Golf Clubs in Nottinghamshire

[SJB777]

Hi,

Long shot but I'm hoping someone local to the Nottinghamshire area (or someone who's played a few local courses) may be willing to offer some input.

I'm new to the area and looking for a course at which to become a member. I'm likely to play and use the facilities a lot.

The main factors in my decision are:

- Course toughness (want a good challenge)
- Course availability (would like ease of access and good speed of play, particularly weekday daytimes)
- Practice facilities (ideally grass range, pitching & chipping areas, putting green)

Membership fee and travel distance may ultimately affect the final decision but not necessarily.

At the moment I'm between:

- Notts GC (Hollinwell)
- Oakmere
- Beeston Fields
- Chilwell Manor
- The Nottinghamshire

Any thoughts and advice much appreciated.

Thank you

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Hollinwell every day of the week.

 

[3565]

Hi,

Long shot but I'm hoping someone local to the Nottinghamshire area (or someone who's played a few local courses) may be willing to offer some input.

I'm new to the area and looking for a course at which to become a member. I'm likely to play and use the facilities a lot.

The main factors in my decision are:

- Course toughness (want a good challenge)
- Course availability (would like ease of access and good speed of play, particularly weekday daytimes)
- Practice facilities (ideally grass range, pitching & chipping areas, putting green)

Membership fee and travel distance may ultimately affect the final decision but not necessarily.

At the moment I'm between:

- Notts GC (Hollinwell)
- Oakmere
- Beeston Fields
- Chilwell Manor
- The Nottinghamshire

Any thoughts and advice much appreciated.

Thank you

if your living North of Nottingham then Sherwood Forest is defiantly worth a look at, Coxmoor not as challenging as Sherwood but a nice course, or brutal Worksop!!!

 

[Blue in Munich]

Can I suggest that travel distance should play more of a part in your decision than your post suggests it might? If you can't get to it easily it will become a chore and you will potentially come to resent it. Apologies if I've misinterpreted your post, but I've made that mistake myself and I wouldn't wish it on anyone else. Unfortunately I can't offer any useful advice on the courses listed. Good luck.

 

[Tashyboy]

Heyup me man, your area of choice in Notts is quite widespread, as is cost of membership, and quality of courses. What part of Notts are you going to be living in to help narrow it down.

 

[fenwayrich]

I have lived in Nottinghamshire most of my life, and since returning to the game about three years ago I have played quite a lot of the courses here.

Beeston Fields - pleasant parkland course around 4 miles west of Nottingham, in good condition in summer, very wet in winter (closed or partially closed throughout January and February). Decent but not outstanding practice facilities. Has more of a corporate feel to it these days (you will get the idea if you look at the website), hosting parties, weddings etc, and happy to take societies with shotgun starts that can close the course to members for hours. Subs around £1,000 pa.

Bulwell Forest - great little municipal (where I started playing as a kid ), but limited practice areas and less than 6,000 yards. Cheap subs though!

Chilwell Manor - parkland course, they have modified the greens in recent years and they are as slopey as the fairways are flat. It's about 6,200 yards, somewhat featureless in my opinion, but a proper members club. Nice clubhouse. Practice facilities are a bit limited. Been closed a lot in 2016, they had 9 holes open yesterday (carry only). Subs about £750.

Coxmoor - quality course in North Notts. They are lengthening it in the hope of getting Open Regional Qualifying, and, although not as tough as Sherwood Forest and Notts (Hollinwell), which it is close to, it is a proper test with some lovely holes. I think there is a waiting list and an entrance fee.

Mapperley - short and very hilly, lots of friendly members.

Newark - bit of a trek from Nottingham, Good test of golf, but I got the impression the club is a bit cliquey.

Norwood Park - near Southwell, so again a bit of a trek. Only played it once, the greens were fantastic in March! It is a very innovative club. I think we have a forumite who is a member and can tell you far more than I.

Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) - the best known course in Nottinghamshire, and easily the toughest test of golf. Shame about the bikers that I understand have returned to do more damage to the course. I think there is a waiting list and an entrance fee, and perhaps not a members club in the sense of roll up's and lots of comps.

Oakmere Park (Admirals) - All year round course, I quite like it although it has one or two daft holes (8,9, 10 and an uphill par 3 on the back nine). Good practice facilities.

Radcliffe on Trent - our County Course for 2016. I have never enjoyed playing it, but it is a decent parkland test and the greens are always fast and true.

Ruddington Grange - Not far from the city, and easily accessible. Relatively new (20 odd years old) and maturing, very wet in winter. Bit dull.

