Tag: Sarah Forrest

J – John O’Gaunt

10th February 20211 commentUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

I am showcasing one golf club a day across GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order.  Full write up and more images can be found on http://golfgurugroup.blogspot.com. 

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses in this series, and please do comment, like or share if you want to start planing ahead. For more innovative, fun unique golf content, please subscribe to my social media channels 

Instagram @sarah_thetravellingladygolfer

Twitter and Facebook @golfgurugroup

John O’Gaunt Golf Club

Sutton Park, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2LY

The imposing Mansion House enjoys panoramic views as it presides over the golf courses and grounds of the John O’Gaunt Golf Club.

Dating back to 1859, rebuilt after a fire in 1825, the mansion house is the clubhouse serving the two 18 hole golf courses and practice facilities. 

Originally the golf course was a 9 hole in a different location.  The War Office took over the nine hole, ploughing up 3 of the holes for crops.  The remaining six had ditches dug into them to hinder aircraft from landing.

In 1948 a new location was sought for the then known Mid Bedfordshire Golf Club.  The 300 acre Sutton Park was found to be the perfect location with its picturesque countryside views and established lime trees, some still standing to this day.

The front nine

Of the John O’Gaunt course were designed by W G Groves, a scratch golfer, with the back nine being designed by Fred Hawtree.  Hawtree went on to design the second course, Carthagena, but our focus for today is the main course, John O’Gaunt.

With the purchase of Sutton Park came the somewhat dilapidated mansion house and established gardens designed by one of Capability Browns contemporaries, Humphry Repton.

As I haven’t played John O’Gaunt, my guest writer for letter J is Phil Millington:

As I arrived at the club

Ready to represent my club in a Seniors Scratch Team match, I was greeted by the clubhouse which has the air of an old country hall, with its grounds now converted into two golf courses, the John O’Gaunt main course and the Carthagena course. As you walk in you get the impression of history at this club.

My match was played on the John O’Gaunt course and it was the first and only time I’ve played at the club; in Mar 2020 (before Covid truly arrived on the scene). The course itself is a gently undulating mature parkland layout with many tall old imposing trees lining the fairways. Positioning of your shots in the right part of the fairway is key to producing a good score on many of the holes, otherwise your course management skills will be tested for sure. For the time of year the course was in really good condition and well presented, with the greens being suitably paced and true. 

To sum it up for me

Almost a year further on, I find I can clearly remember all but maybe one or two holes; dog legs both ways, raised greens, some holes slightly uphill, some downhill. The John O’Gaunt course is recognised as the No.1 course in Bedfordshire and for me the fact I remember the course so well is truly the sign of an interesting course. One that I look forward to playing again in the future.

K for Kington

K – Kington

9th February 2021Comments Off on K – KingtonUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

I am showcasing one golf club a day across GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order.  Full write up and more images can be found on http://golfgurugroup.blogspot.com

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses in this series, and please do comment, like or share if you want to start planing ahead.For more innovative, fun unique golf content, please subscribe to my social media channels 

Instagram @sarah_thetravellingladygolfer Twitter and Facebook @golfgurugroup

Kington Golf Club

Bradnor Hill, Kington, Herefordshire, HR5 3RE

Another great golf course which sits on the English Welsh borders.  Kington is the highest 18 hole golf course in England at 1284 feet above sea level, at its highest point.  The beauty of Kington is most of the climbing is done by car as you snake your way up the the clubhouse in the sky.

That said as you stand on the first tee with its gradual uphill laid out in front of you, you might not think so.  Especially when you see the green clinging onto the side of a hill to the left.  But once you’re up there, there isn’t much more climbing to do.   The wind can come into play.  My playing partner was playing a driver on a par 3 to turn around and play the next hole, a par 4, with a rescue with it almost landing on the green says it all I think.  But on one of those beautiful sunny days its the best place to see over towards the Brecon Beacons, The Black Mountains, The Malvern Hills and the Shropshire and Clee Hills.

Construction started in 1925

Under the watchful eye of golf course designer Major Cecil Hutchinson.  Building a reputation in his own right after working with Braid at Gleneagles and Carnoustie.  He later went on to work with Stafford Vere Hotchkin to redesign Woodhall Spa.  At Kington he had the choice of two locations and opted for Bradnor Hill to work within its natural beauty and terrain.  There have been very few changes to the original design, testimony to the strength of its original design.

There are some holes when you look at them and think, I should do OK here.  Hole number five is that one for me.  It is a par 3 only 126/150 yards with a menacing looking wall on the right and a lone tree in the distance to the right of the green.  It is a relatively small green which is easily missed if too long and probably more forgiving if too short. It isn’t unusual to see the sheep, who wander around the course, taking shelter behind the wall.  Watching with curious interest as they cheerfully much on the lush grass. 

It has to be said, it is stunning at the top.

