What is Orchardleigh Golf Club?

Orchardleigh Golf Club is a family-run golf club and 18-hole parkland course in Somerset, about 8 miles from Bath, near Frome. It combines a pay-and-play course with a flexible membership model, plus a driving range, function rooms, and a licensed bar and kitchen. It suits visitors looking for a round without committing to a traditional annual fee, as well as golfers who want competition and handicap benefits through membership.

The course

The club's headline course is an 18-hole parkland layout designed by Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett. According to the club, it measures 6,824 yards with a par of 72 for men and 73 for ladies. It has been recognised as the 6th Best Course in Somerset in the Top 100 Courses listing, and the club was named South West England Golf Club of the Year by Your Golfer Magazine.

The setting is part of the appeal: the course sits on the Orchardleigh Estate, and the long drive into the estate is repeatedly mentioned in member reviews as a highlight. One member review describes "stunning views and a mature golf course with plenty of challenges that is in fantastic condition."

Membership: the £1 for 12 months offer

The club's most distinctive feature is its membership structure. Instead of paying £1,200–£1,600 up front for a traditional annual membership, you can join for £1 for 12 months and then only pay when you play.

What that membership includes, per the club:

• Full membership benefits for 12 months
• An official handicap
• Entry into club competitions and roll-ups
• Pay-as-you-play green fees, advertised from £9 for 18 holes
• Food and drink available 7 days a week

The £1 offer is described as limited, with terms and conditions applying, so it is worth confirming current details directly before relying on it. The club also offers a "Frequent Players" option where you pay up front and get up to 50% off full prices.

Green fees and visitors

For casual golfers, the club operates on a pay-and-play basis. The site advertises green fees from £9 for 18 holes under the membership model, and the source description references pay and play from £16. Buggies are available. Societies are explicitly welcomed, and there are function rooms for events.

Because pricing signals on the site are promotional and change over time, treat any figure here as indicative and check the club's current green fee and membership pages before booking.

Facilities beyond the course

• Driving range for practice
• Function rooms for events and gatherings
• Fully licensed bar with bar meals, open 7 days a week
• Golf lessons, described in reviews as relaxed and well delivered

Who it's for

Orchardleigh fits a few specific types of golfer:

• Flexible players who want club membership, a handicap, and competitions without a large upfront fee
• Visitors and societies looking for a pay-and-play round in Somerset within easy reach of Bath and Frome
• Beginners or returning players who want a mature parkland course, practice facilities, and lessons in a low-pressure environment

If you want a traditional members' club with a large joining fee and unlimited access baked into one payment, this model works differently — you pay per round instead. If you play frequently, the Frequent Players option is the one to compare against the £1 membership before deciding.

Practical next steps

1. Check the club's current membership and green fee pages, since the £1 offer is limited and subject to terms.
2. Download the free membership pack if you want the full details of what membership covers.
3. If you're booking as a visitor or society, confirm tee times, buggy availability, and catering in advance.

Member reviews on the site rate the club 4.9/5, with recurring praise for the course condition, the estate setting, the staff, and the food and drink after a round.