ScienceBoy
Money List Winner
Ampfield Par 3 is a very accessible course of just 2300 yards from the yellow tees, with holes ranging from 70 to close to 200 yards. It is set amongst moderately spaced trees giving a tight tree lined feel but also enough space not to punish errant shots too severely. This does mean it is both a challenge for the better golfer and a great place to introduce newcomers to the game.
Bunker placement is very clever and prevalent with most holes featuring more than adequate protection, quick stopping flop shots will be required frequently for those who miss greens!
Elevation changes are minimal, up to only half a club but feature on most holes. The lack of water is probably its least attractive aspect but the quality of the winter tee areas or mats (bar one on the 13th) are better than most courses. At this time of year, in the current wet weather, most holes are playing from temporary tees and winter rules remain. This is mainly due to the poor drainage for the second half of the front 9 (just 4 or 5 holes), the lowest part of the course and can be quite boggy after rainfall. Additionally some areas appeared to be under renovation for the summer ahead, the changes looked promising!
I found the greens in much better condition than expected, very receptive, to the extent that I spun back off the front of most of them. Putting was true, even from the fringe. They were also a joy to chip or pitch onto.
Finally I must mention the welcoming nature of the pro shop, bar and other patrons, as just a visitor I felt very welcomed.
In conclusion this course was not at its best but it was very close given the circumstances, I fully expect it to be a greater challenge and more visually pleasing over the coming months and into the latter part of the year. I also expect it to withstand winter conditions well so membership would be ideal for those with limited time for golf who don't mind playing all year round. For visiting I would recommend it to anyone with £15 to spare on a weekend who has a desire to improve their approach play.
As for my golf, well a 67, just one over my handicap came as a surprise. I found the key to scoring well was in the ability to hit 3/4 and half shots with a PW-8 iron. I would compare this with Sudbrook Moor golf club, if anyone has played there then they should expect more of the same type of golf here.
In other words... A big thumbs up from me!
Bunker placement is very clever and prevalent with most holes featuring more than adequate protection, quick stopping flop shots will be required frequently for those who miss greens!
Elevation changes are minimal, up to only half a club but feature on most holes. The lack of water is probably its least attractive aspect but the quality of the winter tee areas or mats (bar one on the 13th) are better than most courses. At this time of year, in the current wet weather, most holes are playing from temporary tees and winter rules remain. This is mainly due to the poor drainage for the second half of the front 9 (just 4 or 5 holes), the lowest part of the course and can be quite boggy after rainfall. Additionally some areas appeared to be under renovation for the summer ahead, the changes looked promising!
I found the greens in much better condition than expected, very receptive, to the extent that I spun back off the front of most of them. Putting was true, even from the fringe. They were also a joy to chip or pitch onto.
Finally I must mention the welcoming nature of the pro shop, bar and other patrons, as just a visitor I felt very welcomed.
In conclusion this course was not at its best but it was very close given the circumstances, I fully expect it to be a greater challenge and more visually pleasing over the coming months and into the latter part of the year. I also expect it to withstand winter conditions well so membership would be ideal for those with limited time for golf who don't mind playing all year round. For visiting I would recommend it to anyone with £15 to spare on a weekend who has a desire to improve their approach play.
As for my golf, well a 67, just one over my handicap came as a surprise. I found the key to scoring well was in the ability to hit 3/4 and half shots with a PW-8 iron. I would compare this with Sudbrook Moor golf club, if anyone has played there then they should expect more of the same type of golf here.
In other words... A big thumbs up from me!
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