http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ 1007-953 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/turnberry-gc-ailsa-course-200907291007/ Golf Course Review of the Ailsa Golf Course at the Turnberry Resort.We arrived 1 hour before play. Excellent practice facilities. Very windy conditions. Played the Ailsa course. Very challenging, long links course, made all the more difficult by the strong winds. Thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the round - particularly the coastal holes around the lighthouse. Expensive - however worth playing one of the best Open courses!!! ]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 17:50:30 +0100 942-952 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/st-annes-old-links-golf-course-20090729942/ Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Course Review.We stayed in Dormey House - very comfortable - dined in clubhouse. Super,friendly service - fine food. Breakfast in clubhouse, then a game on the 2012 Open Championship course.More than 200 deep revetted bunkers make the course extremely difficult.Overall, the course is in superb condition. Made to feel welcome by all staff. Not cheap- but very good value for what you get. Will certainly travel back!! ]]> Thu, 17 May 2012 17:40:25 +0100 2950-951 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wokefield-park-golf-course-200907292950/ The shame of it is this is actually a nice golf course, not great, but very nice. The problem is the course is not marshalled and there is no minimum handicap requirement, as a result the course was full of hackers and I've never experienced slow play like it. We had a group of six playing on a Friday & Saturday, Fridays round took 5 hours, and half of us packed up after 3 hours and 9 holes on Saturday, and the remainder stuck it out for a 6 hour round. We called in twice, the first time after a 4 ball took 30 mins to play the 4th, and the Pro said he would send out the Marshall , no such person appeared. It transpired there was no Marshall. Even the catering lad in the half way hut said he could see how slow it was and he called the pro shop and suggested they "put somebody in a buggy to go out and sort the problem". It seemed they were just happy to take the money and let anybody out there to play, and speaking of money, the beer in the golf bar was just short of a fiver a pint. The whole place seemed devoid of staff, there was only one waitress serving breakfast for about 100 people. One other issue was our bedroom was in a block 10 mins walk from the main building, ok if it's fine, but if it was raining you would have to drive over for breakfast or whatever. ]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 06:24:21 +0100 2599-950 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/palacerigg-golf-course-200907292599/ i only started playing golf again in 2010 Aug after around 10 years this was one on the first courses i tried and i loved it the scenery the location very quiet and peaceful not next to any main roads the course itself was great a good challenge for beginner and pro i go at least once a week and I'm loving it the facilities are excellent and staff are so friendly and helpful im looking forward to joining full time and becoming a member if you love your golf you will love this course 10/10 ]]> Thu, 22 Mar 2012 14:58:40 +0000 2125-949 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/stony-holme-golf-club-200907292125/ Golf Course Review of Stony Holme Golf Club For me, this is one of the best municipal courses in the country. Fantastic value for money, picturesque, well maintained and a good challenge for all levels of golfer. Very underrated because of it's location in the country... it seems many golfers go straight from the midlands to Scotland without stopping off in the North West! Mistake! ]]> Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:47:43 +0000 4425-948 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/walmersley-golf-club-201012174425/ Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:11:08 +0000 2810-947 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/chiddingfold-golf-club-200907292810/ For my Golf Course Review I have just started playing this wonderful game and this is by far my favourite course near to where I live. It is now in the hands of Cowdray Park Golf Course and things are improving greatly since they took over. When you arrive there is ample parking. The log cabin clubhouse which replaces the old clubhouse is welcoming. Take time to look at the album of old pics showing the state of the course when the new regime came in and look at the pics of the course which show what improvements have been made. Now make your way, past the putting green to the 1st tee. A challenging par 4 awaits you. The fairways are in briliant shape for the time of year. The greens are running very well and true. The rough is fair and is well managed by the new team. For me it's a lovely course which challenges me at my stage and offers a good challenge for all golfers. A highlight for me is the 16th which starts at the top of a hill and meanders down to a green which is blind from view as its around 40 foot below in a valley. It makes me want to play it again and again. It is great value for money, and I urge you to visit especially when the sunny warmer weather comes. I have now joined as a gold card member which represents brilliant value at £250, to play Chiddingfold and Cowdray for half price green fees, and also special deals all year. Well done and hats off to you Cowdray for saving this special course. ]]> Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:00:33 +0000 615-946 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ In my golf course review of The Dorset Golf and Country Club Lakeland I found the course to be set in great scenery and environment. Staff and members make you feel very welcome. The course was in good condition for the time of year, greens were a nice speed and rolling true. I liked the par 3's best you have a good mix of short and long a good test of golf. You get good value food in the clubhouse. An enjoyable day out ]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:51:30 +0000 615-945 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ In my golf course review of The Dorset Golf and Country Club Lakeland I found you are in for a great day everyone makes you feel welcome and its great value. The hotel is worth staying rooms are great for a golfing break. Course was in great condition when I played I thought the 12/13 holes were the best on the course a good test with water on both of the holes. A great place to stay and play ]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:37:57 +0000 615-944 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ In my golf course review of The Dorset Golf and Country Club Lakeland I found it to be great value for money, what you get its a great place to play well worth a day out or stay in the hotel. There is also another 9 holes but I did not play it. The Staff and members make you feel welcome. The course was in good condition when I played but the bunkers were not well looked after. An enjoyable day out ]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:26:05 +0000 615-943 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ In my golf course review of The Dorset Golf and Country Club Lakeland I found the Staff and members to be friendly and helpful. The course was in good condition but the only bad thing I could say was the bunkers were not well looked after. You get great food in the clubhouse and it's also great value. An enjoyable day out ]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:58:44 +0000 615-942 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ In my Golf Course Review of the The Dorset Golf and Country Club, Lakeland Course I found that the course was in good condition for time of year.You have big greens to play into but make sure you close as you will have some big slopes to putt from. The Club has great facilities not just for golf you have a Gym and indoor Bowls .The clubhouse which has a full catering section with excellent food and great value. A great day ]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:48:16 +0000 1105-941 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/burnham-and-berrow-golf-club-the-championship-course-200907291105/ In my course review of Burnham and Berrow Golf Club I would say this is one of the best links courses in the South West. Course was in great shape for the time of year greens were still smooth and a good speed. A great test from all tee's you play 9 holes away from the clubhouse then head back. I thought the par 3's were the best holes on the course. A MUST PLAY!!! ]]> Tue, 29 Nov 2011 11:18:00 +0000 3240-940 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/abersoch-golf-course-200907293240/ For my Golf Course Review of the Abersoch Links Golf Course I think this is a course that requires some thought when playing as there are plenty of gorse bushes, bunkers and a few ditches to contend with. The last six holes are actually parkland and offer a completely different game to the first twelve. The Members are extremely friendly and welcoming to other Members and visitors alike and the catering is very moreish. The views from some of the tees are absolutely breathtaking and this is a course that needs to be played more than once as it can be a tricky beast dependent upon the various weather conditions on offer. ]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:08:48 +0000 656-939 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/frilford-heath-gc-red-course-20090729656/ Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:45:47 +0000 3240-938 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/abersoch-golf-course-200907293240/ For my golf course review of the Abersoch Links Golf Course I felt it was a Great golf course and very friendly membership ]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:02:39 +0000 765-937 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/blackmoor-golf-course-20090729765/ In my golf course review of Blackmoor golf club I found the course to be in great condition and the greens were in especially in good condition after all the rain. It's a great layout, not long but tests all players as you cannot miss the fairways as there is plenty of heather. My favorite hole on the course is the 10th, its a dog leg left to right, your second shot is a mid to short iron to the green. All staff and members make you feel very welcome. The only negative I have is the putting green by the first tee was not in use as it looked like it was being dug up, so no proper putting green to practice before you play There was a small green next to the 10th but it was on a slope so it didnt give you a good feel for the greens. I am sure that as this is a first class club that this is just a temporary situation. This is a golf course that I could play every day without getting bored. Its a MUST play!!! ]]> Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:47:50 +0000 1425-936 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bedford-golf-course-200907291425/ In my course review of The Bedford Golf Club I found the course to be very enjoyable and it had a good layout. I thought the par 3's were the strongest part of the course design with a good mix of length. The greens were in good condition when I played. The course was very dry despite all the rain we had had. This would be a good course to play in the winter. It is not a long course but enjoyable for any standard of golfer. All the staff made me feel welcome and the food was good value. ]]> Sun, 06 Nov 2011 20:34:06 +0000 758-935 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/broadstone-golf-club-20090729758/ In Broadstone Golf Course Review review I would have to say that this is the best course in Dorset, its a great heathland course. I play here as much as I can its a good test for most player's. Its not a long course but most hole's have heather on them, it could do with some new bunkers down the fairways as most of bunkers are not in play for the good golfer so there is no real challenge with your tee shot. A good example is the par 4 16th the bunker can only be 160 yards from the tee, what's the point. The first hole is the only hole were the bunkers come into play, its the only fault the course has. Greens were in great condition when I played on 19/10/11 as they are most of the year. The Members and staff make you feel welcome. This is a club I'm thinking of joining. The Course is a must play the best in Dorset. ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:06:25 +0100 762-934 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-golf-club-championship-course-20090729762/ In my golf course review of the Ferndown Golf Club, I found the course to be in great course condition for this time of year. I play here a few times a year and always find the staff and members to be friendly. The course is not long but you have to keep it in the fairway as all the holes are lined with heather. I think the par 3's are the best feature a good mix in length. The par 5's are short and are all reachable with mid irons. The 18th is a good finishing hole a par 4 going uphill to the clubhouse. You will have a great day out. ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:10:56 +0100 2879-933 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/kingswood-gcc-surrey-200907292879/ In mygolf course review of Kingswood Golf Club I found the course to be very enjoyable to play and great layout as all the holes are lined with tree's so hit it straight. The course was in great condition when I played green's were very quick and smooth for this time of year. Par 3's are a good test with 2 of them over 200 yards, the par 4's are a good test you have some short holes but you have to be in the correct place to take on the flag. Staff and members make you feel very welcome. Food in the clubhouse is first class you will struggle to find better food and its great value. I hope to go back soon it's a great day out a must play. ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:53:09 +0100 762-932 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-golf-club-championship-course-20090729762/ In my golf course review of the Ferndown Golf Club, I enjoyed playing the course and I have now played here a few times. The course is always in good condition, greens were smooth and of a good speed for this time of year. Its not a long course but you have to hit the fairways, as the fairways are lined with heather. I always find the pro shop staff to be helpful, but some of the members don't make you feel as welcome as they could, and for that reason its not a club I would ever join. There is no atmosphere in the clubhouse, but its worth playing the course. ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 16:02:13 +0100 3456-931 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/walton-heath-gc-new-course-200911173456/ In my golf course review of Walton Heath new course I would say this is one of the best heathland courses you can play. You start of with a easy start a drivable par 4 then a short par 3 then its a good challenge for the next 16 holes. You have to hit it straight of the tee as heather lines all the fairways. For this time of year the course was in great condition greens were smooth and a good speed. Food and drink in the clubhouse was good value. A great day out ]]> Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:46:09 +0100 3234-930 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/langland-bay-golf-course-200907293234/ For my Golf Course Review of the Langland Bay Golf Club I felt that it was a really good golfing facility that gave a very friendly welcome. I felt that the general facilities of the Changing Rooms, Pro Shop and Practise Range were reasonable whereas in the other areas the golf course excelled. The Scenery and Environment in which the course is set rates 10 out of 10 and the green staff have really done a great job in presenting a superb venue for golf. The course represents great value for money and is a must play when in the area of the Gower Peninsula. ]]> Thu, 13 Oct 2011 09:59:34 +0100 2786-929 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/knole-park-golf-club-200907292786/ In my course review of Knole Park Golf Club I found it to be set in a great Scenery and Environment its in a Unique parkland with 1000 acres, you have a good view of Knole House,which is one of the greatest National Trust properties in the country. The course was in all round good condition when I played, and the greens for this time of year were fantastic. Also found the pro shop staff to be very helpful. This would be a good day out well worth playing. ]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2011 17:02:00 +0100 3024-928 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ Golf Course Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course spoilt by slow greens, once again I have played the course with greens that are so slow that the putting stroke requires a good smash and not a stroke. The general condition of the course was excellent and as I have mentioned the greens would be to if they were a little quicker. One aspect of the course which could be improved are the tee's, some of which were uneven and didn't have sufficient grass. One thing you will always get at the course is a friendly welcome from the staff both in the pro shop and in the 19th hole. In addition to this the course provides great value for money and you will always get a challenging game of golf on the course. In summary I would play the course again and would recommend it to my golfing friends. ]]> Sun, 02 Oct 2011 07:21:32 +0100 2827-927 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/woodcote-park-golf-course-200907292827/ In my golf course review of Woodcote Park Golf Club I found the staff to be friendly and you get good value food in the clubhouse. The course dose not play long but you have to hit it straight as most holes are tight tee shots, lined with trees on both sides. Greens were in very good condition when I played, the only negative thing was the bunkers most of the time the ball would plug when it pitched in. Enjoyable course to play. ]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2011 20:59:06 +0100 3152-926 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bowood-golf-course-200907293152/ For our Golf Course review the warm welcome offered by the staff at Bowood Hotel,Spa & Golf Resort will get you into the mood for golf and you will feel right at home. As the course is pretty tough it would be wise to go and visit the practice range which has undercover bays and a grass hitting area. Another great feature of the Bowood is an additional practice area of short holes that includes Tee's,Fairways,Bunkers and greens exactly like the main course. Before teeing off make sure you spend a few minutes on the putting green as the greens at the Bowood Golf Course are championship standard and may be a bit faster than the ones you are used to at your local club. Standing on the first tee you will soon see for yourself that the Dave Thomas design blends in perfectly with the wooded and undulating Wiltshire countryside and that the course is going to challenge all levels of golfers. The standard of the golf course is exceptional an we rated most of the criteria as 10 out of 10 the only area of the course that wasn't brilliant were the greens. There is no question that all the heavy rain that the courses have been experiencing in the last few weeks has had an effect on most greens in the area. The course is best played using the course planner as it will save you a lot of shots especially on the blind tee shots ''Bowood is a Golf Course that requires a thinking approach as there are many options to play it'' Don't expect a quick 3hr round as Bowwod not that type of Golf Course another good bit of advice is to look for the bail out areas as errant Tee shots will be a Lost Ball! In summary the course is a true championship golf course that will test all levels of golfers and its views over the Marlborough Downs are exceptional, when we played the green fees were very reasonable making it excellent value for money. ]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:11:26 +0100 3400-925 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bulbury-woods-golf-course-200907293400/ For my Golf Course Review of Bulbury Woods Golf Course it is a very short course with a few tight holes. With fairways surrounded by trees on either side, holding your nerve is important. Could be very tricky in high winds, tests your ability to hit the ball straight off the tee! Great value for money at £16 for the round . ]]> Tue, 27 Sep 2011 17:29:03 +0100 3036-924 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/iford-bridge-golf-course-200907293036/ For my Golf Course Review of the Iford Bridge Golf Course I felt that it was good value for money and it is a good course for any level of player. ]]> Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:25:15 +0100 2086-923 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hazel-grove-golf-club-200907292086/ For my member Review of Hazel Grove Golf Club I think it is a Great test of golf ]]> Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:52:26 +0100 1087-922 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/trevose-golf-course-the-championship-course-200907291087/ For my Golf Course Review of The Trevose Golf Course, The Championship Course I have played many times but this last time they seemed to be experiencing great problems with their greens which the condition when I played was terrible. ]]> Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:36:41 +0100 1263-921 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/epping-golf-club-200907291263/ For my Golf Course Review of Epping Golf Club This a very average course, that provides no frills or polish. The club house needs upgrading and the toilets are not clean. It is clearly a golf course on a budget The golf teachers are very nice however, particularly those who do the junior lessons. Unfortunately the owner is quite unfriendly and has some strange approaches. He will not let the juniors practice putting. Unfortunately this is quite an important element of golf! ]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2011 20:21:50 +0100 2120-920 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/sedbergh-golf-club-200907292120/ Golf Course Review played September 2011. This unusual 10-holer is situated in a wonderfully scenic corner of England. Sheep covered fells. Torrents and leaping salmon. Dry-stone walls and beautiful little cottages. The course offers a delight for the eyes. Please ensure you play when the weather is good or you'll be very disappointed. The course itself is short and straightforward. The opening 300 yard hole is a dogleg left with OB stopping all but the long-hitters going for the green. The 2nd is a tree guarded par-3 with a fast flowing river ready to catch any topped ball (also watch out for fell walkers, too!). The 3rd is a par-5 where the green is nestled at the confluence of two rivers. And so the holes go on. When playing the 5th you may see at green to your right which you'll play second time around. There is a steep climb involved on the par-5 7th with the fairway throwing every well-hit shot to the left and into the rough. The rough, by the way, was cut fairly short when we played. Meadow grass. A bit damp and muddy with all the rain we had had. Very friendly in clubhouse. Anyway well worth a visit when the weather permits and excellent value at £20 for 18h. ]]> Sun, 25 Sep 2011 07:03:28 +0100 615-908 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ For my Golf Course Review of The Dorset Golf and Country Club Lakeland Course I first visited the courses excellent practice facility that has covered bays so you won't have to worry about getting wet. Another great feature of the course facilities is the putting green which will give you a great idea of how fast the greens on the course are going to be. The course has been designed by Martin Hawtree who has done a great job of bringing in the water hazards into play on many of the holes which will gather any wayward shots. Another aspect of the course which I really enjoyed is that there are many risk and reward holes. You wont have to hit driver on every hole so the course will keep you thinking on each hole with a variety of club selections. So the course has a little bit in it for all golfers including long par 5's for the big hitters and tight driving holes for the Iron specialists. The greens are one of the best features of the golf course and when I played were really very fast and they remained so during the full 18 holes. Downhill putts were very challenging but it was great to be able to putt with a good stroke and not have to smash the ball like most other courses in the Dorset area. The course has Red, Yellow, White and blue tees which are for the really good golfers and will move the course up top championship yardage of 7000 Plus. Having played a few times from these tee's I can say that the course will challenge even the longer hitters, but it provides a fair challenge from the other tees as well. When it comes to the business end of the course The Dorset Golf and Country Club, Lakeland Course provides all golfers with an excellent test of Golf for those of you who are more social it also provides full catering and bar facilities. The green staff do a great job in keeping the course neat and tidy and they tend to keep the rough cut low to avoid so play which I think is a great idea. In summary this is a really great course to play and will definitely challenge your Golf game it is one of the top Golf Courses in the Dorset Area. ]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:13:04 +0100 2086-907 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hazel-grove-golf-club-200907292086/ For my Golf Course Review of Hazel Grove GC is OK, describing it as a gem is a little overstating matters. The course is short and almost bereft of any rough, but does benefit from a couple of well placed water hazards. Much is made of the McKEnzie connection but after a comprehensive overhaul I would be interested to know how many of the great man's original holes remain as he designed them. Stand out holes are 3, 4, 11 and 17. The signature hole is a nice little risk reward affair but much of the back nine is pretty bland.....is the signature hole a McKenzie hole ?? Unlikley one imagines. The USGA greens are always good and the clubhouse and food are above average. However it does lag a long way behind it's illustrious neighbour at Stockport GC on all counts. ]]> Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:09:39 +0100 2086-906 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hazel-grove-golf-club-200907292086/ Golf Course Review for Hazel Grove Golf Club.As you arrive at Hazel Grove you see the manicured 1st fairway away on your left and then the two tier 18th green carefully watched over by Alistair McKenzie himself - or at least a lifesize tree carving running his considerable eye over the approach shots and closing putts of the golfers at the end of their rounds. You can almost see an imperceptible nod from the great man himself as the ball rattles in the cup. These sights set you up for what proves to be a testing, but fair, challenge around the golf club's parkland course. The course is spacious and well laid out and you see the benefits of lots of caring work carried out recently by members and staff ranging from the renovation of the bridges that cross the stream on the 1st and the 3rd to the re-establishment of the fountain on the lake that fronts the 8th hole par four. Overall, a well laid out and presented eighteen holes with some challenging drives and fast, tricky greens. As you acknowledge Alistair as you walk off the 18th you'll feel that you've had an excellent golfing experience at Hazel Grove and that first drink will be well deserved. A Cheshire gem not to be missed. ]]> Sat, 17 Sep 2011 17:00:09 +0100 3029-905 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dudsbury-golf-course-200907293029/ For my golf course review Speed of play is always a major concern when playing a round of golf . Unfortunately this was left to be desired at Dudsbury Golf Course ! Greens suffer from many unrepaired pitch marks which i can only guess would be left my visitors to the course. However , overall it is a challenging test of golf that can get tough when the wind is blowing. ]]> Sat, 17 Sep 2011 10:05:44 +0100 2086-904 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hazel-grove-golf-club-200907292086/ My Golf Course Review of Hazel Grove Golf Club is a challenging course with very fast greens. It has very good facilities with superb cuisine. For those who find it hard to get around they have a number of single seated golf buggies for hire. The members are very friendly and welcoming. It's a MacKenzie course and even houses a life-size tree carving of Dr Alister MacKenzie, as far as I know it's the only golf course in the world that can claim this acolade. There are numerous water hazards which can be difficult for the higher handicapper (of which I am one) but the appearance of the lakes are extremely rewarding. The clubhouse stands very proud beyond the 18th green and is situated on the first floor with a balcony which is pefect to sit and look over the course. All in all, I'd say you will not be disappointed. ]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2011 20:13:18 +0100 2619-903 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/castle-park-golf-course-200907292619/ My Golf Course Review of Castle Park Golf Course.This has been the 5th year in a row we have visited Castle Park Golf Club and every year the course gets better. The ease of booking and value for money from both the course and food provided is second to none. All the ELP members pencil in Castle Park as one of the outings to attend throughout the year. The course is both challenging and fair and the standard of the putting greens are wonderful. The friendly atmosphere and the buffet afterwards is the best we experience in the year. I would recommend you pay a visit to one of the hidden gems in East Lothian. Try the white medal tees for a tougher challenge or the blue tiger tees for some outstanding views. We will be back next year. C.Black Secretary ELP Golf Club ]]> Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:37:15 +0100 1531-902 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/welwyn-garden-city-golf-course-200907291531/ Golf Course Review of Welwyn Garden City Golf Course.Since the start of the 2011 season the course has undergone many new changes such as the re design of the bunkering on holes 3 and 5 which have greatly improved the course. The new Professional (Stuart Mason) has also transformed the pro shop which is now fully equipped with the newest clubs and equipment as well as new clothes and shoes. The outside area of the bar has also been developed which now looks like a 5 star hotel rather than a club house. The practice ground remains the only disappointment but due to the lacking of space and nearby housing it will be a very difficult and costly operation to improve. The Course it self is in fantastic condition all year round with the greens generally rolling true, the fairways and tees in great condition and the bunkers tough but mostly fair. Despite the shortness of the course it remains a tricky test with some very narrow fairways and difficult greens providing a difficult test for all golfers. The course has produced the golfing legend Nick Faldo and is the home club of young sensation Tom Lewis who led the British open this year and will play in the Walker Cup this coming weekend. ]]> Mon, 05 Sep 2011 18:07:41 +0100 1989-901 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/phoenix-golf-course-200907291989/ I’m sorry to say the rules implemented for dress code by the committee at Phoenix Golf Club have left me somewhat confused and unfortunately leads me to form the opinion that this may be one of the reasons why people avoid playing golf, considering it to be played by pompous twits. I would consider myself to be pretty conversant with golf course etiquette. On arriving at Phoenix, I was wearing a polo shirt (collared), tailored shorts, golf shoes but my socks were “black” and I was advised by the Pro that I could only play in shorts if I had white socks. WHY???? If I were to wear black socks would it mean that I would treat the course, members, fellow golfers etc with disrespect? To be fair to the Pro he said that these decisions were made by the committee. Because of the changing weather conditions in our country I always have a pair of long trousers with me, so I reluctantly changed, paid my £27 and played the course. The course was fine; greens were especially good and were in excellent condition. Do I think it is worth £27? No, (sorry Phoenix my opinion is obviously swayed by your ridiculous dress code rules), however as a golfer who unfortunately has to work 5 or 6 days per week and can only play at the weekend I feel that this is quite steep, what happened to the so called austerity period!!!!! Prior to playing we had breakfast in the bar / lounge, this was superb and staff were very helpful – Many thanks. ]]> Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:05:47 +0100 3029-900 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dudsbury-golf-course-200907293029/ For my golf course review of the Dudsbury Golf Course I found that the course was in really in good condition and playing long after all the rain. The only issue that I have with the course are the bunkers which don't have a lot of sand and some of them contain a lot of small stones. Another concern is the slow play of non members who don't seem to want to let other players through. Apart from that the golf course will present a fair challenge to all levels of golfers and it is really good value for money. ]]> Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:44:47 +0100 923-899 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/berwick-upon-tweed-golf-course-20090729923/ Golf Course Review Played Berwick-upon-Tweed Golf Course Sept 2011. This wonderful track is located just a handful of miles south of Berwick upon Tweed and only 5 mins off the A1 (turn off at The Cat PH). You cross the train mainline and behold classic links land. The clubhouse is a little tired around the gills but the course is great and some of the finest greens I've played on. The opening hole is a dogleg and leads up to green sat atop of a line of dunes. The 2nd is a short par-3 where the green isn't visible and the prevailing wind makes clubbing tough. Each hole is different and offers its own unique challenges. I particularly like the 6th (par-5) with OB in play off the tee, careful layup 2nd shot, and a really tricky short iron into a plateau green pearched on another dune crest. The 18th is a marvellous short par-4 and great for the final throw of the dice in match-play. 270 yards - driveable if wind allows, but OB all along right and a multitude of bunkers catching your eye. Can not recommend this course highly enough and at £35 green fee - what a steal! If you're playing around the East Lothian coast then why not put this cracker on your menu of play. ]]> Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:33:19 +0100 1055-898 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dunbar-golf-course-200907291055/ Golf Course Review Dunbar Golf Course Played Sept 2011. Dunbar is an Open qualifying venue. Ample clubhouse with fair & reasonably priced food & drink. In the bar were plans for development of the course, including adding 9 holes, a hotel, and some seaview housing. The proshop is a walk around the 3rd hole (don't cross fairway!) from the car park. The 1st tee is by the proshop. The opening 3 holes lie inland from an impressive stone wall which runs the length of the 18th. Once beyond the seawall you are immediately adjacent to the sea. If the tide is in and the wind up, then spray will cover some greens, especially on the back 9. There's the odd quirky par-3 with shallow (but long) greens and a road tight by the pin (alla Road Hole @ Old Course). At the end of the course (12th) there's a former dwelling that comes into play. The course has fabulous views but do block out the ugly cement works at the turn. The club takes a lot of time to keep the course very tidy and smart. Is it worth the 60 quid green fee, not sure. ]]> Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:17:03 +0100 815-897 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/eyemouth-golf-club-20090729815/ For my Golf Course Review of Eyemouth Golf Club Played Sept 2011. The first thing one is struck by is the size of the clubhouse upon arrival. Modern. 