Royal Mid-Surrey

[Mark_Rowlinson]

It's several years since last I played here, and I'm member's a guest there next week.  Anyone know what its current state of health is, post clubhouse fire and nearly losing all their greens when the greenkeeper died - he was the only man who knew how to work the sprinkler system and his knowledge dies with him!

What does anyone think of the architecture?

[TEPaul]

Mark:

Is that the golf course JH Taylor developed the architectural concept of "Mid-Surrey mounds" (Alpinization) on? And with the excellent original super Peter Less, to boot?

[T_MacWood]

I'm not certain of the current state but I know Russell Talley was advising the club not too long ago. When Alpinization fell out favor, Taylor & Hawtree remodeled its courses.

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Yes, there are still some mounds - they look rather artificial even after a century's weathering.  But there are good earthworks and some good bunkering which serve to disguise the fact that the courses (there are two) are absolutely flat.  The Outer Course has a very good collection of longer par 4s.  Well, they're long to me (over 400 yards) but a drive and wedge to today's beefy hitters.

[ForkaB]

Mark

Tom is right.  Talk to RT if you want any detailed info about the course (and if he is not sworn to secrecy!).  Enjoy your day there as I know a large number of RM-S members, and there is not a bad one in the lot!

Rich