The Belfry PGA National
Dave Thomas, co designer of the Ryder Cup Brabazon, returned to The Belfry to build the PGA National in 1997, the resort's third championship eighteen. A par 72 of 7,053 yards over Warwickshire parkland, it is shaped with bold mounding and water that comes into play on eight holes, a modern tournament test on one of England's most famous golf estates.
Photo: TheCardGiant via Google.
The verdict
The Belfry is woven into Ryder Cup history through the Brabazon, but the resort is a 54 hole destination, and the PGA National is the youngest of its three courses. Dave Thomas, who shaped the Brabazon with Peter Alliss, laid it out in 1997 as the home of the Professional Golfers' Association on a stretch of the same Warwickshire parkland.
Thomas built the PGA National in the bold, American influenced style that made The Belfry famous, with sweeping mounds framing the fairways and water threatening on eight holes. It has hosted professional events and gives resort guests a genuine championship test to pair with the iconic Brabazon, all within easy reach of Birmingham and the motorway network.
The Belfry PGA National Course at a glance
- Opened
- 1997
- Designer
- Dave Thomas
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,053 yds
- Green fee
- Visitor rate
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from The Belfry and leading course databases. The PGA National was designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 1997, a par 72 of 7,053 yards. The Belfry welcomes resort guests and visiting golfers; green fees vary by season and day (indicative, 2026), so always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The PGA National plays as a modern parkland championship course, generous in scale, with large shaped greens and the heavy mounding that defines the resort. Water is the recurring theme, lakes and ditches set to catch a loose shot on eight of the eighteen holes, so club selection and nerve are tested throughout.
The par 4s ask for both length and accuracy, several of them flirting with water down one side, and the par 3s are framed by bunkering and mounds that funnel the wayward away from the putting surface. The par 5s tempt the longer hitter to take on the carry for a chance at the green in two.
It is a course built for the tournament and the resort guest alike, a fair but demanding test that rewards a bold, well struck round. Set beside the Ryder Cup Brabazon and the shorter Derby, the PGA National completes a championship resort day in the heart of the Midlands.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort course open to hotel guests and visiting golfers; advance booking advised, often as part of a stay and play package |
| Green fee | Indicative visitor green fees on the PGA National in the region of 50 to 95 pounds depending on season and day (2026); always confirm directly before booking |
| Booking | Reserve through The Belfry; combine with the Brabazon and Derby for a 54 hole resort stay |
| On the day | Smart golf dress; trolleys and buggies available; a flat, easy parkland walk |
| Getting there | Wishaw near Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire, about 20 minutes from Birmingham and close to the M42 and M6 |
| Best months | May to September for the best of the parkland conditions |
Access and fee details verified June 2026; rates change by season and day, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before booking.
Where to stay nearby
The Belfry is a full resort, so most golfers stay on site at the hotel and play all three courses across a long weekend, with spa, dining and the famous Bel Air leisure facilities on the doorstep.
The PGA National pairs with the Ryder Cup Brabazon and the shorter Derby for a 54 hole resort itinerary, and the central Midlands location makes The Belfry an easy base for a corporate or buddies golf break close to Birmingham.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near The Belfry PGA National Course.
Build a Warwickshire golf trip
We arrange tee times across the Belfry courses, build the stay and play around them and pair the resort with the best of the Midlands. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
The Belfry PGA National Course questions
Who designed the PGA National Course at The Belfry and when did it open?
The PGA National Course was designed by Dave Thomas and opened in 1997, the third championship course at The Belfry alongside the Brabazon and the Derby.
What is the par and length of The Belfry PGA National Course?
The PGA National is a par 72 of 7,053 yards, a modern parkland championship course with extensive mounding and water in play on eight holes.
Can visitors play The Belfry PGA National Course?
Yes. The PGA National is a resort course open to hotel guests and visiting golfers, often through stay and play packages; book in advance and confirm the current green fee before you travel.
Where is The Belfry?
The Belfry is at Wishaw near Sutton Coldfield in Warwickshire, England, about 20 minutes from Birmingham and close to the M42 and M6.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.