By the riverside – Barlaston GC

1st tee shot view

Situated close to The Potteries just an hour from the centre of Birmingham, Barlaston is very a attractive riverside location designed by Peter Alliss in 1977. The club is a hard working and sociable venue with a great tradition, past and present of bringing up quality junior players.

After a fairly gentle beginning the River Trent provides a challenge as well as an attractive border running alongside holes three to five, an area which has seen many course improvements in recent times to guarantee quality all-weather playability.

‘Old Swampy’ (above) is a formidable seventh, a long par four with it’s 90 degree dog leg, undulations and a tiny looking punchbowl green protected by its pond and swamp surrounds. A terrifying looking approach in store and many will play it as a par five, but overhitting an approach isn’t a bad ploy as the banking you can see on the right of the image carries on all around the back of green and may bounce your ball back in the right direction.

The ninth (main image) shows Barlaston off at it’s very finest, a superb tee shot view over the lake on this short par five, the temptation is just how much of it you are prepared to take on for the reward of a shorter second shot.

The back nine follows a more traditional parkland path, tree lined on gently undulating land with more than a few twists and turns. The long par three 13th is the toughest test as the water returns, one demanding tee shot to avoid the drink, and the out of bounds on the right.

There are enough testing holes here to follow the adage not to be fooled by the modest yardage on the card, to play to your handicap at Barlaston will require some good course management skills. Enjoy too a wide variety of wildlife and the many different tree species guarantee a beautiful and varied look for each passing season.

Off course facilities include a full range of good quality and reasonably priced meals and snacks in the club’s large clubhouse lounge.

Societies are frequently attracted to the charms of Barlaston by competitive pricing and a tailor made approach to group days. Weekend society bookings are now also available by prior arrangement

Contact: Jim Pickerill (manager) or Darren Martin (professional) on 01782 372867
Email: info@barlastongolfclub.co.uk

http://www.barlastongolfclub.co.uk/