Manchester city centre might not have the space to swing your golf club around, however you’ll find plenty of golf courses in Greater Manchester where you can grab your driver and shout “fore!” Many of the golf clubs across Greater Manchester offer fabulous fairways and courses varying in ease and slope rating as you aim for a hole in one, bogey, birdie, eagle or albatross. Whether you’re a putting pro or super green to the green, we’ve made things a little easier by rounding up the best golf courses in and around Manchester – we just can’t help you out if you find yourself in the bunker.
1. Heaton Park Golf Club
Located within Greater Manchester’s biggest park, Heaton Park Golf Club is one of few golf courses in the region that’s hard to be beat when it comes to fun, playability and value for money. The Championship-standard parkland golf course in Prestwich boasts spectacular views over the Pennines and surrounding countryside and offers several tricky tee shots. If you’re up for a challenge the 193 yard 11th hole of the course has a long par-3 and will test you as you swing across a deep water filled ravine to a raised plateau green.
đź“ŤHeaton Park Golf Club, Heaton Park, Middleton Road, Prestwich, M25 2SW.
2. Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club
Just four miles south of Manchester city centre is Chorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club, which has gorgeously green fairways to swing your golf ball down. The parkland course winds down narrow fairways and around the banks of the River Mersey and Chorlton Water Park. The 519 yard 16th hole with a par 5 is probably one of the most challenging holes but also nearby Barlow Wood could also be an obstacle for some golfers on the Chorlton-cum-Hardy course.
đź“ŤChorlton-cum-Hardy Golf Club, Barlow Hall Road, Chorlton, M21 7JJ.
3. Manchester Golf Club
Set in 247 acres of moorland and heathland north of Manchester city centre, Manchester Golf Club boasts 18 championship holes. Known as Hopwood to locals, the course offers a great variety of holes to test you and even if you do find yourself in the rough on the 18th hole, the positive is you’re rewarded with views of the Manchester city skyline. Manchester Golf Club also has a range and academy featuring Trackman technology, indoor and outdoor bays, 300+ yard range and an architect-designed short game area.
đź“ŤManchester Golf Club, Hopwood Cottage, Rochdale Road, Middleton, M24 QQP.
4. Reddish Vale Golf Club
Situated up the road from Stockport is Reddish Vale Golf Club, designed by Dr Alister Mackenzie of Augusta National fame, and considered one of the most unique golf courses in Greater Manchester. The course is played in a figure of eight-shaped layout where golfers have to navigate ravines, gullies, escarpments, and a river, as well as the classic bunkers. For those wanting a challenge then Reddish Vale is the one as you’ll need to plot your way round the 6,000 yard-long course with a par of 69.
đź“ŤReddish Vale, Southcliffe Road, Stockport, SK5 7EE.
5. Worsley Golf Club
Located northwest of Manchester city centre, the beautiful course at Worsley Golf Club is very tranquil for those looking to putt in peace. Be aware of hole 14 in particular, which is considered the most difficult hole of the course, as you can expect hazards for the tee shot including the trees on either side and a fairway bunker. A number of holes on the course offer views of the iconic church steeple in Worsley, making the golfing experience all the more pleasant.
đź“ŤWorsley Golf Club, Stableford Avenue, Monton Green, Eccles, M30 8AP.
6. Bury Golf Club
Adding to the golf courses in Greater Manchester also designed by Dr Alister Mackenzie is Bury Golf Club. Holes 6 and 9 are considered the trickiest and furthest in yards with pars of 5 – both have pretty long fairways are not short of bunkers towards the end. However, you’ll find some short holes on this north Manchester course to keep things quick and interesting too.
đź“ŤBury Golf Club, Unsworth Hall, Blackford Bridge, Unsworth, Bury, BL9 9TJ.
7. Bolton Old Links Golf Club
Last, but by no means least, is Bolton Old Links, which sets itself apart from other golf courses in the region as it boasts views of four surrounding counties from its highest point – Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester. The 6,500 yard course is home to the PGA “Lancashire Open” and features a par-72 layout with two loops of nine holes. Wind plays a part in this Bolton course so prepare for a breeze and a challenge as you play.
đź“ŤBolton Old Links Golf Club, Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 5SU.