Hints and Tips wanted around USG2011

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

Hi folks,

comme toujours - as usual - we extend our journey to England to have some
additional fun. This year, I see that Lincolnshire is further East than the
other locations before.

We'll arrive at Gatwick on Thursday morning, giving us three days to drive
up North. As usual, we'd like to play every day.

Do you have any ideas where we might play, where we must play on the way
or up to 50 miles left or right from it?

As a starter, can anybody recommend "Five Lakes" near Colchester?

Is there an advice if we should prefer to drive around London in the East
(M25 / M11) or in the West (M25 / M1), or rather try to pass by further
West (e.g. Reading)?

Ciao,

Paul

[Sam]

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
Hi folks,
comme toujours - as usual - we extend our journey to England to have some
additional fun. This year, I see that Lincolnshire is further East than the
other locations before.
We'll arrive at Gatwick on Thursday morning, giving us three days to drive
up North. As usual, we'd like to play every day.
Do you have any ideas where we might play, where we must play on the way
or up to 50 miles left or right from it?
As a starter, can anybody recommend "Five Lakes" near Colchester?
Is there an advice if we should prefer to drive around London in the East
(M25 / M11) or in the West (M25 / M1), or rather try to pass by further
West (e.g. Reading)?
Ciao,
Paul

The shortest route is East of London but the better golf courses are in the
SW corner of London. Either way, there are too many options. You would have
to be a bit mor especific about what sort of course you want to play. At one
extreme you have the like of Sunningdale, Walton Heath at £100+/round and at
the other end you can get a prefectly decent course for nearer £40.

The only course of any note on the direct (E) route is Royal Worlington
(near Newmarket) which is generally considered to be one of the finest 9
hole courses in the world and certainly one of the best designed.
There is, of coure also Woodhall Spa (home of the EGU) and generally
considered one of the finest inland courses in England. Well worth a visit
(but for heavens sake dont play their second course called the Bracken its a
disgrace!)

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

Post by Sam
The shortest route is East of London but the better golf courses are in the
SW corner of London. Either way, there are too many options. You would have
to be a bit mor especific about what sort of course you want to play. At one
extreme you have the like of Sunningdale, Walton Heath at £100+/round and at
the other end you can get a prefectly decent course for nearer £40.
The only course of any note on the direct (E) route is Royal Worlington
(near Newmarket) which is generally considered to be one of the finest 9
hole courses in the world and certainly one of the best designed.
There is, of coure also Woodhall Spa (home of the EGU) and generally
considered one of the finest inland courses in England. Well worth a visit
(but for heavens sake dont play their second course called the Bracken its a
disgrace!)

Thanks for your profound answer, Sam!

As a statement on my preferences, I am looking more for adventure than for
prestiguous names. In addition, Felix still doesn't have much chance to
play and improve, therefore his handicap still is quite high.

So, it's rather Hindhead than Sunningdale, and on the last trip we enjoyed
Calcot Park as well as Whitehill (to name two of last year's bunch when we
played a lot in the greenfee category of 50 GBP, going NW from Stansted
towards Patshull Park).

I'll keep Worlington in mind for my next visit to Cambridge - Woodhall Spa
is both a wee bit high in costs and (northern) position for an extra trip.


Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free. While I thought of staying in the Sussex area
at first, my second thought went to RND (Westward Ho!) which is further
from Gatwick than Grantham but still reachable in a few hours. New golf
courses are due to be discovered - any recommendations?

Ciao,

Paul

[MaggieB]

Shanklin & Sandown is probably the best one on the island - and if you are
in Shanklin then the Fisherman's Cottage pub on the beach near the Chine is
one not to miss!!!

