Bath Approach Golf Course: Bath Revived for Modern Players

Introduction

If you’ve been searching for an accessible, affordable, and scenic place to play golf in the heart of Bath, the Bath Approach Golf Course, now operating as Royal Victoria Park Golf and Footgolf, deserves a spot at the top of your list. Whether you’re picking up a club for the first time or looking to sharpen your short game, this historic course in one of England’s most beautiful cities offers an experience that’s hard to replicate.

What Is the Bath Approach Golf Course?

Situated within the bounds of Bath’s beautiful Victoria Park, the Bath Approach Golf Course offers par 3 holes of varying length. It provides a relaxed atmosphere for novice golfers to build confidence and develop their game, while more experienced golfers can enhance their vital short game skills. 

The course has been a fixture of the local leisure landscape for decades. Known affectionately as “the Approach,” it occupies a hillside setting adjacent to Royal Victoria Park, delivering panoramic views across the UNESCO World Heritage City below. Sitting on the side of a steep hill with great views of the city in the background, the course offers par three holes ranging from 61 to 87 yards. 

This combination of accessibility, affordability, and scenery has made it a destination not just for golfers, but for families, tourists, and fitness enthusiasts exploring Bath’s leisure ecosystem.

The Closure, the Comeback, and What’s New

Like many public leisure facilities, the Bath Approach Golf Course was not immune to the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. The course closed during the pandemic and remained shut until Spring 2023, when Future Golf Ventures Ltd, which won the tender to manage the land in late 2022, began operating. After its closure, the course reopened in 2024 on a partial basis as a 9-hole offering initially. The full 18-hole course opened in May 2025. 

The revamp brought with it a fresh design and a new complementary offering. The newly designed 18-hole golf course is primarily situated on the eastern side of the park, with fifteen holes located to the right of the kiosk. Three of the holes require the golfer to traverse the Cotswold Way to play on the western side before crossing back to complete the course. 

Alongside the golf, Future Golf Ventures introduced footgolf, a hybrid sport combining football and golf, to the western section of the park. The introduction of a 12-hole footgolf course on the lower section of the western side adds an exciting new leisure offer to the park. 

The operator has also committed to environmentally responsible management. In line with Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Parks policy, there is no use of glyphosate weedkiller on the site and very minimal other chemical input, with an aim to create an exciting biodiverse leisure facility. 

What to Expect When You Play

1. Course Layout and Challenge

The Bath Approach Golf Course is designed as a pitch and putt experience, making it ideal for players of every skill level. The majority of the holes play up and down the hill, with the closing holes playing across the slope. Bunkers are scarce, but the challenge lies in the elevations and slopes around the greens. This course is great for beginners but can be quite challenging to seasoned golfers. 

The course spans 1,373 yards at par 54, with a slope rating of 106 figures that reflect a layout where precision and local knowledge matter more than raw distance.

Experienced players will find that reading the terrain is essential. With the firmness of summertime, it often pays to play a punch and run shot rather than flying the ball all the way to the green. The clever golfer with a bit of local knowledge will use the slopes to bounce the ball into the flag.

2. Views, Atmosphere, and Value

One of the most consistent observations from visitors is the quality of the views. The views over Bath are spectacular, and as you go round the course and head up the hill you will get amazing views of the city. 

The course also earns high marks for its relaxed pace. The Approach Golf Course in Bath provides a test of short game ability without being overly challenging for those less able. It is generally not too busy, so you are unlikely to feel pressured to play too quickly, making it more enjoyable. It is reasonably priced and represents good value for money. 

3. Practical Information

The course offers a 12 or 18-hole game for beginners and experienced players alike, and visitors are welcome every day. Juniors and students receive a discount. Club hire is available on site, and golf balls can be purchased from the kiosk. If you plan to bring your own equipment, doing so will help keep costs down.

Parking is easy opposite Victoria Park, pay and display but not too expensive. The Royal Crescent and the Circus are only a short stroll away, making a round of golf a natural complement to a broader day exploring Bath.

The course operates seven days a week from April through October, with reduced weekend-only hours in the winter months.

How Does the Bath Approach Golf Course Fit Into the Wider Golf Landscape?

1. A Growing Sport

The Bath Approach Golf Course sits at an interesting intersection of trends shaping golf in the UK and globally. The R&A’s research figures for 2023 indicate a growth of 3.1 million on-course golfers since 2022, with the sport now up 44% from 29.6 million on-course players in 2016.

In England, 36% of on-course golfers started with alternative formats, such as pitch and putt, precisely the kind of entry-point experience the Bath Approach Golf Course has provided for generations of local players. The course functions as a gateway, lowering the barrier to entry and building confidence before players transition to full-length courses.

England ranks among the top five on-course adult golfer markets globally, with 4.2 million active players. At a local level, accessible courses like the Approach play a meaningful role in sustaining and growing that figure.

2. Other Golf Options Near Bath

For those looking to progress beyond pitch and putt, the surrounding area offers a range of options. Bath Golf Club, situated above the World Heritage City, offers 18 holes of challenging golf on a Harry Colt course with enviable views and was named a Golf Monthly Hidden Gem in 2022. Lansdown Golf Club and Entry Hill Golf Course are also within easy reach for players seeking a full-length course experience.

Is the Bath Approach Golf Course Right for You?

What Kind of Golfer Will Enjoy It Most?

This course is a strong fit for beginners looking to develop their game in a low-pressure environment, families seeking an active outdoor activity in the city, tourists who want to combine sightseeing with some gentle sport, and experienced golfers who want a focused short game session without committing to a full 18-hole round at a traditional club.

What Are the Limitations?

The course is not designed for those seeking a full-length challenge. There are no formal bunkers or water hazards, and the par 3 format means long irons and drivers stay in the bag. If you’re preparing for competition golf or working on your long game, a driving range or full-length course will better serve your needs.

Conclusion

The Bath Approach Golf Course, reimagined as Royal Victoria Park Golf and Footgolf, remains one of the most accessible and scenically rewarding places to play golf in the South West of England. Its combination of a newly designed 18-hole layout, a family-friendly footgolf option, stunning city views, and an inclusive atmosphere makes it a compelling leisure destination for visitors and locals alike.

Whether you’re a complete beginner building the foundations of your game, or a seasoned golfer looking to fine-tune your short game skills, the course offers a practical and enjoyable framework for doing so. And with golf participation continuing to grow across the UK, now is a great time to take advantage of everything this central Bath venue has to offer.

FAQs About Bath Approach Golf Course