Mendip Golf Club

The Mendip Golf Club, which is situated on the summit of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty known as the Mendip Hills, offers a wholesome golfing experience. On sunny days, the club is blessed with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. However, due to its high elevation, one may find themselves enveloped in mist on cloudy days while playing. 
Except for the 3rd and 4th holes, which are located near the Old Frome road, the course is characterised by its peaceful serenity, with the melodic sounds of nature, such as birds, providing the only background noise.

The club has a rich history dating back to 1908, it was designed by Frank Vardon, the brother of the renowned golfer Harry Vardon. Through the years the course has been consistently improved and maintained to provide an enjoyable and challenging round of golf for players of all skill levels.

Course - Having played the Mendip Golf Club on several occasions, I have noticed that the course is consistently undergoing improvements. On my previous visits, I had considered the final holes of the course, a par 3 and a blind par 4, to be somewhat lacking. However, upon my most recent visit, I was pleased to discover that these two holes had been completely remodelled. The 17th hole, now a downhill dogleg par 4 with a raised green guarded by bunkers, and the 18th hole, an uphill par 3 with an undulating green, are both expertly designed and provide a much more satisfying conclusion to the round. The rest of the course is characterised by its spacious layout, allowing for a slightly wayward shot without penalty. However, a slice or hook may result in difficulty. Water hazards are present on one hole but typically it does not pose a significant threat. The greens and tee boxes were in excellent condition for December, a testament to the well-draining downland on which the course is situated.

Clubhouse - The clubhouse isn’t much to look at from the outside, apart from the nicely designed branding. However, inside you will find a spacious, clean and warm clubhouse with a lively restaurant and bar area. Changing rooms were a decent size and adequate should you need to change after your round. The Pro shop is in a different building and next to the first tee; I found this to be well stocked and also had a golf studio with a simulator.

Staff - The professional staff at the Mendip Golf Club were highly approachable. The pro was very friendly and accommodated our request to tee off early, as he was aware that the group ahead of us would likely impede our progress. The staff in the restaurant were also friendly and our meal with beverages was served promptly. The food was of high quality, reasonably priced, and most importantly, delicious.

Highlights - The Mendip Golf Club boasts a selection of truly outstanding green complexes, which, when coupled with the breathtaking vistas on certain holes, make for an immensely enjoyable round of golf.

Lowlights - Carpark and the entrance areas are rough and don’t reflect the club well. The car park was free for all, with people parking everywhere.

The first few holes make you go up, and after that along a rather busy road (for these parts at least), but then you are treated with a lovely parkland course offering many rewarding challenges.