The Golf Courses That You Have to Play This Spring

Spring is in the air! It's time to dust off your golf clubs, enjoy a couple of sessions at the range, and then head to your nearest course to begin your season in style. 

But if you want to take a slightly more adventurous route and play somewhere a little different, then we have some recommendations for you to consider this springtime.

Sharing highly rated venues that have been reviewed glowingly for their condition in the popular Golfshake Course Section, we have 50 destinations below throughout England that may catch your eye. 

Given how renowned they have been by other golfers for the standard of their fairways and greens, we can safely assume that they'll have come through winter strongly and look pretty special at this time of the year!

Rufford Park Golf & Country Club

Location: Newark, Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.26

2024 Condition Rating: 4.73

Review Comment: "Great course, in good condition, very enjoyable round, friendly staff. The 17th hole is so daunting and hard to judge in a cross wind."

Doncaster Town Moor Golf Club

Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.25

2024 Condition Rating: 4.73

Review Comment: "Tee boxes were good, fairways quite lush and the greens although slow were in very good nick. If you want a pretty quick round, somewhere that is really good value for the quality, then this is a great option."

Buxton & High Peak Golf Club

Location: Buxton, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

2024 Condition Rating: 4.72

Review Comment: "Course in a lovely location with great views, can be challenging when the wind blows. Friendly and welcoming club make it an enjoyable visit."

Disley Golf Club

Location: Stockport, Cheshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.29

2024 Condition Rating: 4.72

Review Comment: "Lovely course with superb views. Good layout with lots of variations. Quite hilly as to be expected in Derbyshire."

Waterton Park Golf Club

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.23

2024 Condition Rating: 4.72

Review Comment: "Great course with amazing views, the greens are massively improved, joy to play. Practice facilities are great from range to putting green. Well worth a visit."

Bramshaw Golf Club

Location: Lyndhurst, Hampshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.08

2024 Condition Rating: 4.72

Review Comment: "A tricky course set in the New Forest, amazing scenery and at one point fallow deer to avoid. Good clubhouse and pro shop with friendly staff."

Winter Hill Golf Club

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.54

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "This course always amazes me how well kept it is for the type of course it is, getting a lot more foot traffic and some noticeable signs on the softish greens, but amazing how presentable and enjoyable this course and clubhouse is. Well worth the visit with some lovely holes and scenery to boot."

Stoke Rochford Golf Club

Location: Grantham, Lincolnshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "Was a very interesting course to play with a lots of scenic holes. The staff and members were very welcoming and friendly and they offered electric hire trolleys which was helpful for an undulating course. The food and cakes afterwards were delicious."

Tyneside Golf Club

Location: Ryton, Tyne & Wear

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "Tyneside is a gem of a course offering challenges to all abilities. The greens are always in superb condition and are consistent in their pace. Although not a long course it demands accuracy off the tee as there are a few blind shots. It has two longish par 5s and four varied par 3s. Each of the par 3s face a different direction which is unusual and a challenge. I would recommend this course without hesitation!"

Pyecombe Golf Club

Location: Brighton, West Sussex

Golfshake Rating: 4.39

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "This is one of the best courses in East Sussex. The course is well laid out and the greens are excellent, very fast."

Forest of Arden Golf Resort

Location: Coventry, Warwickshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "Top course! Scenery and challenge are fantastic. 18th is obviously a stand out."

Harleyford Golf Club

Location: Marlow-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.30

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "What an incredible golf course. Would strongly recommend as a venue to go for golf in the area. Staff are brilliant." 

Thornhurst Park Golf Course

Location: Doncaster, South Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.14

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "Played here quite a few times over the years and it's the best condition l've seen it in."

Ifield Golf Club

Location: Crawley, West Sussex

Golfshake Rating: 4.02

2024 Condition Rating: 4.71

Review Comment: "The whole course is in great condition and the greens are amazing. They do a fantastic sausage roll as well."

Rockliffe Hall Golf Club

Location: Darlington, County Durham

Golfshake Rating: 4.75

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Golf should be fun to play and the course at Rockliffe Hall is as enjoyable as it is easy on the eye. Exceedingly good design, immaculate presentation and stunning scenery combine to create a memorable, five star experience."

