Royal Blackheath Golf Club

I had a brilliant day thanks to @Judy Lilley, glorious sunny weather and a course in great condition.
It was a pleasure to play Royal Blackheath in the company of Judy who guided me around, especially with my current wayward play!
All members i spoke to were very welcoming, the service is great and the 18th is a very good finishing hole.

The course was in very good condition and there are some very good looking holes. Standing on the 1st and looking down across the course gives you a lovely feeling of what challenges you face.

Thank you again Judy for a really good day and look forward to seeing you at Pedham in June!

This is my second visit. Last time it was good, this time it is in almost peak condition - just ready for the Club Championship.

The tees are immaculate. The fairways... I'd like to have a turf making machine as I could do with grass like that at home!(As good as carpet) Bunkers are really well sanded and looked after. The greens were running at 10.5 on the stimp, then it turned a little breezy - wow! Would say that as with most courses, players need to learn what a pitchmark repairer is.

Be good to play this course more regularly, but it's a long way from Luton!

I'd like an invite to next year's Open please!

2 holes with temp tees and greens, so obviously, not as enjoyable as it would undoubtedly have been had the work been completed. Re the repairs, the work is being carried out to an excellent level. The course was tranquil on a Monday afternoon, so with good company, it was a pleasant stroll around a seriously well designed course. I played off of the yellow tees, and good shots from the tee and fairway were rewarded, but bad shots will most definitely be punished, so great risk/reward shots available.
I didn't use the practice facilities, or the clubhouse, (as i did not bring the correct attire, my fault of course), but i cannot comment on what i haven't seen. But the staff in the pro shop were extremely pleasant and helpful, and I am sure the clubhouse will be as well designed as the course that it looks over so impressively.
the average marks were purely down to the works being done, so not a true reflection on what is undoubtedly a course you should play. I am definitely going back

First time I have played the course. Not too hilly beautiful setting. Suited my game, and helped by the weather had a great day. There was quite a bit of work going on with course improvements but this didn't spoil the enjoyment of the game. Greens were in great condition.

Look forward to playing next year when all the improvements have been completed

I was an appreciative guest of RBGC member and fellow TSGer Judy Lilley for my debut appearance at the course in late December 2013.

The course is beautifully laid out; with plenty of fairway bunkers to challenge ones driving and most holes have at least two greenside bunkers to avoid. On the day the greens were very receptive and true.

The wet and windy weather conditions encountered on the day greatly impacted our round; with soft fairways and greens; the course played longer than the yardages on the card. Low scoring proved difficult if your drives were not on the fairways. It was also unfruitful to attempt 'hail Mary' recovery shots from the rough when you find yourself in trouble off the tee; which I did on a few occasions.

The par 3 16th green proved problematic for me; do not miss the target on the right as the greenside bank shoots your ball into ditch trouble, hence a triple bogey!

Playing from the yellow tees most of the par 4s are under 400 yards so there is a goodish chance for the shorter hitters to reach the greens in regulation enhancing opportunities for birdies or pars.

The short par 4 18th hole will probably be an irrestible risk/reward challenge to the big hitting TSGers (you know who you are); I might even be tempted myself with a prevailing wind in firm conditions; then perhaps not!

I am looking forward to playing this course again in April.

Located just 9 miles from the centre of London, Royal Blackheath is possibly the oldest Golf Club in the world and is home to an impressive collection of golf memorabilia. I was fortunate to be invited to play here on a Corporate Golf Day.

The day included a putting masterclass by Pro, Matthew Johns, from The London Putting Academy which is based here. Various drills were explained, giving us all plenty to think about. The greens here are as good as any I've experienced before, so there will be no excuses for poor putting!

Over to the first tee where a camera is set up to record tee shots for a 'swing analysis' session later...no pressure then...! A new experience this, for me, but the advice I received later has since proved beneficial. Luckily, the opeing hole is a long, straight downhill par-4 with a very wide fairway!

The course is an interesting parkland layout, flat but well manicured. Very little water comes into play, so hazards are mostly bunkers which all looked good. Today I played some 'ugly' golf, but still didn't come close to losing a ball. The greens are testing, most having subtle borrows that I didn't find easy to read.

Although I don't remember any favourite 'stand-out' holes, I thoroughly enjoyed playing here. Thanks to all at Royal Blackheath GC for what was a very good day...I shall look forward to returning to better my score...

The course was in good condition, apart from some bunkers which were GUR due to be water logged. The course it's self does not seem to difficult, that said I made a pigs ear of playing it. I was invited to play here as a guest, which cost a bargain £25; however, I have rated the value as a 2, because I personally don't think it's worth £2k a year. I would gladly play here again, at the guest rate.

