Church Stretton is quite simply unique. It’s 18 holes sit atop the stunning Shropshire Hills – an area of outstanding natural beauty – and it’s panoramic views are among the finest in England. This gem of a golf course has been here for over 100 years and in that time some of the finest golfers ever to play the game have taken on it’s unique challenges.

Major champions such as Sandy Lyle, Ian Woosnam and Henry Cotton have graced the fairways, and legends, Harry Vardon and James Braid helped design some of its most outstanding holes. When Ian Woosnam played here, he simply labeled the course as “brilliant.” Visitors will know exactly what he meant the moment they arrive.

If you do manage to avert your gaze from the views you will find bracken and heather-lined fairways that snake among hills and cavernous valleys, leading to undulating, tricky greens that will ask tough questions of your putting stroke. Church Stretton doesn’t rely on freakish length or huge carries off the tee to give it teeth – the spectacular natural landscape gives it all the bite it needs.

The sandy soil and excellent year-round drainage means the course is a pleasure to play all year round. Many of the golfing Press have also come along to see what all the fuss is about. Todays Golfer, Golf Monthly and others have heaped praise on this “unique gem” and a recent course review described Church Stretton as “a spectacular golfing experience that anyone who loves the game should play.”

But don’t take our word for it - the only way to truly experience all that this unique course has to offer - is to come and play.

At just over 5,000 yards in length the course may be considered short by modern standards; but complacency is not recommended!

Considered by many to be the hardest starting hole in the county, the first has a steep bank in front of the green and out of bounds to the right. The second and seventh both play to uphill flags, with the fifteenth steeply downhill. The thirteenth and fourteenth are both superb driving holes. Some holes can be driven, such as the sixteenth, but beware - go off line and you are out of bounds.

Many greens are raised or built into the side of a hill, requiring accuracy of length and direction. The borrows are subtle and can be misleading. Take the twelfth for example, where it is difficult to judge whether the green slopes away or towards the hill.

The turf you will find delightful to play from with a distictively ‘links’ type feel. The wind can be a factor on breezy days, challenging the golfers skill and imagination. During the summer months, ferns narrow the fairways waiting to consume errant tee shots, particularly on the intimidating ninth. With excellent drainage the course plays superbly throughout the year. Because each hole is unique the course always retains your interest, so no matter how many times you play, you will never tire of its character.

From the golf club website.