Centurion Club

Location: St Albans, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.61

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "It's always a pleasure to play Centurion! It's amazing how mature the course is given how young it is, but the condition this time of year is always great. True greens that roll beautifully and that hold when you hit them! The rough is thick and penal, as you would expect, but the fairways are short and lush."

Haverhill Golf Club

Location: Haverhill, Suffolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.60

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Really nice course with some testing holes in a well kept parkland setting. Nice clubhouse with friendly staff with patio overlooking the course. Greens in very good order, quite slick when played so a few minutes on the practice greens advised to get a feel for how they are running. Thoroughly enjoyable round, would thoroughly recommend Haverhill and will certainly be going back for another round."

Bramall Park Golf Club

Location: Stockport, Cheshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.56

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Great course in really good condition. The putting green and impressive clubhouse set the course up beautifully. Here for a charity day and thoroughly enjoyed myself, as did the other players."

Olton Golf Club

Location: Solihull, Warwickshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.55

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Beautiful course, immaculate greens and lovely staff."

Chorley Golf Club

Location: Chorley, Lancashire

Golfshake Rating: 4.44

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "The course is in fantastic condition as it recovers from all the rain. The greens are superb, fast, true and undulating."

Close House

Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.44

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "The Filly is a great course, tough in places with some long holes, but fair, with some short par fours as well. Well worth the money."

Dewsbury District Golf Club

Location: Mirfield, West Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.41

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "A tremendous challenge, front nine requires good course management with a back nine with spectacular views all around. A great challenge with every person we met a pleasure to chat with. Very friendly staff and great condition."

Brampton Park Golf Club

Location: Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.35

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Very nice course - definitely worth a visit. A difficult course, quite a few doglegs, lots of water hazards, not an easy course to play. An interesting challenge." 

Ipswich Golf Club

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.34

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Course was in superb condition, with some easier holes and some very challenging ones as well. A fantastic golf club, which seems very well run, with high standards for everyone visiting the club to enjoy. Highly recommended."

Foxhills Club & Resort

Location: Ottershaw, Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.33

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Played the Longcross course and was in great condition. Have to hit the ball straight and be aware that there are a lot of long par 4s on this course. Clubhouse staff and starter are very friendly."

Wortley Golf Club

Location: Sheffield, South Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.30

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "The fairways were mowed with diamonds shapes, greens perfect and key areas are now being protected by roping and fencing which makes a massive difference to the quality of this course. I was really pleasantly surprised at how good the course looked."

St Annes Old Links Golf Club

Location: Lytham St Annes, Lancashire

Golfshake Rating: 4.29

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Exceptional course. Greens were in great condition as was the rest of the course. Rough was tough but fair. Pro shop was very welcoming and helpful. Clubhouse was very comfortable and food and drinks not overly expensive. Highly reccomended."

The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club

Location: Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.29

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Fantastic setting for a golf course and the course was playing very well. The clubhouse and facilities were great.

Wigan Golf Club

Location: Wigan, Lancashire

Golfshake Rating: 4.27

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Unbelievable course, facilities, layout and conditions. Despite the rain it was still a quality day and probably my most enjoyable round I’ve ever played."

Kingswood Golf Club

Location: Tadworth, Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.04

2024 Condition Rating: 4.70

Review Comment: "Excellent course with simply stunning views, very challenging in places but also very open which allows for the odd wayward shot, friendly staff."

Goring & Streatley Golf Club

Location: Streatley-on-Thames, Berkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.51

2024 Condition Rating: 4.69

Review Comment: "Course was in great condition, especially considering the recent rain we have had, as usual the staff are very polite and friendly."

Brickendon Grange Golf Club

Location: Brickendon Green, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.31

2024 Condition Rating: 4.69

Review Comment: "Another great society day at this venue. Tee boxes, fairways and greens in very good condition for the time of year. Greens not easy, would be even more difficult in summer! Excellent service from all the staff both prior and during the event."

Horsley Lodge Golf Club

Location: Derby, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.53

2024 Condition Rating: 4.68

Review Comment: "Super greens even though they've recently been treated. Course layout is excellent. Pro shop staff knowledgeable and approachable."

