Martin Brown

I found Three Rivers to be a well kept, scenic parkland course with few undulations, the exception being the hilly 13th par 5 which rises to give great views across the river Crouch estuary. On the day we played there was plentyfull evidence of ground staff undertaking maintenance and general up keep although their presence didn't hamper our progress. The greens were interesting and had been spiked very recently although only slightly adversely affected my putting. The Tees were the only down point for the course, most were either small, non flat or gouged but this seems to be the norm for a great many of my recently played south Essex courses. The fairways were very evenly grassed, not too short or long, just perfect for sweeping away a non hindered 5 iron or fairway hybrid. The non flat/blind holes had target poles truly situated for the perfect shot to be played. The bunkers were composed of lovely fluffy sand which made the escape from them easy, although very easy to deeply plug a towering short iron short, as I discovered. There are a few small water features doted around the course though most don't really come into play, although there's a larger one which protects the 3rd par 5 green should you try to enter the green for two shots. Overall I found this a peaceful enjoyable course to play with no backround noise of cars on the M25/A12/A127 that I usually hear when playing in Havering or screeching aero engines overhead trying to climb out City airport. The club house was vast and very welcoming, even being allowed into an area set aside purely for members to relax in thick leather sofas to down our refreshment. Our green fee for the day was a spectacular £15 as one of our members secured some vouchers, otherwise it would have cost £40. Definitely a course I'd want to return for another game, especially if it comes in at £15, happy days.

This was my first round at The Burstead and found the clubhouse and course to be inline with all the high praise that I'd heard of it, you know its the start of a good day when a big mug of tea and biccies comes in well under the £2 mark. The course was a challenge for my usual hit big style of play and so had to make adjustments. The course in its presentation was immaculate from tee to green, well worth a visit and would thoroughly enjoy a return.