Winter Parkland courses

Five Lakes in Essex.

Try this selection of recommended free-draining, winter courses. On the Forum, tell us of your own experiences and places where other Golfmagic golfers can pay and play and be almost guaranteed a dry run.

East

Five Lakes Hotel and Country Club, Tolleshunt Knights, Essex

01621 868888

The Lakes and the Links courses give a wide variety of golf hazards, from greenside ponds and strategic bunkers on the Links to the water features and mounding of the Lakes, designed by Neil Coles and opened by Nick Faldo, Ian Botham and Nigel Mansell in 1990.

Ufford Park Hotel Golf and Leisure, Woodbridge, Suffolk

01394 383555

Recognised among the best weekend break destinations in East Anglia, this free-draining course, playable all year, is set in ancient parkland has many natural features, including 11 original water hazards.

South East

Moatlands, Kent

01892 724252

A parkland layout, sloping off the Kentish High Weald. Rarely any temporary nature to its tees and the Ice Age would have to be just round the corner to countenance winter greens.

Midlands

Abbey Hotel, Redditch

01527 68006

Interesting parkland course set in a housing estate, but with fast-draining soil that will keep you dry during the wettest months.

Bedford Golf Club, Great Denham

01234 320022

American-style course built on sand and gravel with excellent drainage. Has nearly 90 bunkers plus handful of lakes and large contoured greens. A good all-year-round course but with limited availability at weekends.

John O’Gaunt, Sandy, Beds

01767 260360

A terrific 36-hole traditional parkland layout – The John O’Gaunt and the Carthagena courses have substantial features including a river which crosses four fairways. The clubhouse is pretty impressive, too

South West

Lanhydrock, Bodmin

01208 73600

Next to National Trust property this acclaimed parkland course nestles in a wooded valley. It’s an undulating and enjoyable challenge.

First on St Mellion's Nicklaus course.

St Mellion, Cornwall

01579 351351

Two courses - the Old and the Jack Nicklaus, the latter having hosted the Benson and Hedges International on several occasions. The Nicklaus was built to stage tournaments with mounding for spectators but equipment and major sponsorship have outgrown it as a test for the world’s best. Still a memorable course to play for the amateur, however.

North

Rudding Park House. Harrogate

01423 872100

Good drainage makes this a 12-month a year course, providing panoramic views over the local countryside. Top quality restaurant attached to the clubhouse, where President Clinton played last year.

Malton and Norton

01653 693882

Parkland course where European Tour pro Simon Dyson learned his golf. Three loops of nine with panoramic views and a particularly testing dogleg opening hole.

North West

Caldy, Merseyside

0151 625 5660

Situated on the edge of the River Dee with fairways running parallel. An all-year course, it’s subject to fickle winds that can alter from day-to-day.

Frodsham, Cheshire

01928 732159

Undulating with pleasant views from all parts. Emphasis on accuracy especially at the 18th, demanding a drive across water. Two footpaths cross the course, so care demanded.