We continue our journey around some of the best golf courses in the country with a stop at Hawkstone Park in Shropshire...

Two genuine championship courses, cleverly built into English Heritage Grade I landscape surrounding the ruins of a medieval castle and the spectacular backdrop of the 18th century cliff Follies - there can truly be few inland courses of such striking grandeur in Great Britain than Hawkstone Park in north Shropshire.

This is the place where two-time Major winner Sandy Lyle was introduced to golf by his father Alex, who became resident professional here in 1955, and with the family home just 40 yards from Hawkstone it is easy to see why a young Sandy fell in love with the sport.

The Hawkstone course is the older of the two, golf having been played on one of central England's most scenic country estates since 1920. The course is designed around the dramatic, imposing sandstone cliffs, which create a spectacular backdrop to many of the holes, but especially the 10th,11th and 12th.

The 6497-yard Hawkstone proved a challenge, especially in the sheeting rain in which I played. The three holes at the start of the back nine, said to be amongst the most photographed in British golf, were the stand-outs, the 12th a par-three played from an elevated tee to a green protected by a moat, an original feature of the ruined castle around which the course is designed.

But it was my round on the Championship course the following day that I enjoyed more. Designed by former Ryder Cup captain Brian Huggett, the course, formerly named The Windmill, opened in 1995 and has a distinctly American feel; imposing water features, sculpted fairways and cavernous bunkers.

At 6764 yards, I found the Championship course a much tougher test - as nine consecutive bogies on the back nine testify - but a thoroughly interesting one nonetheless. The huge lake around the par-five 10th and par-fours 11th and 12th was as daunting as any I have ever played around, and the greens were slick and well-crafted throughout.

In addition, everything was in great nick for early April, and the Championship course must be an excellent drainer - there was little sign of the torrential downpour that hindered the previous day's round.

Add the facilities at the enormous Golf Centre - including driving range, six-hole par-three course, bar and restaurant - and the on-site 66-room hotel, and Hawkstone Park is one impressive place for a little golf trip.

Overall: Everything you might need for a short golf break; two differing, challenging and scenic courses, a four-star hotel and excellent practice facilities.

Favourite hole: 531-yard, par-5 tenth, Championship course; a drive between two lakes, one a huge feature that runs along the right-edge of a long dogleg-right par-five to a green protected by a 50-yard-long bunker.

Value for money: One-night's accomodation, dinner and breakfast and two-rounds of golf for under £100; fantastic value.

Details: Hawkstone Park, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 5UY, Tel: 01939 200611

Website: www.hawkstone.co.uk

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport