greens, Worksop really comes into its own around the turn with holes that are framed by dense woodland. And thanks to its excellent drainage, this is an excellent year-round venue.
6,628 yards, par 72
www.worksopgolfclub.com
01909 477 731
Nottinghamshire
HAVING helped to develop the games of European Tour players Lee Westwood and Mark Foster, the heathland course of Worksop is a must-play venue when visiting Notts.
With a mixture of open fairways that lead to true and always well-presented greens, Worksop really comes into its own around the turn with holes that are framed by dense woodland. And thanks to its excellent drainage, this is an excellent year-round venue.
6,628 yards, par 72
www.worksopgolfclub.com
01909 477 731
South Staffordshire
West Midlands
SOME of the greatest names in golf have influenced the way South Staffordshire looks today, starting with its original designer Harry Vardon and extending to Harry Colt, James Braid and Donald Steel, all of whom have added their own touches.
This gently rolling parkland course is also the home of European Tour and former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker.
6,512 yards, par 71
www.southstaffordshiregolfclub.co.uk
01902 751 065
West Midlands
SOME of the greatest names in golf have influenced the way South Staffordshire looks today, starting with its original designer Harry Vardon and extending to Harry Colt, James Braid and Donald Steel, all of whom have added their own touches.
This gently rolling parkland course is also the home of European Tour and former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker.
6,512 yards, par 71
www.southstaffordshiregolfclub.co.uk
01902 751 065
Collingtree Park
Northamptonshire
WALKING in the footsteps of Johnny Miller is easier than you think when you can take to the course that he designed and played himself. Collingtree Park was put together by the former Open and US Open winner in 1990 and features undulating American-style fairways with sloping greens, subtly shaped to reward good shots.
There are also no fewer than 10 testing water holes, including Collingtree’s signature par-5 18th which is played to an island green.
6,908 yards, par 72
www.collingtreeparkgolf.com
01604 700 000
Northamptonshire
WALKING in the footsteps of Johnny Miller is easier than you think when you can take to the course that he designed and played himself. Collingtree Park was put together by the former Open and US Open winner in 1990 and features undulating American-style fairways with sloping greens, subtly shaped to reward good shots.
There are also no fewer than 10 testing water holes, including Collingtree’s signature par-5 18th which is played to an island green.
6,908 yards, par 72
www.collingtreeparkgolf.com
01604 700 000
Horsley Lodge
Derbyshire
PETER McEvoy has expertly moulded 168 acres of wonderful Derbyshire countryside into a thinking-man’s course where trees define each hole and a variety of shot-making skills are necessary to find the large greens that have subtle undulations.
6,395 yards, par 71
www.horsleylodge.co.uk
01332 780 838
Derbyshire
PETER McEvoy has expertly moulded 168 acres of wonderful Derbyshire countryside into a thinking-man’s course where trees define each hole and a variety of shot-making skills are necessary to find the large greens that have subtle undulations.
6,395 yards, par 71
www.horsleylodge.co.uk
01332 780 838
Trentham
Staffordshire
RECOGNISED by the R&A in 1894, Trentham is regarded today as one of the finest courses in the Midlands and has hosted Open Championship regional qualifying for the past five years.
A venue for many championships at all levels, the club is also steeped in history and you can follow in the footsteps of James Braid, Robert Di Vicenzo and many other fine professionals who have played here.
6,644 yards, par 72
www.trenthamgolf.org
01782 658 109
Staffordshire
RECOGNISED by the R&A in 1894, Trentham is regarded today as one of the finest courses in the Midlands and has hosted Open Championship regional qualifying for the past five years.
A venue for many championships at all levels, the club is also steeped in history and you can follow in the footsteps of James Braid, Robert Di Vicenzo and many other fine professionals who have played here.
6,644 yards, par 72
www.trenthamgolf.org
01782 658 109
Coventry
West Midands
A REGIONAL qualifying course for this month’s Open at Turnberry, Coventry is one of the most attractive courses in the Midlands thanks to the many different species of trees that line every fairway. The gently undulating course has a great mix of holes that feature groups of Fir and Silver Birch, together with Cherries, Whitebeam, Chestnut and young Beech.
6,601 yards, par 73
www.coventrygolfclub.net
02476 414 152
West Midands
A REGIONAL qualifying course for this month’s Open at Turnberry, Coventry is one of the most attractive courses in the Midlands thanks to the many different species of trees that line every fairway. The gently undulating course has a great mix of holes that feature groups of Fir and Silver Birch, together with Cherries, Whitebeam, Chestnut and young Beech.
