Hidden Gems - West Midlands

For our second regional ‘hidden gems’ feature, we traverse the Pennines and head to the West Midlands – home to some of the best courses in the United Kingdom.

Golf clubs in the West Midlands, in general, tend to be a touch on the expensive side, especially  when compared to their counterparts on the other side of the nation’s main watershed. As we all know, enjoyable golf comes down to a combination of factors, and a round played at a truly spectacular yet extortionately expensive golf club could be less enjoyable than a course lower in quality but more moderately priced.

As always, the four courses selected in our Golfshake regional ‘hidden gems’ features take the all-round experience into account, and rely heavily on the experiences and recommendations of those that love the game: Golfshake members. The four courses selected from the West Midlands are highlighted below:

Westwood Golf Club

Westwood Golf Club in Leek, Staffordshire is situated just outside the former market town of Leek. The club is easily accessible, being no more than eight miles from the centre of Stoke, but deep enough in the countryside to guarantee a peaceful and pictorial golfing experience. The course is seen as sufficiently moderate for high handicappers whilst still presenting a challenge for the more accomplished player.

At 6,105 yards from the white tees, it isn’t long by any stretch of the imagination, but only the naive champion the view that length of course is proportional to success. The course is set in the valley of the River Churnet and rises up steadily from its depression.  The quality needed to succeed here is accuracy. Precision is needed to put yourself in position on an undulating back nine and to avoid water hazards on the back side.

The course is always well preserved and the greens are “some of the best, if not the best I have putted on.” All in all, it is a “very good course. Well presented, well maintained with plenty of picturesque yet demanding holes.” The reception from both staff and members is nothing but friendly and the food in the clubhouse in wonderful.

 “All in all we had an excellent day and are ready to join the club next year.” A round will cost less than £28 pounds at the weekend, considered more than reasonable for such a good golfing experience. The club is rated at 4.5/5 by Golfshake members.

Worfield Golf Club

Worfield Golf Club in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, has won its place on the list because of the all round nature of the golfing experience. The practice facilities are some of the best around, the clubhouse, staff and pro shop are excellent, and the course is one of the most varied and exciting in the local area.

The course plays as a par-73 and is a lengthy 6,660 yards from the white tees. Not only is the course long, but it employs some testing greens, making long iron approaches even more treacherous and three putts a distinct possibility. The length of the course hasn’t put anyone off or deterred anyone from returning, however, because every hole presents a unique challenge: “there is not a boring hole on the course.”

The greens are perfect all through-out the year, matched by the striking clubhouse, friendly staff, reasonably priced food and, of course, the quality of the course.

 “Really impressed with this course. Great variety between holes, Back 9 more undulating than front but this adds to the challenge. Looking forward to playing again.”

At £22, it is considered a bargain, with more than one proclaiming that “I have not played a better course for the money.” Ranked at 4.46/5 by Golfshake members, come and enjoy a near perfect day both on and off the course.

Penn Golf Club

Penn Golf Club in Wolverhampton is set between the industrialised West Midlands and rural Staffordshire. Fortunately, the course character and views resemble the latter, and the scenic, heathland golf course will provide great views at the same time as a stern test of golfing aptitude. The owners believe the course is “comparable to the most prestigious of clubs”; a brave statement, but one that might not be far from the truth.

At 6,942 yards from the whites, the course is long. Unfortunately for those that have a tendancy to stray from the tee, the ample heathland and hazardous rough will punish any ball that isn’t kept on the straight and narrow. To score well here, you have to play smart golf and keep your ball in play. If you like a challenge, then come and play this golf course: “the rough is brutal, not one for the faint hearted.” There are opportunities to score if you play from the fairway, however, and the greens are in excellent.

 Overall, “what a top course. Stunning views and amazing up and down hill holes. Greens to test the best putters. Course greens, bunkers and fairways are first class.”

Evidently, Golfshake members welcome a fair challenge, rating the course 4.28/5. In the winter, you can get a round of golf, a bacon bap and a burger and chips for £20. You can’t ask for much better than that.

Welford-on-Avon Golf Course

Welford-on-Avon Golf Course in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, takes the fourth and final place on our East Midlands list. Formerly a nine hole golf course, recent renovations have seen a second nine put into operation, proving very popular with those that have played it. What it lacks in facilities it makes up for in affability, variation and value for money. 

The course also stands out because of the sheer contrast between two nines. The front nine utilises the undulating land and the greens are well manicured. The back nine is longer and flatter, but water features come into play, and the 18^th hole features an approach not dissimilar to the 17^th at Sawgrass.

 It is a “superb family run course” with “excellent fairways and greens and a great layout.” A round will only cost £18 at the weekend, contributing to a rating of 4.19/5 from Golfshake members.