Judy Lilley

Upon arrival at South Essex Golf Club, passing the Bowls Club, you feel like you are arriving at an industrial site and the clubhouse is not very enticing. Parking is generous and not too far to walk to the first tee. The ladies locker room is pokey and uninspiring, with no locker facilities. Considering there are shower facilities, I was surprised that the entrance door to the ladies room does not lock.

The best part of the breakfast was the bacon. The egg was overcooked, sausage undercooked and bread and butter served instead of toast. Tea and coffee was self serve with stewed water in flasks. No spoons provided, only wooden sticks. Very disappointing.

Onto the course and the complete opposite to the above write-up and totally made up for everything. It is visually inspiring and each hole offers its' own challenge and surprises. Most of the greens were a little tardy and slow, but this did not spoil the round. The red tees were mainly close to the yellows, which made for a sociable round when playing mixed. I really enjoyed the dog legs and some playing over water and ditches which really makes you course manage. The 18th brings you towards the clubhouse and a chance to hole the last putt for a glory point in front of a crowd.

I would definitely go back to play this course again and the hospitality in the clubhouse at the end of our round with friendly service helped make up for the disappointment at the beginning of the day.

Book a tee time and play this track. It's a great day out.

Croham Hurst is situated just off a main road, offering an opportunity to escape from city life.

The clubhouse is tired, but currently undergoing refurbishment. There are delightful facilities in the ladies changing room to mask the current upgrade.

Arrive early and enjoy breakfast served on the terrace overlooking 1st, 11th and practice facilities. The view is amazing and hospitality welcoming.

Nice touch on 1st was a boarded notice to close the tee for our match. Other clubs should take note.

The course itself is spectacular and each hole offers wonderful views. Bunker positions are challenging. Think twice about your club selection.

Highlights are the pretty 4th, 5th & 6th - short, but quirky. Think three times about your club selection.

Every time I approached another tee, I was greeted with another stunning view and challenge.

This course is indeed a jewel in Croydon. Book a tee time.

I played West Kent today in a league match.

Upon arrival, parking signage is very clearly marked and a short walk for the visitors.

The clubhouse is beautifully situated high up and overlooking the 18th fairway and green and the views are amazing. The clubhouse staff and members greeted up with warm hospitality.

The ladies facilities are spacious and provide visitors lockers at no charge.

And so to the course. The 1st is an elevated tee leading to a short par 4. A little test for starters. There followed 17 very different challenges, with interesting layout and every approach to the green giving you something to think about.

Par 3's are exciting and you need to be a long and accurate hitter.

This is a course for both the long hitter and you need a sharp short game. The greens are fantastic.

Special thanks to the 3 ball chaps who let through the 5 matches with no complaints. A rarity from a members club.

If you get a chance to play West Kent - go for it. I loved it.

I always enjoy playing Pedham, rain or shine - and have played in both. Today was embracing the ferocious 40mph gales and believe me - the elements were the winners today.

Greens were disappointing today. The grass looked lovely, but it really was like putting on sandpaper.

Ladies 8th tee needs to be repositioned on the same area as the yellows and whites as from there, you get a straight drive and can see the flag. Get to the reds and you are faced with a dog leg left and no sign of the flag.

Just a little pointer Pedham - get the DIY man in and please put a door on 1 of the 2 ladies toilets.....I first visited Pedham in February 2012 and it was like that then! Secondly, it would be great if a socket could be put in the ladies changing room so we can plug in our hairdryers/tongs etc.

What a sweet clubhouse and such a warm and friendly welcome.

The ladies changing room is just large enough to swing a cat in, but it has been thoughtfully decked out and the membership have made the best of the tiny facilities. There are visitors lockers which was a pleasant surprise

And then there was the course.

Not the best day for my inauguration game, as my experience was trudging through a bog and swamp. If the membership and greenkeepers cared about their course, it would have been closed. Regardless of how much all clubs need their green fees and we golfers love to get out, as soon as I played the first hole I am sorry to report that this course should not have been open under any circumstances.

Much of the course could have served as a rice field.
3 of the greens had serious tracks and heavy footprint damage. All the greens were like sponges.

