The Midlands may not have the coastal links courses of Scotland or the famous parkland gems of Surrey, but make no mistake—this region is home to some of the finest inland golf in the UK. Whether you’re after a historic Ryder Cup venue, a stunning heathland challenge, or a hidden gem offering fantastic value, the Midlands has it all.
Why the Midlands Is a Must-Visit for Golfers
With three courses ranked in Golf Monthly’s Top 100 UK & Ireland courses and six more in the Next 100, the Midlands is a golfer’s paradise. The region boasts exceptional heathland, parkland, and championship layouts, combining strategic play with breathtaking scenery.
If you’re looking for variety, challenge, and outstanding course conditions, this guide will introduce you to the best golf courses in the Midlands—each offering a unique experience.
Top 3 Golf Courses in the Midlands
1. Hollinwell (Notts Golf Club) – Nottinghamshire
Par 72 | 7,250 yards
Architect: Willie Park Jnr, J.H. Taylor
This stunning heathland course is a masterpiece. Known for its expansive landscape, strategic layout, and unparalleled beauty, Hollinwell offers golfers a true test of skill. The course flows seamlessly across rolling terrain, with heather, bracken, and rocky outcrops creating a visually striking and challenging experience. The strategic bunkering and unpredictable wind conditions make this a must-play for serious golfers.
2. The Belfry (Brabazon Course) – Warwickshire
Par 72 | 7,160 yards
Architect: Peter Alliss & Dave Thomas
There’s a reason why The Belfry has hosted the Ryder Cup a record four times. The Brabazon Course is legendary, featuring iconic holes like the risk-reward driveable par-4 10th and the famous 18th, where Christy O’Connor’s 2-iron shot became one of the most memorable moments in Ryder Cup history. If you want to walk in the footsteps of golfing greats while tackling one of the UK’s most strategic courses, The Belfry is a must-play.
3. Sherwood Forest – Nottinghamshire
Par 71 | 6,806 yards
Architect: Harry Colt, James Braid
Designed by two of golf’s greatest architects, Sherwood Forest is a pure heathland experience. Featuring springy fairways, perfectly positioned bunkers, and a routing that takes you deep into the forest, this course demands precision and strategy. The penultimate hole, a strong par-4, is widely regarded as one of the best finishing stretches in the region.
Hidden Gems & Must-Play Courses
Often considered one of the best inland courses in the UK, this course offers pure parkland perfection with some of the best greens in England.
Beau Desert – Staffordshire
A Herbert Fowler design that flies under the radar. Featuring secluded fairways, majestic pine trees, and fast greens, this course is both beautiful and challenging.
A shorter, strategy-driven course that prioritizes accuracy over length. The five par-3s offer incredible variety, and the final hole is a picture-perfect finish.
Cavendish – Derbyshire
An Alister MacKenzie design packed with charm, elevation changes, and natural beauty. If you love Augusta-style design, this is a must-play.
Enville (Highgate) – Staffordshire
A scenic mix of heathland and woodland, this course offers strategic bunkering, stunning par-3s, and an immaculate layout.
Championship Courses & Tournament Hosts
Forest of Arden (Arden Course) – Warwickshire
A former British Masters venue, this course is set in a deer park and features long par-4s, tricky water hazards, and pure tournament conditions.
JCB Club – Staffordshire
One of the UK’s most exclusive courses, featuring a stunning island green par-3 and innovative hole designs. If you can get an invite—take it!
Breadsall Priory Country Club (Priory Course) – Nottingham
A modern championship course with a diverse layout, featuring water hazards, rolling fairways, and a fantastic front-nine built around lakes.
Best Value Golf Courses in the Midlands
Burton-on-Trent – Staffordshire
A Harry Colt gem with tree-lined fairways, excellent course conditions, and affordable green fees.
Coxmoor – Nottinghamshire
A challenging, undulating course with five par-5s and elevated tees offering stunning countryside views.
Edgbaston – Birmingham
A lush, historic parkland course featuring recently renovated bunkers and wide, tree-lined fairways.
Sandwell Park – Birmingham
A hidden gem designed by Harry Colt, offering great value and a true test of golf.
Final Thoughts: The Midlands Golf Experience
The Midlands may not have seaside golf, but it more than makes up for it with historic championship venues, breathtaking heathland layouts, and hidden gems that offer incredible value. Whether you’re looking for a Ryder Cup experience, a tough test of skill, or an underrated masterpiece, the Midlands has a course for you.
Looking to book your next Midlands golf trip? Explore our tailored golf packages and experience the best the region has to offer!
Make your Midland golf package enquiry today.
