t909065900

A short course but in superb condition, especially the greens. Played at midday and whizzed round in 2.5 hours. The course opens with five 300 yard-ish par 4s and then two longer ones. More par 3s and more undulation on the back 9. The par 3 14th has a massively long green. The pro was very friendly and let me have another crack at the uphill 13th.

A good test. Have played this course 3 times in successive weekends and yesterday I had an easterly wind - which is most helpful on the long holes on the slog uphill from the bottom of the course, and the headwind wasn’t too detrimental on the downhill holes. Knocked 15 shots off my first time score. Unfortunately the prevailing wind is a westerly.
With the hot dry weather of the last few weeks the ball was running for miles. I imagine the course will feel its length in the winter.
The layout is a bit unimaginative (more or less down, up, down, up) and it’s a shame there aren’t any water hazards, but a good mix of length of holes with at least 2 of the par 3s requiring pin point accuracy. 4 longish par 5s, 3 up, 1 down (hence easterly wind being favourable)
Signature holes - the 3rd, Devil’s Elbow, a sharp dog leg left requiring an iron or hybrid off the tee, if you negotiate that there’s a ditch to get over and another one on the right - and 12th - 3-4 shot par 5 as the fairway simply runs out necessitating an accurate pitch up to a raised green to the right. 18th is a nice finish.
Some bare patches on some of the greens but can’t go wrong for the twilight £10
Score 92 Handicap 20