Kidderminster Golf Club, established in 1909 is a friendly, modernising club owned and operated by its members. They all pull together in working hard to constantly improve the course and facilities and also offer a friendly welcome to visitors and societies.
We followed up our summer 2023 review with another game in late May this year. The course as many are was in recovery mode following the difficult winter and spring, but it was perfectly playable with the putting surfaces already in prime condition, absolutely fantastic they are right now.
Kidderminster have a traditional tree-lined parkland layout, very mature with many species of trees co-existing together and providing colour. It’s not too lengthy a challenge but it does pack a punch, the teams here have a decent home record in matches, that’s normally a good indication.
Uniqueness comes in the way of a pair of short two-shotters that start you off and ultimately offer a tempting finish too. Neat bookends to the layout, the twisting downhill first starts you off at a friendly 280 yards, with two ways to play it, option one for the confident souls who like to cut corners. There is a safer approach for the pragmatists of course. The 18th is another fun hole to finish, described below.
In between you’ll find 16 holes that all look great and give you a sense of peace and tranquility too. No mean feat on a layout such as this which is situated around a built-up residential area. The loudest noise comes from the whistles of the steam trains that travel nearby on the Severn Valley Railway.
Recent investment has led to course improvements and work is ongoing to enhance every bunker on the course slowly but surely. It’s not difficult to notice in terms of sand colour which ones are completed, and the ones on the waiting list, but the finished traps are a mouthwatering indication of what is to come in the years ahead, a new level entirely.
Alongside the many trees which tighten things up, the bunkers compliment the steely challenge further, testing your accuracy as well as your course management skills.
Just a trio of short holes, all of them requiring a mid-iron or hybrid for the average handicapper, all are expertly protected too. The 10th is a perfect example, flanked by a pair of tall oaks with the two green fronting traps ready to catch anything underhit.
The 15th is a good par three as well, adding aesthetic charm with a water hazard to contend with on the left-hand side, one that trickles on a little further than it looks like it does. In between there are two par fours at 14 and 17 that have a similar sense to each other, both are proper club selection tests.
MG Pick – 18th hole 247 yards par 4
A very enjoyable one to finish with, the length makes it appear drivable but given a look at what’s ahead, over the hedge off the tee then a steep climb to a target only visible by its fluttering flagstick, is probably deterrent enough to play it conservatively. Nevertheless, there’s still a tricky approach in store up the bank, advantageous to know in advance where the pin is positioned.
19th hole/societies
Large clubhouse with private room space for society gatherings. Nice spill out outdoor area too for sunny afternoons, currently in the midst of an upgrade. Societies offered bespoke packages for five days of the week in 2024, weekend times potentially available on request.
