Top 100 Courses Part 1 (100 to 76)
100. Oakmere Park (Admirals) Distance from my home – 78 minutes
Ranking in 2019 – New Entry
Why has it made the list?
Ranked 7th in the list of courses in Nottinghamshire this year by Top100golfcourses.com, having previously been unmentioned makes me believe that it is a course that is improving and one to watch next year. Due to it being a heathland course, benefiting from free draining, it is known as an all-weather course meaning it rarely closes and can operate under tough conditions. Known for its undulating terrain and natural water hazards it makes it a tough challenge for golfers and offers a lot of variation across the 18 holes.
How much will it cost to play there?
Oakmere, according to their website, has little variation in terms of price and I like that! If you wish to play during the week it will cost a visitor £28 and at a weekend it will be £40, which offers good value for money, especially during the week. Guests of members and twilight offers are available at a reduced price.
99. Burford
Oxfordshire
Distance from my home – 88 minutes
Ranking in 2019 – New Entry
Why has it made the list?
Burford is very similar to Oakmere in that it is also ranked 7th in the county this year by Top100golfcourses.com, having previously been unmentioned makes it a course to watch with good reason. The course was opened in two stages, with the second nine completed in 1937. At 6,363 yards it is a relatively short course compared to others on the list but because of the good drainage makes it playable all year. As a course, it has variation to it and is known locally for its well-kept greens.
How much will it cost to play there?
According to the website, the course offers different pricing strategies depending on the time of day, year and whether it is a weekend or not. The cheapest option is a midweek round off season at £26 and the most expensive on the website was £45, however this was for a weekend round during the off season (between September and March), so you can assume it could cost slightly more to play there.
Buckinghamshire
Distance from my home – 86 minutes
Ranking in 2019 – New Entry
Why has it made the list?
Finding itself comfortably inside the top courses in its county (a county which also has the three Woburn courses), Harewood Downs finds a spot just inside the top 100 on the list. The course itself has been modified over recent years and now has forty new bunkers, strategically placed, in order to test golfers of all abilities. Locally it is known for possessing great views of the local area and makes it very appealing for visitors and members alike
How much will it cost to play there?
Judging by their website, this is a club that encourages visitors, but rightly prioritises its members for tee times. Visitors in the summer are allowed to play on a Monday to Thursday, except Wednesday before 11am at a cost of £40 and on Friday, Sunday and a Saturday after 4pm the cost of a round will increase to £50.
97. Gerrards Cross
Buckinghamshire
Distance from my home – 90 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Opened in 1922, Gerrards Cross is one of the little known courses in the county of Buckinghamshire but it is a gem nonetheless. The course itself has been updated over recent years and now stands at just over 6,200 yards and the majority of the holes are situated on a plateau above the clubhouse. The 16th hole is known by most who play there as the standout hole on the course and one of the most challenging
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are permitted to play the course a twilight round (anytime after 3.30pm), when offered in the summer month, will cost £32. Otherwise it is £45 for a round between November and March and it is £60 other than that.
Warwickshire
Distance from my home – 63 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Founded in 1893, Robin Hood Golf Club moved to its current location in 1913 to a course designed by Harry Colt. Over more recent years a lot of work has gone into adding further hazards on the course, mainly in the shape of bunkers. Prior to this a lot of trees were planted giving more evidence that it is playing to it’s name!
How much will it cost to play there?
Offering one rate of payment for weekends and weekdays no matter the season or month of the year, any visitor will look at paying £45 for a weekday round and this goes up to £55 at the weekend.
95. Hinckley
Leicestershire
Distance from my home – 44 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Golf was first played at Hinckley in 1894, under the name of Burbage Common Golf Club. The existing Parkland course was completed for play in 1983 with three of the original holes remaining. During the refurbishment to the course 4,000 trees were planted and these have matured and along with other refurbishments have made the course more picturesque and become one of the more highly thought of courses in the local area.
How much will it cost to play there?
