[James Boon]

To simplify Craig's thread for the main event, I thought it worth starting another thread regarding where people are playing before and after...

I suspect quite a few will be heading towards Deal and Sandwich, and I may be tempted also, but I would like to see Royal Ashdown Forest and / or perhaps Crowborough Beacon while I'm that way? Any interest in those as I'm happy to arrange something if I can sort out the logistics and timings?

http://www.royalashdown.co.uk/
http://www.cbgc.co.uk/

Cheers,

James

[Tom Kelly]

Don't know whether I will be able to make the actual event but I could be interested in either of these before or after, both have been on my huge to do list for a while. I still haven't made it to Reigate Heath either which isn't a million miles away and would be en-route for many people to or from Rye.

[Ben Stephens]

Boony




I might be joining Whitty across the channel to play Hardelot and Le Touquet plus bring back cheap wine you are welcome to join us as I have always wanted to see Frank Pont's work


How about Pulborough as well maybe a bit too far off the 'beaten track'?


Knole Park and Chart Hills are other options. Sometimes its worth checking out a 'newer' track




Cheers
Ben

To simplify Craig's thread for the main event, I thought it worth starting another thread regarding where people are playing before and after...

I suspect quite a few will be heading towards Deal and Sandwich, and I may be tempted also, but I would like to see Royal Ashdown Forest and / or perhaps Crowborough Beacon while I'm that way? Any interest in those as I'm happy to arrange something if I can sort out the logistics and timings?

http://www.royalashdown.co.uk/
http://www.cbgc.co.uk/


Cheers,

James

[Tony_Muldoon]

It's all good but...Knowle Park is well worth it some quirk, some bold holes and overall a really good second tier course. Warning its hard on the legs with surprising elevation changes.
But Chart Hills is looking very tired. IMO
I think its reputation came from
a) that style and amount of Bunkering is unusual in this country
b) Faldo added a certain lustre even if that style is more associated with Smyers.
c) Condition WAS exceptional and they had a bag drop guy and staff who gave excellent kiss ass.
I have an annual invite that I now pass up on.
 
Lots of options. 
Princes doesn’t get a lot of love on here, but it definitely would if it wasn’t beside the two best tracks in England. I really like it the course.
Hayling Island is of a similar standard but without the penal rough. (warning It’s not that close)
 
Courses close to the M25 if heading for London/Gatwick/Surrey.
Walton Heath tow strong tracks and a part of History. Great 36 hole day.
The Addington is not that far away.
Like Tom K. I’ve yet to see Reigate Heath.  I think the comment in the Original Confidential Guide was potential to be one of the very best 9 holers but last 3 holes are weaker. Well two of them have been redone. Time for a visit?
 
I am happy to host at Deal on the /Tuesday after and maybe able to coerce a couple of other members to join us.  It’s a two ball day. So depending on no’s it might be more foursomes or we can divi up the green fees if it’s a larger group.

[Mark Pearce]

Conrad and I will certainly be up for some additional golf before or after the main event and several of these suggestions sound good.

[Robin_Hiseman]

Look forward to joining you for a game beforehand. I played RAF a year or two back and it was a great day out, especially as they also have a very decent, short second 18-hole course for afters. Interested in Crowborough too.

I know you won't go for it, but i'd dare you to play Beauport Park at nearby Hastings. Possibly the most terrifying course I've ever played...yet one of the prettiest too. Good or bad, it was certainly unforgettable.

[Niall C]

It's all new to me and happy to go with flow. That said, I'd like to join Tony on Tuesday if I can.


Niall

[Craig Disher]

Crowborough Beach and RAF are good choices but I would put Piltdown into the mix. It's another of the bunkerless courses and just as satisfying as RAF - and an easier walk. The greens were rebuilt recently as part of a general overhaul and the course plays beautifully. If there is interest, I can look into arranging some times.

[Ally Mcintosh]

Pulborough is a little further away (maybe 90 minutes) but is one of the very best and seems to get passed over far too regularly by those seeking great heathland courses.

[Thomas Dai]

About 20 miles west of Rye is Cooden Beach GC, apparently a pre-WW1 links course by Herbert Fowler. Anyone played or know much about it?
Atb

[Eric Strulowitz]

About 20 miles west of Rye is Cooden Beach GC, apparently a pre-WW1 links course by Herbert Fowler. Anyone played or know much about it?
Atb

Played that course a few years ago along with Rye, Littlestone, Deal, RSG, and Princes. Cooden Beach was the biggest surprise of all.  First, a little visited course by traveling golfers, as I was told by some members, we felt so welcome by all.  The course was a mix of links and parkland, with some incredible views and elevaton changes.  Reccommend that in a heartbeat.  My two cents, I will put Princes down as the worst course I played in my life.  Narrow fairways with penal heather everywheere, a lot of holes looked the same.  The wind was up, everyone was looking for balls, the most penal for the sake of it course I have ever played, fail to see the fanfare about it, would not play again for free.  Now RSG next door, whole different story, loved that place.  This sounds like a great Buda, I am thinking about it myself, but for the long trip would definately like to know more about before and after play. 