The golf course is a haven of manicured pasture with far reaching views, sometimes above the clouds, and I’ve heard sometimes above the military planes which train in the valley below.  The heathland course has all the elements for fantastic play, all the hazards one might expect of its location, plus some.  Yet despite it being so high, there is space all around. The fairways are often wide enough and the greens large enough for a good game.  That doesn’t mean a good score though!!  If a good score isn’t forthcoming take solace in the vista views of seven counties across England and Wales being Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Breconshire, Radnorshire, Shropshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.

It isn’t unusual

To see humps dotted around, some protect the greens as per the 12th.  They not only add to the dramatic landscape but are in play too.  There are no bunkers or water hazards at Kington, it doesn’t need them. The fairways are great to play from.  Slightly spongy but not too much give that you end up popping the ball in the sky! I am always amazed by the condition of the greens, despite the wildlife and the relatively harsh climate, they remain great.

The elevation changes, the dramatic grass bunkers and the rough are enough to keep you on your toes on this course.

The closing hole has the clubhouse in sight.  With an almost impossible looking green, a slither of short cut grass next to the clubhouse from an elevated tee.  I guess it is achievable for a big hitter at 238/279 yards (SI18), to be on in one.  But it is fraught with danger if you’re slightly off kilter.  Go right and you’re down the hill, maybe even out of play.  Go too long and you’re pretty much in the clubhouse.  That green looks remarkably small and narrow front to back!  And of course you have the spectators in the clubhouse watching your every move! 

L for Llanymynech

L – Llanymynech

8th February 2021Comments Off on L – LlanymynechUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Reviews – Z to A

I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabetical order.  It is my ode to some great and in some cases, unknown golf.  Full write up’s can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot. 

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I.

For more innovative and fun golf, please subscribe to my social media channels @sarah_thetravellingladygolfer on Instagram @golfgurugroup on Twitter and Facebook for innovative and fun golf media and marketing.

LLanymynech Golf Club

High Cottage, Pant, Oswestry, SY10 8LB

Wales or England?

One of the quirky things about Llanymynech is one doesn’t really know where it is!  So much so that hole number four, a dog leg left par four of only 323/340 yards is where you tee off in Wales and putt out in England.  An elevated tee box encourages the brave to go over the trees in a straight line to the green.  Or take on the acute corner and get on it two.  Either way this SI9 hole is quite playable.

Llanymynech is actually in Wales

However as the only way to get there by car is through England, it carries an English postcode.

LLanymynech almost plays a cluster of holes at a time differently.  Arguably giving you more variety in just 18 holes.

Some holes are parkland, whereas others play more like heathland, especially as you climb to the top of the hill and enjoy the views below.  I loved the fairways.  Each time I have been they played really well.  The par 3 third is a pretty hole with lots of shrubbery and small sculptured bushes laid out in front of you.  If you miss the 134/153 yard green short, you could be in trouble!  

Then you get the 18th

Again with an elevated tee with a mound right in the way as you take your drive.  In reality that mound shouldn’t be in play, but you know, sometimes, it just is!  In stark contrast the 9th is a relatively open hole but is the hardest hole on the course being a par 5 at 419/546 yards, SI 1.

I was playing Llanymynech during a society day a few years back and won the longest drive on the 13th hole.  I do recall the rest of the players, mainly male, being a bit fed up. I did agree with them as the distance between the two tees was a bit too much at over 60 yards!  Mind you, I did prefer the back tee box position being high, whereas the forward tees were on a lower level.

Another unique feature about Llanymynech

Is when you’re at the top of the hill you can see up to as many as five counties.  These counties are Powys, Dyfed, Clwyd, Shropshire and Staffordshire.  There is a map at the top so you can identify which landmarks you are seeing as you brave the highest part of the course.  Naturally, it is absolutely beautiful on a warm summers day and absolutely miserably on a cold wet one! 

As any good golf course will agree

Ongoing maintenance is essential.  Being forward thinking, instead of using the sods of tuff to create vetted bunkers, LLanymynech are using EcoBunkers.  A synthetic bunker system with a longer life.  When I go back, it is my mission to take a close look at these new bunkers!

Offa’s Dyke is a site of Special Scientific interest, roughly running the boundary between England and Wales.   King Offa was the Anglo Saxon King of Mercia from AD 757.   As Llanymynech also borders these two countries, it is no surprise that Offa’s Dyke also makes an appearance around the golf course.  Again adding to its interest in topography and its heritage.

M for Mount Juliet

M – Mount Juliet

7th February 2021Comments Off on M – Mount JulietUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I over 26 days – in reverse alphabet order.  It is my ode to some great and in some cases, unknown golf.  Full write up’s can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot or on golfgurugroup website under the Travelling Lady Golfer tab. 

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I.

