Mike
I agree, that's how you have to view Painswick-as something different. Low handicappers could easily have contempt for the course and play the very short 4s with a mid iron and short iron. But if they have a sense of adventure and try and go for as many greens in one as possible, then the challenge is much greater.
Ran
I have absolutely no info on a possible course architect. And yes there's no room to expand because of the escarpment. I've posted the card and routing below to give some perspective. And needless to say, not every hole is a winner! 17th and 18th are very weak, especially 18 which basically a pitch and put hole. Some of the greens are very basic too.
Rich
Look at the hole names: an underlying theme of PAIN!
PaulW
I think it would be a fine course for your son. It really suits the shorter hitter.
Russell
Nothing quite in the class of The Thatch! The Pelican in nearby Stroud is pretty good if a bit rough around the edges.
The route:
Card
The escarpment: looking down the 12th and up 13th with 3 and 4 crossing!
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The 5th tee, up over the ancient fort rampart!
To the bowl green: good for a gallery?
The 7th to another punchbowl
The 9th, can't see the quarry scars very well here.
Or the 9th from the other angle
And finally the 1st. You go straight uphill and you're greeted with this!
And that's about it. Sorry if I've gone a bit overboard on the number of pics!