Hoebridge GC is not even 40 years old, but mature and inviting. Part of the Burhill Golf & Leisure, in a vast estate with established woodlands & adjacent farmland. The course is long, very long but very attractively laid out.
A course I played many years ago, before my time with TSG, so I never wrote a review. In fact I did not remember much about it apart that is was located on the "Old Woking Road", near Pyrford, Traditions, West Byfleet & New Zealand GC.
Hoebridge is a golf centre in fact, as it offers attractions to family (a Pirate Pitch & Putt), a short Academy course and a Par 3 I think. So well geared to the need of the 21st century. It also has a Gym/Spa housed in the large Clubhouse, with several areas for food an drinks. Breakfast is superb, it is well worth arriving a little early to sample the food on offer. I recommend the poached eggs on brown toast. I was also tempted by the Lemon & Poppy seeds muffins (I bought three to take home)....
Back to the technical stuff:
Hoebridge guarantees no temporary Tees or Greens,but today the Greens would have been better avoided as they were extremely wet, spongy & bubbly with lots of pitch & spike marks, the ball got deeply plugged several times.
The fairways were fine & very playable, the fairly numerous bunkers had nice sand , only a few had standing water. The rough was quite tough, today at times the wind rose and did defect the ball flight.
A great variety of holes, some with wide open fairways to very tight approach on uphill reach. Five (Six for the Red) Par 5s, very attractive Par 3s. A pleasant & flowing layout, easy to find next tee, apart from 9th which could easily be confused with the 12th for someone playing the course for the 1st time..... It did happen to my Group many years ago and we were quickly marched off by a fairly ferocious member...... Interesting dog legs, some blind holes with guiding post, some inclines will keep your muscles toned. The finish of the first nine takes you back to the Clubhouse, very useful for a quick toilet stop.
The scenery is very attractive, peaceful too, with lots of wildlife due to the careful management of the woodlands & the course itself with a lot of care for the ecology and conservation. The modern Greenkeeper has a lot more work these days than just keeping the grass short... I think at Hoebridge, they have succeeded in providing a great balance on all the above.
The Driving range is excellent, with targets and markers. Gary H. kindly shared his basket with me. The spongy putting green was a true reflection of today's real greens.
The Proshop is huge, extremely well stocked whether golf accessories or clothing (Men/Ladies). Today there was a sale & bargains to be had......
Good cloackrooms/changing rooms with modern appeal.
Very large car park with an equally big overflow.
I believe there is a thriving membership & lots of attractive joining offers to tempt all.
The last day of 2015 was an incredibly warm & sunny day, very pleasant for our two 4 balls organised by David H. Thanks for that. Unfortunately my Team (David & I) lost our Matchplay against Paul S. & "bandit" Daniel J., they did deserve to win, they both played very well.
A course I shall return to play, soon but when less rain around to truly enjoy the greens approach & the putting.
THE END.......
Date Sunday, 03, January 2016