Sherwood Forest Golf Club Key Information
A classic design played over ideal golfing terrain. The layout makes excellent use of the natural surrounding features. The course is sand based so drains well in poor weather and the heather and deep grasses surrounding each fairway help frame and contour each hole. An excellent test of golf to challenge all levels. The course is fair and will reward good golf throughout while asking questions of wayward play.
REASONS TO PLAY SHERWOOD FOREST GOLF CLUB
– Classic Colt and Braid heathland layout
– Beautiful and peaceful setting with great flora and fauna to be seen
– Famously true and pure greens
RANKINGS
UK & Ireland Top 100 Golf Courses 2025/26 - 89
On the fringes of Mansfield, Sherwood Forest Golf Club, dates from 1895, the course is a one-place climber in our Top 100 UK&I course rankings this time out. They have been at the same site since 1912 playing over a course originally laid out by Hary Colt but remodelled by James Braid in the 1920s.
Although there have been changes and an evolution to keep pace with the game, the track has remained largely unchanged since the early part of the 20th century. That’s partly testament to the skill of those great men as course designers and partly down to the exceptional terrain over which this great track is set. Sherwood Forest is one of the best golf courses in Nottinghamshire.
Playing out from in front of the comfortable and welcoming clubhouse, alongside the bronze stag that keeps watch over the course, the 1st hole is a short, tactical par-4 that requires a straight drive stopping short of a well-placed bunker around 30 yards from the green.
It’s a gentle opening but the challenge increases on the left to right second, heather waits to the left, trees and rough to the right, straight ahead bunkers loom ominously, but in fact there’s quite a bit of space between them.
With punishing rough and bunkers protecting the edges of most holes here, tee shots are visually intimidating, but the landing areas are reasonably generous. The key to success is to win the mental battle and trust that a good swing aimed on a reasonable line will find a sensible spot. Often driver is not the correct play though as I found to my cost last time out, and even 3-wood might be too much.
The greens at Sherwood Forest deserve special mention. I think they’re exceptionally true and very fast indeed – a real joy to putt on.
The start of the run for home at Sherwood Forest is excellent and I think the stretch from the 11th to the 14th is the most difficult on the course. The 11th is slightly downhill and plays from left to right. A bunker off the tee looms large but there’s plenty of room to the left. The approach must miss a clamouring gaggle of bunkers placed to catch a variety of misses.
The 12th requires a strong drive and straight approach to a green framed by trees. Both par-4s, the 13th and 14th turn from right to left and both ask for two well struck shots if you’re to reach in regulation. Get through these four holes in par and you’ve played very well indeed.
Played over springy heathland turf across fairways lined by heathers and a fine variety of trees, this is a supremely attractive setting for golf and the terrain is ideally suited for the game.
Significant work removing trees to regain some of the original heathland character of the course was recently undertaken, also an extensive improvement of the practice facilities and clubhouse areas (including new patio).
What's new for 2025/26? What our panellists said
Sherwood Forest Golf Club offers a formidable test of golf with a layout that rewards strategic play and precision. The routing is both clever and varied, blending lengthy par-4s with shorter, tactical holes that demand accuracy rather than brute strength. Overall, this is a course that reflects the best of Harry Colt’s design philosophy: challenging yet fair, with plenty of risk and reward opportunities that engage players throughout. It has all the qualities of a Championship heathland test of golf coupled with some of the best kept greens in the country.
There are elements of great here and with some investment there could be a lot more. It’s good piece of land, undulating and dressed exactly as a heathland should be but there are a few too many uninspiring and unattractive bunkers for my liking.
Lots of tough golf holes and lovely views but perhaps a lack of “wow” moments. I do however always find a smile walking through the archway from the car park to the pro shop and being greeted with the sight of the course and swathes of heather upon the crest of the hill.
Sherwood Forest Golf Club Location
Sherwood Forest Golf Club scorecard
Best Courses Near to Sherwood Forest Golf Club
For all the best golf courses in the area, check out our guide to the best courses in Nottinghamshire.
Best Places to Stay Near Sherwood Forest Golf Club
Mour Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
Just a 15 minute drive from Sherwood Forest, the Mour Hotel boasts stylish, spacious rooms all with black and white tiled bathrooms with heated mirrors and walk-in power showers. The Mour Bar & Grill showcases a unique, modern design.
Forest Lodge Hotel - Book now at Booking.com
Located in Edwinstowe, 350 yards from Sherwood Forest, The Forest Lodge is just a short drive from the golf club. It's a comfy pub, offering good rooms and hearty food.
Sherwood Forest Golf Club Course Gallery
Sherwood Forest Golf Club Historical Top 100 Ranking UK&I
- 2025/26 - 89
- 2023/24 - 90
- 2021/22 - 84
- 2019/20 - 83
- 2017/18 - 84
- 2015/16 - 92
- 2013/14 - 92
- 2011/12 - 100
Frequently Asked Questions
When can i play at Sherwood Forest?
Visitors are welcome all year round except they do not take any visitor bookings on Bank Holidays, Saturday (all day), Tuesday and Sunday mornings.
Is there a dress code at Sherwood Forest?
Sherwood Forest expects guests and members to dress appropriately for a golf club. Guidance on that can be found on the club's website.
Do I need a handicap to play at Sherwood Forest?
Handicap certificates or CDH numbers are required. Visiting golfers are expected to hold a current club handicap and provide a handicap certificate on arrival.
