TRAVEL: Middle England
WITH such a wide expanse of golfing country to cover, it is difficult to do justice to the courses of the Midlands.
Every form of golf can be found inside this boundary from links to heathland, parkland to resort. We’ve already highlighted some of the best-known venues but, as we all know, some of the best rounds can take place on hidden gems that have been stumbled upon.
Should you be planning a trip, the following represents just a small taster for what could turn out to be a fantastic day out.
Lincolnshire
Golf in this county isn’t just restricted to Woodhall Spa as Lincoln, in Torksey, sits 12 miles west of this cathedral city. Designed by Open Champion JH Taylor in 1903, Peter Alliss has described the course as ‘near-ideal golfing terrain’ with its mixture of links and parkland characteristics, and a hint of water. Former Ryder Cup Captain Mark James is the course-record holder.
Gedney Hill also has a great claim to fame, as it is the proud owner of the longest hole in Britain.
You won’t even have long to warm up for it as it comes at the second hole as a 671-yard par five. The rest of this links-style layout isn’t as long but it just as enjoyable.
Set in 140 acres of prime golfing land, Spalding will celebrate its centenary this year and a hundred years of golf have been enjoyed here. It is an attractive, yet challenging, parkland with water featuring on several holes, the signature being the 363-yard 2nd that, although only short, requires an accurate drive over the elbow of the River Glen.
Located in the heart of rural Lincolnshire, Elsham is a secluded, private course which features an abundance of wildlife in this tranquil corner of the wolds on the fringes of the Ancholme Valley.
With a par of 71, it presents a fair test to which many visiting pros and county amateurs will testify.
Pottergate is one of the prettiest nine-hole courses you could wish to play with its rolling fairways and large undulating greens. This is a perfect venue for a quick nine holes or a more sedate 18.
With a new clubhouse, it offers excellent facilities for members and guests.
There are plenty of golf hotels to stay at in Lincs, headlined by the Woodhall Spa Hotel – perfect for rounds on the Hotchkin and Bracken and the nearby National Golf Centre. The appearance of the hotel has remained virtually unchanged since its conversion from a family home to a hotel in 1889, but inside you will find all the luxury of the 21st century. All of its 25 contemporary bedrooms are en-suite and fitted with 42-inch plasma screens while the cuisine is also of the highest quality.
In addition the Toft House Hotel, near Bourne, is a converted stone farmhouse with plenty of character and charm thanks to its original courtyard, well and oak beams. It even has its own course that uses the natural contours of the Lincolnshire escarpment.
Branston Hall is an elegant country house hotel that dates back to 1885 and is set in 88 acres of wooded parkland and lakes. From the oak-panelled bar lounge to the luxuriously furnished bedrooms, sumptuous spa and AA Rosette restaurant, this hotel provides a superb setting for a weekend away.
Lincolnshire also has some great links action and the North Shore Hotel and Golf Club has the unbridled boast of being the closest hotel to the sea in Skegness, as well as owning one of the most attractive courses. Designed by James Braid it is a great links in its own right is made all the more appealing by the Georgian building that doubles up as the clubhouse. A great society venue.
Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire
Golf has been played at Bulwell Forest in Nottingham since the 1870s, and while the club has only existed in its present state since 1902, there is a rich heritage here with a 5,698-yard course that is set on mature undulating heathland with tight fairways and mature trees.
Heritage and tradition are also two important factors at Birstall, which can be found to the north of Leicester with magnificent views of the city, the hills of Charnwood Forest, and Rutland to the east. And the greens and fairways along this 6,230-yard, par-70 layout are just as appealing as the scenery.
Kibworth, in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside, is a picture-postcard course with a meandering stream that features on seven of the 18 holes. It is an ideal venue for visiting societies with two loops of nine as well as excellent practice facilities and a friendly welcome.
The recently refurbished clubhouse sets the scene perfectly for a superb day of golf at Ullesthorpe Court. The 18-hole championship course is one of the finest in Leicestershire with challenging holes and plenty of water. It can also make for a perfect weekend break when staying at the former 17th-century manor house.
With well over 100 years of history behind it, Ashbourne has plenty to be proud of but much has also happened in the last 12 years since relocating to a new home, where David Hemstock has laid out 18 fantastic holes. Indeed Ashbourne is a regular fixture in the county amateur scene.
Uttoxeter is undoubtedly one of the country’s best-kept secrets, with its excellent putting surfaces, manicured fairways and views across the Dove Valley to the rolling hills of Staffordshire and Derbyshire. The cosy, intimate clubhouse is the perfect place to plan for your next visit.
Warwickshire and Shropshire
One of the area’s most accessible hotel and golf complexes can be found near the Royal town of Sutton Coldfield. Lea Marston is set in 54 acres and boasts a four-star hotel, two restaurants, bars, extensive leisure facilities and its own 9-hole Lakes Course. As the name suggests, it features a plentiful supply of water as well as sand hazards.
Draycote Hotel is styled to create a contemporary and relaxed environment that is surrounded by the picturesque Warwickshire countryside and the beautiful Draycote Water reservoir. This water comes into play on the 13th hole of the hotel’s Whitefields course which has a few tricks up its sleeve including the par-three 16th ‘Curlies Corner’ that is surrounded by water.
As part of the QHotels group, Telford is not only home to a fantastic hotel but also an attractive tree-lined course that can boast the same greens system as Augusta National. This parkland is not as difficult to play but does have some fantastic holes.
Five miles south west of Birmingham, Hagley certainly rewards straight hitters as no fewer than six holes on the 5,600-yard layout feature large water hazards. The mature parkland course also features the signature 557-yard 15th hole referred to ominously by members as ‘The Monster’.
Founded in 1893, Dudley has a number of great society packages at their par-69 parkland course that is set in the heart of the Black Country. The Malverns, Clent Hills, the Lickies and the Wrekin just a few of the vistas on display as you challenge yourself around this picturesque venue.
Shropshire’s Cleobury Mortimer has three loops of nine high-quality holes that all reflect the rural nature of this venue – Foxes Run, Badgers Set and Deer Park.
There are some spectacular challenges including the par-three 6th on Badgers Set, which will have your heart in your mouth as your ball descends the 100-feet to the green below.
CONTACT DETAILS (By Location)
Warwickshire and Shropshire
Lea Marston
01675 470 468
Draycote Hotel
01788 521 800
Telford
01952 429 977
Hagley
01562 883 701
Dudley Golf Club
01384 233 877
Cleobury Mortimer
01299 271 112
Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire and Derbyshire
Woodhall Spa Hotel
01526 353 231
Lincoln
01427 718 273
Gedney Hill
01406 330922
Spalding
01775 680 474
Elsham
01652 680 291
Pottergate
01522 794 867
Toft Hotel
01778 590 614
Branston Hall
01522 793 305
North Shore Hotel & Golf Club
01754 763 298
Bulwell Forest
0115 9763 172
Birstall
0116 267 4322
Kibworth
0116 279 2301
Ullesthorpe Court
01455 209 023
Ashbourne
01335 347 960
Uttoxeter
01889 566 552
