Beau Desert at Beau Desert Golf Club

Beau Desert Golf Club sits on a distinctive tract of heathland in Cannock, Staffordshire, designed by Herbert Fowler and opened in 1919. Fowler, known for his work at Walton Heath and Saunton, routed the course across gently rolling terrain characterized by heather, gorse, silver birch, and Scots pine—landscape features that give Beau Desert a character more commonly associated with courses in Surrey or Berkshire than the Midlands. The sandy, free-draining soil and natural vegetation create playing conditions typical of England's inland heath courses, with firm turf and strategic demands that reward precision over power.

The layout measures around 6,500 yards from the back tees and features a variety of hole lengths and angles that test course management and shot-making. Fowler's design emphasizes natural contours and strategic bunkering, with several holes playing through corridors of heather and trees that tighten landing areas and green approaches. The greens are generally modest in size and subtly contoured, requiring careful attention to pin positions. The course has a reputation for being particularly challenging when the heather is thick in late summer.

Beau Desert has hosted regional amateur competitions and remains a well-regarded members' club in the Midlands. The clubhouse and surrounding grounds maintain a traditional atmosphere, and the course is often noted for its peaceful setting and the quality of its conditioning relative to its heathland character.