Type of course? Heathland.
Pleasant staff? Yes.
Best hole? Holes 2 to 9 follow valleys formed when glaciers retreated at the end of the last Ice Age and the setting is just magnificent, but hole 12 has a great sunken green that makes for an interesting approach shot (I messed it up). Also, cunning is required with your tee shot as a messy bank that looks miles away actually comes into play, as I found out.
Après golf? Excellent lunch. I wish I’d had the Daim cake.
Nice round? Wonderful. The surroundings are beautiful, with pine trees and purple heather starting to come out and the course is just gorgeous and interesting. No wonder Peter Allis (he’s famous in golf, apparently) has chosen it as his home course. And we were lucky enough to be paired up with two lovely ladies who gave us a nice little golf lesson on their way to becoming the day’s champions.
Special memory? Winning the straightest drive on the 18th (see below) with my only straight drive of the day.
Must play again? The Hindhead Open is the latest entry on my “bestest Opens EVER” list, so yes.
First hole, first bunker
Yes, I would love to drive into this Ice Age valley
More Hindhead gorgeousness – 8th hole
Look! I won the straightest drive with a slightly scuffy shot!
They’ve even got their branding right