krokodil
Head Pro
Smashing golf course for anyone coming down to Devon.
Was a regular alternative for me and always thoroughly enjoyed it.
Was a regular alternative for me and always thoroughly enjoyed it.
Sky Sports xtra :Bovey Castle
- Thread starter krokodil
- Start date
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
Only if you walk in from 14.
Last few holes feature Mickey, and they ruin a lovely track. Especially 18. Shame, as the front nine is bonza.
Silly money now too. Have played it about 25 times. Used to stay in the hotel for £25 dinner bed and breakfast, and the golf was another £20. Good deal back then.
Last few holes feature Mickey, and they ruin a lovely track. Especially 18. Shame, as the front nine is bonza.
Silly money now too. Have played it about 25 times. Used to stay in the hotel for £25 dinner bed and breakfast, and the golf was another £20. Good deal back then.
Murph
not sure if you have been in the last 5 years as they have done a lot of work on the course (Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie) including completely changed 1st and 18th to level off fairways - in the last year they have also drastically cut the green fees
in terms of location and views for me its one of the best inland courses in GB&! right up there with Gleneagles
not sure if you have been in the last 5 years as they have done a lot of work on the course (Donald Steel and Tom Mackenzie) including completely changed 1st and 18th to level off fairways - in the last year they have also drastically cut the green fees
in terms of location and views for me its one of the best inland courses in GB&! right up there with Gleneagles
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
I haven't been there for about 12 years (when it was the Manor House, Moreton Hampstead), and would agree that the rest of the course is superb, the hotel is nice, the views are great, but an uninspiring finish (especially the old 18th). If they have levelled the fairway on 18 that would help alot, as it was a bit silly, but 16 and 17 are still a bosh it over the hill, putt out, and bosh it back again. Not sure why they would need to change the 1st, I always liked it, especially off the elevated back tee.
I will take your word about the green fees, but last I heard they were silly money for what you were getting.
I hope it is in better condition now as well, as in days gone by it was a bit tatty, again mainly the last 4 holes, which obviously dry out a lot quicker, as they are higher up.
The front 14 holes are as good as anywhere, which is why, in comparison, I always found the last 4 were a let down, and a bit out of character.
I will take your word about the green fees, but last I heard they were silly money for what you were getting.
I hope it is in better condition now as well, as in days gone by it was a bit tatty, again mainly the last 4 holes, which obviously dry out a lot quicker, as they are higher up.
The front 14 holes are as good as anywhere, which is why, in comparison, I always found the last 4 were a let down, and a bit out of character.
Murph
they pumped a lot of money into the place when De Savary took it over and new wonders have continued investment - course is now always in really good nick. Can get a wee wet on the bottom hole sin the winter otherwise very good year round
agree the front 9 stronger than back 9 but I like 16 for being a sporty reachable par 4 and 17 for forcing you to take a very agressive line over the trees if you're not to end up in right rough. Also like the pitch down to the green
18 is now much more level and the work to the 1st now means camber to the right is less sever - roll down to get a flatish lie but no silly ball miles above your feet shots as I believe they used to have - but still the same dramatic tee shot - I have got it on the front edge once but more often than not down flirting with the stream!
green fees range from 39 to 70 for the day
they pumped a lot of money into the place when De Savary took it over and new wonders have continued investment - course is now always in really good nick. Can get a wee wet on the bottom hole sin the winter otherwise very good year round
agree the front 9 stronger than back 9 but I like 16 for being a sporty reachable par 4 and 17 for forcing you to take a very agressive line over the trees if you're not to end up in right rough. Also like the pitch down to the green
18 is now much more level and the work to the 1st now means camber to the right is less sever - roll down to get a flatish lie but no silly ball miles above your feet shots as I believe they used to have - but still the same dramatic tee shot - I have got it on the front edge once but more often than not down flirting with the stream!
green fees range from 39 to 70 for the day
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
The fees are better then. Last I heard it was over £100.
I guess if I am down that way again I would give it a go, if only to see how it has changed. At that price it does make sense.
I think the last time I played it I bought the pringle Faldo jumper, with the big golfer on the front in the pro shop. Not something I wish to remember really.
Bear in mind when I was playing it, the fairways on the last 4 holes were like concrete, with next to no grass, and so the ball always ran for miles following the contours. Especially the 18th, which at times was just silly.
I guess if I am down that way again I would give it a go, if only to see how it has changed. At that price it does make sense.
I think the last time I played it I bought the pringle Faldo jumper, with the big golfer on the front in the pro shop. Not something I wish to remember really.
Bear in mind when I was playing it, the fairways on the last 4 holes were like concrete, with next to no grass, and so the ball always ran for miles following the contours. Especially the 18th, which at times was just silly.
If you two want to come down and play it again to compare notes, count me in to make up a 3 ball.
It's only 20-25 miles from me, but I've never played it. I believe it's a venue on the EuroPro tour so it must be half decent.
It's only 20-25 miles from me, but I've never played it. I believe it's a venue on the EuroPro tour so it must be half decent.
krokodil
Head Pro
Murph I'd echo what Mike has said-the course has changed completely.
Peter De Savrey pumped millions into the entire complex, including the course, and the 18th is now a really good hole.
I played it weekly until April and never tired of playing it.
Henry Cotton said something along the lines of the 7th being the best par 4 he'd played, and for me it's the best golf hole I've ever played.
Peter De Savrey pumped millions into the entire complex, including the course, and the 18th is now a really good hole.
I played it weekly until April and never tired of playing it.
Henry Cotton said something along the lines of the 7th being the best par 4 he'd played, and for me it's the best golf hole I've ever played.
