kevinmarkham
Assistant Pro
Silloth on Solway golf club was founded in 1892. It is perched on the Solway Firth, staring down towards the Isle of Man. The course’s designers left quite the legacy but, in terms of shaping the course, Mother Nature had the greatest say. The flow of the land is nothing short of mesmerising and Silloth’s natural feel is to be cherished.
Essentially, Silloth is an out-and-back affair, with each nine having a single flick running against the grain (the 4th and the 13th). The homeward nine are away from the Firth, but with the rises and falls the sea is rarely out of sight above the gorse and heather, and there are views in every direction.
The constant rolls to the land create a rhythm that draws you into Silloth’s embrace. It is not long (Par 72, 6,408 yards, White Tees) and apart from the dogleg 3rd it is straight and true, but course management is key, especially approaching greens. If you are adept at bump and run then Silloth will play into your hands, for the exposed location will surely throw a stiff wind into your face on the opening holes. The 13th, running in the same direction, is a par five of 468 yards, yet it is Index 1. The next hole, a par five of 472 yards, runs in the opposite direction and is Index 17. That should tell you all you need to know.
It’s no surprise that bunkering plays a key role in this short course’s defences, but the wind will always be the biggest threat as you target small, tight greens. Confident shots to the heart of each is the only guarantee that the ball won’t slide away, leaving awkward chips back.
Like a dog that senses fear, so Silloth will sniff out your weaknesses and exploit them. This is no place to be meek. It’s about strategic play, hitting at what you can see and playing safe when you can’t.
Photos
Enjoy Silloth’s feeling of timelessness – from the golf links, the stunning clubhouse (built in 1903) and the green fees, which range from £28 to £56.
Essentially, Silloth is an out-and-back affair, with each nine having a single flick running against the grain (the 4th and the 13th). The homeward nine are away from the Firth, but with the rises and falls the sea is rarely out of sight above the gorse and heather, and there are views in every direction.
The constant rolls to the land create a rhythm that draws you into Silloth’s embrace. It is not long (Par 72, 6,408 yards, White Tees) and apart from the dogleg 3rd it is straight and true, but course management is key, especially approaching greens. If you are adept at bump and run then Silloth will play into your hands, for the exposed location will surely throw a stiff wind into your face on the opening holes. The 13th, running in the same direction, is a par five of 468 yards, yet it is Index 1. The next hole, a par five of 472 yards, runs in the opposite direction and is Index 17. That should tell you all you need to know.
It’s no surprise that bunkering plays a key role in this short course’s defences, but the wind will always be the biggest threat as you target small, tight greens. Confident shots to the heart of each is the only guarantee that the ball won’t slide away, leaving awkward chips back.
Like a dog that senses fear, so Silloth will sniff out your weaknesses and exploit them. This is no place to be meek. It’s about strategic play, hitting at what you can see and playing safe when you can’t.
Photos
Enjoy Silloth’s feeling of timelessness – from the golf links, the stunning clubhouse (built in 1903) and the green fees, which range from £28 to £56.