Finding information about visitor green fees was challenging on the website, no doubt due to COVID 19, however I did find that guest fees meaning you play with a member is £20 for a round of 18 which makes it a good price for the course. No doubt as further restrictions come in the visitors fees will be back on the website.
Northamptonshire
Distance from my home – 21 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − Down 55 places, was 39th
Why has it made the list?
Although the course has tumbled down the list, this is due to my lack of knowledge courses in the local area when the first list was written and in no means a reflection of the course, I am pretty sure leading LPGA Charley Hull, who plays here regularly would vouch for that. Founded in 1891, it makes the course the oldest in the county. Originally built as a 9 hole course, it soon expanded to become the 18 hole course that stands today.
How much will it cost to play there?
Again, the green fees are not listed on the site, however it does state that visitors are welcome. Having researched it looks like visitor fees range from £30 to £40 to play a round there.
93. Brampton Heath
Northamptonshire
Distance from my home – 10 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
The closest course to my house on the list and definitely deserving of its place on there. I would argue that it is the best pay and play course in the county and is happy to be accomodating of visitors. The heathland course was built in 1995 and now has 27 holes, the main 18 hole course and an academy course which is well renowned as a great short course in the Midlands.
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are very much encouraged at the course and prices for golf are very reasonable, some of the best on the list. A weekday round would cost £24 with a round at the weekend costing £29. This does not depend on the season.
Suffolk
Distance from my home – 90 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
One of two courses from Suffolk to make the list and is in on its merit. Designed in 1924 by the first British Ryder Cup captain Ted Ray the course first measured 6,087 yards, it has since been extended to 6,676 yards making it the second longest in the county. In the 1960s the course was resigned due to the construction of the A14 meaning new holes were built and old ones renumbered and this course was formally opened in 1969. In 1991 the nine hole course followed making it a fantastic course to visit and play at.
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are very much encouraged at the course however the course website stated that only members could play it at present due to COVID. Having researched further the course prices range from £25 to £37 for a round depending on the day.
91. Overstone Park
Northamptonshire
Distance from my home – 15 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Another of the courses local to myself, Overstone Park is a leisure resort with a great open golf course to boot. Designed by Donald Steel the course is renowned for having open fairways inviting players to test their driving abilities and some of the best greens in the local area. A course that I have played on a couple of occasions that is always in good condition and offering a challenge to golfers of all ability. Definitely deserving of its spot on the list
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are very much encouraged at the course. Green fees in the winter are cheaper than in the peak season. However in the summer a weekday round will cost £30 and at the weekend this increases to £35.
Bedfordshire
Distance from my home – 43 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Probably the newest course to make the list, Pavenham Park was opened in 1994 by Justin Rose and Ian Poulter and since that time it has tried to establish itself as one of the premier golfing locations in the county, and for me does not get the credit it deserves. It is a course that is incredibly undulating, and includes a lot of natural and man made hazards and offers a lot of variation (five par 5 holes and well as five par 3 holes). It is a course I enjoy playing on, although not necessarily putting on as the greens are incredibly challenging throughout the course.
How much will it cost to play there?
Although it is a course I have played on many occasions my memory could not accurately remember how much it was for a round at Pavenham, although I know they accommodate visitors. At the time of writing, the website was only displaying information for members and non members, due to Covid, where not permitted. However, having looked around for information the price of a round varies between £25 to £30 depending on when you wish to play.
Staffordshire
Distance from my home – 82 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Originally designed in 1908 by Harry Vardon, the course has had some tweaks over the years and is renowned for being a short course that possesses some long holes , it has six 400 yard plus par four holes. Current head professional Peter Baker (member of the Ryder Cup team in 1993) holds the course record and picks out three holes that stand out to him and against some of the holes across the best courses in the world.
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are permitted to play the course over the seven days, however weekend rounds for visitors are by arrangement only. A round in the week costs £30 and that is not dependent on the time of year.