Rufford Park - Another new course, nice setting not far from Rufford Abbey north of the city, and an enjoyable if not especially tough test. Great views.

Rushcliffe - a real Marmite course on the road to Loughborough, some folks love it because it is so quirky. Very hilly, barely a level lie on it. The pro there is a proper gent and a good teacher. Very good practice range (not grass though).

Sherwood Forest - Nottinghamshire's second course in terms of difficulty and overall quality. Make your score on the front nine because the back is a brute! Always a joy to play there, and hardly anyone on the course when I have been. Despite this, it probably has a waiting list and an entrance fee.

Stanton on the Wolds - a favourite of mine because it seems to suit my eye. South of Nottingham, another parkland course that is in good condition, although extremely wet in winter.

The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club (aka Cotgrave) - two courses here, about 25 years old with a heck of a lot of money spent on them (and they are still upgrading). Both enjoyable courses, the Open is the harder of the two. Very good practice facilities as well. My only reservation is that they also hold lots of Societies, and have visitors all the time. Rounds can take forever and despite 36 holes I wonder if they have the members at the forefront of their thoughts. Might be wrong though!

Trent Lock Golf & Country Club – Uninspiring newish course, very boggy. Very good pro and a great driving range, and an American Golf outlet. And a Pirates crazy golf course for the kids.

Wollaton Park - parkland course of around 6,400 yards about 3 miles from the centre of Nottingham overlooked by a 16th Century Elizabethan Hall in a large park. Deer roam over the course, which is has a lot of interesting holes, particularly on the back 9. Sand based so open all year round, no mats and rarely on temps. Grass practice facilities (albeit perhaps not the best). Lots of varied comps. Subs around £1,000.

Worksop - not been here recently, but deserves a mention as it is Lee Westwood's alma mater and a favourite of many. By repute a very good test of golf (held the English Mid Amateur in 2014). North Nottinghamshire so a good drive from the city.

Hope that helps a little.

 

[Fish]

Sherwood Forest is a big favourite of mine in the Notts area 👍🏌⛳️

 

[dewsweeper]

Fenwayrich,
That is a really detailed reply.
I enjoyed reading it myself.
I am sure it will be well received by the original poster.

 

[MendieGK]

Sherwood or Notts, forget the rest.

 

[LUFC 1972]

Can I suggest that travel distance should play more of a part in your decision than your post suggests it might? If you can't get to it easily it will become a chore and you will potentially come to resent it. Apologies if I've misinterpreted your post, but I've made that mistake myself and I wouldn't wish it on anyone else. Unfortunately I can't offer any useful advice on the courses listed. Good luck.

Would agree Notts is a big county, I live in South Nottingham and would never consider being a member in the North of the county couldnt do with 40+ minutes travelling. Member at the Nottinghamshire and wouldnt disagree with anything fenwayrich say about there. Beeston Fields seem to be looking for new members

 

[Merv_swerve]

If you can afford it the Hollinwell is the premier course in the region.

Other than that your shortlist has some good courses and with 36 holes available, The Nottinghamshire would be very good.

Will you be living in Nottingham or elsewhere as actual location might throw up a better alternative option.

 

[SJB777]

I have lived in Nottinghamshire most of my life, and since returning to the game about three years ago I have played quite a lot of the courses here.

Beeston Fields - pleasant parkland course around 4 miles west of Nottingham, in good condition in summer, very wet in winter (closed or partially closed throughout January and February). Decent but not outstanding practice facilities. Has more of a corporate feel to it these days (you will get the idea if you look at the website), hosting parties, weddings etc, and happy to take societies with shotgun starts that can close the course to members for hours. Subs around £1,000 pa.

Bulwell Forest - great little municipal (where I started playing as a kid ), but limited practice areas and less than 6,000 yards. Cheap subs though!

Chilwell Manor - parkland course, they have modified the greens in recent years and they are as slopey as the fairways are flat. It's about 6,200 yards, somewhat featureless in my opinion, but a proper members club. Nice clubhouse. Practice facilities are a bit limited. Been closed a lot in 2016, they had 9 holes open yesterday (carry only). Subs about £750.

Coxmoor - quality course in North Notts. They are lengthening it in the hope of getting Open Regional Qualifying, and, although not as tough as Sherwood Forest and Notts (Hollinwell), which it is close to, it is a proper test with some lovely holes. I think there is a waiting list and an entrance fee.

Mapperley - short and very hilly, lots of friendly members.

Newark - bit of a trek from Nottingham, Good test of golf, but I got the impression the club is a bit cliquey.

