What Is the Golf Course Like at Orchardleigh Golf Club?

Orchardleigh Golf Club's course is an 18-hole parkland layout designed by Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett, set on a scenic estate about 8 miles from Bath in Somerset. It measures 6,824 yards with a par of 72 for men and 73 for ladies, and it has been recognised as South West England Golf Club of the Year by Your Golfer Magazine and ranked 6th Best Course in Somerset in the Top 100 Courses listings. It suits a range of abilities: the club describes the layout as challenging and rewarding for both seasoned players and beginners, and green fees start from £9 for 18 holes on a pay-and-play basis.

Course Design and Setting

The course is parkland in style, built on the Orchardleigh estate. The club highlights the mature, well-planned design and the estate surroundings as central to the experience — one member review describes the long drive into the estate as "beautiful," and another praises the "stunning views and a mature golf course with plenty of challenges that is in fantastic condition."

Key facts:

Difficulty and Who It Suits

The club positions the course as testing but accessible. The yardage and par combination puts it in the range of a full-length championship-style parkland course rather than a short or executive layout, so higher-handicap players should expect a genuine round rather than a quick pitch-and-putt. At the same time, the club explicitly welcomes beginners and describes the course as captivating for players at any level.

If you're deciding whether to play it:

• Lower handicappers get a 6,824-yard par 72 with the kind of length and design pedigree that supports competition play.
• Beginners and casual players can use the pay-and-play route from £9 for 18 holes without committing to membership.
• Visitors and societies are explicitly welcomed, and buggies are available.

Awards and Reputation

Two recognitions are cited on the club's site:

• South West England Golf Club of the Year — Your Golfer Magazine
• 6th Best Course in Somerset — Top 100 Courses

Member reviews on the site rate the club 4.9/5, with recurring themes of course condition, estate scenery, friendly staff, and food and drink after the round. One reviewer also notes that lessons are delivered in a relaxed environment.

Practical Notes Before You Play

• Green fees: Pay-and-play from £9 for 18 holes (the site also references pay-and-play from £16 in its summary description — check current rates when booking).
• Frequent players: The club says frequent players who pay up front can get up to 50% off full prices.
• Facilities: Driving range, function rooms, fully licensed bar with bar meals open 7 days a week, and buggies available.
• Membership context: The course is also accessible through the club's £1-for-12-months membership offer, under which you maintain an official handicap, enter competitions, and only pay when you play.

If your main question is whether the course itself is worth a visit, the combination of a Brian Huggett design, full-length parkland yardage, regional awards, and consistently strong member feedback points to a course that rewards a proper round rather than a casual knockabout — with pay-and-play pricing that makes trying it low-risk.