Without doubt the County of Northumberland can lay claim to possessing some truly inspiring and varied golf courses. From the fast-running links at Dunstanburgh and Goswick, to the majestic parkland settings of Linden and Hexham and the American style courses at Longhirst, the county offers golfers a really exciting choice of venues.
But if you are looking to sample a fine round of golf which is challenging without being frustrating, then the course at Morpeth Golf Club could just well be the ideal place for you.
Formed back in 1906, the gentlemen of Morpeth initially played their golf in a field at Tranwell before moving to the club's present location on the outskirts of the town, where six times British Open champion Harry Vardon designed a truly scenic golf course.
In 2006, Morpeth Golf Club celebrated their centenary year in style. The men's league team won the Newcastle and District League title and Craig Penny was awarded the Player of the Year. Sandy Twynholm earned his 100th county cap, won the county's Fenwick Smith Trophy and for the 14th time, Morpeth's Club Championship - his morning round of 63 set a new course record. During the afternoon, Gary Wilson was on target to go one better but a bogey at the last saw him shoot 63 - not many clubs have seen the course record broken and equalled in the course of a single day's play!
Not to be outdone, the ladies team won both the Norah Percy Trophy and the second division and the juniors were victorious in their league - a clean sweep of all the county and League major trophies - the script for their centenary year couldn't have been written any better.
Morpeth Golf Club is a traditional Members club, steeped in history and with a thriving membership of 800, including 150 social members, a favourite focal point for the residents of Morpeth. The facilities in the clubhouse are of the highest order with an excellent lounge and bar area, dining room and a terrace overlooking the 1st tee and putting green - an ideal spot to watch members and visitors practicing and trying to stay out of the flower beds!!
The club's professional, Martin Jackson and his staff, operate a well stocked pro shop and are available for teaching sessions should your swing require some fine tuning throughout the season.
The Course
This lovely parkland course with fantastic panoramic views of the countryside, including the picturesque Cheviot Hills, features a whole host of challenges to your game that will excite and test you to the absolute limit.
Morpeth golf course may not be the longest in the region but this lovely parkland layout does require accurate shot making and good course management to avoid disaster. Although there are a number of very short par 4s, where the big hitters may be tempted to go for the greens, any tee shot off line will result in a provisional ball being required.