2 storey. Pearched on the highest point with exception views from the up-stairs bar of the Scottish coastline. Very impressive indeed. The course itself feels new, although I didn't see any "established" dates. I would categorise it as a cliff-top links although the fairway grasses make it play more like a parkland. From the clubhouse you can see almost every hole as the course is left open to the elements. Holes 1,2, & 18 run parallel (a little too close, so take care) to each other. The feature hole is the 6th where you have choice of tees to play across a sea inlet - a lost ball remains lost! On the back 9 the course becomes very steep in places, so you need to be a bit of a mountain goat on the 11th (short par-4). The toughest hole was definitely the 12th (par-3) where perfect clubbing is required any any ball short ends up running 40 yards back towards you. Some long holes but, overall, if the wind doesn't blow a pretty straightforward test. ]]> Sat, 03 Sep 2011 12:03:29 +0100 948-896 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/royal-liverpool-golf-course-20090729948/ For my Golf Course Review of the Hoylake Links at Royal Liverpool Golf Club it was an excellent days Golf at one of the best courses in the UK. I used the online booking service which sent me a confirmation e-mail of my booking to my phone with a booking reference it was that easy. The Welcome experienced on arrival was excellent and the starter Jim McVey was extremely helpful with letting me know how to get around. The Pro Shop has all you need and the the guys are really friendly and helpful in getting you ready, I purchased a bag tag to add to my collection. The Course has all the practice facilities you need which I rate 10 out of 10 these include a Driving Range,Putting Green and chipping area my advice is to make sure you know how to get out of the Links bunkers as they are pretty steep with have deep sand. At 14h55 sharp it was my time to tee off and Jim the starter took me down to the 1st Tee to get me off. He gave me with a last few words of advice as to the best way to play the hole which I thought was a really nice touch and was much appreciated. For those of you who have played the 1st hole you will know that it is one of the most difficult of opening holes as it has OB both left and right so getting a good opening drive is critical. Once you have got off the 1st tee unscathed it is now time to relax and to enjoy the Golf Course which can be played from Red,Yellow or for the more adventurous Green Tee's. When it comes to the business end of the Golf Course the Hoylake Links is exceptional from the Tee's to the fairways as well as the Greens and Bunkers. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course is the best I have seen and I didn't even see a broken tee on any of the Teeing grounds. The course played pretty quickly but this may depend on your level as balls can get lost pretty easily. Course Yardage Marking is on the sprinkler heads on all holes but I would also suggest purchasing the strokesaver as well. You can't fault the Layout and Design of the Course and it will present a challenge to all level of golfers especially when the wind gets up. One of the things you will discover is that the bunkers are well placed and best avoided as they will slow up your progress and you can't always play forwards. According to the local rules Rakes are to be positioned outside the bunker to cause the least interference. The 19th Hole has a great atmosphere and the Clubhouse according to the Courses Website ''is also home to arguably the finest collection of golf memorabilia to be seen outside St. Andrews''. There are many pieces of interest dotted including photos and old golf clubs all around the Clubhouse, as well as those gathered together in the lobby. In summary my enjoyment of the Hoylake Links at Royal Liverpool Golf Club was 10 out of 10 and it is one of the best Golf Course that I have ever played not to mention that it has hosted the hosted the ''Open Championship'' 11 times the latest being in 2006 which Tiger Woods won. ]]> Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:20:47 +0100 4321-894 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bristol-golf-club-201007314321/ In my golf course review of Bristol Golf Club I found the course to be in good condition the greens were a little slow. The par 3's are the best holes on the course with the 16th being the stand out hole 185 yards over water the course is not long or a tough test but fun to play. You have some good views over towards Wales. Staff and members make you feel welcome ]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:48:20 +0100 3302-893 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-tytherington-golf-club-200907293302/ In my golf course review of The Tytherington Golf Club I found the course to be a good layout and a great test. It was in good condition when I played even after 2 days of rain. Some very tight tee shots and the par 3's are a good mix of long and short. Clubhouse has a nice feel very modern and staff and members make you feel welcome. A must play. ]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:29:59 +0100 1711-892 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-shropshire-golf-club-gold-course-200907291711/ In my Golf course review of The Shropshire Golf Club, Gold Course I found the greens to be dreadful I played in July and the greens were in the same condition you would expect for February, SLOW BUMPY and LEAVING FOOT PRINTS - NOT GOOD! The rest of the course was good but I would rather have poor fairways and tees and good greens. I would not go again just because of the greens. The layout was ok. Staff and members make you feel welcome. ]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:08:03 +0100 2773-891 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/sundridge-park-gc-east-course-200907292773/ In my Golf Course review of Sundridge Park East Course I found the course to be a great layout and in great condition.A few tight tee shots and you play a lot of dog legs, its not long but you have to hit it straight of the tee. Greens were in great condition make sure you leave yourself uphill putts if you can, otherwise you will have some very quick putts and could find it hard to 2 putt. The club has a great feel to it everyone very friendly. I would be happy to play there every day A MUST PLAY. ]]> Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:48:31 +0100 3176-890 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/carmarthen-gc-200907293176/ During my Golf Course review of the Carmarthen Golf Club the greens are fast and true, and the fairways are lush and smart. The club has invested heavenly in the course over the last few years, and it has clearly payed off. The driving range and practice facility's are excellent, the food is first class and very good value for money, "all in all" an superb golfing venue, and well worth a visit. ]]> Sun, 21 Aug 2011 17:43:55 +0100 1520-889 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/aldwickbury-park-golf-club-park-course-200907291520/ In my golf course review of Aldwickbury Park Golf Club I would say they have some of the best greens I have ever played on - very quick and smooth, 11 out of 10. The course is not long but the greens have plenty of slope on them, so it makes it tough if you get on the wrong side of the hole its hard to 2 putt. You really have to place the ball in the correct place on the green, the practice ground is short but good enough, there is a par 3 course that looks great and also in great condition. staff and members are very friendly This is a must play you will not find any better greens. ]]> Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:49:45 +0100 3478-888 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/mentmore-golf-and-country-club-the-rothschild-200911283478/ For my golf course review of the Mentmore Golf club the greens had been hollow tyned. This was not mentioned when the tee time was booked 5 days ago or this morning before we set off or when we arrived. We found out for ourselves on the first green. All the bunkers were GUR as there had been heavy rain the day before. You can't blame mother nature but the course fee was still £65 given the circumstances this should have been reduced. Overall the club is okay but thats as far as I would go. ]]> Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:51:29 +0100 2619-887 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/castle-park-golf-course-200907292619/ For my Golf Course Review of the Castle Park Golf Course I felt it was a good challenging golf course with spectacular views. Exceptional welcome and friendly clubhouse with great food on offer. ]]> Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:09:09 +0100 654-886 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/frilford-heath-gc-blue-course-20090729654/ Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:59:43 +0100 2066-885 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/pryor-hayes-golf-course-200907292066/ During my Golf Course Review of the Pryors Hayes Golf Course I found the ease of booking the round to be great and the course also has very good accesibility. I felt welcome when I arrived and the availability of the buggies and carts was very good along with great changing rooms and a very nice pro shop. The putting green and practice range were both very good and this is all situated in a very nice area with great scenery surrounding it. There were no delays for tee off and I had a great speed of play during the round. The course has excellent tees, fairways and greens and the 19th hole is also very nice. The course bunkering and course yardage marking throughout the course are really good and I rated the layout and design of the course as 9 out of 10. In summary of my Pryors Hayes Golf Course Review I thoroughly enjoyed playing on this course and I think it is brilliant value for money. ]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:41:22 +0100 1429-884 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/colmworth-golf-course-200907291429/ For my Colmworth Golf Course Review I found the ease of booking the round to be good and the accessibility of the course was also good. I found getting around the course easy and their were carts and buggies available for use. I rated the changing rooms as 7 out of 10 and the Pro shop was also very good. The course practice range was great and the putting green was also excellent. There is lovely scenery surrounding the course and there is a very nice atmopshere throughout each hole. The tees were very good and I had a timely tee off and had a good speed of play during the round. The fairways and greens were both excellent and the course yardage marking was great but the course bunkering could be improved slightly. The course is in good condition and the 19th hole is very nice and pleasant. There is a good challenge presented by this course due to its design. In summary of my Colmworth Golf Course Review I rated the overall enjoyment of this course as 7 out of 10 and think it is good value for money. ]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:20:55 +0100 2066-883 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/pryor-hayes-golf-course-200907292066/ In my Pryors Hayes Golf Course Review I rated the ease of booking the round as 10 out of 10 and found the course to be very accessible. I experienced a warm welcome on arrival and found their to be lots of buggies and carts ready for use. The changing rooms were great as well as having an excellent pro shop. The course is surrounded by lovely scenery and environment and the atmosphere throughout the course is ideal for golf. The tees were brilliant along with the fairways and greens which were both fantastic. I had a timely tee off and there were no delays while playing the round. There is great course bunkering and equally good course yardage marking as well as a very nice 19th hole. The cleanliness of this course is very good and I think this course gives a good challenge when playing it. For my Pryors Hayes Golf Course Review Summary I think rated the value for money of this course as 10 out of 10 and thoroughly enjoyed playing on it. ]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:52:02 +0100 2066-882 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/pryor-hayes-golf-course-200907292066/ For my Pryors Hayes Golf Course Review I found booking the course to be easy as well as great accessibility of the course. I was welcomed warmly by the staff on arrival and found getting around the course was easy to do. I rated the availability of buggies and carts as 9 out of 10 and the changing rooms and pro shop on this course were both excellent. The practice range was very good and the putting green was also brilliant along with the beautiful scenery and environment that surrounded the course. I had a timely tee off and maintained a good speed of play during the round. The course was in great condition and the greens, fairways and tees were all superb and the course bunkering throughout the course was excellent and I rated the course yardage marking as 10 out of 10. The course has a great layout and design which presents a nice challenge for those who play on it. In summary for my Pryors Hayes Golf Course Review I really enjoyed playing this course and think it was well worth the money. ]]> Wed, 20 Jul 2011 09:16:32 +0100 755-881 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/newbury-racecourse-golf-club-20090729755/ I am new to golf so this is my first Golf Course Review and it was for Newbury Racecourse Golf Club. I have been using the practice range and putting green which are fantastic. The range is usually busy but never too full to find an empty bay. The putting green is kept really well and easily accessible. I had my first round this weekend and found the course challenging, maybe more to do with my level of golf :-) The condition of the course is very good, greens are very true and well maintained. Some nice water features. The last 5 holes are allot more challenging and less forgiving. Im booking in lessons soon, another review to follow ]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 12:40:45 +0100 1878-880 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/elemore-golf-club-200907291878/ For my Golf Course Review of the Elemore Golf Club I found this course is a great course and can be very challenging for even a scratch player. the layout is great with 2 par 5 holes, 2 water holes and 2-3 monster par 4 holes making for a good mix. I play here every Sunday starting my round at 9am and will complete the 18 holes by 1pm every sunday without fail, there is very little hold up on the holes. The greens are well kept and the fairways are in an above average condition. The only thing the course is missing is a drving range but if your simpy out for a game then this is the place to come to in the north east. ]]> Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:18:08 +0100 607-879 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/seaford-head-golf-club-20090729607/ For my Golf Course Review I played this on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon in July. Avoid on a windy day. This is a Council owned club. The club house is shabby and quite frankly I wouldn't let my dog lie on the carpet but despite this I was still asked to remove my golf shoes. That said I had a fantastic chilli before starting. Now this is a hilly course which leads up from the beach at Seaford, most holes have spectacular views. When you get to the top on the par 5 you are greeted by the white cliffs of Beachy Head - amazing. However the last par 5 back down the hill to the club house is just breathtaking. The course is well used by both golfers and ramblers but in fair condition. The greens where long and slow, but in immaculate condition. For £17 this is the best value for money in the South. ]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 16:27:56 +0100 3386-878 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/crowborough-beacon-golf-course-200907293386/ For my Golf Course Review of the Crowborough Beacon Golf Course it was definately old school, looks like its been there forever. A members course with limited practice facilities, but very picturesque. I played it on a windy day. Do not attempt this course if you are anything less than fit and you will need a few extra balls. Heather all over the place and the first few holes will get your heart pumping. Overall in excellent condition, fast greens and fairly generous fairways but you need to hit them. Not for high handicapers. I would definately play again. ]]> Sun, 17 Jul 2011 15:59:44 +0100 3393-877 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/goodwood-gc-downland-course-200907293393/ I have been waiting the whole week to get a chance to do my Golf Course Review of the Goodwood Golf Club Downland Course also known as the The Kennels. The course is a little difficult to find and there can be a bit of confusion about which course you are playing but don't let this discourage you. The welcome experienced on arrival is very friendly and the course has an abundance of buggies and carts. The Pro Shop has all the necessities like balls, gloves etc and a great section for designer goodies but it isn't a place to buy equipment and clubs. Before we get to the business end of the course one thing you will notice is that everyone is very friendly and the course has a really relaxed atmosphere which is ideal for golf. According to my host the Course allows members to bring their dogs along for a round as well as they are well behaved and in the old days The Kennels was home to the Duke of Richmond's hounds. When I visited the course the synthetic putting green alongside the Pro Shop was being used for a function but there is a real one (Grass) within a short distance of the clubhouse. One of the things you will need bear in mind is that the practice range is not close to the clubhouse and will require either a buggy or a car to get to. Another thing to consider is that the course is very long and will require a lot of heavy walking so if you aren't golfing fit take a buggy. The course sets the atmosphere for great golf and the Scenery and Environment is spectacular with awesome views of the Chichester Cathedral, the Solent and also when we played we could see the Isle of Wight clearly. Getting off on time is not a problem and the course provides booked tee off times with enough time between the groups so there is enough time to enjoy the holes without rushing. On the business end the Golf Course doesn't disappoint with Top Rated Tee's, Fairways, Greens and Bunkers which have been well placed an clearly show the James Braid influence. The Course Yardage Marking is excellent and the scorecard clearly shows the pin placements with an card provided on the day for the placements. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was in general excellent the only issue was that a society had been through and had not raked the bunkers and had left a lot of pitch marks which were not repaired. The Goodwood Golf Club Downland Course is a James Braid and this shows in Layout and Design of the Course which is pure genius, the Challenge presented by the Course is a very difficult one but good shot making will be rewarded and the course offers up a few birdie chances. The course is good value for money and they provide a unique membership scheme on a credits system so it provides great value for money in that you only pay for the Golf you play. ]]> Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:22:12 +0100 2957-876 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/theale-golf-course-200907292957/ For my Golf Course Review of the Theale Golf Course it was a Horrible experience from start to finish. When calling to book tee time guy on the phone made me feel like he was doing me a favor letting me book. Got to the course in plenty of time before tee off time, went into the non existent pro shop, guy on counter (bar), presume same guy who had answered the phone when i booked grunted back in a minute. 10 minutes later he returned and then had the cheek to tell us to hurry up or we would miss our tee time. We then had to pay £18 for 9 holes, if the course was nearly half decent this would have been ok! Tees not pointing at the fairways, Fairways uneven cut, greens had massive bald patches, very bumpy and sandy, lips of holes were bowed up making it near impossible to putt. Members in front were very very slow, nearly 3 hours for 9 holes and not allowed to play through the 4 ball in front even waiting on the same tee as the 2 ball in front of them! I would not recommend this course to any level golfer, puts a bad name on pay and play golf courses. ]]> Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:52:54 +0100 4602-875 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/barnham-broom-gc-hill-course-201101184602/ In my golf course review of Barnham Broom Hill Course I found the course was pretty easy to get to and well signposted and on arrival the staff were very friendly and efficient. The changing rooms Pro Shop and Putting Green I rated 8 out of 10 but unfortunately the Greens out on the course were good but slow and only rated 7. The Tee's were not very even and you hit off a upslope on a lot of shots which in my rating gave them a 4 out of 10. When it came to the Fairways they were by far the worst part of the course they were patchy covered with clover and weeds and generally in poor condition. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was not good and the Course Yardage Marking could be improved. I found the Layout and Design of the Course very Bland and the Challenge presented by the Course was not a difficult one. The clubhouse/sports bar was not good value for money and I found it to be pretty expensive paying up to £ 7.00 for a sandwich. ]]> Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:55:00 +0100 4327-874 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/remedy-oak-golf-course-201008224327/ In my Remedy Oak Golf Course Review I found booking the round was nice and easy and the accessibility of the course was also very good. I was welcomed on arrival and found getting around was very nice and simple. The changing rooms were excellent and the pro shop was also very good. The practice range was superb and I rated the putting green as 8 out of 10. The course is situated in a great area with lovely scenery and environment surrounding it and a great atmosphere around the course. The tees, fairways and greens were all brilliant and the course bunkering and course yardage marking was also fantastic. I had a timely tee off and there was no delay in the speed of play during the round. I think there is a real challenge presented and I rated the layout and design of the course as 9 out of 10. In summary of my Remedy Oak Golf Course Review I think this course is definately worth the money and I thoroughly enjoyed playing the course. ]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:30:52 +0100 4302-872 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-manchester-golf-club-201007244302/ During my Golf Course Review of the Manchester Hopwood Golf Course I thought booking the round was very easy as well as the accessibility of the course which was equally good. I felt welcome on arrival and getting around the course was simple. There were plenty of buggies and carts available for use and I rated the practice range as 10 out of 10 along with the changing rooms and pro shop which were equally great. The putting green was fantastic and the course is set in amazing scenery which is ideal for golf. The fairways and tees were excellent and the greens were lovely and smooth as well as the brilliant course bunkering throughout the course. The Cleanliness of this course is very good and I had a timely tee off and maintained a good speed of play during the round. The 19th hole is very pleasant and I feel the design of the course presents a genuine challenge for golfers playing this course. In summary for my Manchester Hopwood Golf Course Review I thoroughly enjoyed playing this course and think it is superb value for money. ]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:43:04 +0100 3405-871 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bramshaw-golf-course-forest-course-200907293405/ During my Golf Course Review of Bramshaw Forest I found the accessibility of the course to be very good and I was also welcomed warmly on arrival. There were buggies and carts readily available and the changing rooms and pro shop were both very good. The putting range is fantastic and the putting green is very nice aswell. The course is surrounded by beautiful scenery and the atmosphere around the course is great for golf. The tees, fairways and greens were all great and I had a timely tee off with a good speed of play during the round. The course bunkering is very well placed and the course yardage marking is superb along with an excellent 19th hole. The design of this course will give a challenge to most golfers who play it. In summary for my Bramshaw Forest Golf Course Review I found this course very enjoyable to play and think the value for money is brilliant and rated it 8 out of 10. ]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:19:43 +0100 3309-869 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/meyrick-park-golf-club-200907293309/ During my Golf Course Review of Meyrick Park Golf Club I found ease of booking the round to be good aswell as the course was easily accessible. I had a warm welcome on arrival and the availability of buggies and carts was excellent. The changing rooms and pro shop were both very good and I really enjoyed playing the practice range and putting green which were both brilliant. The scenery and environment around the course was lovely and the atmosphere throughout the course was excellent for golf. I experienced a timely tee off and had a good speed of play during the round. The Tees and fairways were very good and the greens were nice and smooth. Throughout the course there is good course bunkering and course yardage marking which along with the design of this course give the golfer a real challenge. For my Meyrick Park Golf Course Review summary I found this course to be very enjoyable and rated the value for money as 7 out of 10. ]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:49:37 +0100 763-867 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/knighton-heath-golf-club-20090729763/ For my Knighton Heath Golf Course Review I found it quite hard to book the round however the course was easily accessible. I experienced a warm welcome on arrival and found getting around the course was easy to do. I rated the availability of buggies and carts as 3 out of 10 however the changing rooms and Pro shop were both very good. The Practice range and putting green were both excellent and I had a timely tee off as well as a fair speed of play during the round. There is fantastic scenery surrounding the course and the atmosphere around the course was very pleasant. There are great tees, fairways and greens on this course along with excellent course marking and course bunkering. The cleanliness and manicuring of this course was good and there is a great club house. There is a significant challenge presented by this course due to its well thought out design. In summary for my Knighton Heath Golf Course Review I thought it was very busy with alot of members but I still enjoyed myself and think it's good value for money. ]]> Mon, 11 Jul 2011 09:17:29 +0100 3406-865 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bramshaw-golf-course-manor-course-200907293406/ For my review of the Bramshaw Golf Course I found the accessibility of the course to be very good and I was welcomed on arrival. I rated the changing rooms as 8 out of 10 and the pro shop was equally excellent and the putting green and practice range were both excellent. The scenery and environment surrounding the course is fantastic and the atmosphere around the course is also brilliant for golf. The tees were very good and I rated the fairways and greens as 8 out of 10 along with the course bunkering and course yardage marking which are both equally great around the course. The course is in great condition and the course presents a real challenge when playing it. For summary of my Bramshaw Golf Course Review I think it is a lovely, friendly club with different challenges which I really enjoyed playing and I rated the value for money as 9 out of 10. ]]> Sat, 09 Jul 2011 20:32:02 +0100 3244-863 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/woodlake-park-golf-course-200907293244/ In my Woodlake Park Golf Course Review I rated the ease of booking the round as 6 out of 10 and found the accessibility of the course to be good. The availability of buggies and carts was very good and the changing rooms and pro shop were both very good. The course has a great practice range and an equally good putting green surrounded by great scenery with a good atmosphere throughout. The tees, fairways and greens were all top notch there is excellent course bunkering however the course yardage marking could be improved. I had a timely tee off and had a good speed of play during the round. The course has a great design and is in very good condition, presenting a good challenge. In summary of Woodlake Park Golf Course I really enjoyed playing this course and think it is very good value for money. ]]> Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:41:30 +0100 2157-862 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/denton-golf-course-200907292157/ For my Denton Golf Course Review I found the ease of booking the round was good and the accessibility of the course was also great. I rated the availability of the buggies and carts as 9 out of 10 and found the changing rooms and pro shop to both be excellent. The Putting green and practice range were also very good and the scenery and environment around the course is superb. I had a timely tee off and maintains a good speed of play during the round and I thought the tees, fairways and greens were all very good. There was brilliant course bunkering and course yardage markering throughout the course and I thought the cleanliness and manicuring of the course was top notch. I rated the layout and design of the course as 8 out of 10 and feel this presented a real challenge to golfers who play this course. For my Denton