This blog post explains how this page came about, but in substance, this is it: during my Captain’s year, I’ve decided to go on a little tour of the courses of Sussex (and beyond, work permitting) and play with a member wherever I go. I’m hoping they’ll tell me stories about their course and what they love about it. This way, I’ll see them in a completely different light from a regular visitor. So don’t expect critical reviews that will assess course condition, length and other technical aspects. My course reviews will be closer to love letters from the people who know them best. When I can’t play with a member, or when I play a match, I’ll answer a few basic questions. That’s what I did for the courses I played in Portugal a few weeks ago.
To see the review of each golf course, click on the flag, then on the link following “HLAP review” under “description”.
Dorset Golf and Country Club
Type of course? Parkland Pleasant staff? Everyone was very nice Best hole? The slight dogleg par 4 over the water, as you have to decide if you’re going to risk going over the water for your...
read moreStoke Park
Type of course? Perfect parkland Pleasant staff? Everyone was very lovely. Free mask when you enter the building! Best hole? The 16th par 4. It’s just magnificent, with the tee box next to a...
read moreWest Sussex Golf Club
Type of course? Heathland Pleasant staff? Very nice Best hole? 6th par 3. Oh the frisson of excitement as you decide to take on the lake. Après golf? Frites kindly donated by another competitor...
read moreHotchkin course @ Woodhall Spa
Type of course? Difficult big girl heathland course Pleasant staff? Very nice chatty starter Best hole? None stood out. They’re all great/horrible. Après golf? Quick drink outside before our...
read moreAppleby Golf Club
Type of course? North Pennines moorland Pleasant staff? Couldn’t have been more welcoming Best hole? The signature 15th par 3 is simply delightful. You have to hit over a beautiful babbling...
read moreBarnard Castle Golf Club
Type of course? Parkland Pleasant staff? We didn’t really deal with anyone – the electricity was off, so we were told to tee off whenever we could and the alarm was screaming as we...
read moreAshbourne Golf Club
Type of course? Downland/parkland Peak District-stylee Pleasant staff? Yes Best hole? I loved the SI 18 5th. It’s a short downhill par 4 with a dogleg left, so it’s all about picking the...
read moreChichester Golf Club – Cathedral course
Type of course? Parkland Pleasant staff? Very Best hole? The 5th par 5. It’s quite short at 439 yards, but there is water on both sides and the entrance to the green is extremely narrow, with...
read morePitlochry Golf Club
Type of course? I’m not saying it’s crazy hilly, but stick a couple of chairlifts on it and you have a decent ski resort. Pleasant staff? Really, really lovely and chatty. Best hole? The...
read moreGleneagles
Type of course? Legendary Pleasant staff? Jolly, jokey volunteers all delighted with their purple waterproofs. Best hole? We sat on the 16th on the last day, which is where the momentum turned for...
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