Subscribe to my social media channels @sarah_thetravellingladygolfer on Instagram @golfgurugroup on Twitter and Facebook for innovative and fun golf media and marketing.

Photo credit Kevin Markham

Mount Juliet

Mount Juliet Estate, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland

Wahoo another great parkland course, who’s relative newness doesn’t detract from it being a fantastic play and location just an hour and half from Dublin.

This beautiful Irish country Estate extends to approx 500 acres with the River Nore shaping its very existence as it dissects the 180 acre golf course. 

Completed just 30 years ago

In 1991 Jack Nicklaus was called in to give it his signature treatment.  This basically means he got involved and visited the sight personally before coming up with this little gem of a course.  It has to be said, at first glance, I would not have said it was a Golden Bear design. I can usually tell if a course is one of his, but this one was tricky for me to pin point its designer. 

Photo credit Kevin Markham

Mount Juliet is fun to play, it’s takes in the established estate and works with the mass of water to bring that in play too.  Hole 4, par 4 292/404 yards is a tight driving hole which seemed to narrow in the middle before opening up to the shot to the green.  Or so you think, in fact the entrance to the green is also narrow.  Water sits to the right of the green too, making it on in 2 is quite a challenge!

It was one of my first experiences of a Nicklaus course, and I recall at the time being impressed by the splodge bunkers, I now know are a trait of his.  Typically in play for the drive, the bunkers became less attractive as the round went on!

Photo credit Kevin Markham

Water and bunkers

Do play a big part of the design of Mount Juliet.  There are around 80 bunkers.  Five lakes were also constructed to come into play over 6 holes but this does enhance Mount Juliet’s natural and unique beauty.  It is little  wonder it was voted best Parkland Golf Course in 2008 and 2010 and more recently the same from Golfers Guide to Ireland.

The 16th, a par 4 335/452 yards is a strange one.  A slight dog leg from the back tees but playing straight from the forward tees. Out of bounds on the left. The inevitable bunkering more likely to catch the back tee players.  Then this little splodge bunker in front of the green.  Nothing weird about that, right?  Behind the green is where you feel as though you’ve playing a desert course. A very large expanse of sand which almost envelopes the green itself.  In fact if that desert bunker wasn’t there, with it being out of bounds behind it, I guess it does save the golfer a little?

Photo credit Kevin Markham

Measure 7,000 yards

It has been built to stage championship golf.  The Irish Open was meant to me played here last year but wasn’t due to Covid.  With many a top golfers already given the opportunity to play Mount Juliet, I’m sure it won’t be long until it hosts another punchy event soon.

It is a number of years since I played Mount Juliet.  I often wonder about changes that might have happen to improve the course and whether those changes actually have improved it.  It seemed pretty special to me when I played there!

Photo credit Kevin Markham

But what of its name?

Several changes in name for the estate have included Waltons Grove and Kendals Grove, depending on who owed the Estate at that time.  But as we all enjoy a good love story, it was the Earl of Carrick who named it Mount Juliet after his wife, Lady Julianna Butler, aka Juliet.  

Hotel accommodation is also available on site.

N for Newport

N – Newport

6th February 2021Comments Off on N – NewportUncategorized

GB&I golf Course Reviews – Z to A

I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I for the whole of the alphabet.  It is my ode to some great golf.  Full write up’s can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot or on golfgurugroup website under the Travelling Lady Golfer tab. 

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I and subscribe to my social media channels @sarah_thetravellingladygolfer on Instagram @golfgurugroup on Twitter and Facebook. 

Newport Golf Club

NEWPORT GOLF CLUB, GREAT OAK, ROGERSTONE, NEWPORT, WALES, NP10 9FX

Newport Golf Club stands 300 feet above sea level with a yardage from 5814 to 6500. Located in Llwyni Wood the golf holes circumnavigate the woodland. In the middle of the course whilst capitalising on the beautiful established trees and gently undulating terrain.

Founded in 1903 Newport Golf club started life, like so many, as a nine hole course situated at Ladyhill Farm.  Interestingly, the ladies section was also founded that same year.  A couple of years later the course was extended to 18 holes.  But that wasn’t the end to the clubs evolution with a relocation to its current site in 1912. 

Mature oak trees

Are the first thing you notice as you start to play Newport GC, it is no coincidence that the club logo is an Oak tree!  Certainly this mature parkland course is one that screams history, with one pondering, if only the trees could talk.

Regarded as one of the finest parkland courses in South Wales the current site of the golf course has grown and matured nurturing this natural look. It also far reaching views across the landscape and over towards the Bristol Channel.

Parkland courses

Are often overlooked when visiting the UK in favour of links golf, but playing such a grown up course has its own considerations.  The greens are not level y any stretch of the imagination, the course, whilst doest take on massive elevations. Does add interest with its gentle topography and then there’s the mature statement trees!

