Manor Golf Club

The reason why the Manor has remained relatively unknown to the majority of golfers outside Staffordshire becomes apparent when you drive through the rolling countryside to get to this picturesque venue. Built on former farm land, first as a 9-hole course in 1991 and then extended to 18 three years later, this manicured parkland track has a healthy smattering of mature trees that both bely its relative youth and separate it from the outside world. The River Blythe winds its way through the centre of the course and features on several holes – it is a hazard that must be avoided if you are to score well around this thinking-man’s layout. A number of greens possess banks that take an over-hit ball away to a watery grave, while other holes use the river to create classic risk-reward dilemmas, none more so than Manor’s five drivable par 4s that may tempt the big hitters into playing aggressively but will punish them with severe consequences should they be any less than accurate. Undulating, but not excessively tiring, the Manor also opens up to reward you with beautiful views of the Welsh mountains in the distance – especially from the clubhouse that sits on the highest point of the course.

A number of greens possess banks that take an over-hit ball away to a watery grave, while other holes use the river to create classic risk-reward dilemmas.

Top Holes, Anthony Foulds by course manager/designer:

12th 341 yards, par 4 A very picturesque hole with plenty of water – the green is surrounded on three sides by the River Blythe as well as a pond that guards the front. 14th 294 yards, par 4 A risk-and-reward hole that is similar to the 10th at The Belfry. A slight dog-leg left with the river running down the left, the safe shot is to lay-up with an iron but big hitters can attempt to find the green with a well-struck driver. 16th 175 yards, par 3 The highest part of the course with outstanding views. From an elevated tee 25 feet above a green that sits in a natural bowl you are at the mercy of the wind and can need anything from driver to wedge.