A beautiful setting for an established Members Club dating back from the 1920s on the edge of the Weald & South Downs, some public footpaths & walkers can be seen as one plays golf. Lots of changes since its begining have created a traditional English course with some testing Par 4s & 3s that demands accuracy rather than power. During WW II, some parts of the course were used as agricultural land but 10 holes remained in play. German POW were employed to restore the course between 1946 & 1948. A picturesque parkland course with somptuous matured trees lining the fairways, up & down. Everywhere you look, you see breathtaking scenery, the Autumn sun adding sparkle. A perfect day for golf....
The Fairways are lush, well kept, the rough quite wet & thick, so better not venture in there as it proves difficult to locate one's ball as some of us found out many times. Getting out of the rough was also difficult not just because of the thick/wet grass but the trees or bushes were in the way. Some fairways were tight. The Greens were in fairly good condition for the time of the year, their slopes had interest, pitching/chipping was challenging.
Sand bunkers: quite a few but most of them had decent sand, so escaping was not a problem.
Water: comes into play on 1 hole only, in a form of a pond, at the 8th, a pretty & challenging Par 5, dog leg left. The over eager or inaccurate golfer could be caught out as the pond is in a strategic place. There is a fantastic "red" tree on the RH of the fairway, lots of OOB as well, on the right or left & at the back of the Green.
HOLE 5, Short Par 4: gorgeous looking with views over the Weald. Downhill, sloping fairway & a tricky Green.
HOLE 7, Par 3, Uphill: another nice looking & appealing hole with a huge hollow & a bank to negotiate before reaching the Green.
At this point, the 14th Tee is just a few yards on the Left behind a tall hedge, one has to be aware of other golfers when playing either the 7th or the 14th, a bit of a nuisance though, but then there is a very picturesque & long walk to the 8th, mentioned earlier (the only water hole).
HOLE 17th, Par 3, Downhill: wonderful views of the South Downs from the Tee box, Green sloping heavily & a big bunker add interest.
Must mention our Team: ah, ah, ah !!!!
1. Kevin G. had the misfortune to break his 5 iron on one of the holes when negotiating a wayward shot from under a small tree, but on the 18th he was rewarded with a real Birdie, so he was happier man then. Well done.
2. Dave K. : our cool & calm "chevalier" had a great game.
3. S.P. found the rough more than once & was greatly punished. Am so glad that his Motorcaddy survived the 18 holes. My question is: were your wrists a little sore ????
4. I, plotting my way around this beautiful course & enjoying every minute of it.
Golf is a wonderful game and a true test of one's character.
The game was organised by Roger Akerman of the Pine Tree Society: a fine venue, excellent value with breakfast, lunch & prizes.
HALF WAY HUT: excellent "cuppa" + lots of other delights.
PROSHOP: 1st class, extremely smart with a large orange bench scattered with big contrasting cushions. Lots of goodies for Ladies/Gents. I acquired a smart, white waterproof pair of Footjoy shoes, so needed in the present condition. Course planners had run out but miraculously, a batch arrived at the last minute before our Tee time & the young Pro made a special delivery. Good investment for £4.00 if not owning at GPS or the like.
BAR/FOOD: excellent quality/service.
DINING ROOM: a lovely renovated old barn with apparent wooden beams & a large fireplace.
Large Car Park. Very good Practice facilities.
Very warm welcome from all working at the Club & from the Members too. It seems a very busy Club serving a wide range of Golfers from Seniors to Juniors, Ladies to Gents, seasoned or learners. etc...Would recommend playing the course & I would love to return in the late Spring or in the Summer.
A long review, but there were so many interesting things to tell, & I am sure it will tempt you or remind you of a lovely day on Thursday 15th November 2012.
Yes.... THE END.
Date Thursday, 22, November 2012
