The Belfry – PGA National Course

The Brabazon was always going to be a hard act to follow but the The Belfry Golf Course (PGA National) has managed it… comfortably. In fact, dare we say it, the PGA is considered by some to be the top Belfry layout.

Although it’s located literally yards away from its superstar neighbour, the Dave Thomas-designed PGA is a whole new ball game: it’s a serious test of US/linksy-style golf with the star hole being the par-5 12th, the banks on either side of the fairway giving it an amphitheatre feel.

Like its famous Ryder Cup-staging neighbour The Brabazon, the Dave Thomas-designed PGA National provides a serious test, is in fine shape year-round and the big greens are a joy to putt on. Just ensure you negotiate the cavernous bunkers waiting to confiscate wayward strikes.

Click here to find out where The Belfry ranks in Golf World's Top 100 Courses England

The PGA National was the handiwork of Dave Thomas and will be a decade old next year (2007). The Brabazon is the one everyone wants to play because of its Ryder Cup heritage and it is a must-play, but the PGA is a worthy back-up and should not be overlooked. The Belfry offers great levels of servcie and the facilities are top-notch.

With its inland links appearance, this championship golf course presents a unique challenge thanks to hard and fast running fairways, undulating greens, severe run-offs and its 70 strategically placed cavernous bunkers.

The PGA National, having hosted two European Tour events, is fast becoming one of the top courses in the country.

Recognised by the PGA as a world-class tournament course and the only PGA branded course in England, the PGA National is a must for golfers who enjoy the creativity and shot-making required for links golf.

• Course has: Bar
• Course has: Buggy Hire
• Course has: Driving Range
• Course has: Practice Green
• Course has: Pro Shop
• Course has: Restaurant
• Course has: Trolley Hire
• Course has: Dress Code
• Course has: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 2 out of 5 Disappointed !! 30 September 2015

  By Dougie

  I have been playing golf since the age of 8 years old, I am now 47 years old and have waited all this time to play the Belfry ! What a disappointment ! I played the PGA, £80 per man, £45 per buggie, £6 bottle of beer. Mmmmmmmmmmm ? I have played a lot better for half the price, don't get me wrong, the staff were very polite and helpful...... but that's were it stopped. If you are adamant on going then play the Brabazon, even though I personally think £160 per man is a bit steep, just to get the picture and say you have played there.

• 4 out of 5 Enjoyable day 10 June 2015

  By Gruff

  We played a four ball on the 9th June and we made to feel very welcome, range balls were quite expensive but did not damage our enjoyment. We are all mid 20 handicapers and have a very enjoyable day. 4 & an half hours on a course that we have never played (all be it mid week) Warning if you go in the bunkers then just take getting out in one as a shot saved. The only little gripe was the course planner in the buggy rebooted on the trip down the 1st and never restarted (but if I was playing the next day then they were going to give me a free one). It was worth the 2 hour trip but I would not like to play it in the winter unless I was well insulated. We would certainly play it again but would maybe try for a package deal rather than just a single round for better value.

• 2 out of 5 Overrated belfry - not so good - too expensive UNFRIENDLY. 29 January 2015

  By Dave Richards

  This place is so overrated and for too expensive £1.20 for a Kit Kat and £6 for a beer R U having a laugh !! also the Greens were not too good and had moss in them, the staff were sarcastic and rude and so snobby the members arrogant and unfriendly they can stick their course where the sun don't shine - WE WILL NOT BE BACK. Also the lockerooms were grubby they had no toilet paper and it was smelly in the toilets and needed cleaning, overall there are much better places than this at half the price, keep your money in your pockets people - go elsewhere - they only spruce the place up when the Pro's and TV are in town. BOZO'S.

• 1 out of 5 Awful greens 15 October 2014

  By Truth sayer

  Played the course on the 14th October, pro shop, bar, and all staff first class... The actual course is very good, lots of water early on, huge bunkers to negotiate from the tees, however, the greens were awful...happy to accept big holes following some coring work, the problem was just a basic lack of grass...every green upto the 15th was just appalling...bald patches all over every green, no grass in sight...no excuse for that... Won a free round at the par 3...would rather have had the £10 for the pro shop!!!

• 2 out of 5 Moss on the greens 26 February 2014

  By Dave Moulds

  Last weekend our society played the Feb Comp (20 of us). We have played the PGA before, taking in the 'Belfry' It was an horrendously windy day so scores were not that good but what did surprise me was the moss on 5 maybe 6 greens! This is the Belfry guys, PGA or the Brabazon, moss on the greens? Add to this they called our Chairman saying we had food and left without paying the bill (£200). No ate, they apologised, their error!