Today, 28th July 2012, is a memorable date, start of the Olympics & Guest Day at Royal Blackheath where some 80+ golfers attended. Yes, I am very lucky & returned to Royal Blackheath only 2 weeks after my 1st visit & came home (so did Jude) with a beautiful engraved crystal jug as Judy & I won the Ladies runner up prize on count back, I might add.

The format for the day was 4 balls: 2 members/2 guests, individual stableford, shot gun start. Our Team consisted of Judy "Miss BBC" (she knows all the news !), I ("Lady Lockwood", writer of "short" reviews), Dave K. (Member) and Steve G. (TSGer, new acquaintance, a cheerful character, very good golfer, and rather excited by his imminent holidays to France!). There was a very good entente between the 4 of us, right from the start, I suppose it was due to Judy's meticulous choice. Judy & Dave were very hospitable and once again I felt at home @ Royal Blackheath, The weather was superb despite some dubious forecast.

We had coffee & bacon roll (a little slow to be ready), before going to our Tee for an unhurried round, despite a sort of slightly hurried/confused start as there were 2 teams starting together on the 18th. Our Team went first.

We had a very pleasant round, following the Lady Captain's team, warm weather with a little wind at times, but certainly dry.

The fairways and the rough were extremely lush, due to the "summer weather 2012", it was sometimes difficult to battle out of the rough as the recent rain had made the grass extra thick, tHere was not a lot of run of the fairways either for the same reason.

The greens were in excellent condition & a pleasure to putt. My new friend "Spider Ghost" was brilliant & rewarded me a 20 or 30 ft putt!!! (Hole 14 ?).

Our group was nearly it 3 times by wayward balls, narrowly missing us if it was not the the loud "FORE", left, right etc... We later found out at the dining table that Judy's bridght red skirt/white outfit was the magnet & compliments were paid to her later. Judy is such a flirt and loves the attention, I think we are two of a kind in that respect.... As said earlier, the round was pleasant, unhurried, fun, we stopped twice at the half-way house for refreshments kindly offered by our hosts.

The round was followed by drinks on the sunny terrace before getting ready for our evening diner, Men had to wear shirt/tie/jacket and Women, smart dress or top & trousers. We had a superb carvery, followed by coffee & mints, the cheese never arrived ! Nine tables were set up & prettily decorated with name tags. We had table 9 or 6 depending the way you look at it or how much wine you had to drink.

Our table was in front of a huge fireplace where 3 opulent Father Christmas could have easily slid down the chimney simultaneously. Presentation of the trophies & photo taking.

After dinner, we (our group) had to look for "a mouse" (a resident in the dining room !), well a painted resident. One of the large painting (by Terence Cuneo 1965) on the wall of the dining room, represents the past Captains in Red jackets having a sumptuous dinner & amongst all the food displayed on the table, here is a tiny, tiny "little painted mouse", sort of climbing onto the fruit bowl. It was difficult to see & find the mouse with the evening lights & a few bottles of wine, but we eventually found it. A real attraction, very pretty, once you see it, it nearly looks real. The story behind it is that Terence Cuneo saw a little mouse when he was hard at his task & he decided to incorporate the mouse in the picture !!! So that is the story of the mouse.

There was another illustrious painting on another wall and it is worth mentioning: a portrait of Christian Hamilton Grey by Cohen, 1929. Grey bought a nearby house & estate (Barnehurst) & he had an 18 holes golf course (James Braid designed) built for his wife. The story is more of a tale, as the ,then private golf course, was for the Grey and their friends, the golf course still exists. (Judy please correct me, if not exact, etc).

I arrived early via M25/A20 (never, ever going thrgouh London again, see my previous review), returned late & despite the Olympic traffic, I had a very fast journey either way.

What a lovely day to remember & the Crystal trophy now on my mantel piece. Thanks Judy, Dave (wonderful hosts) & Steve.Some photos were posted on my album (yes,I did manage, dont know how, but I did)

THE END.....

It is going to be a long review as a day at Royal Blackheath is no ordinary golf day....

1st part: THE DAY/THE EXPERIENCE/THE DISCOVERY

2nd part: THE COURSE/THE PLAY & MORE

1. THE DAY / THE EXPERIENCE / THE DISCOVERY

I had an invite from Judy T (member of this club for 14 years), I was delighted to accept, despite the not too good weather predictions for Monday 16th July. The drive from Twickenham was hell (faulty traffic lights at Kew Bridge, road works all the way, and accident at Eltham roundabout with an overturned car!), it took me 2 hours to travel a 20 miles journey. I felt a little less stressed as Judy re-assured me that there was no timetable, so that eased my journey a little.

As I arrived at the Club situated opposite Eltham Palace, I drove down a red drive and it felt important just like walking on a red carpet. By the visitor's Car Park, there were huge marquees (could house my home 3 times) still in place from previous celebrations. The somptuous floral arangements from the parties are now displayed in the various elegant rooms of the Clubhouse.

