The Top 5 Golf Courses in Warwickshire

The heartland of Warwickshire is perhaps best known for its connections with Shakespeare and its impressive castle. This ancient landscape of woodlands, heathland ridges, sprawling parkland estates and meandering rivers is certainly conducive to stirring great imaginations and impressive constructions. However, it is exactly this scenery that also makes it a fantastic location for golf lovers from all over the UK and beyond.

The fairways of Warwickshire trace lines of towering oaks and grand pines and the greens feel more like the manicured lawns of grand country houses to make the facilities around here amongst the best in the country.

Here is a guide to what one can expect at 5 of the very best golf courses in Warwickshire.

best golf courses in warwickshire

1. The Belfry

The Belfry is just a short drive from Sutton Coldfield, and it acts as the international golfing hub of the entire Warwickshire county. Everything about the facilities here are world-class too. It feels polished, modern and to an exquisite standard before one has even taken your clubs from the car.

It is, of course, The Brabazon course that is the star attraction at The Belfry. This beautiful example of parkland golfing is etched lightly into that landscape that holds it. It presents water that catches the afternoon light, broad fairways lined by majestic trees and greens that deserve attention and respect in equal measure. Golf historians will delight in telling you this course has hosted the Ryder Cup more than any other venue, including the thrilling 1985 European driven by the mercurial Seve Ballesteros.

The Belfry operates primarily as a resort and championship venue, so membership is very rarely an option. Instead, it works as a location for resort packages, annual playing rights and corporate connections for a wider-reaching and international focus.

 

2. Sutton Coldfield Golf Club

There are many Warwickshire golfing veterans that will tell you Sutton Coldfield Golf Club is the finest heathland course in the area. Its open and natural aspect with a supporting cast of gorse, heather and pines can lend a Surrey-like atmosphere despite it being in the middle of the UK.

Since the late 19th century this pace has been the centre of competitive amateur golf in the county. With its consistent quality and impeccable tradition it is perfectly easy to appreciate why. The rather unusual run of three consecutive par-5 holes present a wonderful alignment of strategy, strength and short game to plot through that can have even most professionals digging in to keep their scores down.

The membership structure at Sutton Coldfield Golf club works in a classic way with offerings for full, intermediate and junior categories. Typically, there will be a waiting list and any connections to existing members are always welcome to boost one’s appearance on it. A very busy calendar of club medals and competitions make this place a great choice for those looking for structured, active and ever-developing golf in their lives.

 

3. Forest of Arden Golf Club

The village of Meriden in Warwickshire is traditionally recognised as the geographical centre of England. This is where the excellent Forest of Arden Golf club calls home in suitably historic and grand surroundings. A canopy of ancient woodland above and around gives a wonderful ambience to the whole hotel and country club complex where the golfing is clearly the jewel in its crown.

The master golf course architect Donald Steel designed this course in the 1970s, and it was quickly adopted as a championship venue of high status. It has been the proud host to British Masters and English Open tournaments with the ultra-elite of the golfing world gracing its greens. A front nine is afforded acres of space and accompanying opportunities for players to find their rhythm amongst the leaves and branches. Then a back nine tightens and demands discipline in a strategic and taxing manner, particularly for the approaches.

Membership opportunities at the Forest of Arden Golf Club are flexible with strong ties to the country club facilities. Overall, there is a fresh and modern feel to the place that welcomes families for lifestyle golfers as much as the hardened amateur.

 

4. Copt Heath Golf Club

The gentle slopes and rises of the ground of Copt Heath near Solihull make it a perfect candidate for a fine golf course. Standing at the intersection of heathland and parkland adds to the allure, this course was the creation of Harry Colt and Harry Vardon at the turn of the 20th century. It aligned Colt’s course architecture knowledge and experience with Vardon’s own playing for an exquisitely balanced golfing destination in the heart of the country.

With over 100 bunkers in play it is clear from the first tee that focus and forward-thinking is required. Shaping your shots in the right way is the only way to avoid catastrophe, so spending too long admiring the scenery is definitely not advised. With such prestige and feted golfing figures attached to it, Copt Heath is a place for purists. The rituals of technique and repetition are keenly observed here as much as the tradition of the game and etiquette that so often surrounds it.

This is a private members’ club that allows for full, five-day and junior admissions alongside a social membership for non-players. As this demonstrates, there is a firm community-focus that makes Copt Heath a vital part of the area and its cultural heritage.

 

5. Edgbaston Golf Club

Although the town of Edgbaston will always be predominantly linked with cricket, its golf club is certainly up to scratch too. Set within a surprisingly green corner of Birmingham this is a pocket of parkland that belies its urban envelope for a secluded and natural charm.

The legendary Harry Colt was responsible for the original club course on its previous site, and his influence is still keenly felt here. Since the move in 1930 the ‘new’ Edgbaston Golf Club has maintained Colt’s philosophy of great golf courses feeling ‘found, not built’. Accuracy is the core attribute required along contoured approaches and small greens where control is rewarded over strength and distance.

The proximity to the city makes Edgbaston Golf Club a big attraction for professionals looking for quality and seclusion for their game. This is attended by a traditional member model that brings an exciting social calendar along with it for dining and community events. All in first-class facilities for the UK's second city.

The best golf courses in Warwickshire all share a certain atmosphere of prestige and professionalism. Their shapes, challenges and course structure may differ, but they all remain at the top of their game for golfers in the midlands that will never compromise on quality for that all-important round.

 

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