Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Hyndburn

Golf in the Heart of East Lancashire

Hyndburn's dramatic landscape of rolling hills, moorland and wooded valleys makes it a rewarding place to play golf. Courses in and around the borough often sit high above the towns, offering panoramic views across the Ribble Valley, Pendle Hill and the West Pennine Moors. Playing here is as much about the scenery as the score.

The area's golf clubs also maintain a welcoming, community-focused culture. Many were founded in the late nineteenth or early twentieth centuries, when mill owners and workers alike embraced the game, and that inclusive spirit remains. Membership fees are generally more affordable than in larger cities, and visitors are typically made to feel at home.

How We Selected These Courses

We considered course design, condition, scenery, clubhouse facilities, value for money and welcome for visitors. The list includes courses within Hyndburn and several highly regarded options a short drive away, giving golfers plenty of variety.

The Top 10 Golf Courses In and Around Hyndburn

1. Accrington and District Golf Club

Located in Oswaldtwistle, Accrington and District Golf Club is one of the borough's most established clubs. Its parkland and moorland layout offers a fair but challenging test, with elevated tees providing impressive views. The club has a long history and a friendly membership that welcomes visitors and societies.

2. Rishton Golf Club

Rishton Golf Club offers a charming course set on high ground above the village, with sweeping views across East Lancashire. Its relaxed atmosphere and manageable length make it popular with both newcomers and experienced golfers looking for a quick round.

3. Great Harwood Golf Club

Great Harwood Golf Club provides a classic moorland experience with undulating fairways and fine views towards Pendle Hill. Exposure to the elements adds challenge, rewarding golfers who can control their ball flight in the wind.

4. Baxenden and District Golf Club

Situated on the southern edge of Accrington, Baxenden and District Golf Club offers a hilly, characterful layout. Its tight fairways and sloping greens demand accuracy, while the clubhouse provides a warm welcome after a round.

5. Green Haworth Golf Club

Green Haworth Golf Club sits on the moorland above Accrington and is known for its peaceful setting and expansive views. It is a hidden gem for golfers who enjoy natural terrain and a traditional club atmosphere.

6. Blackburn Golf Club

Just over the borough boundary, Blackburn Golf Club is a well-established parkland and moorland course with excellent facilities. Its elevated position offers some of the best views in the area, and its conditioning is consistently praised.

7. Pleasington Golf Club

Pleasington Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the finest courses in Lancashire. Its mature heathland and parkland layout, framed by trees and gorse, has hosted significant amateur championships and offers a memorable test for golfers of all abilities.

8. Whalley Golf Club

Set in the Ribble Valley near the historic village of Whalley, this course offers attractive parkland holes with views of Pendle Hill. It is a pleasant, scenic option within a short drive of Great Harwood.

9. Wilpshire Golf Club

Wilpshire Golf Club combines parkland and moorland characteristics, with panoramic views across the Ribble Valley. Its well-maintained greens and friendly atmosphere make it a favourite with visiting societies.

10. Mytton Fold

Located at Langho, Mytton Fold combines a golf course with hotel and leisure facilities. Its gentle parkland layout and on-site accommodation make it ideal for golf breaks, society days and relaxed rounds with friends.

The Character of Pennine Golf

Golf in East Lancashire is shaped by its terrain. Many courses feature elevation changes, sloping lies and exposure to wind, demanding creative shot-making. Rain is a regular companion, so drainage and course management are important factors when choosing where to play during the wetter months. The reward is spectacular scenery and a genuine sense of escape from everyday life.

Benefits of Joining a Local Club

Membership offers access to competitions, handicap services, coaching and a ready-made social network. Many Hyndburn-area clubs offer flexible membership categories, including junior, intermediate and five-day options, making the game more accessible to younger players and those with busy schedules.

Trends in Local Golf

Golf experienced a resurgence in participation in recent years, with more young people and women taking up the game. Clubs have responded with beginner programmes, nine-hole competitions and more relaxed dress codes. Technology is also playing a growing role, from GPS rangefinders to online tee booking and launch monitor coaching.

Tips for Visiting Golfers

Book tee times in advance, particularly at weekends, and check whether visitors need a handicap certificate. Bring waterproofs and layers, as conditions on exposed moorland courses can change quickly. Many clubs offer twilight and winter rates, which provide excellent value.

Final Thoughts

From the moorland fairways of Great Harwood and Green Haworth to the championship heritage of Pleasington, golfers in Hyndburn are spoilt for choice. Whether you are a seasoned player or picking up a club for the first time, the borough and its neighbours offer friendly clubs, stunning views and memorable rounds.