My comments serve only as constructive feedback as someone who genuinely cares and hope that the greenkeepers will make the right decision for the course and close it until it has recovered from this recent ghastly weather. Lost green fees - yes - but not worth destroying your course for and what is obviously a very popular place to play.

The course planners may also be colour blind, as all the red tees are a significant distance back from the yellows. I checked the score card expecting to see many of the holes marked as par 5s to the mens par 4s but perplexed to find the pars were exactly the same. This did not make sense and a fellow TSGer and frequent visitor to the course suggested a sensible compromise. Next time the guys play from the whites and the ladies play from the yellows.

Anyone reading this may be surprised to hear that I will be back, as I believe this is obviously a quirky course to test the short game, but I will be patient and book my next visit when the course has fully recovered from the winter misery.

Before you arrive at Wentworth you cannot feel anything but excitement and the clubhouse and course do not disappoint.

From the moment you drive through the palacial gates and along the driveway you are then rewarded with a most beautiful clubhouse that is Wentworth.

Parking is easy and signage excellent.

You will receive a warm greeting at the entrance of the clubhouse by course marshalls and bear left to the pro shop where again, you are given a warm welcome.

Nice touch on entrance is the shoe locker hatch. Every member has their name engraved where their shoes are stored.

The ladies changing room is wall to wall wooden lockers, with a settee area in the centre facing a television and an office area in the corner. Visitors lockers are available for a returnable £1. The shower area supplies free towels and Molton Brown toiletries.

Prior to our round, I was served tea from a silver pot in front of a log fire in the beautiful lounge area, where you can view large glass cabinets showing off the famous major trophies. You truly appreciate just how large they are! Corridors leading to this room are adorned by putters donated by famous professionals. Pure class and truly awesome.

We played the Edinburgh Course which many say is their preference to the West. You are greeted by the friendly course marshall and provided with complimentary logo pencil, ball marker and pitch repairer and guided to the 1st Tee.

It was a quiet day which meant we could truly enjoy the course, view and conditions. This is a course where sensible plotting will reward you with a good score. The greens were slightly woolly, which meant my first putt was punished, as my expectation was I would be putting on an ice rink. This was Wentworth after all, but this was only a minor disappointment. Lesson learned - move on.

The course is stunning, a joy to play and I would recommend anyone who gets the chance to play it to snap it up; book a day off if you can. You will enjoy it.

The 19th hole is casual and inviting with a choice of a decadent menu or simple snack. Crisps and peanuts are complimentary; an added bonus.

Wentworth is a real Red Letter Day experience and more than well worth the visit. I look forward to the next time.

The road leading you to Woodlands Manor is an excellent clue as to how it got its' name. A warm welcome awaits you upon arrival and the small clubhouse is in a beautiful setting. The practice facilities are beyond the outdoor seating area which on the plus side means that players don't have to worry about keeping the noise down, but it is disappointing not to see fellow golfers shots as they return to the clubhouse. The ladies changing rooms are a delight. You pay a £10.00 returnable deposit for a locker key and the facilities are excellent. Towels have the Woodlands Manor logo and there was a good selection of accessories provided.

The 1st tee is your first fitness test, as you need to cross the road and then walk along a winding path before you reach it. The course is very hilly and tree lined, with twists and turns to catch all abilities on the landscape. The views are truly stunning. The greens were a little slow and a few of the holes are situated quite a distance apart from others and better signage in some areas would help here.

The 1st offers you a chance to hit a good drive and you can clearly see where the lie of the land will take your ball. Each hole is named which is a nice touch and some are very appropriate; in particular the 4th "Narrow" - does what it says on the tin - 12th "Blind" and the 10th scary "Eiger" which is a real hit and hope, followed by the challenge of the hike to the green. Take your mountain gear for this one!

The 18th is an awesome downhill challenge par 3 with a stunning view and at the end of your round, just when you are ready for a drink, the course offers another tease, by making you trek along the pathway and cross the road before being able to place your order at the bar.

Phil in the pro shop is very personable and asked me if I enjoyed my round. He loves the course and never tires of it, which is a selling point in itself.

The course really makes you think and you need to be accurate as it will catch you out. Level handicap would be a good score here, so don't be too hard on yourself for anything 5 over handicap.

There are some good deals to be had. Take a look on EBay. I will definitely be back.

