Reddish Vale Golf Club

Was booked on at another nearby course but we got there and it aws mad busy I think they double booked. Rang Pro at Reddish and we didn't expect what a course we had found. Best double booking ever! So good played it again this week, fairways like carpets and greens so fast and true. Hill on 18th is quite steep but the interesting nature of the course is what brought us back. Played quite a few in the South Manchester area but this like no other I have played is a proper challenge but with quite a few shorter more interesting holes. Really good course and immaculate. Pro told us the greens 12 on stimpmeter like Augusta we thought he was joking. Go on putting green first before you play.

I can only echo the review from Mr Naylor of 5/7/11 - I should have played this course a long time ago but was put off by some fellow players...why? I don't know. Yes, there are tough holes and out of bounds journeys around the course, generally on the left. But it is by no means draconian. And what a setting in the middle of the conurbation - it defies logic. The course was in superb condition yesterday, the greens were exceptional and the staff and members around the course very welcoming. Some of the holes are spectacularly carved and contoured and characterful, the remainder, just very good ! I can't comment on the Club House as we did not have time to stay afterwards, but the changing facilities are fine. I hope to play RVGC again soon - what's not to like ?

I’ve played Reddish Vale a few times now and I share the opinion held by connoisseurs that it is the finest of the numerous courses located to the south of Manchester. Give it a try and see for yourself; do not be put off by the oft-heard complaint locally that it is ‘too tough’ or by the non-too salubrious approach to the club through a 1930’s council estate! The site occupied by Reddish Vale is a revelation when you consider that it lies within the M60 ring road and is less than a mile from Stockport town centre. The River Tame cuts a deep valley through wooded hills as it meanders towards its confluence with the Goyt to become the Mersey, leaving in its wake a fast-draining and undulating terrain; perfect for golf! 100 years ago the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie (later of Augusta fame) took full advantage of this beautiful location and laid out a typically charming, deceptive, and challenging course. The first five holes occupy high ground above the valley and provide a tricky introduction to the round. Beware particularly the short 4th; a narrow green flanked by a bunkered hill on the right and out of bounds immediately to the left. With the wind in your face attacking the pin can easily result in a destroyed card even before the day has properly begun. At the 6th the routing plunges down into the Vale with an epic 240 yard drop shot to a well-bunkered green nestling by the river bank. By now you will be well and truly hooked on Reddish Vale! Over the river the course flows back and forth over undulating former meadowland surrounded by woods with the river a constant companion, giving the feeling that one is deep in rural Cheshire, rather than within an industrial conurbation. Only the odd apartment block peeking over the trees belies our true location. This really is an idyllic spot. The golf is superb, too. Typically cunning MacKenzie tee and green placements test the golfer to the limit without requiring prodigious distance off the tee. The long par four 13th is the toughest hole by far – indeed there are not many tougher golf holes anywhere! A decent drive is required if one is even going to have the option of reaching the tiny green with the second shot, hidden as it is behind a sloping ridge with all manner of hazards surrounding. Even laying up leaves an awkward pitch, and the devilish contours of the green mean that a five will be gratefully seized by virtually all. The home stretch from the 14th to the 17th provide some of the most delightful golf you will find in the north of England, and provided your drives don’t find the omnipresent river good scoring should be possible. Which brings us to the legendary 18th hole... ...if this came in the middle of the round it would attract the comment that it is ‘a bit of a climb’ and be passed over. Coming as it does at the culmination of a tough 3 or 4 hours it can be a real spirit-sapper! After a 200 yard drive over a flat fairway the ground rises precipitously to a green in its own little hanging valley only 150 yards distant but 150ft above one’s head. Club selection is the puzzler here; anything between an 8 iron and a 5 wood would be appropriate... All in all I can’t recommend Reddish Vale enough for those wanting challenging golf in idyllic surroundings. The condition of the course has always been excellent when I’ve played it with some of the best greens around.

Learned about this course when looking for courses designed by alister mckenzie. Great layout with some very interesting holes. The par 5 7th hole would fit into any top level layout and the 14th, 16th and 17th are stunning to look at. The 18th is a bit mental, but that aside its a really enjoyable day out. If your peckish the Reddish vale burger will do the trick!