6,601 yards, par 73
www.coventrygolfclub.net
02476 414 152
Bridgnorth
Shropshire
FOUNDED in 1889, Bridgnorth is set in idyllic peaceful surroundings alongside the River Severn with greens that have been renovated to USGA standards.
Predominantly a parkland course, Bridgnorth also takes on many different characteristics during the round with varying types of terrain that range from dry springy turf to fertile meadowland on the holes that sit alongside the river.
6,582 yards, par 73
www.bridgnorthgolfclub.co.uk
01746 763 315
Shropshire
FOUNDED in 1889, Bridgnorth is set in idyllic peaceful surroundings alongside the River Severn with greens that have been renovated to USGA standards.
Predominantly a parkland course, Bridgnorth also takes on many different characteristics during the round with varying types of terrain that range from dry springy turf to fertile meadowland on the holes that sit alongside the river.
6,582 yards, par 73
www.bridgnorthgolfclub.co.uk
01746 763 315
Welcombe
Warwickshire
SPECIALSING in golf, spa and leisure breaks in central England, Welcombe, near Stratford-upon-Avon, has a Jacobean-style house as its centrepiece that dates back to 1866. The championship course features beautiful lakes and rolling countryside, a setting that was host to the European Seniors Tour’s Ryder Seniors Classic in 1998.
5,739 yards, par 70
www.menzies-hotels.co.uk
01789 295 252
Warwickshire
SPECIALSING in golf, spa and leisure breaks in central England, Welcombe, near Stratford-upon-Avon, has a Jacobean-style house as its centrepiece that dates back to 1866. The championship course features beautiful lakes and rolling countryside, a setting that was host to the European Seniors Tour’s Ryder Seniors Classic in 1998.
5,739 yards, par 70
www.menzies-hotels.co.uk
01789 295 252
Edgbaston
West Midlands
THE tight fairways and tricky greens of this natural parkland and woodland course were first laid out by Harry Colt in 1936. It demands accuracy from the first hole to the last.
Using land that was first landscaped by Capability Brown, the course sits in what was once the home of Sir Henry Gough with the grand Georgian mansion now the club’s stunning clubhouse.
6,132 yards, par 69
www.edgbastongc.co.uk
0121 454 3226
West Midlands
THE tight fairways and tricky greens of this natural parkland and woodland course were first laid out by Harry Colt in 1936. It demands accuracy from the first hole to the last.
Using land that was first landscaped by Capability Brown, the course sits in what was once the home of Sir Henry Gough with the grand Georgian mansion now the club’s stunning clubhouse.
6,132 yards, par 69
www.edgbastongc.co.uk
0121 454 3226
Keele Golf Centre
Staffordshire
WITH scenic views of the Staffordshire Moorlands, Keele’s undulating course carves its way through mature trees that once formed part of the old Keele Hall Park and was carefully designed by renowned architect Fred Hawtree. Keele is also home to a challenging Par 3 course that is ideal for beginners and competent players wishing to hone their short games.
6396 yards, par 72
www.jackbarker.com
01782 627 596
Staffordshire
WITH scenic views of the Staffordshire Moorlands, Keele’s undulating course carves its way through mature trees that once formed part of the old Keele Hall Park and was carefully designed by renowned architect Fred Hawtree. Keele is also home to a challenging Par 3 course that is ideal for beginners and competent players wishing to hone their short games.
6396 yards, par 72
www.jackbarker.com
01782 627 596
Kington
Herefordshire
PERCHED on Bradnor Hill, just outside the medieval town from where it takes its name, Kington is widely known as the highest golf club in England.
Designed by Major Cecil Key Hutchinson, who assisted James Braid with his efforts at Carnoustie and Gleneagles, this fine links-style course gives way to beautiful views of the Herefordshire countryside and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
5,961 yards, par 70
www.kingtongolf.co.uk
01544 230 340
Herefordshire
PERCHED on Bradnor Hill, just outside the medieval town from where it takes its name, Kington is widely known as the highest golf club in England.
