Cavendish Golf Club in Buxton, Derbyshire was the last full course built by Dr Alister MacKenzie in England before he relocated to California in the mid-1920s. Commissioned by the Duke of Devonshire, MacKenzie designed a course of subtlety and finesse over rumbustious moorland terrain. Examples of MacKenzie’s genius are much in evidence at Cavendish, the course being largely unchanged in the intervening 95 years.
Cavendish today features among England’s top 100 golf courses and has been described by leading modern-day architect and MacKenzie biographer Tom Doak as “The finest course of its length I have ever seen”. It is also on the list of the top 25 courses in the world under 6,000 yards!
To be a member at a genuine, unspoilt Alister MacKenzie club is a dream that few golfers ever have the opportunity of fulfilling. In the run-up to our centenary in 2025 however, we invite you to make Cavendish Golf Club your home club in the UK. Conveniently located only 45 minutes from the golfers’ gateway of Manchester International Airport, Cavendish is the perfect place to begin or conclude a UK golf trip. To enhance the experience further, Buxton is a lovely town in which to stay overnight, with many interesting bars and restaurants – even an Opera House!
We are planning an International MacKenzie Festival over several days in Spring 2025 to which all International members will receive a VIP invitation. Hickory golf (for which Cavendish is ideally suited) will feature strongly together with a Grand Dinner.
We offer those whose primary residence is overseas the option of annual membership for £415 or three-year membership from 2024 to 2027 for just £985. For this you are welcome to play Cavendish as often as you like on your visits to the UK. All International Members receive a signed membership certificate.
Sound good! To get your membership just complete the enquiry form and look forward to planning your trip to the most authentic MacKenzie course in the world and the inspiration for Augusta!
Enquiry form
For a full appreciation of MacKenzie’s work at Cavendish enjoy these wonderful photographs taken in 1928 and expertly colourized by our good friend David Thomas. Original photographs published with the kind permission of Buxton Museum.
