Chiltern Forest Golf Club

Upon arrival, the car park is right next to the clubhouse with a grand view overlooking the two tiered 18th. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming, happy to point directions and offer tips. There are buggies and trolleys for hire, but only electric, however you'll see why when you get out on the course ;)

The course is situated in a lovely elevated woodland with narrow, hilly holes. It's quite picturesque and a great challenge for both your ball placement and your stamina (unless you're in a buggy of course). The downside is, it's quite tight between the holes, with several parallel, crossing fairways, blind holes and close proximity greens. So you need to take care and be mindful. It's also quite short, meaning you'll rarely hit your driver (I only used it on the 2nd and 12th). Greens and most fairways were decent but patchy in places, especially some tee boxes.

Practice-wise, it's not that great. There is a small putting green just outside the clubhouse, which has a wonderful view, and does get one excited about the course, but its size limits practice if busy. On your way to the first tee, there a tiny 'chipping green' with a bunker. The bunker is OK, but the green is very poor, just a cup stuck in a patch of half clipped grass. There are, however, 2 very nice warm up nets just adjacent.

Overall, I think it's a fun day out and worth a visit.

A lovely course with a reasonably priced green fee. It opens with simple par 4 that a 3 wood maybe too much...then the hills start! The 2nd is a stunning hole which goes down a valley and up the other side. The 1st, 5th, 10th and 15th are forgettable holes but the 2nd, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 17th and 18th are a good test. Those who tee off well will score well - but it's not all about hitting it miles. The course isn't longest but the danger and course management is key. The par 3 8th is like no other. It says 150 yards or so on the score card. I hit a 7 iron 165 and take my 5 wood normally (205 yards) - I am yet to hit the green, which sits on top of a hill. Many players who hit a low ball will die here! The hill is 150 foot I guess and steep....the green is probably a 10 yard square and anything left or right is lost. Other than that it's easy...you'll love it or hate it! Personally, I feel it only needs a windmill before the green to completely tick all the "crazy golf" boxes that it mimics, but a par still sees you skipping to the 9th tee box!