80. The Belfry (Brabazon): Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16

The Belfry (Brabazon) in England has been ranked number 80 in Golf Monthly’s top 100 UK & Ireland golf courses 2015/16.

80. The Belfry (Brabazon): Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16

Wishaw, North Warwickshire, B76 9PR

T: 01675 470301

W: thebelfry.co.uk

GF: £160 per round

Architect: Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas

Visitor Information: Welcome at all times

Catering Options: Sam’s Clubhouse, the Ryder Grill and the Brabazon Bar

2012 Ranking: Down 2

Work Undertaken since 2012 ranking: Drainage installed and sand replenished in eight of the bunkers. New drainage in the rough down each side of the 13th hole

No course has played host to more Ryder Cups than The Brabazon at The Belfry. The great parkland track was the venue for four contests between 1985 and 2002.

The course is synonymous with the development of the European side and their emergence as a dominant force in the biennial tournament. Some of Team Europe’s greatest memories are rooted in the Belfry’s history.

Designed by Dave Thomas and Peter Alliss, The Brabazon is known as one of Britain’s premier tournament courses.

With its well-positioned lakes, streams and bunkering, good course management is essential if you’re to score well here.

It’s important to play for position off the tee, to consider the shape of each hole and the best side of the fairway to aim for.

Despite receiving a good deal of traffic, the layout is presented in great condition and the heavily sloping greens can become devilishly quick, demanding a silky touch.

There are many recognisable holes on the course, but two of the most famous are the short par-4 10th where the bold might attempt to drive over the ditch to the narrow green in the style of Seve Ballesteros, and the testing 18th where water must be avoided on the left with the drive, then cleared with the second to find the putting surface.

It was here in the Ryder Cup of 1989 that Christy O’Connor Jnr fired a now legendary 2-iron in to three feet to beat Fred Couples.

+ Great tournament and Ryder Cup history

– Less of a club feel – more commercial

Panellist comments

“I’m a great fan of the layout here and the way the holes flow through the course. Yes there are the famous holes, but I don’t think there’s really a weak hole on the course.”

“Excellent bar, restaurant and locker-rooms specifically for those playing The Brabazon. That adds to the ‘special’ feeling you get playing a round here.”

Next course: 81. Bearwood Lakes: Top 100 Courses UK & Ireland 2015/16