Courses in Essex

[McCojac]

I'm due to move to Colchester at the beginning of June and I'm already looking at golf clubs for membership as a priority I was just wondering if anyone has any recommendations or any negative tales of clubs in the area I would be most grateful for any relevant advice.

 

[Vincent]

Hello McC,
I live in Leigh but have travelled to a few courses around the county.
One of the better ones close to Colchester is Stoke-by-Nayland. It has two courses (Gainsborough & Constable). Both are challenging and in good condition. S-b-N held a European Seniors event in the last year or two too. On the downside, because it is linked to a hotel, it appeared to detract from the close-knit "club" atmosphere desired by many.
The Essex Golf & Country Club is a nice, well maintained course, but tends to cater for societies and so I'm not sure what it would be like for members. Another similar one is Five Lakes, although I haven't played there for a few years. Anecdotally, it does seem to be going downhill though.
I also played Colne Valley a couple of years ago. It's course is in fair condition, but is quite easy for the better player, but my impression was that it had a better "club" atmosphere than places such as The Essex and Five Lakes.
Hope this helps.

 

[McCojac]

Cheers Vincent,
A colleague recommended The Essex Golf and Country Club to me but it interesting what you said about it catering for societies having previously been a member of Galgorm Castle in Northern Ireland which was a fantastic course it had at least one society a day out during the summer sometimes more and for the members it can be frustrating being unable to get a tee time. I haven't heard of Stoke-by-Nayland or Five Lakes and I'm just about to check them out on the Internet.

Thanks Again.

 

[viscount17]

Vincent, any idea what St Clere's is like? I've seen the snippets on the web but really that tells you nothing.

 

[Vincent]

I haven't played at St Clere's but know that it was built in the 1990s when a farmer sold his field (as many did during that time) to a golf developer.
As was the case in many of these circumstances the courses were bland and devoid of trees, lakes etc.
I did walk St Clere's in the early days and found this to be the case, although people who have played in the last couple of years have said it is quite a nice track now.
The clubhouse is a converted barn and, I am told, a good place to enjoy apres golf.

 

[viscount17]

Not the one then. I thought it was 'close to' a links course.

Any links courses in reasonable range of the Bedford/Cambridge border that won't break the bank?

 

[Vincent]

Viscount,
It feels like a "links" if you consider the absence of trees!!

Otherwise there are far better courses around than St Clere's

 

[McCojac]

Someone has mentioned Brett Vale to me has anyone played their I looked on the web and it looks pretty short.

 

[Vincent]

Sorry McCojac, never played there. in fact I hadn't even heard of it.

 

[andycap]

Someone has mentioned Brett Vale to me has anyone played their I looked on the web and it looks pretty short.

Friend of mine plays there mainly during the summer , he has a caravan at Clacton and a group from the site go.
He likes it ,i think there are a lot of bunkers .

 

[John_Findlay]

Sorry for invading your post, McCojac, but what a great user name.

Unfortunately, from now on, this image is gonna flash into ma head every time I see you posting.

Erm.... sorry.

 

[andycap]

www.brettvalegolf.co.uk

just looked at their website ,looks a nice course. Good hole by hole pictures ,have to see my friend to get a game there

 

[McCojac]

You know John I love to know who took that picture of me, maybe not my best side