Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Gateshead

Why Gateshead Is a Quietly Excellent Golfing Destination

Gateshead sits on the south bank of the River Tyne, wrapped in a landscape that shifts from urban riverside to open moorland in a matter of miles. That geography is exactly why the borough punches above its weight for golf. Within a short drive of the town centre you can play mature parkland laid out over former estate land, exposed upland courses that demand genuine ball control in a North East wind, and friendly nine-hole layouts built for players who want a fast round after work. Local clubs have also invested heavily in drainage and all-weather facilities over the past decade, which means Gateshead golf is far less seasonal than it once was.

The other advantage is value. Green fees across Tyne and Wear remain noticeably lower than in the South East, and many Gateshead clubs operate flexible membership tiers, twilight rates and academy programmes designed to bring new players into the sport. Whether you are a scratch golfer chasing county qualification or a complete beginner booking a first lesson, the choice here is broad and welcoming.

How We Assessed the Courses

The clubs featured below were considered on course design and condition, quality of practice facilities, coaching provision, clubhouse hospitality, accessibility from central Gateshead and the strength of their member community. Reputation among visiting societies and the consistency of greens through winter also carried significant weight, since a course that plays well in February is worth far more than one that only shines in July.

1. Ravensworth Golf Club

Perched on high ground above the Team Valley, Ravensworth is one of the borough's best known names and a favourite for players who enjoy elevation change. The layout rewards accurate iron play rather than raw distance, and the panoramic views across Tyneside from the upper holes are among the finest in the region. A long established membership, an active junior section and a welcoming clubhouse make it a strong all-round choice.

2. Heworth Golf Club

Heworth is a mature parkland course on the eastern side of Gateshead, valued for its generous fairways and excellent year-round greens. It is often recommended to mid-handicap players because the course is fair without being forgiving, and the closing stretch offers a genuine test. The club has a reputation for organised society days and a friendly, unstuffy atmosphere.

3. Whickham Golf Club

Set in attractive countryside to the west of the borough, Whickham combines tree-lined fairways with sweeping views over the Derwent Valley. The course is compact enough to walk comfortably yet varied enough to keep regulars engaged season after season. Strong catering and a busy social calendar make the clubhouse a hub for the local community.

4. Garesfield Golf Club

Located near Chopwell on the borough's rural western edge, Garesfield is a longer, more demanding parkland test with a genuine championship feel. Wooded surrounds, changing elevation and well-protected greens mean scoring here is earned. Golfers who want a quieter, more scenic round away from urban Gateshead frequently rate it their favourite in the area.

5. Ryton Golf Club

Ryton offers riverside golf on flatter ground beside the Tyne, which makes it a comfortable walk and an excellent option for older players or those returning from injury. The flat terrain should not be mistaken for an easy round, as wind coming up the river valley can transform club selection. Reasonable fees and an inclusive membership policy add to its appeal.

6. Tyneside Golf Club

Just across the river yet firmly part of the Gateshead golfing scene, Tyneside is a classic old-school layout with well-established trees, subtle contours and greens that reward a confident putting stroke. It is a course that tends to convert visitors into regulars, and its coaching staff are respected across the North East.

7. Beamish Park Golf Club

On the southern approach to Gateshead, Beamish Park delivers a handsome parkland experience within a historic estate setting. The mix of open and wooded holes gives the round a pleasing rhythm, and the practice ground is a real asset for players working on their game. Society and corporate packages here are consistently well reviewed.

8. Birtley Golf Club

Birtley is a compact nine-hole course that suits players short on time or new to the sport. Two loops produce a satisfying eighteen, and the friendly, community-focused membership makes it one of the least intimidating places in Gateshead to take up golf. Affordability is a genuine strength.

9. Wardley Golf Range and Academy

Not a full course but an essential part of the local golfing ecosystem, Wardley provides floodlit driving bays, short-game areas and structured coaching for all ages. Many Gateshead golfers build their swing here before joining a club, and its junior programmes have fed talent into surrounding courses for years.

10. Chester-le-Street Golf Club

Sitting just beyond the borough boundary but firmly within reach of Gateshead players, this club offers a well-maintained parkland course beside Lumley Castle. The condition of the greens is regularly praised, and the club has a strong competitive calendar for members who want regular medal and stableford play.

Trends Shaping Golf in Gateshead

Three trends stand out locally. First, flexible membership is replacing rigid annual subscriptions, with points-based and off-peak options attracting younger players. Second, technology adoption has accelerated, with launch monitors and video analysis now common in Gateshead coaching studios. Third, clubs are working harder on inclusivity, expanding women's sections, disability golf provision and family memberships that make the sport a shared activity rather than a solo pursuit.

Choosing the Right Club for You

Start by being honest about how often you will play. Occasional golfers usually get better value from pay-and-play arrangements or a range membership, while anyone playing weekly should compare full membership costs against annual green fee spend. Visit at least three clubs before committing, play in poor weather if you can, and pay attention to how the greens hold up. Finally, speak to members in the clubhouse. In Gateshead, the strength of a club's community is often the deciding factor, and it is something no scorecard can show you.