Designed by Major Cecil Key Hutchinson, who assisted James Braid with his efforts at Carnoustie and Gleneagles, this fine links-style course gives way to beautiful views of the Herefordshire countryside and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
5,961 yards, par 70
www.kingtongolf.co.uk
01544 230 340
Trentham Park
Staffordshire
SET in the former grounds of Trentham Hall, once the seat of the Duke of Sutherland, this pleasantly wooded course makes excellent use of water features, especially on the opening hole. Trentham Park is the home course of former Ryder Cup player David Gilford and current European Tour player Simon Wakefield.
6,390 yards, par 71
www.trenthamparkgolfclub.com
01782 658 800
Staffordshire
SET in the former grounds of Trentham Hall, once the seat of the Duke of Sutherland, this pleasantly wooded course makes excellent use of water features, especially on the opening hole. Trentham Park is the home course of former Ryder Cup player David Gilford and current European Tour player Simon Wakefield.
6,390 yards, par 71
www.trenthamparkgolfclub.com
01782 658 800
Patshull Park
Shropshire
NESTLED in secluded countryside amid majestic mature trees, rolling parkland and expansive lakes, Patshull Park is a delightful place to play.
Built in the grounds of Patshull Hall, with the Capability Brown-designed parkland now containing the stunning 18-hole championship course, this is also a great venue for a weekend break thanks to the award-winning hotel.
6,123 yards, par 72
www.patshull-park.co.uk
01902 700 100
Shropshire
NESTLED in secluded countryside amid majestic mature trees, rolling parkland and expansive lakes, Patshull Park is a delightful place to play.
Built in the grounds of Patshull Hall, with the Capability Brown-designed parkland now containing the stunning 18-hole championship course, this is also a great venue for a weekend break thanks to the award-winning hotel.
6,123 yards, par 72
www.patshull-park.co.uk
01902 700 100
Frilford Heath
Oxfordshire
FRILFORD HEATH has earned a reputation as one of Oxfordshire’s finest venues thanks not only to its three championship courses, but its surroundings in 600 acres of glorious, undulating heathland.
Designed by five-time Open Champion JH Taylor, The Red is the most prestigious, yet the Blue and Green also offer a stern test and are a worthy addition on any travelling golfer’s itinerary.
Red Course: 6,843 yards, par 72
www.frilfordheath.co.uk
01865 390 864
Oxfordshire
FRILFORD HEATH has earned a reputation as one of Oxfordshire’s finest venues thanks not only to its three championship courses, but its surroundings in 600 acres of glorious, undulating heathland.
Designed by five-time Open Champion JH Taylor, The Red is the most prestigious, yet the Blue and Green also offer a stern test and are a worthy addition on any travelling golfer’s itinerary.
Red Course: 6,843 yards, par 72
www.frilfordheath.co.uk
01865 390 864
Southfield
Oxfordshire
FORMED in 1875 by Oxford University graduates, Southfield is the home of three different centenary clubs in Oxford City (1899), Oxford Ladies (1901) and Oxford University (1875).
The course that stands today was originally laid out by James Braid but largely redesigned by Harry Colt in the early 1920s. There are many memorable holes throughout this undulating parkland course, including the short 12th, which was described by Henry Longhurst as “one of the best par-3 holes in the country”.
6,325, par 70
www.southfieldgolf.com
01865 242 158
Oxfordshire
FORMED in 1875 by Oxford University graduates, Southfield is the home of three different centenary clubs in Oxford City (1899), Oxford Ladies (1901) and Oxford University (1875).
The course that stands today was originally laid out by James Braid but largely redesigned by Harry Colt in the early 1920s. There are many memorable holes throughout this undulating parkland course, including the short 12th, which was described by Henry Longhurst as “one of the best par-3 holes in the country”.
6,325, par 70
www.southfieldgolf.com
01865 242 158
Fulford Heath
Worcestershire
THIS James Braid-designed parkland course has the River Cole flowing through it, which presents a major challenge on several holes, as well as three lakes and mature trees. The stand-out holes here are the 12th, where the river appears on both sides of the fairway, and the 16th, where you must carry a lake to reach the elevated green.
6,174 yards, par 70
www.fulfordheathgolfclub.co.uk
01564 824 758
Worcestershire
THIS James Braid-designed parkland course has the River Cole flowing through it, which presents a major challenge on several holes, as well as three lakes and mature trees. The stand-out holes here are the 12th, where the river appears on both sides of the fairway, and the 16th, where you must carry a lake to reach the elevated green.
6,174 yards, par 70
www.fulfordheathgolfclub.co.uk
01564 824 758