Astbury Hall

Quality parkland layout which opened a couple of years ago in the heart of the scenic Severn Valley. It’s a real rock and roll layout: it is owned and run by ex-Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing, a self-confessed golf nut who was chiefly responsible for designing the impressive layout which features a combination of open and tightly tree-lined holes.

It’s one of the best courses to emerge in England in recent years. Astbury Hall only opened last year but already looks a picture and in many ways, reminded us of The Grove in Hertfordshire – high praise indeed. Astbury features a combination of open and tightly tree-lined holes – there are no stand-outs as such, but plenty of good ones, especially around the turn.

The 9th is an intriguing left dog-leg par 5 to a raised green, while the reverse nine starts with a short par 4 to a green virtually surrounded by sand. A memorable round is unusually but spectacularly climaxed with a 200-yard par 3 over a lake and afterwards your joy, or otherwise, can be discussed in Ken Downing’s majestic mansion home which is currently doubling up as Astbury’s impressive clubhouse.

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

• 5 out of 5 Put it at the TOP of your list to play 21 April 2015

  By JV

  This course is something else. The grounds, the club house, the design of the course, the fairways, the greens and even the tee boxes…everything is incredible. I wouldn't say cheap as i don't want to say anything negative about Astbury Hall as it doesn't deserve it, so I will say very competitively priced...you will struggle to play a course anywhere near as good as this for the same money. I played it first when it was a very young course, and came back almost 2 years later and I was so pleased to see it has improved, it really is one of the best courses I have played. Locally, the only course I can say which is better is the Brabazon, which says it all. I already can't wait to go back again and cannot recommend this place highly enough.

• 5 out of 5 A gem of a course 08 September 2014

  By Dav3395

  I've looked forward to playing this course for some time and I was not disappointed. Set in the lovely Shropshire countryside there are stunning views in every direction. The greens are very fast and undulating, bunkers are well placed and in very good condition and the course in general is impeccably maintained. There really isn't anything negative I can write! If you get the chance to play then you are in for a real treat.

• 5 out of 5 Best kept secret 31 August 2014

  By Em

  From the moment you drive up the beautiful drive to the minute you leave the fabulousl grounds you are in for a treat. The welcome offered by the staff is second to none and you are made to feel at ease and relaxed by the quality of their service. The array of challenges on the course itself are complemented by the quality of the tee boxes, fairways and excellent greens and the peace and tranquillity is only affected by the infrequent sound of the local steam train running along the valley below. If this was not enough, the welcome back at the club house and quality of lunch is of the highest order and again, the staff are at pains to ensure that everyone has the best possible experience, A truly excellent day out and a must if you are in this neck of the woods.