• 4 out of 5 The Course is great, it is just some of the ignorant 4 balls who don't call through 2 balls 08 January 2014

  By Ian Brotheridge

  I cannot fault the course, I actually prefer this course to The Derby and four time host to the Ryder Cup, The Brabazon . Each hole is a challenge and unlike some courses, no two holes are the same. The bunkers always seem to have a good depth of sand and the greens are true and fast, even in the Winter. The tee times are nicely spaced, so there is rarely a queue on the first tee. My only gripe, is the lack of course etiquette shown by some golfers: I realise The Belfry will always get a lot of visitors, but not all seem to carry pitch mark repairers. Worst still in my last three rounds on this course I have twice been held up by 4 balls and they did not call us through (a 2 ball) even though they had lost at least a hole on the group in front. Perhaps if the official starter (a nice touch by the way) could politely remind golfers "to keep up with the group in front, not in front of the group behind" otherwise do the honourable thing etc.

• 4.5 out of 5 Tough course but excellent experience 18 August 2011

  By teddy21

  Without doubt the toughest course i have ever played (and that includes the 2010 at Celtic Manor and the West at Wentworth). The course was playing incredibly hard and fast and is probably closest to playing a tour set up course than us mere mortals will ever get. However, that said it was immensely enjoyable, the greens were absolutely fantastic, bunkers were exceptional and the pace of play was great (3.30 for a 2ball). There are a lot of excellent holes which require you to think about both the tee shot and the approach. The clubhouse and practice facilites were exceptional and were priced accordingly but this is the Belfry. For £37.50 it was an excellent experience and i would definitely do it again.

• 4.5 out of 5 Stunning Layout, excellent condition 16 August 2011

  By JAFK1

  Roll up into the vast expanse that is the Belfry resort and not disappointed. Staff were attentitive,  realising we were lost provided a map and a quick explanation where various ammenities were located. No tee time pre-booked however this was not an issue, staff again courteous and helpful. 2 4 1 voucher acquired by text and utilised for the PGA National course. My grumble for the day is having to drive back to the driving range.. Into the starters office where they gave some insight to the pro players they had met and provided helpful advice re what tees to play from. Practice greens would shame many clubs on course efforts and a true reflection of how the course is playing - Quick 10/11 on the stimp. It was these tricky greens that put paid to a great score A slight feel of jealosy watching others tee up on the brabazon but £37.50 compared to £150 soon put paid to that. The Round / Course  - My favourite so far.... have played celtic Manor Montgomerie, Costa adeje (Tenerife) and a Tour Course in Agadir. The course was a good length but not punishing off the whites and with the fairways running fast was often left with 100-140 yards on a 430 yrd hole. Bunkering is excellent and a joy to play from, they add a visual feast. Highlight of the day - Nearly reaching the 550 yard par 5 with a drive into the sand and a utility out. Still a 5 darn putter.... Final score -81 but first time around quite happy. A great day out and well recommended..    

• 4.5 out of 5 Did not know what to expect 31 July 2010

  By Mark Wardle

  After reading previous reviews i did not know what to expect from the PGA national course, fortunately I must have played a different course to the other reviewers as I and my playing partners thought it was excellent, not easy and you have to plot your way around the huge bunkers and many lakes but when or if you reach the greens they are magnificent, very quick very true an absolute joy to put on. The course was very dry when we played due to lack of rain for several weeks so played slightly shorter than expected even playing off the whites but apart from the hard ground the course was in wonderful condition, wildlife in abundance, kestrels, buzzards, rabbits, stoats etc etc, really do not understand anyone saying its not worth the money at £35 on 2 fore 1, yes the prices in the clubhouse are slightly pricey but that was expected, all in all a good test for all players and we will definitely return soon.

• 4 out of 5 Really good time 03 March 2010

  By welshmonkey

    I had too snap the hand off the guy in work who offered £69 for two rounds and nights stay at the belfry as I knew it would be good and it wasn't a let down at all. Now yes the wind was so strong I was being pushed over ,but it's the uk in feb so the course with all the rain the course held up well but I would hate too putt in the summer as the greens are razor sharp in the wet. lots of water lots of bunkers too find your way around I would buy a course planner!.The facilities are just what you need a big putting green, a drving range and nice clean and tidy changing rooms.The hotel was nice a bit heavy on drink and food prices but we had thought about that beforehand. The only let down is you can't use buggy's or trolleys on the course but £5 hire of a carry bag sorted that, I would no I will go back again and suggest if you want a good hard test of your golf this is perfect  

• 2 out of 5 Going downhill 17 November 2009

  By djchrisg

  I have been playing this course for the last 3 years and to be honest its going downhill. Well the practice area is just bad. Its not looked after anymore. Now the course...Tee boxes are not that good the rough is just stupid. The green keepers are so rude too. I was trying to put and he was standing at the side of me just on the fringe on his mobile phone on loudspeaker talking and walking around, I was trying to put. How rude. Then the next hole I was on the dairway just about to take my shot then he drives past me in his diesel buggy and just carries on. Then I hit my shot and he drives up to the green as my ball lands. I go up to my ball then moves the flag while I was over the ball. This is supposed to be the Belfry, you would expect this from a municipal. This is just not a one off it happens often. To be honest its not worth the money, I get more enjoyment at my local municipal.  

