Foxhills Club & Resort has begun work on a major golf course modernisation project that has seen £1.5 million already invested – and has announced a new director of golf to help oversee the improvements.

Following the opening of the club’s dedicated short game area, The Practice Den, and significant driving range enhancements, the Surrey venue will be undergoing a major investment and golf course improvement project over the next five years, which will see the biggest structural changes in the Longcross and Bernard Hunt courses since they were designed by Fred Hawtree and opened for play in 1975.

As part of the significant upgrades, the best-in-class greenkeeping equipment has been purchased from leading suppliers, Toro and John Deere, which will elevate the conditioning and maintenance to even higher standards.

Work on several holes on the back nine of the Longcross – renowned as one of Surrey’s top tree-lined layouts and consistently featured in UK top 100 rankings – is already underway and will continue throughout the winter under the leadership of new director of golf, Sean Graham.

European Golf Design (EGD), which has redesigned several of Europe’s most exciting golf courses including 2023 Ryder Cup venue Golf Club Marco Simone and the West Course at Wentworth, was selected for the work following a full review of both championship courses with agronomy experts, Turfgrass. The assessment highlighted where playing conditions can be improved and how the courses can better challenge the modern style of the game.

Bunker shape and positioning; green size, shape and contouring; as well as herringbone drainage and irrigation upgrade work on holes 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the Longcross will take place over the coming months, while tee positions will also change on several holes to bring hazards more in play and encourage more strategy and creativity throughout the round.

But it is on the 16th hole where the most complex part of the renovation project will take place, with work already having begun to transform the par-three into a signature hole. A pond, which currently sits too far away from the green to influence club selection, will be extended to the putting-surface edge to create a more dramatic hole. The size of the green will also be increased to provide room for additional pin locations and a new bunker will be built on the left side of the green to remove the temptation of bailing out.

Phase two is scheduled to begin in summer 2023, with attention turning to improvements across the rest of the back nine on the Longcross before moving onto the Bernard Hunt in 2024.

Overseeing the work will be new director of golf, Sean Graham, who has been promoted after spending nearly five years working at the Ottershaw-based venue as head of golf operations and retail after returning to the UK in 2018 from three years in Saudi Arabia.

The 29-year-old’s new role caps an incredible rise in the industry for Graham – who graduated as a PGA professional in 2014 from the University of Birmingham.

Graham said: “Being given the opportunity to become director of golf here at Foxhills Club & Resort is a really proud moment for me. It’s reward for how hard I feel I’ve worked since joining Foxhills five years ago and it’s also hopefully a reflection of my relationship with the members. I feel like I have a real connection with the club, so it’s a really gratifying moment for me and I can’t wait to get started.

“This is an extremely exciting time for golfers at Foxhills. The course changes are going to make a big difference to the playing experience. It’s important to us that the courses are enjoyable for all levels of golfer, from low handicappers to mid-high and the masterplan for this project was designed with this at the front of our mind.”

Tej Walia, Foxhills’ general manager, said: “We are constantly striving to improve the member and guest experience. This golf investment plan, the largest scale of investment we have ever put into the courses, is going to raise golf at Foxhills to a new level. The work that’s being carried out is testament to our owner’s commitment to continued improvement and desire to be up there in the conversation with the best courses in the country.”

Alongside two 18-hole championship layouts and the Manor Course, a par-three nine-hole course, as well as a short game practice area and driving range, Foxhills offers an award-winning gym and Health Spa, five swimming pools, 11 tennis courts, a packed schedule of weekly fitness classes, three restaurants and a 66-bedroom hotel.

Source link

I remember how much I always dreaded winter when I started playing golf.

I mistakenly assumed that most golf courses closed down once the temperature reached the 30s. You can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that golf courses don’t close just for cold weather.

While most public courses close for severe weather, they won’t usually do so unless several inches of snow have fallen. Learn more about golfing in winter weather right here! We’ll also give you tips on playing golf in cooler temperatures.

Can You Play on Golf Courses in The Winter?

Yes, you are allowed to play golf in the winter. Most municipal courses are open year-round, especially in the southern and western states of the United States.