Golf Course Review I really enjoyed playing this course and think it is great value for money. ]]> Sat, 09 Jul 2011 19:10:05 +0100 2066-861 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/pryor-hayes-golf-course-200907292066/ For my Golf Course Review of the Pryors Hayes Golf Course I Played on the 07/07/2011 and found that the course was easy to get to and the staff really make you feel welcome. The facilities offered by the course including the ladies changing room and Pro Shop are excellent but the practice range and putting green could be improved.The Golf Course is set in a very scenic environment and it provides a great atmosphere for playing golf. We got out onto the course with a timely tee off and the general condition of the course was good with the greens being the best with a rating of 10 and the Tees the worst at 6 out of 10. When it came to the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course I was very impressed and it showed a keen interest from the staff in keeping the course in good condition. The Challenge presented by the Course was 10 out of 10 so that was probably the cause of the round being a little slower than one would expect. In summary the Pryors Hayes Golf Course is an really nice venue to play Golf as it gives good value for money and lastly it has a brilliant 19th hole. ]]> Sat, 09 Jul 2011 05:51:16 +0100 2196-860 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/fairfield-golf-club-200907292196/ For my Fairfield Golf Course Review I found the ease of booking the round to be good and also the accessibility of the course was good. I had a good welcome on arrival and found the changing rooms and Pro shop to both be fantastic. The putting green and practice range were both great and the scenery and atmosphere surrounding the course are both ideal for golfing. I had a timely Tee off and rated the tees as 6 out of 10. I found the greens and fairways to be very good and there was good course bunkering however the course yardage markering could be improved. I had a good speed of play during the round and the 19th was excellent. The layout and design of the course presents a challenge. In summary of my Fairfield Golf Course Review I thoroughly enjoyed playing the course and it is good value for money. ]]> Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:46:03 +0100 641-858 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/berkhamsted-golf-course-20090729641/ In my golf course review of the Berkhamsted Golf Course I found the course to be in good condition but I did find the speed of the greens varied. I played there last year and found the greens better then. It's a strange course as there is no bunkers but its still tough around the greens. A good heathland course worth a day out to go and play. ]]> Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:43:28 +0100 1690-857 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/studley-wood-golf-club-200907291690/ Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:30:28 +0100 686-856 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/reddish-vale-golf-course-20090729686/ I’ve played Reddish Vale a few times now and for my GolfCourse Review I share the opinion held by connoisseurs that it is the finest of the numerous courses located to the south of Manchester. Give it a try and see for yourself; do not be put off by the oft-heard complaint locally that it is ‘too tough’ or by the non-too salubrious approach to the club through a 1930’s council estate! The site occupied by Reddish Vale is a revelation when you consider that it lies within the M60 ring road and is less than a mile from Stockport town centre. The River Tame cuts a deep valley through wooded hills as it meanders towards its confluence with the Goyt to become the Mersey, leaving in its wake a fast-draining and undulating terrain; perfect for golf! 100 years ago the legendary Dr Alister MacKenzie (later of Augusta fame) took full advantage of this beautiful location and laid out a typically charming, deceptive, and challenging course. The first five holes occupy high ground above the valley and provide a tricky introduction to the round. Beware particularly the short 4th; a narrow green flanked by a bunkered hill on the right and out of bounds immediately to the left. With the wind in your face attacking the pin can easily result in a destroyed card even before the day has properly begun. At the 6th the routing plunges down into the Vale with an epic 240 yard drop shot to a well-bunkered green nestling by the river bank. By now you will be well and truly hooked on Reddish Vale! Over the river the course flows back and forth over undulating former meadowland surrounded by woods with the river a constant companion, giving the feeling that one is deep in rural Cheshire, rather than within an industrial conurbation. Only the odd apartment block peeking over the trees belies our true location. This really is an idyllic spot. The golf is superb, too. Typically cunning MacKenzie tee and green placements test the golfer to the limit without requiring prodigious distance off the tee. The long par four 13th is the toughest hole by far – indeed there are not many tougher golf holes anywhere! A decent drive is required if one is even going to have the option of reaching the tiny green with the second shot, hidden as it is behind a sloping ridge with all manner of hazards surrounding. Even laying up leaves an awkward pitch, and the devilish contours of the green mean that a five will be gratefully seized by virtually all. The home stretch from the 14th to the 17th provide some of the most delightful golf you will find in the north of England, and provided your drives don’t find the omnipresent river good scoring should be possible. Which brings us to the legendary 18th hole... ...if this came in the middle of the round it would attract the comment that it is ‘a bit of a climb’ and be passed over. Coming as it does at the culmination of a tough 3 or 4 hours it can be a real spirit-sapper! After a 200 yard drive over a flat fairway the ground rises precipitously to a green in its own little hanging valley only 150 yards distant but 150ft above one’s head. Club selection is the puzzler here; anything between an 8 iron and a 5 wood would be appropriate... All in all I can’t recommend Reddish Vale enough for those wanting challenging golf in idyllic surroundings. The condition of the course has always been excellent when I’ve played it with some of the best greens around. ]]> Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:28:10 +0100 2858-855 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/sunningdale-gc-old-golf-course-200907292858/ For my Golf Course Review of the Sunningdale Golf Club Old Golf Course you get an idea of how good the course is gonna be as you drive through Virina Water on the way there. The overall impression is Sunningdale knows exactly where it fits with the golfing world. The atmosphere is chilled with members walking the course with their dogs. It is very established, very pretty and the trees look like they have been there since the big bang. No buggies are allowed and there is a caddie shack where a caddie can be hired for about £50. The club house is spectacular, there is free coffee available in the lounge and the carvery is as good as any 5 star hotel. Service is slick and nothing to too much trouble. The Sunningdale Golf Club Old Golf Course is immaculate, tricky, not long and there is trouble everywhere. The greens have very slight contours which are extremely difficult to read. Overall a top top place to play golf. ]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:40:54 +0100 2619-854 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/castle-park-golf-course-200907292619/ For my Golf Course Review I played the Castle Park Golf Course which I thought was a super golf course. I rated the Welcome Experienced on Arrival as a very friendly 10 and the game was easy to book. The Practice Range got a 10 rating but the putting green was not in the best condition and I rated it as a 5. The Atmosphere around the Course is good for golf and the course is set in beautiful scenery, we had a timely tee off. The Tees,Fairways and greens are all in good condition and I rated between 8 and 9 but the bunkers needed a bit of attention.The course is well marked and the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course is excellent. I think that the Castle Park Golf Course is great value for money and it has a pretty good 19th hole ]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:11:25 +0100 3393-853 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/goodwood-gc-downland-course-200907293393/ For my Golf Course Review of the Goodwood Golf Club Downland Course I think it is one of the best courses I have ever played. From the start the Course Rates 10 out of 10 starting from the booking of the round through to the Accessibility of Course and the Welcome Experienced on Arrival. The facilities at the course are top notch apart from the Pro shop which is full of ralph lauren gear but its more of up an market clothes shop than a pro shop. Getting to the Golf the Atmosphere around the Course is perfect for golf and I rate the Scenery and Environment in which the course is situated as 10 out of 10. On the business side of the course the Tee's,Fairways,Greens and Course Bunkering all rate as 10 and Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course is excellent. As the Course started as a Braid Course the Layout and Design of the Course is clever and Challenge presented by the Course is a good one. To summarize the Goodwood Golf Club Downland Course is the greatest course I have played and the most enjoyable to play. ]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 12:22:55 +0100 1552-851 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/birstall-golf-course-200907291552/ For my Golf Course Review I played Birstall Golf Course.This parkland course lies to the north of Leicester city with excellent access by car from the city's ring road or the A6 trunk road to Newark, just a wee bit to the north. The opening hole is a blind, short, par-4. A small coppice to the right attracts balls and your swing may be interrupted by the whistle of a steam train passing on your left. The 2nd is a steep incline to a small green, but after these first two holes the walking becomes easy. Each hole features trees but they are never too inhibiting. Some long hits required off the tee on some holes to get within sight of the green, particularly the 8th. The course can suffer after many days of rain, but through drier periods the course is a pleasant day out. Nice friendly clubhouse with reasonably priced grub. ]]> Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:37:02 +0100 2758-850 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/boughton-golf-course-200907292758/ For my Golf Course Review of the Boughton Golf Course I think Don't waste your money. There are better organised municipal courses than this place. My 4 ball played on Sunday 3rd July and we came off after 9 holes. The reason being, the 9 holes we played took 3 hrs 8 mins! We queued on 5 Tees with 2 other groups and saw a '5 ball' playing on one hole! Just to top it all offm as we were walking off we saw a '6 ball' playing down the 18th! This course is dis-organised and not worth £10 a round. Awful! ]]> Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:42:04 +0100 759-848 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ During my Wareham Golf Course Review I found the ease of booking the round to be superb and I rated the accessibility of the course as 10 out of 10. I experienced a warm welcome on arrival and the availability of buggies and carts was good. The changing rooms, pro shop, practice range and putting green were all fair and could be improved however there is lovely scenery surrounding the course. We had a perfect timely tee off and the greens, fairways and tees were all very good. There was good course bunkering and course yardage marking throughout and the cleanliness and manicuring of the course was excellent. I had a good speed of play during the round and found the design of the course presented a real challenge. In summary for my Wareham Golf Course Review I rated my overall enjoyment of the course as 9 out of 10 and believe this course is brilliant value for money. ]]> Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:04:29 +0100 751-846 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/caversham-heath-golf-club-20090729751/ In my Golf Course review of Caversham Heath golf club I found the course to be in good condition from tee's to green. A good lay out with a good mix of holes long and short holes, the 6th hole a good par 5 with water in front of the green a good risk with your second shot if your long enough, the 8th a short par 3 around 160 yards but with a lot of slope on the green. Good value food in the clubhouse and staff make you feel welcome. ]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:16:13 +0100 3309-844 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/meyrick-park-golf-club-200907293309/ For my Meyrick Park Golf Course Review I found booking the found to be of ease as well as the accessibility of the course was also very good. I rated the welcome on arrival as 10 out of 10 and getting around the course was also simple. There were buggies and carts available and the changing rooms and pro shop were both equally great. The course also has an excellent practice range and putting green and this is all surrounded by a lovely environment. I had a timely tee off for my round and the speed of play was also superb. The tees, fairways and greens were all brilliant and the course is in immaculate condition. There is very good course bunkering and course yardage marking throughout the course and there is a different challenge everytime you play this course due to the layout and design. In summary for my Meyrick Park Golf Course Review I thoroughly enjoyed playing this course and rated the value for money as 9 out of 10. ]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:40:44 +0100 615-842 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ For my Golf Course Review of the The Dorset Golf and Country Club, Lakeland Course I have played it a few times now on society days plus and overnight stay and have enjoyed myself every time. Its a very challenging but fair course with superb large undulating greens. Many water features and clover shaped bunkers make it very interesting and its important to think and plot your way round. The range and practice facilities are very good which I rated 9 out of 10. The clubhouse and restaurant and superb. Every meal I have had was delicious and the staff are extremely helpful and friendly. We had some terrible rain on one occasion and the greens flooded but drained brilliantly and were playable within half an hour. The Scandinavian Log Home accommodation is truely stunning with all the facilities I needed and I can see how they have obtained a 5 star grading from the British tourist board. This is a must if you are looking for a venue in Dorset to play golf, and I would certainly recommend this venue. ]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 11:08:03 +0100 2050-841 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/disley-golf-course-200907292050/ For my Golf Course Review of the Disley Golf Course I feel that the course has improved significantly over the years and visitors comment it is the best course in the area the Scenery and Environment as well as the Atmosphere around the Course rates 10 out of 10. ]]> Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:39:13 +0100 615-840 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ For my Golf Course Review of The Dorset Golf and Country Club, Lakeland Course I found that despite the wet weather over the last couple of days the fairways were not as good as they should have been compared to other courses in the area and I rated them 6 out of 10. The Tees were not very good but the greens were good and they got an 8 out of 10 in general the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was average. The Layout and Design of the Course is pretty good and it does make the Challenge presented by the Course a stiff one. To summarize the The Dorset Golf and Country Club is good value for money and my overall Enjoyment of the course was 7 out of 10. ]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:55:52 +0100 759-839 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ In my Wareham Golf Course Review I found booking the round to be very easy and the course was also very accessible. I was welcomed on arrival and getting around the course was also easy to do. I rated the availability of buggies and carts as 9 out of 10 and the changing rooms and pro shop were both superb. The practice range and putting green were good however they could be improved but the scenery and environment surrounding the course was fantastic along with the brilliant atmosphere throughout the course. I had a timely tee off and the tees, fairways and greens were all top notch. The course bunkering and course yardage marking were both excellent around the course and the cleanliness and manicuring of the course was also great. I had a good speed of play during the round and there is a real challenge presented by this course when playing it as well as an enjoyable 19th hole. In summary of my Wareham Golf Course Review I rate my overall enjoyment of the course as 10 out of 10 and think this course is excellent value for money. ]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:19:07 +0100 3167-836 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hamptworth-golf-course-200907293167/ During my Hamptworth Golf Course Review I found ease of booking the round to be very good as well as the accessibility of the course which was also good. I experienced a very warm welcome when I arrived and I found getting around the course was easily done. Unfortunately I was not able to play the practice range however the putting green was fair and could be improved. The scenery and environment surrounding the course was excellent along with the great atmosphere on the golf course. I had a Timely tee off and rated the tees on the course as 7 out of 10. The fairways and greens were also both brilliant with good course bunkering throughout although the course yardage marking could be improved. I rated the cleanliness and manicuring of the course as 7 out of 10 and the speed of play I experienced was superb. The layout and design of the course presents a good challenge for golfers and there is also a very pleasant 19th hole at this course. In summary of my Hamptworth Golf Course Review I thoroughly enjoyed playing this course and think that it is very good value for money. ]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:21:05 +0100 2599-835 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/palacerigg-golf-course-200907292599/ In my Golf Course Review of the Palacerigg Golf Course I found that the Atmosphere around the Course for Golf is perfect and I rated the Scenery and Environment 10 out of 10. The Layout and Design the Palacerigg Golf Course is excellent value for money with a great 19thh hole. ]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 08:23:55 +0100 627-834 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ipswich-gc-purdis-heath-course-20090729627/ In my golf course review of Ipswich GC Purdis Heath Course I found this to be a great heathland course, its not a long course but you have to make sure you hit your driver in the fairway as most fairways have heather on them. Greens were in good condition when I played they ran very true maybe be a little slow but great. You have a good mix of short and long par 4's a good test for all players. A very friendly club members make you feel welcome. Well worth a day out to play. ]]> Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:18:44 +0100 3031-832 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/weymouth-golf-course-200907293031/ In my Weymouth Golf Club Golf Course review I found the ease of booking the round very good. The accessibility of the course was fair and could be improved however getting around the course on arrival was nice and easy. Buggies and Carts were available and the changing rooms and pro shop were both very good. The practice range was good and I rated the putting green 7 out of 10. The Scenery and environment around the course was superb and the atmosphere on the course was great for golf. The tees, fairways and greens were all excellent and the course bunkering and course yardage marking was very well done throughout the course. I had a timely tee off and maintained a good speed of play during the round. The course has a great 19th hole and the layout and design of the course presents a good challenge for golfers playing it. In summary for my Weymouth Golf Club Golf Course Review I think it's a lovely course and it has everything and more that a good golf course should have with some tricky par 3 holes. I rated my overall enjoyment of the course as 9 out of 10 and think this course is definately good value for money. ]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:40:29 +0100 2890-829 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/benfield-valley-golf-course-200907292890/ For my Benfield Valley Golf Course Review I found the ease of booking the round as very good along with good accessibility of the course. I experienced a warm welcome on arrival and getting around was also very easy. Unfortunately this course does not have a Pro shop, Practice range, Putting green or Changing rooms however the Tees, Greens and Fairways are all superb. I had a timely tee off and a brilliant speed of play during the round. The course has very good course marking and course bunkering throughout. The layout and design of the course presents a good challenge to most golfers. In summary for my Benfield Valley Golf Course Review I rated my overall enjoyment of the course as 10 out of 10 and believe this course is great value for money. ]]> Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:46:10 +0100 3039-826 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-forest-golf-club-200907293039/ During my Ferndown Forest Golf Club Golf Course Review I found booking the course nice and easy. I rated the accessibility of the course 8 out of 10 and getting around on arrival was also easily done. The changing rooms and pro shop were fair and could be improved however the availability of carts was good. The courses practice range and putting green were both excellent and the surrounding scenery was brilliant. During my round I had a timely tee off and the speed of play during the round was brilliant. The tees, fairways and greens were all fantastic and the course has good course bunkering and course marking throughout.The layout and design of the course means you have to think your way round and can't just hit with a driver anywhere.The cleanliness and manicuring of the course was good and I rated the 19th hole 9 out of 10. In summary of my Ferndown Forest Golf Club Golf Course Review I found this course very enjoyable and believe it is good value for money. ]]> Tue, 21 Jun 2011 13:06:19 +0100 3029-822 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dudsbury-golf-course-200907293029/ In my Dudsbury Golf Course Review I found booking the round of golf very easy. On arrival I was greeted with a warm welcome and I rated the ease of getting around on arrival as 10 out of 10. There are buggies and carts available as well as changing rooms and a pro shop, all of which were excellent. The course also has a brilliant practice range and putting green all of which is surrounded by beautiful scenery along with a great atmosphere. I rated the Tees, Fairways and Greens 9 out of 10 and I had a timely tee off for my round. The course bunkering and yardage marking are both very good and the overall cleanliness and manicuring of the course was also top notch. There is a good speed of play during the round and the course design and layout will give a challenge to most who play it. In summary for my Dudsbury Golf Course Review this is an excellent golf course, very enjoyable to play with a great value for money. I would strongly recommend a visit. ]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:35:30 +0100 1218-820 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/belhus-park-golf-course-200907291218/ Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:11:22 +0100 763-819 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/knighton-heath-golf-club-20090729763/ For my Knighton Heath Golf Course Review I found the ease of booking the round as well as the accessibility of the course to both be conveniant and good. I experienced a warm welcome on arrival and getting around the course was also easily done. The course offers carts, changing rooms and a pro shop which were all great. There is also an excellent putting green along with very good practice range. All of this is surrounded by amazing scenery and the atmosphere around the course is equally good which I rated 9 out of 10. I think the course has superb tees, fairways and greens with very good course bunkering and course yardage marking throughout and you can be assured of a timely tee off with a good speed of play during the round. The course has an excellent design and layout, presenting a good challenge for golfers and was in immaculate condition. In summary for my Knighton Heath Golf Course Review I found it to be very good value for money and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. ]]> Sat, 18 Jun 2011 13:42:31 +0100 759-817 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ Whilst reviewing the Wareham Golf Course I found the ease of booking the round very easy to do along with the course having excellent accessibility. I was greeted warmly on arrival and getting around on arrival was also easy. This course does not have a Pro Shop however the changing rooms and availability of carts and buggies was good. The practice range was fair and I rated the putting green 7 out of 10. The course has amazing scenery surrounding it and the atmosphere throughout the course was great. We had a perfect timely tee off and the speed of play during the course was very good. The course has excellent tees, fairways, greens and course yardage marking however the course bunkering could be slightly improved. The course is very well designed and the cleanliness and manicuring of the course was all very good. This design presents a very good challenge for golfers playing this course and the 19th hole was really good. In summary I thought the Wareham Golf Course was superb value for money as well as the very good overall enjoyment of the course. ]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:23:10 +0100 3167-815 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hamptworth-golf-course-200907293167/ During my Hamptworth Golf Course Review I found booking the round to be easy along with good accessibility of the course. I was met with a warm welcome when I arrived and getting around on arrival was also easily done. The course had a very good Pro shop however the practice range and putting green could be improved. The scenery and environment surrounding the course was excellent and I rated the atmosphere around the course 8 out of 10. Whilst playing on this course you can be sure of a timely tee off along with a fast speed of play during the round. The tees and fairways were good along with the excellent greens. The course bunkering was very well done however the course yarding marking could be made clearer. The Hamptworth Golf Course also has a great layout and design of the course presenting a good challenge to most golfers. Overall this course has very good value for money and the overall enjoyment of the course was excellent. ]]> Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:48:33 +0100 3039-813 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-forest-golf-club-200907293039/ For my Ferndown Forest Golf Course Review I found that it was difficult to book a round and that the course is not in an accessible location. However, the welcome experienced on arrival was very friendly and it was easy to get around, although the course doesn't have a Pro Shop the availability of carts was good. The course facilities including the Practice range and Putting green were very good however the changing rooms could be improved. The atmosphere around the course was good for golf and we had a timely tee off. The Tees, greens and fairways are fair as well as the course bunkering, the course is well marked and the cleanliness and the manicuring of the course is good. The speed of play during the round is fast and the course has a good layout and design which presents a decent challenge. In summary the Ferndown Forest Golf Course is good value for money and has an excellent 19th hole, overall it was enjoyable and very challenging. ]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:34:46 +0100 3401-812 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/came-down-golf-club-200907293401/ In my Golf Course Review of the Came Down Golf Club it was easy to book the round and the accessibility of the course was good. The course is set in a scenic environment and the atmosphere around the course is excellent. I rated the facilities of the course including the changing rooms, pro shop, practice range and putting green 7 out of 10. The condition of the course was excellent and the tees, fairways, greens and course bunkering were all top notch. Although the Course Yardage Marking was not the best but the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was very good. In summary the challenge presented by the Came Down Golf Club is a good one and the layout and design of the course is very good. My overall enjoyment of the course was 8 out of 10. ]]> Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:18:09 +0100 3339-807 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/crookhill-park-municipal-golf-course-200907293339/ Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:56:23 +0100 1985-806 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wombwell-hillies-golf-course-200907291985/ Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:49:11 +0100 1376-805 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/fulwell-golf-club-200907291376/ For my Fulwell Golf Club Golf Course Review I found that to start I rated the Ease of Booking the Round as 10 out of 10 and the course was easy to get to and well signposted. Getting around on arrival is easy and the Welcome Experienced on Arrival by the staff is pretty good. I only rated the the facilities offered by the course as a 5 out of 10 these included the ladies changing room and the Pro Shop. The Atmosphere around the Course is good for Golf and the Scenery and Environment in which the golf course is set is very pretty. We didn't manage to get off on time and I the condition of the Tee's were not good but the condition of the fairways and greens were pretty good. The course is well bunkered and these I rated as 8 out of 10 as well as the Course Yardage Marking. