First of all I would like to mention that Pinner Hill is a recent addition to the TSG preferred courses, and what a lovely choice.
Today I took part in the Ladies Open @ Pinner Hill (game posted on the TSG), I joined 2 golfing partners from my previous club (Silvermere).
Impressive entrance, via private roads, to a Grade II listed building which is the Clubhouse. Huge car parking facilities in front of the Clubhouse, or on the side where some members have their own private spaces.
A very warm welcome by Ladies & Gents club members who made our day very special, even if my own score was not in the highest, but it was a team effort (the 3 of us won the best back nine, giving us a John Lewis voucher of a certain amount).
And now to the golf course: certainly a tough test, specially so for a 1st visit under one of the warmest day so far. The course is ancient, dating back from 1927 (J H Taylor design) in a mature parkland & woodlands on the hill of Pinner, a haven of peace like I have never seen before, wonderful views of London (12 miles away) with its famous landmarks: Wembley, BT Tower, the Shard and many more, maybe the Thames Estuary & the North Downs....
A tough test as it is sloping, ondulating, (and today very dry fairways, and slow greens) a few blind shots, water comes into play more so in the back 9, the toughest of the two loops, as one can start @ the 1st or the 10th to speed up play.
The course is vast, (Par 74, SSS 73 from the Red Tees) one hardly sees housing, only a few "posh" ones on occasion. Lots of mature trees, part of a forest that provides welcome shade from one hole to the next. Not one hole resembles the other, a total variety so the game is always catching your imagination, making you work hard as what to do next.
Lots of bunkers, but today the sand was very compacted due to the recent dry weather, I managed the challenge a few times. For us Ladies, some short Par 4s and long Par 3s. I shall describe just 2 of my favourites holes:
17th, Par 3, (222yards/Red), raised Tee box (6 steps to climb) with a mirror to see the green as it is really a blind shot, a sloping left fairway, a big post with a yellow beacon at the back of the green which serves as a guide post. A very nice hole to play, got a Par (very nearly a Birdie !).
18th, short Par 5 (358 yards/Red), slight dog led left, a huge ditch/pond with raised bank to negotiate some 245 yards from the green, with wonderful views of London (behind you this time) and of the beautiful Clubhouse by the green, well guarded by big bunkers on either side.
A very challenging course which should be even more enjoyable on subsequent visits.
Friendly, but small Proshop, no Ladies clothing, an adjacent Club fitting workshop.
Nice chipping area, putting green and 2 nets to warm up prior to the round.
Ladies changing rooms upstairs, very well provided.
The Bar is fairly large, lots of outside seating areas, looking onto the 9th & 18th greens and London in the distance.
Two stunning dining rooms, spacious, lots of light provided by the large Georgian windows, huge fireplace.
The Clubhouse used to be a private residence, has got a "happy" feel, Feng shui.
Very friendly members and today they played Car Park attendants, ball spotters, course marshalls, bunker rakers, cool drink servers, changing rooms guardians etc., etc.,wonderful hosts to a Ladies Open day.
I wonder what I forgot to mention: ah, yes, the heat: it was a very hot day... 32 or more degrees C. Saw a few dragonflies & colourful butterflies. Plus, I noticed an unusual pole stick/flagstick at the 9th hole (Par 3), it has got measurements from bottom to top, very useful to accurately measure "Nearest the Pin".
Did not have time to take any photos. Will return. Watch out for my posting.
Well done & thank you TSG team for including this course on the preferred list.
THE END..................if you got that far (as for me, off to bed for my beauty sleep, it's nearly midnight).
Date Tuesday, 16, July 2013
