Royal Cromer Golf Club

Royal Cromer GC is a 6,528 yards par 72 (off the whites), comprising 3 par 3s, 12 par 4s and 3 par 5s. The course is located between the towns of Cromer and Overstrand, in the North East corner of Norfolk. The course, at its highest point is 320 feet above Cromer's sandy beaches.

The course formally opened in January 1888, shortly after receiving Royal patronage on Christmas Day 1887. The course was designed by Tom Morris and later improvements made by J H Taylor and James Braid, followed by work by Frank Pennick. The course has been fashioned out of hummocky sandy hills covered with gorse and bracken and quarry valleys.

The course falls away from a raised clubhouse and meanders up and down through valleys until a gradual but steep climb up to the lighthouse adjacent to the 14th green, their signature hole. The par 3 13th and the par 4 14th are intimidating tee shots.

There are beautiful vista across the course to the North Sea; and from the 'high' par 3 17th tee box, you can see about 10 of the holes way down below.

The course is in incredible condition, not too many bunkers but strategically placed to collect my shots. There are numerous tee shots from high tee elevations but these are complimented by numerous uphill approaches to elevated greens. The greens were in beautiful condition, were reasonably undulating and fast. All of the low level greens were slightly elevated above fairway level for drainage reasons. However the consequence is that the greens are firm and it was very difficult for what appeared to be good approach shots to hold onto the greens. The 'expected vagaries' of links golf!

The one downside for me was that the impact of the uphill elevation changes caused my trolley battery to conk out after 16 holes. Not too much of a problem on this occasion though as the 17th and 18th holes were a level par 3 and downhill par 4 respectively. I've got to find a way to lighten the load of items carried in my golf bag!

Midweek visitor green fees are £65 per 18 holes or £75.00 per day. Norfolk County card rates are £37.50 (I presume the same for other County Cards). I played the course by entering their annual Seniors Open (Poppyland Trophy) Stableford Competition. The competition entry fee was £55, including coffee, 18 holes, a two course post match meal (fish and chips) and prizes. Wonderful VFM for a wonderful day.

The club is a very welcoming one, in terms of the organising members, playing members, catering staff and the club pro-shop professionals. This was a wonderful golfing experience, if a little hard on my tootsies, and I would recommend this as a must play if a VFM opportunity presents.

Given that there are numerous highly regarded courses in the area, ie Hunstanton, Sheringham, Royal West Norfolk, Swaffham, Kings Lynn etc, as well as Royal Cromer, I think this would form a wonderful basis for an itinary for a golf tour.