The Allure of Bedlingtonshire: A Fair but Tough Golfing Experience
Bedlingtonshire Golf Club, founded in 1972 and located just half a mile south of Bedlington town center, offers an enchanting yet challenging layout for golf aficionados. This members-only parkland course sits in harmonious coexistence with its pastoral surroundings, a characteristic that amplifies its tranquillity. Frank Pennink, the legendary Dutch Course Architect responsible for creating masterpieces like The Old Course at Villamoura and The Royal St. Georges Golf Club, designed Bedlingtonshire. The club undoubtedly does justice to Pennink's illustrious reputation, offering a fair but demanding game of golf.
The course's claim to fame is undoubtedly “the park,” a trio of holes - 13, 14, and 15 - reputed as the most mature part of the layout. These holes exist outside the area that was once an opencast mining site, imbuing them with a unique character. The sequence of two tight par fours surrounding a beautiful par three can easily be the turning point of your game, either launching you into golfing glory or plunging you into a scoring abyss. Conquering "the park" is considered a rite of passage for members old and new.
Yet, even if you navigate “the park" successfully, the course doesn't let up. What follows is a series of holes that keep your adrenaline pumping. Take the 16th hole, for example: a daunting 449-yard par 4 where even a bogey can feel like an achievement. Then comes the 17th, a long, slightly uphill 194-yard par 3 that demands more club than one would expect. Finally, the 18th hole - a 521-yard par 5 - guides you toward the clubhouse with its sloping fairway and strategic bunkers. Big hitters have the chance to end the day on a high note, potentially reaching the green in two and capturing a finishing birdie.
Beyond the fairways and greens, Bedlingtonshire Golf Club boasts an array of amenities designed to provide a holistic experience. The clubhouse is well-appointed with a bar, restaurant, and rooms for hire suitable for various functions ranging from funerals to celebrations. The Pro Shop stands ready to meet your golfing needs, offering tuition, repairs, and other services. Meanwhile, practice facilities like nets, a putting green, and a chipping area make it easy for you to refine your game before taking on the challenges of the course. All in all, Bedlingtonshire is more than just a golf course; it's a comprehensive destination for anyone serious about the sport.
