Farthingstone Golf Club

Make sure your sat-nav is working, else you'll never find it! This course is in deepest Northamptonshire, but beware there are virtually no signs directing you there.

The entrance 'drive' is not the most welcoming, but that's probably down to farm vehicles using it. And as you approach the property you will glimpse the 5th green, at which point you will be forgiven for thinking 'what have I let myself in for', as it appears a touch scabby! The attached hotel appears to have seen better days and (on my visit) there were virtually no players/guests around.

Please don't let the preamble put you off, get on the course and play it - then make your own mind up, because it is a cracking course and we WILL be returning.

The tee boxes could do with a bit of TLC, but are in better condition than many clubs. The fairways are lush and almost have a carpet like feel on them (if you play on them of course). Bunkers have the perennial problem of inconsiderate players not raking them, but do have that elusive ingredient - SAND. And the greens - they run true, but some are quick, some are slow...but another player in your group will tell you the opposite (or is that because its the end of the day and one way is quick the other way is slow?)

You are going to get a real workout on this course - up, down, up, down...And keep to the correct side of the fairway as there are slopes you cannot see - read the stroke saver or, at least, the description on the teem sign.

The three of us that played will return, but never on (so far) the hottest day of the year!