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Tommy Williamsen

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What is it about English courses?
« on: May 02, 2008, 09:21:57 PM »
I enjoy links courses in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.  But there is something about the inland courses in England that is special and different from courses almost anywhere else.  The terrain is almost always special, the bunkering fascinating in that they may even appear random, and the green sites extraordinary.  But I wonder if it isn't that many have had a litany of great architects tweak it.  It is not uncommon to see names like Braid, Colt and others who worked on the same course.

I haven't been there is a couple of years and miss the place.  But with the dollar so weak....
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Paul_Turner

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #1 on: May 03, 2008, 11:28:37 AM »
Tommy

Those are some nice, flattering, comments for us English.   I also think there are many inland "sleepers" in Scotland and Ireland which get even less attention because all the focus is on the links.

But back to England.   And here's an old pic of a hidden gem:  I know you've played this one Tommy,  it's a bit different now... but for fun try and ID it.





« Last Edit: May 03, 2008, 11:35:45 AM by Paul_Turner »
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Andrew Mitchell

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #2 on: May 05, 2008, 05:39:08 AM »
Any clues Paul?
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Phil_the_Author

Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #3 on: May 05, 2008, 06:26:11 AM »
I would hazard that it was designed by a Mr. Colt...
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Paul_Turner

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2008, 11:59:10 AM »
Yes no prizes for guessing the architect.  A clue...it's named after one of the poshest/affluent villages in England.
« Last Edit: May 05, 2008, 12:01:37 PM by Paul_Turner »
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Tony_Muldoon

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2008, 12:05:04 PM »
Not played there, Denham?
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Tommy Williamsen

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #6 on: May 05, 2008, 12:19:50 PM »
It isn't Prestbury is it?

My other guess would be Little Aston, although I don't think it is named after the town as it is in Sutton Coldfield.
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Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

Tommy Williamsen

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #7 on: May 05, 2008, 12:33:57 PM »
Quote from: Paul_Turner on May 03, 2008, 11:28:37 AM
Tommy

Those are some nice, flattering, comments for us English.   I also think there are many inland "sleepers" in Scotland and Ireland which get even less attention because all the focus is on the links.

 

Paul, I have played about twenty inland courses in Ireland abd maybe ten in Scotland.  Years ago Carlow was touted as the best inland course in Ireland.  In Northern Ireland, Belvoir Park and Royal Belfast are very good.Now, however, some of the best inland courses are new and I wasn't thinking  of them.  In Scotland certainly the courses at Gleneagles  are excellent.  But none of them have courses to contend with the depth of the heathland courses of England.
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Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

Paul_Turner

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #8 on: May 05, 2008, 02:07:41 PM »
Tommy

Yes it's Prestbury.  (village idiot:  Wayne Rooney)

The 9th hole.


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peter_mcknight

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #9 on: May 05, 2008, 02:13:54 PM »
Mr Turner...

Glory, Glory, Man Utd!  Long live Wazza.  Just need to survive past Wigan on Sunday, then can fully concentrate on beating Chelsea in the UCL final!

By the way, the I'm on Setanta Sports with the special one, Sven and Wazza is simply hilarious.
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Mark_Rowlinson

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #10 on: May 11, 2008, 09:08:36 AM »
Tommy, did you say you would be in Oxford or Cambridge later in the year?

If Oxford make sure to play Southfield (Colt). You already know Frilford Heath. Others that are decent and not far away include Goring and Streatley, Henley (on Thames), Tadmarton Heath (Banbury) and Huntercombe (which I imagine you've played).

If Cambridge make sure to play Royal Worlington, the best 9-hole course in the country, Gog Magog on the southern outskirts of Cambridge, I could get you a game at Sandy Lodge. I think you'd like Thetford, too.

Mark.
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Tommy Williamsen

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #11 on: May 11, 2008, 09:27:25 PM »
Mark, I lecture at Oxford the first week in November.  I hope the weather co-operates.
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Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

Bill_McBride

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #12 on: May 12, 2008, 10:27:26 PM »
Tommy, if you're in Oxford (gateway to the Cotswolds?), you can't be too far from Painwick!  :o ;D
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Tommy Williamsen

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #13 on: May 12, 2008, 10:49:40 PM »
Quote from: Bill_McBride on May 12, 2008, 10:27:26 PM
Tommy, if you're in Oxford (gateway to the Cotswolds?), you can't be too far from Painwick!  :o ;D

I told myself that the next time I go to England, Painswick is on my "to do" list.
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Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi

Bill_McBride

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #14 on: May 12, 2008, 11:09:15 PM »
You won't be sorry.  And the members are as nice a bunch - if a bit quirky like the course - as you'll ever play with.
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James Boon

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #15 on: May 13, 2008, 03:25:56 AM »
Tommy, please repeat after me:

"I must play Painswick, I must play Painswick, I must play Painswick!"

No one would build a course like this today, but they should as its great fun to play! The opening hole is 220 yard par 4, steeply uphill and over an old quarry, no par 4s over 400 yards. Only 2 par 5s and they are both short and back to back. 3 par 3s in a row, one blind and another blind par 3 later on. Enjoy!!!
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Tommy Williamsen

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Re: What is it about English courses?
« Reply #16 on: May 13, 2008, 01:52:41 PM »
Quote from: James Boon on May 13, 2008, 03:25:56 AM
Tommy, please repeat after me:


No one would build a course like this today, but they should as its great fun to play! The opening hole is 220 yard par 4, steeply uphill and over an old quarry, no par 4s over 400 yards. Only 2 par 5s and they are both short and back to back. 3 par 3s in a row, one blind and another blind par 3 later on. Enjoy!!!

I must play Painswick, I must play Painswick, I must play Painswick!
I have seen pictures and wouldn't miss it.
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Where there is no love, put love; there you will find love.
St. John of the Cross

"Deep within your soul-space is a magnificent cathedral where you are sweet beyond telling." Rumi
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