Stratford Oaks Golf Club
A hidden treasure
This is a proprietary club where the proprietors love golf and want the best for their course. Changes over the last four years have seen a pleasant, though tired course, become transformed into a Warwickshire gem.
Situated near Stratford-upon-Avon and not far from the M40 Junction 15 (but far enough away not to hear it) the remote feel and tranquillity of this course are part of its attraction.
It is surrounded by conservation woodland and was in the past a Second World War aerodrome at the top of a hill. The scalped area and surrounding woods causes the wind to be a serious factor here.
The course has been landscaped to include lots of banked areas between fairways to take away the natural flatness and large areas have been planted with trees, or left to grow naturally, to encourage and protect wildlife. Copses, deep grassy areas and large ponds all come into play and add to its attractiveness.
It is not a long or arduous course, being 6121 yards off the medal tees and this suits the strong ladies and seniors sections. It is, however, a good test of golf due to each hole having a trick or two up its sleeve for the unwary and when there is a blow, which is often, the swirling wind can play real tricks with your ball.
The latest improvements to the course have included massive drainage work, ditches that follow and cross fairways and add to the difficulty. Newly improved and drained bunkers, deepened, enlarged and filled with top quality white bunker sand that adds to the aesthetic look of the course. Enlarged water hazards brought out into the fairways take a fair proportion of balls. Last but not least is the quality of the greens; superb ground staff have now got the greens to be amongst the best in the area.
A newly extended clubhouse will be opening later this year, improved men's changing rooms, dining facilities and bar will add to the pleasure of being a visitor here.
Next summer should see even further improvements with some of the tee positions being changed to give more yardage. Stick it on your list for a society day, you won't be disappointed.
From Junction 15 - M40 (Warwick) take the A46 towards Stratford and turn off when signposted Snitterfield, carry on through Snitterfield village towards Bearley, The Oaks is on the right at the top of the hill.
Stratford Oaks Golf Club
Snitterfield
Stratford-upon-Avon
Warwickshire
CV37 0EZ
Telephone: 01789 731983