Top 10 Golf Courses – Bucks, Berks & Oxon
This top 10 was chosen by County champion: John Kemp (Woburn). Handicap: +3
Woburn (Duke’s)
A great test of golf which held the British Masters for years, and now holds the Travis Perkins Seniors where often level par will be inside the top 10. You need to be accurate off the tee and will use every club in your bag.
Green fees: From £115. Tel: 01908 626881.
http://www.woburngolf.co.uk/
Berkshire (Red)
Has also staged some prestigious events and it’s a stunning golf course unusually having six par 3s, six par 4s and six par 5s. You need to play the short holes well to make a good score. Green fees: £150 midweek, £200 weekends. Tel: 01344 621495.
www.theberkshire.co.uk/
Woburn (Marquess’)
A beautiful course with testing green complexes – you need to hit it close to avoid three-putting. Held the 2015 British Masters won by Matthew Fitzpatrick and the Ricoh Women’s British Open won by Ariya Jutanugam.
Green fees: From £115. Tel: 01908 626881.
http://www.woburngolf.co.uk/
Frilford Heath (Red)
Used as a European tour school qualifying venue, it is a thinking man’s golf course. You need to position the ball well to leave the best angle to the hole.
Green fees: From £65 midweek, £85 weekends. Tel: 01865 390864.
https://www.frilfordheath.co.uk/
Woburn (Duchess’)
A beautiful golf course carved from the pine trees. Accuracy is everything around this tight golf course. The second hole is one of the toughest par 3s you will ever play, especially when the pin is on the top tier.
Green fees: From £115. Tel: 01908 626881.
http://www.woburngolf.co.uk/
The Buckinghamshire
A great layout with some testing par 4s and a set of pretty quick greens. One quick tip: ensure you take note of the ag positions on the big greens.
Green fees: From £90. Tel: 01895 835777.
http://www.buckinghamshiregc.com/golf/
Castle Royle
Makes my top 10 because of its immaculate condition. The greens are usually speedy and if the wind blows it can be a really stern test.
Green fees: Members & members’ guests only. Tel: 01628 820740.
http://www.castleroyle.com/golf
Berkshire (Blue)
A strategic course, not long and can yield a lot of birdies if you play well. Keeping the ball in play off the tee is crucial.
Green fees: £150 midweek, £200 weekends. Tel: 01344 621495.
www.theberkshire.co.uk/
Stoke Park
New bunkers have been added and it slips down my top 10 for this reason. A Harry Colt- designed course with a fantastic Augusta-style par-3 7th hole.
Green fees: £160 midweek, £230 weekends. Tel: 01753 717171.
https://www.stokepark.com/golf/
The Oxfordshire
If the weather is kind this can be a rewarding course even though there’s a lot of water in play. If the wind blows, it can be a real brute.
Green fees: £70. Tel: 01844 278300.
https://www.theoxfordshire.com/