Shaw Hill Golf Club

Reviews for Shaw Hill Golf Club

Sort by: Date | Review Rank | Rated High | Rated Low

The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com

Sam - Wirral rated 3 out of 5

Reviewed May 25 2023

A Mixed Bag, Worth it for the course!

I have enjoyed playing and staying at Shaw Hill twice this month with two different groups. For context I am a 3 h’cap.

Golf…

This is a very well designed course and, despite not being especially long on paper, defends itself well against long hitters by very well placed tress, blind shots, changes of elevation and dog legs. Hitting driver is something which you can only really do on a handful of holes without risking big trouble!

The architect of the course (Allamby) studied under Dr Alistair Mckenzie and his influence is clear on a number of holes. Nearly every hole presents its own challenge and offers something new, there are only really one or two benign holes with little interest. if I was to pick out a ‘signature hole’ then that would be the par 4 11th with the out the par 5 9th being an honourable mention.

The 11th is a challenging uphill tee shot to a very small landing area protected by fairway bunkers and a lateral hazard. The safe play will leave a mid to long iron into a raised green where you cannot see the base of the flag in the rear positions. The more aggressive line tight to the lateral hazard leaves a short iron/wedge shot but you must be very accurate to hit this area of the fairway.

The condition of the course was ‘fair’ overall, the playing surfaces on the fairways were very good throughout, however I found the greens a little inconsistent in terms of speed and quality of roll - a couple of greens had bare patches. On both visits the pins remained in the same positions on both days and the hole edges were getting very tatty on a good number of holes.

Tee boxes were generally fair, again tee marker positions were not moved day to day resulting in a divoted and uneven teeing ground. Many of the worst tee boxes had no divoting mix.

The cut of the rough was fairly uneven and cuttings had been left on top making it very difficult to find balls that had entered the first cut in places.

On course facilities were a little disappointing, a n undisguised porta-loo adjacent to the 10th tee being all that is on offer. For safety, I would think that having some form of drinking water point on the course would be a sensible addition especially given the hilly nature of the course, it is a very good walk for those who are perhaps not at the peak of fitness!

Practice facilities were also a little disappointing for somewhere that markets itself as a ‘golf and country club’. The putting green had a minimal number of holes for such a big area and those holes had remained i the same position for two weeks between my visits. Two nets are provided adjacent to the first tee for warming up and balls are provided, however the condition of the hitting mats is very poor (torn, gritty and uneven).

Overall, presentation of the course was acceptable but smacked of a ‘bare minimum’ approach…. this place could be so much more given the right support to the green staff and a bit of investment in some up-to-date on course facilities (a proper toilet, halfway house and drinking water).

Despite the issues I have highlighted, this is a great course that is well worth a visit and represents great value for money. I really enjoyed the challenge and look forward to playing here again in future.

Hotel….

My main comment would be that the hotel appears to be in a state of flux with some areas having been newly renovated in a modern style and other areas very much showing their age.

Both rooms I have stayed in were very dated and whilst clean, had various issues such as broken fittings/fixtures, uncontrollable radiators in the height of summer, windows that could not stay open. It was just all very much in need of refurbishment but for one night between golf it is fine.

The food I enjoyed was very good on both occasions and service was cheery if not a little disorganised. Breakfast was really nice and served quickly with a great continental selection to accompany the cooked options.

My only criticism of the dining would be that the hotel insisted on squeezing our group of 13 onto a table that would only comfortably accomodate 8/9 despite the whole restaurant being empty apart from our party - this was clearly done to minimise the need to turn around and reset tables. We asked to have a larger table for breakfast but alas we’re asked to squeeze into the same table until we complained.

There is a great range of drinks on offer in the bar but I is a little over priced (12.60 for two pints of fresh orange and lemonade).

The price of a one night stay with two rounds was appx £195 which I felt represented great value for money especially for a mixed ability group looking for a relaxed and social weekend.

In summary, despite the material shortcomings of the hotel and a basic approach to course presentation I would recommended Shaw Hill for the challenging and interesting parkland layout and their ability to offer good value for groups.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Value for Money

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Andy W rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed Aug 24 2021

Lovely course

Shaw Hill is a lovely parkland course, quite tree lined so tight in places.
It uses the contours well to challenge you on nearly every shot, with strategically placed bunkers & some water adding to the challenge.
I particularly enjoyed the par 5's & thought they were all good.
I did find the greens a little inconsistent, early on they were quick, then average paced in the middle of the round, but then speeded up again towards the end.
Bunkers need a little bit of work, but there has been quite a lot of rain recently.
Also it wouldn't hurt the lad in the shop to smile as he talks to you.
All in all a good experience on a lovely golf course

(Round played: Aug 2021 - Score: 98 Handicap: 12.1)

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Pace of Play

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Food & Drink

John R rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jul 20 2021

Fantastic Days Golfing!

