West Midlands GC - thinking about joining

[mikepops]

I moved to Birmingham earlier this year from Cardiff, where I was a member at Celtic Manor. I was spoiled rather there, and have been struggling to find a club to join around these parts. Most courses seem to be about the same price as CM (or more), with only one course, which wouldn't be kept to the same standards. I've also encountered some remarkably sniffy ones.

BUT I stumbled across West Midlands GC a few weekends ago, and played a round with a friend. We both thought the course was pretty decent, and in good nick.

It turns out the membership is only (a relative term I know) £850, with no joining fee, and you can join for a year whenever (which is good for me as my work contract expires Sept next year). The manager has responded to my email with some questions very helpfully, and I am pretty tempted to give it ago.

I was wondering if anyone is a member, and what people who have played there think of it? Of course, other recommendations around Birmingham are welcomed...

The only downside to WMGC would be knowing that this hole is waiting for you at the 18th!

 

[brendy]

Not much help but I see this hole each time I fly into brum airport, looks tricky enough but with our weather would be a little more receptive than the sawgrass version.

 

[DaveM]

Man up its only 133yrds. A nice wedge and ya on LOL

 

[Midnight]

Hi,

I played the course last year on a society day, course was nice and the members were happy to chat and did not seem to mind us being on there. One of the members did say that during the better weather they do have a issue with a lot of societys being on there. Food was good as well. Sorry can not be anymore help.

Midnight...

 

[richart]

Don't know the area, but Edgbaston looks very nice from the pictures I have seen, and it has a rather nice 18th century clubhouse.

 

[full_throttle]

I play on society days, but for me I wouldn't want to play there every day. A couple of good holes, but mainly long.

Open every day regardless of weather and as a bonus members get courtesy at Widney Manor in neighbouring Solihill

 

[edgey]

Hi

I have played at WM many times. It is OK but in the summer they really push for society/pay and play. That means you cannot always get on the course at the time you may want or need.

As a corporate course it is OK but there are a number of members clubs nearby that are better with similar fees. As a local thats my 10 pence worth

 

[Laughing Gravy]

Mikepops, which area of Brum do you live in? I may have some alternative suggestions you could consider. I wouldn't join WM personally. It's ok but nothing special and in the summer they do over-do it a bit with Societies.

 

[PIng]

I've only played it once but I wasn't impressed - too many cart tracks and even though the course was fairly quiet there was a 15 minute wait to play the last hole.
I'm not a member of any club so I can't comment on their friendliness etc, but the nicest course I've played in the area is Harborne, if you want to travel that far. I can't recommend West Midlands' sister course, Widney Manor, unless you enjoy the constant noise from the M42 motorway.

 

[sweatysock41]

Played it many a time one of the guys at work is a member there. I don't like the concrete cart paths. It can get very busy with societies. The sister course Widney Manor is built on an old tip, it is very open and relatively easy for beginners.

Other courses in the area - well when we had the GM Day at Beau Desert myself and Whereditgo and his mate played at Robin Hood in Solihull and were made to feel very welcome. A decent track to boot.

Are you looking at the East side of the city as there are some others of a similar standard to W Mids, one you could consider is Stonebridge at Meriden which has 27 holes.

You are more than welcome to join me for a round at my gaff Oakridge near Nuneaton which is 1/2 hour or so from the city centre. I work in Tyseley and can be playing within 45 mins of leaving work.

 

[wrighty1874]

I've played WMGC a few times,but never been tempted to join. Stonebridge a mile away is better,27 holer. But there are plenty in the brum area. My preferences would be Kings Norton, Gay Hill,or Ladbrook Park,all south Brum. Hope this helps.My club Kenilworth is 8 miles down the road,another good club.

 

[Crow]

I've played WMGC and Kenilworth once, wouldn't consider WMGC as a member but Kenilworth would be very attractive if I lived nearer.

 

[thecraw]

Gay Hill!!

Surely to God that's not the name of a golf club!

 

[MizunoGreyhound]

We`re very comfortable with our sexuality down these parts craw.

Where in Birmingham are you Mike? As has been mentioned, many other courses available to you. Last time I played WMGC, the short par 3 downhill 4th had got rabbit burrows all over the green. Better courses available than this as boggy in winter and hugely overcrowded in summer. They play up to the star 18th hole, but it is not worth that money when there are other courses for similar money that will give you a better golfing experience. Just my opinion mind

 

[Mungoscorner]

There are dozens of very nice course's around the Birmingham area.Even the more established private members clubs are offering pay and play memberships,at prices comparable to pay and play clubs.
As for STONEbridge,the clue is in the name.the newer holes are a joke,the rough is littered with pieces of broken concrete,stone,and brick.Not only this,but even in the middle of the fairway,there are stones within the turf itself,i have a 5,6,7 iron that show the scars of taking a divot in the middle of the fairway !!!
These are some of the course's i've played,and would recommend.........Handsworth,Edgbaston,Sutton,Copt Heath,Little Aston,Maxstoke,and if prepared to drive another 20 mins,Finham,Hearsall,Kenilworth.
All the best .

 

[wrighty1874]

Forgot to say Mike,you're more than welcome to have a knock with me at Kenilworth any time.

I've played WMGC a few times,but never been tempted to join. Stonebridge a mile away is better,27 holer. But there are plenty in the brum area. My preferences would be Kings Norton, Gay Hill,or Ladbrook Park,all south Brum. Hope this helps.My club Kenilworth is 8 miles down the road,another good club.