The Most Improved Golf Courses in England
By: Kieran Clark | Fri 09 Aug 2024
Like any other business, golf clubs, resorts and facilities should always be seeking to improve themselves and the quality of service they offer to both members and visitors, but how do we know which places have made a positive difference?
The Golfshake Course Section boasts hundreds of thousands of independent reviews that have been submitted by everyday golfers, who judge venues on a range of categories, including the course, its condition, value for money, hospitality and the food and drink provided.
Comparing the average ratings that were posted in 2021 with those that were entered in 2023, we have been able to see which courses in England have improved the most in the eyes of keen golfers.
If you're looking for somewhere to play this season and beyond, these destinations sound like they're in an extremely strong place and should be on your list for a potential visit!
Without further delay, here are The Most Improved Golf Courses in England!
Theale Golf Club
Location: Berkshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.57
Average 2021 Rating: 3.78
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.97
Review Comment: "Very underestimated golf course which has had extensive work completed on it over the last couple of years resulting in championship standard fairways to what has always been a challenging course. Staff always make you feel welcome and never out of place no matter what handicap you are."
The Grove Golf & Bowl Centre
Location: Herefordshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.90
Average 2021 Rating: 3.33
Average 2023 Rating: 4.30
Difference: 0.97
Review Comment: "Excellent challenging courses with excellent views over the local area. Despite the recent bad weather, the course is still in good condition with excellent greens."
Eastbourne Downs Golf Club
Location: East Sussex
Golfshake Rating: 3.87
Average 2021 Rating: 3.80
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.95
Review Comment: "Great course, in really good condition. Not the longest course, but the hills and contours make it challenging. Beautiful countryside and seaside views as well."
Tytherington Golf Club
Location: Cheshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.99
Average 2021 Rating: 3.83
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.92
Review Comment: "The staff were incredibly helpful and the course was well kept. The greens were well looked after and the fairways presented a good challenge."
Churchill & Blakedown Golf Club
Location: Worcestershire
Golfshake Rating: 4.55
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.92
Difference: 0.92
Review Comment: "Course gets better each year and the new head greenkeeper has really put his stamp on it."
Rodway Hill Golf Club
Location: Gloucestershire
Golfshake Rating: 3.86
Average 2021 Rating: 4.10
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 0.90
Review Comment: "Absolutely lovely course. Well set out and challenging on some holes. Course kept in fantastic condition as is the clubhouse."
Surrey Downs Golf Club
Location: Surrey
Golfshake Rating: 3.64
Average 2021 Rating: 3.15
Average 2023 Rating: 4.03
Difference: 0.88
Review Comment: "I've played here many times. Very interesting layout, lovely clubhouse and patio on which to have a drink. The course was in spectacular shape, one of the best conditioned courses in the area. Well worth playing."
Cottesmore Golf & Country Club
Location: West Sussex
Golfshake Rating: 4.03
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.83
Difference: 0.83
Review Comment: "Really great venue - both courses a delight to play. A mixture of everything, with well placed hazards and a fantastic environment. Well looked after, although some of the tee boxes looking well worn, which isn’t surprising as I’m sure this must be a very popular venue. Our society will definitely return."
Church Stretton Golf Club
Location: Shropshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.39
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.83
Difference: 0.83
Review Comment: "Lucky to play on a good weather day, lovely scenery, course a good challenge without being impossible, variety of holes, all in a good condition."
Crow Nest Park Golf Club
Location: West Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.27
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.83
Difference: 0.83
Review Comment: "The course is always in superb condition and has some of the most challenging golf holes anywhere. Every hole is tree-lined and with sufficient changes in level to make getting to the well maintained and tricky greens in regulation a real test. An inexpensive round, friendly clubhouse, driving range and fully stocked pro shop complete the experience."
Pytchley Golf Lodge
Location: Northamptonshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.06
Average 2021 Rating: 3.67
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 0.83
Review Comment: "Excellent, well maintained greens. A very popular course."
Darwen Golf Club
Location: Lancashire
Golfshake Rating: 4.07
Average 2021 Rating: 3.67
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 0.83
Review Comment: "These are the best greens I've played on this year. These will only be better come the summer months, it will be one hell of a challenge on dry greens. Fairways just as good as the greens."
Goring & Streatley Golf Club
Location: Berkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.51
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.83
Difference: 0.83
Review Comment: "Course was in great condition, especially considering the recent rain we have had, as usual the staff are very polite and friendly."
South Herefordshire Golf Club
Location: Herefordshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.24
Average 2021 Rating: 4.20
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 0.80
Review Comment: "Played here on Sunday morning. Tricky but fair course, with amazing views all round. It was in excellent condition from tee to green. Would suit bigger hitters than me. Very good value for money."
