The Best Public Golf Courses near Blackpool
Stanley Park Golf Course is an 18-hole municipal course designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, who also created Augusta National and Royal Melbourne.[2][14] The parkland layout includes natural hazards such as dykes and grassy pits to navigate, all within a Par 70 challenge.[2] In 2024, PGA Golf Professional Andrew Terry and Finance Director Joe Jackson took over management of this historic course, which opened in 1925 as part of the Stanley Park attraction.[4][14]
The Hole in Wand Blackpool presents a 9-hole magical mini-golf course located on the promenade between North Pier and Blackpool Tower.[9] The wizard-themed course, which opened in June 2022, guides players through an enchanted adventure with bubbling cauldrons, mythical monsters, and magical portals.[5] Each player earns a magic potion gift based on their final score, revealing whether they possess the magical powers of a serpent, basilisk, unicorn, or wizard.[9]
Herons’ Reach Golf Resort at Village Hotel Blackpool contains an 18-hole championship course created by Peter Alliss and Clive Clark.[1] The course has 12 holes with water features and undulating USGA specification greens that require precise distance control and accuracy.[1] The resort has added a floodlit TopTracer driving range with virtual golf and gaming modes for practice and entertainment.[1]
Staining Lodge Golf Course consists of an 18-hole par 72 layout across 160 acres of rural Fylde countryside, positioned just 10 minutes from Blackpool and the M55.[6] This pay-and-play course welcomes all player types and rarely closes due to bad weather.[6] The course design includes four par 5s for experienced golfers while including generous fairways for beginners.[6]
Fleetwood Golf Club is the only true links golf course on the Fylde Coast, currently located at Princes Way, designed by James Steer and opened in 1932.[8] The club’s history traces back to 1861 when officers at Euston Barracks laid out the original links course in the garrison town.[8] Players face subtle greens and US Open style managed rough, with additional challenge from prevailing winds from the Irish Sea that can change direction throughout a single round.[8]
Fun Facts about Golf Courses near Blackpool
- The designer of Stanley Park Golf Course, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, created Augusta National, home of The Masters tournament, as well as Cypress Point and Royal Melbourne.[2][14]
- Stanley Park Golf Course was once among the busiest courses in the country, recording over 77,000 rounds per year during the 1970s peak.[2]
- The Hole in Wand Blackpool was created by businessmen Phil Pinder and Ben Fry, who appeared on BBC’s Dragons’ Den where Peter Jones said: “”These guys are wizards. They can do whatever they want when it comes to business.””[5]
- Fleetwood Golf Club has occupied three different locations throughout its history, with the current course opening in 1932 following designs by James Steer.[8]
- Herons’ Reach Golf Resort includes a TopTracer powered driving range where players can participate in nearest-the-pin and longest-drive challenges among other gaming modes.[1]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest golf course near Blackpool?
Fleetwood Golf Club has roots dating back to 1861 when officers at Euston Barracks created the original links course, though the club in its current form was established in 1893 and relocated to its present site in 1932.
[8]
Which Blackpool golf course was designed by a famous architect?
Stanley Park Golf Course was designed by Dr. Alister MacKenzie, the architect who created Augusta National (home of The Masters), Cypress Point, and Royal Melbourne.
[2][14]
Which public golf course in Blackpool offers the most unique experience?
The Hole in Wand provides a wizard-themed 9-hole mini golf experience with magical elements like bubbling cauldrons and mythical monsters, plus a potion gift for every player.
[5][9]
What type of golfing facility is Herons’ Reach?
Herons’ Reach is an 18-hole championship golf course with USGA specification greens, 12 water features, and a TopTracer driving range for virtual golf experiences.
[1]
How many par 5 holes does Staining Lodge Golf Course have?
Staining Lodge Golf Course has four par 5 holes that test experienced golfers while still maintaining generous fairways for less advanced players.
[6]
What are the different tee options at Stanley Park Golf Course?
Stanley Park Golf Course offers three tee options: White tees (Par 70, 6048 yards), Yellow tees (Par 70, 5763 yards), and Red tees (Par 71, 5188 yards).
[2]
References
[1] https://www.village-hotels.co.uk/blackpool/herons-reach [2] http://www.blackpoolparkgc.co.uk/the-course.html [4] https://stanleyparkgolf.co.uk [5] https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/arts-and-culture/film-and-tv/pair-behind-harry-potter-inspired-mini-golf-attraction-hole-in-wand-blackpool-to-appear-on-bbcs-dragons-den-4071051 [6] https://staininglodge.co.uk [8] https://www.fleetwoodgolf.co.uk [9] https://www.visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/the-hole-in-wand-blackpool-p1040260 [14] http://www.blackpoolparkgc.co.uk”
