Little Aston Golf Club *****

Roman Road, Streetly, B74 3AN 

Nearest main town: Birmingham

 

One feels that this little gem, tucked away in a corner of Staffordshire, known to many as the West Midlands, has to be one of the most un­heralded courses in the British Isles. By that I mean that most golfers will have heard of it, but very few have played there or even know exactly where it is.

That is not to say that the club has made a particular effort to remain undiscovered. A number of major tournaments, particularly on the amateur circuit, have been held there and it is a venue that never fails to impress the visitor expecting 'just another parkland layout'.

This is to parkland golf what the Woodhall Spas and Sunningdales are to the heathland code. There are a number of excellent two-shot holes and the greens have great variety. Some are elevated onto plateaus, which are then protected by strong bunkering, while others are kept at ground level, allowing greater choice for the approach.

The course was originally laid down by the great Harry Vardon in 1908, although certain revisions were made by Harry Colt in the 1920s.

 

Secretary: Mr G. Ridley

Tel: 0121 3532942 Fax: 0121 580 8387

Professional: Mr B. Rimmer

Tel: 0121 3530330 Fax: 0121 5808387

Playing: Midweek: round £55.00; day £70.00. Weekend: round £55.00; day £70.00.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 11 am-8pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: Exceptional parkland course...Vardon masterpiece...Bunkering is lethal...Sand everywhere... A special place for golfers...Blasted sand traps...The best in Birmingham...Some fine short par-4s ... Held some memorable Dunlop Masters here... Exemplary condi­tion and course...Play it as soon as you can.

 

Beau Desert Golf Club ****

Rubeley Road, Hazel Slade, Cannock, WS12 0PJ

Nearest main town: Cannock

 

Secretary: Mr J. Bradbury

Tel: 01543 422626 Fax: 01543 451137

Professional: Mr B. Stevens

Tel: 01543 422492 Fax: 01543 451137

Playing: Midweek: round £40.00; day n/a. Weekend: round £50.00; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 8am-11 pm. Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8am-9pm.

Comments: A hidden gem for the average player... Heathland cut into pine forest. . .Little gem in the Midlands. . .Real test of golf...Long carries off many tees and punishing rough...A Herbert Fowler gem, always making you think. Wicked heather, fascinating greens and lovely situation...Every hole a pleasure...What a charming course with great condition throughout.