If Northamptonshire County Golf Club was located closer to London, it would not only be well known, but maybe a regular ranking contender for our English Top 100.
Northamptonshire County Golf Club
If Northamptonshire County Golf Club was located closer to London, it would not only be well known, but maybe a regular ranking contender for our English Top 100.
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Tucked neatly to the north of Northampton, Northamptonshire County Golf Club—fondly known as Northants—is one of those courses that doesn’t shout, but instead whispers with the assurance of pedigree, polish, and a deep-rooted golfing heritage. Established in 1909, the course was laid out by none other than Harry Colt, one of the founding fathers of strategic golf design. Subsequent refinements came in 1947, courtesy of James Braid, who reworked the bunkering and repositioned the 18th hole to take advantage of the picturesque approach towards the clubhouse. It’s a finishing shot that still lingers in the memory long after the putt drops—an elegant touch from one of golf’s great architects.
You can feel that heritage as soon as you arrive. The clubhouse—a charming blend of traditional and sympathetically modernised architecture—is matched by a large, tidy car park, a bright and well-stocked pro shop, and impressive changing facilities with contemporary showers and single-use towels. The welcome is as warm as you’ll find anywhere, with staff who take pride in the experience they offer.
Northants describes itself as a heathland course, but this isn’t quite the springy-surfaced, heather-lined experience you might expect from the sandbelt classics. Instead, it veers gently towards parkland, with silver birch, pine, and gorse shaping the holes, and offering both beauty and challenge. The turf is a joy to play on—resilient even after passing showers—and the layout is immaculately presented throughout. Tee boxes are pristine and plentiful, with five options for every skill level, and smart touches like benches, ball washers, and bins placed thoughtfully across the course.
Routing-wise, the course does zigzag slightly, occasionally criss-crossing itself, but the variety in wind direction and elevation more than compensates. What’s more, it’s cleverly designed to bring you back near the halfway house and toilets at several points—a small but welcome practical touch. Away from roads and houses, it’s an idyllic, quiet setting, broken only by the occasional passing train, the call of birds, and even, rather remarkably, a crayfish spotted in one of the course’s gentle streams.
The stretch from holes 8 to 15 is the beating heart of the course. Here, the land undulates, the trees close in and open out at just the right moments, and the turf seems a touch more perfect still. It’s here where Northants shines—where the course seems to find its rhythm and character.
While Northants doesn’t quite boast a "signature" hole in the bold, headline-grabbing sense, there’s a quiet consistency in design and quality. Greens are often cut into the landscape, guarded by strategically placed bunkers, false fronts, and subtle run-offs that demand intelligent shotmaking. The course is full of tree-lined fairways, mounded sides, and hidden breaks in the greens that test without trickery.
Some standout holes include:
The 8th (Par 4, 295 yards) – A wicked little dog-leg left, teasing the longer hitter to take on the tree line or thread the needle. The smarter play is a lay-up on the visible first fairway, but the green, shielded by mounds and with a steep run-off at the back, punishes anything too bold or long for the second shot.
The 9th (Par 4, 376 yards) – Straight off the tee, but a river cuts across the fairway at 270 yards, demanding precision. The second shot opens to views of farmland, adding a tranquil backdrop to a green flanked by bunkers.
The 10th (Par 4, 408 yards) – After ducking under the railway, the hole reveals an undulating, slightly doglegging fairway, with trouble right and a challenging green complex. I managed a lip-out par—no doubt a generous stroke of luck for a stroke index 1 hole.
The 11th (Par 4, 379 yards) – Runs alongside the train line with bunkers lurking for the wayward. A beautiful approach awaits, framed by Harlestone Firs and the neighbouring 12th tee.
The 12th (Par 3, 131 yards) – A short uphill par 3 with an elevated tee box clad in wood, demanding accuracy to avoid four bunkers of differing shapes and depths nestled among the trees.
The 15th (Par 3, 167 yards) – Plays across a bridleway and river, with options to attack or lay up. I chose the conservative route and walked off with a bogey, but no regrets.
The 18th (Par 5, 475 yards) – One of only two par 5s on the course, and a real highlight. A gentle dog-leg right, framed by trees and long grass, culminating in a magnificent approach—bunkering, silver birch trees, and the clubhouse creating a postcard finish. Despite a poor tee shot, a rescue and a composed approach earned me a memorable par. It was some of the finest closing shots I’ve played.
The practice area includes a small putting green near the 18th, a chipping green, and what appeared to be a grass driving range, tucked behind some trees. The pro shop team were knowledgeable, friendly, and efficient, setting me up with everything I needed and offering some helpful tips.
At £85 with a County Card on a Wednesday, I’d say this offers value for money. For a course of heritage, quality maintenance, and thoughtful design, it's a fair price, especially when paired with the warmth of the welcome.
