Stonebridge Golf Club

We played the new loop of 9 holes a couple of times over the summer and I have to say I was very impressed! The 9 holes are actually incorporated into the old front 9 (you play the old holes 1-4, then 4 new holes, finishing on the old 9th, with the other loop being the old 8th, 5th and 6th, 5 new holes and finish on the old 7th!) The new holes are more of an inland links than anything, with high dunes - sadly instead of an ocean crashing against the cliffs, there is the noise of the A45, but I digress! What they have created is excellent, with the greens in good condition and the fairways taking shape nicely. Having incorporated the new holes into the existing set-up, it's important that the course is of the same quality all the way round; i.e. the greens the same speed, the fairways cut to the same length and the sand consistent in all of the bunkers. Once they achieve this (and with a good summer hopefully they will) you will have a top notch 27 hole venue. One slight point is that there is a long walk from some of the greens to the next tee, as well as some areas where players could get lost and a few blind shots on the new holes. Thankfully the signage is good, it just makes for a bit of a slow round if the group in front don't know where they're going! It was always going to be a tight squeeze to get the extra holes in, so it's better to have a few long walks and have proper golf, rather than compromise and have a mickey mouse hole just to save people's legs. Personally, I would have liked another Par 5 to have been included, but agin space seems to be an issue. I would love to see the club continue to develop, they have put a lot of effort into the new holes and the clubhouse, as I've said before, is excellent. Looking forward to a return visit in 2009!

I have been taking our society here for a while now. We have one or two high handicappers, a couple of young lads learning the game and some who fall into the "Quite good but not a member anywhere so don't have an official handicap" bracket. Stonebridge were very accommodating the first time (I think it was their first year open) certainly more so than any of the other local courses we approached. Over time, the club have invested a lot in conference facilities, the range, a restauranet and now plans to build a new 9 holes. All this has meant a hike in the green fee, but in all fairness, for what you get for 25 quid at a weekend is pretty good. I know a lot of people have said that there are too many societies playing, maybe so, but we try to be sensible, book afternoon tee times and organise the groups so that slower players are not all together. We tend to get everyone round in 4 hours. The first few holes are fairly short, 3 of the first 6 are par 3's. I don't think that helps with pace of play. However, once out by the dogleg right 7th and the long par 4's that are the 8th and 9th, people spread out a bit. The 10th has water all down the right and holes 13 and 17 are interesting par 3's. All culminates with the terrific 18th hole, a carry over water which is actually easier than it looks but when you need par, it's a little daunting! Top marks to the club for all their help over the years, and also to the club captain who came over to us in the bar last year and asked us if we'd had a good round and said that he hoped we'd enjoyed the day.

Not sure I agree about the greens being 'the best in the West Midlands' many of the local private clubs with immaculately manicured greens would no doubt beg to differ. What Stonebridge is is one of the best pay and plays in the area, certainly value for money and an ideal place to learn the game. The practice facilities and bar/conference rooms are also very good. Too short to challenge top players but a good test for mid-handicappers without being too tough for beginners and occasional players (i.e. Stonebridge's target marker) to develop their game.

Took our golf society there and thoroughly enjoyed our day out. The package included breakfast - and I doubt you'll find a better one anywhere. The course was in good condition. A little short perhaps but not easy by any means. Lots of hidden hazards, and the water on the 18th makes you stop and think. Would recommend for societies and individuals alike.

I have been bought up playing golf on this course and now I have the pleasure of holding RBS golf days here. The course is in excellent condition all year and as many have commented the greens are by far the best in the Midlands. I am lucky enough to play most courses and if given the choice for value and course condition Stonebridge gets my vote. Look forward to this years golf days as I know the first nine although short is quite tricky it can always prove a challenge for any level golfer and the back nine is Driver time.

I have been raised up playing golf on this course and now I have the pleasure of holding RBS golf days here. The course is in excellent condition all year and as many have commented the greens are by far the best in the Midlands. I am lucky enough to play most courses and if given the choice for value and course condition Stonebridge gets my vote. Look forward to this years golf days as I know the first nine although short is quite tricky it can always prove a challenge for any level golfer and the back nine is Driver time.

