Forrest Park Golf Course Review York, England

Forrest Park Golf Course is located in the picturesque village of Stockton-on-the-Forest, York, England, it’s actually only a few miles from my home and a course I have played many times.

The club boasts two well-designed courses: an 18-hole course called The Old Foss and a 9-hole course called The West Course, both offering unique challenges and beautiful scenery for golfers to enjoy. Additionally, the club features a driving range for players to practice their swings, as well as a clubhouse with bar and restaurant.

I actually play the 9 holes a lot more than the 18 as it’s a lovely little 9 holes and I can get round quickly and usually without booking.

Find out – How Long Does 9 Holes of Golf Take?

I’m often driving past and as I keep my golf gear in the car, I just stop and play 9.

Key Takeaways

• Forrest Park Golf Course offers both an 18-hole and a 9-hole course, each with unique challenges and layouts.
• The club is located in a picturesque village near York, England and is known for its friendly atmosphere.
• Visitors can usually get a round at little notice on the 9 hole course
• The club has a large membership so certain days can be busy with club comps. So, check before going.
• Nice putting area outside the clubhouse and a place to chip from
• Driving range with targets and 3-4 outside mats as well to use just to the side of the range

Course Details

Forest Park Golf Course offers two main courses to choose from: the challenging 18-hole Old Foss Course and the shorter, yet equally enjoyable 9-hole West Course.

Old Foss Course is par-71 course that stretches over 6,673 yards. It offers a balance of long and short holes, allowing golfers to test their skills across various aspects of their game. The fairways are well-groomed, making it an inviting course for players of all skill levels.

There is a few sneaky ditches to avoid, so check the course planner before hitting longer clubs into fairways.

The West Course, on the other hand, is a par-70 layout designed for those who want to enjoy a quick round or practice their short game. It may have fewer holes, but don’t be fooled – the course layout still demands accuracy and strategy. Both courses are nestled within the beautiful setting of Forest Park, providing a scenic backdrop for an enjoyable round of golf.

The greens on both the Old Foss and West Courses are well-maintained, ensuring smooth putting surfaces.

York is notorious for flooding so courses in this area are often very wet in winter months. FPG does a great job of keeping the course open most of the year.

I have rarely visited and found it unplayable.

Old Foss Couse 18 Holes

West Course 9 Holes

Course Layout and Difficulty

Tee Par Length Rating Slope

The course layout at Forest Park Golf Club – West Course quite interesting and enjoyable. The tee par length, rating, and slope vary depending on the choice of tees. There are three main sets of tees: white, red, and yellow.

White Tees: The white tees are the longest and most challenging set of tees. They have a par of 71, measuring 6356 yards in length. The rating is 70.4, and the slope is 125. Beginners and high handicappers may find the white tees particularly challenging due to the length and difficulty.

Red Tees: Playing from the red tees makes the course slightly shorter and more suitable for intermediate golfers. The course measures 5,474 yards with a par of 70. The course rating is 68.1, and the slope is 121. This set of tees provides a less demanding, yet still engaging experience for those seeking a challenge without too much penalization.

Yellow Tees: For golfers who prefer a shorter course or are still fine-tuning their skills, the yellow tees offer an enjoyable alternative. The par remains at 70, but the length measures 6168 yards. The rating is 65.6, and the slope is 115. The yellow tees present the least amount of challenge compared to the white and red tees.

Visitor Experience

Booking and Hours

Until recently you could only book book over the phone but now you can also book through their official website.

They are flexible with timing, as they are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing me to pick the most suitable time for my round.

Course Amenities

• Two courses: An 18-hole course (The Old Foss Course) and a 9-hole course (The West Course).
• Driving Range: A well-maintained driving range, allowing me to practice my swing before a game.
• Pro Shop: A convenient shop for purchasing golf accessories or renting equipment if needed.
• Clubhouse: A welcoming and comfortable area to enjoy a post-game meal or beverage with friends.
• Huge car parking: Spaces behind the clubhouse and an area at the side of the range as overflow
• Club and Trolley cleaning machine
• Nice free putting area to use
• Chipping area off two matts is small but enough

Policies and Handicap Requirements

As a visitor, I appreciated the fact that Forest Park Golf Club is inclusive and does not impose any strict handicap requirements. Furthermore, payment was made easy, as they accept credit cards, ensuring a hassle-free experience for me.

