Windermere Golf Club: A Challenging Gem in the Heart of the Lake District

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of England’s Lake District, Windermere Golf Club offers golfers a unique and challenging experience. This parkland course, while relatively short, compensates with its technical layout and stunning views of the surrounding fells.

Course Layout and Condition:

Windermere Golf Club features 18 holes of varied and interesting golf. The course is known for its lack of bunkers, a rarity in golf course design. Instead, it relies on natural hazards, elevation changes, and strategically placed trees to challenge players. The fairways are notably tight, demanding accuracy off the tee. The greens, though small, are well-maintained and true, offering a fair test of putting skills.

Standout Holes:

The 8th hole, “Fairfield,” is the signature par-3 and lives up to its reputation. It offers breathtaking views from the tee, but don’t let the scenery distract you – the steep bank in front of the green can be punishing.
The 16th hole, “Fellside,” is the course’s lone par-5 and provides a good risk-reward opportunity for longer hitters. The 17th, “Grasmere,” is described as a potential “card wrecker” with out-of-bounds left and dense trees right, truly testing a player’s nerves as the round nears its end.
The course finishes strong with the 18th, “Westmorland,” a challenging par-3 that demands accuracy to a two-tiered green. It’s a fitting end to a round that will have tested every club in your bag.

Scenery and Atmosphere:

One of Windermere’s greatest assets is its setting. The views of the Lake District mountains are spectacular, particularly on the back nine. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the presence of various birds, rabbits, and even pheasants around the course.

Challenges:

The course’s layout can be quite demanding, especially for first-time visitors. Many holes feature blind shots or require local knowledge for optimal play. The lack of bunkers is offset by other hazards, including out-of-bounds areas on several holes and a few well-placed water features.
The terrain can be hilly in places, making it a tough walk for some players. While carts are available, they’re limited in number, so booking in advance is advisable if you need one.

Facilities and Staff:

I have been to windermere a few times and have always found the clubhouse to have a friendly vibe and the staff have always been helpful. The pro shop is well-stocked with your golfing essentials aswell as rental trollies, bugies and clubs available if needed. The clubhouse offers excellent food and drinks with great views over the course and landscape.

The practice facilities are more than good enough for a pre round warm up, with a large putting green, chipping area, and some practice nets to warm up the full swing near the first tee. There is a short game practice area a short walk from the club house if you really want to dial in your game.

Value:

At £65 (£35 for recprical rates), the green fee represents fair value considering the quality of the course and its prime location in the Lake District.

Conclusion:

Windermere Golf Club offers a memorable golfing experience that combines challenging play with breathtaking scenery. While it may not be the longest course, its unique layout, absence of bunkers, and stunning views make it a must-play for golfers visiting the Lake District. Just remember to bring your accuracy, a camera for the views, and perhaps leave the driver in the bag on some of those tighter holes!