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
Thanks for your profound answer, Sam!
As a statement on my preferences, I am looking more for adventure than for
prestiguous names. In addition, Felix still doesn't have much chance to
play and improve, therefore his handicap still is quite high.
So, it's rather Hindhead than Sunningdale, and on the last trip we enjoyed
Calcot Park as well as Whitehill (to name two of last year's bunch when we
played a lot in the greenfee category of 50 GBP, going NW from Stansted
towards Patshull Park).
I'll keep Worlington in mind for my next visit to Cambridge - Woodhall Spa
is both a wee bit high in costs and (northern) position for an extra trip.
Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free. While I thought of staying in the Sussex area
at first, my second thought went to RND (Westward Ho!) which is further
from Gatwick than Grantham but still reachable in a few hours. New golf
courses are due to be discovered - any recommendations?
Ciao,
Paul

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

MaggieB in <u1Lcp.57378$***@newsfe22.ams2>:

(IOW)

Post by MaggieB
Shanklin & Sandown is probably the best one on the island - and if you are
in Shanklin then the Fisherman's Cottage pub on the beach near the Chine is
one not to miss!!!

Thanks!

Have you played Freshwater Bay?


Hmm... and possbly any proposals for accomodation? (B&B welcome)

Ciao,

Paul, waiting for mail response since there are many tourneys on the isle
next Saturday.

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

Post by MaggieB
Shanklin & Sandown is probably the best one on the island - and if you are
in Shanklin then the Fisherman's Cottage pub on the beach near the Chine is
one not to miss!!!

Been there but the outcome was different.

We stayed in Ventnor and enjoyed the hospitality of Spyglass Inn.
Shanklin&Sandown was closed to visitors on Saturday morning, ?due to a
tournament?. Freshwater Bay seemed too far away (20 miles?), so I played at
Ventnor Golf Club, a near course high above the town and the cliffs. Good
fun on 11 fairways, 12 greens and 14 tees. The only reserve is the hard
sloping track shared by nos. 3+4 and 7+8.

Later, from Brighton, I went to Seaford Head for another round. A stunning
course around, up !and down! the cliff of 135 yards, adjactent to the Seven
Sisters. A good land wind showed me some of the fun of a seaside course.

As a teaser for the next golf holidays to come was presented by a German
fellow golfer:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/feb/20/royal-st-georges-the-open

Royal St George's, Royal Cinque Ports and other courses in Kent are in easy
reach by car, alas perhaps not in terms of budget?

Further hints are welcome in any direction!

Ciao,

Paul

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

Paul Schmitz-Josten in <***@mid.individual.net>:

Correction:
[...]
Ventnor Golf Club, a neat (!) course high above the town and the cliffs.
[...]

[Sandy]

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free.

Fly to Prestwick and be awestruck by the number and magnificence of the
courses which surround it.

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

Post by Sandy

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free.

Fly to Prestwick and be awestruck by the number and magnificence of the
courses which surround it.

Been there, done that ;->

Some years ago, we went out from Glasgow and played a lot North up to
Golspie and back South. One of the nicest memories is Aberfoyle Golf Club
in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.

This year, the days are sharply numbered - Thursday to Tuesday. I don't
want to spend more time on the plane than neccessary.

Furthermore, we've not been to the South coast so far when the flights were
bound to Stansted, and due to some warnings from British golf friends :-)

Now, starting from Gatwick for the first time, there are Hindhead and
Basingstoke in my mind, and - maybe - RND.

Mark, thanks for the invitation, and Ian, I appreciate your tips.
Plans are beginning to form but they may easily be changed. With a car and
a full gas tank, many destinations are in reach.

So, any further tips are welcome!

Ciao,

Paul

[Sam]

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten

Post by Sandy

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free.

Fly to Prestwick and be awestruck by the number and magnificence of the
courses which surround it.

Been there, done that ;->
Some years ago, we went out from Glasgow and played a lot North up to
Golspie and back South. One of the nicest memories is Aberfoyle Golf Club
in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
This year, the days are sharply numbered - Thursday to Tuesday. I don't
want to spend more time on the plane than neccessary.
Furthermore, we've not been to the South coast so far when the flights were
bound to Stansted, and due to some warnings from British golf friends :-)
Now, starting from Gatwick for the first time, there are Hindhead and
Basingstoke in my mind, and - maybe - RND.
Mark, thanks for the invitation, and Ian, I appreciate your tips.
Plans are beginning to form but they may easily be changed. With a car and
a full gas tank, many destinations are in reach.
So, any further tips are welcome!
Ciao,
Paul

Hindhead is fine - if a little hilly but Basingstoke is just a giant field -
stay away!
If you are heading west there is much more - Blackmore for a start
S

[Baldy Man]

On Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:41:39 +0100, "Sam"

Post by Sam

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten

Post by Sandy

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free.