However, I would recommend reviewing their golf course policies beforehand to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Clubhouse and Catering

Clubhouse Lounge

At Forest Park Golf Club, I found their clubhouse lounge to be welcoming and comfortable. It offers a relaxing atmosphere where I could unwind after an enjoyable round on the golf course. The lounge is situated conveniently near the 1st tee and 18th green, making it an ideal place to grab a refreshment or socialize with fellow golfers after finishing a game.

A little intimidating hitting your approach shot into the 18^th one a busy sunny say when everyone is sitting outside. But also, very rewarding if you hit a good one.

60 Yards too long and your ball will be in the clubhouse. So, choose your club wisely.

Food and Beverage Options

As for the food and drinks on offer, the clubhouse provides a good variety of options. Their menu caters for various dietary preferences, maintaining a good balance between quality and value. Several options available to me included bar snacks, more substantial meals, as well as hot and cold beverages. The service staff were friendly, attentive and made sure my needs were attended to promptly, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.

The catering at Forest Park Golf Club is definitely something I would recommend to golfers visiting the course. Whether you want to have a quick bite to eat or a more leisurely meal, you can expect a pleasant dining experience in the clubhouse.

Golf Services and Facilities

Rentals and Services

At Forest Park Golf Club, I found a range of rental equipment and services to cater to every golfer’s needs. The well-stocked pro shop offers a variety of equipment for both purchase and rental, including clubs, trolleys, and golf buggies. Furthermore, the golf club also provides Wi-Fi, a comfortable clubhouse, and free parking, which I really appreciated during my visit.

Practice and Instruction

I found great opportunities for practice and improvement at Forest Park Golf Club, thanks to their open-air & covered driving range. The driving range was spacious and well-maintained, allowing me to fine-tune my swing and warm up before hitting the course.

In addition to the driving range, if you’re looking to improve your golf skills, Forest Park offers a variety of golf instruction options, including individual and group lessons. The club’s professional golf instructors provide personalized coaching, helping golfers of all skill levels advance their technique and overall game.

The range runs down the left hand side of the 1^st on the 9 hole course. So, the odd slice off the tee on the driving range could be on the 1^st fairway or a hook on the 1st tee would be an out of bounds ball in the range area. Neither of which is good.

• Open-air & Covered Driving Range
• Well Stocked Shop
• Wi-Fi
• Bar Meals, Snacks & Homemade Cakes
• Clubhouse Available For Hire
• Golf Tuition
• Free Parking
• Affordable hotels nearby

Key differences – Golf Slice vs Hook

Membership

Club Membership

The club provides access to two courses: the 18-hole Old Foss Course and the 9-hole West Course, with full membership.

With more affordable ones if you just want to play the 9 hole course.

I don’t think at the time of writing this review there is a waiting list.

You can see a list of prices below:

7 Day Full Member

– £950
+ Golf Affiliation Fees

5 Day Midweek Member

– £735
+ Golf Affiliation Fees

9 Hole Member (West Course)

– £485
+ Golf Affiliation Fees

Intermediate 1 (19-21yrs)

– £340
+ Golf Affiliation Fees

Intermediate 2 (22-25yrs)

– £515
+ Golf Affiliation Fees

Intermediate 3 (26-29yrs)

– £735
+ Golf Affiliation Fees

Juniors
(+ Golf Affiliation Fees Apply)

under 10 year old £55.00
11-12 Year Old £80.00
13-14 Year Old £105.00
15-16 Year Old £160.00
17-18 Year Old £210.00

The Forest Park Golf Club also hosts regular club competitions, which are exclusive to members. I find these competitions a great way to socialize with fellow golfers and enjoy a friendly, competitive atmosphere. Additionally, the club offers various membership categories to cater to different age groups and playing abilities, making it an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reviews and Ratings

Based on the information I gathered from other people who have played Forest Park Golf Club. They always receive positive feedback from golfers.

