The PIGS vote The Manor as their top course for 2025
Our Christmas Texas Scramble held at Alsager Golf Club in mid December signalled the end of yet another great year for the Society. We held 13 events throughout the year including our flagship event, the Annual Tour, hosted by Oulton Hall Hotel and Golf Resort near Leeds in September. Great venue for a golf break.
Our thoughts are now clearly focused on 2026 and how we can better our past experiences. So, we conducted a poll of all the courses we have played over the past 3 years. The poll criteria were based on playability of the course, enjoyment, value for money and clubhouse hospitality.
All the courses within striking distance of our Stoke home. I wondered whether my own favourite courses reflected the thoughts of our society members. Well, I have to say I was not far away.
In top spot in 2025 came The Manor Golf Club, Kingstone near Uttoxeter (pictured). This was a course recommended to us by Phil Nicholas, Midland Golfer Magazine, three years ago. We have played it each year since and have seen it develop each year. A very enjoyable track to play and the clubhouse offers everything you need after a game of golf.
In second place came Leek Birchall Golf Club. Played it in October and despite the wet weather it was a joy to play with some splendid views to take on board.
In third place came Onneley Golf Club which is a firm favourite with the boys. Again, the course presented to us in very good condition. I do like the way in which they have changed the layout of the course. In fourth spot we treated ourselves to a game at Trentham Park Golf Club, in my opinion, a tad expensive but a quality course and a course which you cannot overlook.
Finally, to complete our Top Five Courses, came Alsager Golf Club. A course that has invested a lot of money into improving the drainage and making it more playable throughout the winter months.
On the playing front Kevin Abell had a great year by winning both of our Order of Merit Competitions – Strokeplay and Stableford. He’s pictured below – well done Kevin and well deserved.
There you have it – 28 PIGS have spoken. All I need to do now is to start booking up our Society Days for 2026. I just hope that the Club Secretaries don’t read this review and put up my green fees!
Already booked our Tour for September 2026 through Golf Breaks which takes us to Cardrona Hotel Golf and Spa Resort in Peebles, Scotland. A course I have had my eye on for several years. A little special but we go celebrate our 25th Year as a Society.
Phil Stonier Organiser – www.pigsgolf.org
