Alresford Golf Club

Alresford is an inviting & very well maintained, private Members club where Visitors receive a warm welcome...

This is a downland course built on chalk, dating back 1890, one part is newer from acquired farmland but it all blends in and is very mature.There are several blind holes where watch towers (1st & 17th) and mirror perched on a very tall post (17th) to help you spot the ball! The course is under 6000 yards from Yellows SSS 68 and under 5500 yards from the Red SSS 72 but certainly, offers a varied challenge to all level of golfers.

Every hole is attractive, one can see farmland, woodland, hills, nearby villages perched on one side. There a special feature on the course: an area with a state of the art electrified fence keeping a large flock of sheep, that is between holes 4, 5 and 6th. One can spot wildlife too: deer, kestrels and other birds. A real retreat from the busy west London suburbs where I come from. You will find a Toilet by the 6th hole which is the furthest point away from the Clubhouse.

It was my 1st visit to Alresford on Sunday 22nd Oct 2017, we were very lucky to get an early Tee of 9.30am & a privileged £30 Green fee thanks to a recommendation from one of their Members, Richard P., Our 3 TSG teams were blessed with a superb sunny weather albeit a little windy due to the remainder of "Brian". The quality of the course is apparent from Tee boxes to fairways, to fantastic greens (condition, shapes and firmness). Some greens had been recently hollowed but it did not impair our game at all.

The bunkers had sand that was a bit compacted, again due to "Brian" but I managed superbly on the three I visited!!!!! The rough was very punishing but the fairways were wide enough to avoid the rough and the woods.....

The layout may be a little unusual in some places, but well signposted, make sure you do not necessarily walk to the nearest Tee box (ie. from 6th to 7th, one needs to cross the woodland path).

I shall only describe one hole: The 17th "Bolton's Folly", the longest hole on the course...

A stunning triple dogleg Par 5, 523/511/471 yards respectively, a watchtower & very big mirror to spot the ball as the hole goes downhill left, then right still downhill, and finally up to the green left. The most scenic hole with 360 degrees view of the nearby countryside, farmland & golf course. There is a hidden little dip just before the green and 2 bunkers to guard the green. There are a few footpaths crossing certain fairways but the sign is in place to warm you etc..

Practice area: there is a net, a putting green before the 1st hole, a short chipping, pitching area & an open-air driving range too. Very charming & modern Ladies changing rooms. I believe the Ladies section has over 150 members.... There is an active Junior section too, and of course Mens & Senior sections too. Warm welcome in a well-stocked Pro shop. Barry was most helpful in dealing with our 10 respective players.

Friendly Clubhouse where members are approachable/chatty/smiling. Food available but breakfast starts after 9.30/10.00am. Nice coffee available from a machine for £1.40. One can order food/drinks from the 8th Tee for collection after the 9th hole. There is a wooden table/seat to enjoy your freshly cooked snack before starting the 10th, short Par 3. Large well laid out Car Park. Easy access from M3 J9, but watch the SATNAV! (Travel through Alresford, up & down a hill, past a railway bridge & you will find the golf course on your left....). A memorable day on a beautiful golf course, traditional, but welcoming, it feels alive.

Not sure if I shall get another bargain of £30 with an early tee on a Sunday morning, but working on it, thanks to Richard P.'s help....Watch this space.

THE END...

Alresford GC is a par 69 parkland course in New Alresford, Hampshire; approximately 90 minutes drive down the A3/A31 from South West London.

I played the course during the club's annual Seniors Open Stableford Competition off the white competition tees.

The course was beautifully laid out with many challenges off the tees; fairway and greenside bunkering and doglegs etc. The greens were in magnificent condition, ie firm; close cut; true lines and fast; probably the best greens I have encountered on an inland parkland course in England.

The par 3s were challenging and the par 4s indexes 1-4 were all between 420 and 460 yards.

I would recommend this course highly to anyone looking for possible new venues for their societies to consider.