Rank #20 | Nottinghamshire

Sherwood Forest Golf Club

Step into Robin Hood country and experience one of Britain's finest and most demanding heathland layouts, renowned for its punishing heather, sweeping pines, and brilliant Harry Colt architecture.

1 Heathland Classic
Top 100 UK & Ireland
4.8/5 Rating

The Vibe

Set within the legendary confines of the ancient Sherwood Forest, this heathland gem is a masterclass in strategic design. Harry Colt and James Braid both left their mark here, crafting a routing that flows beautifully through corridors of mature pines, silver birch, and swathes of vibrant purple heather. It's a serene but seriously testing environment where precision is rewarded and straying from the fairway is harshly punished by the famous Nottinghamshire heather.

Quick-Glance Summary

Par

71

Yardage

6,806

Architect

Harry Colt (1912) / James Braid (1927)

The Access Masterclass

How To Book

Visitor Access: Sherwood Forest is highly welcoming to visitors, but advance booking is essential, particularly for peak summer slots when the heather is in full bloom. It operates primarily as a private members' club, so weekday availability is typically much better than weekends.

The Open Competitions: Look out for their excellent open competitions throughout the summer for an opportunity to play this Top 100 heathland course in tournament conditions at a fantastic value.

Logistics

2026 Green Fee

£150 (High Season). A brilliant value proposition for an elite-tier heathland experience with such pedigree.

Closest Airport

East Midlands (EMA) is roughly 45 minutes south. Birmingham (BHX) is just over an hour down the M42.

The Official Card

Hole Name White Yellow Red Par Stroke Index
1First40539036049
2Colt's Challenge44042539043
3Heather's Kiss530510480511
4Valley185170150315
5Pines41039537045
6The Outlaw45043040041
7Short160145130317
8Braid's Dogleg385370350413
9Turn42040538047
OUT 3385 3240 3010 35 -
10Oaks400385355410
11Long54052049058
12Major Oak43041538044
13Plateau195180160316
14Sherwood44543040042
15Marian's Way380365340414
16The Gap41539537046
17Copse176160145318
18Home440425395412
IN 3421 3275 3035 36 -
TOTAL 6806 6515 6045 71 -

Tactical Strategy Guide

Caddie Tip

Valley (Hole 4): An absolute beauty of a short hole, requiring a precise iron over a valley of heather to a well-guarded green. Take enough club, as anything short is instantly swallowed by the heath.

Sherwood (Hole 14): A long, demanding par 4 that requires a perfectly threaded drive between the encroaching pines. Keep the ball in play off the tee, as the penalty for missing the fairway is brutal.

The Insider FAQ

1. Is it really in Sherwood Forest?

Yes, the course is routed through land that was once part of the legendary royal hunting forest of Robin Hood fame, giving it an undeniable historical mystique.

2. How penal is the heather?

Extremely. In late summer, when it's fully grown and blooming purple, it's visually stunning but requires a wedge sideways if you find it. Accuracy off the tee is paramount.

3. Are buggies available?

Yes, a limited number of buggies are available to hire, but walking this relatively flat heathland is generally considered the preferred way to truly experience the routing.

4. Is there a handicap limit?

Generally, visitors are expected to be competent golfers, and a handicap certificate or CDH number is often requested (max 28 Men, 36 Women).

5. What is the best time of year to play?

Late August to September is peak magic when the heather is in full purple bloom, offering incredible aesthetics and optimal, firm turf conditions.

6. Do I need to book far in advance?

Yes, for prime summer tee times, booking 6-9 months in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred slot.

7. Are caddies available?

Caddies are not standard at Sherwood Forest, but you can certainly request one in advance through the professional shop if required.

8. Can we stay directly on site?

There is no accommodation directly on site, but there are plenty of excellent hotels and boutique lodgings in nearby Mansfield and Nottingham.

9. What's the clubhouse vibe?

Traditional but remarkably relaxed. A jacket and tie are not required for the main lounges, but smart, pristine golf attire is expected everywhere on the property.

10. How does it compare to Notts (Hollinwell)?

It's right next door and often heavily debated! Sherwood is tighter and more heavily tree-lined, while Hollinwell is more expansive. Playing both back-to-back is the ultimate Nottinghamshire double.