Enville Golf Club Highgate Course

Enville Golf Club Highgate Course (Enville, Staffordshire, England)

Nestled in the rolling Staffordshire countryside, Enville Golf Club’s Highgate course is a timeless masterpiece that blends the rugged charm of heathland golf with the strategic allure of woodland holes. Since its founding in 1935, this course has captivated golfers with its pristine fairways, challenging layout, and breathtaking scenery. As you stand on the first tee, gazing across heather-flanked fairways framed by tall pines, you’re stepping into a golfing legacy shaped by history and nature.

Whether you’re a seasoned player seeking a championship test or a casual golfer craving a memorable round, the Highgate course delivers an experience that resonates with the soul of the game.

Key Details

• Location: Enville, Staffordshire, England
• Length: 6,703 yards (White tees)
• Par: 72
• Designers: Original design with input from Alf Padgham; extensions by Arthur Wrigglesworth, Horace Lewis, Frank Pennink
• Established: 1935
• Notable Events: R&A Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship (2017), R&A Girls’ U16 Amateur Championship (2021–2023), Regional Open Qualifying (2007–2011, 2025)

History and Significance

Enville Golf Club was born in 1935 when a group of local enthusiasts from Stourbridge and Churchill & Blakedown Golf Clubs sought to create their own course. They secured a 21-year lease from Sir John Grey of Enville Hall, whose estate provided the idyllic setting of Highgate Common. With guidance from Alf Padgham, the 1936 Open Champion, the first nine holes opened on October 19, 1935. By May 7, 1938, the course expanded to 18 holes, thanks to contributions from Arthur Wrigglesworth and Horace Lewis. The club’s ambition grew, adding nine holes in 1973 and completing a 36-hole complex in 1983 with the Lodge course, designed in part by Frank Pennink and Ron Hinton.

The Highgate course, as the original 18 holes, has evolved into one of England’s premier heathland layouts. Its historical significance is underscored by its role as a host for high-profile events, including the R&A Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship in 2017 and the R&A Girls’ U16 Amateur Championship from 2021 to 2023. From 2007 to 2011, and again in 2025, it served as a venue for Regional Open Qualifying, attracting top amateurs and professionals. These tournaments highlight the course’s challenging design and impeccable conditioning.

Enville’s cultural impact is evident in its ranking among England’s top 100 golf courses, praised for its seamless integration of heathland and woodland elements. Golfers and critics alike laud its greens, considered some of the finest in the Midlands, and its welcoming atmosphere. As one visitor remarked, “The course looks absolutely stunning… The welcome we had, the golf, and the catering were all top hole”. Enville Highgate stands as a beacon of golfing heritage, blending tradition with modern excellence.

Course Features

The Highgate course at Enville Golf Club is a par 72, 6,703-yard layout that masterfully combines heathland and woodland terrain. The front nine holes embody classic heathland golf, with open fairways lined by heather and strategically placed bunkers that punish errant shots. These holes, reminiscent of Surrey’s finest courses, demand accuracy over distance, rewarding well-placed drives and precise approaches. The back nine shifts to a woodland setting, where mature birch and pine trees create tight corridors, challenging golfers to shape shots and navigate natural obstacles.

The course’s greens are a highlight, renowned for their smoothness, true roll, and subtle contours. These putting surfaces, maintained to tournament standards, require careful reading and a deft touch, making them a true test of skill. Bunkers, both fairway and greenside, are deep and well-positioned, adding strategic depth to each hole. The layout encourages thoughtful play, with holes like the stroke index one 6th (449 yards) testing even the most skilled players.

Scenically, the Highgate course is a visual feast. The heathland holes offer expansive views of the Staffordshire countryside, while the woodland holes provide a serene, secluded ambiance. The transition between these landscapes creates a dynamic golfing experience, with each hole offering a unique blend of challenge and beauty. Whether it’s the heather in bloom or the towering pines, the course’s natural setting elevates every round.

Signature Holes

The Highgate course boasts several iconic holes that define its character and challenge:

• Hole 4 (Par 4, 360 yards): This short par four is a strategic masterpiece, featuring a dogleg right to a punchbowl green enveloped by heather. The hole tempts aggressive players to cut the corner, but wayward shots risk trouble, making precision essential for a birdie chance. Its heathland setting and clever design make it a standout.
• Hole 5 (Par 3, 163 yards): A stunning par three, the 5th requires a precise tee shot over a valley to a green guarded by bunkers. The elevation change and picturesque backdrop of rolling hills create a memorable and challenging hole that rewards confidence and accuracy.
• Hole 14 (Par 3, 156 yards): Nestled among tall pines, this par three plays to a punchbowl green fronted by bunkers. The serene woodland setting and demanding shot requirement make it a favorite, with the green’s contours adding complexity to the putting challenge.
• Hole 18 (Par 5, 512 yards): The closing par five is a dramatic finale, featuring a dogleg right and the largest green on the course. Bunkers and mounding protect the green, offering a chance for heroics but punishing errors. Its strategic design has made it a stage for thrilling finishes in tournaments.

These holes encapsulate the Highgate course’s blend of beauty, strategy, and challenge, leaving lasting impressions on every golfer.

Why Visit

The Highgate course at Enville Golf Club is a compelling destination for golfers seeking a blend of challenge, history, and natural beauty. Its diverse layout tests every facet of the game, from driving accuracy on the heathland holes to shot-shaping in the woodland sections. The course’s exceptional greens and meticulous maintenance ensure a premium golfing experience, while its historical significance—having hosted R&A championships—adds an emotional connection to golf’s legacy.

