Golf Courses

Spectacular Views at Silloth Golf Club (www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk)

It’s thought that golf is one of the oldest sports, with early forms dating back to the Roman era. Players use various types of clubs to get the ball around the course. Courses either have nine or eighteen holes, and each hole has a starting area, the tee box, and a putting green where the hole is. The aim is to get the ball into each hole from the starting area using the least amounts of hits, called “strokes” as possible. Courses vary from location to location, and you may encounter numerous hazards to navigate along the way, including water, sand, and rough terrain.

Golf is a game that almost anyone can try, though to be successful you do need a good level of skill and accuracy, as well as fitness. Beginners may find Pitch and Putt more appealing, as this involves a much smaller scale course with less hazards and only two clubs to choose from. Alternatively, you could try crazy, or mini golf, which is usually a favourite amongst children in particular. These courses usually involve very small sections with trick shots needed to navigate through the hazards.

What Golfing Involves

To play on a full course you will normally need to book in advance. On arrival you should report to the reception area with your booking details. Most courses will give you a basic introduction to the course if you explain that it’s your first time visiting. You will be given a score card and then be free to start the course. It’s important that your arrive in a timely manner in order to avoid missing out on your booking, as if you are late, you may not be able to play.

Pitch and Putt and Crazy Golf are much more informal, and most don’t require advanced booking. Simply turn up, pay your fee, receive your club and ball, and off you go.

What to Wear and Bring

Most traditional golf courses have some sort of dress code that must be adhered to, usually in the form of “smart casual” attire with no jeans and short-sleeved t-shirts, but do check in advance as this varies from course to course. Pitch and Putt and Crazy Golf courses rarely have dress codes, but you should wear comfortable shoes for walking and weather appropriate clothing.

For traditional golf you will need to bring your own clubs, or hire a set from the golf club. It is best to check in advance of booking your session if club hire is available. You will also need a good number of golf balls, as it’s very likely you will lose a few on the way. Some pitch and putt courses provide the clubs as part of the fee, others require you to bring your own or hire some. Crazy golf almost always has the use of a club and ball included in the fee.

You will need refreshments along the way, especially if it is a hot day, but some courses do forbid players from bringing in their own, so it’s best to check in advance before you arrive what you can and cannot bring. Most traditional courses have a clubhouse where you can enjoy a meal or a drink before or after your session.

Where to Play Golf in the Lake District

For traditional golf, there are plenty of options in the Lake District. All of the golf courses listed below accept visiting players, and advanced booking is required.

Silloth Golf Club

Included in the top 100 golf courses in the world by PlanetGolf.com and named as the best value golf course in the UK by Today’s Golfer magazine, Silloth Golf Club is located on the Solway coast, giving golfers an alternative, coastal view to that offered by many other Cumbrian golf courses.

• Address: The Club House, Station Road, Silloth, Wigton, CA7 4AE
• Tel: 01697331304
• Website: www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk
• Cost: From £30 per person

 

Pitch & Putt and Crazy Golf in the Lake District

In addition to the traditional golf courses, there are a few places offering either Pitch and Putt, Crazy Golf or both across the Lake District. The perfect activity for the whole family!