The Old Course

The course

Designed by the renowned golf course architect Harry Shapland Colt and opened in 1929, we have largely preserved the original layout, only making some adjustments to bunkers and tee extensions due to the advancement of golf club technology over the years.

The first two holes are both par 5s. Harry Colt said that the first hole should not have too much difficulty, although his principle may well not have been applied to the Old Course as the first two holes’ bunkers await the opening drive, both right and left. The first fairway is flanked by a magnificent row of Beech trees that then continue almost to the green.

A striking hole is the third, a classic par 3, with an elevated green, well contoured and bunkered. Following this there is a run of par 4s which vary in length from 331 yards to 400 yards. These are all good 2 shot holes with greens that get the very best of care... if three putting is not to be on the agenda.

‘Key’ bunkering is a feature of the course that Colt used in his design. The fifth hole has a bunker situated on the approach line just short of the green, so careful club selection is needed here.

Regular favourites are the two finishing holes. The eighth has an elevated tee and a hole running parallel to the first. Lined with sentry Beeches on the right and having a magnetic pull down the sloping fairway, the green is long and narrow and well bunkered, sitting tightly into the hillside, it will be a well-earned par here.

The finishing hole, back to the clubhouse, is a par 3. A downhill shot to a large but very well bunkered green.  It’s here where our cosy clubhouse sits looking down onto the green. A beautiful spot with a tough finishing hole.
This course is stunning, yet demanding. With a standard scratch of 71 & 72 for ladies, when the course is played twice, it’s a double treat to play.