Three Rivers Golf & Country Club
Location: Essex
Golfshake Rating: 3.71
Average 2021 Rating: 3.65
Average 2023 Rating: 4.43
Difference: 0.78
Review Comment: "Well kept fairways with lovely greens. Challenging holes but still plenty of scoring opportunities. Tee boxes could be better, but there is maintenance work currently being carried out both on the course and in the clubhouse. Would play again, happy to recommend it to others, great course."
Aldersey Green Golf Club
Location: Cheshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.53
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.75
Review Comment: "Aldersey Green is a little gem of a course. Very tight, tree-lined with its fair share of water hazards scattered about. Both the course and the greens were in very good condition, and how nice to see both the 9th and the 18th finishing by the clubhouse. Good facilities with very friendly staff. Will definitely be returning."
Canons Brook Golf Club
Location: Essex
Golfshake Rating: 4.10
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.75
Review Comment: "Brilliant as always. Have been coming to Canons Brook on our society for a number of years and have always been well received by the club and our members alike. What more as the organiser could I want."
West Bradford Golf Club
Location: West Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.23
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.75
Review Comment: "Since the new greens staff in 2021, the course has improved tremendously. The greens are in great shape and the overall layout of the course is very good. It's not too long and there are lots of gradient changes, but it's still easy to walk. The putting surfaces are tricky but fast and true, which makes for a great experience in all weathers. The staff are friendly and accommodating, both on the course and in the clubhouse."
Hallamshire Golf Club
Location: South Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.29
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.75
Review Comment: "This course was in great condition and didn't disappoint. It's one of the best courses in Sheffield. Layout and condition were both great."
Newquay Golf Club
Location: Cornwall
Golfshake Rating: 4.19
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.75
Review Comment: "If you are in the Newquay area in Cornwall give this great course a try. Sea views from every hole. Quite easy in calm conditions but a real challenge if windy."
The Essex Golf & Country Club
Location: Essex
Golfshake Rating: 3.81
Average 2021 Rating: 3.69
Average 2023 Rating: 4.43
Difference: 0.74
Review Comment: "The course was in a beautiful condition and the greens were immaculate greens that punished poor putting, they were quick. Tree-lined so need to be straight or punished. Staff welcoming and bar fine. We intend to return, lovely location."
Sene Valley Golf Club
Location: Kent
Golfshake Rating: 3.95
Average 2021 Rating: 3.67
Average 2023 Rating: 4.40
Difference: 0.73
Review Comment: "Some very challenging holes, especially on the back 9, and a hilly course. Lots of elevation changes, with very few 'flat' holes. The scenery and views are outstanding, and the course was very well kept and in extremely good condition. Nice little hut at the halfway point as well."
Brentwood Golf Centre (Hartswood)
Location: Essex
Golfshake Rating: 3.62
Average 2021 Rating: 3.44
Average 2023 Rating: 4.14
Difference: 0.71
Review Comment: "A really well maintained and interesting course. Suitable for all standards of golfers."
The Shire London
Location: Hertfordshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.23
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.71
Difference: 0.71
Review Comment: "A gem in Barnet. The course is always in great shape even when the rain has fallen as the only course in England designed by the great Seve you would expect great drainage and greens."
Oake Manor Golf Club
Location: Somerset
Golfshake Rating: 4.10
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.70
Difference: 0.70
Review Comment: "Lovely manicured flat course with plenty of wildlife and in great condition."
Langley Park Golf Club
Location: Kent
Golfshake Rating: 3.36
Average 2021 Rating: 3.50
Average 2023 Rating: 4.20
Difference: 0.70
Review Comment: "The holes are all nice looking holes. You're still quite close to central London. There are roads running through and alongside the course which spoils the tranquility a bit on a couple of the holes, but it's a minor irritation. Greens were great, fairways were good and it was a fun round."
Hesketh Golf Club
Location: Merseyside
Golfshake Rating: 4.21
Average 2021 Rating: 3.80
Average 2023 Rating: 4.50
Difference: 0.70
Review Comment: "Excellent test of golf in very good condition. Set on Southport coast with views across the marshlands and bird sanctuaries."
Caddington Golf Club
Location: Bedfordshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.47
Average 2021 Rating: 3.31
Average 2023 Rating: 4.00
Difference: 0.69
Review Comment: "Returned to play this course again. My daughter has recently moved into the village so it’s a natural choice when visiting. I played twice in the last week. The course is in excellent condition, particularly the greens which, despite the heavy recent rains, were exceptionally good and quite quick."
Abbey Hill Golf Club
Location: Buckinghamshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.82
Average 2021 Rating: 3.63
Average 2023 Rating: 4.31
Difference: 0.68
Review Comment: "Abbey Hill is an excellent course, with some challenging holes, but also offers others that gives you a chance on to make a good score. The course is split across two sides of a busy road, 10 holes one side, holes 1-10 across a bridge from the clubhouse and 8, 11-18 on the clubhouse side. An enjoyable course with good fairways and greens."
