Tucked onto the south-east edge of Bristol, Knowle Golf Club is a mature parkland course that's surprisingly peaceful given how close you are to the city. Founded in 1905, it's a proper, traditional test, with tree-lined fairways, gently rolling ground and bunkers that sit right in the landing zones if you switch off for a moment.
The course began life on an old racecourse, before three cricket club members shaped it into a 9-hole layout. In 1925, J.H. Taylor reworked the routing, making smart use of the natural contours and bringing strategy into play from the tee. You'll find holes that ask you to pick a side, commit to your line and accept that the safe option is often the right one, especially when the trees start narrowing the picture. Miss left on a few holes and you're blocked out by mature woodland, which keeps you honest all day.
Knowle also has a strong competitive pedigree. Ryder Cup player Gordon Brand Jnr came through the club, along with multiple Curtis Cup representatives, which tells you plenty about the standard of golf it has hosted over the years. I'll be honest, it's exactly the sort of parkland track I'll happily play twice in a weekend. If you're planning a UK golf break, you can easily include Knowle alongside other Bristol-area courses.
Who is this for?
Societies and groups wanting a straightforward day out near Bristol, visitors who want quality golf without long transfers and anyone who enjoys traditional club history rather than resort golf.
Who is it best for?
Golfers who plot their way round and keep it in play, mid-to-low handicappers who like tree-lined parkland and anyone happy to take the driver out only when the hole really suits it.
