Press Release 14 June 2017
Top Golfing Highlights in Wiltshire
Wiltshire is the perfect destination for keen golfers with its spectacular countryside, ancient woodlands and some of the best and most established courses in the country. Wiltshire offers bags of history, fantastic views, and a game for all abilities. So escape the everyday, press pause and stay and play in Wiltshire.
Below are VisitWiltshire’s top golf course tips, broken down by theme and type including: historically significant courses; courses with amazing views; courses for all abilities; some surprising facts and a range of golf break packages.
1. Bags of History
Wiltshire has been a special place for a very long time and the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge and Avebury demonstrates its ancient roots. Many of the county’s golf clubs also boast fascinating stories and amazing heritage.
On the edge of Salisbury Plain is one of Wiltshire’s Harry Colt designed golf course. Tidworth Garrison Golf Club which was founded in 1908 when a 9-hole golf course was built on training land on the western edge of Tidworth by soldiers and locals. The course was designed by H S Colt and extended to 18 holes between 1919-1921 and it remained open for play during World War II. The slope of the land has not altered in 100 years and what has developed is a lovely, tree-lined, downland course, providing a good test of golfing prowess.
Kingsdown Golf Club founded in 1880 is the oldest club in Wiltshire and the second oldest club in the West of England. Referred to as Kings Down on earlier maps, this may support the fable that three kings are buried on the course having been slain in battle and members have passed down the story that the “burial” stones along the ridge on the 16th fairway belonged to them. This 18-hole downland course has stunning scenery, beautiful fairways and superb greens. The course measures 6,501 yards from the men’s tees, with a par of 72, and 5,744 yards with a par 73 from the ladies’.
2. Amazing Views
Bowood Golf and Country Club, near Calne, is known for its top quality facilities. Situated on Bowood’s beautiful estate the meticulous 18-hole championship course blends perfectly with the woodland and undulating countryside giving a genuine feeling of getting away from it all, with extraordinary views of rolling parkland. Don’t miss Bowood’s 25th Anniversary Pro-AM on Friday 25 August featuring leading professionals from the PGA of England & Wales South West Order of Merit. The nearby Bowood House and Gardens offers amazing ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped gardens and golf packages with Queenwood Lodge and Bowood Hotel & Spa are available.
Set in glorious Wiltshire countryside close to the medieval city of Salisbury, Salisbury and South Wiltshire Golf Club offers magnificent views of Salisbury Cathedral which boasts the tallest spire in Britain (123m/404ft). All 27 holes are maintained to a very high standard by a dedicated team of professionals and it is considered to be one of the south’s finest downland courses.
Rushmore Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course set high on the chalk of Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of the historic Rushmore Park which also includes the Larmer Tree Gardens. The course is a haven of peace and tranquillity, with only the abundant wildlife and spectacular views to distract you from your game.
Upavon Golf Club is a golf course with history and tradition, Upavon enjoys a central location in Wiltshire with stunning vistas across Salisbury Plain and the Vale of Pewsey. With 18 holes it provides a good challenge whatever the state of your game, stretching to 6,427 yards from the men's white tees, 6,032 from the yellow tees and 5,439 yards from the ladies’ tees. The signature hole is the par 3 18th which presents visitors with a drive across the valley to an elevated green with Pterry the Pterodactyl watching your every shot.
Ogbourne Downs Golf Club is located between Swindon and Marlborough. The 18 holes are set amidst 200 acres of downland terrain which make for a fabulous game of golf. The course measures 6,422 yards with a par 71. Pause and take some time on the eighth tee to enjoy spectacular views across the downs towards Marlborough then turn your attention to the tough par 3 followed by a fabulous par 5 downhill towards the clubhouse.
West Wilts Golf Club, has been characterised as an inland links course with stunning views across three counties from its hilltop position above Warminster. Designed by the renowned golf course architect JH Taylor, the18-hole course has small greens and undulating approaches. West Wilts Golf Club is part of Wiltshire Golf Breaks so golf packages are available.