As a general rule, the main reason golf courses close for bad weather is to prevent significant damage to the fairways and the putting surfaces.

Winter is the perfect time for brand-new players to hone their golf swing. Golfers will never have to wait for tee times in the winter as they would during peak season on a Sunday.

Lots of folks have found that playing winter golf has helped them take their games to the next level.

At What Temperature Will The Grass Be Too Frozen to Play?

When blades of grass get to 32 degrees or below, frost will form on them. Keep in mind that grass is often cooler than the standard air temperature, especially in cold climates with lots of moisture. Because of this, golfers may have to endure a frost delay even if the temperature is well above freezing.

Frost can even occur in states that have a warmer climate, like Arizona, Hawaii, or Florida. I once sat through a two-hour frost delay in Florida in early December. Golfers have to deal with frost in Canada for a larger portion of the year, even in springtime months like April.

Golf courses aren’t trying to limit your fun when frost is on the ground. They’re simply trying to prevent course damage, especially to the greens. Just grab a cup of coffee from the pro shop, flip through a golf magazine, and wait for things to warm up.

Challenges of Playing Golf in Winter

While golf is one of the best winter activities out there, there are some challenges to teeing it up in cold weather. Let’s go over a few of winter golf’s main challenges and possible solutions.

Frostbite

If you’ve never experienced frostbite on the golf course, consider yourself lucky. In temperatures that are below freezing, the fingers and toes can go numb after only a few holes. Not being able to feel your hands on the golf club can make hitting even a decent shot incredibly difficult.

Cart Paths Are Slick

Operating a golf cart can become quite tricky in the wintertime. Cart paths get slick, especially during rain, sleet, or snow. Golfers should drive carefully and try to avoid patches of black ice on the cart paths.

Swinging in Layers Can Be Uncomfortable

Most golfers wear several layers of clothing to keep their bodies warm and prevent the chills. While that is definitely a good idea, having too many layers on can inhibit the golf swing. Finding just the right amount of clothing to stay warm but not negatively affect the swing can only be done by trial and error.

Your Equipment Won’t Be As Effective

This is something to be aware of if you’ve never played golf in the winter. You won’t get the same distance out of your clubs. This is because the club can’t transfer as much energy to the golf ball in cooler temperatures.

I’ll never forget smoking a hybrid shot on a long par 5 that came up about 40 yards short of the green. That was my first realization that winter golf is a different beast. Cold air is thick, and the golf ball just can’t cut through it as it can in the warmer months.

Tips for Playing a Better Round in Winter

Just because golf is more challenging in the winter doesn’t mean that you have to simply put up with shooting higher scores. In this section, we’ll list some tips on how to play better golf in cooler temperatures. All of these tips can help you improve as a golfer as winter approaches.

1. Invest in Winter Golf Gear

Technology has come a long way in this area, which means that playing golf in cold weather no longer has to be a miserable experience. Several athletic apparel companies now offer compression undershirts and pants that are designed to keep golfers warm. This specialty clothing isn’t cheap, but it’ll make a massive difference in your comfort level and performance on the golf course.

Make it a point to find yourself a golf jacket or pullover that keeps you warm but doesn’t restrict your swing. Also, if the temperature is topping out in the 20s or 30s, wear gloves on both hands and buy yourself some hand warmers to keep in the golf cart. This will help you grip the golf club and keep both hands warm.

2. Utilize Indoor Golf Simulators

If your favorite course is closed due to extreme temperatures or too much snow cover, find the best places in your area with indoor golf simulators. Sure, it’s not as effective as playing on a real course or driving range, but some practice is better than none at all. Remember, the goal is to be ready to roll once golf season comes back around.

3. Walk Instead of Riding

Some golfers may not want to hear this, but one way to stay warmer on a cold or mild day on the course is to walk instead of riding. Flying around in a golf cart makes the wind chill factor even worse.

Walking or using a pull cart during your round will help keep the blood pumping and your body warm. It’s also much better exercise and will keep you in good condition throughout the winter.

Mike Noblin

Mike has been involved with sports for over 30 years. He’s been an avid golfer for more than 10 years and is obsessed with watching the Golf Channel and taking notes on a daily basis. He also holds a degree in Sports Psychology.

