Enjoying a new lease of life in recent times Rushcliffe is the perfect example of an ideal Club MG golf club, a secluded rural delight away from the beaten track that can’t wait to be discovered by a new breed of golfers – because once you’re here you’ll only end up wondering why it took you so long.
Rushcliffe GC, formed in 1909 is situated in East Leake right on the Notts/Leics border with a Nottinghamshire postcode, and to begin with check out the views when you arrive here. If you thought that neighbouring Derbyshire hogged all of the landscape highlights in the East Midlands then think again. Rushcliffe occupies a unique spot where you probably never considered that such elevation existed around here and on a clear day you can look down for miles across the countryside with the city of Nottingham skyline in the far distance.
There is an up and down nature to the layout and it’ll stretch your muscles at times, but it’s never too demanding a walk and the sort of golf holes the rolling land naturally produces makes it more than worth your while. Around each and every corner another scenic treat awaits. The common expression ‘no two holes are the same’ could have been invented for Rushcliffe GC.
Generally speaking there is a fair amount of fairway width and some lovely driving holes to open your shoulders on too. The main examination comes on and around the greens which are pretty modest in size with some challenging undulations about too. There are some potentially penal run off areas too, to be expected around this elevated terrain.
The signature holes tend to be the par threes and each nine contains a classic. The fifth (below left) is a long and plunging downhill test, one to relish with an open aspect at the back of green that leaves it pretty defenceless down there to any breezes that might be around, ones that you may find tricky to detect from the sheltered tee, 224 yards away from the yellows. A fabulous club selection test and it’s a good feeling if you can fire it straight into the heart of the target from the tee.
To the back nine and the 14th (below right) is a similar challenge, equally attractive looking but in a different way, this time tucked away in a peaceful and leafy corner of the course. This time from another raised tee the task is to fire it over the tall trees that guard the green, then if successful hope that you can get the brakes on your golf ball as it hits the putting surface, the wind may have a part to play in that too.
The closing holes take you on a winding path of par fours back up towards the back of the very nice looking clubhouse, complimenting the scenic charm of Rushcliffe further still.
A course that is hard not to enjoy thoroughly and it’s a great challenge for your golf games. Well kept with quality greens, Rushcliffe these days offers improved all year round playability compared to past years, a club on the rise
19th hole – From a high position, the clubhouse overlooks much of the course and offers great views of the countryside surrounds. A single floor build, open planned with a large patio area to enjoy a drink or snack al fresco when the weather allows. Societies are welcomed from Mon-Fri with a full range of catering options available.