Fly to Prestwick and be awestruck by the number and magnificence of the
courses which surround it.

Been there, done that ;->
Some years ago, we went out from Glasgow and played a lot North up to
Golspie and back South. One of the nicest memories is Aberfoyle Golf Club
in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
This year, the days are sharply numbered - Thursday to Tuesday. I don't
want to spend more time on the plane than neccessary.
Furthermore, we've not been to the South coast so far when the flights were
bound to Stansted, and due to some warnings from British golf friends :-)
Now, starting from Gatwick for the first time, there are Hindhead and
Basingstoke in my mind, and - maybe - RND.
Mark, thanks for the invitation, and Ian, I appreciate your tips.
Plans are beginning to form but they may easily be changed. With a car and
a full gas tank, many destinations are in reach.
So, any further tips are welcome!
Ciao,
Paul

Hindhead is fine - if a little hilly but Basingstoke is just a giant field -
stay away!
If you are heading west there is much more - Blackmore for a start
S

If you are Hindhead way then Old Thorns and Liphook come to mind.
Liphook is supposed to be one of the best in Hampshire.

[Sam]

Post by Baldy Man
On Fri, 1 Apr 2011 21:41:39 +0100, "Sam"

Post by Sam

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten

Post by Sandy

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free.

Fly to Prestwick and be awestruck by the number and magnificence of the
courses which surround it.

Been there, done that ;->
Some years ago, we went out from Glasgow and played a lot North up to
Golspie and back South. One of the nicest memories is Aberfoyle Golf Club
in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
This year, the days are sharply numbered - Thursday to Tuesday. I don't
want to spend more time on the plane than neccessary.
Furthermore, we've not been to the South coast so far when the flights were
bound to Stansted, and due to some warnings from British golf friends :-)
Now, starting from Gatwick for the first time, there are Hindhead and
Basingstoke in my mind, and - maybe - RND.
Mark, thanks for the invitation, and Ian, I appreciate your tips.
Plans are beginning to form but they may easily be changed. With a car and
a full gas tank, many destinations are in reach.
So, any further tips are welcome!
Ciao,
Paul

Hindhead is fine - if a little hilly but Basingstoke is just a giant field -
stay away!
If you are heading west there is much more - Blackmore for a start
S

If you are Hindhead way then Old Thorns and Liphook come to mind.
Liphook is supposed to be one of the best in Hampshire.

Liphook is indeed excellent

And Old Thorns is worht a visit. Used to be Japanese and they have a
proper Japanese hot bath. (Take a hot shower first to get used to the
temperature of the water!!) and sushi restaurant. Of course, with the
disappearaance of all that eastern money it may have returned to just
another course

[Ian]

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten

Post by Sam
The shortest route is East of London but the better golf courses are in the
SW corner of London. Either way, there are too many options. You would have
to be a bit mor especific about what sort of course you want to play. At one
extreme you have the like of Sunningdale, Walton Heath at £100+/round and at
the other end you can get a prefectly decent course for nearer £40.
The only course of any note on the direct (E) route is Royal Worlington
(near Newmarket) which is generally considered to be one of the finest 9
hole courses in the world and certainly one of the best designed.
There is, of coure also Woodhall Spa (home of the EGU) and generally
considered one of the finest inland courses in England. Well worth a visit
(but for heavens sake dont play their second course called the Bracken its a
disgrace!)

Thanks for your profound answer, Sam!
As a statement on my preferences, I am looking more for adventure than for
prestiguous names. In addition, Felix still doesn't have much chance to
play and improve, therefore his handicap still is quite high.
So, it's rather Hindhead than Sunningdale, and on the last trip we enjoyed
Calcot Park as well as Whitehill (to name two of last year's bunch when we
played a lot in the greenfee category of 50 GBP, going NW from Stansted
towards Patshull Park).
I'll keep Worlington in mind for my next visit to Cambridge - Woodhall Spa
is both a wee bit high in costs and (northern) position for an extra trip.
Due to the cancellation of the bash the compass direction of interest may
change. Firstly, I'm going to Brighton and the Isle of Wight next week with
Sonja (any thoughts on golf courses there?),
and the May trip is now free. While I thought of staying in the Sussex area
at first, my second thought went to RND (Westward Ho!) which is further
from Gatwick than Grantham but still reachable in a few hours. New golf
courses are due to be discovered - any recommendations?
Ciao,
Paul

While worlington is worth a visit, make sure you check the formats allowed
before you go. Two balls only during some periods. And welcome back to the
60's......the 1860's :)
Worlington is definately still in the old fashioned golf club category.

