Comments on St Mellion

[shivas irons]

I'm thinking about playing the Nicklaus designed course St Mellion this year and wondered how forum members who have played the course rate it.I remember a few years back it was a regular venue on the Euro tour I think the B&H international was played there through most of the 90's and apparently Jack looks at the place as one of he's greatest design achievements.

 

[fundy]

In the highly over rated category for me Im afraid. That said you will definitely get the opposite opinion on here too as there are a few who love it (smiffy, region i think) as it is one that has split opinions on here in the past (and i think i am in the minority with my view)

 

[Paperboy]

My opinion aswell Fundy, not to sure if it was because I didn't play very well. But it's a course designed for trolleys and buggys.
I struggled around carrying in some pretty warm weather. Nice layout just too long between alot of the tees for me.

But each to there own. Glad I've played it once no rush to go back again.

 

[Davey S2]

Played it a few times.

It's very nice but not a classic. It's quite tight and tree lined so accuracy is key.

Its a nice one to tick off your play list but it wouldnt figure in my list of best courses played.

 

[mikee247]

Its OK some really silly holes and some excellent. What I mean that for an amateur of you hit a straight shot off the tee on a par 5 you would expect to find your ball even if it rolled down a sloping fairway.... I lost 2 and loosing balls like this winds me up and theres no need at our level. Its a hard course with some steep slopes and blind tee shots and v tight. Not for the higher handicapper IMO that splays it left or right as it will drive you nuts. You will play it better the second time if you know what I mean. As the man says its designed for buggies and carts not a pleasurable walk. Personally I wont rush back and its a little over rated for me.

 

[mikee247]

Its OK some really silly holes and some excellent. What I mean that for an amateur of you hit a straight shot off the tee on a par 5 you would expect to find your ball even if it rolled down a sloping fairway.... I lost 2 and loosing balls like this winds me up and theres no need at our level. Its a hard course with some steep slopes and blind tee shots and v tight. Not for the higher handicapper IMO that splays it left or right as it will drive you nuts. You will play it better the second time if you know what I mean. As the man says its designed for buggies and carts not a pleasurable walk. Personally I wont rush back and its a little over rated for me.

Oh and the other thing is its too bloody expensive. As its in the middle of nowhere they rip you off in the bar as you've got nowhere else to go. I hate it when they do this its so short sighted and bad practice. The hotel is generally excellent but they spoil it by taking the p**s out of you when it comes to buying beer and food etc. Its the same with a lot of these big corporate golf set ups. The Belfry springs to mind to name a few!

 

[Smiffy]

Oh and the other thing is its too bloody expensive.

The hotel might be, but the course itself can be played for an absolute song as they are always doing deals of one type or another.
As for the course??? Yep, really tough. If you get it in the right condition it is a superb place to play, but as others have said, not an ideal walking course as there are long and hilly walks between some of the greens and tees.
Not the ideal course for buggies either, because the tarmac cart paths meander all over the place and you can be miles from your ball lying out in the middle of the fairway sometimes.
You really do need to know where you are going as well. You can get some wicked bounces if you are a little off line, and there is normally water somewhere around to catch your ball if you happen to clatter one slightly off course (even on course sometimes!). Some of the holes are very long, especially the par 5's if the ground is wet and the wind is against you. It is usually windy down there as well.
I always enjoy playing there, my scores don't always reflect it, but it is nice place to play golf. The greens are usually in good order and the bunkers have a different type of sand, very large grains which I personally don't mind playing out of.
The second hole is a cracker (par 5) especially off the back tee. The 12th (another par 5)...I don't think I've ever scored a point on that bloody hole all the times I have played there. I hate it. It's a superb hole visually, but if you don't play three perfect shots you are walking away with nothing.
I wouldn't want to play it all the time, I would be too knackered, but if I ever found myself in that area I would kick myself if I didn't have my clubs with me.

 

[Imurg]

There's a reason the Pros didn't like playing events down there.........

 

[Region3]

As fundy said, I love it.

I've not stayed there yet - going in a couple of days time (2 nights DB&B, 3 rounds golf) - so have no idea what the hotel is like or the bar prices. If they are too dear we'll be finding the nearest village.

I've not played loads of top100 courses like some on here, but I've played Bearwood Lakes, Beau Desert, Woodhall Spa, Woburn Dukes and Marquess, and St. Mellion Nicklaus is still my favourite course of those that I've played.

Having said that though I am damaged in some way because I don't see the appeal of links golf.

 

[Imurg]

A

Having said that though I am damaged in some way because I don't see the appeal of links golf.

That makes 2 of us Matey!!

 

[Smiffy]

The hotel isn't up to much Gary I'm sad to say. Breakfast is OK but evening meal is a bit of a let down and yes, the bar prices are horrendous. But you'll have a good time.

 

[Twire]

As fundy said, I love it.

I've not stayed there yet - going in a couple of days time (2 nights DB&B, 3 rounds golf) - so have no idea what the hotel is like or the bar prices. If they are too dear we'll be finding the nearest village.

I've not played loads of top100 courses like some on here, but I've played Bearwood Lakes, Beau Desert, Woodhall Spa, Woburn Dukes and Marquess, and St. Mellion Nicklaus is still my favourite course of those that I've played.

Having said that though I am damaged in some way because I don't see the appeal of links golf.

Gary, if you fancy a knock at my place on your way home, give me a shout.

 

[Region3]

Gary, if you fancy a knock at my place on your way home, give me a shout.

Thanks for the offer, but we won't finish playing on Tuesday until 3 ish, then we have a 4.5hr drive to get home.

I'll definitely give you a shout next time I'm down that way though if that's ok?

 

[Twire]

Thanks for the offer, but we won't finish playing on Tuesday until 3 ish, then we have a 4.5hr drive to get home.

I'll definitely give you a shout next time I'm down that way though if that's ok?

Yep, no problem.

 

[Davey S2]

That makes 2 of us Matey!!

Make that 3!

 

[Mr A]

I love this course! It's tough as hell, and very, very narrow. I've played it twice a year since 2006 so am used to the pain it can inflict. There are some gorgeous holes, 4, 11, 12 and 18 particular favourites if mine.

im playing it Monday and Wednesday, so may review it when i get back.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I didn't like it. Some quirkly holes that didn't flow that well. A long hike on foot and tricky to get near the ball via a buggy especially if you are sharing. Some good holes but not the best course that neck of the woods has to offer

 

[Liverbirdie]

It's the best parkland course I've played so far.

I played it for about £35 -40 in an open the other year. I finished second do won an adidas bag and a free fourball on the Kernow course (the 2nd course). That was no good to me living in Liverpool, so they let me have another free round on the Nicklaus course and one on the Kernow which is ok as well.

I liked it more than Moore Allerton, Ganton, Downfield, Coombe Hill which are the other best ones I've played (not sure if you've played any of them).

 

[scratch]

Jeez there are a few heathens on here...links course haters, St Mellion better than Ganton...... what is the world coming to? :ears:

 

[Liverbirdie]

Jeez there are a few heathens on here...links course haters, St Mellion better than Ganton...... what is the world coming to? :ears:

I've played ganton twice, loved it, played the Nicklaus twice, loved it more, it was heathenly(sic).:thup: