Heatherlea Cup Gents Open (Gents)

Allendale Golf Club

Northumberland, England

Allendale Golf Club is a 9-hole course with 16 tee boxes located in the Allen Valley near Allendale in Northumberland, England, within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Situated at 1,077 feet above sea level on the west-facing Green Hill, the course is framed by high moorland terrain rising above 1,640 feet, creating a dramatic upland landscape with expansive views across vast, empty fells. The course features distinctive character holes with colorful names reflecting the local landscape. Notable holes include the par-3s on holes 2, 3, 11, and 12, which play differently from front to back nine despite being the same hole, presenting varied challenges. Hole 17, "Grand Canyon," requires precision through a small gap in trees where length is not an option, demanding strategic play. The routing maximizes the scenic moorland setting, with the back nine requiring as much strategic thinking as the front nine despite the compact 9-hole layout. The course suits golfers seeking thoughtful play over raw power, as evidenced by coaching notes praising it as an antidote to modern resort-style courses. Wildlife including sheep, curlews, and hares inhabit the surrounding landscape, contributing to the distinctive "Golf in the Wild" experience that defines the club's identity.