One of Oxfordshire’s golfing gems is visible to anyone driving along the A40 between Cheltenham and Oxford. A glance over the trees as you pass the gateway to the Cotswolds gives glimpses of the tidy, well-manicured fairways and greens of Burford Golf Club.

I have heard the course referred to as a gentle parkland challenge, but, having played Burford a few times previously, I know that it can show its teeth on occasions.

My visit recently was on a warm, sunny Sunday afternoon, when the course was busy, but did not delay our three-ball as we made steady progress through all 18 holes.

There was little breeze, so conditions were ideal for a steady score. That said, we found many of the holes quite a challenge, although enjoyable too.

The course was designed over nine holes by J. H. Turner, who at the time was the professional at Frilford Heath Golf Club, and they were opened for play in 1936.

Construction of the second nine holes was completed by September 1937.

The course became instantly popular and successful, but the outbreak of the Second World War saw the fairways of the new second nine ploughed up for cereal production. These holes were eventually restored for play in 1949.

The farmer who had cultivated and reaped the harvest during that period presented the club with the Harvest Cup, which is competed for annually.

Burford’s original clubhouse was demolished in 1964 to make way for the present roundabout at the junction of the A40 and the A361.

The new clubhouse soon opened and from then until the present time, the building has grown, with alterations and extensions made to cater for club members and social activities, as well as providing a warm welcome for visitors.

Today, the course has tree-lined fairways that are in tip-top condition and a delight to play.

The par 71 course is fairly flat and not long at a maximum of 6,401 yards, so it offers a comfortable round for golfers of all ages and handicaps.

The opening 427-yard par 4 hole gives visitors a good feel for the standards they can expect at Burford. It has a wide fairway and an inviting green which you can reach with a good drive and a long approach shot.

The second hole is a tricky par 3 – only 152 yards to the pin, but protected by bushes and bunkers.

The third, fourth and fifth holes are reasonably straightforward, but the sixth is perhaps the hole I enjoyed most on my round. This 490-yard par 5 has a sweeping fairway, with a dog-leg right, and needs some well-positioned shots to make the green in regulation three shots before holing out for birdie or par. It is understandably stroke index one – the toughest hole on the course.

The start of the back nine features another broad down-sloping fairway with a par 4 of just 350 yards – a distance which some single-figure handicappers will probably reach with a following breeze.

Some of the back nine holes skirt surrounding farmland, including the 515-yard par 5 12th.

The hole that many will say is the toughest to par is the 452-yard par 4 17th. It is straight and has a wide fairway, but it’s the distance that will be more than a match for the average golfer.

The 18th curves back towards the clubhouse, which looks particularly attractive all lit up as the sun goes down and the end of the day draws near.

The club professional is Mike Ridge, who has a fully-stocked shop with a wide range of quality clubs, equipment and clothes. Green fees are taken in the shop and the staff will also answer queries on course availability.

Burford is a private members’ club, and there is a waiting list for membership in all categories, including juniors, which is unusual in the county and is a tribute to its thriving section of 50 boys and 15 girls. The club has been awarded a Junior GolfMark in recognition of its services to junior golfers.

The club welcomes visitors and makes every effort to accommodate any individual or small groups wishing to play.

There are two starting points on the course, the first and the 10th and these are generally dependent on the time of starting and whether you are playing as a two-ball or a three/four-ball.

Current green fees for visitors are: before 2pm, £36 (not available, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday or Sunday); and, after 2pm, £28.

Contacts: Clubhouse: telephone 01993 822583 Professional shop: telephone 01993 822344 Website: www.burfordgolfclub.co.uk