This was my last post/last game for 2014 and I am glad I made the effort to organize this venue & braved the freezing elements as I have had Wycombe Heights on my list "to play" for a long time. Every Saturday there is a game posted, but I don't normally play at the weekends, it is my "rest" days.
As you drive to Wycombe Heights GC, you understand why it has such a name, it is perched on the highest point of the hills of Wycombe. Today 31.12.2014, the approach to the club looked magical, just like a delicate painting, clean, very fresh & pleasing to the eye, and golf was certainly challenging with the frozen fairways and greens........ but 5 brave TSGers had a great time.
A very nice design, very flowing, excellent signage to the next tee, with a "Tip" on each tee box of where to aim/where to exit the green etc... BRILLIANT idea that should help with the dreaded......S L O W P L A Y.
The views are very spectacular, the holes interesting, quite a few sloping lies, some blind holes, very good walk that will keep you fit but nothing as strenuous as Austin Lodge for golfers that knew this now "defunct" (I think) golf course.
Large, tiered, well laid out carpark.
Big Club house with decked terrace, must be a dream to seat there on a Summer post round drink. I sampled the coffee, very good but expensive. There was no hot food available after our round as kitchen staff were packing up early to get ready for their New Year's Eve parties!
Welcoming Proshop, with lots on offer, from clothings to golf equipment and today selling vast amounts of YELLOW golf balls, in fact they run out, I think Lee B. or Paul S. or Michael R. or David A. got the last packs...................some may have ended in the out of bounds though!
I enjoyed my 1st visit, the company, the fresh air, the views but did not play particularly well: I find it difficult to master the frozen fairways & greens. But I did Par 2 holes: 15th Short Par 4 and 18th Par 4, beautiful finishing hole.
All the holes are interesting, but will describe:
16th, a beautiful downhill Par 3, raised tee box giving that exhilarating feeling to get on & get a birdie or par or even Hole in One, all very possible. But the wind may ruin your chances as it is a very exposed part of the course. Exquisite view too.
18th, gorgeous finishing short Par 4, all downhill from a raised tee, looks a bit like a funnel to the green, but there is a flat bit of fairway before the first 3 large bunkers, then a further hidden slope with 2 more bunkers protecting the green sloping to the back. A treat if you get you tee shot right. I expect in the summer, birdies can be had.
The course was in good condition, but frosty fairways/greens/bunkers (I think in these conditions bunkers should be GUR, as one can damage one's wedge or wrist during a shot!!!).
The practice facilities are present with floodlit driving range, but I did not use them, there is a practice putting green by the Clubhouse.
There is also an 18 hole Par 3 course.
I shall return to this golf course, very easily accessible from the M40/M25, I shall never get bored as the scenery is pleasing, the welcome warm & friendly.
Wycombe Heights is part of a chain "BGL Golf", has good offers. It is worth getting a free Players Card, giving discounted rates.
THE END......
Date Thursday, 01, January 2015