THE BELFRY & FOREST OF ARDEN GOLF COURSES
The best Golf Clubs for Midlands golfbreaks.
Forest of Arden - Arden Architect: D. Steel (1970) 18 holes: 6420yds: par 72.
A inland English gem where hearty oaks abound. A perfect piece of land for golfing with gentle undulations and ancient forest to which a few water hazards have been added. The front nine is quite tight and needs to be played more than once: the back nine is more expansive and inhabited by the magnificent Black Deer that were introduced in the 1800s.
Forest of Arden - Aylesford Architect: D. Steel (1970) 18 holes: 5,801yds: par 69.
A gentler course, not without its golfing hazards and maintained to the same high standards as its bigger brother. The Aylesford course provides a great venue for your warm-up round on the day you arrive. Or maybe if it's your first ever golf weekend the ideal place to spread your golfing wings away from the pressures of a major course.
THe Belfry - Brabazon Architect: P. Alliss & D. Thomas (1977) 18 holes: 7,196yds: par 72.
Arguably the best known course in the British Isles as the setting for so many magical Ryder Cup moments over its years as home to this enthralling competition. A cassic parkland layout through established forest to which a considerable amount of water has been added - mainly in a risk/reward fashion. Relive many a magical moment as you walk in the footsteps of giants and maybe see if you can hit a 2-iron like Christy...
THe Belfry - PGA Architect: P. Alliss & D. Thomas (1977) 18 holes: 6,699yds: par 72.
The back-up course at the Belfry to the Brabazon and another stern test of golf. Holes are generally shorter but tighter than the Ryder Cup course so you will need to think carefully before each shot as dangers lurk just off the Fairways.
THe Belfry - Derby Architect: D. Thomas (1977) 18 holes: 6,057yds: par 69.
The most relaxed of the three golf courses at The Belfry makes for a very enjoyable round of golf. Holes are much more approachable - even the odd birdie chance!
THe WarwickshireThere are 36 holes at the sprawling Warwickshire Golf and Country Club. Designed by the American Karl Litten, the courses have a distinctly US feel to them as they wend their way over this huge estate.
Blackwell
Architect: Fowler & Simpson (1923)
18 holes: 6,260yds: par 70.
A course that you have probably never heard of (despite being an Open qualifying venue) but will be delighted to have discovered. Short by modern standards but don't equate that with easy, as the twists and turns through the Warwickshire countryside requires thought and placement all the way around. Following which a very warm welcome awaits you in the Clubhouse.
Other courses to consider:
Nearby you will also find the delightful course at Little Aston, a very private and very pretty Golf Club with a much admired parkland course (and splendid putting Green) where visitors may play during the week.