The Most Popular Golf Courses on Golfshake in 2023

Those who use the Golfshake services have inputted plenty of data throughout 2023, and it looks like a lot of you enjoyed the year by cramming in as much golf as possible!

Thank you to everyone who used the Golfshake Score Tracker and Course Section, your valuable information has helped influence others to play certain courses.

The year of 2023 was as busy as ever and these are 15 venues that acted as the most popular for Golfshake readers during the calendar year.

Did you manage to play any courses this year that blew your mind? Let us know in the comments!

Pedham Place Golf Centre

Situated in the stunning Kent countryside, Pedham Place Golf Centre is home to 27 holes of golf that were designed by golf architect, John Fortune. No matter your handicap, you will find a challenge at Pedham Place and the shorter 9-hole course is perfect for those who are new to the game of golf. The golfing facilities are rounded off with a whopping 40-bay floodlit driving range, superb putting green and a maintained practice bunker.

Review Comment: “A good inland links-style course. Most holes have plenty of room for wayward shots. Greens play very well.”

Cranham Golf Course

Cranham Golf Course can be found in Essex and the par-67 layout extends to 5,119 yards off the tips, which is a fairly modest measurement. The wonderful thing about Cranham’s design is that it does not rely on excessive length, as your shot-making capabilities will be tested on every hole. Numerous water hazards threaten to dampen the party - so be precise with your decision making!

Review Comment: “Much improved drainage means this is now a course to consider for winter play. Very well kept.”

The Rayleigh Club Golf Resort

We remain in Essex, where we will find The Rayleigh Club Golf Resort, boasting two golf courses of championship quality. The South measures to 6,616 yards, so golfers can expect a challenge with that distance. The East is a far more relaxing experience and can be enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. Ranging 4,670 yards from the tips, this is a great golf course to introduce friends or families to the game of golf.

Review Comment: “I went here with a few friends to play one afternoon. We played the East Course and found it a nice scenic walk and fairly easy holes.”

Ombersley Golf Club

Ombersley Golf Club is based in Worcestershire and the delightful golf course boasts a terrific drainage system, which enables golf to be played all-year round. The course opened for play in 1989 and stretches across 6,139 yards from the tips. Golfers of all abilities will appreciate the golfing experience found at Ombersley.

Review Comment: “It is a nice golf course that is well laid out and managed. The fairways are wide and whilst they are dog-legged, there are few obstacles such as streams - with the exception of the 18th.”

Stonebridge Golf Club

Blythe is the location for Stonebridge Golf Club, which is home to 27 holes of golf presented in a parkland style. The course officially opened in 1996 and the layout comprises of three loops of nine, all of which provide the challenge expected by better players. The PGA EuroPro Tour had visited previously, which highlights Stonebridge’s strength as a championship golf course.

Review Comment: “You will find it hard to find a better course in the Midlands than Stonebridge.”

Three Rivers Golf & Country Club

The unique name of Three Rivers Golf & Country Club can be found in Essex, and guests will be thrilled once they arrive. The club boasts two outstanding 18-hole courses, each with its own characteristics. The Kings Course measures 6,449 yards and will demand the very best of the golf, whilst its shorter sister, the Jubilee Course, boasts sinister greens that need careful consideration.

Review Comment: “Charity day - excellent service provided. Course a little untidy but greens really good. Forgiving course.”

Chiddingfold Golf Club

The stunning Surrey countryside provides an idyllic setting for golf at Chiddingfold Golf Club, with sweeping panoramic views across the Surrey downs enjoyed by all visitors. The fantastic golf course is set in natural wetlands and there are several water hazards that will demand your immediate attention.

Review Comment: “We had a great game of golf in the sun, but with a bitter wind. The greens were in great condition and the fairways dried out nicely after rainfall.”

Hurtmore Golf Club

Hurtmore Golf Club is another venue to benefit from the lush Surrey countryside. Peter Alliss and Clive Clark teamed up to create the golf course at Hurtmore, which opened for play and stands at a modest 5,330 yards. As is the case with shorter courses, well placed bunkers and numerous water hazards combine to place a realm premium on accuracy.

Review Comment: “Played this course in November, all other courses were either closed or had restrictions. The course was in amazing condition, it was like playing in summer. Firm fairways and greens, I take my hat off to the greenkeepers.”

Sunbury Golf

The 27-hole complex of Sunbury Golf is situated in Greater London and welcomes an abundance of visitors on an annual basis. The testing 18-hole course measures 5,090 yards, with the 6th and 8th holes being particularly challenging as they run parallel to a large lake. The shorter course is perfect for those who are looking to get into golf.

Review Comment: “Tee boxes, fairways and greens are all in good condition. Need to stay on the fairways as some holes are really tricky and need thinking about.”

Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club

The county of Kent contains plenty of golfing facilities, just like Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club. The club presents 27 holes of golf that are packaged into two separate offerings - the 18-hole championship course and the shorter 9-hole option. A TrackMan Range can also be enjoyed by guests.

Review Comment: “An easier course than many but very good for a public course. The staff are excellent.”

The South Buckinghamshire

The South Buckinghamshire was previously known as Farnham Park Golf Course, which opened for play in 1975 before transitioning into a club two years later. In 1892, the Council bought land and asked Hawtree to develop a golf course, which they did in immaculate style. The parkland layout is fantastic for all abilities and everyone will find a challenge here.

Review Comment: “A very good golf course - fairways and greens were in excellent condition.”

Cobtree Manor Park Golf Club

Cobtree Manor Park can be found on the outskirts of Maidstone and it is easily accessible off the M20. The venue is one of the most visited layouts to be positioned in Kent, and it’s easy to see why as they boast a stunning championship golf course. USGA-specification greens and a gorgeous clubhouse are real highlights of a trip to Cobtree Manor Park.

Review Comment: “Nice setting and a good course to play to get back into the swing. It’s not the longest or most challenging but a nice course and friendly staff.”

Stevenage Golf & Conference Centre

Located in Hertfordshire, Stevenage Golf & Conference Centre is home to 27 holes of golf. The Bragbury Course - which is the premium, 18-hole layout - was designed by John Jacobs and measures 6,352 yards from the tips, meaning there is a good challenge to be had here. The Aston Course is a pitch and putt family course that is perfect for a golfing novice.”

Review Comment: “Been playing here for years. The course is getting better all the time. Greens and fairways in good condition.”

Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Club

For anyone in the Warwickshire area, the Marriott Forest of Arden Golf Club is a truly special place to play golf. The Arden Course is one of the country’s greatest challenges, having hosted a succession of international tournaments during the 1990s and 2000s. On the other hand, The Aylesford Course is shorter but the difficulty remains. Both courses are kept in a pristine standard, which only adds to the experience.

Review Comment: “The Arden Course was in immaculate condition with brilliant fast greens and challenging holes.”

The Belfry

The Belfry is one of the United Kingdom’s most loved golf resorts, with three brilliant courses and a catalogue of additional facilities. The Brabazon - which has played host to the Ryder Cup on numerous occasions - is the main event at The Belfry. The PGA National and The Derby continue to support the main act magnificently. The Belfry is a really special place.

Review Comment: “Simply an amazing course. Beautiful setting and the course was set up brilliantly, making every hole a real challenge. The epitome of course management and playing for the right spot.”