Source link

If you haven’t noticed lately, short courses are popping up everywhere, particularly at some of the country’s finest golf destinations.  Some courses are new, while some have been around for a while and are being revived.  When visiting a big-time golf destination, the goal is to get in as many rounds possible.  This is where short courses become favorable to a variety of golfers. Whether you’re growing your game as a beginner, trying to squeeze in some golf on your arrival or departure day or simply not up for walking 36 holes, these courses are for you. Most short courses can be played in under 2.5 hours which to some is more idealistic than the typical 5.

As the future of golf is ever changing… one thing is for certain, there is never a shortage of fun.

3 Short Courses To Check Out on Your Next Bucket-List Trip

Bandon Preserve – Bandon Dunes Golf Resort

Bandon, OR

Carved out of the sand dunes alongside the Pacific Ocean you will find Bandon Dunes’ par 3 track. Bandon Preserve features 13 holes, all of which make you soak up the views before you think about putting your tee in the ground. Designed by the dynamic duo of Coore & Crenshaw, each par 3 hole is both stunning and challenging.  Depending on the wind direction you could end up using most of the irons in your bag, even your putter.  A tradition here is that you leave your wedges in the bag on the last hole and test you long putting game. We know that sounds weird but depending on the pin location it’s perhaps your best play.  Bandon Preserve is the perfect place to finish off the day with your buddies over some cold beers and Pacific sunsets. 

Take a peek at “The Preserve” here.

Goat Hill Park

Oceanside, CA

Saved from being shut down just a few years ago by John Ashworth & Co., Goat Hill Park delivers one of golf’s most unique places to visit.  With a motto of “World Class | Working Class”, Goat Hill is a place for everyone…even your dog.  While the layout is extremely fun, many of the par 3’s will truly test your game.  Once you step out of the car at Goat Hill you feel as if you just landed at the local hangout spot built for golfers of all ages and backgrounds.  The mix of golf is just as good with an extremely fun and challenging layout of 9 par-3’s and 9 par-4’s on the card.  They’re even building a 3-hole layout for kids, called The Playground.  Everything about this place is truly unique and needs to be a must-play if you’re in the San Diego area.

Get more plugged in to the people’s park of Oceanside here.

The Cradle – Pinehurst Resort   

Pinehurst, NC

Appropriately named considering it’s a baby-sized course, the Cradle might be short on yardage but it’s certainly not short on fun.  The Cradle is the latest addition to Pinehurst Resort, designed by Gil Hanse.  Kids even play free when accompanied by an adult.  With yardages ranging from 50 – 130 yards it’s a short course that will really test your wedge game, as well as your creativity.  Since we’re talking Pinehurst, you know there’s history behind the course.  The Cradle was actually built where the first nine holes of sand were carved out back in 1898.  Sitting just steps away from the revamped putting course, The Cradle makes for the perfect finish to your day while you settle any unfinished business on the Thistle Dhu.

Learn more about Rockin’ the Cradle here.

What’s To Come

Sand Valley is opening up The Sandbox in 2018 and there are plans already in place to open up a par-3 course by our friends up north, at Cabot Links.  The future of golf might be getting shorter allowing for more fun while on the course.

Next time your planning a trip to these large destination courses, keep these short courses in the back of your mind. You’ll be thankful you did!

Source link

With
approximately 80 courses affiliated with its county union, Essex boasts
tremendous variety when it comes to golf.

Some say Essex doesn’t have a ‘big name’ like other home counties. However, many of the game’s most revered architects have left their mark here, which makes a visit to Essex well worth your while.

Thorndon Park

Located in
240 acres of ancient deer park, the Harry Colt-designed Thorndon Park is just
over two miles away from the M25. As you thread your way through the mighty,
old oaks, it’s hard to believe it could be so close—this is a secluded beauty;
one of the county’s finest courses, if not THE finest.

Two loops of nine run in opposite directions around New Hall Pond, making for some memorable holes. However, with Thorndon Hall as the magnificent backdrop to the final hole, the 18th takes some beating. The short holes run it close, though, especially the 15th, the longest par 3, which plays over a small lake and stream to a well-bunkered green.

