Hawkstone Park Golf Club

Hawkstone Park has 42 holes and an on-site hotel. It is therefore absolutely perfect for a golf break. The Hawkstone Course is the premier track and is one of the most fascinating in England, writes Chris Bertram. Laid out in 1920 it is routed among the famous cliffs of the Shropshire follies and around the ruins of a medieval castle. Established in 1920, the awesome follies look down on you in intimidating fashion as you navigate your way through towering oak and birch trees. The 6,497-yard course was where a young Sandy Lyle learnt his trade and the future Open and Masters champion will have relished the holes around the turn, where things really pick up in pace. The 10th – The Road Hole – is a classic par 5 of 518 yards which hugs the dramatic cliff top. The Championship Course, formerly known as the Windmill, was designed by former Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett and is more American in style than the Hawkstone. It opened in 1995 and incorporates oval-shaped tees, rolling fairways and a great deal of intimidating water. Pick of the holes is probably the par-5 10th which dog-legs around the water. The six-hole Academy Course is brilliant for beginners, those short of time or those seeking to sharpen up their short games. Hawkstone also has a 20-bay driving range. The 66 bedrooms in Hawkstone Park’s hotel have been extensively refurbished in recent times and every guest room has a flat-screen satellite television. Head professional Frank Kiddie says: “We’re lucky to have two fantastic courses which are two of the best in the Midlands and North West. They are maintained to the highest standard. “The Hawkstone is extremely scenic for an inland course, while the Championship is more challenging for low handicappers. There’s something for everyone – including the six-hole par 3 which gives an entertaining hour of golf.”

Hawkstone was where a young Sandy Lyle learnt his trade and the future Open champion will have relished the holes around the turn, where things really pick up in pace.

Top Holes (Hawkstone Course)

12th 145 yards par 3 Called ‘The Moat’, this is arguably the most dramatic of a series of terrific holes around the turn. The moat of the ruined castle has been cleverly incorporated into this mid-length short hole with the 18th Century follies towering over you in the background. 18th 417 yards par 4 Named Alex’s Hame, this is a strong finishing hole of over 400 yards off the tips. Only two stiff blows will find the undulating putting surface, with the well-appointed clubhouse and a huge balcony that provides its own pressures.