Beautiful clubhouse and hospitality warm and friendly. It was also a nice change to find a small, but decent ladies clothes selection in the pro shop. The changing room facilities are spacious, clean and luxurious. Plenty of sockets for hairdryers and straighteners and all the supplies you need.

The golf course was in immaculate condition, in particular the greens were very true. A good variety of holes with interesting twists and turns. Signature par 3 4th is breathtaking and makes you think. Play the shot high and to the front of the green and watch it roll.

18th brings you into the clubhouse and a good chance for most abilities to reach the green in 2 and play to the gallery.

Clubhouse offer an excellent and varied menu for all price ranges and have tv's positioned at all angles to watch sporting events.

I was very lucky to be invited here as a guest, but would gladly pay the green fee to return.

I recommend this course as well worth a visit.

Seaford Head was everything and more than expected. I had telephoned in advance and spoken with Stephen at the bar to check the facilities in the ladies changing rooms and as he was most helpful, I made an effort to introduce myself upon arrival. Hospitality was excellent, warm and welcoming. Ladies changing room cosy. No lockers available for hire so take your valuables out with you. Clubhouse is small and basic, but does not deter from the hospitality. As for the course, this is everything a links course should be. The course is in good condition, with several blind shots (well - I'm short) and challenging greens. You need to be fit before you climb from tee to green on 12th but the view is spectacular and a reward in itself. 13th onwards gives you a chance to play true links and take in the views at the same time. 18th offers a chance to smash a drive off what feels like a cliff and split the fairway......well - I did anyway! Downhill all the way to the 18th, giving you once last chance to control and not overshoot the green. I want to go back, but I will need a lift again please.

When you arrive at The London Club you feel special, as you are greeted at the gate with a friendly face giving you instructions on where to go. You can drive in front of the house and drop your bags off before parking. All parking is close to the clubhouse. The clubhouse is stunning; very classy and generously staffed. Practice facilities are awesome; with all balls provided for free and the grass matching that of the course, as you find out when you play. The pro shop do not stock tees, which was surprising and I was very disappointed that there was only a handful of ladies clothing stocked. The changing rooms are very impressive, formal and classy, with beautiful wooden lockers, stunning showers and facilities. However, the lighting did not lend itself to applying make up and there were only mirrors at a stretch above the basins. There is no seated vanity area and would suggest that the lounging area just inside the doorway could be adapted accordingly. Our society were provided with a delicious bacon and sausage muffin prior to our game. Better than a bacon roll any day. Upon our arrival at the putting area just beside the 1st tee at the International course, we were welcomed by Darren, who was our host for the day and he greeted all with instructions for the course and each player was announced on the tee which was a nice touch. The course is absolutely smashing. Such pleasure to walk on beautifully manicured fairways and the greens were very true and testing. There were a lot of pitch marks on the greens which needed repairing which was surprising, taking into consideration the quality of the course and the amount of money people are paying to play it. Signage needs to be addressed, as it was difficult to know where to go for the majority of the course and there are very long, hilly walks inbetween each hole. The halfway hut was a delight and it's always great for the ladies to have facilities available on any golf course. As a course, I would say it was not particularly difficult and my advice would be to plot your way around and you can make a good score. Each hole is beautifully designed and there is a lot to think about. Don't be too greedy, but have some fun and you can steal a cheeky score. I found it very surprising that the 17th Par 3 was Stroke Index 2 for the men. Very gettable in 1 for most, even with high handicaps. It was only Stroke Index 8 for the ladies. This should be reviewed. We returned to the clubhouse to a delicious Chilli Burger which was an occcasion in itself. Our society really enjoyed our day; the hospitality was fabulous and I would recommend anyone to save their pennies to play this course and enjoy a very special treat of a day.

The clubhouse is small and basic, but nicely laid out.

The dining area is a lovely light area to sit in.

Breakfast was a little disappointing, as some of it was cold and there was bread and butter instead of toast or fried bread.

The ladies changing rooms have two toilets, one with a door missing.

The course should have been shut the day we played. The bunkers were full of water and the fairways were awash with puddles and rivers. The greens were surprisingly dry and fast, which made up for it Let's hope the course wasn't too much damaged. The course is massively challenging and I would love to play it in dry conditions. Lots of blind holes, very exciting! Play methodically and you can score well.

