West Malling Golf Club

Nice an' easy....

So, having been to West Malling Golf Club numerous times, I was sure I had played both The Hurricane (Marky Mark's Annual Golf Day) and The Spitfire.

But despite playing both courses within a week of each other, I had absolutely no recollection of The Spitfire course (which I am reviewing here).

And how would I forget the behemoth of a golf hole, otherwise known as The Eiger!

Yep, a 332 yards, Par 4, 15th, that drops twenty feet from the tee and rises another sixty feet to the green.

Oh and I should mention, it's a blind second shot!

The rest of the course is parkland in layout and while the course undulates in many places, it's a pretty easy walk.

Whilst most fairways are open, there are a couple of narrow holes and some excellent little Par 3 to navigate, all reachable and fun to play.

In short, I like the course and with most greens true and manicured, it's in great condition. There was a couple of greens that could be better but nothing that would take away from a good days' golfing enjoyment.

Now, I should add there is always a nice relaxed and chilled atmosphere around the Clubhouse but I didn't know they also had a Pro shop the size of a small warehouse. Packed to the rafters of golfing goodies.

Needless to say, I look forward to going back and playing both courses again soon, and on spending more time in the Pro shop!

  

Nice lay out

Invited to a chairty day
First time I played West malling . Quite impressed
Two course I played the hurricane course which was testing tree lined and interesting
Only criticism i thought the greenz were a big slow and sandy
Would definitely go back staff really friendly and pro shop had plenty of stock to choose from
Would I be a member if I lived nearer...
Probably
7.5 out of 10

  

Poor condition

Played the spitfire course. It was a freebie so won't be too negative but still worthy of a honest review. Clubhouse and food superb, didn't use the practice facilities. Course in poor condition, lack of signage and lots of holes appeared to be shoe-horned in. At times, greens in very close proximity to each other and tee boxes. Shouting fore cannot be overused! Won't be back I'm afraid, big room for improvement. Green fee seems expensive for what's on offer. All very friendly in the clubhouse though.

  

Forgetable!

Hurricane Course - Tricky greens but not a very interesting short course, I'm told Spitfire course much better so like to give that a try.

  

Great course, played the Hurricane

Parkland type course in good condition, the Hurricane course is relatively flat, with a few testing 3 par holes.

  

Course in poor condition

Played as part of a society and was dissappointed with the course. Some interesting holes with water hazards and elevated greens/tees, but others rather featureless. The short par 3 3rd that plays accross the 2nd green is evidence that the course isnt particularly well laid out and feels like it was squash to fit the 18 holes in. The tees were fine and the fairways dry, however there was no distinction between fairway and rough and the greens were very poor. The greens that were in play were very bumpy and caused deviations in the speed and line of a putt that made putting very difficult and often frustrating. The temporary green was fairway that had not been cut in anyway and was poor.

  

Could be better

I played both course, the Spitfire and Hurricane, but I'm not sure I saw either course at its best.

The Hurricane is the shorter of the two courses, and tee shots are mainly positional rather than just hammering it as far as you can. You cross the road from holes 8 to 13, and here it's a little more open. There are some nice holes, but it's not a course I'd rush back to.

The Spitfire is the better of the two courses. It's a fair bit longer and there are some tough par 4's here, but they're a lot more interesting too. The par 4 14th (I think) requires a decent tee shot, and then is all uphill to a hidden green.

Both courses seem to be struggling to cope with the never ending winter though, and the greens are probably the worst ones I've played this year by far. Sanded and hollow tined, and a turf that frequently moved under your feet as you walked, it was almost impossible to guess which way the ball was going to hop after you'd putted it.

I imagine that in drier weather this is a decent day's golf though. The clubhouse is really nice and there are some great views to be had. With greens as iffy as the ones I've just played, I'm not sure I got full value for my day ticket.

  

Enjoyable struggle - shame about the wait

Excellent breakfast. Played the Spitfire course. A disappointing wait of 3/4 hour before we were able to tee off. Fortunately it wasn't cold or raining, but it was obvious that the members were not very happy and those of us who had paid green fees were worried if we would get in before daylight. Fortunately we did - just. Very challenging, but enjoyable round, and I would think you could plot your way to a decent score after a couple more practice rounds. It was hard going underfoot but that is to be expected at this time of year after the rainfall. Beware the 14th.....you will enjoy it if you are a mountaineer. Great Par 3 18th to finish, offering that final test. Ladies - don't drink too much before you go out, as you will have to wait until after 13th to leg it to the clubhouse. Clubhouse hospitality very friendly and inviting. Ladies changing rooms don't have lockers, which is always a disappointment.

  

Hurricane course in good condition...

Played the Hurricane course on Friday 4th April (the other course at West Malling is the Spitfire, which I don't like as much because there are too many blind shots). The Hurricane is a lovely parkland layout with plenty of room and every hole is different. The course was in great shape (maybe the greens needed a haircut), the cost was £25 (winter rates) and the weather was excellent. So all in all probably not a surprise that I rated it so high.