[Darren_Kilfara]

My wife and I may be making a quick trip to what the signs just outside of London charmingly call "THE NORTH" (never mind that it's south of Edinburgh...) which may allow me to play a bit of golf on February 24. I'd be staying somewhere near Northwich, which I gather is about 20 miles SW of Manchester - can any of our English readers recommend a good course worth playing which is a) within an hour or so of there and b) allows guests on Saturdays? If anyone is free at that time and up for a game, weather permitting, so much the better! Thanks...

Cheers,
Darren

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Delamere Forest (Fowler) is 10 or 15 minutes from Northwich and would very likely have room for you.  I find the secretary very helpful there.  The other good course in the area is Sandiway (Ray/Colt), which doesn't usually accept visitors on a Saturday, but I have an uncle who used to be a member.  I'm sure he could arrange for you to play with a member if you gave me notice.  Nearer the time I'll see if I'm free - Saturday work for me can come in at quite short notice.  Mark.

[Darren_Kilfara]

Thanks, Sean/Mark. Is Delamere Forest worth going out of one's way to play? I'm really thinking about taking this trip because my wife is doing something in Northwich that day, so the "going out of my way" calculations apply - if it's not worth it, I could just stay at home and let her take the trip herself. Alternatively, If I were to go a bit further afield - say, as far as Hoylake (although I'm not sure they allow weekend guest play) - would other possibilities suggest themselves?

Cheers,
Darren

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Delamere Forest is not Hoylake, but it's a lovely course and there are many fine holes.  Some on this site have criticised its relatively flat greens.  It is one of the best winter courses in this part of the country, being very well drained (and we've had a very wet winter).  I posted a load of photos of it (plus Sean, Philip Gawith and Tommy Williamsen) on Frank Pont's website: http://www.golfarchitecturepictures.com/

Only after you play it will you be able to answer your question about is it worth going out of your way to play it.  But it's a long trip for a wife to make alone, and if you are not having to pay for the petrol....

If you were to mention GCA they'd probably find a spot for you at Royal Liverpool - they really enjoyed having the BUDA Cup last October.  

[Darren_Kilfara]

Hey, Sean...where did your posts in this thread go? You still interested in this date (I hope)? Still pondering my options - I hope to make a decision in the next few days...

Cheers,
Darren

[Bill_McBride]

Mark R, re: the "flattish" greens at Delamere......

If we hadn't seen the greens at Beau Desert the next day, I don't think we'd have been talking about the flattish greens at DF!

Darren, Hoylake is well worth a trip out of your way, but Delamere Forest is really fun and interesting Fowler from 1910.  The views of the clubhouse from the 9th and 18th fairways are excellent.

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