Top 10 Golf Courses – Essex

Top 10 chosen by 2017 county champion: Alasdair Plumb (Chelmsford GC). Handicap: +2

Chelmsford

Though 5,996 yards this is a test, especially around the greens. With one par 5 it looks simple but each par 3 offers a different test.
Green fees: £50. Tel: 01245 256483.
https://www.chelmsfordgc.co.uk/

Thorndon Park

Listed at 92 in England’s Top 100 and set in a mature deer park. The old clubhouse was the Palladian mansion of Thorndon Hall.
Green fees: £70. Tel: 01277 810345.
www.thorndonparkgolfclub.com/

Abridge

 Regional Open qualifying venue demanding control in all aspects of your game with out-of- bounds rearing its head as you work your way around the perimeter holes.
Green fees: From £15. Tel: 01708 688396.
www.abridgegolf.com/

Chigwell

Designed in 1924, it offers a great layout of undulating parkland. Always in top nick.
Green fees: £45 midweek. Tel: 020 8500 2059.
www.chigwellgolfclub.co.uk/

Orsett

A James Braid-designed heathland course packing character and will test every player with its abundance of tricky par 4s.
Green fees: £35-£50. Tel: 01375 891352.
www.orsettgolfclub.co.uk/

Toot Hill

 This is a modern parkland rolling over natural hills. The highlight has to be the fantastic greens and the island green par-3 12th. 
Green fees: £35 Sun-Fri, £40 Sat. Tel: 01277 365523.
www.toothillgolfclub.co.uk/

Frinton

The main test is the tidal wind which can eerily stalk you. Fast and undulating greens.
Green fees: From £35 midweek, £45 weekends.
Tel: 01255 674618.
www.frintongolfclub.com/

Colne Valley

Set across a valley, tee accuracy is vital on this maturing course.
Green fees: £27.50 midweek, £35 weekends. Tel: 01787 224343.
www.colnevalleygolfclub.co.uk/

Colchester

A Braid parkland course guaranteed to create drama down the stretch.
Green fees: From £45 midweek, £60 weekends. Tel: 01206 853396.
https://www.colchestergolfclub.com/ 

Theydon Bois

Another Braid design in Epping Forest. A quirky test for all abilities, tempting longer hitters to try their luck at a handful of par 4s, but only the straightest of shots will work around this wooded course.
Green fees: £40 Jun,Jul &Aug.Tel:01992813054. 
https://www.theydongolf.co.uk/