Breadsall Priory - The Priory Course - Bunker Mentality Course Review

Home to two 18 hole golf courses, Breadsall Priory sits just on the edge of the Peak District, around 10 minutes outside of Derby. It seemed to be the perfect venue to host our 2022 Bunker Masters, two years after it should have originally been played, and judging by the feedback of those that played, it was a well justified choice of venue.

A warm welcome was followed by bacon rolls and coffee, the staple diet of all golfers regardless of their ability. Although this is a Marriott Golf Resort, it has the feel of a members club in the bar area, which is just what you want as a visitor to any golf club.

The intimidatng view of the first hole.

Stood on the putting green you get a fantastic view of the first hole on the Priory Course, and already you know you’re in for a challenging game. There’s no room for error with your first tee shot, so be sure to head to the driving range before you tee off to give yourself at least half a chance of finding the fairway. After the nervy first tee shot, the first few holes ease you in quite nicely with the chance to get a nice score going….until you reach the 8^th tee.

All of a sudden, things become very narrow and nothing is quite as it seems. Gone are the nice straightforward holes, replaced by sharp doglegs, blind shots and plenty of trees. Even the best golfers will relish the challenge around this section, and even the fittest of people will find the sharp inclines a tough walk.

The picturesque 11th hole from halfway down the hill.

All of it is worth it though when you stand up on the 11^th tee and look down to see the fairway 50 yards below you – time to Hit It Hard! Make the most of this downhill hole, as you’ll soon find yourself marching back up some steep slopes before the signature par 3 17^th.

A downhill, 170 yard par 3 could easily be a game changer, and is the ideal hole for a nearest the pin competition. Be sure to make the most of the spectacular views across 4 different holes, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a sunset then its said that this is actually the best view on the whole course. One final uphill battle down the last hole before a well deserved pint out on the patio to finish off what should be a great (if not tiring) game of golf.

 All smiles on the first tee, wearing it well.

On the day, a nett score of one over par was enough to take the coverted Blue Jacket, with our resident professionals fighting it out with scores of 69 and 68, showing what a true test of golf this course really is.

Overall, we would highly recommend playing the Priory course, however our top tip would be to get yourself a buggy for the round…you’ll be thanking us later!