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was really good and the Layout and Design of the Course has been well thought out. The Challenge presented by the Course is not a very difficult one but it is still enjoyable to play and reasonable value for money. ]]> Mon, 13 Jun 2011 07:22:03 +0100 1643-804 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/staverton-park-golf-course-200907291643/ For my Staverton Park Golf Course Review my society played one Saturday in June and we soon realised that the course was overbooked and we were in for a very long round. On some tees there were at least 3 fourballs waiting to play. There were 2 rangers patrolling the course in carts - one ranger had a severe attitude problem the other was charming and helpful. The latter apologised for the slow play and explained that it was always like it at weekends as the owners were only interested in money and always overbook the course. The course has some interesting holes - some have out of bounds running up the right hand side. The few ponds and lakes do not really come into play. The bunkers are some of the largest bunkers you will ever see on a golf course but in my view the sand was the wrong sort - far to fine and far too much of it. Many of the bunkers needed raking properly as they were in poor condition. The view down the 18th is the worst of all the hundreds of courses I have played. Instead of a pleasant clubhouse patio behind the green where members can sit and watch golfers of a summer evening, there is a hideous monstrosity of the 3 story hotel block - clearly designed by architects more familiar with high security prisons. Back in the clubhouse - after 5 hours - the final sting. There was a wedding reception going on and when we finally had somebody come to serve us, we were told that beer was a rip-off £5 a pint. Clearly the De-Vere sales and marketing hype is working as the course was heaving. Whether golfers will return for a second visit is another matter. I know that our society probably wont ]]> Sun, 12 Jun 2011 10:02:35 +0100 1841-801 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-vale-golf-course-200907291841/ In my golf course review of The Vale I found the members and staff to be friendly, In the club house you get good food and good value. The course is a little different as you have 6 par 5's and a par 74. Course was in good condition when I played you will find it a good test. A good day out ]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:32:45 +0100 3298-800 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-warwickshire-gcc-earls-course-200907293298/ In my golf course review of the Warwickshire I found the staff and members to be friendly. The course was in good condition, greens were a little slow but true. I found the bunkers not to be great the ball always plugs even if the ball bounced in just a bit to much sand. Its a great design and you have 2 courses to play. In the club house the food was great and good value. This is a good club for a day out. ]]> Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:24:54 +0100 3384-799 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/brighton-and-hove-golf-course-200907293384/ For my golf course review of Brighton and Hove Golf I've been a member here for a few years, it's a cracking 9 hole course, very friendly and no pushover. It's based on chalk so is never closed due to rain, but can get a bit wind. The 6th Hole 150yds with 100 ft drop is a lovely dramatic hole Definitely worth a visit. ]]> Sun, 05 Jun 2011 12:09:03 +0100 2885-798 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/milford-golf-club-200907292885/ In my Milford Golf Club golf course review I found that the facilities of the course were reasonable and that we had a timely tee off but the putting green was poor. On the course the Tee's,fairways,greens and bunkers were good and I rated most at 8 out of 10 the fairways were dry but there hasn't been a lot of rain.As a Peter Alliss the Layout and Design of the Course was excellent but it did not present a a difficult challenge. The 19th hole is not great and I rated it 5 out of 10 finally the course is a bit expensive but I did enjoy playing it and gave it a 7 out of 10 rating. ]]> Sat, 04 Jun 2011 19:50:02 +0100 1332-797 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/newton-green-golf-club-200907291332/ In my Golf Course Review of the Newton Green Golf Club I found that it was a very friendly golf club that does present a reasonable challenge and is good value for money and very enjoyable. ]]> Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:36:50 +0100 759-796 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ For my Golf Course Review Wareham Golf Course I found that the Ease of Booking the Round is good and the Accessibility of Course is excellent. The course has pretty good facilities but the practice range is a little far to get to and it not easy to use before a round. On the course side I rated the Tees,Fairways and greens pretty good at 7 out of 10 but I found the bunkers weren't good and rated them 5 pot of 10. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course is good but the Course Yardage Marking is poor and selecting clubs is difficult. In summary the Layout and Design of the Course rates 7 out of 10 and the Challenge presented by the Course is a good one. Lastly the course is good value for money and has a friendly 19th hole. ]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 09:35:50 +0100 3167-795 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hamptworth-golf-course-200907293167/ During my Golf Course Review of the Hamptworth Golf Course I found it to be a challenging Golf Course with some a combination of some excellent and poorly designed holes. It was easy to book the round but although well sign posted the course is pretty tucked away and well off the beaten track. The Welcome Experienced on Arrival was fair and the course has a reasonable pro shop but when we played the practice range was closed and the putting green I rated as the worst I have seen at a 1 out of 10. The Scenery and Environment in which the course is set is spectacular but the Atmosphere around the Course is not as good as one would expect. On the business side of the course I rated the Tees,Fairways and Greens 8 out of 10 and the bunkers were an excellent 10. Once again the course fell down on yardage marking and I rated this an 1 out of 10 which is non existent and unless you have the book or a GPS you are going to battle to find your distances. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was reasonable and perhaps the greens were a little furry but one thing we noticed was the clock on the clubhouse which wasn't working, in addition to this some of the new hazards weren't marked. As mentioned earlier the Layout and Design of the Course is strange in that it has some excellent holes and some really gimmicky ones. In summary the Challenge presented by the Hamptworth Golf Course is a good one and the green fee is good value for money but make sure you buy a yardage book or take you own distance measuring equipment. ]]> Thu, 26 May 2011 07:22:00 +0100 1977-793 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/barnsley-golf-course-200907291977/ For my Golf Course Review of Barnsley Golf Course I got invited to play here by a member of Barnsley golf club, I play at Wath Golf Course in Rotherham so my bench mark is high. It's been a number of years since I played this course and I seem to remember agro with putting a ball in the trough to determine who tees off when, never a good idea,. Now thankfully you can ring up and book a tee time in advance. I think they had aroud 450 members and lots and lots of pay and play visitors, it was a very busy track. How times have changed, I couldn't believe the cdifference in this place. Going back 20 years when the pits were still open all the moisture used to sink straight through the fairways leaving them bone dry and brown, remarkably now the fairways and greens are green and lush. This place has become a very attractive little course, they tell me that the mine shafts are now full of water and the fairways are benefiting from this. They've invested heavily in a brand new sprinkler system and have planted (I'm told) in excess of 5000 new trees. The course itself isn't that difficult if you keep it on the fairways, but undulating greens and probably one of the toughest finishes in yorkshire keeps you on your toes untill the very end. To score well around Barnsley you need to birdie the short par 4's, if you don't, then you'll be trying to make something happen on the many long tough par 4's. Very reasonably priced track, very friendly and I would definately recommend a visit. ]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 10:25:08 +0100 1833-792 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wharton-park-golf-course-200907291833/ In my golf course Review of the Wharton Park golf club I found that the greens are true and fast the best greens I have played on this year. Its a hilly course and you get some great. You start of with a short par 5 but its straight up hill so plays longer. The par 3's on this course are great make sure you hit the correct club as trouble around all the greens. In the club house you get good value food. Staff and members make you feel welcome. ]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 10:15:20 +0100 1833-791 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wharton-park-golf-course-200907291833/ In my golf course of Wharton Park golf club I found that they have the best greens I have played on they are true and fast. Its a hilly course and you get some great views from most of the holes. You start of with a short par 5 466 yards but its straight up hill so plays longer. The par 3's on this course are great they are not long but have plenty of trouble around the greens. In the club house you have a spike bar next to the pro shop great for a quick snack, up stairs you have the main bar you get good value food. Staff and members make you feel welcome. ]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 10:03:03 +0100 3016-790 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/fingle-glen-golf-club-200907293016/ In my Golf Course Review of the Fingle Glen is a very welcoming and friendly Golf Club, both on and off the course. They will do their best to accommodate you whether you are a large society, or just a couple of mates who have taken the day off work. The course is not massively long, but don't let this fool you, as the greens are in challenging spots and are built to test you. (Especially the 3rd & 12th). The course will have the long hitters playing to their ego's, but not always being rewarded for their bravery, and the short hitters will still be able to make their pars if they find the fairways & are surgical with their approach shots. The course can be pretty hilly in places, so If you are not such a strong walker I would recommend reserving a buggy upon booking. I think they are about £16 for a round, which is not bad value at all, especially because they have built in GPS and yardage trackers, which let you know exactly how far you have to different areas of the green and hazards alike. This is a nice touch and almost feels like cheating... ALMOST! All in all I would recommend Fingle Glen, as it is a good day out, a challenging yet rewarding course, and even has a driving range to warm up... So no their can't be any excuses! ]]> Mon, 23 May 2011 13:48:03 +0100 3234-787 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/langland-bay-golf-course-200907293234/ For my Golf Course Review of the Langland Bay Golf Course it has excellent scenery and I would recommend this course to anybody. The staff were very friendly and welcoming during out visit we met the Club Chairman in the bar who was very friendly,chatty and made us fell welcome. ]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 20:16:17 +0100 3234-786 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/langland-bay-golf-course-200907293234/ For my Golf Course Review I found the Langland Bay Golf Course to be thoroughly enjoyable Course -Great Experience- Will definitely book to play again ]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 20:09:04 +0100 3234-785 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/langland-bay-golf-course-200907293234/ When doing my Golf Course Review we discovered Amazing Views at Langland Bay Golf Course and the course was great making it a very enjoyable day. ]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 20:01:33 +0100 3128-784 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/yeovil-golf-course-the-old-course-200907293128/ Good course, great scenery and some excellent facilities but unfortunately the greens were very poor on the day - but that's been true of a number of courses lately due to the lack of rain in March and April so bear that in mind. I would recommend Yeovil to anyone who wants a fun but challenging day of golf and good luck playing the 15th! ]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 19:22:40 +0100 759-783 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ Whilst doing my Wareham Golf Course Review I noted that this is a course that will give you a warm welcome and it will easy to book a game. The Atmosphere around the Course is really good and you are assured a timely tee off. I rated the Course Yardage Marking as 6 out of 10 and the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course 8. In Summary the Wareham Golf Course is excellent value for money and a very enjoyable course to play. ]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 18:17:20 +0100 3478-782 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/mentmore-golf-and-country-club-the-rothschild-200911283478/ In my golf course review of Mentmore Golf Club I found the clubhouse and the food to be great, also I did like that they have a spike bar which was nice and relaxed.I played the Rothschild course which was in great condition when I played, the greens were fantastic. You have a great views all around the course and you get a great look at the Mentmore Towers, a magnificent country home built for Baron Meyer Amschel de Rothschild. You could spend all day there as they have 2 courses,tennis courts,gym and a swimming pool. Its got all you need in one place. Not sure as a visitor if you can use the gym as I did not check. A good fun day out. ]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 10:50:10 +0100 3478-781 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/mentmore-golf-and-country-club-the-rothschild-200911283478/ In my golf course review of Mentmore Golf Club I found all the staff and members to be very friendly. They have a good clubhouse and the food you get is great and a good value, I very much like that they have a spike bar so you dont have to change from your golf shoes to get food and drink. I played the Rothschild course which was in great condition when I played, the greens ran very true its not the most challenging course but good fun to play. You have a great views all around the course and you get a great look at the Mentmore Towers, a magnificent country home built for Baron Meyer Amschel de Rothschild. This would be a great place to be a member as they have 2 courses,tennis courts,gym and a swimming pool. Its got all you need in one place. A good fun day out. ]]> Wed, 18 May 2011 10:38:43 +0100 3029-780 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dudsbury-golf-course-200907293029/ In my golf course review of the Dudsbury Golf Course I felt that it was an excellent all round facility for Golf. Although the Welcome Experienced on Arrival was not the best I have seen the staff were efficient and friendly. The Availability of Buggies/Carts/Caddies is excellent but just be aware that the course has certain restrictions for motorized buggies. The practice facilities at the course are pretty good and it has both a putting and a chipping green as well as a full covered driving range. On the business side the course has excellent Tees,Fairways and greens which I rated 10 out of 10 the bunkers however were a little short of sand depth. The course is well marked and I found the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course excellent. The Layout and Design of the Course has been well thought out and Challenge presented by the Course can be rated as difficult especially when the wind blows. One of the best features of the Dudsbury Golf Course is the 19th hole which has excellent food and an excellent atmosphere. In summary the course is good value for money and my overall enjoyment of the course was 9 out of 10. ]]> Sun, 15 May 2011 16:56:20 +0100 663-779 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/whittington-heath-golf-course-20090729663/ For my Golf Course Review of the Whittington Heath Golf Played May 2011. This is a classic English heathland course that meanders through historic oaks. Located by the Staffordshires' Barracks and Museum there is quite a lot of history to the 130 year old track. The course sits well with the eye. Wide lanes between the oaks are picture perfect with the rough encroaching from both sides. Super prepped bunkers. There are some tees where you are asked to fire across the edge of the last green which suggests the course's age. Nicely shaped greens. Lovely day out and a good value green fee. Most enjoyable if you enjoy nature as well as a good track. ]]> Sat, 14 May 2011 09:21:19 +0100 662-778 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/druids-heath-golf-course-20090729662/ For my Golf Course Review of the Druids Heath Golf Course Played May 2011. There's a quite lane that bisects this course in two. Our Sat-Nav's POI took us to the lane and not the clubhouse. If in doubt put the actual address in the machine! Very busy with societies when we played. The clubhouse is a good size with a nice bar and food which is simple and very good value. The track is a parkland rather than what its name suggests. There are some inclines, here, which made the fact that there were no buggies available difficult with the older chaps in my group. Pretty good layout of holes. Nice variety with plenty of room on the fairways (probably why it was popular with the societies). The odd hole has an 'S' fairway which is interesting. Good bunkerage. Most greens are on a slope, but look flat, and are quite tricky. ]]> Sat, 14 May 2011 09:12:11 +0100 2923-777 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/goodwood-gc-park-course-200907292923/ Upon arrival through the hotel, you re greeted with a spar like venue, very modern look to the pro shop. Practice facilities are excellent, the putting green over looks the patios. restuarants and the 18th green with a beautiful water feature. There are some challenging 200 yard par 3's and some excellent risk and reward par 4's. Stray off the fairway and you had better hit a provisional as the grass gets long. The highlight of this course is the par 5 18th, especially when there is a large crowd watching and eating looking over the 18th green. Hit a good shot in, wave to the crowd and buy yourself a beer. Pure Quality. ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 21:30:32 +0100 3393-774 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/goodwood-gc-downland-course-200907293393/ On arrival you are greeted by one of the grandest club houses in the country. This course officially sorts out the men from the boys, even if you are straight down the middle, the undulating fairways will ensure you know how to play the game. The fairways are like carpet,the greens are slick and contoured and the sand is soft. Pure golfing heaven. As you reach the top of the downs the views are amazing, and by this time if you havent got a buggie you will be feeling the hills, take in a drink or a bite at the half way house and keep taking in the views. When you have finished your round, take in the splendor of the club house and grounds once more. This is well deservidly rated amoung the best downland courses in the UK. ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 20:22:47 +0100 661-773 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/beau-desert-golf-club-20090729661/ For my Golf Course Review of the Beau Desert Golf Club I Played May 2011. Don't be fooled by the lack of yards at this challenging heathland track. It isn't easy. The primary challenge are its large and very undulating greens. These greens, in very good nick by the way, stop you scoring well unless you have your putting boots on. There is a great variety of holes with rough that will gobble errant balls up. The bunkers, when we were there, had too much sand and we suffered from too many plugged balls (and could see members suffering the same). Bit pricey but worth a visit. ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 18:17:56 +0100 1349-770 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-shire-london-golf-course-seve-masters-couse-200907291349/ In my golf course review of The Shire I found the course to be a good test. You have 6 par 3/4/5 which is a little unusual the par 3' s are all a good test from short to long and with water in play on 5 of them. You do have a feel that the club is only interested in making money as course was packed and very slow to get round and its not cheap to play for what you get. Course was in good condition but the greens very slow, I think they would of been ok with a good cut. Pro shop is not great it feels more like a reception with a few things to sell, not a very warm welcome. Its a fair course to play ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 14:47:21 +0100 1349-769 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-shire-london-golf-course-seve-masters-couse-200907291349/ In my golf course review I found the greens were in good condition and the rest of the course was fair. The course has 6 par 3's and they are all great you start with a par 3 surrounded by water so make sure you hit the correct club. You also have 6 par 4/5's but the par 3's are the best part of the course. There is a range its not long so the ball's are not great but good enough to warm up, balls are not cheap. The putting green is also not great as it has to much slope on it so you don't get a good feel for the greens before you play but again its ok to warm up on. You dont feel like you get a warm welcome like most clubs. They have a good clubhouse to have a drink after your round. ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 14:41:51 +0100 2939-767 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-berkshire-golf-club-blue-course-200907292939/ In my golf course review of The Berkshire Blue course I found this to be a great day out, the course is fantastic a great heathland course its not long but makes up for it with lots of heather of the fairway so make sure you hit it straight. Course was in great condition when I played. All the staff make you feel welcome. A great clubhouse. ]]> Wed, 11 May 2011 14:09:30 +0100 4449-763 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/cumberwell-park-golf-club-yellow-course-201012234449/ In my golf course review of Golf I found this course to be in great condition. I played the red/yellow course. The 7th hole on the yellow course is a great par 3 over water. The course has some tough holes but they are very fair, the par 3's are great looking hole's. If you like to practice they have one the best short game area's I have seen I could spend all day on it. Staff and members make you feel welcome. ]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 08:35:37 +0100 3411-762 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/cumberwell-park-golf-club-200907293411/ In my golf course review of the Cumberwell Park Golf Club Red Course I found this course to be in great condition. I played the red/yellow course. The 7th hole on the yellow course is a great par 3 over water. The course has some tough holes but they are very fair, the par 3's are great looking hole's. If you like to practice they have one the best short game area's I have seen I could spend all day on it. Staff and members make you feel welcome. ]]> Wed, 04 May 2011 08:33:45 +0100 928-761 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wyre-forest-golf-course-20090729928/ For my Golf Course Review of the Wyre Forest Golf Course Ive played this course many times in the past and its been a nice course, but lacks any challenges. The first 9 holes are good, wide fairways and fast greens. The rough is long grass and impossible to find your ball if you hit it into here. Since the last time ive played this course i dont think anything has changed other than the tee off sites but never the less it is a really good course just to have a laugh with friends, practice and enjoy the surroundings, which are peaceful and lovely. If i was to be picky, i would like to see more of a challenge, though i can understand that this may be hard as the course is predominantly on flat ground. The back 9 holes of the Wyre Forest Golf Course are on the hills and these are more challenging which i enjoyed. ]]> Tue, 03 May 2011 10:16:04 +0100 3024-756 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ During my Golf Course Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course I found this to be an excellent golf course to play. The staff at the course are very friendly and the Ease of Booking the Round is good although the Accessibility of Course is not the best is is still close to Blandford in the South West. I rated all the general facilities of the course very good and there is an ample Availability of Buggies/Carts/Caddies as well as a well stocked Pro Shop. The good news for the guys like me who like to practice before the round there is a driving range, chipping area and a putting green that has green speeds that resemble those on the course. When it came to the business end of the course the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was really good and I rated the Tees,Fairways,Greens and Bunkers all over 8 out of 10. During our round the spedd of play was brisk and the course management encourages quicker rounds. The Layout and Design of the Course is not the best I have ever played and I didn't feel that the Challenge presented by the Course was that hard apart from the wind that made scoring difficult. The good thing about the course is that the ground staff have started to define the fairways more but I have been told that they wont allow the second cut to grow to much.(At Last a Course that understands that we all don't wont to loose our balls when we just miss a fairway) During my round I found that although the course was more open than most, wayward drives are punished on many of the holes by the nature of the landscape. The Ashley Wood Golf Course has a very friendly 19th hole with full catering and it presents a golfer with excellent value for money. ]]> Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:41:10 +0100 3213-755 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/vale-of-glamorgan-the-wales-national-golf-course-200907293213/ In my golf course review of the Vale golf club I have found the course to be a good test. If you like to hit balls before you play don't bother the balls on the range are dreadful save your money. The course has some really good holes. Course was in a mixed condition tees and fairways were good, but the greens were slow and bumpy but the best I have seen them. Would not play in the winter as the course dose not take much rain to be under water. The hotel is really the best thing there. Staff are very helpful. ]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:20:44 +0100 3400-754 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bulbury-woods-golf-course-200907293400/ During my Golf course Review of the Bulbury Woods Golf Course I really discovered a hidden treasure situated near Poole in the South West. Although at first glance the Golf Course seems easy you will be in for a surprise as it has many different holes that will not only challenge your ability off the tee but your short game too. The Accessibility of Course is good and getting around on arrival is easy the shop has what you need to play and the Availability of Buggies/Carts/Caddies is good. I really enjoyed the Scenery and Environment which was tranquil and the Atmosphere around the Course is really good for golf. The course itself was in good condition and I rated the Tees,Fairways,Greens and course bunkering as mostly 8 out of 10. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course is excellent and it shows a high level of dedication from the ground staff. Although I didn't think the Challenge presented by the Course was to difficult I thought the Layout and Design of the Course was clever and it allowed the golfers to play a variety of shots.The Bulbury Woods Golf Course is good value for money, it has a great 19th hole and is really a pleasure to play. ]]> Wed, 27 Apr 2011 06:56:53 +0100 3033-753 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/queens-park-gc-bournemouth-200907293033/ I was really very excited to go and do my Queens Golf Club Golf Course Review on the Bank holiday Monday as I had been there the year before in the summer and was treated to a very well put together course. This time however things were very different to start off with the course doesn't have any nets for practice so your first few holes are spent warming up. Getting ready to hit my first drive I was greeted by a man and a young girl walking up the fairway to meet me without any idea that I was about to tee off. The course itself has an idyllic Scenery and Environment with huge trees and hilly fairways but it has no Atmosphere around the Course for golf due to all the non golfers hanging around. On the business end of the course it was in bad condition and I rated the Greens as the worst I have played on in Dorset, I cant believe how they have changed since I last played. The Course Yardage Marking is not to bad with many orange posts dotted around for the 150 and 200 yd markers, these proved to be a big help. Another problem for me was the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course which was really poor and I can imagine the ground staff not being able to keep up with the litter from the public. One of the highlights for me was the Layout and Design of the Course which is still excellent for me although a lot of the holes have been made shorter. Course management is paramount and the Challenge presented by the Course is very steep with some really difficult signature holes. My advice is not to go out there with your driver blazing as the fairways all seem to run off into the surrounding parkland, so many holes need some thinking and a few short irons. The Queens Golf Club Golf Course is excellent value for money but be warned that you will need to enjoy your round with loads of other people who are not golfers and this will test your concentration. ]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:42:02 +0100 3402-750 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/crane-valley-valley-golf-course-200907293402/ During my Crane Valley Valley Golf Course Review I discovered that the course wasn't very tight and you could drive the balls anywhere off the tee! I didn't think the layout and design of the course was very good and I rated the Challenge presented by the Course as 4 out of 10. One of the problems that I did have with the course were the greens that had uneven speeds. The Crane Valley Valley Golf Course does give good value for money and it has a really good 19th hole. ]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:37:41 +0100 3400-749 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bulbury-woods-golf-course-200907293400/ In my Bulbury Woods Golf Course Golf Course Review I found a very rural golf course that the Welcome Experienced on Arrival was excellent with good Changing Rooms and a reasonable Pro Shop. The Atmosphere around the Course is really good and most holes on the course are played in a quite Scenery and Environment. When I played the course was in good condition and I rated the Tees,Greens and fairways 8 out of 10 with good course bunkering. One thing about The Bulbury Woods Golf Course is that the Speed of Play during the Round is brisk and as the course is not long it doesn't take much time to get around. When it comes to the Layout and Design of the Course it is very interesting and the Challenge presented by the Course is good for most golfers. The course has a good 19th hole and it presents very good value for money. ]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:50:45 +0100 3308-748 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/canford-magna-parkland-golf-course-200907293308/ In my Canford Magna Parkland Golf Course Golf Course Review I found that although the course had wide fairways the Challenge presented by the Course was still a good one.The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course is excellent and it is always well maintained. Due to its location the course is pretty popular but inspite of this the marshal insured a Timely Tee off and the Speed of Play during the Round was brisk. The Canford Magna Parkland Golf Course has an excellent clubhouse with full catering facilities and I rated the 19th hole 10 out of 10 ]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:19:32 +0100 1188-747 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/brampton-park-golf-course-200907291188/ For my Golf Course Review of the Brampton Park Golf Course we visited the course on a sunny April sunday after chatting to the Pro Shop over the phone. A mixed pairs competition was taking place before our tee but this only slowed us down a little. A Lovely start to the round, with a difficult Par 4 start. The green is protected by a couple of lakes. The course then opens up before reaching the 2nd hardest hole in the Country. Hole 4 is a narrow Par three, with a small pond fronting the tee. A small island green protected by trees, front bunkers and only accessible by foot bridge. Great feature hole. The only downside for this Course is the Water purification plant after hole 4. It separates the course with a long walk to the 5th Tee, and between 15 & 16. Maintenance and course preparation is very evident throughout the round with tweaks and modifications to the holes consistantly improving the course. A special mention must go to the Pro Shop staff and course professionals of the Brampton Park Golf Course . Friendly, welcoming and always available to chat make this course a definately return to venue. In addition, the evening twilight rounds are a bargain at £16 for 14 holes. ]]> Tue, 26 Apr 2011 09:28:14 +0100 3039-745 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-forest-golf-club-200907293039/ In my Ferndown Forest Golf Club Golf Course Review I found that this was a smaller course situated near Poole in Dorset. It was easy to book a round and the Accessibility of Course is good and you will receive a warm welcome. Getting around on arrival is easy and there is a good Availability of Buggies/Carts/Caddies, the course has a first class practice range for sharpening those skills before playing. The course has good greens,tees and fairways but the bunkers were not good and I rated these 2 out of 10. When we played the Speed of Play during the Round was brisk and the course was reasonably well marked. For me the Challenge presented by the Course was good and another great feature of the course is it has a fantastic 19th hole. ]]> Sun, 24 Apr 2011 07:45:16 +0100 760-743 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/parkstone-golf-course-20090729760/ In my Parkstone Golf Course Review I felt that this was really an excellent Golf Course which was easy to book and the Accessibility of Course from Bournemouth was easy. The Welcome Experienced on Arrival was really great and it was easy to get around and I rated the Availability of Buggies/Carts/Caddies 8 out of 10. The Parkstone Golf Course has a very good Pro Shop and for those of you who like to practice before playing a 10 out of 10 putting green and practice range. The Atmosphere around the Course is good for golf and we had a timely tee off. The