Avening at Minchinhampton Golf Club

The Avening Course at Minchinhampton Golf Club occupies elevated ground in the Cotswolds near Stroud, Gloucestershire. Designed by F.W. Hawtree, it represents a distinct contrast to the club's older Old Course, which dates to the 1890s and plays across common land. The Avening layout was developed on enclosed farmland and offers a more conventional parkland experience compared to the Old Course's ancient common with its grazing rights and public access.

The course sits at significant elevation, providing views across the Cotswold landscape. The routing moves through a mix of open and tree-lined holes, with the topography creating natural movement in the fairways and approach shots. Hawtree's design makes use of the existing land features while incorporating strategic bunkering and green complexes that require thoughtful club selection and course management.

Minchinhampton Golf Club maintains both courses for its members, with the Avening serving as a complement to the historic Old Course. The club has roots extending back to the Victorian era, and its facilities reflect traditional English golf club culture. The combination of two distinct courses on dramatically different terrain gives members and visitors variety uncommon in a single club setting. The Avening provides a more sheltered, parkland alternative when conditions on the exposed common become challenging, particularly during winter months when the Old Course can be affected by weather.