On a beautifully sunny morning that seemed to signal the beginning of summer, what better way to spend a couple of hours than strolling around the superbly kept Humberstone Heights golf course?

The smell of freshly cut grass complemented the stunning scenery and views of the city as Course Manager, David Butler, took us on a green-by-green tour, stopping off for a spot of putting practice along the way.

David, who also manages the council’s Western Park Course, has a simple philosophy; he wants golf to be accessible for as many people as possible.

“Our aim is to provide the best quality facilities at the best possible price, within a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities. We try to make it as easy as possible for people to play here. Membership offers great value but people can just turn up, pay and play and enjoy themselves.”

Leicester City Council has two golf courses located within five miles of the city centre; Humberstone Heights, which is situated in the East of the City and Western Park in the West.

Humberstone Heights
Built in 1976, Humberstone Heights has matured into a beautiful course with tall trees and great views of county and city landmarks, such as Old John at Bradgate Park and the National Space Centre. Despite the urban setting, the course is somewhat of a green haven that oozes tranquillity.

The main 18 hole, par 70 course, is filled with testing tee shots, awkward bunkers and lusciously flat greens. There is also a par three, nine-hole pitch and putt course for beginners, or those just fancying a bit of fun.

A 30 bay floodlit driving range is also popular and allows golfers to practice their swing all year round. The beautifully kept putting green is the largest in Leicester.

Western Park
An 18 hole course, with a grass practice area and an indoor facility for year round lessons, Western Park celebrates its Centenary Year in 2010, and after 100 years of golf it’s still proving as popular as ever.

To celebrate this landmark there will be a festival over the summer with pro-am tournaments, social events and fun days, where young children can use plastic clubs and balls to take their first steps in the game.

Reasons to Try City Golf…
There are roughly 900 members who are able to use both courses. This allows golfers to improve their game and prevents them becoming too accustomed with the same 18 holes.

A year long membership costs in the region of £500, which allows users to play on weekdays and at the weekend. There are cheaper rates for senior players, those over 60, who can pay £305 a year for a weekday membership.

For one off rounds, it costs £15.50 to play 18 holes during the week and £19 at the weekends.

Golf Manager, David Butler, said: “With the introduction of our Direct Debit scheme, it allows the golfer to spread the cost of their course fees across a twelve month period, with the flexibility of playing at both venues. From beginner to experienced, we have the skill and expertise to meet everyone’s needs.”

Both courses are over 150 acres in size and the greens and fairways are maintained on a daily basis by the City Council’s Parks Division.

Bar and catering facilities are on offer at both courses.

Free golf lessons for beginners take place at Humberstone Heights every Sunday.

Across both courses there are seven PGA qualified gold professionals who provide tuition and advice to members.

Health Benefits…
The city golf staff work closely with the GP Referrals Scheme aiming to help seniors get more active. The game continues to attract players of all ages as David explained.

“People into their 80s regularly play on both courses throughout the week. A lot of people don’t realise that in an average 18 holes of golf you walk between four and six miles.

“We get somewhere between 1000 and 1500 people of all ages and abilities using the course a week. Kids as young as four use plastic clubs in a scheme called tri-golf to see if they like it.”

Separate coaching is available for ladies and couples. Clubs and societies are also welcome.

Putting Tips…
Soar Magazine reporter, Jon Reeves, was put through his putting paces by David Butler and here’s how he fared…

David gave me a brief coaching session on the putting green, quickly addressing flaws in my grip and stance. He encouraged me to swing with a smoother action and although none of my long-range putts were holed, each got a little closer to the target and I felt more confident by the end of the session.

I’d still class myself as a golfing novice, but David’s message to anybody thinking of trying the sport or dusting off their clubs after years in the wilderness would be to visit one of the courses and have a go.

“Definitely get in touch. Call us or come in and visit and we’ll talk through what you want and what suits your needs. Come and try the course and see what we’ve got to offer and if you enjoy it.”

Visit www.leicester.gov.uk/sports for more information on the City’s golf courses. For Humberstone Heights call 0116 2995570 or e-mail john.allcock@leicester.gov.uk. For Western Park call 0116 2995566 or e-mail martin.brutnall@leicester.gov.uk