The first time I played Newport was in an Open and I was blown away by the golf course.  Naturally I had to return again to see if it was a one off experience.  I’m pleased to say, it wasn’t.  Each time I’ve been back to Newport, it seems to get better.  Driving off the first tee with the club house on your left really sets you up for the rest of the game.  A good indication of what was to come was laid out for all to see right in front of you in unashamed openness.

It is true there are no major hills, no major doglegs but don’t be fooled.  Some of the holes are long and require good placement from the tee and subsequent shots into the green.  Playing with males, I noticed there were a lot of narrow exits off the tees from the back, which didn’t come into play so much from the forward tees.  However, on occasions neatly trimmed hedges did come into play for the tee shot.  Often the landing zone for the tee shot was reasonably wide, but as holes snaked around, placement was key.  Whilst the greens were quite large, front to back, some had thought provoking slopes on them to catch even the best of putters!

Hole number 14

A relatively easy par 3 of 126/164 yards caused lots of hilarity if you weren’t straight onto the green with your tee shot.  A pearl necklace of bunkers protecting  the green from the front and both sides.  The established trees ever present.  The trees were not always thick forest lining the fairways, instead leaving gaps to enjoy those views and give you some reprieve for any wayward shots!

Whilst the mighty oak does dominate many a hole, the woodland is diverse and includes birch and beech too.  Bearing in mind its maturity, the golf club also has a natural history group who monitor and report the flora and fauna of the golf course, working in harmony with the green keepers.  It is a shapely course, with woodland, sloping greens and the odd ditch or hump across the fairway.  There were also some very long holes which could suit the big hitters.

O for The Oxfordshire

O – The Oxfordshire

6th February 2021Comments Off on O – The OxfordshireUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Reviews – Z to A

I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I for the whole of the alphabet.  It is my ode to some great golf.  Full write up’s can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot or on golfgurugroup website under the Travelling Lady Golfer tab. 

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I and subscribe to my social media channels @sarah_thetravellingladygolfer on Instagram @golfgurugroup on Twitter and Facebook.

Photo credit – Kevin Murray

Oxfordshire

Or strictly speaking The Oxfordshire, Rycote Lane, Milton Common, Thame, Oxfordshire, OX9 2PU

It’s strange how golf courses keep popping in your golfing life.  I’d never heard of the Oxfordshire until it hosted a ladies golf event there and I went along as a spectator as fairly new person into golf.  Little did I know at that stage that I’d be working to help promote the resort in my tour operating days or running successful ladies events there either.  It’s certainly one that pops up every now and again and always in a positive way.  Now I can just enjoy the course for what it is, a place I can return to time and again.

Photo credit – Kevin Murray

The Oxfordshire

Is not an old course in fact it was only built in 1993.  A unique blend of English countryside meeting it’s then Japanese owners requests designed by an American, Rees Jones.  Rees Jones of Torres Pines and Pinehurst fame.

It has been built to stage championship golf, and has done so since it conception.  With its natural spectator vantage points and views over the, what can only be described as an inland links views.

It is true many a great course has claimed to be an inland links but I think the Oxfordshire is one that can say that with conviction, despite it being based in the middle of the Chilterns.  This Rees Jones design beguiles from the first glance with its softly lined fairways.  Its wispy grass flirting in the wind beckoning you in.

Photo credit – Kevin Murray

Once you start to play the Oxfordshire

You’re in a different world, only being bought back to the reality by an exceptional half way house at the far end of the course.  It isn’t the 9 out, 9 in design of some, you are literally at the furthest point from the 5th tee.  The half way house comes into play on a few holes.

I always liked playing the par 4, 8th hole with the water on the right and the green tantalising you in the distance with its solitary tree teasing you to think big  Almost like an island green, the brave can take on the water with their second shot, the sensible follow the fairway round the mouth of the green.

Weirdly I also liked the 10th hole

Its not partially any more spectacular than any ofter hole on the course, I just liked its simplicity.  I was in one of the fairway greens with still a long way to go to the green.  To everyones amazement, I used a rescue club and clean hit it out and onto the green.  I still don’t remember who was more surprised by that shot, me or my playing partner!

There is one hole that most people do talk about when playing The Oxfordshire, the 17th.  A long par 5 with an open tee box to hit into oblivion.  Placement is key here as it determines the next shot.  Over the lake at almost the widest point or go around and play the whole of the par 5.  I’ve played both ways, but only had the guts to take on the green one time as my drive was quite far left!  The green is tucked all the way the other side of the lake.  Shallow in it approach back to front with bunkers in play.  It is definitely one of those risk and reward shots!!

The onsite contemporary Hotel sits with the best views over the course, so a few days staying here is always a little luxury with good food and a spa on tap too.

