Your Golfer City Golf 2023

When you think of golf in the UK, images of rural countryside and "Hidden Gems" spring to mind. Whilst the excellent courses that are tucked away in the rich heritage of our unspoilt countryside are a huge draw to many golfers (and rightly so), there seems to be a shift towards visiting more cosmopolitan regions of the UK. So, therefore we bring you this special edition called "City Golf."

This small guide is designed to give you an idea of some of the best golf courses that are a stone's throw from the centre of some of the UK`s largest cities, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your round in scenic tranquillity, whilst being able to enjoy everything that the bright lights offer.

As always, we hope you enjoy reading this special issue.

The Editor

A hidden gem with spectacular panoramic views

Located in the South West of Wales, Swansea is well known as a golfing destination among visiting groups and societies, offering a varied choice of wonderful golf courses combining the old and new, parkland and links.

The miles of glorious, rugged coastline, white sandy beaches offer an exceptional venue for links golf whilst boasting rural charm inland, Swansea offers some of the most scenic golf course in the British Isles.

Accommodation providers and offcourse entertainment is also in abundance with something to cater for all tastes and budgets.

Many visitors return to the fairways of Swansea year-after-year, taking on the old links and coastal layouts which represent great golf and great value.

Founded in 1924, Pontardawe Golf Club is situated in the upper Swansea Valley overlooking the quaint town of Pontardawe. A unique setting for golf, Pontardawe is located in one of the most scenic areas of South Wales and guarantees an enjoyable visit and a great day’s golf.

The current eighteen hole layout was completed in 1968 and, at 600 feet above sea level, the semi parkland golf course plays as a par 70. Measuring a modest 6,100 yards from the championship, white tees, the Pontardawe golf course represents an excellent challenge for all levels of golfer.

The course’s impeccably manicured fairways are extremely well-presented and, in fact, play as well in the winter months as they do during the summer. The gentle inclines and undulations boast some of the most spectacular, panoramic views in Welsh golf. To the North, are the beautiful Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountain and to the South, the Swansea Valley, Swansea Bay, Mumbles Head and the Bristol Chanel can also be seen on a clear day.

Pontardawe Golf Club prides itself as being the friendliest and most sociable club for all visitors. Facilities include the services of our golf manager, golf shop, practice area, trolley and buggy hire. You will be well looked after in the comfort of the clubhouse by our friendly staff, with their range of fine cooked food, along with a large selections of beers, wines and spirits, whilst reminiscing about your round of golf.

Located just ten minutes from junction 45 of the M4 and set on Swansea’s highest point, Pontardawe’s location is a good reason why many society groups return year-after-year.

Experience Cowglen Golf Club

Situated just minutes from Glasgow city centre, The Cowglen Golf Club was originally designed by legendary golf course architect, James Braid in 1906 with significant remodelling taking place in 1994 to shape the parkland course that can be enjoyed today.

Offering stunning views across the city, the Cowglen course is always beautifully presented. With a Par and WHS course rating of 70 and a slope rating of 132, the championship golf course measures 6,105 yards from the white tees and represents an enjoyable challenge for all level of golfer.

The club also boasts some of the best practice facilities in Glasgow including a covered driving range, short game area and all you need to improve your game with two PGA Professionals on hand to offer tuition and advice.

Head Coach, Simon Payne is listed within Today’s Golfer magazine’s Top 50 coaches.

To compliment these facilities, the Cowglen Academy was opened in June 2014. Comprising six bays and a separate teaching studio, membership to the Academy gives access to practice facilities and expert guidance from the club’s professionals.

Cowglen Golf Club’s relaxed clubhouse building is based on modern lounge surroundings, ideal for a drink or bite to eat. Offering guests a high standard of service and quality, homemade dining options; the clubhouse’s main lounge and patio area provide stunning views across the golf course, whilst overlooking the 18th green and 1st tee.

The club’s relaxing spike bar is a very popular choice with members and visitors pre and post round.

The golf club have recently upgraded its locker, changing and shower rooms to offer a magnificent experience both on and off the golf course.

The clubhouse is also home to the superb Cowglen Golf Club Professional Shop, led by Head PGA Professional Simon Payne who was appointed at the club in May 2000, the shop stocks a wide selection of equipment, clothing and accessories from the game’s leading names.

Cowglen accommodates corporate and society visitors throughout the year through a range of golf and dining packages to suit all budgets. Added extras to a golf day see the club’s Professionals play alongside groups, as well as the organisation of oncourse competitions such as nearest the pin and longest drive and even ‘Beat the Pro’ on one of the course’s Par 3 holes.

Guests can also take home a gift bag from the club including accessories which can be selected by the organiser, leaving their guests with great memories of their experience at Cowglen Golf Club.

A city break with golf at Cowglen?

Why not combine the great golf that is on offer with a stay in Britain’s largest and most lively city.

Glasgow, whilst offering an excellent array of inland golf courses; many steeped in history and all offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers, boasts a host of accommodation and entertainment options away from the golf course.

