Top 10 Golf Courses – Northumberland
Top 10 was chosen by County champion: Mark Wharton (Newcastle United GC). Handicap: +1
Slaley Hall (Hunting)
The Hunting is top of my list and is a fantastic layout with some great holes and a real test of golf. When in top condition, I don’t think there is anywhere better in the county.
Green fees: From £65. Tel: 01434 673350.
https://www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/slaley-hall/golf/
Berwick-on-Tweed (Goswick)
The rst of many links courses on my list, Goswick is a great course and always in very good condition. Regional Open qualifying is back here from 2018 and deservedly so.
Green fees: £50 midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01289 387256.
www.goswicklinksgc.co.uk/
Hexham
Lovely parkland course, not very long but a thinker’s course. Get yourself in position off the tee and a score is there for you with the greens always immaculate.
Green fees: From £36. Tel: 01434 603072.
www.hexhamgolf.co.uk/
Dunstanburgh Castle
My second links course is again a great test of golf with some tricky par 3s, especially the 4th. Arguably one of the best settings on the Northumberland coast and when the wind blows it’s a hard nut to crack.
Green fees: £27 midweek, £31 weekends. Tel: 01665 576562.
www.dunstanburgh.com/
The Northumberland
Host for Regional Open Qualifying for the past few years and plotted within the racecourse, this course has some great holes along with a lovely inland links feel to it as well.
Green fees: £80 midweek, £100 Sun. Tel: 0191 236 2498.
www.thengc.co.uk/
Alnmouth (Foxton Hall)
This place can be a real test of golf off the back tees. It’s set right on the coast but is more of a clifftop track than a traditional links. Whenever you pitch up, you’ll always nd it in excellent condition.
Green fees: £39. Tel: 01665 830231.
www.alnmouthgolfclub.com/
Matfen Hall
This is where I took up golf when I was a youngster and I always enjoy going back as it’s a proper golf course where you’ll use every club in the bag. Sits in a wonderful setting and overlooked by a stunning clubhouse.
Green fees: £35 midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01661 886500.
https://www.matfenhall.com/golf-course-northumberland/
Close House (Colt)
Fairly new course plotted on undulating terrain and preparing to host this year’s British Masters. It boasts some nice holes and I’m looking forward to seeing how the top players deal with it in September.
Green fees: £110. Tel: 01661 852255.
closehouse.com/golf/
Close House (Filly)
This was the original course at Close House but has bene ted from a recent comprehensive refurbishment. It’s not long but it’s a thinker’s course with tee shot position vital when hitting into the sloping greens.
Green fees: £50. Tel: 01661 852255.
closehouse.com/golf/
Bamburgh Castle
For me, this course has the county’s best views. It’s a relatively short course but if the weather’s good you can’t beat it. The other bonus is that it’s in good shape all year-round. Green fees: £46 midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01668 214378.
www.bamburghcastlegolfclub.co.uk/
