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Belfairs Golf Club
Played On 03/02/2019This course is OK
Belfairs is much maligned by many people, however at £9 per round, this is good VFM.
It isn't Orsett, neither is it Thorndon Park, but then again it doesn't pretend to be.
It is a publicly owned course set out over public land. Consequently there are plenty of people around, including dog-walkers and horse riders. Nevertheless nearly all were courteous of us golfers and kept off the course, or traversed it once we'd hit our balls.
It was a bit wet, but then again at this time of year so are most courses in the locale. The greens were OK but slowish. However they have never been on the fast side, but for the most part they did putt OK.
Bunkers were a bit of an issue. I guess as public land they can't leave rakes around, so bunkers are either left in a mess or the smoothing over is basic as best.
Having said all this, the layout is interesting as it winds its way through Belfairs Wood and accurate hitting is essential.
I would recommend this place, but don't expect top quality, but you will have fun.
Ballards Gore Golf Club
Played On 09/22/2018One of Essex's hidden gems
Whilst reasonably local I had never played this course before.
The first thing that hits you as you set out is the tranquility with only the occasional plane coming into Southend Airport challenging the quietness.
The course is reasonably long and challenging. Even the shorter holes have very tight fairways or approaches that test the mettle of handicap golfers.
Following a very hot and dry summer a lot of courses are still suffering, however Ballards Gore seem to have countered this better than a lot of the more revered courses in the area.
It was an enjoyable round (although the weather was wet and I didn't play well) and a course I'd want to play again.