course is well presented so I rated the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course 9 out of 10. For me one of the highlights of the course was the Layout and Design of the Course which I rated 10 out of 10 only finding out later that the course was designed by Willie Park Jnr. To summarize the Parkstone Golf Course it is a most enjoyable course to play set in beautiful surroundings. ]]> Sat, 23 Apr 2011 18:17:44 +0100 2812-740 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/chobham-golf-course-200907292812/ For my Golf Course Review of the Chobham Golf Course I had played this course two weeks ago, absolute gem of a course, greens fantastic best I've played on in years, be careful vey fast for winter/spring greens. Picturesque course with quite a bit of water but nothing impossible. Private members club but not stuffy, members did chat to you, food was very good with a good selection. Will be back in a month or so to play the Chobham Golf Course again. ]]> Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:46:56 +0100 2939-738 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-berkshire-golf-club-blue-course-200907292939/ In my golf course review of the Berkshire blue course I found this to be a great old style heathland course. Its not long but if you do not hit it straight off the tee you will be in trouble on most of the holes, as fairways are lined with heather and trees. The par 3's have a good mix with 2 short holes and 2 holes over 210 yards, the par 5's dont play long as you can reach all of them with irons. The tee's and fairways were in good condition but I did find the greens to be very inconsistent in speed. Staff are very helpful. A great course to play. ]]> Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:52:02 +0100 1715-734 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hawkstone-park-gc-200907291715/ For my Golf Courser Review of the Hawkstone Park Golf Club I organised a golf weekend 'stay and play' for 7 friends. We do this every year and make a competition out of it. This year we chose Hawkstone Park. Its got 2 courses, 'The Hawkstone' and 'The Championship'. Both are very different from each other, but fantastic in their own right. The Hawkstone is the more scenic of the two, with some quite spectacular scenery as it cuts through 'The Follies'. Its fairly hilly, with many blind holes requiring fairway markers to show you the way. The Championship course is a longer, more open format with more water involved and fairly typical of an american style layout. I love both, but i think The Championship course just edged it for me. Spoke to one of the members there and he said The Hawkstone is more well regarded, so just goes to show you its all about individual taste. Only shame was that the greens, although good, werent excellent. Probably because they had just been aerated. I'm sure they'll be better later in the season. The hotel is nothing special at all, and feels like it needs updating a bit. However none of us minded one bit, because the golf was fabulous and we all said we'd definitely go again. ]]> Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:33:49 +0100 3298-732 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-warwickshire-gcc-earls-course-200907293298/ The Warwickshire Golf Club Earls Golf Course Review showed an excellent Golf Course with a warm Welcome Experienced on Arrival and the best change rooms I have seen. The course has a well stocked Pro Shop and brilliant practice facilities including a driving range and putting green that closely resembled the speed of greens on the course. The business end of the golf course was excellent and I rated the Tees,Greens,Fairways and Course Bunkering 10 out of 10. The Warwickshire Golf Club Earls Golf Course is well marked for yardage and Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course is to high standard. As courses go the Layout and Design of the Course scores a 10 out of 10 which creates a formidable challenge for golfers of all levels. I really enjoyed the course and it was good value for money. ]]> Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:50:13 +0100 3031-731 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/weymouth-golf-course-200907293031/ In my Golf Course Review of the Weymouth Golf Club I found this to be a very enjoyable golf club, although it is a bit out of the way it is pretty easy to get to. On arrival the staff are pretty friendly and there is an good Availability of Buggies and Carts with a well stocked Pro Shop. The course provides a good practice range and there is also a Putting Green so getting prepared for the game is not an issue. The course is well marked and I rated the Tees,Fairways and Greens all over 7 out of 10 and for those of you who like sand the bunkers were brilliant. The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was excellent and the Speed of Play during the Round was brisk. The Layout and Design of the Course is good enough to prepare a fair Challenge by the Course to all levels of Golfers. In summary the Weymouth Golf Club is great value for money and my Enjoyment of course and the 19th Hole were rated 9 out of 10. ]]> Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:46:02 +0100 2062-727 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wychwood-park-golf-course-200907292062/ Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:12:30 +0100 1108-725 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hayling-golf-course-200907291108/ In my golf course review of the Hayling Golf Course I found the course amazing. This is one of the best courses in the South West its in great condition from tee to green. Its a great test for all players especially when the wind blows you will do well to play to your handicap. I could play this course every dat and never get bored of it. Its a true links course playing in amongst the sand dunes. You have great views over looking the sea. The clubhouse is modern with great outside areas to survey the course with great food and at a good price. Locker rooms are spacious with good facilities. The staff make you feel at home THIS IS A MUST PLAY!!!! ]]> Wed, 13 Apr 2011 10:21:49 +0100 2001-718 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/sickleholme-golf-club-200907292001/ I played Sickleholme Golf Club for my Golf Course review recently as part of a foursomes event with my club. The course, the clubhouse and the people were all really friendly and nice. The course is layed out on the hills in the peak district with some challenging drives but also some short par 4's which are within reachfor the longer hitters off the tee. The views of the peak district are great and I was lucky to play on a clear sunny day. The signature hole is a par three where the tee must be 80 yards higher than the green. A tough hole to choose your club but great if you get it right. The greens were very quick and the members said that in summer its really tricky to get the ball to stay on, so a real challenge. The food in the clubhouse was great and each table had their own mini-roast to carve. A great idea and the quality was great. Over all a great club and I will definatly be back ]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2011 12:31:26 +0100 1643-715 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/staverton-park-golf-course-200907291643/ As I pulled into the car park at Staverton Park to do my Golf Course Review - I looked at the 1950's style buildings and didnt expect too much of the course. But the motto of the story is dont judge a course by its first appearance. I loved the course as it has some great holes that are challenging but offer a good chance of a birdie. There is a dogs-leg left where water guards the right hand side of the fairway and green, but if you are brave you can angle your shot over the trees and go straight for the green. Just be careful to select the right club as anything too long will end up in the drink. Again I got a good rate through a last minute deal, but if you fancy a good challenge then the Staverton Park Golf Course is one for you. ]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:57:14 +0100 2264-714 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/de-vere-oulton-hall-gc-park-course-200907292264/ Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:43:30 +0100 767-708 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/moors-valley-golf-club-20090729767/ Whilst doing my Moors Valley Golf Club Golf Course Review I found that the course was a very pleasant country golf course.The Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was excellent and it showed that the ground staff were committed to providing a good golfing venue. I was pleasantly surprised by the Layout and Design of the Course which added to the Challenge presented by the Course and although the course is not the hardest out there it is very enjoyable to play. The clubhouse has a friendly atmosphere and the course provides good value for money. ]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2011 07:34:17 +0100 2833-707 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/pyrford-golf-course-200907292833/ When doing my Golf Course Review of the Pyrford Golf Course I was playing in and organising a small golf society, and the pro shop was very accomodating in terms of paying, tee time flexibility and longest drive/nearest the pin markers. The Pyrford Golf Course was not busy which was nice. The layout provided a good challenge to golfers of all abilities, with a lot of water hazards to negotiate. The course was fairly well manicured, with decent reliable greens. Overall I definitly enjoyed playing Pyrford. ]]> Tue, 12 Apr 2011 06:39:20 +0100 759-706 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ During my Golf Course Review of the Wareham Golf Course I found that the course was very similar to the Meyrick Park Golf Course this was due to tight tree lined fairways and loads of gorse bushes. The course itself has wonderful scenery and the golfer has sight of the Purbeck Hills from a lot of holes on the back nine. Although the course the has a great layout and design it has many holes that become more a lot more tricky than the designer intended when the wind blows. Finally the Wareham Golf Course has a great 19th hole with loads of character and a game here is good value for money and very enjoyable. ]]> Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:34:29 +0100 615-702 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ In my Golf Course Review of the The Dorset Golf and Country Club, Lakeland Course I found that the course has wide fairways compared to courses in the area but that the greens are difficult with loads of slopes. The course has great facilities especially the putting green which is the best in the area and this give the golfers a chance to brush up on their chipping. Our group spent time in the clubhouse which has a full catering section with excellent food. In summary although the course is probably the most testing in the area in my opinion it lacks atmosphere. ]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:41:10 +0100 4464-701 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/burley-golf-club-201012244464/ One of the best features that I discovered during my Burley Golf Club Golf Course Review is that the course is set in the New Forest and it has fantastic scenery in a great environment. Although for an accomplished golfer the course doesn't present much of a challenge it has been laid out well with a neat and tidy design another plus is that the yardages are well marked. At the business end of the course the fairways were not great which seems to be the norm at this time off the year but the greens were excellent and I rated these 9 out of 10. Lastly the course has a great 19th hole and just make sure that you have your own equipment as there is no facility to buy equipment and the Burley Golf Club had a lack of carts when we played. ]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:28:41 +0100 765-700 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/blackmoor-golf-course-20090729765/ Whilst doing my Blackmoor Golf Course Golf Course Review I received a great welcome from the staff and they really have a great Pro shop,getting around on arrival is easy and everything is clearly marked.For the time of the year the course was in good condition with great tees,greens and course bunkers in addition the course was clean and well presented. Although the layout an design of the course is good the course presents a very tough challenge to all levels of golfers. I really enjoyed the Blackmoor Golf Course and one of the best things is that it was great value for money. ]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2011 17:02:53 +0100 3041-699 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/highcliffe-castle-golf-club-200907293041/ Whilst doing my Highcliffe Castle Golf Club Golf Course Review a discovered that it was a dangerous place to play as the fairways are very close together. The Scenery and Environment is not great and the course is flat and uninteresting but it is clean an well manicured. One of the bad features of the course is its layout and design which is not good and the course itself doesn't present a challenge to the more accomplished golfer. The good news is the Highcliffe Castle Golf Club has a great 19th hole and it this helps to make up for slow played rounds. ]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:45:03 +0100 3309-698 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/meyrick-park-golf-club-200907293309/ During my Meyrick Park Golf Club Golf Course Review I find that the course was a tight woodland course with great scenery and set in a nice environment near Bournemouth so getting there is easy. Perhaps it was the time of year but the fairways were poor and a little rough and the Cleanliness and Manicuring of the Course was not the best. As the Meyrick Park Golf Club is known for its tightness it always presents a good challenge and I rated this 9 out of 10. ]]> Sun, 10 Apr 2011 16:31:02 +0100 780-697 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/liphook-golf-course-20090729780/ During my Golf Course Review of the Liphook Golf Course I found it had fantastic bunkering and I rated them 10 out of 10. Another good feature is that the course plays quickly and it has a good layout which adds to the Challenge presented by the Course. Unlike most courses I have played in the area this course is well marked and it has good Cleanliness and Manicuring which shows dedication from the ground staff. ]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:42:20 +0100 4468-696 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dean-farm-golf-club-201012254468/ Fri, 08 Apr 2011 20:32:12 +0100 1187-694 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bourn-golf-course-200907291187/ Lovely setting, although some building work was taking place on the clubhouse during my Golf Course review this did not affect the round in any way. Helpful and friendly pro shop staff but the highlight was the quality of the greens. Like putting on carpet. The only downside was a reluctance of players to repair divots and pitch marks but this isn't the courses fault. Undulating fairways with challenging pin positions. The Bourn Golf Course is a delight to play and definately will be returning. The new 10th green looks like something out of Amen corner, can't wait for it to be available, however even the temporary green was a great putting surface, all credit to the grounds keepers. ]]> Fri, 08 Apr 2011 18:24:38 +0100 644-690 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/charnwood-forest-golf-course-20090729644/ In my golf course review of the Charnwood Forest Golf Course I was trying to be unbiased and objective as I am also a member. This course in it's unique environment, fantastic views and really well maintained greens is challenge to all comers. Not long but tricky as evidenced by the course record. That is by a professional. Gary Wolstenholme managed a net 64. Dog-legs, blind greens, heather, dry stone walls and tricky lies make this rural gem something special. The ambience is relaxed and friendly. If you intend to play golf in Leicestershire, this is one you should not miss. ]]> Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:08:46 +0100 770-689 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/walton-heath-gc-old-course-20090729770/ In my golf course review I thought it was a fantastic course a good design and a tough challenge off the back tees. I did find that it felt like there was no atmosphere around the course, you hear the hum from the M25 all day long which I did not enjoy. I would rather play Sunningdale but overall a great course. Found that you get a good welcome from all and the food is first class. A good day out. ]]> Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:00:02 +0100 4295-685 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/menzies-cambridge-hotel-and-golf-club-201007244295/ After travelling past the course on many occasions we decided to play a mid-afternoon round on a Saturday. Early signs were good, with helpful and friendly staff in the pro shop and a showpiece decoration on the first tee. Unfortunately the rest of the course did not live up to expectation. The green's has been spiked, which was not conveyed to us either when I telephoned to book the tee or when we first arrived. This meant that putting was a near impossible task with three and four putts the norm. As is understandable the odd section of fairway was under repair but the overall feel of the course was generally dirty, with debris and dead animals everywhere. The main water feature was riddled with dead and rotting animals. We managed to attend using a discount voucher which made the course half price, I would have asked for a refund had I paid full price. I can only presume the golf course is the hotels lowest priority as there was a distinct lack of maintenance staff out on the course, unlike almost every other course I have attended. Overall, very disappointing for a Menzies Hotel Course. ]]> Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:50:50 +0100 2515-681 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/st-medan-golf-club-200907292515/ During my golf course review of St Medan Golf Club I played off the winter tee's . I suspect the course would be much more difficult when the rough grows and normal tee's are in place. The Scenery and Environment around the course is excellent and the atmosphere around the course is great for golf. The course is exposed to the wind so when the wind blows it presents a challenge, one area the course needs to improve on is the course yardage marking which was poor. ]]> Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:46:37 +0100 2518-680 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/gatehouse-golf-club-200907292518/ Sun, 03 Apr 2011 17:33:51 +0100 1696-678 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/kirtlington-golf-club-200907291696/ Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:13:06 +0100 2014-677 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/george-washington-golf-and-country-club-200907292014/ £15 for 18 holes as a hotel guest, the shop and buildings are of a high standard but the course itself feels poorly maintained.In my golf course review the pace around the course is casual but not may people out there. Its not a callenging course with tree lined fairways with no hazrads in between, on most tees you can see the green so keep to the middle of the fairway and you will get a good score. ]]> Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:35:24 +0100 948-673 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/royal-liverpool-golf-course-20090729948/ In my golf course review of the Royal Liverpool Golf Club I found this to be one of the best links courses I have played. Great views all around the course. This a great test for all players and a very enjoyable to play. A true links course you can see why the British Open is back here it has plenty of history. There are no bad things to say about this club. This is a must play ]]> Wed, 30 Mar 2011 19:07:58 +0100 1117-672 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/royal-porthcawl-golf-course-200907291117/ In my golf course review I would say that this is one of the best links courses around. It has great views all around the course from every hole. A great challenge for every golfer, a true links course. Staff and members are friendly. A must play ]]> Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:59:43 +0100 4403-671 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/players-golf-club-201012144403/ In my golf course review I found this to be a great test, you start of with a tough par 4 with water by the green. You also have some great par 3's over water the 17th being my favorite. There are a lot of good holes. The time I played the course it was in great condition and the green's were some of the best I played. A great challenge ]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 20:19:09 +0100 760-670 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/parkstone-golf-course-20090729760/ During my Parkstone Golf Course Review I felt this is a great old heath land design it has a good mix of holes from some short par 5's and a couple which need some really good shot to hit them in 2. If you are a long hitter this course will not test you unless you miss fairways as you will be in heather most of the time. It could do with being made longer or change some of the par 5's to 4's. The Parkstone Golf Course is in good condition most of the year just like all the old courses in the area. A good day out ]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:42:09 +0100 2806-669 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/burhill-golf-club-new-course-200907292806/ I have just played a pro event here at it has to be one of the best condition courses I have ever played for this time of year. The course is just under 7000 yards from the back tees and is a good test you have to drive the ball well as bunkers are in good spots of the tee. Course was in great condition from tee to green. A must play ]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:29:21 +0100 2985-668 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/st-mellion-golf-course-the-kernow-course-200907292985/ I have just spent a few days at St Mellion and found the course to be fun to play but its not much of a test. The 9's are very different front 9 is a normal length but the back is very short but good fun, if you hit it long enough you can drive most of the par 4's but you can get in trouble. Found the staff to be great make you feel welcome. ]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 19:20:31 +0100 3309-667 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/meyrick-park-golf-club-200907293309/ In my golf course review I would say this is the best public course in Dorset, the opening holes are a good challenge with 2 long par 3's and a long par 4. Its not a long course but if you are not hitting it straight off the tee you will find it hard as every hole is lined with tree's, its a great looking course. Easy to get to as just outside Bournemouth centre. Members are always very friendly a good fun course to play. ]]> Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:21:07 +0100 1024-666 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wigtownshire-county-gc-200907291024/ As a visitor it was great to be able to do a golf course Review of the Wigtownshire County Golf Course,one of the first things that the visitor will notice is the brilliant scenery and environment. The staff are friendly and we received an excellent welcome on our arrival although the Pro Shop didn't score well there were sufficient buggies and carts. For me one of the highlights were the greens which for this time of year were in excellent condition and a pleasure to putt on. All of us in out group really enjoyed the course and on top of this it was great value for money. ]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:00:50 +0100 3029-665 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dudsbury-golf-course-200907293029/ The Dudsbury Golf Course Review showed that the course has a good relaxed atmosphere in a area with great Scenery and Environment. One of the highlights of the course is the clubhouse which serves '' The Best Food Ever''. For those of you who are more interested in the golf the course has an excellent Layout and Design which will present you with a good challenge on any day especially when the wind blows. ]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:46:56 +0100 2473-664 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/belleisle-golf-course-200907292473/ In my golf course review of the Belleisle Golf Club I found that it was a very forgiving course especially for the not very good golfers (Me). The atmosphere around the course was excellent and the course was good value for money and the round was played pretty quickly. ]]> Sun, 27 Mar 2011 16:33:12 +0100 3396-663 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/st-mellion-golf-course-nicklaus-course-200907293396/ In my golf course review I would have to say this is one of the best challenging courses you can play. I played from the very back tees so its just over 7000 yards if your not hitting it straight off the tee you are going to be in for a long day. It has some of the best holes I have played you have the short 5th, a tee shot over water then the stream runs up in front of the green a great looking hole as well as the 11th hole a par 3 200 yards down hill over water again a great looking hole. I played the course in march so the course had just had some work done on it greens were slow and bumpy but its getting ready for the summer you can see it will be in great condition very soon. Staff are great they make you feel very welcome. A must play. ]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:35:22 +0000 2985-662 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/st-mellion-golf-course-the-kernow-course-200907292985/ In my golf course review I found this course not very challenging. I have not played this course for few years and they have built some new holes on both 9's, the front 9 holes are good to play not much change from the old lay out, as for the back it was far better with the old holes there are 5 par 4's that I drove, 2 of the par 4 are very short only around 230 yards it's far to short the back 9 is only around 2300 yards long has to be the shortest 9 holes I have ever play on a proper 18 hole course its a shame they changed the course it was so much better. The course was in ok condition the greens had just had work done on them but you could tell they will be great in a few weeks time. If your looking to play a good testing course stick with the Nicklaus course there. The staff are great they will really look after you. A good fun course but in no way is it a good test. ]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:24:23 +0000 2806-661 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/burhill-golf-club-new-course-200907292806/ In my golf course review I found the course very enjoyable to play. I play from the back tees so its just under 7000 yards long, you have a good mix of hole some very strong par 4's over 420 with water in play on a few of them. I played on the 24th of march and found the course to be in great condition most courses are not this good in june, greens were running at around 10.5 on the stemp and true. They have to be the best greens I have ever played for this time of year. Its a very modern looking lay out with mounds and water its nothing like the old course which is great, if your going to play all day you 2 different courses. A great day out ]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:04:56 +0000 3029-655 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dudsbury-golf-course-200907293029/ In my golf course review I found the course to be in good condition but it can get very wet in the winter. Its a good challenge from the back tees you have a good mix of long and short par 4's plenty of water around so hit it straight. Staff are very friendly as are the members. A good day out. ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 20:21:32 +0000 3309-654 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/meyrick-park-golf-club-200907293309/ In my golf course review I found this to be a good public course. It has 3 great holes in the first 4 2 very long par 3's and a long par 4. It can take a long time to play as its a public course. A few annoying thing you get people walking there dogs around and they get in the way plus the bunkers are full off foot and dog prints. The clubhouse is shared with the gym so not really a golf clubhouse but its modern and good value. If you want to play a public course in Bournemouth this is the best around. ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 20:11:58 +0000 4327-653 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/remedy-oak-golf-course-201008224327/ In my Golf Course Review of the Remedy Oak Golf Club I would say this is the best setting of any course in Dorset. Its a good challenge from the back tees as the course is just over 7000 yards. Its in good condition, most if the time. The greens are in average condition most of the time but can be as good as the best course in the uk but this is not often. The Remedy Oak Golf Club can get very wet in the winter so I would only play in the summer months. The clubhouse is great for food and is good value, the staff go out of there way to help you with everything. Its a must play, in the summer! ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:57:00 +0000 615-652 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ In my golf course review I would say that this is the best testing golf course in Dorset. Its long off the back tees; just over 7000 yards and it has a great mix of holes. There is plenty of water coming into play on 10 holes. The course is in good condition during the summer months but gets very wet in the winter. Its a shame this course probably has some of the worst condition bunkers of anywhere with lots of stones and they are not raked that well by players, plus the sand is very inconsistent. If you play in the winter you will find the bunkers are full of water. It can be slow to play as you get a lot of visitors and hotel guests, which proves its a popular course to play. Members and staff are very friendly and you get great food in the clubhouse. This is one of the best courses in Dorset! ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:39:13 +0000 762-651 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-golf-club-championship-course-20090729762/ In my golf course review of the Ferndown Golf Club, I would say that this is a good heathland course which is always in good condition. But not sure why this course is so high up in the course rankings because its not a challenge for a low handicap golfer. Its not a challenging course as it is short, it has had some work done on the bunkers over the last few years to make it tougher, but they are not really in play off the tee for the better player but as with most old courses it is great to play and you will want to go back.The course has a good atmosphere. The best features of the course is that it is kept in good condition all year round. ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 19:19:08 +0000 760-650 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/parkstone-golf-course-20090729760/ In my course review of Parkstone Golf Course I found this course to be over rated. Its not a long course and for the better player you have 5 par 5's which are all reachable and and par 4 you can drive. Its not a good test for the better player you feel that 4/5 under par is more like level around any other course. The course is in good condition most of the time and has a good views. Has a new clubhouse which is great and the Pro shop staff are friendly. Its a nice day but not a challenge. ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:52:22 +0000 758-649 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/broadstone-golf-club-20090729758/ In Broadstone Golf Course Review review I would have to say that this is the best course in Dorset, its a great heathland course. A good test for all types of player. Its not a long course but the greens are tricky to read, most putts will have a swing on them. Greens are in good condition all year round as is the rest of the course. The 7 and 13 hole are the feature holes they are both long and require good second shots to hit the greens. Members and staff make you feel welcome. The Broadstone Golf Course is a must play when visiting the area ]]> Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:39:03 +0000 2107-646 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/northop-country-park-gc-200907292107/ In my golf course review I found it to have a good to have a practice area close to clubhouse and first tee were you can hit balls off grass as well as the astro. Got a really warm welcome from staff and members all very friendly A good lay out plenty of holes where you can give it a good hit but also several dog-legs or holes with water where you need to play for position with a long iron or fairway wood. Course was in good condition when i played. Clubhouse was great decently-priced drink and food. ]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:14:11 +0000 1122-645 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/nefyn-and-district-golf-club-200907291122/ In my golf course review I found this course has some of the best view's of any course I have ever played. I cant think of any hole were you can not see the sea it has plenty of holes that run along the cliff top. As for the course its a good lay out, has a very interesting hole which has a blow hole in the middle of the fairway. A good challenge when the wind blows the course was in great condition when I played. Found all the staff and members to be friendly the Pro was very helpful. ]]> Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:02:38 +0000 792-642 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/kington-golf-club-20090729792/ A Golf Course Review of Kington Golf Course To many golfers, especially the more mature among us, the very thought of playing a round at 1284 feet above sea level, on the highest golf course in England, can be stroke-inducing. Yet these fears are groundless: all right it’s a haul up to the club from the town below but you’re in a car then! Once on the course it’s a gentle and gradual climb up the first and a short pull up to the fourth, otherwise the course is mostly on a plateau. The club was founded in 1925 and is a fine natural links course with fast and true greens. Many visitors claim that they are the best greens in the Midlands (personally, I think those at Ludlow have the edge). Cynics would say that they should be, because the ground staff have little else to tend, with the sheep ensuring that the fairways never need mowing and that the grass grows well! The fairways are wide but woe betide anyone who misses them for waiting expectantly on every hole are giant clumps of gorse and thick and welcoming bracken. There is a bit of semi rough here and there but basically a couple of feet off the fairway and you can often lose your ball or at best have to take a drop. The fairways are very undulating, so for those golfers used to nice flat parkland courses, having to manufacture shots with the ball nestling in a little hollow or teetering on a bare down slope, can be intimidating yet challenging. Kington is a short course of some 5625 yards off the yellows but both the 4th and the 8th are long, difficult par fours, which will test even the best of golfers. The 8th or 'Hill Top’ is the highest point of the course with a view over seven counties and a 360 degree uninterrupted view of the horizon. Spectacular. From almost anywhere on the course are breath-taking panoramic views of The Black Mountains, The Brecon Beacons and the wilderness which is The Radnor Forest (it’s not a forest in the usual sense, but in the medieval one of "forest" being an unenclosed area used for hunting; a land of hill farming and great moorlands, with steep narrow valleys. Add to that the wildlife and even if the golf is not going well there is still plenty to see and hear: a plethora of most attractive sheep (well, so I’m told by the large Celtic membership); numerous melodious skylarks, the ubiquitous buzzards and kestrels and the occasional red kite and so, the ground staff claim, a pair of merlins. And if that isn’t enough two or three times each month members are entertained by a fly past of three great lumbering Hercules transports which, literally, fly below the higher holes as they follow the valley below. Wasn’t it one of P G Wodehouse’s characters who claimed that ‘the uproar of the butterflies in the adjoining meadows’ was destroying his game? Well at Kington, the approach of a Hercules from below can also be pretty daunting especially if one is attempting a tricky four footer. I shall always remember meeting up in the clubhouse with an American couple who were walking Offa’s Dyke (which crosses the 1st and 18th holes). After the husband had listened to a couple of gin-soaked seniors waxing lyrical about the course and the views, he became so entranced that he left his bemused wife to continue the 15 mile walk to Knighton while he borrowed clubs and played the full 18. Several hours and many pints later he hired a taxi to rejoin his beloved in Knighton. I often wonder what sort of evening they had together – probably the last! ]]> Wed, 23 Feb 2011 19:37:42 +0000 751-641 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/caversham-heath-golf-club-20090729751/ Very warm welcome recieved on arrival from the guys in the pro shop. Course was dry considering how wet it had been. Beautiful clubhouse. Food was nice. Course was quiet but it was a weekday. Had a really good day out . ]]> Tue, 22 Feb 2011 13:31:01 +0000 1809-640 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/nailcote-hall-golf-course-the-cromwell-course-200907291809/ In my golf course review I would have to say this is great fun to play. I have played in the British Par 3 Championship here a few times and its a challenging course. Holes range from 70 yards up to 140 but don't be fooled this course will test you. Your short iron play has to be sharp to get round here in level par. The 9th hole is a great looking hole as the green is surrounded by water so make sure you pick the correct club! The owner Rick is fantastic and really makes you feel at home. I have also stayed in the hotel which is first class. A must stay and play. ]]> Fri, 18 Feb 2011 18:21:24 +0000 976-635 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/murcar-golf-club-20090729976/ In my golf course review I found it was a mix of holes the first 11 holes are great a true links, but then there are couple of holes which don't go with rest of the course which is a shame as this could of been a great course. You do finish off with some great holes again. It's a nice day out but if I had a choice and want to play a top links course I would go and play Royal Aberdeen which is next door. But all said it's still a good day out and worth playing ,all staff and members are very friendly. ]]> Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:18:21 +0000 2221-634 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/marriott-worsley-park-golf-course-200907292221/ In my golf course review I found the course to be a good challenge and very enjoyable its a great design. Has a good mix of holes long and short the par 3's are a good challenge. Has some great holes i really liked the 7th a par 3 over the water a great looking hole. I have played around 12 round's and always found it to be in good condition. Also when I have played there I have stayed in the hotel could not fault any of my time there. Found all the staff to be very helpful. ]]> Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:00:55 +0000 1685-633 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/oxfordshire-golf-course-200907291685/ I found this to be great course design, a good test for all players from every tee. It has a great mix of long and short par 3's with a few of the over water. You feel very exposed when playing as there are not many trees on the course but there is plenty of bunkers and water which make up for it and the better for it. It's a course worth playing I would love to play it more if it was closer to home. ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:58:53 +0000 2756-629 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/london-gc-heritage-course-200907292756/ This is good test of golf for all players, it's a long course from the back tee's and great test for the good player. If you like to warm up before you play they have a great range. The staff are very helpful and you get some of the best food I have ever had at any golf club. A GOOD DAY TO BE HAD BY ALL ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 12:00:48 +0000 2543-628 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/loch-lomond-golf-club-200907292543/ This has to be one of the best setting courses any were with holes running by the Loch. This course will give every player a tough challenge. You have a good mix of holes the 14th is a good short hole, if you hit it long enough you can go for the green, if not you have to hit your tee shot down the fairway which then leaves a short sot over the stream to the green this is a great risk reward hole. The only problem is you can not play here unless you are a member or a members guest which is a shame as this is such a great place to be ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:51:12 +0000 721-627 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ladybank-golf-club-20090729721/ This is one of the best heath land courses around, It's a great test for all golfers you can see why they have held the British Open Qualifier here. You have to hit it straight off the tee or else you will see heather all day. A MUST PLAY ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:24:42 +0000 763-626 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/knighton-heath-golf-club-20090729763/ When I did my Knighton Heath Golf Club Golf Course Review I found it to be a good heathland course a nice day out for all golfers . Not particularly long although course management is needed, you have some tight tee shots and a good mix on the par 3's anything from a wedge to a long iron. All members and staff make you feel very welcome. ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:14:49 +0000 1039-625 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/kingsbarns-golf-club-200907291039/ In my Golf Course Review of the Kingsbarns Golf Links I felt that this is probably one of my favourite courses I have ever played around the world. The views from the clubhouse and around the course over North Sea is spectacular you know that you are in for a golfing treat. When I Played the the greens were in great condition as was the rest of the course. THIS IS A MUST PLAY ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:06:58 +0000 3499-624 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/isle-of-purbeck-golf-club-purbeck-course-200911283499/ This course has one of the best views of any course looking out over to Poole harbour. Has some great holes, the 5 hole the green feels like it is out on its own as you look out over to Poole. A good test of Golf and is best played without the wind but you don't get many days like that, but for a real good challenge you need the wind as the course is not long. If the condition of the course was kept up to the rest of the course around the area it could be one of the best this is the only negative thing you can say. Its worth playing ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:57:23 +0000 3024-623 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ Whilst doing my Golf Course Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course I discovered that this is a good fun course to play its no long has a mix of holes, a few holes are tight but most are open,The wind almost always blows so an extra challenge but its what the course needs. You have spectacular views over the countryside. member and staff make you feel very welcome, ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:43:02 +0000 4656-622 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hawkstone-park-gc-championship-course-201101274656/ This is a good course design, a good challenge with plenty of water on the course, members and staff make you feel welcome, the food in the club is great . This is a great day out for golfers as the club has 36 hole this is the tougher course of the 2 and in my view the better but both courses are worth playing. ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:31:34 +0000 1715-621 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hawkstone-park-gc-200907291715/ This is a good design, not a long course but if your not straight off the tee you will find trouble. members and staff make you feel welcome. I food in the clud to be great. A good day out for golfers as has 36 holes, the other course is longer and more of a challenge. ]]> Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:24:25 +0000 2308-617 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/leeds-golf-club--200907292308/ Leeds Golf Club provides a great days golf in beautiful surroundings & a warm welcome afterwards. The course has some interesting holes presented to a high standard with the ability to work the ball being an advantage. The greens have subtle breaks which can leave you scratching your head. This course is very fair with a nice mixture of holes & if you play to your handicap, you should be pleased. The history of this club is very interesting which could be developed further. The food is good & the clubhouse banter friendly. I would recommend Leeds Golf Club as well worth a visit, a true hidden gem. ]]> Sun, 06 Feb 2011 10:29:02 +0000 4502-616 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/gleneagles-gc-pga-centenary-course-201101034502/ In my golf course review of the Gleneagles Golf Club PGA Centenary Course I found this to very enjoyable course a good design a good challenge for any player. Has some really strong holes like the 3/4/5 all tough a good test 2 long par 4's and par 3. The course is in a great setting you have a good view on every hole. Has one of the best practice grounds i have seen with a great short game area. When you finish you round I would reccomend eating in the clubhouse some of the best food I have had at any golf club. It's not cheap but good value a great day out. ]]> Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:25:22 +0000 3124-615 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/elgin-golf-club-200907293124/ In my Golf Course Review of the Elgin Golf Club I found that it is a testing heathland course measuring 6449 yards, with par of 69, and a standard scratch of 71, fully justifying its claim to be one of the finest inland courses in the northern part of Scotland. The course, a test to low and high handicap players alike, is kept in immaculate condition by the green-staff and, while playing one's round, there is the added beauty of the view to the hills stretching to the distant Cairngorm Mountains. ]]> Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:12:08 +0000 644-614 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/charnwood-forest-golf-course-20090729644/ So, I admit it, I'm a member here. In my golf course review of the Charnwood Forest Golf Course I'd Rather than give a rose-tinted view I'll give you a factual view of the oldest course in Leicestershire. Jimmy Braid design. Heathland Golf Course. Short and very tricky. All about positing your ball off the tee. Plays well when other courses are suffering in the bad weather. Beautiful vistas especially in Autumn. SSSI on most of course. Never too busy. Great for a few holes in summer evenings. Good value green fee. Little gem. ]]> Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:15:51 +0000 1531-613 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/welwyn-garden-city-golf-course-200907291531/ Nick Faldo M.B.E. was a junior member at Welwyn Garden City and he won the club championship twice, in 1974 and 1975. I played the course in the Commemoration Jug, the course was in fantastic condition, the practice putting green was one of the best i have ever putted on, and the atmosphere at the club is excellent. ]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 10:04:49 +0000 1546-612 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/knebworth-golf-club-200907291546/ The Knebworth golf club is a very friendly private members golf club which warmly attracts societies, and guest paying green fees. It hosts many tournaments including a very well run annual charity golf day. The course has some very challenging holes including the 1st measuring 472 yards par 4. The 11th is the hardest hole on the course a tough par 4 at 452 yards with OOB left and thick trees right it is a challenging tee shot which is best played with a draw. The course has four par 3's two are short measuring around 140 yards which set up a good chance of a 2. But the 4th, and the 14th are around 200 yards and walking of with a par is a great score. The course ends with two par 5's so a good chance to finish with birdie, birdie. ]]> Tue, 01 Feb 2011 09:53:40 +0000 747-611 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/mannings-heath-gc-the-kingfisher-20090729747/ In my golf course review of the Mannings Heath Golf Club The Kingfisher I found the course to be very forgiving course. The course has excellent facilities that provided great value for money with a terrific 19th hole.The course provides a friendly welcome and the atmosphere around the course is excellent. I will definatley revisit as I rated the overall enjoyment of the course as 10 out of 10. ]]> Sat, 29 Jan 2011 11:39:37 +0000 1531-610 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/welwyn-garden-city-golf-course-200907291531/ The Welwyn Garden City Golf Course can be played all year round and the course is always in great condition as was the case when I did my golf course review. Many tricky holes with accuracy off the tees essential. Par 3's are varied in length and difficulty ranging from 130-200 yards. 600 yard 17th one of the best par 5's I've played with an elevated green ad tee with your tee shot and layup in one of the 2 valleys the course is clevery designed around and in. Very hilly in places with no holes that seem similar. ]]> Sat, 29 Jan 2011 10:34:24 +0000 3041-609 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/highcliffe-castle-golf-club-200907293041/ In my course review I found everyone to be friendly. Even though this course is short it will still test you, as you will need to hit it straight, has a good mix of par 3's long and short its great fun to play. ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 21:06:14 +0000 771-608 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/high-post-golf-club-20090729771/ In my golf course review I found that the members and staff were friendly. Has a great atmosphere around the club and on the course. Course has always been in good condition when i have played there. Good course design a good test for all players. In my view the back 9 is the stronger but i have no complaints with any of the holes. The best course in this area ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:56:41 +0000 897-607 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hunstanton-golf-club-20090729897/ In my golf course review i found that this course has some of the best greens around. This is great links course has a great feel to it has a good mix of par 3's short and long with one of them being a blind shot to the green which makes this a strange but a good hole to play. Also has a strong finish to course with a tough par 3 and 2 long par 4's. You are never far from the sea on any of the hole's. Great atmosphere on and around the club house. A MUST PLAY ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 20:41:08 +0000 762-605 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-golf-club-championship-course-20090729762/ In my golf course review of the Ferndown Golf Club, I think that this is a really good heathland designed course which is always in good condition. The welcome that you will receive at the club from staff and members is friendly. The course has a terrific atmosphere. Its not the most challenging course as it is short but as with most old courses it is great to play and you will want to go back. One of the best features of the course is that it is kept clean and the grounds staff make sure the course is neatly manicured, making it more pleasurable to play. ]]> Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:15:37 +0000 2913-604 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/east-sussex-west-course-200907292913/ In my course review I found this just to be just like the east course to be one of my favorite courses to play, there are no bad hole on the course. Its a great design from start to finish and if you like to practice it has a great range and short game area. A must play! ]]> Sun, 23 Jan 2011 19:02:20 +0000 2912-603 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/east-sussex-east-course-200907292912/ In my course review I found this course to be one of my favorite courses to play, there are no bad hole on the course. Its a great design from start to finish and if you like to practice it has a great range and short game area. A must play! ]]> Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:59:00 +0000 2944-602 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/donnington-grove-golf-course-200907292944/ In my course review I found that it feels like you play 2 different 9's at this course. The front 9 is more open and hilly, where the back 9 is tight and flat. In my view the back 9 is the better 9. The par 3's are a good mix of long and short. I think the best hole on the course is the 14th which is a short par 4 with bunkers down both sides of the fairway, then your second shot is over water to the green; a good looking hole which is then followed by a good par 3 approximately 170 yards with a very tricky green. The course was in good condition when I played there and having played it a few times and I have always enjoyed it. The staff are always very helpful. ]]> Sun, 23 Jan 2011 18:44:16 +0000 1084-601 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/littlehampton-golf-club-200907291084/ In my golf course review I found that the Littlehampton golf club provided a very friendly welcome, well stocked pro-shop and excellent catering. The Golf Course staff were extremely helpful and it was very easy to book the round for our group. The Course is a testing links course that is not very long but with probably the best greens in the West Sussex County I found that the greens were quick but very true. Although the club is over 120 years it manages the balance history with tradition and the views from the club house over the course and dunes are pretty spectacular. ]]> Sat, 22 Jan 2011 13:31:35 +0000 2619-594 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/castle-park-golf-course-200907292619/ A super golf course and great value for money, hidden amongst some beautiful scenery. ]]> Wed, 12 Jan 2011 09:52:41 +0000 4300-593 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/gorstyhill-golf-club-201007244300/ This course is an absolute pleasure to play. A Hawtree design with the best greens in Cheshire by far, which are all PGA standard, with plenty of contours and tough pin positions. Now 6-years old and coming on great with the fairways now taking shape after much work and care taken by the greenkeeping staff. 1st is a straightforward 506 yard par 5 and longer hitters will reach in 2 if the wind is with them. The green is a large kydney shape and well contoured and protected front left and left, but anything overhit will find trouble and anything missing right could end up in a pond. 2nd an uphill 348 yard par 4 to a wide contoured green which is not too deep, and well protected to the front. This green needs hitting from height as a long iron will need to cary the traps and stop quickly, otherwise you will be in trouble. 3rd a 167 yard par 3 which looks shorter than it actually is, and beware of any breeze, as you may not notice it until your ball is in the air. The green is well protected again and some tricky pin positions can be had on this loveley green. 4th is a magnificent 410 yard par 4 which could be the signature hole. Elevated tee and easy looking green from afar. when taking your approach make sure to aim for the left hand bunker as the fairway will kick the ball to the right and onto the green. Aim for the middle of the green and if it's short it will kick right into another trap or worse. If you hit the green make sure its with loft or you could run through the back and into trouble. A brilliant green again and can be trickey depending upon pin position. 5th is an easy looking 124 yard par 3 stroke index 18, but it's well protected, narrow and wind/breeze affected, so beware. 6th is a tough all uphill 388 yard par 4 and can play like a par 5 if the wind is against. The green is a real tricky affair and needs to be hit with loft, as a long iron or fairway wood needs to carry the traps and try and stop before running through and off into trouble. If your drive doesn't carry the brow of the hill beware, as you will be left with 150 yards to carry all the way to avoid trouble, and it is uphill. 7th a straightforward 304 yard par 4, which can be reached by longer hitters. Beware though as wind can affect this hole from the elevated tee. There's a water hazard straight ahead to the right and a fairway bunker just placed to collect anything that misses the hazard, and the green is protected left, front left and front right. The green is another trucky contoured affair back to front sloping. 8th a nice 313 par 4 which again can be hit by the longer hitters, but again beware because the rough comes into play and anything aimed at the green needs to carry the rough and also theres well placed bunkers on the left of the fairway and the green is protected front right and front left, and again it's well contoured. 9th a good gradual uphill 484 yard par 5 with fairway bukers left and right some 170 yards short of the green. The green itself is a really tricky affair as its narrow and long and well contoured. it's also protected front right and an approach shot from the right side of the fairway needs to be good and lofty, as the bunker edge runs unseen by the eye and gobbles anything short. 10th is an easy 295 par 4 which is reachable depending on wind etc, with a fairway bunker to the right 90 yards short of the green and fairway bunkers left 60 yards short and the green is protected front left. 11th another straightforward 291 par 4 which is actually tougfher than the slightly shorter 10th. fairway bunkers are 80 yards short of the raised green and bunkers left and right swallow anything off line. 12th is a good 474 yard par 5 which is uphill to start, so the tee shot needs to carry 200 yards for good position. The fairway slopes and kicks left to right for the first 250 yards. The green is protected left and right. 13th is a tough 190 yard par 3 over a valley to a narrow tight green, which needs hitting from height to stand any chance of sticking. This hole depending upon wind conditions can be anything from a driver to 4-iron. Bunkers surround this raised contoured green. 14th is a tricky 327 yard par 4 from an elevated tee over a valley which slopes steeply right to left. Long hitters beware of a water hazard when hitting long and straight over the brow of the hill. For those who's tee shot landed top left they will need to carry the rough and avoid the trees to land on one of the trickiest fastest green arounds. For those in the perfect position a huge tree will need to be carried to stand any chance of hitting the green. 15th is an uphill 392 yards to a wide fairway, but longer hitters beware of a drop-off into a valley of sin some 120 yards short of the green. The green is downhill from the drop-off area and is protected by a gulley 50 yards short and bunkers left and a narrow wide green. 16th is a tough all uphill 392 yard stroke index 1 par 4. The ideal position from the tee is on top of a raised fairway but beware there is a drop off into rough along the valley divide. I have seen someone hit the green from the tee, but the wind was strong and behind and he was a very big hitter. There is a 'plantation' to the left of the valley so to attempt the green there is a long carry. This is a tough hole and very steeply uphill to a raised contoured green which takes no prisoners. Many players have been smiling after reaching in 2 only to 4-putt and weep. 17th is a great 175 yard par 3 over another valley. A well protected green needs hitting with loft to stick and anything short will kick sharply right and run 50 yards back down the slope. 18th is a great 557 yard par 5 with a slight dog-leg left to a raised geeen which is well protected. A great course which is well looked after and very demanding in places. many holes look to be fairly easy but do provide a good challenge as you need to manage your way around this quite technical course, that is unless you are a long hitter. ]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2011 14:10:43 +0000 762-592 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ferndown-golf-club-championship-course-20090729762/ In my golf course review of the Ferndown Golf Club Championship Course I think that this is a really nice course to join and is always in good condition. The welcome that you will receive at the course rates 10 out of 10 and both staff and members are friendly and welcoming. The course has a terrific atmosphere and the tee off is always timely which makes for speedy play during the round. One of the best features of the course is that it is kept clean and the ground staff make sure the course is neatly manicured making it more pleasurable to play. ]]> Tue, 11 Jan 2011 11:33:38 +0000 770-590 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/walton-heath-gc-old-course-20090729770/ In my golf course review of the Walton Heath Golf Club Old Course I thought it was a fantastic courses and that it deserves its ranking as one of the top courses in the UK. The course itself is very challenging mainly as result of the deep and steep bunkers which I gave a 10 rating. Another interesting facet that adds to the challenge of the course is the heather, which is a hazard for any wayward shots. The course has a great layout which shows in its Herbert Fowler design. ]]> Mon, 10 Jan 2011 11:36:59 +0000 3154-589 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/manor-house-golf-course-200907293154/ In my golf course review of the Manor House Golf Course I really had an enjoyable round on a very picturesque course. The course has some very interesting holes, especially the par 3's although overall the layout is not that great. I rated the tee's very highly and on some of the holes these were elevated which created a great view of the hole. In general this is a great golf course that offers a speedy round with great value for money and the Manor House is well worth a visit. ]]> Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:32:25 +0000 1052-588 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/nairn-golf-club-200907291052/ I played this course for the first time in 1994 and I loved it I won the British amateur there. I got the chance to play it again not that long ago and it was fantastic. You start off playing the first few holes running down the edge of the sea. You play almost 9 holes straight out then turn back for the clubhouse.In my Golf Course Review I found that it has some of the best greens I have played anywhere in the UK. There are no bad holes on the course, its a true links course. All the staff and members make you feel welcome. IT'S A MUST PLAY! ]]> Sat, 08 Jan 2011 19:19:00 +0000 2855-581 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/effingham-golf-club-200907292855/ In my golf course review of Effingham Golf Club I thought that this was a great course and have subsequently become a member. In summary this is a challenging course and in great condition with terrific greens. ]]> Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:28:42 +0000 979-577 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/carnoustie-golf-links-20090729979/ In my golf course review I would like to say this is by far one the best courses in the UK. Its a tough challenge for every standard of player and very enjoyable to play. It has a fantastic setting as you have some of the best holes around you and you have the par 5 with Hogan's alley, which is a tight tee shot. This course is always in good condition with the greens being some of the best around, It must have the hardest finish to any course around. Its not cheap to play but its well worth every penny. I could play this course every day if I could, its great! ]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:30:57 +0000 3152-576 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bowood-golf-course-200907293152/ For my Golf Course Review of Bowood Golf Course I think this is one of the best courses in the South of England, a tough challenge from every tee - it will really test you! Good opening hole; a tough par 4 and the course just keeps getting better with the 4th hole being a great par 5 for the long hitters as its a risk reward second shot with water by the green. This course is usually in good condition but can get a little wet in the winter. If you like to warm up before you play this course has a great range. The staff make you feel welcome. A must play! ]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:50:47 +0000 765-575 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/blackmoor-golf-course-20090729765/ I have played this course a lot going back to my amateur days and I never get bored playing it. A great layout with not a bad hole on the course. This course is a challenge for every player and is always in good condition all year round. This golf club has very friendly members and staff. A must play! ]]> Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:05:18 +0000 2824-564 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wildwood-golf-course-200907292824/ In my golf course review of the Wildwood Golf Course I found that it was a beautiful golf course with loads of water the scenery and environment rated 10 out of 10. Not only was the course a good test of golf but the course provided excellent value for money and the staff made us feel welcome. ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:32:47 +0000 3036-561 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/iford-bridge-golf-course-200907293036/ In my golf course review of the Iford Bridge Golf Course I would not recommend anyone to play this course due to the noise from the motorway and the smell from the sewer, the smell is unbearable and this is the worst course I have ever played. ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 10:18:17 +0000 2089-556 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/heyrose-golf-club-200907292089/ In my golf course review of Heyrose Golf Club I found that this course is really a secret gem in Cheshire. Although it is relatively new (20 years old) and needs to get fully established it is superbly manicured with some of the best quality greens I have played on in the area. Holes 7 and 16 present awesome challenges and I can highly recommend the course. ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:52:14 +0000 2093-551 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/high-legh-park-gc-founders-course-200907292093/ In my golf course review of the High Legh Park GC Founders Course I believe that it has the potential to become a great golf course venue with all the facilities in place,the course has a friendly atmosphere and an interesting layout. However I was really disappointed with the manicure of the course,particularly the poor greens, also the bad drainage when I played the bunkers were full of water. ''It feels that the course is overplayed'' ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 09:25:24 +0000 4289-548 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/formby-hall-golf-course--201007244289/ When compiling my golf course review of Formby Hall Golf Course I spent 2 nights at the hotel and 3 rounds on the golf course. I'd say that the back nine in particular stands out as it is a beautifully presented challenge. The facilities at Formby Hall Golf Course are second to none and I gave the practice range a 10, the PGA par 3 course is a must play. It was just a shame that we had a few 4 balls in front of us who were ultra slow and wouldn't allow us to play through. ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:51:52 +0000 2868-546 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/gatton-manor-hotel-gcc-200907292868/ In my golf course review of the Gatton Manor Hotel Golf Club I found that the course was good for scoring with a few par 4's reachable for the long hitters, the greens were good and overall this is a nice course. ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:31:01 +0000 1992-544 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/rotherham-golf-course-200907291992/ During my golf course review of Rotheram Golf Club I played as a guest to a member, this is a great course and is well presented with excellent greens. The course has some very tight holes particularly on the front 9,it is also very well established with plenty of dense tree lined fairways to lose your ball in. The course also has ''old school etiquette'' and there is no taking off shoes in the car park ! ]]> Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:15:31 +0000 3089-541 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/chilworth-golf-course-200907293089/ A great course with excellent presentation and facilities. Had an amazing day and will definitely be coming back! ]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:55:18 +0000 3385-538 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/cowdray-park-golf-course-200907293385/ In my golf course review of the Cowdray Park Golf Course it was great to play a great Downland Golf Course, the only shame was that the range was so far away. The course is a good test of skill with greens playing away from you mostly. ]]> Fri, 26 Nov 2010 07:58:08 +0000 1710-536 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/telford-golf-course-200907291710/ My golf course review of the Telford Hotel & Golf Resort took place in November so the course wasn't at its best and the amount of fallen leaves on the fairways made finding well hit balls very tricky. However you can tell it is a very good course with excellent greens and many challenging holes the 19th hole was excellent. ]]> Thu, 25 Nov 2010 08:41:50 +0000 2154-531 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/de-vere-herons-reach-gc-200907292154/ Compared to somewhere like Carden Park, Herons reach was a let down. Don't get me wrong, its still a decent knock, but it wasn't up to the standard I expected of a De Vere. People walking their dogs on the course, teenage fourballs hacking around holding up play, and using range balls to play with! Tee Boxes were scrappy and only yellows to play off (no whites) so course played very short (5800 yds). ]]> Tue, 16 Nov 2010 08:45:51 +0000 2247-529 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hesketh-golf-club-200907292247/ I had not had the pleasure of playing Hesketh for nearly 50 years,and I was sad so many trees had been planted in the intervening years. The essence of true links golf has virtually disappeared, indeed even more unsuitable trees had obviously been planted recently.The views across to Lytham and Blackpool tower are gone, and unsuitable water hazards introduced at 5,and 7. The rough is now true PARKLAND, and only the holes immediately around the lovely clubhouse can be described as true links. What a pity!! ]]> Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:26:18 +0000 1357-525 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/trent-park-public-golf-course-200907291357/ Ive played this course a couple of times this summer and have been very impressed. its in better condition than my private course. booked online via the website www.trentparkgolf.co.uk which was easy.excellent value 20 quid. played midweek and course was virtually empty. ive heard its very busy at weekends and sometimes slow but when i played at the weekend it was an early tee off and got round in 4 hours even with 5 minutes stop for a burger at the halfway hut. overall great value. they have a nevada bobs on site and a good range with beautiful views. i travelled to oakwood tube and the club is only a minute from the station. thoroughly recommend and will visit again ]]> Sat, 30 Oct 2010 20:20:45 +0100 3396-524 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/st-mellion-golf-course-nicklaus-course-200907293396/ This is the best course in the South West by far in my opinion. Its a great design by Jack Nicklaus. A tough challenge from every tee plus a great setting. There are so many good holes to write about; the 5th is a great looking hole, tee shot is over water then your second shot is a short one but still tricky with a creek by the green, 11th a par 3 plays from around 200- 150 yards downhill with a lake in front of the green and has a feel of Augusta to it. The18th is also a great hole to finish on a long par 4 with water just of the edge of the green with the hotel and clubhouse over looking, just make sure you take plenty of balls with you!!! You can see why the European Tour is going back there again. I just wish this course was closer to home I would play it every day and would never be disappointed. I have been going there for more than 20 years and have never had a bad time. It has everything there with the hotel and spa and lots more to do. Staff and members make you feel very welcome Its a must golfing break or day out. ]]> Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:59:11 +0100 2852-523 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/selsdon-park-golf-club-200907292852/ Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:14:13 +0100 3086-522 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/brokenhurst-manor-golf-course-200907293086/ A great setting in the New Forest and you cannot get much better than this. Every hole is tree lined and has plenty of heather. Its a really enjoyable course with a mix of long and short par 3's. Its a great course for all and has always been in good condition when I have played it. ]]> Sun, 17 Oct 2010 18:51:49 +0100 1105-519 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/burnham-and-berrow-golf-club-the-championship-course-200907291105/ This is one of the best links courses in the South West A great challenge where you play 9 holes and turn back to the club house so if its windy you play one of these 9's into wind. The greens are great all year round and you wont find better greens than these. A MUST PLAY!!! ]]> Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:42:25 +0100 641-518 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/berkhamsted-golf-course-20090729641/ A great setting for a golf course in amongst trees and heather. This is an unusual course in that it has no bunkers but it makes it more of a challenge if you miss a green you finish wish a mound in front of you or in a grass bunker which means you have to play all sorts of chips and you have to use all skills to get it close. Its also a challenge from the tee, you have to hit draw/ fade to give yourself the best shot into the green and if you hit off line you are going to be in heather or trees. Its a great day out, everyone would enjoy this course. Its a great setting. ]]> Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:23:59 +0100 2080-514 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/styal-golf-club-200907292080/ Firstly, it has great facilities. The range is excellent, one of the best i've been to. Electronic tee system, happy hours for double the balls at price of one bucket etc. It has a par 3, 9 hole course in addition to the 18 hole course, which provides an excellent challenge to improve the short game. The main course is interesting. Its not just a parallel up and down parkland; its set out in an interesting way - particularly the back 9. Love the 16th hole - a short par 4, risk or reward ! It is an easy, shortish course though. I play regularly to 15 or 16 over off the whites there, but i get found out on other courses -dropping at least to 18 over on average. Sadly, the course condition just lets it down. I really wish they'd try and sort this out. It looks ok as you drive along the road, but its once you are on the tee's and greens, that you cant help but feel it needs some TLC. Greens in particular are often slow / uneven / bobbling balls / moss infestation in places. Frequently spiked. Tee's are also not up to scratch, lots of divots / areas without good grass cover. And this review is based on its condition throughout the whole of this year, not just recently after a bit of rain. Fairways are fine, but if you hit some of the rough -there's no finding your ball. Overall, its worth a visit. Certainly a good spot to practice at the range. ]]> Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:23:56 +0100 1474-513 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/farnham-park-golf-course-200907291474/ Well this has to be my favourite public course. After quite a few recommendations myself and a mate decided to pop down for a quick round. The course is easy to locate with loads of parking and the nice club house that reminds me of the tea rooms you see at the coast! The Pro shop is small but very well stocked and very friendly staff! We played twilight so only cost £12.50 for 18 holes plus we decided to hire a buggy which was only charged at 9 hole rate! The practice facilities are hit and miss, the putting green is well kept and gives you a very good indication of the speed of the greens for the rest of the course but for shot practice there is only a couple of driving nets which could do with replacing! Saying that there is a small driving range near by called the lanes which could be used to loosen up! Apon t'ing off you straight away get the impression that it is a very well kept course and we were not disapointed, the greens where very well kept aswell as the fairways! Bunkers use real sand rather than hard gravel! Game play was not held up the whole way round and everyone was really friendly. Some of the holes are quite challenging and others are just a longest drive challenge but all in all a very good mix! The 9th hole can be daunting as it right outside the clubhouse, but there is an added bonus of a tea hut where you can purchase quick refreshments! Only complaint my mate had was the rough is very rough and easy to loose balls but we are planning to pop down next weekend ]]> Mon, 04 Oct 2010 09:12:09 +0100 759-512 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ good challenging course, well worth visiting and excellent value ]]> Sat, 02 Oct 2010 19:32:28 +0100 641-510 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/berkhamsted-golf-course-20090729641/ In my golf course review of the Berkhamsted Golf Course the facilities were fantastic and although the course has no bunkers don't be mislead as there is vigorous heather all around. ]]> Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:46:16 +0100 1346-508 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/potters-bar-golf-course-200907291346/ Fri, 01 Oct 2010 07:27:57 +0100 780-507 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/liphook-golf-course-20090729780/ Fantastic heathland course in a great setting and well worth playing. When I played the fairways were in bad condition but good once you got 10 yards short of the greens. The greens were rolling very true and at a good speed. Found the bunkers had too much sand in them, as the ball was plugging all the time. But overall a great course that I would play again. A good challenge for any player due to having to hit it straight off the tee. Make sure you keep out of the heather! ]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2010 15:12:56 +0100 1239-505 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/warren-golf-club-200907291239/ When completing my golf course review I found that the crossover holes are a problem unless playing with a member even so the speed of play during the round was quick. ]]> Thu, 30 Sep 2010 08:15:09 +0100 1099-504 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/south-winchester-golf-club-200907291099/ A good challenge with a mix of short and long par 4's which are enjoyable to play. I played in the middle of summer and it was very firm and bouncy but the greens were still soft and holding along with being good to putt on. I found the members and staff very friendly. ]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2010 19:18:31 +0100 1690-503 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/studley-wood-golf-club-200907291690/ Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:48:44 +0100 4327-502 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/remedy-oak-golf-course-201008224327/ During my Golf Course Review I was at The Remedy Oak Golf Club which is one of the best settings for golf in Dorset A tree lined course with plenty of holes with water in play, like the 2nd hole, a good par 5 with water short and right of the green. With your long hitters going for the green in 2 makes for a good shot. The 8th hole is a short par 4 with water short of the green. For the longer hitters its a good risk reward shot as its only 270 to drive the green. The 11th is a tough par 3 from the back, needing a well hit long iron. The course is in good condition from April through to October. The course can get a little wet in the winter but still a great day out. The staff are very friendly. ]]> Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:33:22 +0100 3399-501 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/woodbury-park-golf-course-the-oaks-course-200907293399/ Woodbury is a great place for a group of friends to play as an alternative to somewhere like Dartmouth Golf and Country Club. Its easy to get to, has great facilities and provides a very strong challenge to almost all golfers that will play there. Pros: 1. Great facility overall 2. Excellent greens 3. Excellent fairways 4. Good balance between some tough holes and very playable holes (wind conditions dependant of course) 5. Great setting for the course and the layout of the holes is also excellent 6. A couple of notable holes to chat about in the bar afterwards. 7. Hotel facilities are very good and make for a good package option for most golf societies 8. The 2nd course is still a challenge and quite good fun to play on! Cons: 1. Can play tough if the wind gets up 2. Water - play this at the wrong time of the year and or weather conditions and your game can be ruined as this course is very susceptible to being waterlogged. 3. Pro shop - it's ok but doesn't have huge amount of equipment in it. Summary: Well worth the visit and if the conditions are good you should have an excellent day there. When we played the greens and fairways were absolutely superb .. some of the best I've played on this year. ]]> Mon, 27 Sep 2010 09:06:25 +0100 758-500 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/broadstone-golf-club-20090729758/ In my Golf Course Review I found the Broadstone Golf Course to be a a friendly club. The course is especially challenging with fast greens but fair overall I found the condition of the course excellent. ]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:47:01 +0100 2807-499 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/burhill-golf-club-old-course-200907292807/ Fantastic design old style course in amongst the trees. Played in summer fairways were very bare, not great compared to other courses, but the rest of the course was in good condition. Enjoyable round of golf. Everyone would enjoy playing here. ]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:24:25 +0100 3159-498 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/rushmore-park-golf-course-200907293159/ Stunning setting and view, set deep in the countryside. A mixture of holes with the old part of the course having no bunkers. There are 2 great par 3's; the 4th and the 6th both over water. A short enjoyable course. The atmosphere is very friendly at the club. A nice day out. ]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:18:19 +0100 4349-497 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dyrham-park-country-club-201009264349/ In my golf course review of Dyrham park country club I found that is was a little difficult to book a round and on arrival the Pro Shop was a little disappointing. Apart from that the course was very well presented and the fairways,greens and course bunkering were excellent. So in summary it was a great venue for golf that presented a good challenge at a reasonable price. ]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2010 08:34:24 +0100 2935-496 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bearwood-lakes-golf-course-200907292935/ Having played it before I knew the layout but this time around in my golf course review of Bearwood Lakes Golf Course I was disappointed with the putting green and scored it low. The greens were fantastic and the course was presented well by the staff as it was well manicured and clean. ]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2010 08:03:10 +0100 4327-494 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/remedy-oak-golf-course-201008224327/ Without doubt in my golf course review of Remedy Oak Golf Course I found it to be the best course in the Bournemouth area !!!! Despite being only 5 years old.It plays superbly from March to October but can be a little wet in the winter months. ]]> Sun, 26 Sep 2010 07:48:56 +0100 2807-492 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/burhill-golf-club-old-course-200907292807/ Completing a golf course review for the Burhill Golf Club Old Course is an absolute pleasure as the facility is one of the best available. From your arrival at the spectacular clubhouse you will know that you are in for something special and that the Old Course maybe short but it will test all aspects of your game. The course was designed in 1907 by Willie Park who is known for creating a lot of variety within the Parkland layout. To me at during the round the course resembled a Heathland but with majestic mature trees. Apart from the course being neat as a pin from tee to green the ground staff had done an amazing job on the greens. To say they were quick is an understatement and they held a lot of hidden breaks they weren't visible to even the keenest eye. As greens go they were fantastic and they could hold a well played shot not to mention that we got huge backspin with the shorter irons. Although the course only has 2 par 5's it has two par 4's that play over 440 yds and they will test even the lowest of handicap golfers. The course has testing par 3's that include an uphill 209 yd stroke 5 which requires a little thought. In summary the Burhill Golf Club Old Course offers a challenge to both the low and high handicap golfers and has a design that although a hundred years old remains current. ]]> Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:41:23 +0100 3288-490 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bath-golf-course-200907293288/ Bath Golf Club isn't all that well publicised, and its easy to drive past the entrance without knowing it's there. Set up on the limestone hills surrounding Bath, it has some of the best views I've ever witnessed while golfing! Drainage is excellent, and greens are better than Celtic Manor. The tees are sometimes a bit scruffy, and some not entirely flat, but the general condition of the 130 year old course is superb. The course will definately prove a challenge, and when the wind gets up (as it often does), it can punish you! Practice facilities are excellent for improving your game, but note that the driving range isn't long enough for really big hitters. In my honest opinion I can definately say this course is better than most of its local rivals: Tracey Park, West Wilts, Kingsdown, Erlestoke, Frome etc etc.... but doesn't quite have the wow factor of places like Manor House or Bowood. ]]> Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:57:43 +0100 3029-487 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/dudsbury-golf-course-200907293029/ Course in good condition. Course is improving year on year. Friendly atmosphere at the club. An enjoyable day out. ]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:25:44 +0100 615-486 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ There are 27 holes at the Dorset Golf and Country Club. The most challenging course to play is the Lakeland, which is the main 18. A great challenge from every tee, from yellow back to championship tees. The Woodland 9 is a short but challenging course in amongst rhododendrons. Looks fantastic when in full bloom. Very friendly members and staff are always very helpful and friendly. ]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:21:34 +0100 746-485 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hankley-common-golf-club-20090729746/ A great old style course with plenty of heather. Fantastic condition with a great layout, as good as Sunningdale in my opinion. A good challenge for all level of player. A must play! ]]> Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:11:30 +0100 1199-446 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/tydd-st-giles-golf-course-200907291199/ Played two rounds of golf there Sept 17th . Well priced , challenging course . Great views of the Fens .Very good 19th hole and a very enjoyable days golf . Will definitely play there again. ]]> Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:02:41 +0100 4315-428 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bisham-abbey-golf-club-201007294315/ This course is a simple 9 hole par 3 which is very well kept. Greens are slightly slow and fareways narrow but very lush. I would recommend it for all levels of golfers, from begineers to veterans wanting to work on there short game. With most par three courses, its either too busy to have a decent round or the quality of the course is awful, but Bisham would seem to be a hidden gem. The prices are approx £10 for a 18 hole round (replay the 9 holes from different tee's) but it would seem you can play as many holes as you like. I would say some of the facilities are better than most pay and play course, there is a small club house which is a nice place to relax but no bar etc. but if you go to the main Building for Bisham Gym there is a Restuarant / Bar. Outside the clubhouse is Nice putting green aswell as driving net. Also there are places to t-off onto near by football pitches aslong as there not in use! Ball Cleaners dotted around the course which would seem like every other hole . The Scenery is brilliant, you have the Thames running along-side the 2nd hole with great views of the Abbey. No specific t-off times, each time i have played we have not been held up. I have two issues with the course though... There are football picthes in the middle of the course and if the ball flies onto the course, you may find stud marks on the greens. one of the holes is very near to the road, if the ball goes to the right you will cringe until the opportunity for crunch noise has gone! ]]> Sat, 18 Sep 2010 08:48:37 +0100 2814-401 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/coombe-hill-golf-course-200907292814/ The course is awesome in terms of environment and scenery.Nice place to spend your time. ]]> Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:56:59 +0100 1905-400 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ampleforth-college-golf-course-200907291905/ This is a challenging test for a mid-handicapper on a course that's not too long, but set in some of the best scenery around. Probably the first thing that greets the golfer, is the steep walk up to the 1st where you will need to get back your breath before commencing. This is only 415 yards but par 5 so you know theres something a little different about this hole. The difference is that the tee is set tight against the tree line and is all up hill, but the fairway slopes steeply from left ro right, so your tee shot will move sideways as soon as it hits the fairway, and will roll down the hill. So unless you hit the ball long, you are guaranteed to have a long uphill second shot to a small raised green which is tight against the tree line. It's a tough hole unless you are a long hitter, so for me it's at least my 2 sunday best to get close. This hole doubles as the 10th from a lower tee position, with the same yardage but is a par 4 stroke index 1. This gives you an indication of the severity of the test, The 2nd a 173 yard par 3 again can be tricky as the tee is yet again tight to the tree line and the green which is protected by sand front and back is fairly narrow. The ideal shot is to play your tee shot close to the trees and let the ball pitch on the bank and run onto the green. The 3rd is another uphill par 4 from a tight tee position. The longer hitter can carry the hill leaving a short iron to the green. For the golfer who doesn't hit it long, the ball will pitch on the slope and kick to the right so you will have to hope the ball avoids the 2 sand traps on the right of the fairway. A mid-iron to the green which has plenty of humps and contours. The 4th is a nice par 5 of just over 500 yards so make sure you hit the fairway and keep away from the trees left and right. A good 2nd shot should leave you with a mid to short iron to a nice green which is 2-tiers. The 5th is one of the more straightforward holes, a steady par 4 with a bunkers left and right about 180 yards from the green which is protected to the right front. The green is raised and is usually the fastest green due to it's exposure to the prevailing breeze. The 6th is a short par 4 over a hill and can be reached from the tee if you want to be brave, as you will need to carry a lot of trees and hope it hits the fairway and runs down a steep slope onto the green. I've started taking a 5-iron from the tee and playing for safetey before going for the samll green with mid to short iron. Holes 7 and 8 are 200 yard par 3's, the first of which is all uphill so the best course of action is to play your tee shot aiming slightly left of the green. This should then mean the ball will kick to the right off the hill onto the green. The following par 3 is back down the hill to tough contoured green which is well protected. This green needs to be hit to avoid possible trouble. The 9th is the reverse of the 1st, but much easier as its downhill. The tee shot really needs to be hit to the higher side of the fairway as the ball will move right to left down the slope. A decent tee shot will leave a short iron to a small target, and if you come up short your ball will run down the hill and through the green and off the back. It's a very demanding par 69, but I can highly recommend it ]]> Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:52:05 +0100 4293-398 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-grove-resort-golf-club-201007244293/ The condition of this course was superb. Probably the best golf course I have played in a long time in the UK. I have not played a course in the UK to match the condition of The Grove. It is expensive to play but you do get what you pay for. There is nothing bad you can say about this course, you can see why it has held a world golf event. I would highly recommend everyone going to play this course. I had a look around the hotel and it looked fantastic but did not stay there. I cannot fault this course. ]]> Sun, 12 Sep 2010 19:59:34 +0100 3213-397 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/vale-of-glamorgan-the-wales-national-golf-course-200907293213/ I have played the course on numerous occasions and am yet to play it in good condition. This is due to the wet weather. It is a tough challenging course, especially when windy. Not the best layout. Friendly pro shop. The best thing about it is the hotel complex. There are better courses than this nearby. ]]> Sun, 12 Sep 2010 19:51:24 +0100 2850-396 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/tyrrells-wood-golf-course-200907292850/ Course in good condition, excellent surroundings and views but not a challenging enough course for a good player due to 5 drivable par 4's and short par 5's. Nice course for your average to high handicap player. Limited practice facilities as range is only 145 yards long. ]]> Sun, 12 Sep 2010 19:44:14 +0100 758-395 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/broadstone-golf-club-20090729758/ The conclusion of my Golf Course Review of Broadstone Golf Course is that it is probably the best course in Dorset. The course is in great condition all year round. A short course but very challenging for all levels of golfer. Members and staff are always friendly. There are good views as you go around the course. Would recommend playing anytime. ]]> Sat, 11 Sep 2010 17:46:44 +0100 2873-394 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hoebridge-gc-hoebridge-course-200907292873/ I played the main course at Hoebridge Golf Centre in September 2010 and I have to say that it ranks as the worst experience I have ever had on a golf course in 22 years. 