GB72
Money List Winner
It has taken me a couple of rounds but I have found a new appreciation for Stapleford Park. A Donald Steel designed course set in 500 acres of Leicestershire countryside means that it is the embodiment of perfect tranquillity. It is so peaceful with no noise or distraction anywhere on the course.
The round starts with a short and gentle par 4 but soon ramps up after that. The par 5 second sees mounds covered in thick rough encroaching on the fairway and demanding an accurate and well thought out tee shot.
Water comes into play on a number of holes as streams cut across the course. This is typified by a particularly testing par 4 that leaves the option of a short lay up before the stream with a mid iron the green, a risky shot on to the spur of land between the bends in the stream or a very risky drive at the green. That one always has me thinking about the best option.
The round ends on another risk, reward hole. A short tee shot a long approach is the safe option but there are various small landing areas as the stream meanders around the fairway depending on how much risk you want to take. The big hitters can even try and clear the stream and drive at a green that is well guarded by bunkers.
I am now a fan of Stapleford Park. The setting is idyllic, the round peaceful, the condition excellent and the holes are thought provoking. Even better is that it is all finished off with a pint on the balcony overlooking the 18th Green.
The round starts with a short and gentle par 4 but soon ramps up after that. The par 5 second sees mounds covered in thick rough encroaching on the fairway and demanding an accurate and well thought out tee shot.
Water comes into play on a number of holes as streams cut across the course. This is typified by a particularly testing par 4 that leaves the option of a short lay up before the stream with a mid iron the green, a risky shot on to the spur of land between the bends in the stream or a very risky drive at the green. That one always has me thinking about the best option.
The round ends on another risk, reward hole. A short tee shot a long approach is the safe option but there are various small landing areas as the stream meanders around the fairway depending on how much risk you want to take. The big hitters can even try and clear the stream and drive at a green that is well guarded by bunkers.
I am now a fan of Stapleford Park. The setting is idyllic, the round peaceful, the condition excellent and the holes are thought provoking. Even better is that it is all finished off with a pint on the balcony overlooking the 18th Green.
