Bath - Somerset - England

Having recently moved down to Bath for a job, having lived on the Kent-Surrey border, I was a little bit worried about the quality of golf courses to play in the region.

Previous recent reviews of Bath GC on this website for the most part had not been inspiring.

I was therefore pleasantly surprised after having played Bath and had a really enjoyable round.

Due to being situated high up on the hill overlooking the city, you are treated to some beautiful views overlooking Bath itself and the surrounding countryside, especially with the setting sun whilst playing a twilight round of golf.

The course itself was in very good condition with nice lush fairways to hit off and surprisingly quick greens.

Several holes had an almost links like quality with very undulating fairways.

Particular holes of note for me were the beautiful par 4 3rd with its fantastic views out over Bath alongside an elevated green with a very steep bank off to the left, which was fun to chip up on to if you had missed with your approach shot.

The 11th was my favourite out of the par 3s on the course and is a tough hole when playing into wind.

The dog leg par 4 at the 17th is a quirky and fun hole to play. Flanked all the way on the right side by an old stone wall, its green is protected in front by extremely undulating fairway to stop long hitters from attacking the green with their drives.

The course itself in general is not long - the opening couple of par 4s are very drivable if the weather is favourable and you are a big hitter, so a good score is very much on the cards if you can get off to a fast start.

Green fees are excellent value for money, especially after being used to paying the exorbitant amounts one is expected to pay at the majority of courses in the south east of the country if not introduced by a member.

I was surprised by Bath GC. I had expected a mature, well maintained, even manicured, parkland course. What I played was a very ordinary layout with distinctly agricultural fairways and very lumpy greens.

The par 3s are all good, the 3rd is a good par 4 despite the blind drive, the long par 4 5th is a challenge, and I liked the par 5 15th. The 17th is a quirky short par 4, and the finishing par 4 18th is one of those holes which will be a lot easier the second time that you play it. None of them were in good enough condition, though.

The saving grace here is the position on a hillside high above Bath. There are tremendous views over the outskirts of the city from the 3rd and 4th.

A box ticked, I doubt if we will return.

Surprisingly enjoyable having arrived in a 'steep' car park and with a defibrilator outside the pro shop and with the club house the lowest point on the course. However once you have scaled the short par 4 first it all pretty much levels out and is a very nice layout with some interesting holes. Also considering the height and exposure it is surprising how well the grass has survived unlike many other courses. Well worth a visit. 23/4/19 course no 390

Played in Bath Easter open hoping to judge for myself the second best course in Somerset. Welcome was good. Food was ok. Range had possibly the worst range balls ever. Course condition was poor, with worst competition greens I can recall playing on for a while; they were hard and bumpy and in dire need of water and growth. The course itself I found fairly average. There are a few nice holes with some fairly bland ones in between, and this did little to lift the gloom of having to putt at the end of the hole. The short par 4 dog-leg 17th was probably the most interesting hole, but this is swiftly followed by an uninspiring downhill 18th. The condition of the greens makes me think of a two ball rating, but in fairness I have played Bath before and they have been fine. I think in reality Bath is an average course (ie. not poor, but not any better than a lot of others), and perhaps it's ranking in Somerset is a reflection on Somerset courses in general.

Possibly the most enjoyable inland course in the South West of England, certainly the best course in the Bath/Bristol area by a long way. Always great condition and typical Colt design everywhere. I know recently they thought about changing the course around a but, I saw the plans in the clubhouse. They've changed their minds thankfully. Bath Golf Club is perfect as it is.

Used to be a member here in the 90s when I was working in Bristol and living in Bath. It's a classic tradional members club where you need to be accurate rather than long. I'm a bit biased but I love it and miss the views over the town and will always havea soft spot for Bath GC.