The West Berkshire Golf Club

Sadly, West Berkshire Golf Club was a disappointing experience and probably a course that has seen better days.

The practice area was in poor condition, with disease affecting large areas, and didn't create a great first impression. The course itself was fairly average, but the biggest issue by far was the pace of play. It was incredibly slow, with waits of 10–15 minutes on virtually every tee box.

There appeared to be no course marshals managing play, and the group ahead of us had effectively lost three or four holes on the group in front. They were searching for balls constantly and holding up the entire course, yet nobody from the club intervened or encouraged them to let faster groups through.

After eight holes, we approached the pro shop to explain that we simply couldn't continue under those conditions. While the staff apologised, there was no real acknowledgement of the issue, no ownership of the situation, and no offer of any goodwill gesture or return experience.

Overall, it was a pretty poor experience and unfortunately not somewhere we'll be returning. That's a shame, as we were looking forward to trying somewhere different. With the quality of courses available nearby, including those around Donnington, Newbury and places such as The Grove, there are simply much better options in the area.

I'd rate that as 2/5 stars – not because the course is terrible, but because the pace-of-play management and customer response turned an average golf day into a frustrating one.

Tucked away in the stunning Berkshire Downs, West Berkshire Golf Club is a true hidden gem that offers a wonderfully peaceful and rewarding golfing experience. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted by a sense of calm and countryside charm that sets it apart from busier, more commercial courses.

The course itself is beautifully laid out, with tree-lined fairways and sweeping views that make every hole a pleasure to play. There’s a great mix of challenges here—wide fairways that invite confident drives, balanced by subtle undulations and strategic hazards that keep you thinking throughout the round. At over 7,000 yards from the back tees, it’s no pushover, but the variety of tee options ensures it remains enjoyable for golfers of all abilities.

What really stands out is the overall atmosphere. It’s relaxed, friendly, and refreshingly unpretentious—exactly what you want for a day’s golf. The pace of play is generally smooth, and the course offers a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

The greens, when at their best, run true and reward good putting, and the course layout keeps you engaged from the first tee to the final hole. Add in excellent value for money compared to many courses in the region, and it’s easy to see why so many golfers would happily return.

Overall, West Berkshire Golf Club is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a scenic, enjoyable, and well-rounded round of golf. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area, it’s definitely worth a trip—you might just find yourself coming back again and again

Played here numerous times , bit surprised the big increase in cost and slow play was 4hrs 30 mins to get round on Friday afternoon, course was generally in good condition but some of the greens need work as mud patches on some and the little bit of sunshine has burned some greens already , could do with a little attention

The West Berks Golf Club is a bit of a hidden gem - long enough, and with enough variety to challenge most golfer. It needs a little investment and TLC with the range, practice facilities, many bunkers, and clubhouse all in need of upgrade. And this round, played in late February, was plagued by some very soft muddy conditions (which to be honest is completely out of the clubs control due to the intense rainfall since early January). That said it’s super fun, super friendly, and great value.

Golf in West Berkshire at this time of year is bound to be muddy and boggy in places but, likely because it sits on top of a hill, this course was well kept and not too muddy!

Very enjoyable round!

The main reason for my review is the pace of play, it took us 3 hours to play the back 9 … when booking there was no mention of the competition and there was seemingly no attempt to speed up play.

Summer is over and long drives a thing of the past. The recent rain has helped the course and fairways etc are in pretty good condition considering summer we’ve had.

First time at the course.. generally really good value for money, given the amenities available, practice nets, practice range, chipping area, putting area.

The course itself was a long and decent challenge, in decent condition given the dry weather which has obviously affected it with the lack of water/rain.

But that said, there is still plenty of areas on the course that needs some work, coupled with a drastic need of course layout signage! Virtually next to none of the holes were clearly marked for the newcomer which was very frustrating having to ask players constantly where to go and walk over fairways where players are playing their holes.

But the biggest letdown was the general off course areas and the paths, they definitely need some attention, the paths in general are in a terrible condition if I didn't keep my mouth closed my teeth would've fell out, at the very least they should be layered with wood chippings instead of exposed tree roots and stones.

But all in all, it is what it is and it costs what it costs and for the money, it's really okay, but it could be a whole lot better though, so in conclusion, yes I would go back and play again, I paid £22 for a shared tee-time, but is worth more, think I'd stop at £30.

Really enjoyed playing at West Berks again , course in good Nick and friendly members

As above.

Happy to take your money but a smile seems a bit difficult

Nice club great greens friendly staff and good practice areas

Briefly, we were greeted by the pro - a very friendly chap and then introduced to the people in front of us who immediately let us through! The conditions were perfect and the course in great condition - fairways green and even and the greens quick enough and more importantly, consistent. If I had any criticism it would be that some of the tee boxes were slightly restricted by trees which could be lopped. We had a beer in the clubhouse afterwards and the members were all having a jolly time - not quiet miserable and unwelcoming at all.

The only criticism was very difficult to get the club under the ball in the bunkers.

Generally the course was in great nick, however the bunkers had a lot of clay and it made it impossible to get under the ball....

Ridiculously low price for a superb course. Only one green was a touch dodgy due to repair but otherwise they were all consistent, quick and interesting. The pro was super helpful, and off we went. I play off 14 and my son, 18 and we found the layout was really good, challenging due to the trees and very pretty with all the trees in bloom. Perhaps we were lucky with the time of year and weather but every hole without exception made us think and I certainly used all of my clubs which I think is a good measure of a thinking man’s course! I would have no hesitation in recommending West Berkshire to anyone and by the way, the other players on the course were very friendly - presume they were members.