Winter course recommendation

[clubchamp98]

Seems no visitors on a weekend, even in December - otherwise would’ve been ideal! Not easy this it it

Reduced light at this time of year.
So limited tees even for the members.

Prestbury is a fabulous course but not sure what it’s like in winter.

 

[cvieri32]

Reduced light at this time of year.
So limited tees even for the members.

Prestbury is a fabulous course but not sure what it’s like in winter.

The light seems to be the issue doesn’t it and these top rated courses seem to have large memberships, thus understandably keeping the reduced tee time availability for them really.

 

[Mel Smooth]

Has College Pines been mentioned yet? Always has a good reputation for its winter conditions

 

[cvieri32]

Has College Pines been mentioned yet? Always has a good reputation for its winter conditions

Thanks Mel - will check it out!

 

[AussieKB]

Reduced light at this time of year.
So limited tees even for the members.

Prestbury is a fabulous course but not sure what it’s like in winter.

Prestbury in winter is not good, great course when dry and well worth playing.

 

[sunshine]

The light seems to be the issue doesn’t it and these top rated courses seem to have large memberships, thus understandably keeping the reduced tee time availability for them really.

At the moment you can only tee off 8-12, that window will get even smaller over the next 3 weeks. If there’s a frost delay then it may not be possible to tee off before 10am, suddenly you’re looking at a 2 hour window to tee off. That’s only 60 odd golfers playing in 4 balls.

 

[Mandofred]

For those of you who don't fixate on how dark it is.....at least here in Harrogate we lose our last minute in the evening on 9 Dec, so almost there. I think you get a minute back on the 19th. I'm a morning person though.....and we keep losing time in the mornings until 24? December....which really annoys me. While the solstice is on 21 Dec....the amount of light is a bit lopsided coming+going.

 

[D-S]

For those of you who don't fixate on how dark it is.....at least here in Harrogate we lose our last minute in the evening on 9 Dec, so almost there. I think you get a minute back on the 19th. I'm a morning person though.....and we keep losing time in the mornings until 24? December....which really annoys me. While the solstice is on 21 Dec....the amount of light is a bit lopsided coming+going.

The bit that annoys me is that the clocks go back under two months before the solstice but don’t go forward until over three months afterwards. There may be a logic to this that has escaped me but it is an irritation.

 

[cvieri32]

Anybody played Wilmslow or Stockport and any view on winter condition, specifically? Not many options on the weekend as it stands!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Anybody played Wilmslow or Stockport and any view on winter condition, specifically? Not many options on the weekend as it stands!

I put together a mini trip a couple of years ago and Wilmslow was recommended to me. It looks lovely but I didn't end up playing there as they would not let me book in advance. I can't answer as to what it is like in winter but if you do play it, in fact, wherever you play, will you post back a review afterwards? Always interesting to hear, add to the knowledge banks.

 

[cvieri32]

I put together a mini trip a couple of years ago and Wilmslow was recommended to me. It looks lovely but I didn't end up playing there as they would not let me book in advance. I can't answer as to what it is like in winter but if you do play it, in fact, wherever you play, will you post back a review afterwards? Always interesting to hear, add to the knowledge banks.

Will do - it was recommended by a pro from Prestbury as one of the better winter courses around there (albeit said not amazing condition at that time of year).

Totally different location, but, any view on Dunstanburgh Castle in winter? Assuming given coastal it's ok albeit famous last words and looks quite spectacular.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Will do - it was recommended by a pro from Prestbury as one of the better winter courses around there (albeit said not amazing condition at that time of year).

Totally different location, but, any view on Dunstanburgh Castle in winter? Assuming given coastal it's ok albeit famous last words and looks quite spectacular.

Dunstanburgh is a cracking course and is fine in winter. It was rammed last winter as it was one of the few courses still open during the constant rain. The only thing that will close Dunstanburgh is snow, ice or a sea fret (fog). Otherwise, you are safe to book it.

 

[cvieri32]

Dunstanburgh is a cracking course and is fine in winter. It was rammed last winter as it was one of the few courses still open during the constant rain. The only thing that will close Dunstanburgh is snow, ice or a sea fret (fog). Otherwise, you are safe to book it.

Great news, thanks - may have finally found the one here! Amazing how when narrow down availability / visitors allowed on weekends / winter condition etc, it soon reduces the options.

May try and play Close House too, although am I right in thinking that is a bit of a bog in winter? @Lord Tyrion

 

[rulefan]

Great news, thanks - may have finally found the one here! Amazing how when narrow down availability / visitors allowed on weekends / winter condition etc, it soon reduces the options.

I had thought of there but thought it was well outside your timeframe. But now see it's much closer than I thought. Good recommendation.
Incidentally, by-passing Newcastle (via Tyne Tunnel) might be worthwhile. There were major road works last time I went to Alnwick.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Great news, thanks - may have finally found the one here! Amazing how when narrow down availability / visitors allowed on weekends / winter condition etc, it soon reduces the options.

May try and play Close House too, although am I right in thinking that is a bit of a bog in winter? @Lord Tyrion

Close House is lovely but it can get soggy. It isn't terrible but it certainly isn't sand based.

If you are looking for another 'dry' option up here, South Shields, Bamburgh, Alnmouth Village (9 holer you can go around twice) A bit further up, Goswick or Eyemouth.

I was speaking to a friend at the weekend who plays at Tyneside. He was saying how firm that is at the moment. If you are wanting a second course to play, that wouldn't be a bad option.

 

[PCWOX]

I have played Dunstanburgh Castle in August this year on their Summer Food deal. It is a belting course, and highly recommended

 

[Mel Smooth]

The bit that annoys me is that the clocks go back under two months before the solstice but don’t go forward until over three months afterwards. There may be a logic to this that has escaped me but it is an irritation.

Aye, I'd be more than happy to see the period of daylight saving shortened to four months - so get the extra hour in the evening in February.

 

[cvieri32]

Close House is lovely but it can get soggy. It isn't terrible but it certainly isn't sand based.

If you are looking for another 'dry' option up here, South Shields, Bamburgh, Alnmouth Village (9 holer you can go around twice) A bit further up, Goswick or Eyemouth.

I was speaking to a friend at the weekend who plays at Tyneside. He was saying how firm that is at the moment. If you are wanting a second course to play, that wouldn't be a bad option.

Good to know! Bamburgh looks lovely too, although the green fees there and Goswick are pretty £££ for the time of year compared to the others

 

[Skytot]

Dunstanburgh is great course . I also enjoyed Seahouses , not long but 2 great par 3s

 

[Skytot]

Great news, thanks - may have finally found the one here! Amazing how when narrow down availability / visitors allowed on weekends / winter condition etc, it soon reduces the options.

May try and play Close House too, although am I right in thinking that is a bit of a bog in winter? @Lord Tyrion

If you need a course on a Saturday that doesn’t have competitions, I would consider places like Whitefield GC ( north Mcr) & Durham Forest (south Mcr) both predominantly Jewish clubs and have their comps on Sundays .