Golf in the UK has been one of the real benefactors of the recent easing of lockdown measures. Those of you that are desperate for a dose of mildly competitive sport, in a safe environment, have been dusting off the clubs and heading to your local clubs in spades, ready to reacquaint yourselves with the ever-so-frustrating but often sickeningly addictive sport. Membership enquiries are reportedly through the roof across the country, but there’s still plenty on offer for those with more nomadic tendencies (or if you’re not quite ready to jump into the full membership experience).
GQ has whittled down a list of top clubs and courses you can go and enjoy now without having to stump up the big annual fees…
Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich Bay, Kent
The host of the 1932 Open Championship and neighbour to the illustrious Royal St George’s has undergone a serious transformation over the past two years. The history-rich yet ultra-progressive links is once again among the pantheon of great British links courses thanks to recent, significant and smart investment across the 27 holes on the property. If you want a taste of world-class links golf in a comfortable and welcoming environment, Prince’s is hard to beat.
18 holes: Mon-Thurs, £90pp. Fri-Sun, £115pp. princesgolfclub.co.uk
The Grove, Watford, Hertfordshire
Situated just north of London and the scene of one of Tiger Woods’ more emphatic victories at the 2006 Amex World Golf Championship, The Grove is as premium a golf experience as you can get a stone’s throw from the capital. Expect exquisitely manicured greens, unrivalled attention to detail and Covid-19-safe service that’s hard to beat this side of the pond. Oh, and don’t miss the plaque on the ninth hole that denotes the place from which Tiger, during the Amex Championship, hit a 270-yard three-wood to ten feet and holed the eagle putt. We’d urge you to drop a ball down and have a go at replicating the shot for a truly humbling experience.
18 holes: Off-peak (Mon-Weds), £135pp. Peak (Thurs-Sun), £159pp.
Twilight: Sun (from 1pm), £99pp. Mon-Sat (from 3pm), £99pp. thegrove.co.uk
The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
If you’re feeling compelled for serious resort-based golf in the absence of any foreseeable golf breaks abroad, 18 or even 36 holes at world-renowned The Belfry is the perfect way to get your fix. Both their PGA National and the history-laden Brabazon courses are open for business and offer exciting variety, great conditioning and a very healthy dose of water hazards for your golf balls to inevitably find.
18 holes: Mon-Fri on Brabazon, £80pp. On PGA National, £50pp. thebelfry.com
Aldwickbury Park, Harpenden, Hertfordshire
After a period of members-only use post-lockdown, this picturesque Hertfordshire parkland course is now permitting visitor play, seven days a week. This family-centric gem has a well-regarded and beautifully maintained championship 18, but also a child- and beginner-friendly nine-hole short course – perfect to enjoy with the family. Expect a rich variety of holes, mature woodlands and stunning views of the Lea Valley.
18 holes: Mon-Thurs, £36pp. Fri, £38pp. Sat-Sun, £41pp. aldwickburyparkgolfclub.co.uk
London Golf Club, Ash, Kent
This 36-hole club near Brands Hatch has a modern history that’ll stand up to pretty much any inland British course. The modern venue has played host to the Volvo World Match Play, the European Open and, more recently, one of the senior professional tour’s more prevalent events in recent years. Their International Course, open to visitors seven days a week, offers up several dramatic risk-reward holes, sure to get the heart pounding. Oh, and Jack Nicklaus designed it and he must know a thing or two about golf courses, right?
18 holes: Mon-Thurs before 3pm, £115; after 3pm, £75. Fri-Sun 11am to 3pm, £130; after 3pm, £85. londongolf.co.uk
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