Course advice for a new golfer

[socky]

Hi my first post to the board, so hello everyone.

After spending a lot of years where I would only play 2 or 3 rounds per year, I've really focused and played a lot of golf so far in 2011. I'm playing off around 18 handicap but I'm not a member of a course so don't have an official one.

What I want to do is play a REALLY nice course, but when I've looked at the famous one, they all require a handicap certificate. This makes sense to keep the hackers away I guess.

Anyway my question is, what is the best course in England (I'm in Hampshire) that I can play that doesn't need an official Handicap?

Cheers

 

[stevie_r]

Google top 100 courses in England - that should give you what you need

 

[socky]

I kind of was hoping for some advice based upon peoples own playing experience. I assume the top 100 courses would all need a handicap.

thanks for the response though.

 

[fundy]

welcome to the forum

whilst most of them will say they need them they only do so to cover their backs if youre completely hopeless

if you can play to an 18 standard they will all let you play, im not local to hants so not in a position to recommend though

 

[sweatysock41]

There are a lot of 'Resort' courses that don't ask for your handicap certificate. Try any of the Devere or Marriott courses near you.

 

[swanny32]

You could sign up to golfshake.com and get a handicap pretty quickly.

Depending on how far you can travel there are a couple of nice courses in Sussex, they are no Belfry or St Andrews but they are still championship courses which are a good test of golf and very well maintained. One is East Sussex National, which I believe is listed in the UK's top 100, as far as I know you don't need a handicap for that, there is also a course I used to work at called Chartham Park, championship course, good test of ability, lots of water, scenic parkland and definitely doesn't require a handicap. As I said though, depends if you want to travel that far.

 

[chris661]

Are those websites that give out handicaps recognised? Whats to stop me bluffing the system?

 

[rosecott]

Are those websites that give out handicaps recognised? Whats to stop me bluffing the system?

Nothing - they're not worth the plastic they're printed on. You can make up scores and submit them - no questions asked.

 

[socky]

Thanks for the advice, will take a look at the courses you mention. By the sound of it, the online handicap stuff is not worth the effort either.

Will have to join a club next year and get a handicap sorted.

Cheers all !

 

[pokerjoke]

Welcome to the forum Socky

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Welcome along. As a bit of a harbinger of doom, why would you want to play one of the best courses and pay for the privilege when you are still very new to the game. My advice would be to get some lessons, get a game that repeats more often than not and join a club and get a proper handicap and then treat yourself from there. Otherwise they may be a bit of a struggle and whilst its always a thrill to play these famous courses you want to feel as though you've played well (at least in places) and not just gone for the view

 

[goldenbare]

I'm with Homer here Socky. If you try and play a big tricky course you are likely to come away very disappointed, and probably disheartened.
Get a bit more experience yet and then give it go.

 

[viscount17]

I must admit I always was one for going in at the deep end, (quite literally, I had one swimming lesson and entered the school swimming gala the following week - guess who was at the deepest part - made it somehow).

I played my first ever round at St Andrews, and the Belfry very early on - didn't play either well and came away feeling disappointed that I hadn't done better - unrealistic? probably

so play a 'good' course that isn't going to cost the earth and that you can grow from.

me - too late to change, I'll still be swinging at the moon!

 

[Jabba]

If you're playing to 18 I would definitely say go for it. It's not as if you're hacking round in 36+. Play the best course you can get onto and enjoy the experience.

 

[socky]

thanks for feedback.... i'm not great but am sub 90's now pretty regularly, have shot an 85 and even got my first (maybe only) hole-in-one. 168yrd.... 6 iron, landed on the front of the green and just had enough legs to make the hole.

i know that i'd be lucky to post a sub 100 at top top course but there would be at least a few shots that would make it worth it. would just need to one par or birdie to make the day worthwhile.

there is something about the way the top course look, how well cut the fairways and greens are, the contrast between the different lengths of grass (do i sound a bit weird?) sometimes on local course its hard to figure out where the fairway ends and the rough starts.... !