Judy met me in the car park, we had a cuppa in the Members lounge overlooking the 18th green. Then Judy took me on a guided tour of the magnificient mansion. Large hallway which houses the wooden boards with all the Cups/Trophy winners etc... Judy's name seems to appear on a few of them, I believe that 2008 (the 400th anniversary of the Club, oldest club in England and possibly in the world) was Judy's year as she collected 8 Trophies!!! Large, airy, light rooms upstairs, I shall only name a few: the Captain's room (overlooking the putting/chipping practice green) where interviews take place for potential members, the Shea Room, stylish & cosy, now an office, and many more. The Library which houses all sort of golf memorabilia was not open. The large stairs take you down the other side of the clubhouse, like a U shape. Back downstairs where I saw what was once the Men's only Bar (dark & uninviting) but now open to Ladies, as we now share the same rights! Vive le 21st century... we went on to change ready for our golf game, weather not terribly promising. I shall describe the course and play in my 2nd part...

After the game, we changed to drier clothes, back to the Members lounge, met some other members, I shall mention June, a warm & interesting character (member of 40 years +, ex Lady Captain). June was playing with her I-Pad, we had a chat and I learnt some interesting tales.

Judy and I had a post round drink with plenty of time for a "girlie" chit/chat without forgetting the golf/TSGers, always a good subject to deliberate on.

Said goodbye and thanks Judy, finally left Royal Blackheath by 7pm: my journey back home via the A20/M25 J3, 40 miles longer, only took 1.05 minutes.... So was home before dark. A truly exceptional day despite the rain/drizzle/wind. Thanks a million Judy, a superb host!

2. THE COURSE/THE PLAY

Royal Blackheath course used to be on the Heath, it was subsequently amalgamated with Eltham Golf Club after the 1st World War, the Club kept the name of Royal Blackheath despite being in Eltham. There is a lot of history which one can read on the website but I want to say that I probably felt at home because of the Scottish origin (Scottish/French alliance) and at the same time, the true Britishness of the Club.

I went round the course with the expert guidance/advice of Judy. The course is parkland, flat, it may look easy but it is a challenging course with well placed deep bunkers, large mature trees in the trajectory of some Tee shots, nicely laid out, lovely secenery, lush fairways, well maintained by the Greenkeeper (whom we talked to) and his team, superb greens, very inviting but the adverse weather conditions did not help me much unfortunately.

Some very memorable holes & an attractive cross section where 7th/8th/9th/13th meet, with a Tea hut, seating area, nice colourful & scented shrubs, a water feature which can be seen from many holes and particulary the 18th. A very pretty wooden bridge by the 17th (will post a photo if I manage the technicalities).

Memorable holes : 13th/16th/17th/18th:

13th: Par 5, old red brick walls around the back with colourful plants, shrubbery around the Tee, shot over water, one of my favourite hole.

16th: Par 3, Tee shot across a ditch a large tree in trajectory. 2 large/deep bunkers either side of the green

17th: Par 5, a natural pond on the side of the Tee box, a wooden bridge on the left on the adjacent woodland. This hole has a very interesting approach to the green, something I have never come across before, from the distance it looks like a mound. There is a large bunker the width of the green, a tall/thick wood hedge between the bunker and the green. A nice challenge as you approach the green, maybe more exciting than water as one cannot see the green !
A favourite as well.

18: Par 4, slight left dog leg, a carefully plan Tee shot is required as the fairway slopes Left to Right, with 3 deep strategically placed bunkers on the left. The green cannot be seen from the fairway, as on the previous hole there is a thick wood hedge guarding the approach, & 2 more sand bunkers either side of the green.
Another favourite.

As we arrived at the 18th, we saw a team of "Artisans" starting at hole No.1: nice perks of the job!!! but I believe they pay a small membership.

The 18th green is really beautiful. When seen from the Members lounge (through the 3 tall/low sash windows with wooden shutters) it looks like a brand new green carpet. Nice challenging finishing hole.

Friendly Pro shop, well stocked. Well established members, friendly & welcoming. Nice Ladies changing rooms with dark pink lockers.

A very smart traditional club to belong to if you can afford it, but it opens its door to Visitors and for around £40.00 p.p. a Society day can be arranged, including coffee/tea + bacon roll, 18 holes & lunch. So if anyone should be interested, a game could be posted and you would get a chance to appreciate Royal Blackheath with your own eyes. The above was my own picture & perception of the place.

THE END...... I promise!

I am a member. The course is in fantastic condition due to the hard work of the greenkeepers over the past couple of years. There are no temporaries. There is some work taking place on the course - GUR bunkers at 3rd (Stroke Index 1) and on the 5th (Railway) which makes this a harder hole to negotiate, but bring it on! Green fees can play with a member for £25 (up to 3 per member). Green fees without a member pay £40.00 Well worth a visit. I will be posting games whenever possible, otherwise book a date to play. Let me know what you think. Judy