A resurgent golf club in the Midlands, getting itself back into the golfing public’s awareness following a few quiet years. Wharton Park near Bewdley in Worcestershire is now under fresh family ownership, and they have lofty ambitions to lift the club back towards the top table of Midlands golf.
Local couple Alison and Stuart Bottrill who are well known in local golfing circles have got quite a job on their hands. Yet the good news is they already have quite a rich tapestry here to put their own personal stamp on. Wharton Park already has everything in place to provide us with the ideal golfing day, with a little extra TLC on top it’s going to become a destination not to miss, by summer 2027 an inviting destination for our societies too.
You get a fair glimpse at the golfing on offer here the moment you step out of the newly restored pro shop or on the first floor where an even better view exists from the generously sized outdoor patio area. The first hole is on the right, a short par five travelling uphill, yet the more obvious (and one to look forward to) challenge in view is the 18th, a steeply descending long par four which is eminently reachable in two due to it’s terrain. There is a water hazard to cross in front of the green though, we’ll worry about that later!
Leave that one in the thought bank as many more interesting and quirky tests are to come once you’ve made that initial ascent up the first. In general the course does have its undulations, ups and downs so it’s a good old walk, yet not too much of a formidable one. Plus with lots of buggies now here, the option is always there to take an easier ride. The course has a buggy path pretty much all the way around it, so there’s a decent prospect of them still being in use during the off-season months.
The layout runs either side of the ancient woodland that is the Wyre Forest. A few holes are designed with it as a backdrop, encroaching into the trees via tight and demanding challenges where the penalties for offline hitting can be severe. Three out of the four short holes treat you into wooded surrounds from raised tees, they really are absolute beauties.
Another wooded wonder is the seventh hole, this one really does thread its way along a winding pathway through the forest, then you get a glimpse of the River Severn, flowing around the back of the green, too far beyond to be a genuine hazard, close enough to be a soothing distraction.
The woodland is only part of the landscape though, there are many holes too that are set in open land, ones that affords you so many lovely sights of the surrounding countryside, with Clee Hill and the Shropshire hills in the far distance. Holes like 12 and 13 will genuinely give the long hitters a chance to open their shoulders but to remind you of the great contrast that’s on offer here, that brings us to 16. Following the final and probably toughest short hole on the course you emerge back out again from the woods with this extremely quirky challenge.
Just 292 yards from the yellows but there’s practically no other tee shot option other than to reach for a mid-iron and find the slender plateau of level fairway ground by the marker post. From there you turn 90 degrees left and face another mid-iron approach over the pond that sits below the putting surface. Not much to prevent anything underhit from tumbling down the banking and finding the drink.
17 is a makeable short par four then we reach the closing hole on a significant descent where a good straight long drive can go very, very far indeed. Anyone playing in a society on a sunny day and with a later tee time can expect a little banter and extra pressure approaching the 18th from spectators on the patio. They are waiting to cheer anything that falls short and ends up wet!
To sum up
A cracking course full of interest with some exciting signature challenges in there. Really excellent quality putting surfaces as well. Nothing needs any re-development or major changes here, they may lengthen a tee or two in order to attract bigger county and pro-tour events here, but the main emphasis in the near future will lean towards improved all-year playability and water retention.
Range and practice
The ‘Strike Shack’ range has had its overdue improvements in time for winter practice. 16 bays all powered by TopTracer technology, a great warm up facility plus it will play a huge part in the future of Wharton Park in bringing new juniors and lady golfers to the club. Excellent short game area as well by the range and the first tee.
19th hole
Wharton Park also offer play and stay breaks. Seven boutique styled hotel rooms are onsite, ideal for small golfing groups and couples breaks. Restaurant for hotel guest breakfasts and private society dinners, spilling out onto the large patio area, weather permitting. Golfers bar and large function space too, the ideal wedding location.
For Societies
Within an area of the Midlands that has seen it’s options for golfers limited by club closures, course reductions and general unease around some of the others, Wharton Park’s revival can only be good news for local societies. Everything will be in place in time for golf season 2027 to offer the perfect day of golfing here. The new pro shop, improved range and great catering options will make it a more welcoming environment than ever before. Weekend availability will exist too if you get in quick.
