Ilford Golf Club

Well disguised amidst the residential area, Ilford is a course worth finding. There have been some changes made, primarily reorganising the existing holes - changing the sequence for no apparent reason, however the changes do not detract from what is a pleasant course (in the dry season). There is limited scope for parking - so plan to arrive early to get a space near the crossovere bridge (yes you still have to cross over the North Circular road to get to the first tee. Course is well kept, generally, but work continues. I quite enjoyed the new layout, it seemed to make some sense and the day was good enough. Locals are welcoming, however the clubhouse wasn't open early on a saturday morning (so plan breakfast before arriving).

Practice green is a fair reflection of actual greens, and there are a few places where greens and tees are close - so caution is recommended from time to time.

Weekend prices seemed to have been increased from the previous regime - so it is less value for money than before - but just about the going rate for the weekend.

Post round bar and cafe facilities were good, friendly and helpful staff.. in a well appointed bar area.

All in all, a good day out but be prepared for increase in price and late opening of care/bar facilities. Pro shop is small but has enough to keep your attention (not a lot for the Ladies though).

Course was re-modelled after M11 went close so there are some tees close to greens and it pays the keep an eye on your surroundings. Keep on the straight and narrow and you can avoid some hazards. Tree-lined and quite a lot of blind holes make this a good test of golf skills.

Food and welcome at the clubhouse is splendid once you have found your way into the club parking is a bit spread out and could be limited on a busy day.

I've played better course but for some reason I loved the set up it is challenging so it's a must hit straight course a par 68 the longest hole being a par 5 504 yards with a par 3 at 211 . I will certainly go back one day
Great food also all in all we had a great time .

cosidering a heavy shower just before we teed off the coarse was in good condition greens excellent just a few puddles on the fairways but otherwise realy enjoyable afternoons golf

As you pull into the golf club in the middle of a housing estate, first impressions are not very good. Once you have paid and head across the bridge, it hardly seems possible it's the same place.

The course itself is interesting and quirky. A 211 yard par 3 takes quite a hit to get up to the green (or in my case left of the green!). There are also a couple of par 4's around 250 yards. I found the course set up very thoughtful and certainly not a course where you stand on the tee and automatically pull out the big stick.

It was obvious that lots of care and attention are given to the greens and fairways and given the amount of rain we've had this week (and all day on the day of the round) I was expecting far more standing water and some greens were even firm still.

Navigating from hole to hole was sometimes a challenge and I can imagine during busy periods almost needing a crash helmet as some routes from green to tee do involve crossing through other holes.

This round was played using a Groupon voucher so 18 holes for two people cost £15. The rack rate fora weekday is £18.00 and weekend £24.00. In my opinion it's easily worth either of those, but if the chance arises for a Groupon voucher, it's an absolute must!

As you turn up to this course you cant help but think what the hell you've let yourself in for. The Bar looks like a house on a row of a busy street. But dont let this fool you. There is parking round the back of a row of houses and the pro shop is in what looks like a little cabin, however is quite big and well stocked.

Even before you get to the course you have to go over a bridge and cross the A406 but what greets you the other side is like something from a different world.

Surrounded by the motorway and tall buildings you'll soon forget about whats around you and concentrate on what is a small, compact but wonderful test of golf.

Small greens, tight fairways lay ahead with short par 4's making you want to give it a bash but beware the bunkers and long rough, anything not straight will get punished.

The greens themselves are in great condition too. Seem to be well looked after.

In places it may be difficult to find your way around from green to tee and 2 or 3 holes have blind shots, either off the tee or onto the green, but id love to go back at some point and give it another crack.

All in all a good day out.

Very good course, short (5091yds)and relatively flat, punishing to those who are not accurate off the tee (most fairways separated by near impenetrable trees).

Groundstaff do a good job of maintaining the course and pin positions are changed near-daily.

No driving range and small practice putting green.

Current membership (unlimited) at £695 make it great value £20 weekend and £15 weekdays.

Clubhouse has usual bar as well as restaurant (be advised etiquette is followed, so no golf shoes or hats can be worn in clubhouse)