Golf Courses in Birmingham: Where to Play, Green Fees & Visitor Guide (2026)

The Belfry — four-time Ryder Cup host — is 20 minutes from Birmingham city center. Forest of Arden, a European Tour championship venue, is 9 minutes from the airport. Within 30 miles of England’s second city, you’ll find 70+ golf courses ranging from historic private clubs with waiting lists to £15 municipal pay-and-play options anyone can walk onto.

English golf doesn’t work like Thailand or Spain. There are no caddies, no instant online booking, and no prices listed upfront on most platforms. Visitor access at private clubs means calling ahead, booking a weekday slot, and bringing your handicap certificate. Public courses are simpler — just turn up and pay. But for the traveling golfer willing to make a phone call, the West Midlands is one of the strongest golf regions in the country. Green fees from £15 to £250, all within half an hour of Birmingham.

At a Glance

All Birmingham courses on booking platforms operate on an inquiry basis. Green fee estimates from club websites and public directories.

The Headline Courses

The Belfry — Ryder Cup Country
The name that defines Birmingham golf. The Belfry hosted the Ryder Cup four times (1985, 1989, 1993, 2002) and remains one of the most recognized golf resorts in Europe. Three courses on the property: The Brabazon (the championship course where the Ryder Cups were played), The PGA National, and The Derby. A 324-room resort hotel, spa, and full facilities.

Green fees range from £75 to £250 depending on course and day — The Brabazon at peak times is the high end. Located in Sutton Coldfield, about 20 minutes from the city center.

The Belfry is not on Tiger Booking. Book directly through thebelfry.com. If you’re making the trip to Birmingham specifically for golf, this is probably why.

Forest of Arden — Championship Golf Near the Airport
The strongest course on Tiger Booking’s Birmingham list, and the most practical option for airport-based golfers. A European Tour venue (hosted the English Open multiple times), attached to a Marriott Hotel & Resort, just 9 minutes from Birmingham Airport (BHX). Par 72, 7,213 yards — a championship-length parkland layout through mature Warwickshire countryside.

Forest of Arden is inquiry-only on the booking platform — submit a request for current availability and green fees. The Marriott connection makes it the obvious stay-and-play option near Birmingham.

Edgbaston Golf Club
One of the most prestigious private clubs in the West Midlands — consistently ranked in Warwickshire’s top three. Par 69, 6,128 yards, established parkland. Visitors welcome on weekdays with advance booking and a handicap certificate. Located about 25 minutes from the airport.

Public & Pay-and-Play Courses

No membership needed, no handicap certificate required, no phone call necessary. These are the courses where anyone can play.

Hatchford Brook Golf Centre — The closest 18-hole course to Birmingham Airport at just 6 minutes. Municipal, par 70, 6,143 yards. The practical choice for golfers with limited time.

Pype Hayes Golf Club — Public municipal in north Birmingham. Par 71, 6,024 yards. Accessible and affordable.

Lickey Hills Golf Club — A popular public option south of the city, par 69, 5,802 yards, with the Lickey Hills Country Park as its setting. One of Birmingham’s most-used municipal courses.

Cocks Moors Woods Golf Club — Public, par 69, 5,784 yards, south Birmingham.

Expect green fees of £15–£30 at municipal courses. Walking is the default; electric trolleys and buggies may be available for hire.

Private Clubs That Welcome Visitors

Birmingham has a deep bench of established private clubs — most of which accept visitor bookings on weekdays. Call the club directly, typically a week or more ahead, and have your handicap certificate ready. Green fees at private clubs generally run £40–£80 for a visitor round.

Worth contacting: Handsworth GC (par 70, 6,362 yards, Birmingham proper), Moor Hall GC (Sutton Coldfield, par 70), Walmley GC (Sutton Coldfield, par 71), Kings Norton GC (27 holes, par 72, south Birmingham — one of the longest courses in the area at 7,010 yards), Moseley GC (established south Birmingham club), Hollywood GC (par 72, south of the city), and Harborne GC (par 70, inner-city private).

All are on Tiger Booking as inquiry listings. You can also contact them directly by phone — which, in English golf, is often the more straightforward route.

How English Golf Works (for Visitors)

If you’re coming from Southeast Asia, American resort golf, or anywhere with online booking and included caddies, English golf will feel different.

No caddies. Walk and carry, bring or rent a pull trolley, or hire an electric buggy (limited availability at most clubs, sometimes restricted to those with medical need).

Walking is the default. Buggies exist but are not standard. English golf is walking golf.

Visitor days at private clubs. Most clubs welcome visitors on weekdays — typically Monday to Friday, sometimes excluding Wednesday (members’ competition day). Weekends are almost always members-only in the morning, with some afternoon visitor slots. Call at least a week ahead.

Handicap certificate. Required at most private clubs. Municipal and pay-and-play courses don’t ask for one.

Dress code. Collared shirt, tailored trousers or shorts, golf shoes with soft spikes. No denim, no trainers, no collarless tops. Stricter at established clubs like Edgbaston; more relaxed at municipals.

Booking. Phone the club or book through their website. Tiger Booking operates on an inquiry basis for all Birmingham courses — submit a request and wait for confirmation. For many clubs, calling directly is faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I play golf in Birmingham?
The Belfry (Ryder Cup venue, book directly) and Forest of Arden (European Tour, on Tiger Booking) are the headline courses. Public options include Hatchford Brook (6 min from airport), Pype Hayes, and Lickey Hills — all open to everyone, no membership needed.

How much does golf cost in Birmingham?
£15–£30 for municipal courses, £40–£80 for private club visitor rounds, £75–£250 for The Belfry.

Do Birmingham golf courses have caddies?
No — English golf is walk-and-carry or walk-with-trolley. Electric buggies available at some courses with advance booking.

Do I need a handicap to play golf in Birmingham?
Not for public or municipal courses. Private clubs usually require a valid handicap certificate for visitor rounds.

What is the best golf course near Birmingham?
The Belfry (Brabazon Course) for Ryder Cup prestige. Forest of Arden for championship golf near the airport. Edgbaston for a classic private club experience.

Book Your Tee Time

All Birmingham-area courses on Tiger Booking are inquiry-based — submit a request for availability:

→ Birmingham Golf on Tiger Booking — Inquiry booking for Forest of Arden, Edgbaston, and 15+ more West Midlands courses.

For The Belfry, book directly at thebelfry.com.

Where to Stay in Birmingham

Forest of Arden’s Marriott Hotel puts you on a championship course 9 minutes from the airport. The Belfry has its own 324-room resort. For hotels across the city:

→ HotelBirmingham.com

Green fee estimates are from club websites and public directories (2026). All Tiger Booking courses are inquiry-only — contact for current rates. Prices are subject to change.