Oxfordshire
Distance from my home – 76 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Another of the new courses, designed in 1995, Studley Wood is set in 44 acres of woodland in the Oxfordshire countryside and it looks a very picturesque course. It is a course based around nature with no fewer than 14 lakes incorporated into it to add further challenge. Studley Wood is a very even course in terms of balance with the back nine holes measuring only slightly longer than the opening nine. It is quickly making a name for itself with its facilities having been recognised by Srixon Cleveland in becoming a centre of excellence.
How much will it cost to play there?
A course that very much encourages visitors and societies. Rather differently than a lot of the courses that I have researched to date, the course offers different pricing not only based on day but time of day. A midweek round between 6am and 8am or after 5pm costs £20 with this rising to £40 between these times. At the weekend visitors are permitted after 1pm and between then and 5pm it is £40 after 5pm it is £20.
87. Beeston Fields
Nottinghamshire
Distance from my home – 64 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Designed in 1923, Beeston Fields is a parkland course in Nottinghamshire, measuring at 6,430 yards this par 71 course is known locally as a beautifully maintained and challenging course as well as being one which is a friendly club for members and visitors alike. The course is set amongst the former home of the grounds of Sir Harold Bowden, founder of Raleigh Bicycle Company.
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are permitted at all times when there is availability, a weekday round will cost £30 and a weekend round costs marginally more at £35, this is not dependent on the season or time of the year, making it very competitive.
Cambridgeshire
Distance from my home – 48 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Opened in 1993, Elton Furze is another woodland course that makes up a nine hole loop completed twice. The course uses the natural landscape in its layout with natural undulations and plenty of water around the course. The course also uses the trees, includes ditches as well as bunkers making it a real thinkers golf course.
How much will it cost to play there?
One of the best value for money courses on the list, Elton Furze allows visitors to its course. The cheapest round is a midweek round after 5pm, this costs £16, with it being £22 before this. At the weekend the cost of a round is either £20 or £26 depending on the time of day.
85. Kings Norton (Weatheroak)
Worcestershire
Distance from my home – 65 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Kings Norton was founded in 1892 and it is set around a picturesque clubhouse. The course is made up of 27 holes with Kings Norton (Weatheroak) is the Blue and Red loops and this combination is the longest of the combinations and is the one that hosts the most competitions at the club. Whichever loop you take you end up with a par five to finish and whatever the weather or season you will find the course in good conditions.
How much will it cost to play there?
Another club that encourages visitors to play there, however with more restrictions than some of the other courses ranked similarly on the list. Weekend visitors are not permitted, according to the website, however in the week it costs £40 for a round between November and March and this goes up slightly, to £50 for a round between April and October.
Nottinghamshire
Distance from my home – 58 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Stanton on the Wolds became a club 110 years ago, and is another course that boasts excellent conditions all year round. It has recently begun to accept societies to its venue and this has become popular for people playing the course. it is different to a lot of other clubs in that it has a five person committee that makes the decisions at the club opposed to other clubs that have a more complex committee structure. Whatever is happening at the club it is one on the up as in 2019 it became an English Golf Championship Open venue.
How much will it cost to play there?
Stanton on the Wolds accepts visitors to the club and has an easy structure for non members to follow. According to the website visiting golfers can only play in the week and it is £44 a round to do so. You can buy a day pass as a non member costing £60 which works out as great value if you want to play 36 holes.
Hertfordshire
Distance from my home – 84 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Opening for its first golfers in 1996, Batchworth Park is set in 140 acres of Hertfordshire parkland and is known as one of the best newly designed courses in the country, boasting a lot of big, bold bunkers especially around the greens. Even though the club has a policy that you have to be a member or a friend of a member to play it, befriending one looks a good move in order to play one of the courses in a strong county for golf.
How much will it cost to play there?
As mentioned above, you need to be a member or a friend of one to play the course. Having researched the price of a round at Batchworth Park as a visiting golfer it ranges from around £40 to £60 for a round.
82. Heythrop Park
Oxfordshire
Distance from my home – 76 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Located in the Cotswolds, Heythrop Park is another of the courses with a stunning clubhouse as its feature and has been restored as a luxury hotel and country club for guests to enjoy their stay. The course opened in October 2009 with limited membership to 400 members it has geared itself up as a golfing resort to play and stay. Measuring at just over 7,000 yards the course not only challenges but is designed to accommodate high handicappers as well. A course with something for all.
