Sunderland, England Golf: 3 of the Best

By Jordan Fuller

Sunderland, England owns a history dating back to the year 674. To play golf on such hallowed ground is a thrill in the making.

The perfect foursome when playing golf at the mouth of the River Wear would include yourself, a ship builder, a bottle maker, and a monk. Turn the pages of a Sunderland history book and you’ll find these three professions played an integral part leading up to the city’s present day story.

So whether you’re teeing it up with your three new friends at Wearside Golf Club, Seaham Harbour, or Sharpley, work on your best Mackem accent and then don’t forget to pick up the tab at the pub after your round.

Wearside Golf Club

Just to the east of Sunderland rests one of the oldest and most historic courses in England, the Wearside Golf Club. Constructed in 1892, Wearside resides on the banks of the River Wear and close to the Penshaw Monument, making the course an essential stop for any golfer.

Greeting you with a charming pro shop and putting green, Wearside features a clean layout that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy. Junior golfers will particularly enjoy this if they’re starting out for example. Furthermore, the course isn’t very long, measuring at just under 5,500 meters, so older golfers shouldn’t be dissuaded in making the trip to Wearside.

Always entertaining, Wearside features the rare start of a par-3 on the first hole and ends with a par-5 that will give golfers the opportunity to go from broke and finish their round with an eagle.

The rest of the holes at Wearside are feature fairways sculpted by trees and a wide-open layout   that plays a big role in shaping your shots as they wind throughout the links.

The best hole on the course is the par-3 7th, featuring a short tee shot that must clear trees and a ravine. After you hit your opening shot on the 7th, you’ll hold your breath as your ball falls over 100 feet down to the expecting green. With a brave swing you’ll certainly find the surface of the green.

Greens at Wearside are smooth and firm, staying true for your putts, even after a quick rain shower.

Seaham Harbour Golf Club

The popular Seaham Harbour Golf Club is just 13 kilometers south of Sunderland. Created in 1911, Seaham Harbour has long remained one of the most enjoyable courses in the region with a challenging layout that has entertained and delighted golfers for decades.

One of the main reasons that Seaham Harbor cannot be missed is the course features a breathtaking view of the North Sea throughout your day on the links. 

Measuring around 5250 meters, Seaham Harbour, wisely utilizing its links-style layout. If you love golf that allows you to bomb away with your driver, then Seaham Harbour has a few holes that will enable you to flex your muscles.

What is lovely about Seaham Harbour is that the course plays with a strategic element that challenges the golfer while also offering true excitement. Also, the greens remain in spectacular shape and can be trusted to give golfers a clean roll with their putter.

Exquisitely presented with terrific facilities, Seaham Harbour Golf Club is home to lively golf that will be enjoyed by all the golf lovers in your family.

Sharpley Golf Course, Seaham

Just south of Sunderland, the Sharpley Golf Course is everything you want from a day on the links. Featuring a delightful layout with challenging obstacles, Sharpley is groomed for the golfer who loves a pleasurable day at the course without too much difficulty.

First, the course isn’t very long, perfect for mid-handicappers, so if you like taking your family out for a round, then Sharpley won’t disappoint the beginners in your group.

When you hit the grounds at the Sharpley Golf Course, you’ll notice that the holes on the course remain in terrific playing shape regardless of when you play. The fairways are pristine and offer a solid foundation for shots into the green.

Golfers can expect to play their full array of clubs as the course offers plenty of variety from the shorter par-3s and 4s.The lengthier par-5s will have you reaching for the fairway wood on your second shot.

Small greens and strategically placed bunkers make you pause before each entry shot, but that only attaches an additional element of fun to your day at Sharpley.

Great for golfers who love to walk, Sharpley has subtle elevation changes that won’t tax you physically but make sure you get your exercise in for the day. One of the real hidden gems of the Sunderland area, Sharpley is an outstanding value for golfers of all ages.

Conclusion

These three highly-recommended courses all share a bit of history, provide enthralling golf, and never stop charming you and your playing partners throughout your day on their grounds.

So break out the clubs, get them clean, call up a few friends and set a date as all three of these golf courses have fees that are reasonably priced, and all continue to be a true joy to play.

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Jordan Fuller is a golf coach who loves to travel around the world for a tee time. He also owns and writes golf tips on his online publication site https://www.golfinfluence.com  where his followers find the guides helpful in improving their game.