P for Porthmadog

P – Porthmadog

4th February 2021Comments Off on P – PorthmadogUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Reviews – Z to A

Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I.  It is my ode to some great golf.  Full write up’s can be found on golfgurugroup blogspot or on golfgurugroup website under the Travelling Lady Golfer tab.

Look out for the daily influx of unique, quirky, amazing golf courses across the GB & I on offer.

Porthmadog Golf Club

Morfa Bychan, Porthmadog, Gwyneed, LL49 9UU

Two unique 9 holes merging to form the traditional 18 holes of golf.  This James Braid design dates back to 1905 and is somewhat unusual.

Situated in Morfa Bychan, just 3 miles from Porthmadog the genius is the front nine, whilst not a parkland is best described as heathland.  With the back nine being the links we all know and love.

Starting life as nine holes

With Lord Harlech as the inaugural President it was changed to 18 holes around 1910.  About the same time as a new land lease was signed.  To put things into perspective, the new lease had such stipulations as golfers had to be well behaved – still applies to todays game, naturally!  They were not allowed to play golf on Sundays and would be up for paying compensation if a sheep, cattle or any other animal was killed.  There was not helping themselves to game, rabbits, hares or wild fowl either!    An ode to the changing landscape was a caveat to not allow Llyn Samson water levels to diminish!  As it now forms part of the estuary, this gives you some idea of the changes from just over 100 years ago!

When playing Porthmadog, I remember playing along the estuary, it was windy and the ball wasn’t playing my game!  I got up to the 11th green and took stock of where I was.  The estuary was in full sight, a light grey bluish colour, with whispy off-white and green long grasses waving in the foreground.  To my left was the most beautiful white washed stone built cottage nestled into the valley.  I remember remarking to my playing partners that I’d love to live there; wild, rugged and with a great golf course on my doorstep – who wouldn’t!

Vista views can also be enjoyed on the 13th as you can see as far as Harlech Castle on a good day.

The James Braid

Characteristics are still in play, especially on the back nine.  In the mid 1980, as with a lot of golf course at this time, changes were made to Porthmadog.  The front nine was given a re-vamp on holes 4, 5 and 6.  Locals have, maybe tongue in cheek, labelled this as ‘Amens Corner’.  Don’t be put off as you stand on the 14th tee looking at the two large mounds which seem to close together as you realise your drive needs to go through the gap!

A friendly club who welcome you with Welsh hospitality

If you’re after a unique experience add Porthmadog to your list.  If you’re on holiday it’s a great course to get a bit of everything and satisfy those golf withdrawal symptoms.  And whilst on holiday in the beautiful North Wales Countryside, think about the Ffestiniog and Highlands Railway steam trains as they chug along as a subtle reminder of yesteryear.

Playing Porthmadog makes you think differently about your round and also about club selection from the differing front to back nine holes.  A heathland, a links, dunes, brooks, big greens, great views towards Snowdonia over Cardigan bay- Porthmadog has it all.

Green fees from £40

Q for Queen’s Course, Gleneagles

Q – Queen’s Course, Gleneagles

3rd February 20211 commentUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Reviews – Z to A

Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I.  It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland.  Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab.  So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.

Feel free to share them to help others.

Queen’s Course

Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, Perthsire, ScotlandPH3 1NF

Originally a nine hole course the James Braid Queen’s Course opened in 1919.   Later being extended to a full 18 holes in 1925.  Often regraded as the little sister to the Kings and the newer PGA Centenary courses.  Shorter in length than its big brothers, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by this par 68 course.  It packs a punch with its receptive fairways and great quality greens.  Even in the wettest Perthshire weather, those greens seem to hold up well.

Intertwining

The courses around each other weaving across the prettiest tamed but still remarkably rugged and colourful moorland.  Trees are a nice features of the Queen’s Course, drawing the eye up as well as forward to maximise the whole of the landscape.

In 2017 course realignment bought it back to the the original Braid design.  The course had gone through a series of renovations to suit the time which meant some bunkers were lost into the rough.  Using old imagery the original design was reinstated calling for 89 bunkers being re-built and some drainage work undertaken.

I recall the 13th

A pretty par 3 with sculptured fairways around heather and water in play.  Offset by the backdrop of tall trees looming in the distance.  Quite an intimidating hole despite its relative short length of only 129/140 yards.

I recall playing Queen’s and getting to a cross roads where the paths crossed over and it struck me how lost I could get without good signage!

The closing hole, aptly called ‘Queen’s Hame’ does entice you across the water to an inviting, reasonably wide fairway, before it softly bends left to the green insight.   It has to be said this is one of the most welcoming closing holes.  Not least because of the Dormy House looming ever present on the left as you putt out.

The Dormy House

Has been designed as one huge space, cleverly split up into little nooks for the feeling of intimacy.  An intimidating fire pit takes centre stage as you gravitate towards its heat after your round of golf.  A bit more than ‘golf club food’ was welcome after playing the Queen’s.

