The Belfry - Brabazon - OMG!

[Snelly]

Course ratings are a matter of opinion, so I am very happy for Slice having enjoyed his day at the Belfry, even though I wouldn't pay money to play it again and have turned down free games.

In my opinion, Sunningdale is so much better than The Belfry that it almost like playing a different game. TOC and TNC at St A are very different from one another and from both of the previously mentioned. TNC is possibly the best course of the two, although somewhat less storied.

I completely agree. I played both this year, in fact I play Sunningdale every year, and they are not in the same league.

The Brabazon is on the plus side, well kept, has some decent holes and is easy to get to. That said, it is so flat it is featureless and is always busy which means a slow round. It also has a clinical corporate feel to it. I am in no rush to return.

Sunningdale is the polar opposite. Probably the finest collection of 36 holes together in Europe if not anywhere. Two magnificent courses that are a very fair test of golf, picturesque and oozing history and quality. The whole place feels like a real club too and you are always made to feel very welcome at this very special place. We are lucky to have it in the UK and whilst expensive, 36 holes at Sunningdale is great value for the money it costs. Superb food, wine list and changing rooms too!

 

[JustOne]

I'm always surprised when it gets a slating, but I've not played there before so can't comment.

I'd love to go though.

Me too. Just to have played it. It'd probably help if you also play out of your skin, the best tracks are often the ones that you play well

 

[Snelly]

Copthorne is much better than the Brabazon in my opinion. And I am not joking either..

Good point you make about enjoying the places you play well at though. I have won a society day at Copthorne and a lowest gross prize in a bigger competition at Sunningdale on the Old Course so maybe you are right and it clouds the judgement....

Maybe I sound harsh on the Belfry? Not a bad course but just a bit dull and corporate for my taste.

It is probably just me though. I like traditional places and I can't think of a relatively new course that I have played that really impressed me. For example, The Oxfordshire, Loch Lomond, Forest of Arden, Dale Hill, The Belfry, East Sussex, The Warwickshire, The Buckinghamshire etc. All nice but not mind blowing. I am playing the Grove next year and expect to be equally underwhelmed.

That said, I reckon Bearwood Lakes, Brocket Hall and Remedy Oak might be different - I hear really good things about them.


Old and crusty for me everytime - just what I prefer I guess.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Bearwood Lakes is different class. Top quality throughout the club without being ostentatious or up themselves. If I could afford it I'd join there and see out my golfing days quite happily. A very good challenge without being overly penal with superb practice facilities and a great clubhouse that does make a visitor feel welcome

 

[Ethan]

Bearwood Lakes is different class. Top quality throughout the club without being ostentatious or up themselves. If I could afford it I'd join there and see out my golfing days quite happily. A very good challenge without being overly penal with superb practice facilities and a great clubhouse that does make a visitor feel welcome

Homer

It is a great club and course, and not a hint of stuffiness in the place. The club is doing some work this winter to reinstate some of the areas of fescue to give a nice visual effect and offer a challenge but a playable one.

 

[Deleted member 1418]

Played at the Belfry 3 times last year (3 rounds on the Brabazon, 2 on PGA National) and whilst I agree that the Brabazon doesn't really have the 'wow' factor like other courses, it was in fantastic condition nonetheless - teeing areas were great, fairways were top class - not one bad lie - the bunkers really consistent in terms of sand and lies, and the greens just amazing. The PGA National was equally as impressive.

I think you have to take into account the whole package with the Belfry too - the facilities are first rate, and we were made to feel very welcome by the hotel staff and the golf pros. One of my trips was for my dad's 60th and, because he doesn't get to play much, was just blown away at how he was treated by everyone at the place, particularly the starter who went out of his way to make him feel like he was the most important person playing that day; he insisted on taking photos of us on the 1st and 10th tees, as well as by the 18th green, before we tee'd off

Just seen on golfbreaks.com that you can get 1 or 2 nights dinner, b&b and 2/3 rounds of golf for prices ranging from £99 to £249pp - those are excellent deals IMO.

So would I go back again? Yes.

 

[Region3]

I'm always surprised when it gets a slating, but I've not played there before so can't comment.

I'd love to go though.

Me too. Just to have played it. It'd probably help if you also play out of your skin, the best tracks are often the ones that you play well

Just seen on golfbreaks.com that you can get 1 or 2 nights dinner, b&b and 2/3 rounds of golf for prices ranging from £99 to £249pp - those are excellent deals IMO.

So would I go back again? Yes.

Sounds like we only need one more for a fourball

 

[PNWokingham]

It is probably just me though. I like traditional places and I can't think of a relatively new course that I have played that really impressed me. For example, The Oxfordshire, Loch Lomond, Forest of Arden, Dale Hill, The Belfry, East Sussex, The Warwickshire, The Buckinghamshire etc. All nice but not mind blowing. I am playing the Grove next year and expect to be equally underwhelmed.

That said, I reckon Bearwood Lakes, Brocket Hall and Remedy Oak might be different - I hear really good things about them.


Old and crusty for me everytime - just what I prefer I guess.

Snelly - I agree on your views on new courses in general - especially didn't like the course I played at the Warwickshire. But I found Loch Lomond awesome and near the top of my list. Come and join me at Bearwood some time - I like it as much as anywhere. Sunningdale - still eagerly looking forward to that pleasure - it is only up the road but I can't justify £260 for a day there!

 

[Snelly]

Yes Loch Lomond is nice but I think my expectations were higher than the actual experience. Were it not for the spectacular scenery, the course would not have the rating it has. Of course, it does have the scenery and setting which definitely makes it a special place. It is still probably in my top 10 courses I have played. Just not quite up to the hype in my view.

Makes me wonder what my top 10 is....

Something like:

1 Royal County Down
2 Swinley Forest
3 Sunningdale
4 St Georges Hill
5 Hankley Common
6 Turnberry
7 The Berkshire
8 Hillside
9 Macrihanish
10 West Sussex

But this means leaving out some beauties. West Hill, Worplesdon, Hollinwell, Troon, Muirfield, Wentworth, Birkdale, Formby, Lindrick, Crowborough, Burnham, Hunstanton, Catalunya, Woburn and of course Loch Lomond.

In fact it reminds me that after playing Loch Lomond then West Hill the next day, I had to make a speech at the latter and said truthfully that I preferred West Hill! So what am I on about? LL definitely not in my top 10!

I reckon Woodhall Spa would go into my list straight away at a high position too but I haven't played there. Just been to the course for a look.

And I know I am fortunate to have played these places (many through work etc) and this may sound immodest. Hope not, not intended to sound boastful.

Snelly

PS - I would love to come down for a game at Bearwood Lakes. Just let me know a date that suits!