Golf Courses to Play That You May Not Know

By: Golfshake Editor | Fri 22 Jan 2021

In this digital age of social media, can anything really be considered a "hidden" gem? That was a pressing question raised by Golfshake's Derek Clements, who has declared that it is now time to retire that somewhat overused and arguably misleading cliche.

However, there is no doubt that there are golf courses dotted across the country that do not have the wider name recognition, but which do offer a memorable experience, particularly one that offers considerably better value for money than can be enjoyed elsewhere.

We have decided to redefine "Hidden Gem" and present something a little fresh for your consideration. These may not be genuinely hidden (albeit King James VI Golf Club boasts a unique location), but they are undoubtedly gems.

Uncovering 20 venues in the United Kingdom that rate highly on Golfshake, offer green fees of £30 or less, and have received reviews that mentioned the key word "gem" in them, here are Golf Courses to Play That You May Not Know!

Tyneside Golf Club

Review Comment: "Beautiful little course in fantastic condition too - would highly recommend. Greens in great nick too!"

Golfshake Rating: 4.72

Location: North of England

Sharpley Golf Centre

Review Comment: "Played here a few times and enjoy the course, will only improve with age. A good mix for all types of golfers."

Golfshake Rating: 4.70

Location: North of England

Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club

Review Comment: "I enjoyed playing this course so much I joined the club despite it being an hour and a half drive from my home. Worth every mile and always in great condition!"

Golfshake Rating: 4.70

Location: Scotland

Bedlingtonshire Golf Club

Review Comment: "Excellent course, a challenge for all standards of golfer. Fairways run smooth, greens excellent. Rough is fair."

Golfshake Rating: 4.69

Location: North of England

Strathtay Golf Club

Review Comment: "Superb location. Testing course. Course condition is excellent kept in top condition by the greenkeeper."

Golfshake Rating: 4.66

Location: Scotland

Stoke Rochford Golf Club

Review Comment: "Beautiful views and setting. The course is well maintained and greens are in very good condition. Well worth a visit!"

Golfshake Rating: 4.66

Location: East Midlands

Longhirst Hall Golf Club

Review Comment: "Wow. Exceptional course in absolutely top condition. Fairways well kept and greens like a snooker table."

Golfshake Rating: 4.64

Location: North of England

Ledene Golf Centre

Review Comment: "Ledene is definitely not just a pitch and putt par 3 course. Hardly any of the greens are flat, several of them are either elevated or protected by the terrain or bunkers. As advertised the course is for players of all capabilities and great fun to play."

Golfshake Rating: 4.63

Location: West Midlands

King James VI Golf Club

Review Comment: "Different not parking at club - but having to cross over the River Tay on foot over bridge. Course excellent. Test for all golfers. Tight fairways but the odd errant shot is not too bad. Lovely course close to the city of Perth but not the noise."

Golfshake Rating: 4.63

Location: Scotland

Chiddingfold Golf Club

Review Comment: "Such a lovely course and flows so well. The greens are in amazing condition! Can’t wait to play again. And amazing views. Top value course and loved it."

Golfshake Rating: 4.63

Location: South East of England

Hornsea Golf Club

Review Comment: "This is by far the best course in the area and was in outstanding condition for October."

Golfshake Rating: 4.61

Location: North of England

Taunton & Pickeridge Golf Club

Review Comment: "A varied and undulating course with lots of challenges and few really easy holes. Always in good condition whenever I play there."

Golfshake Rating: 4.59

Location: South West of England

The Spa Golf Club

Review Comment: "First time I have ever played Spa and now I wonder why. Lovely course in absolutely pristine condition. Fairways immaculate and lots of slope on them. Greens hard and very fast but very true. Not a long course by current standards but played pretty difficult."

Golfshake Rating: 4.58

Location: Northern Ireland

Churchill and Blakedown Golf Club

Review Comment: "This course loves rain. With all the heavy rain and course closures within the area, Churchill and Blakedown remained open, this course soaks it up. Tees and greens in full use and in great condition. Superb course for all seasons."

Golfshake Rating: 4.57

Location: West Midlands

Pyecombe Golf Club

Review Comment: "This is one of the best courses in East Sussex, fantastic green. Well worth a visit."

Golfshake Rating: 4.55

Location: South East of England

Wilpshire Golf Club

Review Comment: "Not particularly long, but very nice. Doesn't overly punish you if off line, but you still need to play well round here. The course and especially the greens were in great condition. Some great views, some interesting holes, a lot of blind shots, definitely one to re-visit."

Golfshake Rating: 4.54

Location: North of England

Dungannon Golf Club

Review Comment: "Dungannon Golf Club is in great condition. I thought it was an interesting course, with water featuring on a number of holes, a few dog-legs and of course lots of trees. I really enjoyed the par 3 9th hole - narrowly avoiding the pond in front of the green."

Golfshake Rating: 4.53

Location: Northern Ireland