The Shire London - anyone played it?

[KeefG]

I'm playing a corporate day there tomorrow, i've had a quick peek at the website and it looks a peach, designed by someone called Steve Ballesteros apparently

Anyone played it and have any tips?

Just checked my GPS and thanlfully, its already mapped

 

[Snelly]

I think Frodo is a member.

 

[bobmac]

Leave your house early

 

[KeefG]

I'm leaving now

 

[BushFinder]

Hi,
I have played it.
It is very long, lots of water and 6 par fives.

From what I can remember it was pretty tough, and it took ages to get round.
A good challenge,as a newish course.
Good food though.


Sorry i couldnt be more helpful.

Have a good day.

BushFinder

 

[User 105]

Keef

hope you enjoyed the day.

I played it a couple of months back. Did anyone mention 'WATER'

If we get a hosepipe ban I know where all the water is.

How'd you get on at the 1st. Par 3 to a green surrounded by water. Nice start.

Oh did I mention water

 

[KeefG]

Just got back and have to say, what a cracking track!!!! Absolutely brutal greens though with so many subtle breaks and different tiers, very very dificult to read and very quick too.

We started on the 10th and played the back 9 first as there was quite a lot of us so I was well prepared for the 1st when I got there, that said, I think every par 3 is difficult!!!

Never seen soooooooo much water in all my life! lol

To be honest, when I read that there was 6 x par 3's, 6 x par 4's & 6 x par 5's I thought it was a bit gimmicky, but it really really really works well. 3 of the par 5's are really good scoring opportunities, although I made a hash of most of them as I kept finding sand on my approaches.

Every single hole is a challenge and its not the sort of course you can go and blast your way around, every tee shot requires a bit of head scratching to work out your best way.....definitely a thinking man's course!

Highlights of the day:
7th - par 3, watched as my wedge began to fall agonisingly close, the ball twatted the sleepers, bounced up, and landed on the green, left me with a monster putt from a different postcode! lol
12th - par 3, fairly brisk left to right wind, hit a belter of a 4 iron over the far left bunker and watced it come round with the wind and drop about 5ft from the pin, missed the putt though.
13th - short par 5, reached the green in 2, left my eagle putt short but holed the birdie putt.
18th - possibly the most intimidating approach to a green i've ever seen, the fairway runs out at about 280yds, then a lake is in an S shape and the green is tucked away in the top part of the S, not a massive target to land on. Hit my utility about 210yds, left me an 8 iron which I hit quite well, was chuffed I made the green in 2 and kept the ball dry though

Will definitely play there agin one day soon, and it will be fantastic once it has matured properly.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Glad you had a good day. Funnily enough we talked about the course yesterday as we trundled our way around the 72 holes and its definitely on a hit list for a day out with some forum members.

 

[KeefG]

I cant recommend the place enough to be honest fella, not sure what the green fee's ar like though as I didnt see any price lists anywhere.

I'd be up for atending if you get round to arranging something though!

 

[Deleted member 1418]

Glad you enjoyed it. I have played it a couple of times and think it's a great course. As you said, the 3 '6s' really work. Facilities are great and found the club and staff really welcoming. The teaching pros there are also good guys and know their stuff and are more than happy to help you out.

If anyone fancies a game there, give me a shout.

 

[daymond]

Thanks for the great comments you have made guys but......What is the green fee?
Destitute OAP! lol

Clubs yes
H/C 14.2 and still rising

 

[KeefG]

Just found this on their website:

18 HOLE BALLESTEROS MASTERS COURSE

Mid week green fees are available by booking up to 7 days in advance at a cost of £50.

Weekend green fees are available by booking up to 7 days in advance at a cost of £65.