sinclairk77

First time playing the course.

Chatted away to staff on arrival who were superb; very friendly and ensured we knew where we were going. Club house bar was well stocked and also an option after hole 9 which was very welcomed due to the heat. Again, everyone was very welcoming.

Buggies are available for hire however we chanced our arm on the day trying to get one so missed out. There are a number of trolleys which were free to use however most were broken or had no straps.

Played on a crazy hot day and the fairways were playing very firm. I usually drive 240y but was hitting 280y drives regularly. Greens were very firm and suited running the ball up as opposed to flying to the green and trying to hold the ball. Despite playing a Saturday, the greens did not play like they had been recently cut as there was a fair degree of growth and they were playing quite slow. The last few greens were very slow and noticeable different in speed to the front nine.

The course layout is a tail of two courses which is not surprising given the history. The front 9 are generally quite flat and play quite straight forward. There is not a huge amount of character to the front 9 holes but enjoyable enough. The back 9 are, however, full of character and quite hilly. Hole 11 is a stand out par 3 and against the wind is a challenge. There are a fair few blind tee shots but the usual marker poles are in place so not an issue. If I remember correctly, the only blind shot to a green was hole 17.

The bunkers were generally is poor quality and I did not come across one which had been raked properly.

What let the course down was the lack of signage at each tee. Only cheap painted post were in place. This did not lead to a very good presentation. It would be greatly improved to have hole numbers and yardage signs there. A small touch but makes a big difference. Also, it looked like the first cut of rough had been cut that week but the cuttings had been left in place. This meant finding and aying the ball more challenging that I think it needed to be. (I'm no greenkeeper so dont know whether other places do that but, again, something I've not noticed elsewhere).

We had a really enjoyable day and I would recommend this course. Details of some of the course presentation let it down slightly but nothing a bit of attention to detail can't fix.

Ultimately. I'm not sure I'd look to play this course again as there are far better options in the price range. With the hot deal, we paid £32 each, however, I'd very much put this course in the £12 to £15 bracket having played similar courses.

Played the winter course which I wasn't expecting. Still 18 holes with about 5 odd holes on the lower portion missed out. The substitute holes do not disappoint though although quite a few par 3's. What I enjoyed was that the greens in November were in excellent condition. Most substitute holes had their own greens which are not normally in play for the normal course but you would never know given they rolled just as true. The course condition was also very good. We were lucky with the weather; perfectly sunny with no wind which made the views of the forth even better. £10 to play on the discount rate which was super value for money. I've played the full course before and can say that most holes are interesting with plenty of character. This really is one of my most favourite courses in west lothian and defo a contender for a possible membership next year. Would not hesitate to recommend.

Played in Oct so have taken time of year into account for review. Paid discount rate (£14). Day was utterly spoiled by green staff dressing the greens with sand resulting in winter greens being played. Totally accept that we had bad luck in that regard but nothing on their website to indicate this was going to happen. My impression is that this course is an after thought in favour of the country club / leisure facilities rather than the 'championship course experience advertised. Sometimes it's the small things us golfers notice like bunkers not having a rake or excessive divets not being replaced by members. My crops for that day was being charged £14 to play winter greens on a course that appears to trade on its name rather than general course condition. (I've also played the course during the summer and it wasn't much better). Staff were very friendly. Course layout for front 9 is straight forward and passable. Back 9 has more interest. Won't be playing this course again and sorry to say that i cant recommend this to others.

Ok. I need to be fair and point out that the day before we played this course, there had been a down pour of rain and it was heavy. This course already had a reputation of being like a sponge and it certainly lived up to those expectations. The course was boggy and a huge amount of surface water in pockets just about on every hole. The majority of bunkers were filled (some completely) with water. They really do have an issue with the lack of natural drainage at this course. I can see now why in the off season, you play from fairway mats. The greens had just been spiked which was unfortunate but something to be put up with; their pace was good and they looked well maitained. The professional was friendly enough and the shop looked well stocked. We did not go into the club house but certainly, it is known as a decent venue so I'd expect it to be good. The course layout was not overly impressive although a few stand out holes. Most though seem to lack a bit of character and I doubt would be that challanging for a decent golfer (not me). Overall, I'm undecided about this course and feel like I should give it another go in better conditions. Was thinking about joining next year but need to reconsider given the possibility of water-logged conditions for parts of the year.

Played on a sunny, slightly windy day which added to the challenged. First off, the views of the Forth and Linlithgow are stunning. Was met by a very helpful and friendly professional. Course was a delight to play. Each hole was interesting and easy on the eye which offered some variety. The greens were very firm and fast, but in excellent conditions. Found it hard to get the ball to stick but that would be more down to my lack of skill. Run true and were consistent in pace. Accurate short game is essential as the greens could be considered on the tight side. Some blind shots but not many. Some fairways were a bit of thd tired dide but still early in yhe season so not a big deal. This is now my favourite course in the area and top of the list for possible membership next year. If you get a chance, play this course!! Will be back. :)