Little Aston is one of England's standout inland courses, regularly featuring in the Top 100 courses of Great Britain and Ireland. First laid out in 1908 by five-time Open Champion Harry Vardon and later remodelled by Harry Colt, it's classic Midlands golf on a mature estate setting just outside the Royal Town of Sutton Coldfield, within easy reach of Birmingham.
Expect proper parkland golf that rewards accuracy and good decisions. The fairways are framed by mature trees, position off the tee matters and the greens have plenty of subtle movement, especially if you find the wrong side of the hole. It's not about brute force, it's about shaping the right shot and keeping the ball in play.
Little Aston's tournament record backs up the challenge. The club has hosted the English Amateur, the Brabazon Trophy, the British Boys Championships and the Dunlop Masters, plus Open Qualifying and the Ladies Home Internationals in 2017.
Arrive early and spend time on the club's famous putting green before your round, it's a brilliant way to get your eye in and one of the more unusual warm-ups you'll find in Britain. Afterwards, the traditional clubhouse is a fitting finish for a drink or a meal, with plenty of history in the walls.
Who is this for? Golfers planning a quality UK break who want a Top 100 parkland test near Birmingham.
Who is it best for? Confident ball-strikers and mid-to-low handicappers who enjoy strategic golf and a classic members' club atmosphere.
