Best parkland golf courses in England

Some of golf’s most exhilarating Ryder Cup dramas have played out on The Brabazon Course at The Belfry. Based in the outskirts of Birmingham, its meticulous design, tight fairways, perilous bunkers, lakes and undulating greens are recognised around the world. The stand-out hole is without a doubt the 10th, a drivable risk-reward par-4, which was first hit by Seve Ballesteros in 1978. For Ryder Cup history, they don’t come much better than The Brabazon.

Thanks to its glorious setting amid a mature Lincolnshire woodland, you’d never realise that Forest Pines is only 20 years old. There are three brilliant loops of nine here, allowing golfers to mix and match their favourite nine holes, with each loop of an extremely high standard. It is no wonder Forest Pines is often compared to the likes of Woburn and Wentworth.

Designed with championship golf in mind, the East Course at East Sussex National will challenge even the best of golfers. From the tips, the course measures a staggering 7,138-yards, with the added challenge of a plentiful supply of bunkers that line the fairways and greens. In 1993 and 1994, this course hosted the European Open, with many professionals considering the 18th to be one of the most demanding finishing holes in golf. The sister West Course also provides an enjoyable round and is the perfect complement to the East.

There are two fine parkland golf courses to choose from at Brocket Hall in the Melbourne Course and the Palmerston Course. The former was designed by Ryder Cup players Peter Alliss and Clive Clark, and provides stunning views of the surrounding area, as well as crossing the River Lea on several occasions. The Palmerston Course is regarded as Donald Steel’s finest creation, and winds its way through ancient woodland of rare Hornbeam, Scots, Corsican Pine and 300-year old Oak trees, to create unique but spectacular hazards.

Old Thorns Golf Club, a championship course which opened in 1976 and has become of the best parkland courses in the South of England. The mature nature around the golf course provides stunning views and the undulating landscape creates the perfect environment for a golf course.

Warwickshire's Forest of Arden is home to two excellent 18-hole golf courses in the Arden Course and the newer Aylesford Course. The latter opened for play more recently and is considerably shorter, making for an enjoyable round, whereas the Arden Course is definitely the standout course here. In the past, the Arden Course has hosted the English Open and the British Masters, with the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn and Darren Clarke all leaving here victorious.

Kyle Phillips’ design at The Grove combines modern game strategies with the great traditions of British golf course architecture, which in return saw it host the British Masters in 2016. Measuring at a lengthy 7,152-yards, the 18 immaculately conditioned holes follow the natural slopes and mounds of the land the course is set in. It is no wonder this course is regarded as one of the best new golf courses in Europe.

Known as the “Augusta of the North” by those who have played it, the Hunting Course at Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort is a course that every golfer should play at least once. Demanding long and straight tee shots, along with accurate approaches to greens with monumental slopes, the challenge here is stern but one that can be enjoyed by everyone. David Thomas has designed a true gem in the North East of England.

Located on the grounds of the beautiful Carden Park Hotel with a glorious countryside backdrop, this Championship Cheshire Course is one to watch out for. While it suits golfers of all levels, the course is highly technical and there are several natural hazards throughout to really test your skills. The signature 18th hole offers amazing views over the resort and distant Welsh hills. To put it simply, you’ll have a great memorable round of golf here.