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The Essex Golf Club – Green Fees, Membership & Course Guide

Harry Thomas Thompson Fletcher • 2026-05-13 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett




The Essex Golf Club – Complete Guide to Green Fees, Membership, and Facilities

The Essex Golf & Country Club, located in Earls Colne near Colchester, Essex, is one of the region’s most comprehensive golf destinations. With an 18-hole championship course, a 9-hole county course, and extensive facilities including a hotel, health club, and dining, it attracts both serious golfers and casual visitors. This guide provides current information on green fees, membership costs, course layout, dining options, and booking details.

Finding up-to-date pricing and membership details for private clubs can be challenging. Many online sources offer only estimates or outdated figures. This article compiles the most reliable publicly available data, drawn from the club’s official booking portal, third‑party tee‑time aggregators, and user reviews. Where exact numbers are not confirmed, that uncertainty is clearly noted.

What are the green fees and membership costs at The Essex Golf Club?

Green Fees
Current visitor rates (weekday/weekend) – approximate range £30–£60
Membership Cost
Annual fees from £800 to £2,000+ depending on category
Course Overview
18-hole championship + 9-hole course, par 72, yardage ~6,500
Contact & Address
Earls Colne, Colchester CO6 2NS | Phone: +44 (0)1787 224455

Key insights based on available information:

  • The club operates two courses: an 18‑hole championship layout and a 9‑hole county course, suitable for all skill levels.
  • Green fees vary by day and season; booking through the official portal or GolfNow often yields discounts.
  • Membership options include full golf, social, junior, and corporate, with access to health club, racquets, and hotel facilities.
  • On‑site dining includes a restaurant and bar; menus are seasonal and not consistently published online.
  • The championship course plays to par 72 and measures approximately 6,500 yards.
  • Twilight and junior rates are available, though exact amounts are best confirmed at time of booking.
Category Detail
Club Name The Essex Golf & Country Club
Location Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex, CO6 2NS
Number of Holes 18 (Championship) + 9 (County Course)
Par 72 (Championship)
Green Fees (approx.) Weekday £30–£40, Weekend £50–£60
Membership (annual approx.) From £800 (social) to £2,000+ (full golf)
Facilities Restaurant, bar, health club, tennis/padel, hotel, driving range

What facilities and amenities does The Essex Golf Club offer?

Restaurant and dining

The club’s restaurant and bar are open to both members and visitors. Menus change seasonally, and while the club does not maintain a public online menu, user reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor mention a variety of classic British dishes and a well‑stocked bar. Prior booking is advised for evening dining, especially on weekends.

Course map and layout

A detailed course map is not published on the club’s official website. However, the championship course follows a traditional parkland layout with tree‑lined fairways and several water hazards. The 9‑hole county course offers a shorter, more relaxed round. For a visual overview, third‑party services like GolfNow sometimes include hole‑by‑hole descriptions.

Tip for visitors

If you want a preview of the course, searching for “The Essex Golf & Country Club” on Google Maps often shows an aerial view of the layout. Combining that with yardage estimates from the scorecard can help plan your round.

Health club, racquets and hotel

The Essex is more than a golf club. It includes a fully equipped health club with gym and fitness classes, tennis and padel courts, and a hotel with accommodation. This makes it a popular choice for golf breaks and business events. Members can use these facilities as part of their membership package.

What is the course layout and scorecard for The Essex Golf Club?

Scorecard details

The official scorecard for the championship course is not freely available online. Based on club descriptions and third‑party sources, the course measures approximately 6,500 yards from the back tees, with a par of 72. The front nine is slightly shorter than the back nine, and several holes require accurate approach shots to well‑protected greens.

County course

The 9‑hole county course is ideal for beginners, juniors, or those short on time. It plays to a par of around 34 and is often used for practice rounds and club competitions. Tee times can be booked separately or as part of a combined day package.

Note on availability

Neither the championship nor the county course scorecard is published on the club’s official booking site. If you require precise yardages and handicap ratings, contact the golf shop directly or ask during check‑in.

How can I contact The Essex Golf Club and book a tee time?

Phone number and address

The club’s main telephone number is +44 (0)1787 224455. The address is Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex CO6 2NS. For tee time bookings, the club operates its own online portal at theclubcompany.com/the-essex, which also provides information on course conditions and availability.

Booking through third parties

Alternative booking is available via GolfNow, which often shows real‑time green fee discounts. Review ratings on GolfNow are generally positive, with an average score of around 4 out of 5 stars.

Other contact options

For membership inquiries, it is best to call the main number and ask for the membership office. The club’s official website does not list an email address for general enquiries, but the golf shop can be reached via the same phone line.

Important

Green fee and membership rates are not published in full on any official source. All figures in this guide are approximate and based on third‑party data. Always confirm current prices at the time of booking.

What is the history of The Essex Golf Club?

The following timeline is based on limited publicly available information and may not be exhaustive:

  1. 1960s – Club established (dates require verification with official sources).
  2. 1990s – Expansion of health club and hotel facilities.
  3. 2020 – Renovation of the golf course and introduction of new padel courts.

More detailed historical records are not available on the club’s current website. Visitors interested in the club’s past are encouraged to ask at the clubhouse or search local archives.

How accurate is the available information about green fees and membership?

Established information

  • Club address and telephone number are confirmed via the official booking site.
  • Two courses exist: 18‑hole championship and 9‑hole county.
  • Par 72 for championship course, yardage ~6,500.
  • On‑site facilities include restaurant, bar, health club, hotel, tennis/padel.
Information that remains unclear

  • Exact green fee rates – change seasonally; not published officially.
  • Membership costs – not publicly listed; contact club directly.
  • Full scorecard with yardages per hole – not available online.
  • Restaurant menu – varies and not consistently published.

Why is The Essex Golf Club popular?

The club’s location in the Essex countryside, about 50 miles from London, makes it a convenient weekend destination for capital‑based golfers. The combination of a full‑length championship course and a shorter 9‑hole layout appeals to groups with mixed abilities. The addition of a hotel, health club, and padel courts transforms it into a leisure resort rather than a pure golf club.

Compared to other Essex clubs such as Wentworth or Frilford Heath, The Essex offers a more accessible price point and a wider range of non‑golf amenities. This is reflected in strong user reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, where visitors frequently mention the friendly staff and well‑maintained greens.

What do visitors and the club say about The Essex?

“The Essex is a fantastic Club for the whole family.”

– Official club website snippet

“Great course, friendly staff.”

– User review on GolfNow

These quotes reflect common sentiment across review platforms. While no direct statements from club management are available in published materials, the official booking portal promotes the club as a family‑friendly venue with high standards of service.

What’s next for potential visitors?

If you are considering a visit, the most reliable first step is to check live green fees and book a tee time on the official booking page or via GolfNow. For membership inquiries, call the club directly. To view seasonal menus or special events, the club’s Facebook page is occasionally updated. For more details on other courses in the area, read our guide to Best Golf Courses in Essex and Golf Membership Guide UK.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to play at The Essex to avoid crowds?

Weekday afternoons are generally quieter; early mornings on weekends can also be less busy.

Does The Essex Golf Club have a dress code?

Yes, standard golf attire (collared shirts, tailored shorts/trousers, golf shoes) is required. Jeans and trainers are not permitted on the course.

Are there golf lessons available at The Essex?

Yes, PGA professionals offer individual and group lessons. Booking via the club’s golf shop is recommended.

Can non-members use the restaurant?

Yes, the restaurant and bar are open to visitors, though prior booking is advised for evening dining.



Harry Thomas Thompson Fletcher

About the author

Harry Thomas Thompson Fletcher

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.