Questions about an English trip

[Ray Tennenbaum]

I'm going to the UK next month on a 4- or 5-week assignment/pilgrimage -- having not played much in England, am looking forward to acquainting myself with some of the Golden Age courses, first in the south, then around Manchester, before heading up to Scotland.

Mark Rowlinson's interview and guide here seem invaluable resources.  But I crave yet more inside information -- eg, "forget about XXX, your chances are nil there," or "don't miss YYY, it's relatively inexpensive and a great example of Colt at his best."  

I'll be armed with a railpass, and probably will be renting a car here and there.  I am sure I'll face some challenges in the next few weeks putting together an itinerary.  Any advice getting around, particularly in the South, would be very useful -- I'll be armed with a railpass, but will rent a car where necessary, for example if I decide to spend a few days in the Southeast (Rye, Ashdown Forest, Royal Eastbourne) will it be possible to find centrally-located, reasonably-priced accommodations?  

[Mark Pearce]

There's almost nowhere you won't be able to get on, perhaps Swinley Forest of the courses you're likely to want to play but even there it might be possible.

I'd do Leeds before Manchester (Alwoodly, Moortown and it gets you within range of Ganton) and driving from London to Leeds will take you close to Woodhall Spa and Hollinwell (Notts) both of which are very well worth a detour.  

What about the English Open rota courses?  Then there's the West Country (St Enodoc, Saunton, RND, Burnham & Berrow).  Not forgetting the heathland courses west of London (Sunningdale, Berkshire, Woking).  I'm sure there'll be plenty of advice but I guess you need to decide what sort of courses you want to see and how many.

[Tommy Williamsen]

In and around Manchester there are wome wonderful opportunities with some unsung heroes.  Prestbury is a great Colt parkland.  I would also recommend Cavendish, an Alister MacKenzie unkown in the mts. east of Manchester.  Sandiway is a wonderful parkland as well.  Delamere Forest will charm you. I think it was James Braid and others.  along the coast in Wales are Conwy, and North Conwy which is a little quirky but fun.  Anything along the Lancashire coast is worth the trip.  There are some links courses that are not on the rota that arer worth your time.

South of Manchester are Beau Desert, a terrific Fowler heathland course, and Little Aston a very good parkland course.

[Pete Lavallee]

Ray,

The good news, like Mark said, is they are all playable; the bad news is that they are only playable during the week, weekends are reserved for the memebers. The only course of note in the south that allows weekend play is Royal Ashdown Forest.

As far as taking the train to play, the only significant course I can think of that is very close to a railway stop is Woking.  

So, can you play during the week or are you only free on weekends? This would limit your choice of top tier courses. Of course there are many middle tier courses worth playing; it would be helpful to know when you'll play, so we can steer you to where.

[Ray Tennenbaum]

Many thanks for the responses.  It's a bit daunting picking up on my own, and the itinerary is a little intense -- eg, after Dornoch, I'm also trying to get to the Isle of Man for the motorcycle race.

But I'm trying to soak everything in, so please keep on -- part of the the fun, is picking and choosing from an embarrassment of wealth.  I'm less interested in rota courses -- at least this go-round; and as a general guide have been using Thomas MacWood's essay, which seems to me first-rate.  

But there are also names that rattle around in my head.  I'm a big Stephen Potter fan, for instance, and I'd like to see some of the names he drops -- Woking would be high on my list anyway, but he goes on about Egdon Heath (which I can't find).

Pete, that was my understanding about weekends -- I'm trying to do the longer rail trips, or what (relatively few) general-touristy things, or visits to friends, etc on the weekends.

[David_Tepper]

Ray -

When are you planning to be in Dornoch? I will be there May 12 to June 9 and would be happy to see you there.

Having a car would be a BIG help in getting around. Sunningdale is close to the village train station, but many courses in the London area seem to be tucked away.

I would HIGHLY recommend spending some time on the Lancashire coast. In the 75 mile stretch from Royal Liverpool to Royal Lytham St. Annes, you have possibly the greatest collection of links golf in the world (Royal Birkdale, Hillside, Formby, Southport Ainsdale, & West Lancs, etc., plus the 1st 2 courses mentioned).

DT

[Pete Lavallee]

Ok, knowing you can play during the week helps. I'll only offer advice about the places I've played myself.

In the London area I would heartily recomend Woking, very close to Heathrow. I prefer to fly in or out of Gatwick; it's much less of a zoo than Heathrow. Should you be in the Gatwick area you'll be very close to Walton Heath; play both courses with lunch in between on a day ticket, a great day out for a very reasonable price. Royal Ashdown Forest is very nearby and is a good choice for a rare weekend game; you'll probably need to play in the afternoon, but I wouldn't miss out on what is probably the best bunkerless course in the world. Also in the southeastern London area do not miss out on The Addington in Croydon; it's truely one of a kind. Although a bit south of Gatwick, West Sussex in Pulbourgh is a must see; stay at the B&B right down the acess road to the club.

On the south coast Hayling Island near Portsmouth is a middle tier which you can probably paly on the weekend. Just on the western side of Southampton is the cluster of  Parkstone, Ferndown and Broadstone; all very good.

A swing through the south west coast would allow one to play Perranporth, St. Enodoc, Saunton and Burnham and Burrow.

[David_Tepper]

Ray -

One other thing to be aware of regarding access to courses in England is that many clubs host frequently host "golfing society" outings on weekdays. These outings can tie up the 1st tee of a course for 2 or 3 hours. Be sure to call 2 or 3 days ahead to check.

DT  

[Mark Bourgeois]

Ray,

The smartest thing you can do is buy this book:
http://tinyurl.com/2ndc3v

It's by Mark Rowlinson and contains invaluable information that would take you literally weeks to compile for a journey of your duration, including:
If and when visitors are allowed, including when societies are allowed out and handicap limits if applicable
How visitors may make contact (tel nos and email)
Nearby lodging
Architect
Thumbnail description of course (e.g., "pleasant parkland designed by X in 19XX. Famous for its par 3s..." etc. etc.)
Nearest train station
Road maps showing locations of courses (very helpful in selecting base camps)

Lastly, if the great Scot RL Stevenson was right and it is better to travel hopefully than arrive, then planning via the book -- simply reading the book -- will give you many happy hours of dreaming!

Mark

[Mark Bourgeois]

...and if Mark's book is unavailable then this one is a reasonably close second:
http://tinyurl.com/2l59a5

Mark

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