The Best Public Golf Courses near Newcastle
Gosforth Golf Club sits just 3 miles north of Newcastle city center in a nice secluded area. [8] The club’s signature 18th hole, a 434-yard par four flanked by a hedge and the Ouseburn, ranks among the toughest finishing holes in the North East. [8] Over its 113-year history, Gosforth Golf Club has produced notable players including English Amateur Champion Alan Thirlwell, seven-time Northumberland Champion Jimmy Hayes, and Jenny Lee Smith, winner of the first Women’s British Open. [8]
City of Newcastle Golf Club, founded in 1891, operates from Three Mile Bridge in Gosforth and is one of the oldest clubs in the area. [13] The club’s facilities include locker rooms, and a putting green area. [15] During weekdays, the club prioritizes greenkeepers, with no play allowed before 7:20am to allow maintenance work. [15]
High Gosforth Park Golf Club, established in 1966 as John Jacobs Golf Centre, underwent several name changes before its current name in 2023. [2] The facility has expanded significantly and has a s restaurant, 18-hole golf course, a 28-bay driving range with Toptracer Range technology, and an 18-hole mini golf course too. [2] [2]
The Northumberland Golf Club features a unique heathland course designed during golf’s Golden Age by renowned architects Colt and Braid. [7] The club hosts various championships, including The Open Regional Qualifier. [7] Its clubhouse, built in 1913, sits nestled in the woods of High Gosforth Park and offers a bar, lounges, dining room, and sun terrace for the famous Newcastle sun! [7]
Newcastle United Golf Club, founded on June 4, 1892, moved to its current location on Nuns Moor in 1973. [4] Despite sharing a name with Newcastle United Football Club (also formed in 1892), there is actually no connection except for the many footballers have played the course. [4] The course measures 6,600 yards from the back tees with a par of 72 and regularly hosts Northumberland County Golf Union events. [4]
Other public courses in the area include Ryton Golf Club, founded in 1891 and bordered by the River Tyne, about 10 miles from Newcastle’s center. [1] Hobson Golf Club, formed in 2001, offers a par 70 meadowland course measuring 6403 yards with tree-lined fairways and challenging rough. [16]
Fun Facts about Golf Courses near Newcastle
- When the Town Moor golf course opened in September 1892, the greens had to be fenced off to protect them from grazing cattle! [6]
- Newcastle United Golf Club and Newcastle United Football Club were both formed in 1892, with the golf club established on June 4 and the football club on December 9 of that year. [4]
- The City of Newcastle Golf Club’s original clubhouse was Chimney Mill on Claremont Road, which the club converted and added a rooftop observation gallery costing £1500. [6]
- High Gosforth Park Golf Club has changed its name four times since its establishment in 1966, transitioning from John Jacobs Golf Centre to Wideopen Golf Club to Parklands Golf Club before adopting its current name in 2023. [2]
- The Northumberland Golf Club’s course was designed by Colt and Braid during golf’s "Golden Age" of course architecture, a period known for producing many of the world’s classic golf courses. [7]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest golf course near Newcastle?
City of Newcastle Golf Club and Ryton Golf Club were both founded in 1891. [1][13]
Which golf course near Newcastle is known for hosting important competitions?
The Northumberland Golf Club regularly hosts Pro-Ams, national and regional championships, including The Open Regional Qualifier. [7]
Is there a connection between Newcastle United Football Club and Newcastle United Golf Club?
Despite their names and both being formed in 1892, there are no formal ties between Newcastle United Golf Club and Newcastle United Football Club, though many of the famous footballers have played the course throughout its history. [4]
Which golf course near Newcastle has the most challenging finishing hole?
Gosforth Golf Club’s 18th hole is considered one of the toughest finishing holes in the North East, featuring a 434-yard par four flanked by a hedge to the left and the Ouseburn at its widest point. [8]
What unique features does High Gosforth Park Golf Club offer beyond the standard golf course?
High Gosforth Park Golf Club features a 28-bay driving range with Toptracer Range technology and an 18-hole mini golf course in addition to its standard 18-hole golf course. [2]
References
[1] https://www.rytongolfclub.co.uk [2] https://www.newcastle-racecourse.co.uk/golf/welcome [4] https://www.newcastleunitedgolfclub.co.uk [6] https://sitelines.newcastle.gov.uk/SMR/16843 [7] https://www.thengc.co.uk [8] https://www.gosforthgolfclub.co.uk [13] https://www.cityofnewcastlegolfclub.com/contact-us/ [15] https://www.cityofnewcastlegolfclub.com/assets/files/CNGC%20Golfers%20Handbook%202024.pdf [16] https://www.hobsongolfclub.co.uk