Rothley Park

In 2015, Tom Mackenzie from architects Mackenzie & Ebert carried out a full course audit with particular emphasis on improving the style and positioning of the bunkers. All the alterations were completed by the start of the 2022 season.

Today, this parkland beauty measures 6,490 yards from the back markers, with tree-lined fairways offering golfers almost total isolation from the outside world, except at the 2nd and 15th, where the Great Central steam railway line runs alongside both fairways.

Rothley Brook cuts across both the 2nd and 18th but these are the only two holes where water comes into play during a round here. Out of bounds restrictions on a number of the holes are far more likely to affect golfers who stray from the tightly mown grass.

Feature holes on the front nine include short par fours at the 5th and the 8th, which present good birdie opportunities. On the other hand, the 457-yard 9th is a monster, playing downhill to a green that falls away on three sides.

On the inward half, the tough par four 13th hole is unusual in that it shares a green with the par three 4th and the last of the three short holes on the card is played as early as the 12th hole, leaving a tough half dozen holes to finish the round.

The best hole on the layout is regarded by many as the 522-yard 15th, the first of two par fives in the closing four-hole sequence. Even though the hole plays downhill, there’s out of bounds to worry about on either side, an array of approach and greenside bunkers and a front-to-back sloped green to contend with.