Most of the holes at Sherwood Forest are set in glorious seclusion, with flanks of firs and banks of gorse divorcing the current challenge from the rest of the course.
The tight, springy turf is indicative of an inland course of the very highest quality. It has that indefinable touch of class that most courses, no matter how hard they strive or how many new back tees they build, will never achieve.
Sherwood Forest, whose virtues as a whole remain, for some reason, curiously uncelebrated. Perhaps that’s the way the members like it. Should you make a visit anytime soon, they might thank you for not telling everyone else quite how much you enjoyed it.
History
There is a rich back-story, the club having moved to its current site roughly halfway between Nottingham and Mansfield in 1912. Its full history dates another 17 years back from then.
It was designed by Harry Colt, the man responsible for, Sunningdale’s New Course, Swinley Forest and St George’s Hill, among many others around the country. In 1925 James Braid was invited to make improvements and extend it.
Further minor changes – larger greens and new tees – were implemented in the early 1980s after recommendations made by Cotton, Pennink, Steel and Hawtree.
The club has played host to Open Championship Regional Qualifying and even Gary Nicklaus, son of the great Jack, failed to qualify here, not only once, but twice.
What makes Sherwood Forest Golf Club special?
The royal hunting Forest of Sherwood in middle England is world famous as the legendary home of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
Sherwood Forest is now a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest because it contains the largest area of low-lying heathland in the Midlands.
Renowned for its fantastic greens and friendly welcome, Sherwood Forest is certainly a course to put on your itinerary when visiting the Midlands. Include it alongside Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) and Lindrick, and you will have played three of the best inland courses in the country.
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Most recently, Sherwood Forest have had extensive new practice facilities completed. These consist of a driving range and short game area, giving members the opportunity to practice their golf in a more private manner than what a traditional practice ground would offer.
Where does it rank?
76th in GB&I, 33rd, in England, 3rd in the East Midlands, 41st in England Value
Where is Sherwood Forest Golf Club?
Sherwood Forest Golf Club is based in Nottinghamshire, with the club situated just a couple of miles east of Mansfield. The club is on the western edge of Sherwood Forest itself. Both Sheffield and Nottingham are also within 30 miles of the golf club, with the M1 running close by to provide good road links north and south. East Midlands Airport is the closest major airport to Sherwood Forest, located approximately 30 miles to the southwest.
Get in touch with Sherwood Forest
For more information about the club and course, visit its website or call them on 01623 626689.
You can play at Sherwood Forest on the NCG Top 100s Tour in the 2026 season!
- Book your spot to play at Edgbaston on the NCG Top 100s Tour on May 14th, 2026 here.
- You can also play at Sutton Coldfield and Edgbaston in our Midlands Swing – check that out here.
Now have your say
Have you ever had the pleasure of playing at Sherwood Forest Golf Club? Let us know your thoughts with a post on X, formerly Twitter!
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