Bath Golf Club

The course sits above Bath and the views are simply stunning.

It’s not a long course, but some of the holes require some careful thought and some careful clubbing. Wind can make a big difference and it’s a real thinker’s course.

The fairways are good and the greens are fast and true once the better weather kicks in. The bunkers vary from great to very empty.

It’s not a ridiculoulsy busy course evgn at weekends and there’s not usually too much bother getting a tee time. And with a green fee of about £30 it’s well worth a visit.

Laid out around 'Hampton Down', the course occupies a prominent position on one of Bath's beautiful surrounding hills. The 18 hole, 6442 yard, par 71 course may not be the length that today's course designers seem to favour, but in the 1880's they knew how to create a challenge using the natural contours of a hilltop location steeped in history with stunning views that, on a clear day, stretch to the Welsh beacons. The present day amateur record of 68 is a testament to the manner in which the undulating but generous fairways and tight greens defend the course's honour.

• Course has: Bar
• Course does not have: 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 does not have: Club Hire
• Course has: Handicap

• 4 out of 5 Now a member! 03 August 2010

  By duncanmcdine

  You'll see from my previous post that I was a bit concerned about the slow pace of some of the members.  I've since joined the club, and have to admit that I've never experienced the same thing, so it must have been a one-off. The course is still fabulous - greens are better than anywhere I've played (including Celtic Manor), and it can be a really tough course off the white tees.  The only thing it lacks is a really pretty, postcard par 3.  If you've never played a really old course though, you should have a round up here. My membership was certainly money well spent.

• 3.5 out of 5 Very nice course, shame about the members! 12 October 2009

  By duncanmcdine

  I played this course with the prospect of joining as a member (the rates are very reasonable if you're under 34 years old) and was extremely impressed with the course itself.  The young fella in the pro-shop was a bit snobby, but I didn't let this bother me.  Our tee time was marked down on the register as 2.10pm, so after a bit of net & green practice, we made our way to the 1st tee around 2 o'clock.  All grouped around the starting point was 5 pairs, jostling for position... and it turned out that the members just turn up and play (annoyingly, jumping ahead of us lot that had booked a tee time).  Anyway, at 2.30 we got started, and enjoyed the course - tee's & greens were very well kept, and the established fairways with lots of 'linksy' lumps and bumps were great.  The views were fabulous, and it really did feel like a lovely old golf course (think it was built in the late 1800's).  Unfortunately we had to wait on just about every shot... the 3 or 4 pairs infront (who were all members) were so slow, and disrespectful, that it ended up being a 5 hour round.  The middle-aged members infront of us both pulled their trolleys over the tee area, and sauntered over the green after they'd finished the hole - even practicing putts while we waited on the fairway! I think had it not been for the slow, frustrating pace, I'd have signed up as a member by now.  As it happens, I think I'll give it a miss.

• 3.5 out of 5 Great views 16 April 2007

  By Fazerace

  The course is okay - design is a bit predictable but some good holes. It's the views that make it. If you're playing it for the first time there are some very fiddly holes that can catch you out... worth a go...

• 3.5 out of 5 What a challenge! 11 April 2007

  By wanger

  Warm welcome in the club house and pro shop, the course will challenge the very best with the wind playing a major factor and when the undulating greens are at their best they are like lightening. An inland course with a very linksy feel.