Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Erewash

Why Erewash Is a Hidden Gem for Golfers

Sitting between Derby and Nottingham, the borough of Erewash is better known for its lace-making heritage, the Erewash Canal and the busy market towns of Ilkeston and Long Eaton. Yet golfers who explore the area quickly discover a surprisingly rich mix of courses. Gently rolling Derbyshire farmland, mature woodland and river valleys create natural terrain for parkland golf, while excellent road links via the M1 and A52 make it easy to reach several first-class venues in under half an hour.

Whether you are a beginner looking for an affordable pay-and-play session, a club golfer searching for a new membership, or a visitor planning a golf break, the courses below represent the best that Erewash and its immediate surroundings have to offer.

How We Selected These Courses

Our ranking considers course design and condition, value for money, the quality of practice facilities, the welcome offered to visitors and societies, clubhouse amenities, and overall reputation among local players. We have focused on venues within the borough first, then included a small number of highly regarded courses just across its borders that Erewash golfers use regularly.

The Top 10 Golf Courses in and Around Erewash

1. Morley Hayes Golf Club

Set in open countryside near Morley, Morley Hayes is widely regarded as one of the finest golf venues in Derbyshire. The flagship Manor Course is an eighteen-hole layout featuring dramatic elevation changes, water hazards and sweeping views, while the shorter Tower Course is ideal for quicker rounds and improving players. The resort also offers a hotel, restaurants and a floodlit driving range, making it a complete golfing destination.

2. Breadsall Priory Hotel and Country Club

Breadsall Priory combines a historic estate with two contrasting courses. The Priory Course winds through mature parkland with ancient trees, while the Moorland Course offers a more open, undulating challenge. Its spa, leisure facilities and accommodation make it a popular choice for golf breaks, corporate days and society outings.

3. Erewash Valley Golf Club

Founded in the early twentieth century, Erewash Valley Golf Club near Stanton-by-Dale is steeped in tradition. The course is famous for its distinctive holes played around a former quarry, which give it genuine character. Members praise its friendly atmosphere, well-kept greens and strong junior and ladies sections.

4. Trent Lock Golf Centre

Located close to the meeting point of the Trent, Soar and Erewash Canal near Long Eaton, Trent Lock is a modern, inclusive golf venue. It offers an eighteen-hole course, a nine-hole course, a covered driving range and extensive coaching programmes, making it one of the most accessible places in the borough to take up the game.

5. Ilkeston Borough Golf Club (Pewit)

Known locally as the Pewit, this municipal-style course on the edge of Ilkeston is a nine-hole layout that delivers excellent value. It is perfect for beginners, juniors and anyone wanting a relaxed round without the cost or time commitment of a full eighteen holes.

6. Chilwell Manor Golf Club

Just over the border in Nottinghamshire, Chilwell Manor is a well-established parkland course with tree-lined fairways and a welcoming clubhouse. Its location makes it a natural choice for Long Eaton and Sandiacre residents who want a traditional members' club experience.

7. Beeston Fields Golf Club

Beeston Fields is admired for its heathland-style character, excellent drainage and fast, true greens. Consistently rated among the best courses in the Nottingham area, it rewards accurate driving and thoughtful course management.

8. Horsley Lodge Golf Club

A short drive north of Morley, Horsley Lodge offers a scenic eighteen-hole course, a driving range and on-site accommodation. Its elevated position provides wonderful views across the Derbyshire countryside and it is a favourite for society days.

9. Kedleston Park Golf Club

Set within the grounds of the historic Kedleston estate, this course is one of the most prestigious in the county. Its championship-quality parkland layout has hosted regional events and offers a memorable experience for serious golfers willing to travel slightly further west.

10. Wollaton Park Golf Club

Situated in the famous deer park surrounding Wollaton Hall, this historic course blends classic design with remarkable scenery. Erewash golfers can reach it quickly via the A52, and visitors often rank it among the most atmospheric rounds in the East Midlands.

Golf Trends Shaping the Local Scene

Participation in golf across the East Midlands has grown noticeably in recent years, driven by younger players, families and women taking up the sport. Local venues have responded with shorter-format courses, flexible memberships, technology-equipped driving ranges with ball-tracking systems, and structured beginner academies. Sustainability is also becoming a priority, with many clubs investing in wildlife habitats, water management and reduced chemical use on their courses.

Tips for Choosing the Right Course

Start by deciding what you want from golf. Beginners benefit from venues with strong coaching, practice areas and nine-hole options, such as Trent Lock or the Pewit. Established players seeking a challenge may prefer Morley Hayes, Breadsall Priory or Kedleston Park. If you are considering membership, ask about playing rights, handicap support, competition schedules and the social calendar. Many clubs also offer trial memberships, which are a great way to test the atmosphere before committing.

Final Thoughts

Erewash may be a compact borough, but its golfing options are impressively diverse. From resort-style experiences to friendly community clubs, there is a course to suit every ability, budget and ambition. Pack your clubs, explore a few of the venues on this list, and you may well find your new favourite place to play just around the corner.