Atherstone Golf Club review

Atherstone Golf Club is home to a 6,012 yard course, with a par of 72, which in current standards is not long, but with its undulating fairways and blind shots it can play much harder than some longer courses. With its stunning scenery all round, and with all 18 holes different to one another, this course will ensure you have a very memorable round of golf. 

The original course was laid out in 1894 on what was described as some of the best natural golfing land in a region that has produced a mass of golfing talent.

A Club With Unique Ryder Cup History

Atherstone is the only club in history to produce three Ryder Cup players, including brothers Bernard and Geoff Hunt, who were born in the cottage at the club and then followed by six-time European Tour winner Paul Broadhurst. They also have two-time winner on the European Tour and Open silver medal winner Steve Webster, who learnt his skills at Atherstone as a junior member and went on to pursue a successful playing career along with over 10 previous juniors who have gone on to become PGA Professionals.

Situated a short drive from the M42 and with Coventry and Birmingham both not too far away, Atherstone is easy to get to and well worth the journey. 

It’s classed as a parkland course but also has a links feel to it, which for me was an added bonus. Set in a wonderful location with plentiful views around and some wonderful looking trees on and around the course, this really was a stunning place to be.

We headed out onto the course and were greeted by a few very friendly and welcoming members which straight away gave off a very relaxed atmosphere. 

Now onto the course...

Atherstone Golf Club is Worth Playing

What looks like a gentle opener on the card is anything but, a well placed tee shot is required to find the ideal spot to play to an elevated green where the miss is definitely not left (you can take my word and score for that). Once on the green you can see the defence the course has - undulations and quick greens which can be punished by a lack of concentration, a misread or being on the wrong part. This is a really great opening hole. 

Next up is a short par 3 well protected by bunkers at the front and another tricky green.

You then have two great short par 4s that challenge your course management and accuracy rather than distance, this again is another feature I personally love on any course. The 5th is the first par 5 where the longer hitters can reach in two but anything off-line can be punished big time as trees and undulations can really make a difference if you get in the wrong spot.

Another short par 3 is followed by a great par 4 which is only an iron off the tee as it’s a 90 degree dogleg right but you have to get the right club otherwise your approach shot can be blocked out. I really do love these type of holes.

8 is another par 5 that the longer players will fancy getting on in two but like all the holes here you have to find the fairway otherwise you’ll have all sorts of problems.

The front 9 finishes with another relatively short par 4 where accuracy is a must to avoid the large tree down the bank in the middle to give just a short shot into the green. I have to say this front 9 was one of the most enjoyable challenges I’ve faced in a while and really makes you plot your way round to try and get a decent score.

The back 9 commences with a long par 3 that plays downhill to a green with bunkers short and, as with all the greens here, a tricky two putt if you find the putting surface. Next up are two totally opposite holes - firstly a short, gettable par 4 for the longer players followed by the stroke index 1 par 4 of 440 yards - this really shows the great mix of holes here. 11 has a lovely pond short of the green that makes the approach shot seem longer and definitely feels tougher.

13 is a par 5 up and over the hill to a green sat well down where two well struck shots can get you on or near. Next up is another short par 4 where the tee shot has to find the right spot to give a clear approach to a green perched up in the corner with out of bounds all down the left and trees encroaching on the right, par here is a really good score on my opinion. 

You then come to the last par 5 where finding the middle of the fairway is a must if you want to get through the tightest of gaps on your second shot. If you can manage this you can get up or close to the green with an eagle or birdie chance waiting. 16 is the final par 3, which is another short hole, but an accurate tee shot is needed to find the narrow green. 

The final two holes again sum up Atherstone. 17 is a long par 4 downhill with trouble left and trees on the right potentially blocking your approach shot. The green is sat well down below and finding it requires a well played shot as the green once more is narrow and undulating. Your round finishes with another cracking short par 4. Playing uphill makes it longer than its yardage and the greens is sat up with bunkers short and potentially a patio full of people watching you play in. Another sloping green lies ahead where again being on the right place is a must. 

Reflecting on a Special Golf Experience

Once finished we reflected on what a great course, challenge and variety of holes Atherstone had offered up. No two holes felt the same. Good shots were rewarded and poor shots punished. The course I feel would be playable for all levels of ability and also gives up a fair challenge to both long hitters and the shorter hitters like myself. Eighteen wonderfully designed and presented holes with 18 truly fantastic yet tricky greens - what more could you ask for from a round of golf?

After putting the clubs away we headed into the clubhouse for a drink and a bite to eat. Once inside, a very friendly welcome was afforded and a good mix of food was on offer and I must say all at great prices. 

Jon Merchant, the Head Greenkeeper, then joined us and we complimented him on a wonderfully presented course. You could tell how proud he is of the work his team and himself do out on the course. You really get the feeling that everyone at Atherstone wants the same thing - a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a course for all to be very proud of. 

I, for one, cannot wait to return and sample the delights on offer once more.

Overall Rating - 9

Course (Conditions) - 10

Course (Hole Variety/Layout) - 10

Course (Green Condition) - 10

Course (Challenge/Difficulty) - 10

Club Facilities & Clubhouse - 9

Practice Facilities - 8

Friendliness/Hospitality - 10

Pace of Play - 10

Value For Money - 10