Drax Golf Club
Location: North Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.10
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.67
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "As an experienced golfer I can say that this course is very well maintained, an excellent routing with fun and memorable golf holes. However, I was compelled to leave this review because of the fantastic attitude of the staff at Drax. I played this course with my girlfriend for her first time on a golf course. Upon arrival, I’ve never felt so welcomed at a golf club."
Halesowen Golf Club
Location: West Midlands
Golfshake Rating: 4.19
Average 2021 Rating: 4.33
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "A short, hilly and tricky little course that is a lot of fun to play! With small green and a lot of narrow holes this course can easily lead you in to a false sense of security. Friendly members and a lot of fun to play, I'm looking forward to another round there in the spring."
Leyland Golf Club
Location: Lancashire
Golfshake Rating: 4.24
Average 2021 Rating: 4.33
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "Great design, lovely greens, gave the high handicapper a chance, really good clubhouse."
Chislehurst Golf Club
Location: Kent
Golfshake Rating: 4.12
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.67
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "Played as guest of a member. Lovely course in great condition for time of year. Every hole poses a different challenge and lack of length belies the difficulty. Well worth a trip out. Look forward to playing again."
Mellor & Townscliffe Golf Club
Location: Cheshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.37
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.67
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "Amazing course. The course was found in good condition, the green were tricky to read and fast. The food in the clubhouse was excellent, well worth a visit."
Romiley Golf Club
Location: Cheshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.53
Average 2021 Rating: 4.33
Average 2023 Rating: 5.00
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "First time I have played here, it's been on the radar for a while and I am glad I finally booked to travel and play here, very welcoming in the pro shop with good deals available and from the first tee view I knew I was going to enjoy it. This course has shape and character and in exceptional condition after this long wet spring, fairways are immaculate and greens all have a slightly different slope and twist to make you think. I will definitely be back regularly."
Hainault Golf Club
Location: Essex
Golfshake Rating: 3.40
Average 2021 Rating: 3.36
Average 2023 Rating: 4.03
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "Great value. This was the first time we'd played Hainault (Upper Course) for over a year, and we had a great day. The course was in good condition, and the Monday offer on buggies is great."
Littlestone Golf Club
Location: Kent
Golfshake Rating: 4.27
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.67
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "I loved this course as it had some very interesting holes, greens were great and the clubhouse was very traditional and friendly."
Hurtmore Golf Club
Location: Surrey
Golfshake Rating: 3.78
Average 2021 Rating: 3.46
Average 2023 Rating: 4.13
Difference: 0.67
Review Comment: "Excellent fairways and greens, it is obvious from my many games at this course that the owners are spending money on the course, which is reflected on its condition - which is very good."
Sundridge Park Golf Club
Location: Greater London
Golfshake Rating: 4.40
Average 2021 Rating: 4.20
Average 2023 Rating: 4.83
Difference: 0.63
Review Comment: "Played here as the guest of a member for the first time. Fantastic club! Excellent clubhouse and facilities. Very friendly staff. Played the East Course which has a great layout and superb greens."
Hickleton Golf Club
Location: South Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.29
Average 2021 Rating: 4.25
Average 2023 Rating: 4.88
Difference: 0.63
Review Comment: "Course in good condition considering all the rain we've had. The course is a fair but stern test. Par 3s aren't overly long but require well struck irons. Par 4s are well bunkered. The two par 5s offer different opportunities. The first one being a birdie opportunity for the long hitters. Greens and bunkers all well presented."
Shirland Golf Club
Location: Derbyshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.83
Average 2021 Rating: 3.88
Average 2023 Rating: 4.51
Difference: 0.63
Review Comment: "We came back to Shirland for a game, our last visit being over 12 months ago. Several changes were obvious with the introduction of new ditches on holes in very strategic places, which made a challenging course more difficult and more of a challenge for the average club golfer. Very enjoyable if you don't worry about your final scorecard."
Lee Park Golf Club
Location: Merseyside
Golfshake Rating: 4.40
Average 2021 Rating: 4.29
Average 2023 Rating: 4.92
Difference: 0.63
Review Comment: "Course was in great condition as always, but they are letting the rough grow in front of the tees, so if you don't clear it then you will struggle, but the greens are a real pleasure to play on."
Fulford Heath Golf Club
Location: West Midlands
Golfshake Rating: 4.36
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.63
Difference: 0.63
Review Comment: "Played this today for the first time. Some beautiful holes and some long par 4s. But overall a cracking course that is well worth a visit if you get the chance."
Manor of Groves Golf Club
Location: Hertfordshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.49
Average 2021 Rating: 3.32
Average 2023 Rating: 3.94
Difference: 0.62
Review Comment: "Course in good condition. Fairways good, greens running true. A challenging course with lots of hazards."
