When opportunity strikes you take advantage of it and when it’s an opportunity to play on a course that brings back so many memories, there’s no twisting of arms here.
Thanks to work and a very generous CEO, I got to play one of my all-time favourite courses at The Belfry. The #Brabazon is a course that’s featured in so many #Rydercup competitions throughout the years and a course that brings back personal memories too.
This was the venue of my #PGA residency all those years ago, where I’d learn how to change shafts, teach children how to play golf, golf course management and also the etiquette of being a professional golfer.
It’s the course I remember fondly as my personal home of golf and it was amazing to be back, if only for a few hours.
Situated just along the M6 toll, the Belfry hosts three amazing courses each having their own charm and challenges. The Derby, PGA National and the world famous Brabazon.
It’s also the home of the Professional Golfers Association in the UK and an awesome nightclub called The Bel Air, but that’s for another time 🙂
The Derby playing at just over 6000 yards, is a par 71 course featuring well placed bunkers and water to give you a challenge without the huge drives. It’s a thinkers course and if you think you’ll smash it round, you need to think again.
The PGA National takes it up a level with a 6200 off the yellows but this is a true test of golf. There are some long holes with an American feel to the layout and the need to fly the ball. People say this is the best course at the Belfry for the golfer but for the dreamer, the Brabazon is the one you want to play.
This leads us onto the masterpiece that is the Brabazon.
Featured on many a TV around the world and home to the famous 10th hole (pictured left). This course offers many opportunities to find water, use your sandwedge to play out sideways and stuns with it’s beauty. Did I also mention it’s a real challenge with some huge holes but also rewarding with some get able Par 5’s. 6400 yards of beauty make this a Par 71 and a test for anyone.
The Brabazon at The Belfry
The Brabazon at The Belfry-
Condition5/5 AmazingCouldn't ask for a better, well-maintained course.
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Cost of a Round and a Buggy1/5 AwfullyWe managed to get an off peak. It was £60 each and we just got round. Then the cost of a buggy was £60 too. Far too much if you ask me but for a one off, ok.
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Difficulty3/5 NeutralFrom the white tees we were playing from, it wasn't the most difficult. The holes are fairly open and you can see where you're shooting. Push the tees back and the wind up and it's a different score.
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Hole Layouts/Design3/5 Neutral1st, 10th and 18th are iconic and beautiful. The further you get from the hotel, the more boring the course gets. Still amazing but not consistently impressive.
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Clubhouse and Bar (Quality and Costs)3/5 NeutralGreat facilities and service but it's pricey. Expect £7 pints but it's the Belfry, you'll have to bring your wallet.
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Additional Points4/5 GoodIt's the Brabazon. It's held Ryder Cups. That's worth 4 points extra on it's own.
The Good
- Iconic Course
- Well Maintained
The Bad
- Can get boring mid way out
- Pricey
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