Parkland beauties
Tewkesbury Park
Gloucestershire is an extremely pretty county, and the hotel at Tewkesbury Park beside the River Severn makes for a delightful place to stay. Situated on land that was populated with deer in the 12th century, the Deerpark is its attractive par-72 course which stretches to 6,554 yards. It was designed by leading architect Frank Pennink in 1976, and the bunkers and conditioning received a full upgrade five years ago. It’s a charming and scenic course that offers views over Cheltenham, the Cotswolds, the Severn Valley, the Malverns and even the Welsh mountains. GF: round: £36wd, £46 Fri-sun
The
16th on the Deerpark is a par 3 with lovely, farreaching views that vary constantly depending on the light and time of day.
Scarcroft
This great-value design to the north-east of Leeds is in an area packed with strong golf. Scarcroft flies under the radar but would be the star attraction elsewhere. It was designed by Charles Mackenzie, younger brother of Alister, and there is a tight start with the first two holes protected by ditches. The front nine closes with a pair of fine par 4s which lead you to the charming halfway house. The back nine is even more enjoyable, with the snaking par-5 14th the pick of the bunch.
GF: round: £40wd, £55we; day: £55wd, £65we
Bristol & Clifton
Celebrating its 130th anniversary, Bristol & Clifton is an undulating course with some interesting features that plays to a demanding par of 70. There is a strong start with five par 4s before you then get back-to-back short holes. The 6th is of medium length and has a handful of bunkers protecting the left-hand side, while the 7th is just a flick over a dip to another well-protected green. The 13th is another memorable par 3 and the 15th is a short par 4 where you drive over a drystone wall.
GF: round: £55wd, £65we
South Staffs
Dating back to 1892 and with a rich pedigree that boasts the architectural input of Vardon, Colt, Braid, Hawtree and Steel, South Staffs is now the home of former Ryder Cup star Peter Baker. The tree-lined course is a tough test which requires accuracy as well as strength. The reward for keeping the ball in play is fairways and greens kept in tip-top order. The holes from 7 to 14 are particularly demanding with some long par 4s, so you will need to make your score at the start and end.
GF: round: from £35