When it comes to golf course views, those found at South Shields Golf Club are hard to beat.
The course – a combination of original work by James Braid dating back to 1893 and later work by Dr Alister Mackenzie – sits on a stunning piece of the Cleadon Hills with views over the North Sea, Cheviots and Durham coastline.
The course lies between suburban South Shields, Cleadon and Whitburn and features drystone walls, wicked gorse, temperamental wind and excellent bunker designs which give it a links and heathland feel – especially when the wind is blowing, which is often.
While the 6,295-yard course sits astride the Cleadon Hills, it is reasonably flat and easy walking. You’ll find challenging par fours, delightful risk and reward short par fours, and some cracking short holes here.
The 279-yard 15th, South Shields’ signature hole, is a fine example of a risk and reward par four, is played in the shadow of the iconic Victorian water tower at South Shields. While short enough to tempt you to have a crack at the green, be very aware of the out of bounds left. There is also a big bunker on the right at about 200 yards. The entrance to the green is very right with two more menacing bunkers. Good luck if you take it on!
South Shields Golf Club, Hillcrest, Cleadon Hills, South Shields, NE34 8EG, tel 0191 456 8942, www.ssgc.co.uk
