In search of the real 'hidden gems'...

[NWJocko]

I was really impressed by Morecambe when I played there with splashtryagain from the forum.

Heaton Park in Manchester is a great little course aswell. Used to be in great nick but I think Mack Golf have it now so not sure how that's worked out.

The Glen in North Berwick isn't so hidden but quite possibly my favourite course. Really enjoy playing round there and the views across the Firth of Forth are impressive.

 

[Dodger]

So many that you can class a a gem.

I have notified Jezz of two obvious ones...

A one I played many moons ago but remember it was in fantastic condition and great fun and of course it's a James Braid track.

Glencruitten Golf Course http://www.obangolf.com/

 

[MoonPig]

Brough GC, East Yorks. My own Course, and still as superb after 23yrs of playing it as it was when I joined. New 'Master Greenkeeper' in charge now, and looking superb, and will quite possibly be back to its very very best as when we hosted a Seniors Tour Event years back.

Brough GC

Fulford GC, York. Maybe not as long as is required for Tour events any more, but visually - a beautiful course, and well worth anyone's money.

I agree Brough is nice Macster but wouldn`t you consider it to be in the top 3 / 4 in our area? I guess you could argue over the size of area that needs to be considered but i have always seen Brough, Hessle and Hull GC to be in the top 5 in and around East Yorkshire. From what Jez has described as a "true" hidden gem then im not sure Brough would fit the criteria. Perhaps somewhere like Beverley, Hornsea or even Burstwick (biased as its my home club) would be more along the lines of what would qualify. Only my opinion of course.

 

[Crow]

I'd add Lindrick in Notts to the list, great course and history, just a bit too short for today's "Top Course" criteria.

 

[Yerman]

I'd tell you but I don't want to struggle to get a tee time there!

 

[sev112]

All of tehse are "must play agin this week mrs sev112 please pelase please please" courses that dont get much of a press

Painswick Beacon (just outside Gloucester)
Ceann Sibeall (just north of Dingle in Kerry, teh most westerly golf course in Europe)
Loch Leven (on the north side of teh loch, 9 holes, you need your crampons and skis with you)
Anstruther - because of the 3 holes around the turn, especially the rockies.

And i think this doesnt count, but Pennard - the links in teh sky.


And just for a bit of fun, can i add Bearwood lakes, as FullThrottle was driving up and down the road several times trying to find it

 

[splashtryagain]

Got to go with Morecambe, Lancaster and the not so hidden Silloth. All quality courses to be had for not too much money. Morecambe is a mckenzie, Lancaster a Braid so good pedigree and both very well maintained.
PS - cheers NWjocko!

 

[HughJars]

Kirriemuir
Alyth
Forfar
Boat of Garten
Ballater
Banchory
Peel
Strathpeffer Spa

 

[Aztecs27]

Painswick Beacon (just outside Gloucester)

Is that this one: http://www.painswickgolf.com/

If so, awesome. I have a round to play there that we got via groupon for £9 each!

 

[sev112]

Painswick Beacon (just outside Gloucester)

Is that this one: http://www.painswickgolf.com/

If so, awesome. I have a round to play there that we got via groupon for £9 each!

Yep absolutely spot on - you will love it ; in some ways it's a bit like Pennard (links in the sky) as you weave your way through medieaval (?) earthworks. Quite a few blind shots. BUt huge elevation changes.
And to cap it all, both times i played, there was just a courtesy box for your green fees

That was 20 years ago though
Enjoy

 

[Imurg]

Around here there's Chiltern Forest - hidden because it's in a wood - and Ellesborough - a course without a flat lie on it!
Magnolia Park - not really hidden as it's in full view of the M40(about a mile or 2 away) is a good test when it's still - when it's windy it's a nightmare...

 

[fundy]

Magnolia Park a hidden gem - really? Its on reciprocal at our place and I wouldnt bother playing it for free (the course 2 mins round the corner called Studley Wood is far better, or at least used to be havent been there for a few years)

 

[Snelly]

Agree with Piltdown. Definitely a hidden gem.

I would also say Brockenhurst Manor and Berkhamstead - both very good.

Others of note that are pretty local to me:

Worthing
Blackmoor
Crowborough Beacon
Hayling Island

Regrettably I can't agree with Murph on Cooden - sorry mate! I played there last week for the second time and thought it was not the best. Too easy to hit a good shot and end up with a bad result. Too short off the yellows to be a good test too. I came second to last out of 20 players and I got 33 points! Maybe I am just bitter?!

 

[lobthewedge]

Bleated on about this place (see April Review) but Askernish is the ultimate hidden gem. Reckon these pictures should say it all, try to ignore the cows/sheep.

 

[Junior]

North Wales has some crackers , Bull bay, Nefyn, Conwy. Another for me that has been spoken about on here, Glen Golf Club in North Berwick.

Lots of people talk about the big Links courses in Northern Ireland, but a course I really like and play a lot as its just round the corner from the in-laws is Cairndhu golf club . Its not a links but has some great holes and spectacular views.

 

[NWJocko]

PS - cheers NWjocko!

No problem mate, i'll let you buy me a beer next time i'm up for the publicity

 

[stevek1969]

cracking photo's lobthewedge golf as it should be played, i'll throw in edzell a cracking course and lovely old fashioned clubhouse.

and the valley course at royal portrush which sits next to the illustrious dunluce course,the local reckon its a better track and at £35 a round well worth the value,best greens i've played on this year

 

[viscount17]

a strong second for Stoke Rochford, every hole is different (unlike some of the better known courses eg Duke's at Woburn)

also a second, or is it third, for Cooden Beach (just too far to get back to for one day)

Ashridge, near Berkhamsted. Very relaxing feel to it, and some of the best food I've ever seen at a golf club.

and I wouldn't pass by Grimsby if I was in the area

 

[Dodger]

Fail to believe the The Glen could be considered.

Folk need to get out more!

 

[bayjon14]

Corballis Golf Links Donabate, Co Dublin.
A public course, next to the island. Fantastic greens, Bernard Langer always plays it when in ireland. Greens are fantastic,