Maxstoke Park Golf Club Warwickshire
Set in just over 100 acres of beautiful rolling Warwickshire countryside to the east of Birmingham, the course provides an excellent test of golf and is the chosen venue for regular representative matches at County and Midland level.
The course is set in the extensive grounds of the magnificent medieval moated Maxstoke Castle. The castle dates from 1345 and has been owned and occupied by the Fetherston-Dilke family for over 400 years. The present occupier, Michael, is the club President.
The par 71 course is 6,442 yards in length and is blessed with many mature trees. Several holes require the ability to draw or fade the ball around some very large oaks and horse chestnuts.
There are two large lakes on the course and other strategically placed water features mean that water can catch the wayward shot on 8 of the 18 holes. Maxstoke starts with 2 strong par 4’s and a par 3 where you really don’t want to miss the green.
The 4th and 5th are shorter par 4’s that need accurate approach play but the 6th plays much longer than its yardage because of the lake that lies across the driving area. The 7th and 8th are the only 5’s on the course. 7 has a water hazard to negotiate whilst many can reach the 8th in two if they avoid some of the huge trees which shape the hole.
The 9th is a very good par 3 over water and is followed by a par 4 which, although only medium length, requires a really precise approach for straightness and length. The 11th is a very tough long par 4 (avoiding the trees), The 12th is a much shorter hole with a birdie chance. The 13th is another great par 4 where it pays not to cut off too much of the corner of the dogleg.
A strong hitter can drive the 14th and the 15th is relatively easy but, whatever score you have to that point, the player will be extremely happy with 3 pars to finish. The 16th is a well bunkered par 3. The 17th and 18th are two of the strongest holes of the course. There is a tough carry over a stream to the 17th green for a par, and then golfers pass by Maxstoke Castle and its moat to the 18th tee where the tight drive is a key shot in the round.