Sapey Golf and Country Club
Incredible to think that it’s already three and a half years ago that Sapey Golf & Country Club, set in a quiet beautiful countryside setting on the Worcs/Hereford border came within weeks of closure.
A chance visit by Alfie Best, chairman of The Wyldecrest Group saved the day, and this extremely welcoming club has only gone on to prosper ever since.
They are continuing the momentum since lockdown ended with a big rise in membership numbers.
Sapey is one of the most popular society locations in the West Midlands, with seven days a week availability and a range of affordable packages.
The full-size Rowan course is your challenge, an easy walking layout that never goes any further than being gently undulating, with the open countryside as your backdrop and complete peace and quiet all around.
The Rowan suits all handicaps, never too long to be overtaxing and never too tight from the tee either, or too thick in rough to make it too difficult to find a wayward golf ball.
So you get a chance to score well but it is not without danger. The front nine runs all around the perimeter of the course, so out of bounds is a constant threat. Then there’s a pair of short holes around the turn that could spell trouble.
The eighth is a truly lovely looking yet a demanding signature hole. The water at the rear of the green is an unmistakable sight, yet don’t underestimate the threat of the little rocky brook that runs in front, recently given an attractive looking transformation by Course Manager Kevin Booth and his team.
The next short one at 11 is more obvious and this time the water is all below the green, but it’s all open to the elements and that’s where the issue is. It was a two-club wind when I played it, I only allowed for one.
Yet I got round ok in the end and there’s a lovely closing stretch of longer holes to look forward to as you head back to the clubhouse, with a delightful 18th to finish, good views of the green from the clubhouse balcony.
19th hole
A new entrance to the club has been developed of late, pro shop and reception brought into the main building. The first-floor clubhouse lounge is spacious in a spike bar type atmosphere with great views over the course.
Future development plans will include a full bunker renovation scheme, a new short game area & an environmental and sustainability programme, altogether increasing the benefits of membership here.
Play and Stay
Another improvement in Sapey’s new era was the construction of three high-quality self-catering lodges onsite. With all modern amenities on hand, they sleep up to 16 in total and are ideal for couples golfing trips or for small societies on a weekend break. Further lodges will be coming soon too.
