This is an update of my previous review, having played it recently.
The first thing you notice when entering, is the size of the car park and the number of cars, as this is a well used G & C Club, with facilities to die for... infinity pool, gym, saunas. steam room..the whole nine yards. Excellent friendly reception, and great dining facilities, with a hearty full english for under a fiver. I discovered acres of practice grounds, for pitching ...60-80 yds, with bunkers, separate chipping and putting areas, and a 270 yd driving range where you could actually play off the grass if so desired. A nine hole par 3 is also provided, so it is ideal for spending a day, with a par 3 to start followed by a lunch and the challenging par 71.
Set in the middle of beautiful Essex countryside, the tree lined fairways were beautifully mowed, clearly defined, and you always felt obliged to repair your divot. If your ball lands on the fairway, you will invariably have a good lie. The rough is fair and although punishing, you should not lose balls here. Tee mounds were flat, well maintained with all the furniture you would expect from a top rated course. Lots of fairway markers are provided. As for the greens, it was a delight to know that if you hit one of 'em, from distance even, it would hold...they were beautifully receptive, and it had not rained for weeks when I played. They were slick and true...remarkable considering the winter we have had.
Not an entirely flat course, there are lots of elevations, but easily negotiated with a push or pull cart, as I found out. These elevations added to the beauty of the course with lovely views down the sculpted fairways or far off Essex, making the whole experience very pleasurable indeed.
A river runs through the course and many lakes have been created making it not only picturesque, but challenging too, particularly when combined with well placed bunkers, but at least they are filled with powdered sand, so no excuse if you 'leave it in'.
Some holes will certainly leave an impression, and the closing 5 are some of the best you will find anywhere.
This is one of the finest courses I have played, clearly a lot of thought and effort has gone into making it so, and although it is a bit of a hike for me, I shall go back at every opportunity...particularly as they accept 2 for 1 vouchers and Open Fairways. Great value and a great course, I thoroughly recommend it.
Date Friday, 26, April 2013