Looking for a good course in Surrey/Berkshire

[Smiffy]

By the picture on the website it looks like a big field with 18 holes stuck on it.

I wouldn't have gone as far as saying it was that good, but it's amazing what they can do with photoshop.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

It was built on existing farm land and so there are a lot of mature tress around the place that give parts of it an air of it being more than 6 years old. The par 3 6th for example with mature trees either side could have come from any of the bigger named courses locally.

The problem is that there are some holes where the staked trees need time to develop (another 5 years) and the 14th and 15th in particular need the ones designed to separate each fairway to come on to give the hole its own character.

There are some very good holes and the six par 3's are a stern test off the whites and so if you can make six nett pars there you'll be doing pretty well. It drains pretty well (apart from the 14th 15th and 16th which are the lowest lying and work is in progress to address that) and there are no winter tees. The greens don't always look a picture but are very true and usually quick(ish) although not speedy enough for Smiffy!

I guess the only way to judge it is to come along and play or at least ask the guys on here that have come to the two GM days. I'm sure they will give you brutally frank opinions

As Homer says the only way to find out is to come and play. The course can be a bit deceiving. Some holes where the young trees are yet to mature look simple but the mature trees that are there are strategically placed such that a tee shot that misses the fairway or in some cases is on the wrong side of the fairway can be blocked out. Also, in the summer when the rough grows you'll be glad you don't have mature trees to deal with as well. Once the younger trees establish themselves the course will become considerably harder. Every hole, even the simplest looking ones have something on them to wreck your card if you take them too lightly.

 

[ColinR]

East Berks is a decent course but it is a very cliquey club and so it may take a fair bit of work to get regular games etc. Like I say 15 minutes to Fleet is pushing it but it does look a nice place. I think we are pretty competitice on price (compared to Sand Martins - £237 bar levy and pre book times, Mill Ride, West Byfleet, Chobham, Windlesham etc). The offer is there and you know where I am if you want a game

I am a member of East Berks, it is not cliquey in the slightest. Roll ups every day, all welcome.

 

[sawtooth]

Hi all.
Ive decided as of today that im looking to join a new club.
My reason for this is as im 24 my current club only do an intermediate membership upto that age so prices will go up.
I know a lot of clubs do an intermediate price upto 30.
Does anyone have any recommendations of a really nice friendly club within about 15 miles of Camberley, GU18 5 postcode.
I need to find somewhere by 31st of March so would be great if you could help.
Thanks

I live up the road from you. Presently I play at Sherfield Oaks, (within 15 miles) but its a corporate scheme so although I dont pay a membership, I cant play in comps there. Definitely worth a look, 2 courses which are very well looked after IMHO and never too busy, happy to arrange a game there anytime you like. Perhaps make it a fourball if Homer and Hawkeye fancy it.

Other courses around you worth a look, Downshire/East Berks - 1 course but hosts 2 different golf clubs as I understand it. Also Pineridge, nice but always very busy. Blue Mountain, which is my home club for comps and handicap registration. Not the most spectacular course in the world but reasonable condition, nice friendly members and very affordable.

BTW if you do get out to play Ascot with Homer/Hawkeye give me a shout and I will join you. I've not played there myself but always nice to play somewhere different.

Camberley Heath is on my to do list as well TXL

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Downshire and Pine Ridge are OK pay and play courses if you don't mind delayed tee times and queuing on tees. The membership offer at downshire is rubbish. You don't pay much for it but then you get little in return. It's a bit like a golf society. The greens at downshire are also pretty ropey, they did some work on them last year apparently but don't expect to see the benefit for another year at least.

Pine Ridge is in my opinion the better of the two but the tee management is appalling. The last two times I've played there I tee'd off over 30 minutes late and queued on the 1st 4 holes.

Neither of these are what the OP is looking for if you ask me

 

[sawtooth]

Downshire and Pine Ridge are OK pay and play courses if you don't mind delayed tee times and queuing on tees. The membership offer at downshire is rubbish. You don't pay much for it but then you get little in return. It's a bit like a golf society. The greens at downshire are also pretty ropey, they did some work on them last year apparently but don't expect to see the benefit for another year at least.

Pine Ridge is in my opinion the better of the two but the tee management is appalling. The last two times I've played there I tee'd off over 30 minutes late and queued on the 1st 4 holes.

Neither of these are what the OP is looking for if you ask me

Yeah you're probably right just giving the OP some options.

 

[brendy]

Jeepers you two should partner up and get a slot on the ideal world channel with selling skills like those!
My advice would be to definTely shop around and contact each club now as they may be willing to deal more than they say on their websites. Sometimes expensive means good too. Think of it as an investment.