Signage on the course could be better, as there are some long walks between the earlier holes. Luckily, we had someone in our group who knew the way.

Great bar food and good value for money.

Small clubhouse with a warm welcome. Ladies locker room very cosy. Course boggy, still recovering from recent bad spell of weather. Fantastic, challenging course. Each hole inviting you to play sensible shots down the middle and punishing anything else. Lots to think about. Stroke index 1 14th is a delight - stay right. I certainly will next time. Look forward to playing again in better weather.

The course was in good condition considering the time of year. Greens caught me out - some slow, some fast. A challenging course. Watch out for the 15th. Clue in the sign at the tee. If you are with people who haven't played before, suggest you go and have a look before you take your shot around the dog leg left. £33.00 for 18 holes and bacon roll should have included a full English instead.

This is the first time I have played 18 and I really enjoyed the challenge. Lots of contours and to think about. Stay straight and you can score well. Greens were good considering time of year. There were one or two temporaries and mats, which is always a disappointment, but any game of golf in late December is a result.

The course was very wet underfoot and all bunkers were advised as out of play with a free drop. Water hazards are very strategically placed and offer an exciting challenge. Each hole offers something to think about and makes you want to go back to the tee and have another go. Funny that! Breakfast and hospitality was excellent. The ladies changing room is spacious and clean, with an eclectic array of beauty products, hair stylers and toiletries. Looking forward to my next visit.

It's a long drive to the clubhouse and parking was disappointingly on overload, so having to leave the car on a grass area and then lug clubs, shoes etc. to the clubhouse was a bit of a pain. Excellent breakfast. Ladies changing room have no locker facilities so you would need to take your valuables with you, lock them in the car or leave trust to chance. Met the Lady Captain and one of the Junior members who welcomed me and offered to take me in a buggy to my car to lock my valuables if I wanted. Met a few other lady members who were equally hospitable. The course was packed and there was a delay teeing off. Greens on the front 9 had been treated, thus putting was a lottery, but everyone was playing the same course so quid pro quo. A couple of unnecessary and very muddy routes between some of the holes need addressing as it was like walking through a ploughed and very muddy field. I enjoyed the course and managed to shoot a good score. Upon my return, I was greeted by the Lady Captain and fellow members who asked me if I had had a good game and if the items I had left in the clubhouse were still there. I was happy to report in the affirmative for both. I would definitely go back.

The course is well located and parking no problem and right next to the clubhouse. I played this course for the first time in April in a league match and loved it, so I was delighted to receive an invitation to play again. Clubhouse and hospitality excellent. Ladies changing room lovely. The 1st is a short, but testing Par 3 ..... and so I will need to come back again to try and make the green. The layout of the course is strategic and it really makes you think. I loved the greens.....not because I could read all of them, but because they are challenging, which always makes for good golf. It definitely helps to have a member show you the way and my host, Steve was very helpful and I managed to do as I was told and as a result, made some lovely scores. He insisted I need to mention my birdie at 9 and that I won the 10 hole match so it would be rude not to. There a few Par 3s, but they are all very different and challenging. This is a great course and I am looking forward to playing there again.

Hugely enjoyable. The welcome we received from Terry in the professional shop was superb and the course was in impeccable condition with the greens being immaculate. We had a most pleasant lunch on completion of our round with the bar and catering staff being most obliging and friendly.

The course is quite stunning - and that was in the rain! In the main, you need to get your drive away and you will be fine. Bunkers are deep. Greens are fast - so watch out.

Memorable holes - 10 - a challenging par 3 - which I managed to birdie.

16 - a stunning view, dog leg right.

18 - facing the lake, clubhouse and with the green on the left, along with some trees and a pond - AIM SLIGHTLY LEFT - and pray !

If you play this course, you will love it. We were treated to a courtesy, so many thanks to Langley Park.

Highly recommended and really easy to travel to.

Course was in great condition, probably due to Club Championship being played same day. Very impressed with the frequent, but unobtrusive visits of the rangers on the course, although there was a hold up in front of our society which obviously didn't get picked up. I am not used to playing different courses, so my handicap was tested and I finished with knowledge that I need to practice more. Would love to play here again.