 

Chelmsford

Another
fine Colt course, Chelmsford, is one of the county’s oldest layouts. The club,
which celebrated its centenary in 1993, moved to an 18-hole James Braid design
almost 30 years after its foundation, before Colt made some considerable
changes. Measuring a fraction under 6,000 yards (par 68), it’s not the length
that’ll challenge you, so much as the number of tight shots you’ll face as you
negotiate fairways that are constantly changing direction.

The 7th is one of the most memorable holes, where you’re required to thread a long drive through the bunkers, while the 11th, the only par 5 on the course, offers the chance for big hitters to cut the corner and go for the green in two with an iron.

 

Orsett

Orsett
Golf Club, located just a few miles from the Thames, was founded in 1899; it’s
the work of James Braid and boasts both woodland and heathland features. The
club has hosted Open Championship qualifying on several occasions and presents
a real challenge when the wind is up, with holes 17 and 18, which are
invariably played into the prevailing wind, particularly brutish.

As signature holes go, Orsett has a real gem: the short par 4 6th, which is set in a valley. Many a visiting golfer has underestimated the difficulty of this hole, where an accurate tee shot is crucial.

 

Colchester

Colchester
is the oldest recorded town in Britain, and its club was formed in 1907. James
Braid is responsible for this undulating parkland where mature trees line the
fairways, so it’s straight driving that gets rewarded.

Coming home, most par 4s exceed 400 yards, so you need to make your score going out, which is where you’ll come across the course’s two par 5s, at the 2nd and 9th. Rarely will you find Colchester in anything but excellent condition, and it’s benefitted from a £750,000 state-of-the-art irrigation system, too. If you like fast greens, you’re sure to warm to Colchester’s subtly-contoured putting surfaces.

 

Romford

Romford
Golf Club, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2019, is located just 18
miles from the centre of London. No doubt, many of its members commute back
from the capital with haste to tee it up here. The course, another James Braid
design, is renowned for its taxing bunkers, traps that have cost many a player
looking to qualify for The Open.

The Regional Qualifying course opens up in a fairly sedate manner before showing its teeth at the par 4 4th, which at 470 odd yards, can only be described as a beast. “Card a five and move on” is the advice offered by the club pro, and the same could probably be said of the 14th, rated the hardest hole on the course and another par 4 measuring over 450 yards.

 

Canons Brook

The
legendary Sir Henry Cotton designed Canons Brook, situated close to Harlow on
the border of Hertfordshire and London. It opened in 1963, and while it may not
boast the same rich history as a number of the county’s other courses, it’s a
track that’s matured wonderfully over the last 50 years.

The club’s name comes from the ancient area in which it’s located, with the brook winding its way through the landscape and catching out many a player, especially first-time visitors. The 17th, meanwhile, known as “Death or Glory”, is set back in an avenue of trees, while up ahead, a ditch extends across the fairway.

 

Chigwell

Located
just 10 miles northeast of Central London, close to the A13 and M11, Chigwell
is easily accessible and well worth adding to your list of golf courses in
Essex. Set on undulating parkland, the club offers a warm welcome, so friendly
in fact that the 1st hole can rather catch you off guard.

The club describes its 467-yard 1st as “one of the hardest opening holes in the south-east”. The tree-lined fairways aren’t quite as intimidating as those you might find elsewhere, which means you can escape with the odd loose shot. As well as a fine collection of par 3s, which force you to use a different club each time, the course also boasts a wonderful closing hole—a strong par-5 of 556 yards with water down the left.

 

Bentley

Situated not
far from Brentford, Bentley is a beautiful parkland layout; one that has hosted
the Essex County Championship and remains a popular venue for the Essex
Captains. Designed by Alex Swan, founder of Swan Golf Designs, it’s configured
of two returning nines. The gently undulating fairways, which are flanked by
mature trees, veer this way and that, and should you stray off line, numerous
ponds and ditches lie in wait.

The signature hole arrives on the par 4 16th, and it’s worth the wait. A downhill dogleg right with out of bounds to the right and a lake guarding the green, it’s a bit of a knee-trembler if you leave yourself a long iron with your second.