• 4 out of 5 excellent course , 01 June 2008

  By Mick spacey

  Played the course free , wouldn`t pay the full £70 to play again though but the course was excellent, greens may perhaps have a bit of disease in them but overall they roll well,shot a 79 with a 7 on the 10th and a 6 on the last, so i thouroughly enjoyed it , when we go back it will be to play the Brabazon though. overall 4/5

• 3.5 out of 5 Pretty good 26 November 2007

  By Anonymous

  Played after a couple of days heavy rain and course was in pretty good nick. Tough greens, i would imagine the course playing a lot tougher in the wind. We were offered an upgrade of £30 each to play the Brabazon, if you are offered the same - take it. Having recently played the Brabazon I wanted to play the PGA but there isn't really any comparison between the two.

• 5 out of 5 FANTASTIC ! 01 May 2007

  By andydavis

  wHAT A GREAT COURSE,WE PLAYED AT 7.50AM ON A DRIZZLY MONDAY MORNING AND HAD ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OUT EVER,WE USED 2 FORE 1 VOUCHERS SO IT ONLY COST £37.50 EACH WHAT A BARGAIN FOR SUCH A CHALLENGING COURSE. EVEN AT THAT TIME OF MORNING THE STAFF WERE BRIGHT AND BREEZY ,WELL DONE THE BELFRY TEAM.TO THOSE OF YOU THAT DONT RATE IT "YOU MUST HAVE HAD A BAD ROUND " WE DIDNT PLAY OUR BEST BUT WOW !!!

• 2.5 out of 5 I expected more 17 April 2007

  By divotdavies

  A great course but not for the money, I think you can play a cheeper course and enjoy it more, yes they are doing work to make it nice and it will be but I would go in a few months time oh and take a bank loan for drinks!

• 2 out of 5 Watch the weather it kills the wow 21 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  Admittedly I played this course a week after the bad snow but being relitivly new to golf if you get a chance to play The Belfry you dont say no. The clubhouse, bar, changing rooms, pro shop and food are all you expect for the Ryder Cup host but the course thats a different matter. The course was so wet some shots in the fairway plugged, about 40% of the bunkers were GUR, the greens were like walking on sponge, tined and had some scrapes and bobbles and the new part of the course has still not matured and looks to new. Im sure in the summer it is a different story so just check how wet its been before you go.

• 2.5 out of 5 This stage before test 08 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  this correct

• 3 out of 5 golf @ the belfry 05 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  The golf was great,the weather was great but it was a bit dear for drinks it was £5.50 for one bottle of Magners cider

• 2.5 out of 5 a bit dull 05 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  Much like the weather on the day I played, this course is a bit dull. The course itself is laid out on an uninspiring peice of land and this is reflected in the layout itself. The course itself was very very wet and most courses probably would have been shut so the fact that I got to play at all was at least a positive. The course seems to stretch miles away form the clubhouse so don't expect to be able to hop back into the clubhouse for a refreashment break half way round. Definately a poor relation to it's sister course the Brabazon

• 3.5 out of 5 good course (shame about the greens) 04 February 2007

  By Anonymous

  I PLAY THE PGA ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. THE COURSE IS IN GOOD CONDITION APART FROM THE GREENS. THEY ARE QUICK BUT A LOT OF BOBBLES(MISSED BIRDIE CHANCES). NICE LONG COURSE BUT MAKE SURE YOU HIT THE FAIRWAYS OR YOU WILL BE IN TROUBLE.

• 3.5 out of 5 Thats not a bunker it's a beach!! 13 November 2006

  By Anonymous

  Compared to its more famous neighbour on one side and the poor relation on the other this is a real golfers course. I cant believe the number of people who play these courses and then complain about the cost! Its not a trick and the prices are advertised. Yes there is a element of where you are in the price but there is also the fact that its not the local muni either! The course was in great condition and its mid November, not to many courses can say that! Its a great challenging course and I just love the way it catches you out just when you think you are safe. I also love the way some bright spark has decided to do away with bunkers and replace them with beaches! Overall a fantatsic day and we'll all be back, worth every penny!

• 3.5 out of 5 Great condition 05 December 2004

  By Anonymous

  A really well-kept and maintained course but not a jaw-dropper. More of a players' course. Expensive for what it is but the clubhouse and facilities are second-to-none.

• 3.5 out of 5 Practice your sand shots! 01 March 2004

  By Anonymous

  Good looking course not particularly difficult, HUGE..! bunkers again not hard to escape from. A good average golfers course.