Upton-by-Chester Golf Club Review

Upton-by-Chester Golf Course: A Deceptively Challenging Parkland Gem

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS AN EXAMPLE REVIEW AND MAY BE TAKEN DOWN WITHOUT NOTICE.
IT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE CLUB.

Founded in 1934, Upton-by-Chester is arguably one of the best mature 18-hole parkland courses in Cheshire and beyond.

Known for its tree-lined fairways, subtle water hazards, and well-maintained USGA-spec greens, it offers a pleasant but testing round of golf throughout the year.

In between holes, the course flows well, and although it’s a forgiving walk, wayward tee shots can still be punished—especially with out of bounds lurking on several holes.

The course may be relatively flat and shorter than average, with an unusual six par 3s, but don’t be misled—there’s plenty of variety on offer, and it provides a genuine challenge throughout.

Many of the holes are understated and require good course management, particularly for low-handicappers who might underestimate it on paper.

The excellent greens are a real highlight, rolling consistently and staying in good condition even through the wetter months.

Signature Holes

We had a good chat after the round, over a nice cold pint in the clubhouse, and these were the holes we kept coming back to – whether they were the toughest, the most fun, or just the ones that stuck with us.

2ND Hole – Par 4 – 397 yards (Yellow) SI (4), 407 yards (Red) – Par 5 – SI (8)

This challenging par 4 starts with a tee shot that must avoid the out of bounds running along the left side—a shapeable drive will serve you well. The fairway offers a narrow landing zone, and even from there, the approach shot requires precision to find the green. With little margin for error, this hole can easily turn into one of the toughest tests on the course.

5TH Hole – Par 4 – 338 yards (Yellow) SI (8), 335 yards (Red) – Par 4 – SI (4)

Steer clear of the trees down the left and you’ll be rewarded with a short approach—usually around 100 yards from a slightly elevated fairway. A well-judged chip can set up a birdie chance, but don’t get too comfortable—several bunkers and a large tree near the green make accuracy essential.

14TH Hole – Par 4 – 407 yards (Yellow) SI (3), 379 yards (Red) – SI (1)

This hole demands accuracy right from the tee, with trees tightly flanking both the left and right sides of the fairway. A solid drive sets you up for a second shot where the real challenge begins – water guards the left side of the green, while strategically positioned bunkers are ready to catch anything short. Club selection and distance control are key if you want to walk away with a good score here.

18TH Hole – Par 4 – 311 yards (Yellow) SI (9), 247 yards (Red) – SI (9)

A well-placed tee shot is key if you’re aiming for par on this hole. There’s only a narrow window between the trees, and anything offline is likely to catch a branch—and possibly find its way into the water hazard below. Check out the video below to see what’s in store on the final hole.

Upton-By-Chester Green Fees

Weekends:

• 07:30 – 12:00 & 12:00 – 16:00:
  1 Ball £40 | 2 Ball £80 | 3 Ball £120 | 4 Ball £160
• 16:00 onwards:
  1 Ball £35 | 2 Ball £70 | 3 Ball £105 | 4 Ball £140

Midweek:

• 07:30 – 15:00:
  1 Ball £35 | 2 Ball £70 | 3 Ball £105 | 4 Ball £140
• 15:00 onwards:
  1 Ball £30 | 2 Ball £60 | 3 Ball £90 | 4 Ball £120

Buggy Hire

• Visitors: £30
• Members & Partner Clubs: £17.50

Club: 01244 381183 | Pro Shop: 01244 381183 | Website: Click Here