Manor Golf Club (Kingstone) Feature Review

Come spring and early summer time there are very few nicer places to spend time golfing than at one of Staffordshire’s genuine hidden treasures. The Manor (Kingstone) Golf Club is situated in amongst open countryside just outside Uttoxeter, a host of wildlife species and many plants and flowers in full bloom provide a scenic distraction to an enjoyable golfing test.

The Course

This family owned establishment is reached along winding country lanes and presents a gently undulating rollercoaster ride of a golf round, the higher points offer outstanding views of the surrounding Staffordshire countryside, the lowlands attractively bring the winding River Blythe into play. There is variety in abundance, two monster par five’s generous in width will appease the long hitters but both will test putting skills at the business end. A pair of tiny par three’s on the back nine will require a more subtle touch. Since its inception in 1991 The Manor has been a steadily improving work in progress, USGA standard greens have been introduced with new and larger tee boxes settling in for this season.

The water is first encountered at ‘Ivor’s Island’, a recently lengthened hole with its reed strewn pool presenting a redoubtable hazard in front of the tricky putting surface. It used to be a comfy nine iron or wedge over the water, these days for the average handicapper it’s more of a nervous mid iron that is required. Merely a prelude though for the challenges ahead, once the Blythe appears to the right hand side of a difficult long seventh, its meandering ways will affect many shot selections, to keep your ball dry here is no mean feat. A delightful eighth follows, where you turn the corner around the river only to be confronted by a stubborn old oak tree in front of a raised putting surface.  The river takes a break around the turn, before returning with a vengeance on two particularly memorable and teasing short two-shotters.

Manor Marvel: 14^th hole 290 yards Par 4 - ‘Enigma’ presents a fitting conclusion to the riverside stretch. From the raised tee, a dart at the green may prove irresistible, a good draw is the shot to perform which might take the water out of play a little, but considering that the Blythe also runs around the back of the putting surface, it’s always in your thoughts. Absolutely any score is possible on this lovely hole.

19^th hole:  The clubhouse is set at the highest point of The Manor, overlooking the whole course. There is also a covered heated balcony area from which you can view the 1st tee and 18th green. The newly refurbished bar area can accommodate up to 70 people; the club’s award winning chef caters for society occasions plus other functions and meetings. A warm and friendly atmosphere is always guaranteed at this most welcoming of clubs. There is a large practice ground, short game facilities and trolley hire. The club also accepts most types of 2-4-1 vouchers.

Monster’s Inc - The 3^rd and the 17^th -  Both stretch out to exactly 570 yards from the yellow tees; both give you a chance to fire huge drives to distant fairways below. Both have mid fairway hazards to plot your way around. Both culminate on raised and highly contoured putting surfaces that can become seriously treacherous should you find yourself on the wrong side of them. Both together? You’d happily walk away with ten shots!

For more information check out the Golfshake course information page.

Review by Phil Nicholas from Midlands Golfer. 

Midlands Golfer is a bi-monthly publication and delivered free to all clubs, ranges and golfing retailers across the region. Very much written and produced with the average player and society golfer in mind with news,reviews and features from both our editorial team and golfing contributors from all over The Midlands.