Bamburgh Castle Golf Club

Perched on the clifftops overlooking the historic Bamburgh Castle, Bamburgh Castle Golf Club offers a distinctive golfing experience on the Northumberland coast. Established in 1904 through the vision of Lord Armstrong, the then-owner of Bamburgh Castle, the course was designed by George Rochester, the professional at nearby Alnmouth. The club was founded to enhance Bamburgh's appeal as a holiday destination. While not a traditional links, it plays and is maintained like one, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the castle, the Farne Islands, Holy Island, and the Cheviot Hills from nearly every hole. The course layout is notable for its unconventional start, featuring back-to-back par 3s followed by back-to-back par 5s. With a par of 68 and a modest length of just over 5,600 yards from the white tees, it presents a quirky, fun, and traditional test of golf, demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot-making rather thanUSH power. The course underwent a significant reorganisation in 1910 to avoid mining activity in a quarry, with the current layout largely in place since 1913. Minor adjustments have been made over the years, but the essence of Rochester's design remains. The club has been a regular venue for County and Inter-County events. While it may not have extensive, modern practice facilities, it possesses a charm rooted in its rugged coastline setting and rich history.