Review's of Chartham Park
Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
Pleasant & challenging course wtih lots of water features.....
Today, 20 Sept 2012, I had the privilege to join the Pine Tree Society run by Roger A., via the TSG website.
Chartham Park is a 30 years old parkland course, designed by Neil Coles, by no means flat, set within a Health & Fitness complex.
The numerous water features (ponds, lakes filled with carps, streams, fountains) are cleverly incorported into the design making the course a very challenging one, the lovely trees (some 200 years old) add to the challenge. The back nine have pretty heathlands. Some great views of the North Downs.
My experience & my favourite holes:
My round did not start too well, I lost a ball into the water (yes it is everywhere) on the 1st & 2nd hole, so my score was not too great on the front nine, but as I am not the one to give up easily, I managed a great recovery with a great score, on the 2nd nine & was rewarded by a prize of 3 shiny Srixon golf balls!
Hole 6th, Par 4: a raised Tee, to a short sloping fairway leading to semi-rough, up to an ascending green sloping somewhere, with well placed bunkers. Once you have negotiated this tough hole you can then admire the wonderful views of the North Downs & surrounding villages.
Hole 16th, Par 4, a dogleg Left, sloping fairway to the left & OOB, lake with fountain both on the Left & Right of the fairway. The green is across flowing stream that joins the 2 lakes. Trees on the other side of the bridge, & could be in your way... A very pretty & challenging hole .
Hole 17th, Par 3, another very interesting hole, across the water to a raised green with sand traps in all 4 corners. If the wind is present it will be a tough challenge as some of my group found out & ended up in the water, I was the only one that got across safely !
Course in great condition, so were the bunkers and the greens with many different ondulations. Well maintained & cared for. A pleasure to play.
A drink & a meal after the game, the prizes & farewell to everyone.
I took advantage of a special offer at the Heath/Fitness club & had the opportunity to use the pool/jacuzzi/steam room (all very pleasurable) & by doing this I missed all the rush hour traffic on the M25.
Th Pine Tree Society is very welcoming to TSGers, runs every 3rd Thursday of the month (except in December/January), has excellent venues & value for money, you can choose to have breakfast &/or lunch to suit your budget with your 18 holes.
Thank you all for making me feel so welcome. A very enjoyable day where I made acquaintance with more fellow TSGers: what a big family & still growing, so his my "List of Friends".....
THE END.... of this review, I promise.