Top 10 Golf Courses – Shropshire & Hereford
This top 10 comes from County champion: Tom Alford (Bridgnorth GC). Handicap: 1
Bridgnorth
My home club boasts an absolutely stunning course which is in superb condition all year- round. A real gem running alongside the river Severn and a terri c test of golf where straight drives are rewarded well. The greens are super fast and true, and the club’s welcome is second to none.
Green fees: £35 Sun-Fri, £50 Sat. Tel: 01746 763315.
www.bridgnorthgolfclub.co.uk/
The Astbury
One of the nest courses in Shropshire (above) provides stunning views along with a lovely and well designed course, including several attractive water hazards. Owned by legendary rock star KK Downing, the classy club has strong links with former Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke and Sky Sports’ Sarah Stirk.
Green fees: £50. Tel: 01260 272772.
www.theastbury.co.uk/
Church Stretton
Plotted amidst the rolling hills of Carding Mill Valley, this course starts bizarrely with three par 3s, all uphill. It’s only 5,000 yards but it’s always in great condition with turf to die for. The views aren’t bad either, as be ts the highest course in England.
Green fees: From £20 midweek, £30 weekends. Tel: 01694 722281.
https://www.churchstrettongolfclub.co.uk/
Hawkstone Park
A great layout with two impressive courses. Both Championship and Hawkstone offer a good test of golf with great views of the famous neighbouring follies. An excellent venue for a 36-hole day out.
Green fees: From £27. Tel: 01948 841700.
www.hpgcgolf.com/
Burghill Valley
This attractive Herefordshire course meanders through beautiful orchards and always gives you a good few birdie chances with several long holes. I always enjoy returning here.
Green fees: £25 midweek, £30 weekends. Tel: 01432 760456.
www.bvgc.co.uk/
Worfield
Super fast greens and a wide open course – ideal for players who love to grip it and rip it. You will always take a par-par start on the two tough opening holes.
Green fees: £40 midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01746 716372.
http://www.worfieldgolfclub.co.uk/
Ludlow
Inland links-style course with a horse-racing track running through it. You’ll be impressed by the perfect greens while the fairways are a ball-striker’s paradise. It’s a good year-round course too but can play tough when the wind blows. Creativity and imagination are de nite virtues here.
Green fees: £36 midweek, £50 weekends. Tel: 01584 856285.
ludlowgolfclub.com/
Shrewsbury
Home arguably of the best greens in this part of the world, though overall carefully plotting your way round is key. A very tough back nine so making a good score on the front nine is paramount.
Green fees: £36 midweek, £40 weekends. Tel: 01743 872977.
www.shrewsburygolfclub.co.uk/
Shifnal
This course is very similar to my home club – a tree-lined course with a great clubhouse. The last three holes make for a brutal nish so you need to capitalise on the series of birdie chances that come before.
Green fees: £40. Tel: 01952 460330.
www.shifnalgolfclub.com/
Sapey
The course I won the county title on suited me down to the ground: plotting your way round and reading the slopes in the greens is key to a good score so long as you don’t get distracted by the stunning views.
Green fees: From £20 midweek, £25 weekends. Tel: 01886 853506
sapeygolf.co.uk/