I discovered Reddish Vale when looking for a club to join in the Stockport area. After trying out most local courses it was clear that this is by far the best. Every hole has its own character - you will remember every one of them! The layout makes great use of the many natural features to be found on the site - hills, gullies, ravines, and the River Tame meandering from one end of the course to the other. The river and the sandy soil ensure that the course is always fairly dry - even after torrential rain or thawing snow. The greens are in great condition and playable all year - only severe frost moves play onto temporaries. A great course and an essential visit for anyone in the area. Despite the disappointing approach through a housing estate, once though the gates you could be in middle of nowhere. The setting is beautiful - you won't believe that you are in the middle of the Greater Manchester conurbation!

Nice friendly course. Short, but testing. I struggled with a couple of blind holes, and we nearly got hit by drives from adjacent holes. The second tee in particular is directly in the firing line from the 3rd tee, and we had 3 of the prvious 4ball drive within yards of where we were standing. Apart from the last hole, though we really enjoyed the experience and would go back. The 18th is seriously stupid and best not discussed. (see other reviews)

I'd read about the course in the 2 Fore 1 course factfile, and as I was in the area decided to give it go. Working on the premise that Alister MacKenzie knew a thing or two about designing golf courses, and having been fortunate enough to play several of his creations around the world, I felt confident Reddish Golf Club was worth a visit. I wasn't wrong: from the the very friendly and helpful welcome in the pro shop to the food in the club house house afterwards, this place was a most enjoyable experience all round. Great value at £29, and I've played courses two or three times this price that don't comapre as well. As for the course, its a wonderfully varied collection of holes with a tough par of 69. The course has just the one par 5, which is a proper 3 shoter, with well placed bunkers and water fairly close down the left side approach. There are no 'easy holes' here, and don't be fooled by its length of 6,100 yards. There are some very long,tricky par 4's here, the best of which is the 13th, with a blind second shot to a raised green. The collection of par 3's were superb, offering great variety in length, elevation and visual appeal. Most will remember the long downhill 6th, which at 228 yards from an elevated tee, is difficult to judge, but the clever positioning and bunkering of the short uphill 9th is for me what all great courses are about..thinking your way round, and playing the risk and reward shots well. Hit the green here, and you should make your 3..miss it left, and you can make any number. The lasting memory for me was the collection of short par 4's, the best of which come at the end of the round in the shape of the 14th and 16th holes. These holes are all about controlled accurate tee shots and well executed wedge play. Both holes can yield a birdie, but a bogey or worse is just as easy to make if you miss the fairway. The opening holes are varied, interesting and all about placement and accuracy, rather than raw power. Hit the left side of the fairway on the 1st. and you have a clear open view of the green, which will require a 7/8 iron approach shot to a well sighted green. Miss the tee shot or misjudge the approach, and its a bogey for sure. Reddish Vale is a very severe test of anyone's short game. Greens were in great condition when I played in mid July, despite the huge amount of rain in the proceeding weeks, and didn't have too many diffcult borrows to read. The only hole that didn't do it for me was the last. You have to play long iron or hybrid off the tee or you run out of fairway, and the slog up the slope to reach the green is not a nice one. A vulgar hole, which seemed so out of place with the subtle design of the rest of the course, but proves the point that any golf architect is sometimes as good as the piece of land he has to work with. Do come and play this course, as its great fun, very subtle, great value and deserves much higher recognition.

After reading reviews of the course , I decided to book this course as 1 of 3 for a golf weekend . I must say , This is one of the best courses i have played in the UK and at £20 is an absolute must on any players list. We had a torrential downpour for the first 3 holes , But once it stopped , The course was fine . The greens were 1st class and i would hate to think how quick they would be if it had have been dry. Staff + clubhouse were great , We had a meal afterwards for £10 , Which was excellent . Course : 09/10 Greens : 10/10 Clubhouse/Hospitality : 09/10 Weather : 04/10

Excellent golf club. Not the swishest of drives in, but the course itself is great to play. Every hole has something memorable, or a different challenge to make the round constantly thought provoking. The first 5 holes are decent (in middle of housing estate), but the 6th onwards have some spectacular moments. It's a great bit of land, beautifully used. Great welcome in the pro shop, and the clubhouse generally had a good atmosphere. Tremendous view for a pint afterwards. Technically a short course, but never really hampered by it (and I'm not a short hitter). The greens were in good true nick - but for July, were really quite soft after overnight rain. Not sure how this would translate into winter conditions. Overall - highly recommended as a course. Would have been a few grades higher before the tower blocks, estates were built.