Norwood Park - near Southwell, so again a bit of a trek. Only played it once, the greens were fantastic in March! It is a very innovative club. I think we have a forumite who is a member and can tell you far more than I.

Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) - the best known course in Nottinghamshire, and easily the toughest test of golf. Shame about the bikers that I understand have returned to do more damage to the course. I think there is a waiting list and an entrance fee, and perhaps not a members club in the sense of roll up's and lots of comps.

Oakmere Park (Admirals) - All year round course, I quite like it although it has one or two daft holes (8,9, 10 and an uphill par 3 on the back nine). Good practice facilities.

Radcliffe on Trent - our County Course for 2016. I have never enjoyed playing it, but it is a decent parkland test and the greens are always fast and true.

Ruddington Grange - Not far from the city, and easily accessible. Relatively new (20 odd years old) and maturing, very wet in winter. Bit dull.

Rufford Park - Another new course, nice setting not far from Rufford Abbey north of the city, and an enjoyable if not especially tough test. Great views.

Rushcliffe - a real Marmite course on the road to Loughborough, some folks love it because it is so quirky. Very hilly, barely a level lie on it. The pro there is a proper gent and a good teacher. Very good practice range (not grass though).

Sherwood Forest - Nottinghamshire's second course in terms of difficulty and overall quality. Make your score on the front nine because the back is a brute! Always a joy to play there, and hardly anyone on the course when I have been. Despite this, it probably has a waiting list and an entrance fee.

Stanton on the Wolds - a favourite of mine because it seems to suit my eye. South of Nottingham, another parkland course that is in good condition, although extremely wet in winter.

The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club (aka Cotgrave) - two courses here, about 25 years old with a heck of a lot of money spent on them (and they are still upgrading). Both enjoyable courses, the Open is the harder of the two. Very good practice facilities as well. My only reservation is that they also hold lots of Societies, and have visitors all the time. Rounds can take forever and despite 36 holes I wonder if they have the members at the forefront of their thoughts. Might be wrong though!

Trent Lock Golf & Country Club – Uninspiring newish course, very boggy. Very good pro and a great driving range, and an American Golf outlet. And a Pirates crazy golf course for the kids.

Wollaton Park - parkland course of around 6,400 yards about 3 miles from the centre of Nottingham overlooked by a 16th Century Elizabethan Hall in a large park. Deer roam over the course, which is has a lot of interesting holes, particularly on the back 9. Sand based so open all year round, no mats and rarely on temps. Grass practice facilities (albeit perhaps not the best). Lots of varied comps. Subs around £1,000.

Worksop - not been here recently, but deserves a mention as it is Lee Westwood's alma mater and a favourite of many. By repute a very good test of golf (held the English Mid Amateur in 2014). North Nottinghamshire so a good drive from the city.

Hope that helps a little.

Thank you and everyone else for their thoughts. Very useful

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Thank you and everyone else for their thoughts. Very useful

Are you looking for north or south of the city? As in every city it takes ages to get from one side to the other!

 

[SJB777]

Thanks for the message. I'm living to the city side of Beeston but I am willing to travel ~30 minutes for the right course.

 

[LUFC 1972]

On a good day you might get to some of the North Notts Courses in 30 mins, would suggest Beeston, Wollaton and Nottinghamshire would look your best bet as easily reachable in 30

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Thanks for the message. I'm living to the city side of Beeston but I am willing to travel ~30 minutes for the right course.

Have a look at Woolaton, nice track.

 

[Tashyboy]

Sherwood and Hollinwell are the premier courses. If money is not an option then it's time to flip a coin.
me I am a member at Norwood.
re all the practice facilities you req, they are at Norwood apart from grass tees on the range. The three years I have been a member there the course and shop, driving range, practice greens have got better and better. A lot of cosmetic work being done this year. The course is challenging. But not on a par with the premier courses in Notts which are in the top 100 of the country.
Norwood has been closed for one day over the winter due to snow. It was affectionately called mud Wood a few years ago and it still does get wet but mainly in areas you should not hit your ball. During the season there are two comps every Tuesday and Thursday. With the usual comps at the weekends.
If you fancy a round any Tuesday or Thursday we have 2 X fourball tee times booked every week til the end of May, tee off about 10.30 ish.

 

[Tashyboy]

Sorry about chucking a spanner in the works, but breadsall priory and Morley Hayes east of Derby may be well worth looking at.

 

[selwood90]

Member at Oakmere myself. Couldn't be more welcoming for me. Has a great range, you can hit off grass to the right hand side. Has not closed apart from one single day this year. Drains well and is having alot of changes done to it. With minimal disruption. Got a short game area and a cracking putting green. Great food and bar prices, u won't go far wrong if you like a heathland. First club iv joined and personally a cracker. Not played the others mentioned, so scope out your options. But I would highly recommend playing oakmere just to see.

