A real gem with history, tradition & a connection with a French golf course (Pau in the Pyrenees, South West France). The course is on the large Onslow Estate with Clandon, Clandon Regis golf courses in the vicinity. The 8th hole run parallel to Clandon with mature trees as a natural border.
Born in 1886 as an original 6 holes, Guilford GC quickly progressed to a full 18 holes, incorporating another local Men's club and also allowing the Guildford Ladies to share their course. Some improvements were made by the famous pair J H Taylor/Hawtree with shorter holes and extra bunkers.
As you enter the well laid out car park, you know you are going to encounter typical Surrey downland and when on the 1st Tee, it is a "wow" that sets the scene. A truly stunning opening hole, raised tee, with a beautifully cut fairway narrowing as it rises to the elevated tiered green slightly dog-legged, with 2 large protective bunkers. OOB on the left with thick rough, mature trees, thick rough on the right too. Quite a short course but every hole is attractive, different from the previous, setting a challenge for every level of golfers as mostly sloping fairways, one way or another, little mounds here and there, small shapely bunkers, the sand is darkish but fluffy.
The greens are to be remembered, wonderful shapes & contours, superb quality and a pleasure to putt. Most holes are bordered by ancient, mature trees, some grass is left to grow wild between perfectly manicured tee boxes and fairways, can be a disadvantage is you are not a long hitter. The wildlife is encouraged in the rough which will hide your ball and if found pretty impossible to escape. My advice: always take a provisional should you land in the rough with your 1st Tee shot.
The Par 3s vary from just over 100 yards in length to just over 200 yards and as all Par 3s very well guarded and sloping. Only 2 par 5s from the Yellow but 5 from the Red, hence SSS 69 and 72 respectively. Some cleverly presented dog legs. No water comes into play, the natural slopes, mounds, mature trees and wild areas create the challenge.
Very well kept and presented, every hole has a "wow", either due to the natural landscape, the ancient trees, bushes, wild areas, the surrounding views are quite remarkable too. Take extra care when crossing the road to play the 6, 7 8 and 9th, traffic is very faaaassssst.
A very pleasant game, mixed 4 balls Matchplay with new Lady TSGer Sue M., Mike W. who had the luxury of his own charming Caddie, Andrew who is going to take up golf very soon. Thank you to our very own Smiffy who organised this venue at an excellent half price rate of £24.
Large, attractive traditional Clubhouse being repainted on the outside. Drinks reasonably prices, coffee excellent and friendly staff. Large terrace with lovely seating arrangements overlooking the putting green. Excellent practice facilities for chipping and bunkers that reflects the landscape of the course. Open driving range too.
Well stocked Proshop, lots of Ladies clothing, a warm welcome too. Course planner only £3.50 and useful for following the layout to the next hole as signage is not always apparent if you don't land on the green with your chip/pitch shot. Good facilities in the Ladies changing rooms.
A course that is very memorable and that I would like to play more often, so a recommendation to our Social Golfers members, I am sure you will enjoy the experience too. Will post some photos to tempt you. These obviously are my personal views.
THE END.....This was my 100th review!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another review coming up soon, actually 2, 3, 4 & 5 more to ponder...
Date Thursday, 19, June 2014