Stockwood Park Golf Club
Location: Bedfordshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.75
Average 2021 Rating: 3.53
Average 2023 Rating: 4.14
Difference: 0.61
Review Comment: "Course is playing really well. Always impressed with the condition. Particularly as it’s council run. Great value for money."
Rushcliffe Golf Club
Location: Nottinghamshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.25
Average 2021 Rating: 4.14
Average 2023 Rating: 4.75
Difference: 0.61
Review Comment: "Rushcliffe is a must. While other famous courses may cost up to £100 for a round, Rushcliffe offers not only fantastic value for money but a challenging, fun, and picturesque game. Make sure to clean the grooves of your wedges before you come, though - you'll be tested with a short game!"
Altrincham Golf Club
Location: Greater Manchester
Golfshake Rating: 3.35
Average 2021 Rating: 3.20
Average 2023 Rating: 3.80
Difference: 0.60
Review Comment: "Fun course but can be quite busy. Good mix of holes with some challenging par 5s. Overall quite good condition."
Horsley Lodge Golf Club
Location: Derbyshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.53
Average 2021 Rating: 4.00
Average 2023 Rating: 4.60
Difference: 0.60
Review Comment: "Lovely setting, course was in great condition, but as always is very testing. The back four holes are very difficult and it is easy to drop shots. Mid round my driving went askew!"
Park Wood Golf Club
Location: Kent
Golfshake Rating: 3.47
Average 2021 Rating: 3.21
Average 2023 Rating: 3.81
Difference: 0.60
Review Comment: "Played there before and not busy during the week, reasonable green fees, course in a very good condition, despite the heavy rain recently, good layout too, plus the young staff in the clubhouse are excellent, both polite and professional at all times."
Ifield Golf Club
Location: West Sussex
Golfshake Rating: 4.02
Average 2021 Rating: 3.75
Average 2023 Rating: 4.32
Difference: 0.57
Review Comment: "Really enjoyed the round today and the course is in fantastic condition. I last played it in the rain and it was totally different. It was so quiet at times with only airplanes in the sky from nearby Gatwick and the chimes of ice cream vans in the heat."
Kirkby Valley Golf Club
Location: Merseyside
Golfshake Rating: 3.74
Average 2021 Rating: 3.64
Average 2023 Rating: 4.19
Difference: 0.55
Review Comment: "This course has vastly improved over the last few years and is a real pleasure to play."
Risebridge Golf Centre
Location: Essex
Golfshake Rating: 3.77
Average 2021 Rating: 3.53
Average 2023 Rating: 4.08
Difference: 0.55
Review Comment: "Course has improved a lot over time. Fairly challenging. Nice to get back to the clubhouse after the first 9 for a breather before you go back out!"
Mersey Valley Golf Club
Location: Cheshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.48
Average 2021 Rating: 3.63
Average 2023 Rating: 4.17
Difference: 0.54
Review Comment: "A really great course to get your golf confidence back. Highly recommend it. Looking forward to playing it again soon."
City of Wakefield Golf Club
Location: West Yorkshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.42
Average 2021 Rating: 3.80
Average 2023 Rating: 4.33
Difference: 0.53
Review Comment: "Very good course, especially for the price, a membership here is ridiculously cheap, and so are lessons. The course is in a brilliant condition, well looked after."
Windmill Village Golf Club
Location: Warwickshire
Golfshake Rating: 4.33
Average 2021 Rating: 4.30
Average 2023 Rating: 4.83
Difference: 0.53
Review Comment: "Course was dry and got a good bounce and run on fairways which if hit gave you an good extra bump on your distance. Greens were quick but well watered and were consistent across the 18. Enjoyable round."
Bidford Grange Hotel & Golf Complex
Location: Warwickshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.89
Average 2021 Rating: 4.17
Average 2023 Rating: 4.70
Difference: 0.53
Review Comment: "A magnificent day at Bidford Grange with two rounds of golf interrupted by Tim's wonderful cold meat sandwiches. Always a good day here, the fairways are cut and the greens are billiard tables."
Bourn Golf Club
Location: Cambridgeshire
Golfshake Rating: 3.87
Average 2021 Rating: 3.57
Average 2023 Rating: 4.10
Difference: 0.53
Review Comment: "Second day playing a round with my brother and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge that this course presented. Would defo play again."
The Ashley Wood Golf Club
Location: Dorset
Golfshake Rating: 3.94
Average 2021 Rating: 3.86
Average 2023 Rating: 4.38
Difference: 0.52
Review Comment: "Greens were very good today. Fast on some but overall consistent and you could hit into them and the ball held. Fairways very lush but some of the rough needed to be cut lower. Bunkers well maintained."
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