Top 10 Best Golf Courses in Redcar and Cleveland

A Borough of Contrasting Golf

Few areas of comparable size offer as much golfing variety as Redcar and Cleveland. Within a short drive you can move from exposed coastal turf shaped by sea breezes to elevated moorland layouts on the northern edge of the North York Moors, and then to sheltered parkland with mature tree lines. Each demands a different game, and local golfers tend to become notably adaptable as a result.

The coastal courses reward a controlled, penetrating ball flight. Wind is the dominant factor, and high approach shots that work inland become unreliable near the sea. Moorland layouts introduce elevation change, firm running surfaces and heather that punishes inaccuracy severely. Parkland courses place a premium on positional driving, where being on the correct side of the fairway matters more than raw distance.

Ten Golf Courses and Clubs to Know

1. Saltburn by the Sea Golf Club is among the most established clubs in the area, offering an attractive layout with elevated views and a welcoming membership culture. Its combination of scenery and playability makes it a popular choice for visitors.

2. Wilton Golf Club presents a mature parkland test near Redcar, with tree-lined fairways and well-protected greens that demand accurate iron play rather than sheer length.

3. Guisborough Golf Centre serves the market town with an accessible layout and practice facilities, and is often recommended for improving players and those returning to the game.

4. Redcar Coastal Links reflects traditional seaside golf, with firm turf, undulating ground and constant exposure to wind off the North Sea. Course management matters far more here than distance.

5. Eston Grange Golf Club offers a more forgiving parkland experience with generous fairways, making it well suited to social rounds, society days and newer players.

6. Skelton Moorland Golf Club sits on higher ground with heather-lined holes, dramatic elevation and views across the surrounding countryside. It plays considerably harder in wind.

7. Marske Golf and Country Club combines golf with wider leisure facilities, appealing to members who want dining, fitness and social provision alongside the course.

8. Loftus Valley Golf Course takes advantage of natural valley terrain, producing memorable elevation changes and blind or semi-blind shots that reward local knowledge.

9. Cleveland Golf Academy focuses on coaching and development, with practice bays, short-game areas and structured lesson programmes for juniors and adults.

10. Brotton Parkland Golf Club offers a well-maintained inland layout with a strong club atmosphere and an active competition calendar throughout the season.

Playing Coastal Golf Successfully

Wind management is the defining skill on courses near the North Sea. Playing one or two clubs more and swinging at reduced effort produces a lower, more stable ball flight than trying to force a shorter club. Keeping the ball beneath the strongest wind is almost always more effective than attempting to fly over it.

Ground conditions also demand adjustment. On firm coastal turf, run-up shots and bump-and-run chipping are frequently more reliable than high lofted approaches, particularly into wind. Reading the ground contours around greens becomes as important as reading the greens themselves.

Preparation matters too. North-east coastal weather can change rapidly, so waterproofs, an extra layer and a towel are sensible even on promising days. Grip condition deteriorates quickly in damp conditions, and many lost shots on these courses stem from a club slipping rather than a poor swing.

Moorland and Parkland Strategy

On moorland layouts, heather is unforgiving. Advancing the ball back to the fairway is almost always the correct decision rather than attempting an ambitious recovery, since heather grabs the hosel and closes the face. Elevation changes affect club selection significantly, and uphill approaches commonly need a full club more than yardage suggests.

Parkland golf rewards discipline off the tee. Tree-lined fairways mean that a well-placed three wood frequently outperforms a driver that brings trouble into play. Approach angles matter: being on the correct side of the fairway opens the green, while the wrong side can leave a shot blocked entirely.

Membership, Green Fees and Access

Most clubs in the borough offer a mix of full membership, flexible or limited categories, and pay-and-play access for visitors. Flexible memberships combining a lower annual fee with reduced green fees have grown in popularity, suiting golfers who play irregularly or seasonally.

Society and group bookings are actively welcomed by many clubs, providing important income outside member competitions. Winter rates typically fall substantially, and while conditions are softer and temporary greens may be in use, the value can be excellent for regular players.

Juniors are generally well supported, with reduced rates and structured coaching. Clubs across the region have invested heavily in junior and female participation in recent years, and the atmosphere at many venues is noticeably more welcoming than the sport's traditional reputation suggests.

Course Maintenance and Sustainability

Greenkeeping in this climate is demanding. Coastal salt spray, heavy winter rainfall and short growing seasons all constrain what is achievable. Clubs increasingly focus on drainage improvement, sustainable turf species that tolerate local conditions with fewer inputs, and habitat management that supports wildlife in rough areas.

Water conservation and reduced chemical use have become standard priorities, and many courses now manage significant areas of natural habitat alongside playing surfaces. For golfers, this means slightly wilder rough in places but far more resilient courses overall.

Final Thoughts

Redcar and Cleveland offers a genuinely rewarding golfing landscape, from windswept coastal turf to heather-framed moorland and sheltered parkland. The variety builds well-rounded players and makes the borough an appealing destination for visiting golfers. Choose the course to suit the conditions, respect the wind, manage the ground rather than fight it, and local golf becomes one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this part of the North East.