Edgbaston: A Colt classic in the most picturesque of settings
Edgbaston Golf Club can be summed up in two words: pretty, and difficult.
If you find yourself at this course, just over a mile away from the centre of Birmingham but a lifetime away from the bustle of the metropolis, strap yourself in for a Harry Colt classic.
With its bunkers recently restored to the architect’s original intentions, Edgbaston’s raison d’etre is as it was nearly a century ago: challenge in the most picturesque of settings.
But the greens are the real stars here, punishingly fast and contoured, and, after a trademark gentle Colt opening hole, things heat up quickly.
History
Edgbaston started out in 1896 with a nine-hole course at Lightwood Park in Warley, before relocating to Ridgeacre Road in Harborne 14 years later.
When EGC moved to Edgbaston Park in 1936, Mr Harry Colt was commissioned to design and construct the course with F Harris Bros of Guildford, the cost of which was £6,000. It was the last of his many creations at the age of 78.
The course and clubhouse were opened in 1937 by Neville Chamberlain, prime minister of the day and Member of Parliament for the Edgbaston constituency.
However, the club’s progress was temporarily halted by the onset of the Second World War. The course was not fully re-opened until 1950, because the Park suffered serious bomb damage.
What makes it special
Despite being within two miles of Birmingham city centre, Edgbaston is located in a Conservation Area, part of which is an Area of Special Scientific Interest and a Nature Reserve.
Edgbaston is also one of the oldest golf clubs in the West Midlands. The club is fortunate that records from the date of its formation – January 16, 1896 – remain intact in the form of committee meeting minutes.
Where does it rank?
129th in England, 10th in West Midlands
Where is it?
Edgbaston Golf Club is situated just over one mile from the centre of Birmingham making it easily accessible by car, train, or air.
Would you like to play Edgbaston with the NCG Top 100s Tour?
Our NCG Top 100s Tour offers club golfers the chance to tick off their bucket list courses around the UK and Ireland while playing for fantastic prizes courtesy of TaylorMade.
The Tour prides itself on offering the best experience at the events while offering fantastic value.
Edgbaston is part of the Tour’s 2023 schedule with an event on May 24, 2023 and your entry fee includes:
- Your round of golf
- A meal before and after your round
- A welcome pack on arrival
- The chance to win amazing TaylorMade prizes
And, if that isn’t enough, you can get a 10% discount if you book four or more golfers.
Get in touch with Edgbaston
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 0121 454 1736.
Have you played Edgbaston before? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us.
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Ben Outhwaite
Ben is National Club Golfer's Marketing Editor and the latest addition to our golf equipment review team.
He specialises in testing golf bags, beginner golf club sets, apparel and golf accessories. He also collates our buying guides so you know which are the latest and greatest bits of golf equipment on the market.
Ben picked up his first golf club when he was five years old – which was in fact a left-handed set of clubs!
He is a member at Rudding Park Golf Club and has a handicap of fifteen.