The onsite hotel was refurbished in 2016.  This 232 bedroom hotel wraps itself around a central courtyard entrance with its grey, almost gothic in style, granite arms outstretched to envelop you into its warmth.   A lovely bar and plenty of food choices are available, so you’ll be spoilt for choice as you ponder the ‘what ifs’ of your round on the Queens Course

R for Rosapenna

R – Rosapenna

2nd February 2021Comments Off on R – RosapennaUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I.  It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland.  Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab.  So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.

Feel free to share them to help others.

Rosapenna Hotel & Golf Resort

Rosapenna, Sheephaven Bay, Downings, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 PN73, Ireland

What does your mind conjure up when you think family run golf resort?

Are you struck with fear that there a once beautiful haven has little investment made into the property or golf course?  The rooms are a bit too homely with animal hairs being a major feature.  Not to mention that musty or cheap cleaning fluid smell as you enter your standard box blue print room which could be anywhere in the world?  Well if that the case, forget it as Rosapenna is nothing like that!

When I reflect on Rosapenna

I remember the home comforts; from the friendly check in to  the freshly baked cookies in a jar in your room.  The warmth and comfort of the bed in the generous sized authentically decorated rooms.   It’s a fine balance between a family run hotel and a home. I think the Casey family at Rosapenna have hit the nail on the head with their perfectly located hotel overlooking Sheephaven Bay.

I arrived at Dublin airport and picked up a hire car.  Whilst a good three and half hour drive to Rosapenna. Passing into and back out of Northern Ireland before reaching my final destination on the northerly tip of Eire was a great experience.  Whilst I did enjoy my drive, you can also fly into Belfast at just over two hours away or Derry just over an hour away

Irelands home of golf since 1893

With the original links designed by Old Tom Morris and revisions from Harry Vardon and Harry Colt.  The later addition of another golf course, Sandy Hills, in 2003 was designed by Pat Ruddy.  With some softening of the design being done by Beau Welling of Quinta do Lago (North) fame.

Marked differences in the two designs of the two complimentary courses are Old Tom routed his course around the dunes. Whereas Pat Ruddy went straight through them, presumably where the name Sandy Hills comes from?

I didn’t play the Old Tom Morris Links, only Sandy Hills, so this is the focus for this article.

A modern links designed in by Pat Ruddy and Frank Casey (Snr) in 2003.

Built to lend a test to any golfer

Clever tricks of the eye are often in play as the course looks narrow from the tee yet, the landing points carved out of the dunes are surprisingly achievable.   With Marram grass lining the fairways keeping the ball in play, is essential for a round of golf the you can hang your head high at the 19th.  Some of the greens have been cut into the dunes or on elevated plateaus for added interest and testing of ones golf nerve.

Tightly mowed fairways

Slick greens and some elevated tees.  This course has been built to expand to its maximum length of 7255 yards.  But of course, you don’t have to play the back tees!  Just elect to play from the tees that work best for you to enjoy this new style links course.  Most of the holes run North to South, along the dune ridges and in parallel to the front nine of Old Tom Morris links.  Creating a sense of seclusion with the Muckiest Mountain as the backdrop.

I recall playing down the fairway, just going about my business hitting the ball.   I looked up and saw the view of the beach and bay spread out in front of me.  It was a breathtaking moment to stop, reflect and enjoy, before being rudely dragged back to tackling that little white ball again!

Take a few days to enjoy Rosapenna, play its golf and just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding you.   If you need a little more encouragement, this 800 acre estate on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on the Donegal Coast also offers health and wellbeing centre and a billiard/card room.  Of course the usual putting green and driving range are available to use too, to get you into the golf mindset before having it blown by playing one or both of the championship courses.

In summary, there was a certain ‘newness’ about playing Sandy Hills but this enhanced the overall experience when playing such a beautiful course.

I hope to return one day and play the Old Tom Morris course and have another go at Sandy Hills now it has matured a little more.  And of course to get another batch of those wonderful cookies in my room whilst I sit and enjoy the view over Sheephaven Bay.

S – Southerndown

S – Southerndown

1st February 2021Comments Off on S – SoutherndownUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course reviews – Z to A

Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I.  It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland.  Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab.  So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.

 Feel free to share them to help others.

Southerndown Golf Club

Ogmore by Sea, Bridgend, CF32 0QP

Formerly the Ogmore Down Golfing Society was first registered in August 1905.

Originally designed by Willie Fernie with later modifications by Herbert Fowler, Willie Park and Harry Colt who was in town to design Royal Porthcawl, down the road.  Lending his hand to holes 7, 8, 17 and 18.  All capitalising on the natural terrain of this unique setting.

Laid out on a huge limestone outcrop this hill top course was crafted 360 million years ago.  The course offers part sandy links and part acid-heathland, and a combination of the two in some cases, making it one of the driest in Britain.