A real hidden Gem just 1 mile from M60 Stockport Fantastic golf course ALL YEAR ROUND. The course is in fantastic condition with great scenery to admire. The 1st 5 holes are on the top part of the course to warm you up then the real test starts.......a downhill 228 yard par 3 easy walking down but you have to return up it on the 18th (steep) The course is close to a river and that reallyadds to the charm Mint condition greens are a real test. The whole feel to the place is very welcoming and friendly. A MUST VISIT COURSE

Played in a Gents Invitation this weekend @ Reddish. I have played this course a number of times and have notice that they have spent quite a bit of money on the course and clubhouse (in the region of £70k I was told) since my last visit over a year ago. There were certainly new / re-laid pathways around the course, and I think this was primarily due to the new buggies that have been purchased which seemed reasonably priced. The course itself accommodates varying degrees of undulation (namely 6th, 9th, 14th & 18th). There are a number of blind shots, so a one needs a couple of rounds to get directional play correct. Bunkers were in good condition and all of the greens in great condition (some were superb). All fairways were well defined and the course was very well manicured. The River Mersey meanders around the edge of the course, which gives a nice backdrop on some holes. There are a couple of dodgy ‘T’ boxes (namely 2nd & 16th) where you do need to be alert for errant shots. The course itself, is not easy at all, and I feel that it is a course where you will either love it or hate it. Worth a visit using a 2-4-1 voucher or equivalent.

Played 19th April 2007 The course layout is superb - very testing & picturesque, with numerous blind shots and some serious changes in elevation (particularly 6th & 18th). Tee boxes & Fairways were in good condition although the greens were quite poor We played using a 2 for 1 voucher and at £21 each its reasonable but not great value for money - there was a complete lack of yardage marker posts and considering some of the 2nd shots are blind club selection is impossible on some holes - the couse could also do with layout maps on the tee boxes as some landing ares are also unsighted. £1 of the fee is for insurance which is needed as some of the Tees are located VERY close to the previous green, there is serious risk of injury if the course is busy. An interesting course but not sure if i'd return.

Played the course on 7th October 2004 - It was very wet, which is not surprising after the rain we have had....However, this course is fantastic - will be returning next year - hopefully when it will be a little drier - the layout of the course is excellent, and the holes are challenging and interesting. Couple of Holes to watch out for....6th - Par 3....V.Long and Huge Bunker awaits - a difficult putting surface to catch with your tee-shot. 16th - Fantastic Dog Leg along the line of the river 18th - Heart-Attack Hill - possibly one of the stiffest uphill holes in the world. Recommended - and the food after was great.

This golf course has been described elsewhere as being a "hidden gem". None of our Society members had ever heard of it before but after our visit, we would certainly return for more. Apart from the odd block of Council flats poking up over the trees, you would not know that you were 2 minutes away from the M60 and suburbia....even the water was clean in the river when you were trying to fish your ball out! A friendly welcome, a sensible green fee and excellent catering added to the whole experience. The course itself is a real test, and in great condition. The course designer is Alister Mackenzie who also designed Augusta and whilst the floral displays were not like on the telly, there was plenty of evidence of this on the greens which were smooth and lightening fast. The mix of holes is superb, and great use has been made of all the natural features of the land. This is also the case on the 18th hole where I think that Mr Mackenzie was trying to design a ski slope! It must be the most entertaining hole in the North West.....and the cause of a few heart attacks too. Overall, this is a great venue for Society Golf or a casual visit (although not suitable for anyone who has trouble walking or needs a buggy) You won't be disappointed..... but you will be knackered!