Northamptonshire County might not boast the drama or fame of some heathland giants, but it delivers smart, strategic golf in a setting of quiet beauty and consistent class. It’s the kind of course that earns your respect more with each hole, rather than vying for attention with gimmicks or theatrics.
It doesn’t try to impress—it just is impressive.
If you’re passing through Northamptonshire—or even coming from London like I did—the run from holes 8 to 15 makes the journey worthwhile. I’d happily return.
Alex Dawson
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
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Woburn Golf Club is the only club in England with all three of its courses continuously ranked in the Top 100, and all three sit within 15 minutes of Milton Keynes town centre. For any golfer visiting the area, whether for business or leisure, that is an offer that simply does not exist anywhere else in England. ⛳️ Top 3 Golf Courses in Milton Keynes 🥇 Best Golf Course in Milton Keynes — Woburn Golf Club (Marquess) #59 England · #1 Buckinghamshire Access: Visitors Welcome — Weekdays Only Best Time to Visit: Apr–Oct Distance from City Centre: 15 min Set within 200 acres of majestic mature woodland on the Woburn Abbey estate, the Marquess opened in 2000 as the youngest and most expansive of Woburn's three courses. Fairways are wider and more undulating than its siblings, featuring oak, yew, chestnut, rowan and beech rather than dense pine, measuring well over 7,000 yards from the back tees. It has hosted the British Masters four times and the Women's British Open twice, cementing its place as the standout course of one of England's finest golfing venues. 🥈 Golf Course in Milton Keynes — Woburn Golf Club (Duke's) #73 England · #2 Buckinghamshire Access: Visitors Welcome — Weekdays Only Best Time to Visit: Apr–Oct Distance from City Centre: 15 min The original Woburn course, opened in 1976, is classical rather than modern in its design. Subtle dog-legs and holes played in magnificent isolation from one another define the layout, with the famous downhill par-three 3rd standing out as one of the most memorable short holes in English parkland golf. It has hosted the Dunlop Masters, the British Masters and the Women's British Open. A must-play. 🥉 #3 Golf Course in Milton Keynes — Woburn Golf Club (Duchess) #100 England · #3 Buckinghamshire Access: Visitors Welcome — Weekdays Only Best Time to Visit: Apr–Oct Distance from City Centre: 15 min The tightest and most intimate of the three Woburn courses, opened in 1979. At 6,651 yards it is the shortest of the three, but towering pine trees make every hole appear exceptionally narrow. Use your driver sparingly on a course where keeping the ball in play is everything, and one many members quietly regard as their personal favourite. 🔁 Can't Play the Top 3? Best Alternative Golf Courses Near Milton Keynes Northamptonshire County Golf Club #96 England · #1 Northamptonshire Access: Contact Club Prior to Visit Best Time to Visit: Year-round Distance from City Centre: 45 min Designed by Harry Colt in 1909 on the borders of the Althorp Estate in Church Brampton, this is a traditional layout that carries a distinctive heathland feel despite its parkland setting. Donald Steel described it as offering a test of inland golf that, of its type, is as good as any. Exceptionally well-drained and playable year-round, it is a genuine hidden gem within easy reach of Milton Keynes. Aspley Guise & Woburn Sands Golf Club #2 Bedfordshire Access: Contact Club Prior to Visit Best Time to Visit: Year-round Distance from City Centre: 10 min Sandy Herd's 1914 parkland design sits just ten minutes from Milton Keynes town centre, making it the most accessible alternative when Woburn is unavailable. Extended from nine to eighteen holes in the 1970s, it is a mature and well-regarded layout that hosted the 2009 County Championships and drains well throughout the year. 📋 More Golf Courses Near Milton Keynes Milton Keynes borders three counties, giving travelling golfers a wide choice of verified courses within 60 minutes of the town centre. In Buckinghamshire: Bedfordshire Golf Club, Buckinghamshire Golf Club. In Bedfordshire: Bedford & County Golf Club, Millbrook Golf Club, South Beds Golf Club. In Northamptonshire, north and east of Milton Keynes: Brampton Heath Golf Centre, Collingtree Park Golf Club, Kettering Golf Club, Kingsthorpe Golf Club, Northampton Golf Club, Staverton Park Hotel & Golf Club, Wellingborough Golf Club and Whittlebury Park. Full rankings and reviews for all courses are available at top100golfcourses.com. ❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Golf in Milton Keynes How many Top 100-ranked golf courses are near Milton Keynes? Three — all at Woburn Golf Club. The Marquess (#59 England), Duke's (#73 England) and Duchess (#100 England) are each independently ranked and all sit within 15 minutes of Milton Keynes town centre. Is Woburn Golf Club open to visitors? Yes, but on weekdays only. All three courses welcome visiting golfers from Monday to Friday throughout the year. Advance booking is required and a handicap certificate is recommended. Woburn is closed to visitors at weekends. What is the best golf course in Milton Keynes? The Marquess at Woburn Golf Club is ranked #59 in England and #1 in Buckinghamshire, making it the highest-ranked course within reach of Milton Keynes. It is the recommended first choice for any travelling golfer visiting the area. ✈️ Getting to Milton Keynes for Golf Milton Keynes Central station sits on the West Coast Main Line with direct services into London Euston from 32 minutes. London Luton Airport (LTN) is the nearest airport at 40km (25 miles) from Milton Keynes town centre, approximately 35 minutes by car to Woburn. London Heathrow (LHR) offers the widest international connections at 70km (43 miles) from Milton Keynes town centre, around 55 minutes by car to Woburn. Car rental is available at both airports and is strongly recommended for reaching Woburn, Northamptonshire County and the wider area. 🌤️ Best Time to Play Golf in Milton Keynes May through September offers the most reliable playing conditions, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 22°C (72°F) and monthly rainfall averaging 50–60mm (2–2.4in). October brings superb autumn colour through Woburn's pine and beech woodland. Northamptonshire County and Aspley Guise drain exceptionally well and are playable through winter. The Woburn courses play best from April onwards. Plan Your Milton Keynes Golf Trip Full rankings, reviews and course details for every course listed on this page are available at top100golfcourses.com.
