Just eight miles from Birmingham city centre tucked away in the quaint village of Wishaw is one of the best golf courses in the UK. The Belfry has a storied history which has featured some truly iconic moments in golf. Here is everything you need to know about the club before paying it a visit.
West Midlands Golf’s Crown Jewel
It’s that time of year again. The first major of the year is on the horizon and excitement for the Masters is reaching a crescendo. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are currently tied as Masters betting favourites at 8/1 ahead of what promises to be another thrilling edition to this prestigious event.
However, while the world’s top two ranked golfers sit atop the odds, there are plenty of underdogs worth considering in the latest Masters 2024 tips. Viktor Hovland (14/1), Brooks Koepka, (20/1) and Max Homa (33/1) will be among those looking to get their hands on the Green Jacket.
As the best golfers on the planet flock to Augusta, amateur enthusiasts around the country are simultaneously dusting down their clubs, and googling ‘best golf courses near me’.
Just a half-hour drive from Birmingham is the crown jewel in West Midlands golf: The Belfry. The home of The Professional Golfers’ Association has three beautifully manicured courses, including the famous Brabazon Course, as well as a luxury four-star hotel and spa.
The Belfry is widely recognised as one of the best golf courses, not just in the country, but in Europe. It was named England’s Leading Golf Resort in 2004, 2011, and 2015, as well as winning the World’s Best Golf Hotel award in 2019.
All I want for Christmas is… a round on The Brabazon 😍 pic.twitter.com/SYZmCwa1no
— The Belfry Hotel & Resort (@TheBelfryHotel) December 21, 2023
Ryder Cup Host
It’s not just a beautiful venue. It also features three of the finest courses on offer in the UK: the Brabazon, PGA National, and Derby courses.
The Brabazon is the most iconic of the three and is The Belfry’s main tournament course. It has hosted the fan-favourite Ryder Cup on four occasions, first in 1985 and most recently in 2002.
It has been a happy hunting ground for Team Europe during that time. They won the 1985 Ryder Cup 16.5 – 11.5, retained the Cup in 1989 with a 14 – 14 tie, and beat Team USA again in 2002 with a 15.5 – 12.5 scoreline. Team Europe suffered defeat on just one occasion at The Belfry, losing 15 – 13 in 1993.
European Tour Favourite
It has also become a favourite on the European Tour, hosting events such as the English Classic, UK Championship, English Open, and most notably, the British Masters.
The Brabazon Course has seen several famous moments play out over the years, but perhaps none more iconic than the late, great Seve Ballesteros driving the green on the synonymous 10th hole.
10 years ago today we lost a legend 😢
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 7, 2021
Gone, but never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/c9xJJcGJM9
It was unthinkable at the time, but Seve had other ideas, driving over the trees to find the green in The Hennessey Cup against Nick Faldo. A plaque was laid in the Spaniard’s honour, and in true Ballesteros fashion, he repeated the feat at the 1985 Ryder Cup on the same hole.
For those looking to channel their inner Seve, why not take a trip down to The Belfry?