The club’s welcoming atmosphere enhances the visit, with visitors praising the hospitality: “The course was immaculate, there are so many memorable holes… Enville fully deserves its reputation as one of the Midlands’ finest courses”. Beyond the fairways, Enville offers top-tier facilities, including a modern clubhouse with fine dining and extensive practice areas, making it ideal for golfers and their companions.

Practical benefits include the opportunity to play both the Highgate and Lodge courses, with green fee packages for 36 holes. The club’s proximity to Birmingham and local attractions like Kinver Edge ensures a well-rounded visit, blending golf with cultural exploration. Enville Highgate is a destination that delivers on every front, from the first tee to the final putt.

Facilities

Enville Golf Club offers a comprehensive suite of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit:

• Clubhouse and Dining: The clubhouse features a dining room seating up to 100, serving everything from bar snacks to full-course meals. The well-stocked bars offer local ales, including Enville Ale, and a summer patio provides a sunny spot to relax. Breakfast and Sunday lunches are available with prior booking, and two self-service coffee machines operate from 7:00 AM).
• Practice Areas and Services: The club boasts a 2-acre short game area with three full-size chipping and pitching greens and a 15-acre long game area with a 220-yard-wide grass tee. PGA coaching is available, led by professionals like Richard Copsey. The pro shop offers equipment, apparel, and services like club fitting. Locker rooms with showers are provided for both ladies and gentlemen.

These facilities cater to golfers’ needs, from skill improvement to post-round relaxation, ensuring a complete experience.

Contact Details and Directions

• Address: Enville Golf Club, Highgate Common, Enville, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY7 5BN, United Kingdom
• Phone: +44 (0)1384 872074
• Email: office@envillegolfclub.co.uk
• Website: Enville Golf Club

Directions: Enville Golf Club is 5 miles northwest of Stourbridge, accessible via the A458 towards Bridgnorth. From Birmingham (15 miles, ~30 minutes), take the A456 to Kidderminster, then the A458. From Birmingham Airport (25 miles, ~40 minutes), follow the M42 and A456. The club is signposted from the A458.
Public Transport: The nearest train station is Stourbridge Junction (6 miles), with taxi services available to the club.
Parking: Ample on-site parking is provided.
Map: View on Google Maps

Green Fees and Booking

Green fees at Enville vary by season, with options for 18, 36, or 54 holes:

Booking Process: Tee times can be reserved online via Enville Golf Club or by calling the pro shop at +44 (0)1384 872074. Advance booking is advised, especially in peak season (April–October).
Membership Options: Membership is available, offering access to both courses and facilities. Contact the club for details.
Requirements: Smart golf attire is required (e.g., collared shirts, tailored trousers). Handicap certificates may be needed for competitions but not for general play.

Nearby Attractions

Staffordshire and the West Midlands offer a wealth of attractions near Enville Golf Club, enhancing any golfing trip with history, culture, and nature.

• Kinver Edge & Rock Houses: This National Trust site features unique rock houses carved into sandstone cliffs, offering insights into 19th-century life, alongside scenic walking trails (National Trust).
• Dudley Castle and Zoo: A 13th-century castle with a zoo housing exotic animals, blending history with family-friendly activities, set in beautiful grounds.
• Wightwick Manor: A National Trust property showcasing Arts and Crafts design, with Pre-Raphaelite art and tranquil gardens, ideal for cultural exploration.
• Black Country Living Museum: An open-air museum recreating life during the Industrial Revolution, with historic buildings, demonstrations, and interactive experiences.
• Himley Hall and Park: A Georgian mansion surrounded by 180 acres of parkland, perfect for walks and seasonal events like fireworks displays.
• West Midland Safari Park: A drive-through safari with animals like lions and giraffes, plus a theme park, offering fun for families and adventurers.

These attractions make Enville an ideal base for a golfing getaway with diverse activities for all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I book a tee time at Enville Golf Club?

Tee times can be booked online via Enville Golf Club or by calling +44 (0)1384 872074.

What are the green fees for playing at Enville?

Fees vary by season: £110 for 18 holes in summer (April–October 2025), £75 in winter. See the green fees table for details.

Is Enville Golf Club suitable for beginners?

The Highgate course is challenging, but the Lodge course is more forgiving, and coaching is available for all skill levels.

What is the best time of year to visit Enville?

Spring to autumn (April–October) offers optimal weather and course conditions, though winter play is possible.

Is there a dress code for playing at Enville?

Smart golf attire is required, such as collared shirts and tailored trousers or shorts.

What facilities are available at Enville besides golf?

The club offers a clubhouse with dining, bars, a pro shop, extensive practice areas, and locker rooms.

How do I get to Enville Golf Club from Birmingham?

Drive 15 miles via the A456 and A458, about 30 minutes, with the club signposted from the A458.

Are there other golf courses nearby that I can play?

Nearby options include Stourbridge Golf Club (5 miles) and Hagley Golf Club (8 miles).

Has Enville hosted any major golf tournaments?

Yes, it hosted the R&A Girls’ British Open Amateur Championship (2017) and Regional Open Qualifying.

Why is Enville famous?

For its heathland and woodland courses, exceptional greens, and prestigious tournament history.

Can I stay overnight at Enville?

No on-site accommodation, but nearby hotels are listed at Hotels Near Golf.

Is membership available at Enville?

Membership is available, providing access to both courses and facilities. Contact the club for details.

What is the weather like in Staffordshire for golfing?

Temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters; check forecasts for rain or wind.

What is the history of Enville Golf Club?

Founded in 1935 with nine holes, it expanded to 36 holes by 1983, with Highgate as the original course.

What makes the courses at Enville unique?

The mix of heathland and woodland holes, superb greens, and a strategic, scenic layout.