I found that the Old Foss Course received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 5 recent reviews, and all the reviewers recommend this course^. They praised the conditions, value, layout, friendliness, pace, and amenities at this course. It appears that golfers enjoy playing on this challenging course and appreciate the well-maintained fairways and greens.

On the other hand, the West Course has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 4 recent reviews^. Most golfers were satisfied with the course conditions, value, layout, friendliness, pace, and amenities. However, one reviewer gave it a 1-star rating without explaining the reason behind it. Despite this, 90.5% of the reviewers still recommend the West Course.

I also discovered that the golf club offers reasonable prices for its facilities, although the exact rates were not specified^. Both the golf courses and the staff are mentioned to be welcoming and accommodating. Overall, based on the ratings and reviews I found, Forest Park Golf Club in York, England provides a great golfing experience with challenging courses and a friendly environment.

Location and Accessibility

Forest Park Golf Course is nestled right in the picturesque village of Stockton-on-the-Forest, York, England. This location combines the beauty and tranquility of the countryside with easy accessibility for golf enthusiasts and visitors alike.

I found that reaching the golf course is quite convenient, as it’s well-connected to the major roads and public transportation options. For those driving, it’s located just a short distance away from the city of York. Parking facilities are available, making it hassle-free for visitors to bring their own vehicle.

In terms of accessibility, Forest Park Golf Course offers something for everyone, regardless of their golfing abilities. Players can enjoy both a 9-hole golf course (The West Course) and an 18-hole course (The Old Foss Course). Additionally, there’s a driving range on site, allowing players to practice their swing or warm up before hitting the course.

The friendly, modern club atmosphere ensures that visitors feel welcome and at ease while enjoying their golfing experience. Furthermore, the clubhouse lounge offers a relaxing space for both club members and visitors to grab a bite to eat or unwind after a round of golf.

In conclusion, the Forest Park Golf Course is not only an excellent golfing destination in York but also easily accessible for visitors coming from both near and far. Its prime location in the beautiful and peaceful Stockton-on-the-Forest village makes it a must-visit spot for golf lovers exploring the UK.

My thoughts

I have always enjoyed my rounds at Forrest Park and as I mentioned I often just play the 9 hole course and it usually cost me around £12 which is fantastic.

The 18 holes if a good challenge for me with lots of holes having out of bounds on the right and usually the wind is off the right… You know what I’m saying, Right !

I would highly recommend booking by telephone if you plan to play the 18 hole course as the membership is growing and members usually book the 18 hole course first.

Plus, they hold lots of competition and society days now.

It’s a really good value course and the food and hospitality is great

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the overall quality of the Forrest Park Golf Course?

I can say that the overall quality of the Forrest Park Golf Course is quite good. It offers a friendly, modern golf club experience in the picturesque village of Stockton-on-the-Forest, York for a small green fee compared to other golf clubs in the area.

How challenging are the holes at Forrest Park Golf Course?

Forrest Park Golf Course provides a variety of challenges for golfers of different skill levels. The club boasts both a 9-hole golf course (The West Course), and an 18-hole course (The Old Foss Course). This means that players can choose a course that suits their level of expertise and desired level of challenge.

Is the course well-maintained and in good condition?

Yes, from my experience, Forrest Park Golf Course is well-maintained and in good condition. The greens are well-tended, and the fairways are manicured regularly. Golfers can expect a pleasant and enjoyable experience while playing on the courses.

What amenities does the Forrest Park Golf Course offer?

In addition to the golf courses, the club offers a driving range for golfers to practice and improve their skills. The clubhouse features a bar and restaurant for golfers to relax and refuel after a round.

How does the pricing compare to other golf courses in York?

The pricing at Forrest Park Golf Course is competitive when compared to other golf courses in the York area. They offer various membership and green fee options to cater to different budgets and preferences. It is certainly a good value for the quality and variety of golf experiences offered.

Are there any beginner-friendly features or programs?

Forrest Park Golf Course is a welcoming environment for beginners and golfers of all skill levels. Although I couldn’t find specific information about beginner-friendly programs, the presence of a 9-hole golf course and a driving range indicates that the club is accommodating to new players looking to learn and develop their skills in the game.