Horsley Lodge Golf Club

Many clubs across the country claim to be the best in their county and although it is true in some instances, it’s not always a good guide. In Horsley Lodge’s case, though, their claim of being the jewel in Derbyshire’s crown is a justified one. Because while there are lots of good courses in this Midlands county – Cavendish is one which immediately springs to mind – Horsley was recently voted the finest course in Derbyshire by the HSBC rankings. This accolade is undoubtedly down to the club’s reputation of offering visitors from across the country a fantastic experience through a well-manicured course and excellent facilities. The greens at the Peter McEvoy-designed course are arguably Horsley’s finest assets, running fast and true throughout the year even though they are still less than 15 years old. The round starts quite slowly, with a reachable par 5 followed immediately by a short par 4 and the easiest hole on the course – the 165-yard par-3 3rd. 

The greens at the Peter McEvoy-designed course are arguably Horsley’s finest assets, running fast and true throughout the year even though they are still less than 15 years old.

From here, though, the course is known to fight back in style with five straight, difficult par 4s including the infamous 7th – ‘Stock Stitches’, which most believe to be one of the course’s hardest holes. Away from the course, Horsley Lodge is home to a wide range of top facilities including a driving range, practice area, and a custom- fitting suite. The club offer comprehensive professional tuition, too.

Horsley also have a restaurant and hotel on site, making it an ideal place for a golf break in the countryside. From this delightful base you can experience a few other courses in the area and decide for yourself how good Horsley is. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Top Holes by Jack Lynch, shop manager:

12th, 158 yards, par 3 This is probably the course’s best par 3, and is played almost entirely over water. Although it is quite short on paper, it plays much harder as there is nowhere to miss it.  Knock it off the green and you’re faced with either a testing bunker shot (three deep traps protect the green) and hit it too strongly and you’ve got a fast downhill chip towards the water.   17th, 446 yards, par 4 This stroke index one is a demanding par 4. It is extremely long and is therefore played as a three-shotter by most members.  Even if you hit a tremendous tee shot, you’re still looking at a lengthy approach over water and there is also a collection of bunkers and water next to the green. A bogey on here is accepted by all who play it. A par definitely feels like a birdie.