English Golf Courses

Golf Breaks in BB&O Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

As ONE of the busiest regions in England for club golf, it really is no surprise that we suggest you head to Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire for a few rounds this summer. The area, better known as BB&O, is one of the largest golfing hotspots in England with over 120 courses, many of which are regarded as amongst the finest championship tests in the country.

The county is awash with a wonderful variety of top-class courses, the perfect ingredient for a golf break, it has to be said. If you want hidden gems of the highest order, something new and exciting, or perhaps famous names and a big-time champ-ionship challenge, then BB&O is just the ticket.

The most famous club in the area is Woburn, where you will find three of the best inland championship courses in the British Isles. The venue has been used extensively on the European Tour and is where Ian Poulter plays his golf when he is back on this side of the Atlantic.

Other big-name venues include The Oxfordshire, a Rees Jones design that has also seen its fair enough of professional events, while Buckinghamshire and The Berkshire are also two distinguished venues that are well worth a look.
Fans of James Bond may want to consider a tee time at Stoke Park, where the memorable match between Bond (Sean Connery) and Goldfinger was filmed. The course, called Stoke Poges, is a stunning test of golf.

Another course that should make your ‘hit list’ is Weston Turville, which boasts a deserved reputation for exceptional greens, while the challenge on offer at Abbey Hill cannot be underestimated.

Equally as inviting is an afternoon at Windmill Hill. The East Sussex venue is home to one of England’s most revered golf academies and visitors can get preferential rates on a number of local courses if booked through the club.

The Donald Steel-design Harleyford course, meanwhile, is as natural a course you’re likely to find since it is set within the historic Harleyford estate, an area of ‘Outstanding Natural Beauty’. The club is renowned for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Needless to say, first-time visitors very welcome.

Those who enjoy a good parkland test will revel in the delights at Wycombe Heights, set in a picturesque valley just outside Loudwater. The John Jacobs-design Main Course enjoys magnificent views of the Chilterns and is an absolute treat for the first-time visitor.

All in all, for a region bustling in the game of golf there really is no reason to turn down the chance of a weekend in BB&O with the golf clubs. The hotels
are plentiful and the local entertainment even more so. And you can’t ask for much more than that.

Local golfing trivia
Woburn Golf Club has a rich and varied history and is where Ian Poulter plays his golf. It is also the local
haunt of former BBC golf commentator, Alex Hay.
Luke Donald played his junior golf at  Beacons-field, winning the club championship twice, first at the age of 15.
One of the most prestigious amateur tournaments in England is the Berkshire Trophy, played at The Berkshire. Adam Gee won the title last year.