 

West Essex

Affectionately
known as “The West”, the James Braid-designed West Essex was founded in 1900.
Epping Forest, Chingford, provides a beautiful location for this parkland
layout, offering picturesque views across the city of London, including many
famous landmarks such as the London Eye and Wembley Stadium.

It’s a course of two distinctive nines, with the tree-lined front nine winding its way through the forest, whilst the back nine is longer and flatter.

A fun fact: West Essex is home to the smallest championship green in England. Members nickname the downhill par 3 5th, which measures 159 yards, the “Frying Pan”. With a putting surface that measures just 14 yards, it rather goes without saying that club selection is crucial.

 

Abridge

Abridge
Golf & Country Club, set in 240 acres of beautiful parkland, has matured
beautifully since opening in the 1960s, and Sir Henry Cotton’s layout has
hosted Open Championship qualifying in more recent times. This gives you an
idea of the quality of the course, which is, without doubt, one of the best in
the county.

Golfers are treated to some wonderful elevation changes and several plateau greens. As well as making for a great variety of holes, the undulations do a fine job shielding the sound of the nearby M25. As close as it is, there’s no shortage of wonderful views of the Essex countryside.

 

Specialist golf insurance from Golf Care

At Golf Care, our golf insurance includes Equipment cover up to £7,500, Public Liability up to £10m and much more. It’s also underpinned by our very own ‘Ripe Guarantee’, which promises great cover and exceptional service at a price you can afford.

Click below to learn more about how our cover can help you.

Source link

]]> https://golfingagency.com/the-best-golf-courses-in-essex/feed/ 0 https://golfingagency.com/south-coast-uk-golf-best-courses-reviewed/ https://golfingagency.com/south-coast-uk-golf-best-courses-reviewed/#respond Mon, 12 Sep 2022 07:29:31 +0000 https://golfingagency.com/south-coast-uk-golf-best-courses-reviewed/

South Coast UK Golf – East Sussex Courses Reviewed…

Here are our views on two South Coast UK golf courses in East Sussex, close to the historic towns of Battle and Hastings.

Every year the TSG Team heads off on a golf trip for a couple of days to discuss the next year’s TSG golf events, and any improvements we can make to the site.

Often this has been to prestigious golf courses in Europe, but in a pandemic year (2021) we thought we would stay closer to home…

Awesome Seaside Course I could play again
and again and again.

• South Coast UK Golf – Cooden Beach Golf Club

Cooden Beach Golf Club, Cooden Sea Road, Bexhill On Sea, East Sussex, TN39 4TR, United Kingdom

01424 843938

Just back from a fantastic couple of days playing South Coast UK golf courses, where I had the pleasure of playing Cooden Beach Golf Club.

Prior to the trip I had been told that I would enjoy Cooden Beach Golf Club, and I am very pleased to report, this course does not disappoint! 

From the moment you arrive, you find a relaxed atmosphere in the Clubhouse and the vistas from the patio seating area give you a superb view of the 18th and first fairways and of what you can expect from the course. Simply stunning.

However, before heading out, I indulged in a superb Fish Finger sandwich which was supposed to be a light snack, but was a complete meal in itself. I was impressed.

Now, if you like links courses then Cooden Beach Golf Club is for you. 

Technically, the course is built on marshland but it plays like a links course, and whilst most holes are open, the course does boast some mature trees.

The fairways are spacious, but they are undulating.

The greens are tough, fast in certain directions, and the borrows are a real art to read.

As you get closer to the ‘beach’ from holes eight onwards, although not viewable, you do get the ‘seaside’ feel when you notice the tops of the beach huts and the scenic railway that passes along the coastline, reminding me of my childhood.

Here, again, the views are stunning. There are glimpses of the sea and Beachy Head straddles the skyline but it’s the overall landscape of the course that wins the day.

This is a challenging golf course – 6182 off yellows and 6518 off whites.

The Par 3s are long. Two of them around 180 yards but reachable with the right club.

However, the Par 5s give you a chance, as they are fairly straight.

The long Par 4s are tough – some of them are 430 yards so getting off the tee is crucial with a decent drive.

