Where to Book a Tee Time if You Are Not a Golf Club Member

By: Golfshake Editor | Tue 09 Mar 2021

Golfers across England are bursting with excitement as the magical reopening of play approaches, 29th March being the fateful date for thousands who are ready to descend upon their local course on that special morning to enjoy a welcome slice of much needed normality.

However, reminiscent of the stunning boom we saw when the game first returned last May, it's likely that demand will far outstrip availability. Tee times will be the hottest ticket in town, and dedicated club members will (rightly) be prioritised by a large number of venues.

But for those who prefer a more nomadic existence, all is not lost, the back of the queue doesn't have to be a lonely place. There are opportunities to secure your spot on opening day, but you need to know where to look.

GolfNow already has select visitor times on offer, showcasing Featured Venues and Hot Deals that are worth grasping before they are taken.

And if you are a regular visitor to Golfshake, you are probably aware of our Online Tee Time Search Tool, where you can unearth courses to play that match specific criteria, compare on price, time of day and availability. Find the right course, at the right price and at the right time.

The service has now been updated to search further ahead, and starting from 29th March, meaning that you can make finding those treasured early rounds back from lockdown a little bit easier. Click here for more.

But where can you play? There are more available venues than you may think, and we can share many of them below. Ultimately, they won't remain open for long, so it's best to plan ahead and get in there early for the return of golf in England!

Here Are Some Golf Courses With Availability...

Rye Hill Golf Club, Oxfordshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.97

Review Comment: "Nice course with wide fairways, so can get the driver out more than usual. Thought it provided all that I needed and was in a good condition."

Ardencote Golf, Warwickshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.36

Review Comment: "Found this place through a special offer and was blown away at the condition and value for money on the course."

South Cerney Golf Club, Gloucestershire

Golfshake Rating: 3.73

Review Comment: "Great place to play and would definitely look at becoming a member in the near future."

Hythe Golf Club, Kent

Golfshake Rating: 2.87

Review Comment: "First time we have played here. Not the longest of courses but still a good challenge. We played on a calm day but I'm sure when the wind blows in off the Channel it makes it a totally different course."

Copsewood Grange Club, West Midlands

Golfshake Rating: 3.98

Review Comment: "Lovey little course with very helpful staff. Course in great condition with well kept greens. Great stop off on our way back to London."

Avisford Park Golf Club, West Sussex

Golfshake Rating: 4.06

Review Comment: "Great course in a lovely location, great value and worth visiting."

Church Stretton, Shropshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

Review Comment: "Stunning! Possibly the best course in England, and I’ve played the big names like St Andrews and Dornoch. Incredible, far reaching views; captivating variety of holes, some with blind shots, some with elevated or lowered pins, some with sunken and tilted greens; a friendly clubhouse; a fair price. It’s challenging and pure and a joy to play."

Leominster Golf Club, Herefordshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.12

Review Comment: "Really enjoyed playing this course. Quite a stiff walk but some interesting holes and both fairways and greens in decent nick. Not especially tough so suitable for higher handicapper but tricky enough for low figure players to enjoy it. Very friendly in pro shop."

Sapey Golf Club, Worcestershire

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

Review Comment: "I absolutely love this course. Its design & layout offer something different on every hole. The fairways & greens are superbly looked after and the par threes are some of the best I've ever played; the 8th is a particular favourite with its water features!"

Arscott Golf Club, Shrewsbury

Golfshake Rating: 4.49

Review Comment: "Hidden away in the Shropshire countryside this is a great course to play with fantastic views."

Teignmouth Golf Club, South West

Golfshake Rating: 4.77

Review Comment: "A great experience whilst on holiday. Fantastic course, well maintained with a great layout. Club shop extremely helpful too with tee times and options."

Allerthrope Golf, Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.80

Review Comment: "Nice course. Not too difficult, although some well placed hazards. There are some testing holes. Nice finish over water at 18."

Drax Golf Club, Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

Review Comment: "Played after a very dry spell of weather and have to say the greens were the best I've played on all year and the rest of the course was in nothing short of exceptional condition."

Bulwell Forest, East Midlands

Golfshake Rating: 4.04

Review Comment: "This was my first time playing here and was pretty impressed....the greens were the best I have seen on any course for a very long time."

Scarborough South Cliff, East Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.45

Review Comment: "Very friendly club, course in excellent condition, stunning location and would recommend."

Louth Golf Club, Lincolnshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.04

Review Comment: "Lovely course in the heart of Lincolnshire, gentle walking with some challenging holes, always in decent condition."

Ben Ryhdding Golf Club, Yorkshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.80

Review Comment: "This course is indeed a hidden gem. From tee to green the course is in exceptional condition. Highly recommended."

Chevin, Derbyshire

Golfshake Rating: 3.65

Review Comment: "A great course and test of golf. The welcome and service in both the pro shop and clubhouse is first class. The best course in the area without doubt."

Keswick Golf Club, Cumbria

Golfshake Rating: 3.68

Review Comment: "Played this course after lockdown and wasn't expecting much. However I was pleasantly surprised at the condition of the course, particularly when the pro informed me they had been relying on volunteers. They are a credit to their club. A very enjoyable round."

Appleby Golf Club, Cumbria

Golfshake Rating: 4.42

Review Comment: "One of the best courses in Cumbria. Great course and facilities with stunning greens and a view to die for."

Barrow Golf Club, Cumbria

Golfshake Rating: 3.80

Review Comment: "Barrow is a pleasant course that offers some outstanding views, especially from the first tee. The rough is deceptively long and is arguably the toughest aspect of this course. The greens are usually of a good pace here too. When the wind picks up, this course really is a test."

Cleethorpes Golf Club, Lincolnshire

Golfshake Rating: 4.13

Review Comment: "Nice course, fairways and greens in great condition...friendly clubhouse well worth a visit."

Dunstanburgh Castle, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 4.40

Review Comment: "Nice links. Rough looks quite benign but if you go in it you struggle to find your ball. Requires a higher level of accuracy than I had on the day!"

Seahouse Golf Club, Northumberland

Golfshake Rating: 3.89

Review Comment: "I love this course, it is quirky, but has two of the best par threes you'll find anywhere. Friendly welcome, great sea views, and often windy! Proper links golf!"