Spotlight on….Newcastle Upon Tyne
With a mix of Victorian and industrial buildings, renowned nightlife with countless bars and restaurants, art galleries, a magnificent concert hall and a 42,000-strong student population, Newcastle upon Tyne has it all. The local ‘Geordies’ are sports mad and their loyalty to their teams is unrivaled anywhere else. Whether it’s football, rugby or any other sport, you can always rely on a strong following from the local fans. And golf is hugely popular in the city and the surrounding areas, with 20+ golf courses to choose from.
Tee up on one of these recommended tracks for a great round …
City of Newcastle Golf Club
The City of Newcastle Golf Club was founded in October 1891, playing on a course on the Town Moor. In 1907, the club moved to Grange Farm at the Three Mile Bridge in Gosforth, where it still is today. Rated as one of the best in the North East, this course has challenges for golfers of all levels. The 18th is a great finishing hole, with out of bounds on the left; the pro recommends using the clock on the clubhouse as your line for this tight tee shot.
Gosforth Golf Club
The Bridle Path Gosforth Golf Club is often described as being ‘hidden away in the leafy suburbs’ or ‘one of the region’s hidden gems,’ with arguably the finest greens in the North East area. The great location makes this fine course an easy location where visitors can enjoy a great golfing experience. With golfer reviews describing it as “one of the best in the north” with “some of the purest greens in the region,” this course is a must if you’re area.
Westerhope Golf Club
The course itself is a challenging 18-hole parkland layout measuring 6,392 yards from the medal tees. Originally designed by Sandy Herd, who won the Open Championship in 1902, the course provides a searching test of golf, without being too demanding physically or too intimidating for the higher handicap golfer. Located only 4 miles from the city centre, Westerhope Golf Club is a popular choice among golfers; make sure to visit the clubhouse after your game where you’ll receive a warm welcome and be spoilt for choice with quality food and drink.
Whickham Golf Club
Whickham Golf Club was founded in 1911 and moved to its present site at Hollinside Park in 1938. This imaginative layout provides a challenging test for golfers of all abilities. The Hollinside Park Course was extended to become a par 71 for men and a par 74 for ladies; it is an inspirational parkland course with spectacular views along the Derwent Valley. Scoring is determined more by accuracy than length as you plot your way through the tree-lined fairways to target small, tricky greens. Whickham Golf Club lives up to its motto where there’s a ‘Great deal for Great Golf in a Great Place’.
Tyneside Golf Club
Tyneside Golf Club, established in 1879 and still widely regarded as among the finest parkland courses in the region, was designed by Harry S. Colt and is amongst the oldest clubs in the North East of England. This challenging-yet-enjoyable test for players of all abilities is renowned for the quality of its greens, and the free draining nature of the land means that it is playable all year round. Every hole is distinct, both in appearance and the way it plays, offering great variety for your round. For example, the four par-3 holes point directly North, South, East and West, and are completely different in nature and length, creating a different challenge whatever the conditions.
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