virtuocity
Tour Winner
Myself and a friend visited this Open Qualifier course on Sunday, enjoying the course on a calm, sunny day.
The Clubhouse
Previous posts relating to this club have hinted that this club may be a little toffee-nosed, but on arrival, there was nothing to indicate that this was the case.
A friendly welcome, whereby we were shown around the clubhouse, given cards and visitor passes. It was also clear that they were expecting our arrival, which was a nice touch.
Facilities were great (clean, spacious, high-end changing and shower facilities) with a lovely clubhouse.
We were dressed smartly, but this is only required for the dining room (which was empty). Golf attire (no golf shoes or hats) was acceptable in the main bar, which was presented well. After the round, we chose to sit out on the balcony, which overlooks the 18th. We had a pint of Birra Morretti each, with the round costing approx £7.80- not too bad for their premium offering, and it was a lovely pint.
The Course
Great practice facilities, including a large, diverse putting green, a chipping area, driving nets and a full driving range.
Line up the putt
#boom
The round starts with a reasonably simple par 4, dogleg right which is really a drive, wedge into a guarded green. From this, the course takes you on a journey around the inside of the adjacent race track. There a number of good, testing holes and the condition of the course was superb. The greens were quick, but fair, rolling true.
This was yet another course were the bunkers seemed to be set up to gobble loads of my drives and I spent a lot of time chopping out. Nice day for the sand, right enough. On this, I felt that there should have been a lot more sand in these- there appeared to be just a top lair.
Interesting par 3 on the 14th, shooting over the race track- certainly a test.
I felt that this course's main defence was it's length. The average length of the par 4s was 402 yards, so, despite the generous amount of run from the solid fairways, shorter hitters should expect to be hitting a huge amount of GIR.
The only thing which frustrated me was how prominent the race course, it's buildings and signage are, towering over the golf course in a way that suggested that it held prominence over it. There was no escaping it, as you have to play over fences, walk across the track and avoid hitting on to it on many, many holes.
Race course- everywhere!
A view of the first tee box
Value for money
We managed to get on this course for £25, thanks to the reciprocal James Braid scheme in operation. I would happily return to play this course again, however, at £100 for a normal visitor rate, I would be reluctant.
Overall
Pros:A testing course with true, quick, well-conditioned greens. Lovely welcome and all members were happy to say 'hello' as we passed.
Cons:The overbearing race course, ruining the views makes it a struggle to justify a three-figure sum to play.
Note: mobile phones not allowed on the course or in the clubhouse / balcony
The Clubhouse
Previous posts relating to this club have hinted that this club may be a little toffee-nosed, but on arrival, there was nothing to indicate that this was the case.
A friendly welcome, whereby we were shown around the clubhouse, given cards and visitor passes. It was also clear that they were expecting our arrival, which was a nice touch.
Facilities were great (clean, spacious, high-end changing and shower facilities) with a lovely clubhouse.
We were dressed smartly, but this is only required for the dining room (which was empty). Golf attire (no golf shoes or hats) was acceptable in the main bar, which was presented well. After the round, we chose to sit out on the balcony, which overlooks the 18th. We had a pint of Birra Morretti each, with the round costing approx £7.80- not too bad for their premium offering, and it was a lovely pint.
The Course
Great practice facilities, including a large, diverse putting green, a chipping area, driving nets and a full driving range.
Line up the putt
#boom
The round starts with a reasonably simple par 4, dogleg right which is really a drive, wedge into a guarded green. From this, the course takes you on a journey around the inside of the adjacent race track. There a number of good, testing holes and the condition of the course was superb. The greens were quick, but fair, rolling true.
This was yet another course were the bunkers seemed to be set up to gobble loads of my drives and I spent a lot of time chopping out. Nice day for the sand, right enough. On this, I felt that there should have been a lot more sand in these- there appeared to be just a top lair.
Interesting par 3 on the 14th, shooting over the race track- certainly a test.
I felt that this course's main defence was it's length. The average length of the par 4s was 402 yards, so, despite the generous amount of run from the solid fairways, shorter hitters should expect to be hitting a huge amount of GIR.
The only thing which frustrated me was how prominent the race course, it's buildings and signage are, towering over the golf course in a way that suggested that it held prominence over it. There was no escaping it, as you have to play over fences, walk across the track and avoid hitting on to it on many, many holes.
Race course- everywhere!
A view of the first tee box
Value for money
We managed to get on this course for £25, thanks to the reciprocal James Braid scheme in operation. I would happily return to play this course again, however, at £100 for a normal visitor rate, I would be reluctant.
Overall
Pros:A testing course with true, quick, well-conditioned greens. Lovely welcome and all members were happy to say 'hello' as we passed.
Cons:The overbearing race course, ruining the views makes it a struggle to justify a three-figure sum to play.
Note: mobile phones not allowed on the course or in the clubhouse / balcony
Last edited:
