best course in north east?

[kev_off_the_tee]

I've read many of the 'top' course guides but dont come across north east courses much. This is not to say we are being missed out, just that other courses are better than ours.

Given the lack of clubs on any official listing, I'm wondering what your thoughts are one the best course up here.

So far I've played Longhirst (Dawsons and Lakes), Matfen, Hobson and after playing today in snowy conditions, Ryton (Clara Vale).

You thoughts are welcome as I'm looking for inspiration to plan where I want to play this year. Could we reach an unofficial North East top 5?

 

[stevek1969]

Played Stocksfield a few years back a really friendly club,but for me you cant beat Goswick GC a cracking links course.

 

[JT77]

I was a member at Ramside for a couple years mate when I was working in Newcastle, it's a great course and worth a look.
slaley's hunting course has a good front 9, Bishop auckland is canny, greens were fluffy when I played there, but course was ok. Woodham is worth a look too, Ponteland is canny also.

 

[percy_layer]

Are you looking to join a club?

Some good clubs in the area.

Prudhoe
Hexham
Stocksfield
Westerhope
Bedlington
Arcot
Whitley Bay
Morpeth
Blyth

the only club i've played in the Durham area is Crook which a good course as well.

 

[Dodger]

Top course in the North East??

Goswick.....by a country mile,in fact make that 3 miles.

 

[SammmeBee]

Brancepath (sp) Castle?

 

[percy_layer]

Where do you live?

How far are you willing to travel to a club?

 

[richy]

I like hexham, quality course!

 

[golfstick]

Heres my input on the hole shebang!

Goswick - very good but i dont think it deserves the raving it gets on here

My top 5:

Brancepeth castle. Good nick, good layout, good surroundings
Beamish: Brilliant layout, every hole is a challenge, good greens
South moor: very good moorland course, some exceptional holes, not that friendly
STockfield: Just for the pain the front 9 delivers for being as tight as a ducks arse! Back 9 disapointing

If anyone gets the chance I recommend brampton. You wont be sorry, some of the weirdest holes ive played, very exciting track.

Ramside to me is a bit boring

Hobson is ok but wen i played it it was a bit boring and not in the best condition.

Prudhoe is worth a shout, but better when u cross the road.

Whitburn is an awesome links course, my bogey course, never won there in team golf but i always admmore the way the 18th teebox gives you a gud view of your ball flying out of bounds.

Seaham is also nice but you get the occasional times when someone burns a car out on one of the greens

 

[golfstick]

Did you not find parts a bit boring, especially the back 9?

 

[Screwback]

My Top 5 Courses in North East are

1.Goswick
2.Northumberland
3.Slayley
4.Linden Hall
5.Ponteland

I think a lot of the newcastle courses are quite similar in design and condition.

 

[bozza]

Only played it once but Rockliffe Hall has got to be up there. Tour condition greens and fairways and can play over 7,800 yards if you play it off the gold tee's but has 5 diffrent tee's so you can choose how long you want to play it. A little bit pricey but worth it just for the experience.

Aint really played enough courses to do a proper top 5 but hopefully that will change this year.

Also not sure if i'm allowed to say but a january issue of another magazine had a little section on north east courses.

 

[Dodger]

I don't think I could compile a top 5 as sadly IMO the NE has a dearth of good courses....this is highlighted in golfsticks top 5.

Only a few I would go out of my way to play really,Goswick,The Northumberland Club and after that I'm struggling and this is the reason I always go north to compete in any Opens.

 

[lordingsy]

Got to be Woodham for me. Its closer than the Newcastle area courses for me. Cleveland GC in Redcar is a cracking links course as is Seaton Carew. Brass Castle in Middlesbrough was nice last time I was there but that was a while ago.

Rockcliffe is apparently the one up and coming course round here. Not played it yet but will this year at some point. Steve Gibson has spent millions on this development. Used the same turf as Wentworth for the greens so ive heard.

Should sort a North East meet up.

 

[bozza]

I've played woodham a few times and i really like it but it tends to waterlog quite easy from what i remember.

I'd deffo be up for a north east meet at rockliffe as it's only a mile or so from my house. They are doing a deal at the mintute till the end of march.... Bacon sandwich and coffee and round of golf on a tues/weds/thurs for £45 which aint bad cause it's normally £60 a round in winter.

I think steve gibson put about £50 million into the hotel and course, you can tell aswell! even the spikes bar is like a 5* hotel, i felt abit guilty walking on the nice carpets with my grubby golf shoes.

 

[kev_off_the_tee]

Should sort a North East meet up.

I agree. A date and course should be agreed and try to get a bulk discount on the course for a good few of us