NobbyNobbs
Hacker
Hello all,
As you may know from my previous post, my lady Jules and I were heading to Dungeness to visit the RSPB site today, and, thanks to the many recommendations, I spent yesterday (Saturday) playing 27 holes, the front 9 of Littlestone Warren, followed by the main event, 18 around Littlestone itself.
The twilight rate began at 2pm, so I booked my tee-time for 2:04, the price difference being worth the wait.
However, after a hearty BnB breakfast done by 9.30, and the forecast rain nowhere in sight, I decided to try my luck and see if the Warren would let me play a morning 9 holes.
I'd like to point out that this was to be my first Links experience, and was both scared and up for it in equal measure...
The chap in the Pro shop was very friendly, & once I explained my 2pm start next door, he allowed me to play the front 9 for a very reasonable rate, although he did warn me that there isn't a 9 hole loop, and we'd have a stroll back to the clubhouse. It wasn't too bad a walk to be honest.
<u>Littlestone Warren Golf Course (Front 9)</u>
Par 32, 5 Par 4's & 4 par 3's
Great introduction to Links, as it felt like my home course in terms of length, so not too scary, but the wind, nasty rough and sandy fairways letting me know this wasn't golf as I know it!
Hole of note:
5th, 252 of the yellows, dogleg right (if 252 can be called a dogleg?!).. Couldn't see the landing area from the tee, due to a mound in front of the fairway, so got the driver out and gave an easy swing. Flew lovely, fading around the corner. Saw it take a good bounce, then out of view. (Got a 'nice' from Jules...
) Walking round the corner, couldn't find my ball, turned out it was on the short stuff behind the green! Best drive i've hit in ages, and made birdie..
Joined a very friendly couple for the final 3, (John & Liz, thanks!), and after duffing the 1st tee shot 20 feet, managed to pull it together and play some good golf.
After the stroll back, got ourselves a ploughmans and ale from the club, and sat in the sunshine enjoying the banter with the locals as they came and went.
What a great impression, and yep, loved it.
<u>Littlestone Golf Course</u>
So even after 9 holes, a walk back, beer, banter and lunch, still found ourselves walking over to the Littlestone clubhouse at 1:15ish.
Again, very friendly, paid up, and asked Jules if she fancied (another
) drink while we wait for my tee-time. At this point, the kind lady checked her list, noted there was no-one due to start between now and then, and suggested that maybe we crack on? Well, yes please!
The 1st tee is right in front of the clubhouse, but managed to hit it nice, more a fade than a slice! It of course found it's way into the bunker right, and that one ended up in one green-side, but i made a 5 and got out of there!
Hole of note:
6th, 149 of the yellows, wind behind.
Took the 8 iron, and it felt good! My new swing brought on a nice draw, and was heading straight for the flag. It landed just short of the hole, and i turned to Jules giving it the fist pump (EASY!!) 'Hang on' she said, 'where's it gone?'
Stroll to the green, saying 'no mate, surely not', but indeed my first ACE
I'll be straight with you, don't recall too much until the back 9, when the wind kicked right in as the course moved next to the sea wall, but i didn't collapse. Not totally anyway!
Some lovely holes, and i haven't played many places i'll admit, but I think i can see why it's a top 100 course.
Loved it loved it. The ace will ensure i'll long remember the day, but this couldn't have been a better place to do it.
Thanks again for the recommendation, and i'm now doing the same.
Craig.
Couple of pics from the day are here...
http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk//postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/Pictures/page/0
As you may know from my previous post, my lady Jules and I were heading to Dungeness to visit the RSPB site today, and, thanks to the many recommendations, I spent yesterday (Saturday) playing 27 holes, the front 9 of Littlestone Warren, followed by the main event, 18 around Littlestone itself.
The twilight rate began at 2pm, so I booked my tee-time for 2:04, the price difference being worth the wait.
However, after a hearty BnB breakfast done by 9.30, and the forecast rain nowhere in sight, I decided to try my luck and see if the Warren would let me play a morning 9 holes.
I'd like to point out that this was to be my first Links experience, and was both scared and up for it in equal measure...
The chap in the Pro shop was very friendly, & once I explained my 2pm start next door, he allowed me to play the front 9 for a very reasonable rate, although he did warn me that there isn't a 9 hole loop, and we'd have a stroll back to the clubhouse. It wasn't too bad a walk to be honest.
<u>Littlestone Warren Golf Course (Front 9)</u>
Par 32, 5 Par 4's & 4 par 3's
Great introduction to Links, as it felt like my home course in terms of length, so not too scary, but the wind, nasty rough and sandy fairways letting me know this wasn't golf as I know it!
Hole of note:
5th, 252 of the yellows, dogleg right (if 252 can be called a dogleg?!).. Couldn't see the landing area from the tee, due to a mound in front of the fairway, so got the driver out and gave an easy swing. Flew lovely, fading around the corner. Saw it take a good bounce, then out of view. (Got a 'nice' from Jules...
) Walking round the corner, couldn't find my ball, turned out it was on the short stuff behind the green! Best drive i've hit in ages, and made birdie..Joined a very friendly couple for the final 3, (John & Liz, thanks!), and after duffing the 1st tee shot 20 feet, managed to pull it together and play some good golf.
After the stroll back, got ourselves a ploughmans and ale from the club, and sat in the sunshine enjoying the banter with the locals as they came and went.
What a great impression, and yep, loved it.
<u>Littlestone Golf Course</u>
So even after 9 holes, a walk back, beer, banter and lunch, still found ourselves walking over to the Littlestone clubhouse at 1:15ish.
Again, very friendly, paid up, and asked Jules if she fancied (another
) drink while we wait for my tee-time. At this point, the kind lady checked her list, noted there was no-one due to start between now and then, and suggested that maybe we crack on? Well, yes please!The 1st tee is right in front of the clubhouse, but managed to hit it nice, more a fade than a slice! It of course found it's way into the bunker right, and that one ended up in one green-side, but i made a 5 and got out of there!
Hole of note:
6th, 149 of the yellows, wind behind.
Took the 8 iron, and it felt good! My new swing brought on a nice draw, and was heading straight for the flag. It landed just short of the hole, and i turned to Jules giving it the fist pump (EASY!!) 'Hang on' she said, 'where's it gone?'
Stroll to the green, saying 'no mate, surely not', but indeed my first ACE
I'll be straight with you, don't recall too much until the back 9, when the wind kicked right in as the course moved next to the sea wall, but i didn't collapse. Not totally anyway!
Some lovely holes, and i haven't played many places i'll admit, but I think i can see why it's a top 100 course.
Loved it loved it. The ace will ensure i'll long remember the day, but this couldn't have been a better place to do it.
Thanks again for the recommendation, and i'm now doing the same.
Craig.
Couple of pics from the day are here...
http://forums.golf-monthly.co.uk//postlist.php/Cat/0/Board/Pictures/page/0
