Review's of West Malling Golf Club
Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
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!
Clubhouse/Hospitality
Quality of Course
Practice Facilities
Value for Money
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.