95 per cent of the grass on the all the fairways is dead. As a result, they have had to scarify and top dress all 18 fairways and have a lift and place local rule. To add to the woes, the 5 percent of the turf that has a grass covering has not been cut for weeks and so when you place your ball it sinks two inches down into the grass! It is totally unplayable from the first to the last hole. And here's the rub; nobody told me of the problems when I booked, or when I turned up and handed over the full green fee of 25 pounds. The first we knew of it was when we walked onto the first "fairway.” In fact, there are no fairways, just one great bit field of rough. When we returned to the club house, I sought an audience with the general manager, which was duly granted. He pointed out the laminated A4 sized sign in the pro shop which advised punters of the lift and place rule (but not the fact that all 18 fairways were dead.) It was one of six different laminated signs in close proximity in the pro shop! So you need to read six signs to get to the one which tells you to lift and place. He also pointed out the other, identical sign on the members’ notice board. When I told him I thought the information on the sign fell a long way short of full disclosure and that the customers should be told, to their faces, of the problems before they tee off, he said that he was satisfied that he had fulfilled his responsibility to the customer. I strongly disagreed. He offered no apology, no refund and no offer of so much as a complimentary bucket of balls. As for the lay-out, well, all the yellow tees were so far forward we were virtually playing off the reds. I hit sand wedge for my second shot into every par four but one! The 2nd hole is as dull and predictable a par 3 as I have played. The 5th is mickey mouse with an enormous tree right in front of the middle of the entrance to the green. If you can't hit a high wedge, there is no way to clear the tree. The 10th offers absolutely no challenge whatsoever. The 13th is also mickey mouse with three bunkers in the middle of the fairway. One of them was flooded (even though it hadn't rained in four days.) All they needed to do was mark it as GUR, but no. But who puts three bunkers in the middle of a fairway in the first place As for the 18th, a predictable 156 yard, flat par 3 is no way to end any round of golf. And they don't even take 2 for 1 vouchers. If you are thinking of playing a course in the area, you are spoilt for choice. Sutton Green, Merrist Wood and Pine Ridge all offer superb settings with challenging lay-outs at a decent price. The golf range is the only redeeming feature of this appalling excuse for a golf facility. Give it as wide a berth as you possibly can. ]]> Sat, 11 Sep 2010 16:32:51 +0100 763-390 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/knighton-heath-golf-club-20090729763/ In my Golf Course Review I felt that the Knighton Heath Golf Club is a good course for all golfers who wish to experience true heathland golf. Not particularly long although course management and shot variety is needed. ]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:40:46 +0100 3167-389 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hamptworth-golf-course-200907293167/ One of the best courses in the south with challenges that can test the best golfers. ]]> Thu, 09 Sep 2010 09:36:08 +0100 3024-388 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ Ashley Wood Golf Course is a top golf course situated in the South West with a variety of challenges yet open enough for the less skilled golfer. The wind almost always presents an extra challenge and the finish can be very strong.Ashley Wood Golf Course is open when other courses are not due to great drainage. ]]> Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:55:30 +0100 3278-387 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/welsh-border-golf-complex-200907293278/ New for 2010, is the opening of new tees for seven of the longer competition course's nine holes, making their character markedly different second time round on the back nine. ]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 10:23:25 +0100 3167-386 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hamptworth-golf-course-200907293167/ It is extremely difficult to explain what a challenge this course is and how well it has been designed especially from the white tees. The course has a combination of easy birdie holes for the accurate hitters and also some for the long hitters, but between them are some monster holes like the 5th which is a really tight approach to a tiny green. As far as I am concerned this course has the best 4 par 5's that I have played so far in the South West of England and the 16th a real monster at 582 yds I felt was the best of them. The greens were by far the best I have played on an although difficult to read the good putts would find the back of the hole. For those of you that like challenging medal golf this one is for you and beware of some serious scorecard wreckers namely the 8th a 211 yard par 3 with water in front and not much bail out as well as the 14th which in my opinion is one of the most difficult driving holes out there. In a nutshell this is a awesome championship golf course from the white tees which will test most golfers and from the yellow a great club course that all can enjoy. ]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:59:49 +0100 3024-385 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ The conclusion of my Members Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course is that apart from the general condition of the course which is always excellent, the number of days play lost during the year is exceptional. During the last 3 years I can only remember 2/3 days of snow and ice where the course was closed. ]]> Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:33:16 +0100 2347-384 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/tandragee-golf-course-200907292347/ Enjoyed an excellent day here,the scorecard certainly helped! Some lovely holes, especially the par 3s. A well wooded and picturesque course. ]]> Sat, 04 Sep 2010 09:29:33 +0100 2318-383 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/antrim-golf-course-200907292318/ Sat, 04 Sep 2010 00:39:43 +0100 3128-379 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/yeovil-golf-course-the-old-course-200907293128/ Good course the chipping facilities need to be improved ]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:09:36 +0100 3128-378 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/yeovil-golf-course-the-old-course-200907293128/ A very good example of an old style golf course overall a good venue ]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:06:35 +0100 3128-377 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/yeovil-golf-course-the-old-course-200907293128/ The Greens were Hollow Tined when I did this review. ]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:02:54 +0100 3128-376 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/yeovil-golf-course-the-old-course-200907293128/ More length and bunkering required to make a real challenge ]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2010 19:37:48 +0100 3128-370 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/yeovil-golf-course-the-old-course-200907293128/ This is a great Parkland Golf Course dating back to 1907 with loads of history. It was a pity that the greens had just been hollow tined so they were not at their best but according the locals this summer they had been the best in years. The course itself has some really great holes one of which is the stroke 1 14th that at 468 yds is very long but also has a very difficult blind tee shot. In addition the views over the local countryside are spectacular and the Golfer really gets a feeling of being out in the Country although the course is close to Yeovil Town. ]]> Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:32:54 +0100 3024-360 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ The summary of my Members Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course is that this is a delightful course with spectacular views over the Dorset countryside. Being high up on the Dorset Downs it is well drained and playable in all but the most extreme weather conditions and seldom closes,although it can get a little breezy. ]]> Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:34:15 +0100 2086-354 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hazel-grove-golf-club-200907292086/ With 2013 Centenary planning well on its way, the beautiful and well-appointed Alister MacKenzie parkland course at Hazel Grove Golf Club in Cheshire, is characterised by several natural water hazards. Add to these the planting of a further 6,500 trees to supplement the existing ones and you can understand why thoughtful course management is required by golfers of all levels. The course has a number of feature holes each presenting its own individual MacKenzie challenge. The par 5 third is as testing as any and ranks amongst the best in Cheshire, while the best of the par 3's is arguably the eleventh, both for its degree of difficulty and picturesque layout. Equally, the eighteenth finishing hole with its MacKenzie tiered green and backdrop of the chalet-style clubhouse ranks with the best on the course. With so many outstanding holes, it's hard to highlight any one as a 'signature' hole. However, the fifteenth, dominated by a large sweeping lake, which runs along the left hand edge of the fairway, and across the front and down the left of the green, must take the honour. At 285 yards, this par 4 represents the ultimate risk or reward hole. From the elevated tee the green always seems within reach with a well struck drive, but your mind is then further concentrated by the out of bounds which runs along the right edge of the fairway. The decision is yours - lay up, or take on the green? Golfers who enjoy and appreciate the challenge of MacKenzie Courses will love the welcome they get at Hazel Grove and we trust they will leave saying "Golf in Cheshire just doesn't get any better than this!" ]]> Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:46:21 +0100 760-353 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/parkstone-golf-course-20090729760/ In my Parkstone Golf Course Review I found this to be a very tight course and requires accurate driving. One of the highlights for me was the Layout and Design of the Course which had been done by Willie Park Jnr ]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:16:09 +0100 763-352 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/knighton-heath-golf-club-20090729763/ Golf Course Review for the Knighton Heath Golf Club One of Dorsets popular courses. ]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:13:25 +0100 758-351 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/broadstone-golf-club-20090729758/ Great course with loads of history, the greens are really good! ]]> Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:10:33 +0100 4327-350 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/remedy-oak-golf-course-201008224327/ In my golf course review of the Remedy Oak Golf Club I discovered this will be fantastic course when it matures and definitely deserves its position as on of the best in the South West. ]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:07:16 +0100 3025-349 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/canford-magna-riverside-golf-course-200907293025/ A bit shorter than the other course but a real pleasure to play still a good day out. ]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:41:05 +0100 3308-348 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/canford-magna-parkland-golf-course-200907293308/ In my Golf Course Review of the Canford Magna Parkland Golf Course I found a Great Local Dorset Course excellent for weekly Golf. ]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:37:10 +0100 1651-347 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/alnmouth-golf-course-200907291651/ Good test of Golf with good greens ]]> Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:08:30 +0100 3024-346 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ Members Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course concludes that this is a very enjoyable golf course. Tough when the wind blows . Warm Welcome and good value. ]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:41:05 +0100 3024-345 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ Member Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course Concludes it is a Great course, great people, great fun. ]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:38:48 +0100 3024-344 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ Another Member Review of The Ashley Wood Golf CourseBloody good fun! ]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:35:46 +0100 3024-343 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ Excellent Course just beware of the wind Member Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course ]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:32:39 +0100 3024-340 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ A tough course in the wind and a difficult hole to finish Member Golf Course Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course ]]> Sat, 21 Aug 2010 16:15:30 +0100 3024-339 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ This Golf Course is well worth playing the greens are in very good condition Member Golf Course Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course ]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:09:39 +0100 3024-338 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ I am a member of TAWGC the greens this year are the best they have been in 15 years Member Golf Course Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course ]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 08:06:18 +0100 3024-337 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/ashley-wood-golf-course-201008203024/ In my Golf Course Review of The Ashley Wood Golf Course is a really top Golf Course in the South West with fantastic greens and scenic views of the Dorset Hills. It is a favorite of many golfers who are planning a golf break to the South West. Just be careful of the wind as it blows a lot out on the course so if you are not a wind payer your are in for a good days golf. The course also has a full range of facilities including a well stocked pro shop and a fully catered 19th hole. ]]> Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:40:58 +0100 2935-334 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bearwood-lakes-golf-course-200907292935/ most enjoyable day. The course is one of the best that I have played this year - we played after a day of rain, so the greens were a little slower than expected - however in great condition!! ]]> Thu, 12 Aug 2010 12:02:30 +0100 1357-333 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/trent-park-public-golf-course-200907291357/ 5 and a half hours is too long for a round. ]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:22:34 +0100 1347-332 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/rickmansworth-golf-course-200907291347/ Tricky Ricky as it is know did not let its name down, a very good test of golf. ]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:16:50 +0100 1358-331 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/stanmore-golf-club-200907291358/ One of the enjoyable rounds of golf i've had in London , scenery is the best around. ]]> Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:10:49 +0100 3251-327 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/celtic-manor-the-montgomerie-200907293251/ the montgomerie wasnt as good as the Roman Road in my opinion however it is still a very good and challenging course. ]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:50:21 +0100 3060-326 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/saltford-golf-club-200907293060/ this course was interesting with the front 9 completely different to the back 9. the greens were also interesting and true. ]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:41:54 +0100 2974-325 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/china-fleet-golf-course-200907292974/ the course was fairly easy with one tough hole. was quite boring too and the par 3's were very short. ]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 19:36:10 +0100 2814-324 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/coombe-hill-golf-course-200907292814/ Coombe Hill is a private club with a small membership which does take societies. I rate it as one of the best in Surrey and I have played most of them including Wentworth and Sunningdale. It is quite hilly with most holes either being up or downhill. It is in magnificent condition. ]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:56:54 +0100 759-305 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ The Course was a lot better the second time round and although I still didn't like the first few holes I really enjoyed the later half of the course. When I played it the greens were much better and the putting surface was really true. The day I played the wind was really strong and the long par 5 was 9th was huge into the wind Driver, 2 Iron and a 6 Iron to get home. So this course can give a really challenging game when the wind blows with some really challenging holes. ]]> Fri, 23 Jul 2010 12:00:39 +0100 961-302 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/royal-county-down-golf-course-20090729961/ Excellent Golf Course and lives up to its reputation as one of the best Golf Courses in the United Kingdom. ]]> Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:48:11 +0100 615-281 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-dorset-golf-and-country-club-lakeland-course-20090729615/ A challenging Golf Course and one of the best in the area, maybe not as tight as some of the others but very long. ]]> Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:13:15 +0100 3309-280 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/meyrick-park-golf-club-200907293309/ Nice Golf Course nee to have more money spent on it. ]]> Sun, 18 Jul 2010 18:07:50 +0100 2935-274 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bearwood-lakes-golf-course-200907292935/ Bearwood Lakes is a must-play course in Surrey. I have been lucky enough to play there several times and I would be happy to play it all the time! ]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2010 08:19:49 +0100 2935-273 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bearwood-lakes-golf-course-200907292935/ When you drive through the rhododendrons that border the road leading to the club house there is a feeling of Augusta - or at least my perception of what Augusta must be like! Before we had even ventured onto the course we felt comfortable and at ease - such was the welcome when we entered the lounge overlooking the 1st, 7th, and 18th holes. The course did not disappoint either and despite the recent drought, was in wonderful condition. The fairways were quite firm, but we will return in the spring when we just know they are going to be lush! The course undulates without being hilly and each hole has something quite different to offer. We were particularly impressed with the 4 par threes and the stroke index one 7th hole leading up to the club house. In truth however, we could have picked any of the holes as a favourite, such was the quality and the diversity. The gentle and forgiving 1st hole gave the initial impression that this could be a course to post a decent score on, but by the time we had reached the 3rd hole we knew we were in for a challenge. The fairways are wide enough to open your shoulders, but if you are off line, then each hole is cleverly designed to effect a suitable punishment. All in all a great place to play golf in an area where there are many great courses. This is equally good or indeed better than most, but with much more realistic green fees and a welcome that frankly we have never experienced the like of before. ]]> Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:37:56 +0100 3309-271 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/meyrick-park-golf-club-200907293309/ The course has a lot of potential and some really fantastic holes, but it is unkept and it appears very untidy. None of the bunkers that I saw had been raked and they were filled with foot marks of Golfers and Dogs. The yardage marking on the course was poor to say the least and a lot of the hazard stakes were nocked over. As for the greens they were true but many of them appeared to be damaged as if they had been scarified. Although the course is fun to play and has some challenging holes it didn't appeal to me and I wasn't able to connect with it. ]]> Sun, 04 Jul 2010 18:42:36 +0100 3401-270 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/came-down-golf-club-200907293401/ Came Down Golf is not only steeped in history but is a fantastic modern competitive course. Although it is not on the coast it has the feeling of a links and the wind she blows. I especially liked playing the 2 par fives back to back one with the wind and one against. For the par 3 experts the 6 plays 231 yds into the prevailing wind so not to much chance of a 2 club. I agree with the locals that the approach to the 7th is the feature of the course and for me it was a low hit 3 iron into the wind. As the for the par 3's they are all challenging and most seemed to be into the prevailing wind. My favorite hole was Polly's pit which is the 17th named after the last pony to work on the course. The greens were very fast and tricky to read with pins placed on hidden slopes so a great challenge. Another great feature of the course are the bunkers that are thoughtfully placed and with great sand both in texture and depth. The maintenance of the course is excellent and on each Tee are containers for broken tee's as well as hand towels for club and ball cleaning. In general this is a well thought course with holes that appeal to all level of golfers. ]]> Sat, 03 Jul 2010 08:59:55 +0100 593-269 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/worcestershire-golf-course-20090729593/ Worcestershire Golf Club has one of the most impressive clubhouses it can be seen from many of the holes on the course not to mention the 18th. The course itself is very interesting as it has the characteristics of a mellow Parkland to a difficult Hilltop. The fist couple of holes are typical of the Mackenzie design of the time, then the course changes its character and becomes typical Parkland. Although the course seems easy and mundane it has many tricky driving holes especially from the competition tee's. The greens were hard but true and only deeply placed pins could be found due to the hardness caused by the hot weather. ]]> Mon, 28 Jun 2010 20:28:33 +0100 3377-268 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/coulsdon-manor-hotel-golf-course-200907293377/ The Coulsdon Manor golf club is a public golf course with loads of character set within Greater London. What I liked about the setup was that the course challenged all aspects of the game. I was later to find out that the course had been designed by H.S Colt who had designed Wentworth and over 300 others. The course has a fantastic atmosphere and sitting outside the Couldson Manor Hotel overlooking the 18th to enjoy a quite drink is pretty special. Returning to the course one of the characteristics of the course was it's ability to draw the player into the game as well as the history of the course. The greens were in great condition although a little slow, but this was to protect them against the heat of the week. The course has both club and competition tees for those who would like a little more if a challenge. The course is a classical Park Course with stunning oak trees on many of the holes. ]]> Sat, 26 Jun 2010 08:11:23 +0100 3308-267 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/canford-magna-parkland-golf-course-200907293308/ In my Golf Course Review of The Canford Magna Parkland Course is a top golf course in the South West and has great greens with some really good pin positions.The course also has a really difficult opening hole on the front nine which will test event the low handicappers. Watch out for the 18th on the way home as it could put an end to a great score. In addition the course offers great value for money and has a driving range for those who want to get a bit of practice in before hand.The Course is an ideal venue when planning a Golf Break to the South West. ]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:48:27 +0100 758-266 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/broadstone-golf-club-20090729758/ I found during my golf course review that the Broadstone Golf Course is probably one of the best courses in Dorset and a very challenging layout with fantastic greens. Getting back to the course is is very difficult and requires a lot of thinking not to mention accurate tee shots. The greens are quick and true so any well hit putts will find the back of the hole. So if you dont mind paying a bit extra for your golf experience and want a sharp test of your game this is the Broadstone Golf Course must be the course for you. ]]> Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:29:55 +0100 1001-263 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/royal-troon-gc-old-course-200907291001/ Awesome Course full of history. Excellent ]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:40:39 +0100 1001-262 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/royal-troon-gc-old-course-200907291001/ Royal Troon lives up to its great reputation as a fantastic links course with load of bunkers and awesome views. ]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:38:31 +0100 1007-261 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/turnberry-gc-ailsa-course-200907291007/ A great links golf course, well worth the visit. ]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:32:47 +0100 1007-260 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/turnberry-gc-ailsa-course-200907291007/ The best golf course I've played ]]> Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:29:47 +0100 3033-259 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/queens-park-gc-bournemouth-200907293033/ For my Queens Golf Club Golf Course Review I have been wanting to play the Queens Park Golf Course in the South West for the last couple of years since I have been hearing the stories of its history and heritage and that it used to be a top golf course. The course is a classical park golf course with forests of mature trees all around and ready to catch those errant tee shots.I found the course to be in really great condition and the greens were fantastic as they were both receptive and true. The course has some of the most intimidating driving holes and you can clearly see its old championship heritage. Even though the course may present a challenge to the higher handicapper there will be lots of chances to make pars on the great short holes which are all very fair and will reward good shots. The course is very up and down so expect to have lots of exercise and get used to playing shots into elevated greens. So if your are out for a great days golf at a reasonable price this course is for you and as far as I am concerned deserves it place as one of the top golf courses in the South West. ]]> Sun, 06 Jun 2010 16:04:44 +0100 773-257 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/palleg-golf-course-20090729773/ A great experience on a very enjoyable 18 hole parkland golf course. A very warm welcome from the pro shop, members and clubhouse, A must play when in south wales. A memorable day. ]]> Thu, 27 May 2010 18:46:50 +0100 3499-256 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/isle-of-purbeck-golf-club-purbeck-course-200911283499/ The Isle Of Purbeck Golf Club is one of the top golf courses in the South West and is really a good test of Golf and is best played without the wind, I think it has the best 4 par three's in the South West and is they will test your golfing ability to the max. With Great views of the Jurassic Coast the course is a definite when planning a Golf Break to the South West ]]> Tue, 25 May 2010 20:09:22 +0100 1007-255 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/turnberry-gc-ailsa-course-200907291007/ This course really live up tp its reputation as one of the Top 100 Course and was a privaledge to play. ]]> Tue, 25 May 2010 19:42:41 +0100 1001-254 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/royal-troon-gc-old-course-200907291001/ Great Golf Course with loads of history and tradition. ]]> Tue, 25 May 2010 19:37:43 +0100 3400-251 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/bulbury-woods-golf-course-200907293400/ In my Golf Course Review at Bulbury Woods I found Once again the course produced a really great afternoon of golf with a fair layout and very quick greens. The front nine carries 2 par fives which is a really nice opportunity for the long hitters to make some birdies. The nine also has 2 par 3's the second of which is the 7 th and called " The Folly " so you have been warned this is not an easy hole. The 9 th is a challenging par 5 as it is a possible score card wrecker with out of bounds all the way up the right hand side. The second nine is really great and it has loads of variety and it will test your accuracy even on its tight par 5. One of the best holes on the course is the 14th aptly called " Waters Edge " as there is water around the green waiting to capture in accurate second shots. The course was very neatly kept and the bunkers were well raked by the golfers. The course has blue posts which mark 150 yards to the center of the greens which is helpful when playing the course for the first time. ]]> Mon, 17 May 2010 07:44:00 +0100 759-250 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/wareham-golf-course-20090729759/ The Wareham Golf Course has two totally different nines in that you may as well be playing two different Golf Courses. The first couple of holes are all played in an around the clubhouse, which is very disconcerting as there is a lot of activity. The front protects itself with loads of heather and gorse and is a typical heathland Course forcing the golfer to hit straight. On the front nine there is the only par 5 on the course which off the back tees is huge into the the prevailing wind. The second nine is a lot more challenging and exciting but very exposed to the prevailing wind. The 12 th hole is definately the signature hole on the course and deserves its stroke of 1. The par 3's are very challenging and the vary between 140 to 170 yards so they test the long and the short irons. In general the course let itself down with really bad greens which were very inconsistent and carried loads of nap due to lack of cutting. The bunkers were stone filled and the golfers added to this by not raking them so anything in the bunker was in trouble. The general manicuring of the course could be summed up as untidy and although there was no litter around the course looked tatty and unkept. ]]> Mon, 17 May 2010 07:09:35 +0100 2605-249 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hamilton-golf-club-200907292605/ Great layout and brilliant day out. Course in good condition and staff really friendly. Definitely be back! ]]> Thu, 13 May 2010 10:40:13 +0100 2619-248 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/castle-park-golf-course-200907292619/ Follow signs, not sat nav post code as it can take you to a set of farm cottages instead. ]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 05:53:33 +0100 2460-247 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/carrick-golf-course-200907292460/ Tue, 27 Apr 2010 19:37:23 +0100 911-246 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/castletown-gc-20090729911/ Truly a great links course which i would recommend to anybody, from teeing off over somebodies glass conservatory to the 17th over the rocks and sea on 3 sides with a stiff breeze blowing its a sure test of nerves to keep a decent card. i visit there once a year and use this course to see if my golf has improved or not over the past year. P.S. take some spare balls with you. HCP 14.2 ]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:19:11 +0100 816-245 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/hawick-golf-club-20090729816/ The golf course runs up and over the top of Vertish Hill above Hawick. Thus the predominant characteristic of this course is its steepness. The view from the bottom is quite alarming as all you can see on the skyline is the 5th fairway disappearing upwards across the horizon! The course was in reasonable but not great condition, the greens were slow as the grass on them was quite thick (although not too long), but some were covered in leaves. The fairways cross each other at a couple of points making things confusing. A gale was blowing over the top of the hill making things rather tricky ona couple of holes. The clubhouse was nice and the staff helpful. This is not the best course around in our opinion, worth a visit if you can handle the steepness. ]]> Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:12:26 +0100 2810-244 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/chiddingfold-golf-club-200907292810/ This course used to be beautiful. My friends and I played it regularly and it was worth the drive to get there, but clearly it has fallen on hard times and the ownership seems to be doing very little to resolve it. They sold the clubhouse as a private residence, but I guess that the debts were already so big that there was no money left to spend, because clearly they haven't invested in the course in a VERY, VERY long time. The fairways hadn't been cut in forever. The greens look like they have been treated for moss or weeds, but no seed has been planted so they are very bare. The bunkers not only hadn't been raked in months, but they didn't actually have any rakes in them either. The 18th as mentioned is a work in progress but was supposed to be finished last summer, so there really is no excuse. The reason one of the other reviewers maybe thought that the greens had been used for chipping is that was likely the only way to get around the the mounds of dirt and rabbit holes that existed on pretty much every green. The owner needs to take a hard look at his thought processes. Instead of sitting in his new little clubhouse, maybe he should install an honesty box and ask people to pay what they feel it is worth, and be honest about the condition of the course when you make a reservation (which he wasn't despite saying he was when my buddy made the reservation). He could install a little cooler outside with an honesty box and a price list there, and even do the same in the club house for balls and stuff to make a bit of extra cash. That way he could actually be out on the course mowing the firways, tending the greens, etc instead of pracing around in his slacks and pringle sweater. It aint gonna fix itself, he is going to have to find a way to be more creative, but I fear he has simply thrown in the towel. I did hear he wants to lease it for 40,000GBP a year, but you will need many times that to invest in the repairs, maybe even close it for a season to give it recovery time. Maybe he should lease it for a buck, and let the new lessor rent for a couple of years free to rebuild. ]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2010 15:01:23 +0100 1688-193 http://www.rateyourcourse.co.uk/the-wychwood-golf-course-200907291688/ The Wychwood, despite being less than 20 years old, is a challenging parkland course that, due to continual investment, gets more so by the year. Most holes have their own features which means that players have to think their way round rather than just "blast away". The signature holes are the par-3 3rd, with a testing carry over the lake (of over 180 yards off the back tees) and bunkers both leaft, right and in front of the green. The 8th is a long par-4 which is heavily wooded down the right and with water in front of the green which often requires a laid-up 2nd to ensure reaching the green dry! The 10th is a long dog-leg par-4 on which the long hitters and the brave can take on the dog leg over the trees but which most will need to hit a good tee shot followed by a wood into the green. The Wychwood offers a very pleasant 19th, with great, well-priced food and a well-stocked bar with good real ales and a very friendly welcome. This welcome is echoed in the pro shop as well. All in all, a great day out amongst the beautiful Cotswolds countryside. ]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:16:26 +0000