3. Suitable for all abilities… from beginners to experts:
North Wiltshire Golf Club is situated on the downs midway between Calne and Devizes, close to Marlborough. The original 9 holes designed by Harry Colt, it is an acclaimed course with little or no water to contend with. The sloping fairways and strategically placed bunkers allow for a challenging but enjoyable round of golf. This 18-hole par 71 course offers a real test to golfers of all standards and has hosted both the English Boys County Championship Finals (with Justin Rose competing for Hampshire team) in 1996 and the English Girls Championships in 2009. There is also a practice area which members and guests are encouraged to use.
Cumberwell Park Golf Club, near Bradford on Avon, is Wiltshire’s only 45-hole golf course. Set within 700 acres of beautiful parkland this elegant and tranquil setting provides the ideal location for an enjoyable golfing experience. All five of the 9-hole courses provide different challenges for golfers of every ability. The natural contours of the landscape have shaped the design of the course as it encompasses a wonderful blend of rolling countryside, lakes, streams, natural copse and woodland. Cumberwell Country Cottages offers on site accommodation and golfing packages for visitors.
Plus Wiltshire has its very own Driving Range - Sleight Valley Golf Driving Range, located on the outskirts of Devizes, offers a 12-bay floodlit golfing facility with a 300 yard outfield where players can practise their swings, whatever the weather! Open to all, from first time players to experienced golfers of any age of ability and great for families. Users have the choice of conventional or automated tees, with high quality mats and full flight balls. PGA Professionals are available to book for tuition too!
4. Did you know?
- Salisbury and South Wiltshire Golf Club hosts an annual Pro-Am Tournament which attracts many top professional golfers, including European Tour players.
- Rushmore Golf Course boasts 18 holes of which 9 are in Wiltshire and 9 are in Dorset!
- North Wiltshire Golf Club’s 6th hole is 700ft above sea level with awesome views!
- Cumberwell Park Golf Club has been awarded four stars in Golf World’s Top Courses in Britain. The Club is also an accredited Golf Mark and Club Mark facility.
- Ogbourne Downs Golf Club was designed by five times Open Championship winner J.H. Taylor.
- Bowood’s championship golf course, voted one of the UK’s Top 50 Stay and Play resorts by Golf Monthly, was designed by renowned architect Dave Thomas.
5. Stay and Play Golfing Packages
Golf Special Package - includes one night stay at Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge based on 2 adults sharing, 3 course evening meal, full English breakfast and two full rounds of golf at Tidworth Garrison Golf Club. From only £159. To book or find out more click here.
Bowood Golf Packages - include one round of golf per person to be enjoyed during your stay, full use of the Spa facilities, overnight accommodation in a luxury bedroom, dinner in the Clubhouse Brasserie and a full English breakfast. Rates start from just £130 per person based on two people sharing a twin or double room. To book or find out more click here.
6. Get into Golf Special Offers
Rushmore Golf Club – four lessons with a PGA professional, one playing lesson with a PGA professional and one round of golf for only £99. Tel: 01725 516391 to book or find out more here.
Upavon Golf Club – Two-for-one on day rate only £20 per player on a weekday and just £30 at weekends. Find out more here.
Salisbury and South Wiltshire Golf Club – three month taster membership from only £199. Get into golf taster sessions on selected dates in June/July. Find our more here.
Kingsdown Golf Club – three month membership to The Academy Course, six x 30 minute lessons with a golf professional, ten driving credits for the driving range and 5 rounds of golf for only £199. Find out more here.
All these Wiltshire golf courses are keen to welcome visitors and they encourage players of all abilities, with many offering professional tuition. Visitor day rates/membership rates vary. There is a range of excellent clubhouses with refreshment options and pro shop facilities to browse. Many golf clubs also offer corporate packages and venue hire facilities.
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Notes to editors:
VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation with our main funder being Wiltshire Council. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
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