This elevated limestone plateau rises 300 feet about the Glamorgan Heritage coast.  With wind whipping up the Bristol channel and depositing sand over the centuries, has helped create the links style of play, despite it being a mile from the actual shore line.

Located in

The South West area of Wales near Ogmore-by-Sea and Southerndown, near Merthyr Mawr Sand Dunes.  A favourite haunt of mine as a child, sand sledging down those dunes when we lived nearby. 

As you take on one of the hardest opening holes, according to Henry Cotton (and me!) hole number one is bracken covered on both sides.  Glancing right as you ascend the hill towards the green is Ogmore River valley.  

Once up on the plateau, it does seem to level out a little, but this doesn’t make the play any easier.  With pot hole bunkers, grass bunkers, bracken and gorse in play it is sometimes sensible not go for the big hit.  Placement of the ball is key as the wind whips around at the top.  With generally wide fairways, the playing corridors are defined by the low gorse and bracken, with the latter not at all easy to play from!

Climate

Location and geology all have a major influence on the golf course, but being common land it is freely grazed by sheep too.  The sheep seem to enjoy the grass and are a constant reminder of the openness of the location and the hard job those greenkeepers must have! 

The truth is, sheep have been grazing this piece of land long before golf came along.  As it is common land there are no fences to keep the sheep at bay.  Using natural methods and some clever thinking by providing the sheep with a smorgasbord of lush grass away from the fairways has worked to encourage them to graze elsewhere.  Having their own turf nursery at Southerndown is another sensible way forward. 

Sheep Help

In June 1995, a tee shot found its way somewhere towards a sheep’s backside to the surprise of the golfer – and the sheep!  After fits of giggles watching the sheep walk calmly towards the hole before shaking the ball free some 30 yards closer to the hole.  With good ‘sheep’ luck like that, the golfer went on to win his match.

Without going into a blow by blow account of each hole, I also wanted to mention the closing hole.  A pretty tee shot view towards a split fairway with gorse either side.  The middle bit is not at all inviting so chose which side you are going to go to the green from on this Par 4.  Bearing in mind the approach shot is slightly down hill to a large green in front of the club house.

Green fees from £50

S is also for Semaphore

So this is what on earth I am doing with those golf clubs for each letter!

Flag semaphore is a semaphore system conveying information at a distance by means of visual signals with hand-held flags, rods, disks, paddles, or occasionally bare or gloved hands  Or in my case golf clubs. Information is encoded by the position of the flags; it is read when the flag is in a fixed position

T for The Island

T – The Island

31st January 2021Comments Off on T – The IslandUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I.  It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland.  Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab.  So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.

Feel free to share them to help others.

The Island Golf Club

The Island Golf Club, Corballis, Donabate, Co Dublin, Ireland

Founded in 1890, The Island GC is one of the first twelve golf clubs in Ireland. It’s the third oldest in Dublin, predating Portmarnock by four years.  Despite its name The island is not on an island but on a spur of land with the sea on three sides.  For the first 100 years of the clubs life, even up until 1973, access to the golf course was via boat, across the estuary from Malahide.  In the early days golfers would be dropped off for their round of golf. A large red and white disc hanging on the side of the clubhouse, was the signal to the boatsmen to collect the golfers for their return.  If the weather became inclement the only way back was around the inlet. Whilst today this poses no problem, back then it was a long and arduous journey.  In fact The Island is now only 15 minuets from Dublin Airport by road today.

Described as the definition of Links golf, The Island is one of the finest links courses with Fred Hawtree, Eddie Hackett and more recently Martin Hawtree having stakes in its evolving design.

It is true to say that when I played The Island, I played the old design, so I will endeavour to give you a brief synopsis of the redesigned front nine.  The back nine was always the stronger of the two, so largely remains unchanged.

Mackenzie & Ebert

Were appointed to look at elevating the plan of the front nine to match the back.  As luck would have it Martin Hawtree had built an extra hole, the 19th.   So incorporating this into the new design, the weaker 8th and 9th have been shuffled along to give us the course today.  The creating of new sand dunes was not taken lightly. The objective was to recreate natural dunes in the places the new design needed.  Analysis was done on the existing dunes and with careful planning the building was undertaken to achieve such a task.  It has been said that the new par 3 fourth hole will become one of the best short links holes anywhere.  These works were completed last year (2020).

As the course is naturally nestled between some of the highest sand dunes in golf which is a test in itself for golfers.  With the introduction of the new front nine, leaves me wanting to go back and play The Island again …. and again.