Top 10 Golf Courses in Northamptonshire 2015 Northamptonshire Best in County rankings updated For many people, given the task of associating Northamptonshire with a chosen sport, they might link the county with the Silverstone motor racing circuit and the British Grand Prix, though some could also nominate Northampton Town FC or one of the region’s semi-professional football teams. Perhaps the County Cricket Club would also come into the reckoning. Almost certainly, very few would connect Northamptonshire with golf, which is a real shame. It’s not exactly a golfing hotspot, nonetheless there are a good number of courses worth playing in this region, ten of which we feature in our latest ranking chart for a county that’s known to some as “The Rose of the Shires”. The course at Northamptonshire County comfortably retains its number 1 position in the new county listings. Formed in 1909, the club has architects Harry Colt and James Braid to thank for its 18-hole layout, though Cameron Sinclair also added three holes in more recent times, allowing golfers to play a quick 9-hole circuit that brings them back to the clubhouse. Moving up two places to position 4 in the standings, the 18-hole course at Brampton Heath Golf Centre is a mid-1990s design which, although still maturing, continues to gain favour with an ever-increasing number of casual and regular visiting golfers. It’s also part of a 27-hole modern facility that offers fantastic value for money. Also making an upward move in the chart, albeit only one position to number 9, the traditional parkland layout at Kingsthorpe Golf Club is an old C. H. Alison design that dates back to just before World War I. What’s most remarkable about this course is the fact that all eighteen holes fit into a very tight 72-acre plot of land, which is a ludicrously small area to squeeze a golf course into. A couple of new entries also make it into the Northamptonshire Top 10 rankings. The first newcomer is Peterborough Milton at number 6 and this is a James Braid-designed course that first opened for play in 1937. The other newcomer appears at number 7 and it’s the course at Kettering, where the original 9-hole layout was pegged out in 1891 by another famous golfing Scotsman, Old Tom Morris. We’d like to thank everybody in this region who contributed to our re-ranking process. To view more details of the courses in our Northamptonshire Top 10 rankings, click this link. If you’ve played extensively across this region and would like to help us with the next edition of the chart then please drop Editor-in-Chief Keith Baxter an email at keith@top100golfcourses.com. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses
England's Second Hundred 2011 With 48 new entries, our newly extended English golf course rankings reveal significant changes. We will continue to perfect the ranking process over time and your player review posts are an important element in our ranking process. Some of the new entries are courses which we have featured on the Top 100 website for many years and some of these have numerous player reviews posted. However, there are 19 brand new entries and these courses would benefit from your honest input. We’d be grateful if you would post player reviews for any of the courses you’ve played. We’ll then use this data alongside other published ranking and rating information to formulate our 2013 English rankings. Thurlestone is the highest new entry in our England Second Hundred and it moves straight out of “Your Gems” to position 102. “Thurlestone was founded in 1897 on a massive rabbit warren, covered with scrub, brambles and gorse.” Wrote Peter Alliss in the Good Golf Guide. “Put another way, it was almost the ideal for golf – once the fairways had been carved through, and greens laid.” Northamptonshire County is the second highest new entry and it too was formerly a Gem nominated by Paul back in January 2008. Here’s what Paul had to say: “It is a very traditional course and although parkland in style, it has a heathland feel to it. Designed by Harry Colt in 1909 and standing the test of time very well after a bunker layout change in 1947 by James Braid, the club is now extending the course further with many new tees opening in spring 2008 to lengthen the layout to over 6,700 yards.” We plan to focus firmly on England’s golf courses during 2011 and aim to showcase many more fine courses from around the country. Keep a close eye on what’s happening here at Top 100 during 2011, you may find your home club featured. Click here to see England’s First Hundred.
