Review's of Chigwell Golf Club
Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
Visitors most Welcome
Chigwell is a members' club which used to be virtually impossible to play, unless you were invited by a member. Perhaps it is a sign of current times that rules have now been relaxed - visitors are very welcome and past requirements to show a handicap certificate no longer apply. The midweek green fee of £44 is on the high side, but my Open Faiways card was accepted without any problem, making this an excellent value round of golf, at a time when it seemed we had the course to ourselves. Staff here were all friendly - on the phone when I made the booking and also in the Pro shop.
I had not played here before but, on a hot sunny day and after so much rain for the past few weeks, I doubt the course has ever looked better. Great looking fairways were still quite soft, so not much run on the ball, but this is not a long course. Most holes are tree-lined, so if you're wide from the tee, you'll probably have to hit a low recovery shot to get back in play. If you do find the fairway, some holes have good uphill/downhill approaches (15th is memorable), but the sloping lies will make you think. The greens are quite small targets, but are very smooth and fast running.
The course is very attractive and surrounded by large properties which may be a distraction how ever you're playing!
Only one minor criticism - several holes have bushes/trees in front of the tee, which you have to hit over. This does not present too much problem but, being in full leaf and obviously growing fast this year, it is off-putting if you can't see the fairway you're aiming at - especially if you don't know the course.....some cutting back is required.
I shall look forward to playing at Chigwell again...