Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Oadby and Wigston

Golf in Oadby and Wigston

Leicestershire's gently rolling countryside is ideal for golf, and Oadby and Wigston residents are fortunate to have an excellent selection of courses within easy reach. From historic parkland layouts with mature trees to accessible municipal courses and practice facilities, the area caters for experienced players, juniors and complete beginners alike.

Golf has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in recent years, attracting younger players, more women and families seeking outdoor activity. This guide highlights ten of the best golf courses in and around the borough, considering course quality, facilities, atmosphere and value.

The Top 10 Golf Courses Near Oadby and Wigston

1. Glen Gorse Golf Club

Located in Oadby, Glen Gorse Golf Club is the borough's home course. Its well-maintained parkland layout features tree-lined fairways and challenging greens, offering an enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities. The club has a friendly membership and an active social calendar.

2. Leicestershire Golf Club

One of the county's most established clubs, Leicestershire Golf Club in Evington offers a classic parkland course with undulating terrain and excellent conditioning. It is just a short drive from Oadby and is highly regarded for its tradition and quality.

3. Kibworth Golf Club

Kibworth Golf Club, a few miles south-east of Wigston, features a picturesque parkland course with water hazards and mature trees. Its welcoming atmosphere and well-kept course make it popular with members and visitors.

4. Cosby Golf Club

Set in attractive countryside south-west of Wigston, Cosby Golf Club offers a scenic parkland layout with varied holes that reward accuracy. Its clubhouse provides good facilities for post-round relaxation.

5. Whetstone Golf Club

Whetstone Golf Club is known for its relaxed, friendly environment and accessible layout. It is a good choice for newer golfers and those seeking an enjoyable round without excessive difficulty.

6. Blaby Golf Centre

Blaby Golf Centre offers a pay-and-play course, driving range and practice facilities close to Wigston. It is ideal for beginners, juniors and golfers wanting to improve their game through lessons and practice.

7. Humberstone Heights Golf Club

Humberstone Heights offers an affordable, accessible course on the east side of Leicester, along with a pitch and putt and practice facilities. It plays an important role in introducing new players to the game.

8. Scraptoft Golf Club

Scraptoft Golf Club features an attractive parkland course with elevated views across the Leicestershire countryside. Its testing layout and good conditioning appeal to keen golfers.

9. Western Park Golf Course

Located on the west side of Leicester, Western Park Golf Course is a well-established venue offering good value golf in a mature parkland setting.

10. Birstall Golf Club

Birstall Golf Club, north of Leicester, is a long-established members' club with a traditional parkland course, strong competitions calendar and welcoming clubhouse.

The Benefits of Golf

Golf offers significant physical and mental health benefits. A typical eighteen-hole round involves walking several miles, providing low-impact cardiovascular exercise. Spending time outdoors in green spaces supports mental wellbeing, while the social aspect of golf helps build friendships and community connections. Golf is also a sport that can be enjoyed throughout life, from junior programmes to senior sections.

Trends in Golf

Golf has modernised significantly. Flexible membership options, including off-peak, weekday and points-based memberships, make the sport more accessible. Technology such as GPS rangefinders, launch monitors and golf simulators help players track performance and improve. Many clubs have introduced shorter formats, beginner sessions and family-friendly events to attract new players.

Sustainability is also increasingly important, with clubs adopting environmental practices such as wildlife habitat creation, reduced chemical use and water conservation. Many Leicestershire courses provide valuable green corridors supporting local biodiversity.

Choosing the Right Golf Course

Consider your skill level, budget and goals. Beginners may prefer pay-and-play courses with practice facilities and coaching, while experienced golfers may seek challenging layouts and competitive membership opportunities. Visiting several clubs, playing as a guest and speaking with members can help you find the right fit.

Tips for New Golfers

• Take lessons from a PGA professional to build good habits.
• Start at a driving range or short course before playing full rounds.
• Learn basic etiquette, such as repairing pitch marks and keeping pace.
• Consider buying second-hand clubs while learning.
• Join beginner or social groups to meet other players.

Golf Throughout the Seasons

Leicestershire's clay soils mean some courses can become soft during wet winter months, so it is worth checking whether a club uses temporary greens or restricts buggies in poor conditions. Many of the courses listed here invest heavily in drainage to keep play going year-round. Winter golf offers quieter fairways and reduced green fees, while spring and summer bring firm, fast conditions and long evenings ideal for after-work rounds.

Club competitions, society days and charity events take place throughout the year, offering great opportunities to play new courses and meet fellow golfers from across the county. For Oadby and Wigston players, having so many quality courses nearby means variety is never far away.

Conclusion

Oadby and Wigston offers golfers an impressive choice of courses, from Glen Gorse on the borough's doorstep to historic clubs across Leicestershire. Whether you are an experienced player seeking a new challenge or a beginner taking your first swings, the ten courses featured here provide excellent opportunities to enjoy this rewarding sport.