NCG’s Midlands Golf Guide
From the iconic to the undiscovered, the depth and variety of courses on offer in Midlands is simply staggering.
It’s here that you can play at The Belfry, the four-time host of the Ryder Cup. But the Midlands is also home to many more magnificent layouts that fly under the radar waiting to be discovered.
With a convenient location in the centre of England, the Midlands really should be high up in your thoughts when planning your next golf trip.
Sherwood Forest (East Midlands)
The course: An outstanding traditional heathland course is on offer at Sherwood Forest. The 18-hole track features some of the finest greens in the Midlands and encompasses a challenging back nine. With this in mind, you’ll want to get off to a quick start and score well on the opening holes. Originally designed by Harry Colt, Sherwood Forest provides visitors with some of the most exquisite golf holes in England.
Call 01623 626689 or visit the Sherwood Forest website for more details
Gaudet Luce (Worcestershire)
The course: Gaudet Luce is home to 27 holes of brilliant golf, split over the 18-hole Phoenix course and the 9-hole Hadzor course. The venue hosted the William Hunt Trilby Tour in 2017 and 2018. With well-placed bunkers and water hazards, the Phoenix offers a great challenge for a golfers of all abilities. The par-3 Hadzor course is accessible for beginners and provides a great location for more advanced golfers to perfect their short-game skills.
Call 01905 796375 or visit the Gaudet Luce website for more details.
Leamington & County (Warwickshire)
The course: A brilliant 18-hole parkland layout awaits at Leamington & County Golf Club. With a brilliant blend of par 3s, 4s and 5s, the course offers a fantastic test of golf for players of all abilities. Be sure to take care over each shot to keep the ball on the fairway and to avoid the water hazards and trees which can be punishing. The course’s picturesque surroundings make for the perfect backdrop for a round of Midlands golf.
Call 01926 425961 or visit the Leamington & County website for more details.
Stoke Rochford (Lincolnshire)
The course: The course is one of the most attractive golfing locations in the East Midlands. The layout includes a range of different hole lengths and difficulties, ensuring golfers are challenged and entertained throughout. A highlight is the par-4, 4th hole. The tight, tree-lined fairway makes it a tricky tee shot and essential to keep your ball straight. Even if you do stripe your tee shot, the second shot onto an undulating green can be testing.
Call 01476 530275 or visit the Stoke Rochford website for more details.
The Belfry (Warwickshire)
The course: The Belfry is synonymous with class and quality having hosted the Ryder Cup a record four times. With three spectacular courses at the resort, golfers are spoilt for choice. Ryder Cup host course, The Brabazon, features tight fairways and slick greens. Thanks to many well positioned bunkers, the PGA National ensures golfers won’t have it all their way. Finally, the Derby is accessible for all golfers but will challenge even the most experienced players.
Call 01675 238600 or visit The Belfry website for more details.
Stanton-on-the-Wolds (Nottinghamshire)
The course: The greens at Stanton-on-the-Wolds are perhaps the most impressive aspect of the course and are maintained to a high level throughout the year. Due to the brilliant use of natural land, Stanton makes the most of the area’s trees, which can become a problem for any errant tee shots. Talking of trees, the long par-5 18th is lined by trees on both sides and gradually narrows towards the front of the green – a brilliant closing hole.
Call 0115 9374885 or visit the Stanton-on-the-Wolds website for more details.
Shifnal (Shropshire)
The course: A challenging yet rewarding setup is present at Shifnal, where golfers are treated to a range of hole types and many stunning views. The changes in elevation on
the back nine emphasises the importance of club selection while also providing platforms to view the surrounding countryside. The rough can be punishing so be sure to keep the ball on the fairway because opportunities will present themselves, particularly on the par 5s.
Call 01952 460330 or visit the Shifnal website for more details.
Coventry Hearsall (Warwickshire)
The course: Steeped in history dating back to 1894, Coventry Hearsall is a gorgeous parkland course offering a thought-provoking test for every level of player. One of the course’s standout holes is the par-4 13th, which measures just 267 yards. The green can be driven by long hitters on a good day but trees line the fairway on either side, ready to punish anyone who isn’t accurate. A former host of the County Amateur, this is a top-class venue.
Call 02476 713156 or visit the Coventry Hearsall website for more details.
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