If you head out into Essex/Suffolk/Norfolk there are many fine and
reasonably priced courses you could visit. If you plan to go out East, I'll
list some here for you.

Have Fun

Ian

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

Post by Ian
If you head out into Essex/Suffolk/Norfolk there are many fine and
reasonably priced courses you could visit. If you plan to go out East, I'll
list some here for you.

Yes, please - preferrably around Kent, unless you deam it worthwile to pass
the Thames river twice in a few days.

Ciao,

Paul

[Sam]

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten

Post by Ian
If you head out into Essex/Suffolk/Norfolk there are many fine and
reasonably priced courses you could visit. If you plan to go out East, I'll
list some here for you.

Yes, please - preferrably around Kent, unless you deam it worthwile to pass
the Thames river twice in a few days.
Ciao,
Paul

Kent: Well bad time to be visiting the links courses on the East (Cinque
Ports, St georges, North Foreland, Princes) as they are all ready to rip off
the tourists with the Open coming in July.
But you could go a little further south to Rye (Sussex) and Littlestone -
excellent links courses and not quite so stupidly expensive (but still
pricey)
Inland there is Wildernesse (best inland course in Kent) and Knowle Park
(complete with deer) both near Sevenoaks and worth a visit.
Royal Blackheath (SE London, oldest golf club in England) is OK but
especially worth a visit if you can persuade the secretary to show you the
museum.
Sundridge Park is good (but you have to bring your own buggy)
Chart Hills and The London club are OK but pricey (they are proprietary as
opposed to members clubs).

But be careful, there are a number of utterly dreadful GCs as well -
Redlibbets, Lydd, Lamberhurst being just some of those that should be
returned to nature as soon as possible

HTH

[Paul Schmitz-Josten]

Post by Sam
Kent: Well bad time to be visiting the links courses on the East (Cinque
Ports, St georges, North Foreland, Princes) as they are all ready to rip off
the tourists with the Open coming in July.

You're right certainly - They are in the 2-pounds-per-stroke category :(

Post by Sam
But you could go a little further south to Rye (Sussex) and Littlestone -
excellent links courses and not quite so stupidly expensive (but still
pricey)
Inland there is Wildernesse (best inland course in Kent) and Knowle Park
(complete with deer) both near Sevenoaks and worth a visit.
Royal Blackheath (SE London, oldest golf club in England) is OK but
especially worth a visit if you can persuade the secretary to show you the
museum.
Sundridge Park is good (but you have to bring your own buggy)
Chart Hills and The London club are OK but pricey (they are proprietary as
opposed to members clubs).

More than enough - thanks a lot!
I had Rye and Littlestone in mind, and your recommendations will fill our
days!

As to Royal Blackheath, they themselves seemingly claim to be the oldest
golf club in the world (established prior to 1745).
<http://www.royalblackheath.com/index.lasso?pg=b82dbc04dd1fac0c&mp=677128a271beed39>

Post by Sam
But be careful, there are a number of utterly dreadful GCs as well -

<snip>

Good to know, but the chances are low, given the full wishlist that you
created :)

Ciao,

Paul

[Mark Myers]

Post by Paul Schmitz-Josten
As a starter, can anybody recommend "Five Lakes" near Colchester?

Paul, I completely missed this bit when you first posted. I used to be a
member there, about 11 years ago. There are two courses, both of a good
standard but the Lakes is the best. They are not in the class of
Sunningdale though, but would suit Felix I imagine. It is in the middle
of nowhere though, and if you are being tempted by other parts of this
country I would stick with them.

If you do decide to go there, let me know because it is in my area. I'll
visit with you if you like (weekdays are best). But don't change your
plans on my account.