 

[Hacker Khan]

I have lived in Nottinghamshire most of my life, and since returning to the game about three years ago I have played quite a lot of the courses here.

Beeston Fields - pleasant parkland course around 4 miles west of Nottingham, in good condition in summer, very wet in winter (closed or partially closed throughout January and February). Decent but not outstanding practice facilities. Has more of a corporate feel to it these days (you will get the idea if you look at the website), hosting parties, weddings etc, and happy to take societies with shotgun starts that can close the course to members for hours. Subs around £1,000 pa.

Bulwell Forest - great little municipal (where I started playing as a kid ), but limited practice areas and less than 6,000 yards. Cheap subs though!

Chilwell Manor - parkland course, they have modified the greens in recent years and they are as slopey as the fairways are flat. It's about 6,200 yards, somewhat featureless in my opinion, but a proper members club. Nice clubhouse. Practice facilities are a bit limited. Been closed a lot in 2016, they had 9 holes open yesterday (carry only). Subs about £750.

Coxmoor - quality course in North Notts. They are lengthening it in the hope of getting Open Regional Qualifying, and, although not as tough as Sherwood Forest and Notts (Hollinwell), which it is close to, it is a proper test with some lovely holes. I think there is a waiting list and an entrance fee.

Mapperley - short and very hilly, lots of friendly members.

Newark - bit of a trek from Nottingham, Good test of golf, but I got the impression the club is a bit cliquey.

Norwood Park - near Southwell, so again a bit of a trek. Only played it once, the greens were fantastic in March! It is a very innovative club. I think we have a forumite who is a member and can tell you far more than I.

Notts Golf Club (Hollinwell) - the best known course in Nottinghamshire, and easily the toughest test of golf. Shame about the bikers that I understand have returned to do more damage to the course. I think there is a waiting list and an entrance fee, and perhaps not a members club in the sense of roll up's and lots of comps.

Oakmere Park (Admirals) - All year round course, I quite like it although it has one or two daft holes (8,9, 10 and an uphill par 3 on the back nine). Good practice facilities.

Radcliffe on Trent - our County Course for 2016. I have never enjoyed playing it, but it is a decent parkland test and the greens are always fast and true.

Ruddington Grange - Not far from the city, and easily accessible. Relatively new (20 odd years old) and maturing, very wet in winter. Bit dull.

Rufford Park - Another new course, nice setting not far from Rufford Abbey north of the city, and an enjoyable if not especially tough test. Great views.

Rushcliffe - a real Marmite course on the road to Loughborough, some folks love it because it is so quirky. Very hilly, barely a level lie on it. The pro there is a proper gent and a good teacher. Very good practice range (not grass though).

Sherwood Forest - Nottinghamshire's second course in terms of difficulty and overall quality. Make your score on the front nine because the back is a brute! Always a joy to play there, and hardly anyone on the course when I have been. Despite this, it probably has a waiting list and an entrance fee.

Stanton on the Wolds - a favourite of mine because it seems to suit my eye. South of Nottingham, another parkland course that is in good condition, although extremely wet in winter.

The Nottinghamshire Golf & Country Club (aka Cotgrave) - two courses here, about 25 years old with a heck of a lot of money spent on them (and they are still upgrading). Both enjoyable courses, the Open is the harder of the two. Very good practice facilities as well. My only reservation is that they also hold lots of Societies, and have visitors all the time. Rounds can take forever and despite 36 holes I wonder if they have the members at the forefront of their thoughts. Might be wrong though!

Trent Lock Golf & Country Club – Uninspiring newish course, very boggy. Very good pro and a great driving range, and an American Golf outlet. And a Pirates crazy golf course for the kids.

Wollaton Park - parkland course of around 6,400 yards about 3 miles from the centre of Nottingham overlooked by a 16th Century Elizabethan Hall in a large park. Deer roam over the course, which is has a lot of interesting holes, particularly on the back 9. Sand based so open all year round, no mats and rarely on temps. Grass practice facilities (albeit perhaps not the best). Lots of varied comps. Subs around £1,000.

Worksop - not been here recently, but deserves a mention as it is Lee Westwood's alma mater and a favourite of many. By repute a very good test of golf (held the English Mid Amateur in 2014). North Nottinghamshire so a good drive from the city.

Hope that helps a little.

As a fellow resident of the fine city of Nottingham, great write up. And you are right, Hollinwell, Coxmoor and Sherwood all have joining fees and waiting lists.