How much will it cost to play there?
As it is a stay and play resort, it comes as no surprise that the course welcomes visiting golfers. What has come as a pleasant surprise is the cost. A round in the week costs £30 with this rising to £35 at the weekends.
81. Brocket Hall (Melbourne)
Hertfordshire
Distance from my home – 80 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Only 20 miles from London, Brocket Hall has two courses featured in the Top 100 with the Melbourne course being the runner up on this occasion. Built on the grounds of Brocket Hall, the Melbourne course was open for play in 1992. As a parkland course it is relatively short, measuring at 6,616 yards, however don’t let that be a measure of how challenging the course is, with natural hazards a feature round the course.
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are welcome to experience either of the courses. A round in the week will cost £65 and this increases to £75 at the weekend. This is during November to March. Prices for beyond this are not mentioned on the website, but I would expect this to be an additional £10 to £15 per round.
80. Erewash Valley
Derbyshire
Distance from my home – 61 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Formed in 1905, Erewash Valley is set in 165 acres of parkland and uses the natural water well in its numerous hazards on the course. It is also well known for the two quarry par three holes that come back to back in opening nine holes. The course is very well maintained and is another of the growing trend of courses that are members run, meaning that they make all the decisions regarding the running of the club as they own it!
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are permitted to play the course and the website lists the costs for a round in the summer. Monday to Thursday it is £20 after 5pm or £30 before that. At the weekend from Friday onwards this moves to £25 for a round after 5pm or £35 anytime before that, reflecting good value for money.
Distance from my home – 68 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
The club was founded in 1892 and was initially renowned for having sheep grazing on the course but has gradually moved to its current location in the 1970s which measures 6,401 yards and was once described by Harry Vardon as ‘Bedfordshire’s hidden gem’. Built on the chalk lands of Bedfordshire, it is great for ensuring the course is in good condition all year round.
How much will it cost to play there?
On a weekday, a twilight round costs £15 with it costing only £5 more at other times of the week. At the weekend a twilight round would cost a visitor £25 and at any other time of the weekend it costs £40 for a round. Both weekday and weekends have the option to buy a day pass as well.
78. Brampton Park
Cambridgeshire
Distance from my home – 45 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
Set in the scenic Cambridgeshire countryside, Brampton Park is a woodland course which contains a lot of natural water features. Opened in 1991, the course measures at just over 6,310 yards and has a very good reputation in the local area for being a course that is in immaculate condition all year round.
How much will it cost to play there?
Visitors are welcome to play the course, seven days a week, depending on the club's calendar and ensuring that the members get an opportunity to book first. A round in the week will cost £30 and at the weekend, only slightly more at £34 which is incredibly reasonable.
Worcestershire
Distance from my home – 75 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
After moving to its current home in 1972 the course has improved and the stature of the club continues to grow. The course is unique in that it is partially woodland and part parkland course and it is known locally for the quality of the course, in particular the greens which were re-laid in the mid 1990’s.
How much will it cost to play there?
The club welcomes visitors, however specific information around stipulations of playing the course are not clear. According to the website a round in the winter starts from £20 and a round in the summer from £26, again making it very well priced for a visiting golfer.
Cambridgeshire
Distance from my home – 57 minutes
Change in Ranking from 2019 − New entry
Why has it made the list?
From 1923, when the club was founded, until 2010, members and visiting golfers to St Ives played a nine hole course. In 2006, the club and its members decided it was time to move and the following year purchased new land to build an 18 hole course. Officially opened by Robert Karlsson in August of 2010 the club has found a new lease of life. The course is now renowned for an undulating challenge with panoramic views of East Anglia and at a modest 6,758 yards makes it relatively modest in terms of distance.
How much will it cost to play there?
St Ives welcomes visitors to the course and when finding information about this it takes you to an online booking form. In the summer it is £40 a round in the week and £50 at the weekend with a reduction on both fees after 5pm
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