Hi! Are you looking for a great golf course in Leicestershire? Lingdale Golf Club is a special place. It sits in Charnwood Forest. The views are amazing. I’m Warren Driscoll. I’ve explored luxury travel for over seven years. Since 2018, I’ve stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. I’ve also visited chalets in the French Alps. I love sharing honest reviews and tips. Today, I’ll share secrets about Lingdale Golf Club. You’ll get expert tips and learn why it’s a must-play course. Let’s get started!
What Makes Lingdale Golf Club Special
Lingdale Golf Club is in Leicestershire. It’s an 18-hole course. The course is 6,545 yards long. Its par is 71. David Tucker designed it in 1966. It started as a 9-hole course in 1967. In the late 1980s, it grew to 18 holes. The greens were rebuilt in 1999. They meet high standards. This lets you play all year. The course is in Charnwood Forest. You’ll see trees, hills, and animals like pheasants. Peter Alliss called it a “hidden gem in the Midlands.” Tony Jacklin said the first three holes are the toughest in the region.
The course tests all golfers. Beginners and pros both love it. The scenery is beautiful. You’ll see green hills and forests. The club is near Loughborough. It’s 10 minutes from the M1 motorway. This makes it easy to visit. The clubhouse has a bar and food. The staff is kind. The prices are fair. Many golfers say it’s great value. I’ve played here and taken photos. The views are unforgettable.
Hidden Highlights of Lingdale Golf Club
Every golf course has secrets. Lingdale has some you won’t find in every guide. Let’s explore these hidden highlights.
The Famous 10th Hole
The 10th hole is a par-3. It’s one of the hardest holes. You must hit your ball over water. The green is small. The view from the tee is stunning. Trees and hills surround you. I took a photo here. It was a moment I’ll always remember. Stay calm and aim well. A good shot feels amazing.
Wildlife on the Course
Lingdale is full of nature. You might see pheasants or buzzards. I saw a deer near the 9th hole. It was so quiet and special. The course feels like a nature park. Bring binoculars if you like animals. These moments make your game unique.
The Clubhouse Terrace
After golf, visit the clubhouse terrace. It looks over Charnwood Forest. The view is calm and beautiful. I sat there with a drink. The sunset was perfect. Golfers love this spot. It’s a great place to relax and chat.
Quiet Tee Times
Want a peaceful game? Book early morning or late afternoon. The course is less busy then. You’ll play faster. Some golfers say busy times are slow. Early or late tee times solve this. I tried an early slot and loved it.
A Closer Look at Lingdale’s Course
Lingdale’s 18 holes are exciting. Each one has something special. Let’s walk through the course and its key features.
The Tough First Three Holes
The first three holes are famous. Tony Jacklin called them the toughest in the Midlands. The first hole is a par-4. It’s 406 yards long. Trees make it narrow. The second hole is a 408-yard par-4. It has a tricky bend. The third is a 211-yard par-3. You need a long, straight shot. These holes challenge you right away. I felt focused after playing them.
The Front Nine: Accuracy Matters
The front nine is tight. Only six holes work well for drivers. Big hitters might find it hard. You need precise shots. The 7th hole is a 156-yard par-3. The green is small. Wind can make it tough. I used a 7-iron and aimed for the middle. It worked well. Focus on control here.
The Back Nine: Open and Fun
The back nine is more open. You can use your driver more. The 15th hole is a 552-yard par-5. It’s long but forgiving. A big drive sets you up well. The 18th hole is a 167-yard par-3. It’s downhill and ends near the clubhouse. The green is fast. Be careful with your putts. I loved finishing here with people watching.
Greens and Bunkers
The greens are smooth and quick. They were rebuilt in 1999. Some golfers call them “like glass.” Putting is hard but fun. The bunkers are deep. They’re placed to challenge you. I got stuck in a bunker on the 8th hole. A sand wedge helped me out. Practice your short game before you go.
Expert Tips to Play Lingdale Well
I’ve played many golf courses. With my luxury travel experience, I have tips to help you enjoy Lingdale. These come from my visits and what other golfers say.