Just finished playing today and I have to comment on what a wonderful golf course this is. I was a little apprehensive at first as a few of the reviews that I've read about the golf course seemed to be a little harsh. I'm a member of a golf club myself, and earlier in the year we have had our own fair share of on-course problems such as the greens not being up to their usual standard, so in the end, I took these previous reviews with a pinch of salt, and I'm glad I did. These greens are amongst the best i've played this year, they roll at a good pace, they're also very smooth and true. The rest of the golf course is nice and tidy and there's plenty of character to the course throughout the 18 holes. All members of staff were very welcoming from the gentleman in the pro shop, to the waitresses that served us drinks outside in the pop-up marquee, all in all, a great day out and value for money. We will make sure to return again in the near future.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Pace of Play

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Practice Facilities

Food & Drink

Cliff, Preston rated 3 out of 5

Reviewed Jun 27 2020

Excellent Condition, Shame about the Bunkers

Course in great condition and looking picture perfect. Fairways & greens in excellent condition. Challenging course with some very good holes to challenge even the best golfers. A real shame about the condition of the bunkers which had very little sand in and were well below the standard I would expect of a course of this standard.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Pace of Play

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Practice Facilities

Food & Drink

Graham H rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed Sep 8 2019

Surprising challenge

Drop in to try this excellent course. Mature parkland with grand mature oaks, lakes and streams it is well above most courses in the UK and provides some more significant risk reward options to match many top championship courses. Sharp doglegs aside and angled tee drives onto fairways, a favourite must be the 5th hole with mid-hole chicane around a small lake! From the medal tee you will need to be brave. This course is one not suited to a weaker player....most suited to a low handicapper.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Pace of Play

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Practice Facilities

Food & Drink

Chris G rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jun 16 2019

Phenomenal

We?d had a week of torrential rain and I couldn't believe how the course played. Fairways and greens superb. The course was busy and the greens didn't show signs of wear

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Pace of Play

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Practice Facilities

Andy R rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jun 14 2019

Had a fantastic day on thusday 13/6 2019, which was perfectly set up by the Pro Rachel. Course was superb and very well maintained by the green staff.
All our players were impressed by how friendly and inviting the staff were and will definitely be returning soon.
Thanks again Rachel
Kind Regards
Sean
Moorside Society

(Round played: Jun 2019 - Score: 82 Handicap: 12.8)

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Pace of Play

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Practice Facilities

Food & Drink

David E rated 3 out of 5

Reviewed Aug 20 2018

Rude members

Got asked to hurry up by a ladies member who wasn't even waiting for us. Disapoint as that kind of unwelcoming attitude is killing golf

(Round played: Aug 2018 - Score: 95 Handicap: 14.5)

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Pace of Play

Hospitality

Course Conditions

Practice Facilities

Food & Drink

Simon M rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Oct 23 2015

(Round played: Oct 2015 - Score: 99 Handicap: 24.1)
challenging course with excellent facilities

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

David T rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jun 10 2012

We must have had the wettest weekend of the year the course was in excellent condition and teh hotel facilies were excellent. We were made to feel very welcome pity I never knew where this course was before

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Andy R rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed May 24 2012

There aren't many more picturesque courses in the region that this. Lovely old stately home/manor house feel to it, with panoramic views throughout. Some beautiful holes with elevated tees looking out at the manicured fairways and lovely woodland.

We got a 4 ball for £20 a man and for that price I cannot recommend this place highly enough.

The only disappointing feature was the greens. They were a bit bobbly and inconsistently paced and I imagine that in their peak they would be beautiful. But whether it was the poor weather in the 2/3 weeks previous, or they are being treated prior to the summer, I don't know - but I can only assume that this is the reason for the cheaper tee times.

Overall, worth a visit and superb value at £20.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Paul Z rated 3 out of 5

Reviewed May 12 2012

Course was in good condition but the greens were crap

(Round played: May 2012 - Score: 87 Handicap: )

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Sara E rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed Nov 3 2011

An interesting course for all levels of player. Had the benefit of playing on a day perfect for golf.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

John R rated 4 out of 5

Reviewed Sep 29 2011

I played with our socierty last week. The course had suffered due to the recent very wet weather (we booked the week before but it was canceld) I could see why it was still a bit wet in parts, but overall the course was a very nice corse with some nice holes.You have to plot your way around some of the holes have water hazards and trees if you go for the big hit.Overall very good...ps I would like to play agian when we have had dry spell.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Mark A rated 5 out of 5

Reviewed Jul 18 2010

Just joined as a member after looking around a number of clubs in the area. This is far and away the best course in the area. Greens are currently immaculate. The course is a good test but not too hard for the high handicapper. It is a very up and down course with a brook running the whole way through the course. The 18th is a joy to finish the round on. Very very pleased I joined and I have played with friends who are member of other local clubs and they cannot believe how good the course is compared to there club.

---

Reviewer Rating

Rate Helpful    

Click to notify: Spam, Abuse, Inaccurate

Show more

---

Additional Ratings

The Course

Facilities/Service

Value for Money

Show More Reviews

Showing reviews 1-15 of 76 reviews

The golf courses reviews are the personal opinions of members of Golfshake who completed a review after playing the course. These opinions do not necessarily represent the views of Golfshake.com