The stand-out holes for me were the Par 5 9th, and the Par 5 15th.

In short, I fell in love with Cooden Beach Golf Club. 

I found the course in beautifully kept condition with a great layout that keeps your attention (whilst also forgiving). Luckily, I found the fairway, more often than not. If you stay straight, you’ll have a great day. 

The Clubhouse may be older and of the more traditional style but this is the charm of playing the more established clubs.

The Pro shop was also very friendly and helpful. 

If I had any criticism, it would be the cost of a buggy. I thought £30 each was a bit steep but was necessary on a hot day.

Obviously, it helps when you have some of your favourite golfing pals along to encourage you throughout the day.

I always enjoy my rounds with the TSG Team, so I had ideal playing partners to enjoy my South Coast UK golf tour.

Finally, the reception on arrival as a visitor is always telling, and I found everyone had a smile and were all friendly and chatty.

I hope to play Cooden Beach Golf Club again… it’s a Sussex star!

By Paul Houghton

Pretty mature parkland course, that will keep you coming back for more

• South Coast UK Golf – Sedlescombe Golf Club

Sedlescombe Golf Club, Kent Street, Sedlescombe, Sussex, TN33 0SD, United Kingdom

01424 871700

Playing for the first time at Sedlescombe Golf Club, based in the area of Battle and Hastings, there is no need to tell you this is an area of some historic importance not to mention great beauty.

On arrival, you can see this is a busy golf course. 

A brand new modern Clubhouse greets you with a large patio area (that wouldn’t be out of place in Spain) with table service, friendly staff and a great mixed menu.

Visiting in the middle of the British summer, you can never really predict either the weather or your game. But having read only good things about this course, I was excited to see what this club (now under new management) was going to be like.

Now I’ll get my excuses out of the way straight away.

Sedlescombe Golf Club played host to the PGA Sussex Championship the week before our visit, so the rough had been grown up and the greens top-dressed, so I wasn’t expecting to play to my handicap and I was right.

This is a course that you need to study, learn and think about. If you like to blast a driver down every fairway, forget it. At Sedlescombe, you require patience and accuracy.

Having played another local seaside course the day before, what a contrast this would prove to be. 

This course is a mature, dense, and beautiful parkland course and there is not a sound to be heard except the larks and the cuckoos.

On speaking with members, some of whom referred to the course as ‘Ditch-combe’, I would advise buying a course planner if you’re playing here for the first time.

With tight tree-lined fairways, and in places some very small greens, this is a course I could play again and again and again. It is my kind of course.

Every hole is different. Some elevated tees, some sunken greens, some very reachable Par 4s and some seriously testing Par 5s. Oh, and plenty of water. Yep, this course just about has it all.

The stand-out holes for me were the 337 yard 8th and the 232 yard 10th, but I’ll also mention the dog-leg 15th to a tiny hidden green, surrounded by tall trees. If you make this in two, you are a good golfer.

If I had any issues with the course (and I am nit-picking now), the rough needs another cut now the PGA’s have gone and I would say the greens could be a little better.

However, judging by the number of works going on around the course, this is something they are already working on. 

I have no doubt that this will be the leading course in the area within a few years.

Membership is very reasonably priced at only £900 pa. Very affordable when compared with some of the more established clubs in the region.

There is a hotel on site too, so you have the option of completely immersing yourself in golf for a few days without leaving the venue.

Lastly, the club also offers a great driving range on-site for those wanting to practice before their round.

Inside the Clubhouse, the changing rooms are modern and clean with all the amenities you would expect including good disabled facilities.

In summary, I REALLY liked this course.

It’s clear the new owners (who have also had to battle with COVID) have the ambition to make this one of the best South Coast UK golf courses, providing a relaxed ‘inclusive’ atmosphere and I am already looking forward to returning soon!

By Ian Mullins

JOIN THE UK’S BIGGEST GOLF SOCIETY TODAY >>

Other recent articles from The Social Golfer Blog…

Golf Societies Essex – Where to golf…

Source link

]]> https://golfingagency.com/south-coast-uk-golf-best-courses-reviewed/feed/ 0