Tips for New Golfers
New to golf? Lingdale is welcoming but tricky. The front nine has tight fairways. You might lose a ball in the trees. Bring extra balls just in case. Practice with short clubs like a 7-iron. They help on holes like the 7th. The staff is kind. Ask them for advice. They can suggest clubs for tough holes like the 10th. I talked to them and learned a lot.
Tips for Intermediate Golfers
If you’ve played before, study the course map. It shows water and bends, like on the 10th hole. Pace can be slow on busy days. Book early to avoid crowds. The pro shop has great gear. I bought gloves there. They improved my grip. Keep your shots steady, especially on the front nine.
Tips for Advanced Golfers
Pro golfers will love Lingdale’s challenge. The first three holes are tough. Aim for steady pars to start strong. The greens are fast. Practice long putts to avoid mistakes. On the back nine, use your driver on holes like the 15th. A strong drive makes the hole easier. I tried this and got a birdie.
Tips for Everyone
No matter your skill, bring a camera. The views are amazing. I took photos of the 10th hole. Check the weather before you go. Charnwood Forest can be windy. Pack a light jacket. Bring water too. The course is long. The clubhouse has drinks, but it’s good to stay hydrated.
Things to Do Near Lingdale
Lingdale is more than golf. The area has fun activities. Here are some places to visit after your game.
Bradgate Park
Bradgate Park is nearby. It’s a big park with deer and old ruins. You can walk or hike. I loved the quiet trails. It’s great for relaxing after golf. The park is a short drive from Lingdale. It’s perfect for families or friends.
Beacon Hill Country Park
Beacon Hill has great views. You can see far across Leicestershire. The walks are easy. I stopped here for a picnic after golf. It’s a nice spot for couples or groups. The park is close to the course.
Local Food
Hungry after golf? The clubhouse has tasty food. I had a burger on the terrace. It was great. For fancier meals, try restaurants in Loughborough. They use local ingredients. Ask the club staff for ideas. They know the best places.
Cultural Spots
Loughborough has history. Visit the Loughborough Town Hall. It has shows and events. The Great Central Railway is nearby. You can ride an old train. I took a trip and loved it. These spots make your golf trip special.
Planning Your Luxury Golf Trip
I’ve planned many luxury trips. Here’s how to make your Lingdale visit amazing.
How to Get There
Lingdale is easy to reach. It’s at Joe Moores Lane, Woodhouse Eaves, Leicestershire, LE12 8TF. It’s 10 minutes from M1 junctions 22 or 23. Loughborough is close. You can drive or take a train to Loughborough station. From there, it’s a short taxi ride. I drove from Leicester and found it simple.
Where to Stay
For a luxury trip, stay in Loughborough or Leicester. Burleigh Court Hotel in Loughborough is nice. It has a spa and great rooms. I stayed there and felt pampered. In Leicester, try the Belmont Hotel. It’s elegant and close to the city center. Book early for the best rooms.
What to Bring
Pack golf clubs suited for a tight course. Short irons work well on the front nine. Bring a camera for the views. I used mine a lot. Pack a jacket for wind. Bring sunscreen and water for summer days. The pro shop has gear if you forget anything.
When to Visit
Spring and autumn are best. The weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Summer is warm but can be busy. Winter is okay because the greens are well-drained. I played in spring and loved the green hills. Check the club’s website for tee times and events.
Why Lingdale Is a Must-Play
Lingdale Golf Club is special. The course is tough but fun. The views are stunning. You’ll see wildlife and enjoy the terrace. It’s great for all golfers. The staff is friendly, and the prices are fair. It’s close to Loughborough and the M1. You can visit parks and eat great food nearby. I’ve played many courses, and Lingdale stands out. It’s a hidden gem in Leicestershire.
Disclaimer: This article is based on my own experience and opinion. I am not paid by Lingdale Golf Club. I try to share honest tips to help other golfers. Some facts or prices may change over time, so please check with the golf club before you visit. All quotes are shared in good faith. If you spot a mistake, feel free to let me know. Thanks for reading!
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Warren Driscoll writes about luxury travel. He has over seven years of experience. Since 2018, he has stayed in private villas in Ibiza and Saint-Tropez, and chalets in the French Alps. Warren’s stories have been shared by Indvidual Magazine. He writes honest reviews and gives helpful tips to help people plan great holidays. He also shares his own photos and real experiences to make his advice clear and useful.