Is The Belfry Worth Playing - What Golfers Say

By: Kieran Clark | Mon 26 Jun 2023

A four-time host of the Ryder Cup, The Belfry's status as an iconic venue in European golf has long been established; a standing that will once again be celebrated during the 2023 British Masters, hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.

Despite it being two decades since Paul McGinley unforgettably last holed the winning putt for Europe, this corner of North Warwickshire continues to draw thousands of golfers each year who are keen to walk in the footsteps of many legendary figures, but to also enjoy what the resort offers today.

That popularity is reflected by the fact that The Belfry is the most commonly reviewed destination on Golfshake, showcasing just how its appeal hasn't diminished.

But if you haven't visited the place - is it worth doing so? Well, here are the words of those golfers who submitted their thoughts to provide a touch of inspiration.

If you want to have your own experience at The Belfry, then our travel partners Golfbreaks have excellent packages available to make that a reality.

The Belfry

The Brabazon Course

The Brabazon is the main draw for visitors who wish to play a Ryder Cup venue. The history of the place is a recurring highlight among the reviews, as is the conditioning of the course and the challenge it presents.

"I had the pleasure of playing the Brabazon recently and it was a fantastic experience. The course was in immaculate condition and it was easy to recognise several holes from past Ryder Cups. The layout itself was challenging but still very playable, taking advantage of the natural surroundings. The course was well kept and presented, and carried an aura of history and atmosphere which made it a pleasure to play. I highly recommend the Brabazon for any golfer looking for a challenging round of golf in a stunning setting."

"The Brabazon is a great course to play! It's really well-kept and the layout is fantastic. It's also got a lot of history and atmosphere. The course is challenging but not impossible, and the scenery is great. Really enjoyed playing here!"

"Played the Brabazon and it was special. A tough course with water in sporadic places, lots of twists and turns. The halfway hut is right by the famous Seve 10th and this is honoured with a plaque. Likewise is a Nick Faldo hole in one with a 6 iron, I think on the 14th. Great touches. Lots of bunkers and the layout is fantastic."

"The Brabazon is worth every penny - I would strongly recommend it as a course to play at least once."

"Fantastic set-up and always a great place to play. Price may factor but you get what you pay for. We played the Brabazon and in lovely condition for the time of year. Course is a great challenge for all golfers and fun to play. Facilities are first class you and you will fail to walk away unimpressed."

"Played the Brabazon. Tees and greens were immaculate and the design is outstanding. Everything was top notch."

"Best course I've ever played. Challenging but fair. A dream to play on. For every avid golf fan out there you must play this course if you ever get the chance."

"Fabulous. An absolute pleasure to play, everyone needs to get out there and walk in the footsteps of legends."

"Walking in the steps of giants, this is an amazing experience. The course itself is in excellent condition. Playing the Iconic 9th and 10th and 18th is an amazing experience to just say I have played this course. If you ever get the chance then go for it just so you can say I have played the Brabazon!"

"I played with my son on the Brabazon course at The Belfry. We were partnered with two people of the same standard as us and had a very enjoyable game. The welcome from the starter was excellent, the course was great and the whole experience was wonderful. My son had bought it for a recent significant birthday of mine and we stayed overnight. A wonderful birthday present!"

PGA National Course

The PGA National Course

Known for its fast, undulating greens, the PGA National is adopts many principles from the seaside to offer an inland links that is full of character and a fine complement to the Brabazon.

"The PGA National is a fantastic course and I thoroughly enjoyed my day there. Everything golf related was superb, the pro shop is well stocked and all the staff were very friendly and helpful."

"The "second" course at The Belfry but by no means a poor relation. Conditioning was superb throughout and although a few balls were lost you needed to be fairly wide to reach the longest grass. A really good test, especially with the wind and rain on such an open layout. Different to Brabazon but no bad thing if you enjoy a challenge."

Derby Course

The Derby Course

Designed by Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas, The Derby perhaps doesn't receive the plaudits of the other two layouts on the property, but it delivers a refreshing alternative that continues to grow in popularity.

"Whilst the Derby is the cheapest course on the complex, it is not the easiest. In fact, the back 9 is longer than The National. The first isn't the most impressive hole and there is a big pylon on the second, but after that it gradually improves. The greens are its best feature - running true, fast, with very few pitch marks and some difficulty in reading them."

"I played the Derby Course today and was very impressed. It's naturally not as impressive as the two main courses, but it's a cracking course. The course is no less looked after than the main courses, it takes a little water but the greens and fairways were great."