Pavenham Park Golf Club

Location: Pavenham, Bedfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.32

2024 Condition Rating: 4.68

Review Comment: "Fantastic layout. Great greens. Very friendly clubhouse service."

Aldwickbury Park Golf Club

Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.29

2024 Condition Rating: 4.68

Review Comment: "We have been staging events at Aldwickbury over the past few years and once again we had a great day out on this little gem of a golf course! The staff were very welcoming and made the day a great success. The course was in great condition considering the recent weather and once again the course gave everyone of all standards a challenge with lots of varying holes which make a so enjoyable to play."

Marriott Breadsall Priory Golf Club

Location: Derby, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.21

2024 Condition Rating: 4.68

Review Comment: "Excellent conditions, greens and fairways in great condition. Love playing here because it has two different style of courses to play."

The Berkshire Golf Club

Location: Ascot, Berkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.94

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "The course was a delight, a great test of a player’s skills with many holes requiring positional play from the tee. It requires accuracy and guile rather than brute force. The pin positions on many holes define what was needed from the tee to set up an approach shot that can access the pin."

Royal Birkdale Golf Club

Location: Southport, Merseyside

Golfshake Rating: 4.92

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Excellent condition. Greens very fast, bunkers galore and bunkers too numerous to count. With rough immediately off the fairway that is tough to find and play your ball. A championship course through and through - one to definitely experience. All the staff very welcoming and helpful."

Hamptworth Golf & Country Club

Location: Landford, Wiltshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.44

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Nice course set in the countryside of the New Forest. Course was in good condition with the greens running true and medium quick."

Bungay & Waveney Valley Golf Club

Location: Bungay, Suffolk

Golfshake Rating: 4.38

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Amazing improvements. Bungay has made great progress in recent years, improving greens and aprons. Old bunkers have been rebuilt and repositioned to make the course more interesting. Tees have been extended with the intention of making the course longer - still work in progress."

Weybrook Park Golf Club

Location: Basingstoke, Hampshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.37

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "A very interesting and challenging course with a choice from the 27 holes. The "new" east course was very good, the large undulating greens proving quite a challenge."

Bransford Golf Club

Location: Worcester, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.36

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "A real challenge for all levels. Only downside is not many holes allow the big hitters to really rip a drive but cannot fault the course or greens. Excellent practice facilities as well. Well worth a weekend visit with a stay at The Bank House Hotel."

Three Locks Golf Club

Location: Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.24

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Great day to play golf on a very good course in very good condition. Pace of play good, very friendly and welcoming."

Stockwood Vale Golf Club

Location: Bristol, Gloucestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.24

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Course in excellent condition with fast greens. Lots of interesting and challenging holes. Very good food."

Dyke Golf Club

Location: Brighton, East Sussex

Golfshake Rating: 4.24

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "There are great views from the clubhouse and the course is a real test in the wind. The speed of the greens were brilliant for the time of year and ran very true. The condition of the course was some of the best I've seen in Sussex through the year."

Chiddingfold Golf Club

Location: Chiddingfold, Surrey

Golfshake Rating: 4.23

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Chiddingfold is now a 12 hole course with a planned driving range and academy course. As it is a relatively short course, even at 12 holes, you can get round quickly. Maybe this is the future of golf. Not spending four hours plus of frustration with slow play!"

The Shire London

Location: St Albans Road, Hertfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.23

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Played in a corporate golf day in September. Venue and staff nice and relaxed, course beautiful, greens and fairways just perfect. The course is not long off the blues, but does demand accuracy as there is water everywhere, and you can score well on the numerous par 5s and 3s. Can't wait to go back!"

Waterlooville Golf Club

Location: Waterlooville, Hampshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.22

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Visited for the first time today and given the time of year, was very impressed. It's a beautiful, mature, woodland course in exceptional condition. The greens are in amazing shape with very few flat lies!"

Slaley Hall

Location: Hexham, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.17

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Two excellent golf courses with some fantastic holes. Great hotel and spa facilities. Good food and wine."

Broadstone Golf Club

Location: Broadstone, Dorset

Golfshake Rating: 4.87

2024 Condition Rating: 4.67

Review Comment: "Stunner of a course. Considering the weather it was in superb condition, full course in play and a nice quick pace. Halfway house was cracking and a joy to play."

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