Minchinhampton (Old)

As one of three golf courses at Minchinhampton Golf Club, the Old Course is, without a doubt, the most natural of the three.

First designed and opened in 1889 on Minchinhampton Common, the course has remained at its location ever since, despite the club branching out further afield, with two new courses three miles away.

There are no bunkers, no water and not much in the way of trees protecting the Old Course. Instead, its defence comes in the form of grassy knolls, hillocks and mounds, as well as treacherous putting surfaces.

Visit the Minchinhampton (Old) website here.

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Originally known as the Minchinhampton Common Golf Club, the history of the venue dates back well into the 19th Century.

The golf club was founded in 1889, and the Old Course was laid out over Minchinhampton Common, where it has remained for more than 130 years.

The club expanded to land three miles from its original position, with two more courses – the Cherington and Avening – being constructed. The Old Course has continued to thrive, despite being adrift from its two siblings.

Situated on Minchinhampton Common, the Old Course at Minchinhampton is somewhat exposed to the elements. Not much has changed throughout its history, and there are no bunkers and no water to speak of. It is certainly not the longest of courses, with the Old coming in at just shy of 6,100 yards from the tips. However, its all-natural feel and look is not just to deceive the eye – there are plenty of tricky tests on this golf course.

It begins with a short par 5 of 482 yards, and one where a slight ramp down to the green will aid those aiming to go for it with their second shot. Thick grass does guard both sides of the green, so be accurate with your approach. The 2nd is just a yard longer, and another good birdie opportunity as the second par 5 in succession to begin the Old Course. A goo drive atop the brow of the hill is required, and if you are laying up, then the left side of the fairway is the favoured side to give yourself the best angle into this shallow green. Add in a par 4 of just over 300 yards, and 3-under through 3 is not unheard of at Minchinhampton.

The 4th is only 340 yards, but position is the key off this tee box. A thick strip of rough runs across the fairway diagonally, with a grass ditch then running around the right side of the putting surface. After the generous four-hole run to start, you come to the 5th – the Stroke Index 1 on Minchinhampton’s Old Course. It is only 410 yards, but the danger comes on the approach to the green. Anything long of this putting surface and you are in real trouble. Take a club less to be safe, otherwise you could be notching a double bogey or worse. Some might fancy their chances with taking on the par 4 6th at just 290 yards, but the right play for most is an iron or hybrid off the tee to put yourself into the right spot.

A quarry is to the left of the 7th green, but it should not come into play if you have placed yourself well off the tee. It plays as a slight dog-leg left so favour the right side of the fairway. The 8th is the first of the par 3s on the Old Course. The green is almost 30 yards deep, so pay attention to where the flag is before selecting your club. There are plenty of grassy knolls and mounds around the green, but right is the miss. The front nine concludes with another medium-length par 4, one that some say is the best hole on the course. A generous fairway awaits, but you are aiming on the angle of it thanks to the position of the tee box. The green is guarded by a large tree to the front left of the surface, with grass bunkers in play as well.

The back nine begins with the shortest of its par 3s, the 126-yard 10th. For some, this will only be a wedge, but it is a three-tiered green. Add in that there is plenty of danger around the surface, and that makes this approach – which should be easy – anything but. The green on 11 looks sublime in the evening sunlight. It sits in its own bowl, some 420 yards away from the tee box. Those skilful enough to loft one on to the green from distance can be beaten by those running something towards the green, as everything will feed down to the surface. At 495 yards, the 12th is the longest hole on the Old Course. It is an arrow-straight par 5, and one where there is not too much trouble to worry about. It is not the widest of holes, but a solid enough drive might give you a chance of reaching with your second shot.

The 13th is a great hole. The fairway is split into two distinct sections. The play is down the left fairway, as it is some 300 yards to reach the right section of the fairway. From the left side, you will have a longer approach in, and it will be blind, but it offers up a great challenge. There isn’t much to the par 3 14th. It is flat and there is not much in the way of danger, but the crosswinds can have an effect in the air here. A good drive is required down the 15th – the Stroke Index 2 hole on the Old Course. Carry the bulwarks and then the hole is set out in front of you. It will be a longer approach to the green than most at Minchinhampton, but it is flat and there is not much in the way of trouble once more.

The 16th is the signature hole on Minchinhampton’s Old Course. At 167 yards to the middle of the green, it doesn’t seem too difficult, but this par 3 has plenty more than you think. The green is elevated above the surface of everything around it, so watch out if your approach is running towards the sides of the surface. 17 is driveable for some, at just 275 yards. There is trouble to the right of the green, but have a crack at this one! The closing hole on the Old Course is 400 yards in length, and a tough par 4 to finish. It pays uphill as well, requiring two solid blows to reach the putting surface to finish off your day.

Where is Minchinhampton (Old) located?

The Old Course at Minchinhampton actually sits some three miles from Minchinhampton Golf Club – where the Cherington and Avening Courses are. The layout is also a few miles from Stroud, the nearest town, which sits off the A419. Gloucester and Bristol are the two closest cities, with the former being slightly closer – 15 miles to the north of the Old Course at Minchinhampton.

Due to its proximity to the city, Bristol Airport is also the nearest international airport to Minchinhampton. It sits just under 40 miles to the southwest of the golf course, while London Heathrow – the busiest airport in the United Kingdom – is 90 miles to the east. Stroud is home the closest train station, with services running in both directions on an hourly basis between London Paddington and Cheltenham Spa.

Are there any NCG Top 100s: England venues nearby?

There are not too many venues on the NCG Top 100s: England list within close range of Minchinhampton. Cleeve Hill is the nearest, but even that is still 25 miles to the north. Huntercombe and Burnham & Berrow are more than 60 miles from the venue.

What golf facilities does Minchinhampton (Old) offer?

The practice facilities at Minchinhampton Golf Club are by the two championship courses – the Avening and the Cherington – some three miles from the Old Course. There is a putting green, but that is all the Old Course has to offer in terms of allowing you to warm up.

What are the green fees at Minchinhampton (Old)?

The price of a green fee at Minchinhampton (Old) changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.

For more information on current green fees at Minchinhampton (Old), visit their website here.