Within Glasgow, accommodation is in its abundance and is reasonably priced, coupled with Glasgow’s nightlife which is famed all over the world; golfers will feel right at home!

By day, Glasgow is one of the leading cities in the UK for shopping with everything from independent stores to high street retailers. Glasgow's city centre is home to flagship stores, impressive shopping centres and designer favourites all within walking distance of one another.

The city is also rich in artists and creators and is an ideal base to explore the magnificent Lochs and wonderful highlands of the Lanarkshire region.

Away from the hustle of bustle of central Glasgow, it is surprising that the region is home to come of the most idyllic and picturesque golf course in Scotland.

“A colt gem”

Hendon Golf Club

Despite its prominent location near to the business hub of the capital of England, the countryside surrounding London is home to quite a few golf courses.

A recent trend; the growing love of urban golf has seen golf in a green, countryside setting traded for the grey, stone, inner-city street courses that London offers.

It is on the outskirts of London where golf really comes into its own. It is well worth taking the time to visit the region’s selection of golf courses, many of which are designed by some of the world’s most renowned golf course architects.

The Harry Colt-designed golf course at Hendon Golf Club is a jewel in the crown of golf near the Capital. The tree-lined rolling fairways of the parkland course represent a true test of golfing and course management skills.

Set in the leafy suburb of Mill Hill, North London, the golf club dates back to 1900 when membership was just £10 per year. Since this time, the Club has been constantly evolving in terms of the course and facilities which today make Hendon Golf Club an extremely attractive proposition for an increasing number of members and visitors.

A Harry Colt Gem

The clubhouse provides outstanding hospitality and numerous dining options, from simple snacks through to full-service dinners. The excellentlyappointed Club Lounge, Spike Bar and large south west facing Veranda with magnificent views across the golf course, offer wonderful surroundings to relax following your round.

Hendon Golf Club is the perfect venue for a society or corporate golf day with an array of golf and menu options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Catering for groups of twelve visitors or more, the Club offers a range of 18, 27 and 36-hole packages which can be tailored to meet the needs of the visiting party.

Hendon’s friendly staff team are always on hand to ensure the smooth-running of your event from start to finish and aim to make every golf day at the Club special and a memorable experience for all. The team works with you to ‘custom build’ your ideal golf day with many societies returning year-after-year.

Ashley Walk, Devonshire Road.

London NW7 1DG 020 8346 6023

admin@hendongolf.com www.hendongolf.com

Garforth Golf Club

A quality venue to play golf

As well as being the largest county in the north of England, Yorkshire is also home to the most golf courses. With many of these situated around the major cities of York, Leeds and Wakefield, you will find your perfect golf break with hundreds of accommodation providers, restaurants, bars and entertainment.

Leeds has never been more popular with investment in the city making it one of the tourist hotspots of the country. As well as a hub of city life, Leeds is the third largest and one of the fastest growing, greenest cities in the UK.

With excellent road and rail links as well as an international airport, the thriving city centre is also a popular choice for golfing breaks with visiting groups loving the bustling night life and the excellent golf that is on offer.

Garforth Golf Club is very proud of the warm welcome

Garforth is a small town in Leeds in close proximity to both the M1 and A1. Garforth features similar amenities to its parent city with ten traditional public houses and a mix of restaurants and cafes; reasonably priced accommodation providers and fine Yorkshire hospitality.

Founded in 1913, Garforth Golf Club comprises a range of modern facilities in a historical golf club setting. The gently undulating 18-hole parkland golf course was designed by legendary golf course architect, Dr Alister MacKenzie and, along with the club’s other facilities, has beautifully evolved over the years.

Aside from the wonderful course, the golf club also features a large grass practice area, driving range and an indoor studio and fitting room complete with a state-of-the-art golf simulator which is used for ball flight analysis.

Garforth’s relaxing clubhouse is the ideal place for friends and family to get together and has hospitality at its heart. Boasting a relaxing balcony and fine dining in intimate surroundings, the building boasts panoramic views of the golf course and beyond to the surrounding picturesque Yorkshire countryside.

Garforth strives to provide a great experience for everyone

The golf club and its facilities leave a lasting impression with many visiting groups returning year-after-year, whether part of a local golf society or travelling group visiting Yorkshire for their annual golf break. Garforth Golf Club offers a variety of catering and group packages giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the renowned parkland golf course before enjoying the relaxing atmosphere of the clubhouse.

The club’s Professional team will also be on hand to assist throughout the day, ensuring that it runs smoothly, leaving the organiser to enjoy all that Garforth Golf Club has to offer.

A truly special links venue, Craigielaw Golf Club

Founded in the early 2000s, the superb Craigielaw Golf Club deserves its reputation as one of the finest golf club in the Scottish Lothians. With an excellent golf course, fine hospitality and relaxing comfortable surroundings, the club is well worth adding to your society itinerary if arrange a golf break in 2022.

