REGION GUIDE
Golf in the Midlands
The heart of England has some of the country’s finest inland golf, from the Ryder Cup history of The Belfry to the heather and sand of Woodhall Spa and the Nottinghamshire heathlands.
It is also one of the easiest regions to reach, with excellent roads and rail links, and it sits neatly between London and the North for a longer trip.
Top 10 must-play courses
- The Belfry: The only venue to have hosted the Ryder Cup four times.
- Woodhall Spa Golf Club: The Hotchkin course, one of the greatest inland courses in Britain.
- Hollinwell (Notts): Heathland, gorse and dramatic changes in elevation north of Nottingham.
- Beau Desert Golf Club: A Herbert Fowler course among the heather and pine of Staffordshire.
- Luffenham Heath Golf Club: Heathland golf on protected land in Rutland.
- Sherwood Forest Golf Club: Harry Colt heathland in Robin Hood country.
- Cavendish Golf Club: An Alister MacKenzie design in the Peak District spa town of Buxton.
- Seacroft Golf Club: A Willie Fernie links on the Lincolnshire coast at Skegness.
- Whittington Heath Golf Club: Harry Colt heathland near Lichfield.
- JCB Golf & Country Club: A new championship course at the home of JCB, measuring over 7,400 yards.
The top 10 at a glance
| Course | Type | Par | Yards | Architect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Belfry | Parkland | 72 (Brabazon) | 7,255 | Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss |
| Woodhall Spa Golf Club | Heathland | 73 (Hotchkin) | 7,024 | Harry Vardon, later Harry Colt |
| Hollinwell (Notts) | Heathland | 72 | 7,250 | Willie Park Jr., later Tom Williamson |
| Beau Desert Golf Club | Heathland | 70 | 6,436 | Herbert Fowler |
| Luffenham Heath Golf Club | Heathland | 70 | 6,563 | Harry Colt, later Martin Hawtree |
| Sherwood Forest Golf Club | Heathland | 71 | 6,835 | Harry Colt, later James Braid |
| Cavendish Golf Club | Parkland | 68 | 5,721 | Alister MacKenzie |
| Seacroft Golf Club | Links | 71 | 6,479 | Willie Fernie |
| Whittington Heath Golf Club | Heathland | 71 | 6,658 | Harry Colt, later Jonathan Gaunt |
| JCB Golf & Country Club | Parkland | 72 | 7,433 | Robin Hiseman |
Getting there
Birmingham and East Midlands airports serve the region, and Manchester is close for the Peak District. London is around 90 minutes away by train.
Where to stay
Stay on site at The Belfry, Delta Forest of Arden or Delta Breadsall Priory. For something different, JCB has its own championship course and hotel in Staffordshire.
When to go
The Midlands is at its best from April to October. Heathland courses such as Woodhall Spa and Hollinwell drain well and play firm and fast in summer.
Golf courses in the Midlands
Golf tours in the Midlands
Where to stay in the Midlands
Frequently asked questions
Can I play The Belfry?
Yes. The Belfry has three courses, including the Brabazon, and welcomes visitors, with packages that include accommodation.
What is the best course in the Midlands?
Woodhall Spa’s Hotchkin course is widely regarded as the finest, with Hollinwell, Beau Desert and Luffenham Heath close behind.
Is the Midlands a good base for a golf trip?
Yes. Its central location makes it easy to combine with golf in the North West, Yorkshire or London.
Ready to plan your trip?
Tell us where and when you would like to play, and we will put you in touch with a trusted tour operator.