Standing on the tee

On a reasonably sunny but cold day, I was blown away by the sheer natural beauty of this golf course laid out in front of me.  As if large historic worms had burrowed around the fairways, leaving mounds now over grown with long grasses. The scene were something akin to a lunar landscape.  The fairways also carried the tame version of those earth worm mounds. Which added to the drama of the course, especially when the sun was shining and shadows created.  I do recall playing with the water on the right hand side, hitting a cracking shot which went slightly right towards the water and towards the OOB.  But I was feeling quite smug thinking, thats good, I’m safe.  But I didn’t find that ball, I was mortified as I saw ‘exactly where it went’, but obviously I didn’t!  I became an Island victim, by not taking this course seriously enough!

I loved playing on the greens at The Island, thinking how smooth (and fast) they were, they are a pleasure to play on.

Who would have thought that in 1887 four men and a boat could have had the foresight to build a golf course on this beautiful peninsular.  Created by a syndicate of ten wealthy men negotiating a lease on the land and offering up to five clubhouses in the early days.  Mens membership tickets were admitted in 1896 with women’s membership tickets being admitted the following year.  The syndicate model was passed down until 1952 when the syndicate of that time handed over the entire interest in the club to its existing members.

A true traditional members golf club with nice friendly people to greet you.

U for Ullapool Golf Club

U – Ullapool

30th January 2021Comments Off on U – UllapoolUncategorized

GB&I Golf Course Review – Z to A

Over the next 26 days, I am going to showcase one golf club a day in GB & I.  It is my ode to some great golf in the UK and Ireland.  Full write up’s and more images can be found on golfgurugroup.blogspot or www.golfgurugroup.com Travelling Lady Golfer tab.  So there is no missing out on that extra little bit of information, if needed.

Feel free to share them to help others.

Ullapool Golf Club

North Road, Ullapool, IV26 2TH

The place time forgot?

Benches dotted around the course, taking time out to enjoy this 9 hole course seems to be the best way to embrace the ethos of Ullapool Golf Club.

Just North of the fishing village of Ullapool is this friendly golf club awaiting your presence to give it a go at only £20 per 9 holes (£30 for 18 holes/day ticket).   It doesn’t try to be something it isn’t, it doesn’t claim to be a long course, or even a particularly hard one either, but it does have wildlife aplenty and stunning scenery to enjoy as you play a relaxing round at Ullapool.  And if you fancy a bash whilst on holiday, you can hire clubs with golf trolleys being free to use.

My friend and fellow journalist, Kevin Markham, has played Ullapool and has this to say about the course:

So many of the Highlands golf courses are wrapped in glorious views, mountains rolling across horizons and sea stretching out of sight. Ullapool is no different. This is a nine hole course (18 tees) and you get a wonderful taste for it as you start your descent into the large village, coming from the north. Ullapool sits in the heart of Lough Broom, and dates back to 1788.

The golf course came 210 years later and is laid out at the eastern fringe of the village. It is a picturesque coastline course, squeezing up against the lough’s edges and promising views all day long. Visitors are always welcome (there’s an honesty box) but this is very much a local affair. You won’t find immaculate conditioning because it’s simply not needed at a club that was founded for the love of playing golf… and not perfect fairways.

It’s an enjoyable ramble and the holes are well routed with holes 1 and 9 taking you to and from the clubhouse, from the shoreline. Thereafter, holes run parallel to the water. That ‘local’ feel is emphasised by the shapes and flow of the land which have been absorbed into the course. To say the course has a ‘natural feel’ is an understatement.

Over the 18 holes

There are four par threes and two par fives (three for ladies). The par fours are rarely long: the shortest is 230 yards, the longest is 378 (298 for ladies), and with 18 different tees you will find the course changes its length to the tune of 260 yards for men and 244 for ladies. Sometimes the second tee on a hole doesn’t make much difference… on others it does. It means playing the nine hole loop twice offers different challenges.

Holes 2/11 and 3/12 are the most memorable and tempting holes. The par three 2nd hits straight out at the water, curving around a beach onto a little peninsula jutting into the lough. Mountains rise beyond and the men’s tee boxes on the two loops are 40 yards apart… the ladies just 10.

The par four 3rd runs right above the stony beach. Fairway then beach then lough. At high tide it must be incredibly intimidating. Whatever the tide, two brave shots are required. It measures between 261 and 338 yards, with tee boxes again well separated. The green sits at the foot of a steep gorse covered hill and as tough as the drive is, the approach is even more of a knee trembler.  A lovely par three follows, from a high tee, with the green once again right on the water’s edge.

That Gorse

That gorse is a common theme at Ullapool. There are trees here but they are widely scattered while the gorse embraces you time and again as you rise up the gentle slopes, channelling you towards small greens. Keep it on the fairways and it’s a sweet amble… if not, expect the occasional prickly end.

Don’t expect complex golf at Ullapool. That is not its attraction. This is a fun and friendly local club that promises an enjoyable day out amidst the beauty of the Highlands.

V for Vale of Llangollen

Photo credits Kevin Markham

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