The course measures 6,601 yards from the Championship tee and is often referred to as a ‘golfers’ paradise’. Designed by renowned golf course architect, Donald Steel, Craigielaw is relatively new to the East Lothian golfing scene, having opened its fairways in 2001 but has already hosted national events, including the 2006 Scottish Amateur Strokeplay Championship.

Inspired by the great links golf courses of Britain, the Craigielaw course features challenging greens and cavernous bunkers as well as boasting spectacular views over the Firth of Forth, Gullane Hill and out towards Edinburgh and Fife.

The Craigielaw golf course has a WHS course rating of 72.5 and a slope rating of 129 making it a true challenge of golf much like its golfing neighbours in the Scottish Lothians.

The Club’s course is complimented by its short game and practice facilities, driving range and fully stocked professional shop which are second to none.

The well-appointed, Craigielaw clubhouse has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and serves local and seasonal produce whilst offering stunning views of the golf course.

Whether its bacon roll before hitting the undulating fairways and dunes of the golf course, having a coffee whilst catching up with friends, lunch with family or a more formal dining occasion, the clubhouse team cater for all offering the utmost in attention to detail and high quality dishes.

The courtyard at Craigielaw is the ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon with friends or unwind after a round on the championship golf course; enjoy a snack or evening meal in the sun-drenched courtyard in the summer months.

One of the world’s most renowned destinations for golf

Located just a few minutes south of Edinburgh, the Lothians region is one of Scotland’s finest golf break destinations with a choice of well over twenty-two golf courses to test all ages and abilities.

Visiting groups can enjoy a blend of traditional links exposed to the varying wind conditions of the region and an excellent array of inland golf courses; many steeped in history and all offering a warm welcome to visiting golfers.

The rugged and beautiful coastline of East Lothian is affectionately known as Scotland’s Golf Coast with so much choice within an hour’s drive from the historic and lively capital city of Edinburgh and its international airport.

Famed for its links golf course and, at the top of the pile it Craigielaw Golf Club - a club with a well-earnt reputation for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Visiting from afar? Why not stay and play?

Craigielaw is one of only a handful of golf clubs in East Lothian to offer on-course accommodation, ideal for exploring ‘Scotland’s Golf Coast’ and the region’s beautiful coastline with its stunning beaches, castles and walks.

Craigielaw Lodge offers twenty-five twin or double bedrooms all with sea-views as well as superb courtyard accommodation.

The Lodge offers visitors to the region, the unique experience of enjoying the excellent Craigielaw golf course and the finest in Scottish hospitality. Perfect for romantic getaways, golfing weekend and society breaks, the Lodge also boasts facilities for outdoor barbeques during the summer months.

Reddish Vale Golf Club

Founded in 1912, Reddish Vale Golf Club is home to a magnificent golf course which was designed by world famous golf course architect, Dr Alistair MacKenzie.

One of the most interesting and spectacular golf courses in Manchester, Reddish Vale has a proud history, whilst keeping abreast of modern technology to drive to club forward into the future. Set in an urban area secluded from the outside world, RVGC is situated five miles from the centre of Manchester but a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

100 acres of picturesque parkland creates a quirky and fun golf course with risk and reward a prominent feature as with many of MacKenzie’s designs. Rich in natural features, hazards and magical contours; the course measures over 6,000 yards in length from the championship, white tees.

The course has a WHS course rating of 69.8 from the white tee markers and a slope rating of 130, making it an enjoyable yet challenging course for even the most accomplished golfers.

As testament to its excellent course and facilities, Reddish Vale have recently been selected to host the prestigious Cheshire matchplay championships in May 2023, whilst previously hosting the Balfour Cup in 2012, one of the oldest competitions in the North West of England.

A jewel in the Lancashire countryside, Reddish Vale GC

South Cliffe House - the Reddish Vale clubhouse is a stone built manor house which has overlooked the Vale since Victorian times. Boasting breath-taking panoramic views of the golf course and beyond, as far as the Peak District, the recently refurbished clubhouse building features fresh, modern décor whilst showcasing the traditional elements of the game.

Reddish Vale’s friendly helpful staff are highly attentive as they serve guests in the comfortable lounges which house fullystocked bars and daily menus providing bar snacks and hearty meals.

Why not see for yourself?

Reddish Vale Golf Club welcomes visitors and society groups throughout the year with a variety or tailored golf day packages on offer.

Lancashire is a great location for a golfing break or holiday with all golfing tastes catered for. The region is home to a perfect blend of championship links golf courses to parkland resorts - ideal for visiting groups of golfers. Whilst the seaside towns of Blackpool and Southport and the city of Manchester ensure that the entertainment off the golf course is just as much fun for the visitor.

A large town in Greater Manchester, Stockport. Located seven miles southeast of Manchester city centre, Stockport is where the River Goyte and River Tame merge to create the Mersey.

The jewel in Stockport’s golfing crown, Reddish Vale is a course that is full of character and charm. During their visit, golfers can enjoy the magnificent course, great food and fine northern hospitality which make for the perfect golf day.

The club’s professional team will also be on hand to offer advice and get involved in making your day memorable and most importantly meet the budgets and expectations of the group.