Brabazon Course at The Belfry

The Brabazon course is without doubt the main attraction at The Belfry. As a four-time host of The Ryder Cup, more than any other course, this famous layout is steeped in Ryder Cup history. Who could forget Christy O’Connor’s famous 2 iron to the final green in 1985? Or Sam Torrance's 18th hole heroics just four years earlier; or the jubilant Paul McGinley sinking the winning putt in 2002?

As you might expect, the course itself is a fine test of golf too, where the excitement comes from playing iconic and familiar holes. The par 5 3rd is a cracker thanks to the work of Dave Thomas, who carried out renovations in the late 90s, and of course there are iconic holes such as the par 4 10th. Seve drove the green back in 1985 and ever since, that’s been the play for many a player with enough firepower to carry the water short and left of the green. Even if you lay up with your original ball, tee up another and have a crack; it would be rude not to!

Just like the 10th, the closing hole on The Brabazon is a thriller, totally defined by the almost overwhelming presence of water short and left of the green. This is a classic risk vs. reward par 4 where players can choose to be brave, hugging the left and cutting off some of the water from the tee, leaving a shorter approach shot into the green, which must carry the lake to find the long, slender green.

The iconic moments on these famous holes are what make a round on The Brabazon Course so special, and should inspire every golfer to visit and experience that legacy.

The 2022 British Masters, hosted by Danny Willett was played out on the Belfry’s Brabazon Course in May. Former Ryder Cup player Thorbjorn Olesen managed an incredible eagle-birdie finish, making two enormous putts to clinch the British Masters title. Olesen’s final round of 73 almost cost him the victory but his finish was good enough to see off Swede Sebastian Soderberg.

Signature Hole – No. 10: Par 4, 311 yards (Blue Tees)

It’s a bit of a tossup between the iconic 10th and 18th holes on The Brabazon but we all love a great risk vs. reward short par 4. The choice is simple: either hit a long iron or fairway wood into position or, if you have the required length, go for driver and try to carry the water short and left of the green in order to set up a good chance for birdie. With so many classic Ryder Cup moments having taken place here, there’s a real sense of excitement when you step onto the tee. The 10th is one of the most picturesque holes on the course too so regardless of how you choose to play it, you’ll be sure to enjoy the challenge.