Wandoon

PHGC is close to my current location and largely based on some encouraging GolfAdvisor reviews I decided to try the course out today. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. This is no 'gem' as others have suggested and to a mineroligist it would inspire thoughts of hydrous alumina-silicate rather than gemstones.

The course comprises 18 pretty good greens in a sea of clay. In spite of some unusually mild and dry weather in recent weeks the terrain was very soft and muddy. I assume this explains why green keeping staff were not to be seen and I had the distinct impression that they had been unable to maintain fairways for quite some time as these were pretty much indistinguishable from the semi-rough. On a few ocassions I struggled to find balls that were 5 to10 yards from the putting surface due to the poor state of maintenance. Fairway condition was compounded by the many fallen leaves that I would have expected to have been removed by now. Litter, including bust helium part balloons were evident around the course and in the trees.

The terrain is pretty flat and the course is a parkland course. The complete absence of definition to fairways, the lack of any notable scenery and the general unkempt and scruffy nature of the holes from tee to green did not make for a course that will live long in the memory. This is a pity because the greens were better than passable and deserve a much better setting. If you are looking for winter golf I would suggest you look elsewhere. Frodsham, Padeswood and Buckley, Eaton and Hawarden are all within reach and play better in the off season.

You begin to get a feel for what lies ahead when the first tee comes equipped with traffic lights to warn motorists that there are other drivers in the area. Playing for position is key on many holes but there is often the temptation to 'cut the corner' or 'take on the water'. Generally it pays to avoid temptation.

Padeswood and Buckley is a course requiring accuracy rather than length. It's a course that requires a fair bit of local knowledge if you are to avoid inadvertantly putting yourself in the occasional spot of bother. You don't need driver on every hole but you do have to think your way round. I played the course in December and again in early January. My return visit was down to the fact I enjoyed my initial visit even though twelve holes had been on winter greens. I wanted to experience the course when the proper greens were in play and I was not dissapointed. Greens are small demanding accurate approach shots. They were in very good condition considering the time of year.

The main let-down relating to the course is the layout of of the last half dozen holes which feature a double green and a single fairway that is shared by two holes and that is crossed when playing a par three. It cannot make for quick play during summer medals and tin hat sales in the pro-shop would not surprise me.

Another disappointment was access to the clubhouse which requires a security code and on both occasions I played the pro-shop had closed early meaning the code was not forthcoming.

These quibbles aside I would recommend trying the course for a very good value and enjoyable day out.