12 of us played this on a blustery Sunday in a Society weekend Despite the windy weather the golf played was very enjoyable . Only slight complaint is some of the walking in between holes but lots of wildlife to enjoy . Perhaps could invest in more marker posts as first timers are confused where the best route is! Interesting idea in the driving range of hitting balls into a lake. Gets you too used to it later.

I played the course at the end of March and it was in excellent condition, particularly the fairways which were very firm. My only criticisms were that: 1. I think that the club puts too many players on the course leading to plenty of waiting for players in front and pressure from players behind. 2. There were many unrepaired pitchmarks on the green - the club seems to be trying to rectify this by erecting many signs requesting that they are repaired but the message doesn't seem to have got through yet. 3. Some bunkers were left unraked. The bar is quite nice and welcoming although make sure you have plenty of time before ordering food as there was quite a delay in the kitchen. The putting green and range facilities are good. Overall, it is quite a short course in good condition that is good value for money (particularly if using a 241 voucher).

The ONLY thing wrong with this course is it has too many societies playing on it .I love the place but time it wrong and you got a 5 hour round with a lot of waiting. The course is in great nick and has improved in the last 2 years,by all means try it you will like it but not at the weekend.

just played here today (18/03/06) in a socierty match. the course is in very good nick even with the nasty march weather we have had. only 3 tempery tees and no tempory greens. greens run fast but fair and true. fairways drain very well. good food and friendly staff helped our day go smoothly ( i came second!!!). does get busy and the 19th hole bar not the cheapest so book early and take a wad with you. the whole of the club house is a none smoking zone including the bar.

Having played a fair amount of courses in the area over the last few weeks, I can safely say that no other course is playing as well as Stonebridge. The greens, tees & fairways are playing as if it's summertime & not the middle of winter. Some interesting holes & a pleasure to play! Always busy, so make sure you book in advance!

I have played this course about 6 times over the past 4 months and have nejoyed it every time. For a pay and play course it is "probably" one of the best in the West Midlands region. It begins with a couple of easy holes; a short par 4 followed by a short par 3. The challenges then start to come thick and fast. Do you try and drive the 3rd (280 yards with a brook in front!) but frought with danger down both sides. The long par 3 6th followed by the blind drive on 7. A really good challenge (if a little short - only 2 par 5s and they can be reached in 2 by the big hitters). The greens are in good nick and the bunkers play consistently. Overall a good quality course which is worth anyones attention if your in the area and cant afford to go to the Forest of Arden or the Belfry.

A fairly new course which is developing into one of the best Pay & Play's in the area. Some short holes on the Front 9 which are tight and need to be negotiated carefully. The Back 9 is longer, especially around 14, 15 and 16 where a good round can become a bad one very quickly. Greens a bit slow but otherwise in good nick. All in all, a good course with excellent facilities, looking forward to the third loop of 9 holes which opens next year.

An enjoyable, challenging course with some pretty formidable holes including the 10th where golfers straying too close to the lake onto which the driving range faces can find themselves back in the trenches! I particularly enjoy the 3rd with water down one side and a ditch in front of the green. Any fourball who all tee-off on the 4th with the same balls as on the 3rd can consider themselves on form :-) I have found the course to be well-kept and the welcome is the excellent clubhouse to be warm. Very handy location-wise, just off M6/M42.

Played the course yesterday (15/08/01)and it was in good nick. Greens very nice if a little lush. Recently hollow tyned (spelling?) but grass grown back quickly and nice covering. Front 9 has some very tight holes.

A relatively new course offering an enjoyable game of golf to all levels of players. Their are wide fairways and well kept greens. Good drainage due to the nature of the land before the course was built allows for play most of the year round. Beware of stones in rough areas on some holes to avoid club damage and a nasty shock to your hands and arms !!!