The Belfry – Brabazon Golf Course

A lot can happen in just over 30 years – the time it took a former potato field to be converted into one of England’s best and certainly most famous golf courses. The dynamic duo of Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss teamed-up to put The Belfry well and truly on the golfing map in the late 70s, but at that stage who would have believed their Brabazon layout would stage not only four Ryder Cups but countless European Tour events?

The Brabazon is undoubtedly a thrilling test of parkland golf with most of the thrills and spills coming at the short par-4 10th and the equally dramatic finale with the 18th green tantalisingly sitting beyond a lake and in front of the five star hotel. The course has its critics who claim it’s not worth its whopping green fee but there can be no denying it is usually in immaculate condition and the same applies to neighbouring 18 hole layouts, the PGA National and the Derby.

Both the PGA National and Derby are decent tracks in their own right – particularly the Dave Thomas-designed former with its strategically-placed cavernous bunkers. But whichever course you’re playing, there’s no excuse for not being properly prepared – as you’d expect from the home of the PGA, The Belfry’s practice facilities are simply sensational and in fact second to none.

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Designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, the majestic fairways and carpet-smooth greens of The Brabazon form a world-famous stage on which some of golf’s most exhilarating dramas have played out. Legendary in the world of golf, and the spiritual home of the Ryder Cup, The Brabazon’s perilous bunkers and lakes have tested some of the greatest players including Ballesteros, Woods and Faldo. Experience for yourself, the thrill of this course.

RELATED: Golf World's Top 100 Resorts in the UK and Ireland

The majestic fairways and carpet-smooth greens of The Brabazon form a world-famous stage on which some of golf’s most exhilarating dramas have played out.

Its meticulous design involves tight fairways, perilous bunkers, lakes and fast undulating greens, creating iconic holes that have challenged some of the games greatest.

Walk in the footsteps of legends… Seve’s historic drive onto the 10th green, Sam Torrance’s famous putt that won the 1985 Ryder Cup match for the European Team or Christie O’Connor Jr’s belligerent 2 iron across the lake at the 18th. More recent changes have seen the 6th hole become one of the most demanding, rated highly by modern-day great Lee Westwood. 

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course does not have: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course does not have: Handicap

• 5 out of 5 What a course 22 May 2014

  By Jonathon Cocks

  Played the Brabazon in may, first thing you notice is how friendly the staff are. the course itself isn't friendly tons of water, small greens with a lightning speed, not overly tough but the reputation precedes itself. although the 18th is a test. I came off the course feeling beat up - but you still feel fantastic just for completing the round. expensive but worth a visit for any golfer.

• 5 out of 5 Possibly the best 14 March 2011

  By superted0uk

  Played the brabazon twice now and its amazing. Par's on the 17th and 18th were great, especially in front of a crowd but the course is tip top. PGA and the Derby were OK and good courses but nothing compared to the Brab. All 3 days were amazing as were the staff, rooms, courses, even the starter was a good laugh. Will definately go again and again.

• 5 out of 5 belfry 06 March 2011

  By callaghan

  if u r a keen golfer u have 2 play brabazon before u die everything from your arrival 2 going home they treat u like a king

• 4.5 out of 5 sheer quality 07 February 2011

  By clay

   played the brab in feb and it was still awesome. The fairways were dry and in good condition and the greens were silky and true. There are a couple of 'nothing' holes after the 10th but otherwise the whole belfry experience is class. The staff are so helpful and friendly. Hard to fault ... especially with some of the amazing off-season deals right now. Hotel and bar facilties all good too...

• 4 out of 5 A really fine course 28 August 2010

  By Leo Lionet

  Lucky enough to get an invite so snapped it up.  Course looked in really superb condition and absolutely lived up to it's reputation.  Fine definition on the fairways, first cut and greens.  I liked the distances on the sprinkler heads which also showed on the course planner which is really a must.  Greens like lightening and quite awsome if you have an off-day with the flat stick.  Took nearly 5 hours behind another 4 ball but it is a long course, especially 'twixt greens and tees at some places.  Played the PGA earlier in the year which is a little less manicured and in my opinion, as challenging and at least on a par with the big 'un. The clubhouse, "Sams Bar", is quite pricey but only what to expect from this level of venue.  The locker rooms are exactly what you would imagine from a top notch course.  I dont subscribe to the "walking in the steps of legends" point of view, but it was difficult not to think of Christie O'Conner's 2 iron when walking up the 18th or Seve's drive at the 10th.  One of those courses that just has to be "ticked off" during a golfing life.

• 4.5 out of 5 As good as it gets ! 26 March 2010

  By derekm

  The Belfry is well worth the visit even out of season on a shotgun start and at knock down prices.............The food is not gourmet but plentiful, and the rooms are okay. But everything else is top quality - what a wonderful course.......as we started at the 17th, we were able to play the famous18th twice !! I birdied the 10th, but not by hitting the green from the tee ! Went home and bought the Ryder Cup DVD and re-lived the experience hole by hole. Terrific place.

• 4.5 out of 5 golf heaven 21 May 2009

  By dirkdiggler0708

  it was my first visit and have already re-booked for later in year. we played the pga and the brabazon and despite raining on the brabazon day still was "awesome" look forward to returning later in year thanks belfry may 2009  

• 4 out of 5 Just gotta say ... 24 February 2009

  By Golfer63

  Have had the pleasure of playing all 3 courses at The Belfry over the past twelve months and it has to be said ... the whole complex is Golfing Heaven! A special experience indeed. I consider The DERBY to be the less impressive of the three but The PGA is a close second to its more famous brother, The BRABAZON. Yes I know it can seem a bit pricey and at times even seem a bit pretentious but come on guys ... isn't this what its all about? And besides, there are some cheap deals out there if you look for them! The PGA was in great condition when I played it and although some consider it a bit Americanised, I loved it. Playing on a lovely sunny summers afternoon probably helped though too! And as for the BRABAZON, it's ... well .... The Brabazon! Ryder Cups, Ballesteros, Torrrance, O'Connor Jnr, Jacklin ... Need I go on ? And ... I'm still wallowing in the glory of driving onto the 10th green (3 putted) and was brought down to earth with a 7 at the 18th but the whole experience was just tremendous. There were improvements going on too with a new green which meant we were playing two Par3's in a row, one to a temporary green - but just standing there looking at the nearly finished work, I found myself looking at the newly constructed hole and thinking ..... I can't wait to get back here! 

• 3 out of 5 it is worth going 13 November 2008

  By lexo

  yes it is worth going just to play those famous holes (10th, 17th + 18th) that we have all seen over the years on the tv. the green fees are high but there are deals and the course has got better over the years