pjgalbi

Last year Stonehouse lost its greens and had some ragged tee boxes. They must have hired a new superintendent because course conditions were at least 300 percent better. Greens were in great shape this time, tee boxes were generally much better and the sand traps were in generally good condition. This is not a course for a beginner, and the course is punitive for those playing the wrong set of tees. But play the right set of teens and you'll find this beautiful course fun, interesting and challenging. Michael Strantz at his best,

I played the Blue Heron course this year and Blackheath at the same time last year. Both times the courses were in mint shape. Blackheath was supposed to be the toughest of the three 18 holes courses and it did have challenge, with more water coming into play than Blue Heron, but Blue Heron was no slouch. Dan Maples designs courses that are challenging for the better golfer but also playable for the average hack. I've read these other reviews and wondered if I came to play at the right time of year, because I'd be lying if I said there were things to complain about.

If you like Michael Strantz-designed courses, you'll like this one too. You'll not forget this course, it has interesting and unique holes. And it is a literal arboretum when it comes to tree varieties, flowers and general plant life. Play the right set of tees and you will have a ball playing this course. Play the wrong tees and I guarantee you'll have a miserable time, so swallow your pride and play the front tees if you are not a good golfer. Members of Brickshire are also members here, but in talking to them they generally fear this course. But there is nothing to fear, really…Royal New Kent is so scenic and interesting I can't see how people don't want to play it.

I may be biased because I love Michael Strantz courses but I loved playing Stonehouse. I have played it twice and will play it again in the future. Some people fear blind tee shots (there are eight of them at Stonehouse) but the free pro guide tells you where to hit the ball -- left, right or center of the aim marker -- and how far to hit it. Landing areas are generous. Strantz's courses are so different they are hard to explain, but they do force you to focus on your shots and I, a 12-handicapper, play his courses better. They are physical eye candy. I didn't lose a ball in two rounds there, so if I can play his courses decently so can anybody. Some of the sand traps were refurbished this year. This course is well worth playing unless you are a purist who is only interested in shooting a low score.

I played with a member and had a ball. Plenty of wildlife to see...no surprise because you're just outside the national park. No tricked up holes. Course is pretty easy to walk. Has some challenge but not overly hard. Scenic. Was nice to have the company and advice of a member but can be played solo for the first time without wondering where to go or where to shoot.