[Robin_Hiseman]

About 20 miles west of Rye is Cooden Beach GC, apparently a pre-WW1 links course by Herbert Fowler. Anyone played or know much about it?
Atb

I played Cooden a bunch when I was younger. Flat and marshy mostly.

[Tony_Muldoon]

I know you won't go for it, but i'd dare you to play Beauport Park at nearby Hastings. Possibly the most terrifying course I've ever played...yet one of the prettiest too. Good or bad, it was certainly unforgettable.

Terrifying?  Tell us more.

[James Boon]

About 20 miles west of Rye is Cooden Beach GC, apparently a pre-WW1 links course by Herbert Fowler. Anyone played or know much about it?
Atb

Cooden Beach featured on some Players Cigarette cards in the early 20th century...
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,44582.msg1007741.html#msg1007741

Cheers,

James

[Scott Warren]

I highly recommend Crowborough Beacon (above). It is a lot of fun and quirky at times on an in-places steep site. From memory I played it with Chappers, Brent Hutto and Craig Disher. Any GCAer (or Sherlock Holmes fan) would enjoy it.

Pulborough (below) is superb also and may be a good fit for any of the US contingent who are flying in via Gatwick.

[Frank Pont]

Do you want me to see if I can arrange something at Tandridge?

[Mark Pearce]

That would be great, Frank.  I'd love to see the work you have done there.

[Robin_Hiseman]

I know you won't go for it, but i'd dare you to play Beauport Park at nearby Hastings. Possibly the most terrifying course I've ever played...yet one of the prettiest too. Good or bad, it was certainly unforgettable.

Terrifying?  Tell us more.

Tony

It's narrow, heavily wooded, with impenetrable undergrowth, steeply cambered, rollercoaster fairways (leading to aforementioned undergrowth) and lacking a bit of TLC. Other than that, it's great!

I've played it twice, about ten years apart. It's been nearly 20 years since my last round and I might be brave enough to give it a final try.  I've never played a course where I was so anxious about where my tee shots were going. 'Steered' it all the way around. Actually, I 'steered' my failing driver into the woods to the left of the 16th hole as my frustration boiled over. It's probably still there.

[Thomas Dai]

A quick look at the Golfempire website has indicated the following open amateur comps at clubs in the area at around Buda time - there may be more as not all are yet advertised -


11th Aug - Littlestone - team of 4 - £180/team
10th Aug - Princes - pairs - £105/pair
11th Aug - Princes - singles - £45/ea


It's 'Golf Week' at Princes the week before Buda.


Atb

[Frank Pont]

That would be great, Frank.  I'd love to see the work you have done there.

Let me know how many people and when and I'll see what I can arrange.


Also can you send me your new email address, need to mail you something.

[Michael Whitaker]

OK, guys... we need to pin down some dates and locations for pre and post Buda golf!

I'm scheduled to arrive in the UK on August 8 and depart on Monday the 21st. In between I hope to fill my days spending time with as many of your as possible touring some outstanding courses!

As for Deal... we need to set some plans and lock down the Dormy (sleeps 4 at £30 per person per night with breakfast) or rent one of the flats in town. There are numerous three and four bedroom flats that can be rented for reasonable rates, but plans need to put into place NOW as the summer holiday crowd will have everything booked up soon.

I absolutely want to cross the channel and visit Le Touquet and Hardelot (Frank?). Sean Arble, Sir Sterling Forsythe, and Gentle Ben have expressed interest. We just need to etch the dates in stone and may a booking. I'll be glad to handle the details, but we need some commitment on the dates.

Does someone have the skills to create an online calendar to post who is playing where? It would great to have a signup sheet where everyone's plans are listed in one place.

What say you?

[Frank Pont]

I absolutely want to cross the channel and visit Le Touquet and Hardelot (Frank?). Sean Arble, Sir Sterling Forsythe, and Gentle Ben have expressed interest.

Let me know the dates, and I'll try to swing by the Cote d'Opale

[Michael Whitaker]

I absolutely want to cross the channel and visit Le Touquet and Hardelot (Frank?). Sean Arble, Sir Sterling Forsythe, and Gentle Ben have expressed interest.

Let me know the dates, and I'll try to swing by the Cote d'Opale

Will do, Frank. It would be great to see you.

[Bill_McBride]

About 20 miles west of Rye is Cooden Beach GC, apparently a pre-WW1 links course by Herbert Fowler. Anyone played or know much about it?
Atb

Played that course a few years ago along with Rye, Littlestone, Deal, RSG, and Princes. Cooden Beach was the biggest surprise of all.  First, a little visited course by traveling golfers, as I was told by some members, we felt so welcome by all.  The course was a mix of links and parkland, with some incredible views and elevaton changes.  Reccommend that in a heartbeat.  My two cents, I will put Princes down as the worst course I played in my life.  Narrow fairways with penal heather everywheere, a lot of holes looked the same.  The wind was up, everyone was looking for balls, the most penal for the sake of it course I have ever played, fail to see the fanfare about it, would not play again for free.  Now RSG next door, whole different story, loved that place.  This sounds like a great Buda, I am thinking about it myself, but for the long trip would definately like to know more about before and after play.

The big problem I saw at Princes, apart from the narrow fairways and deep rough, was the fact that almost all the holes were laid out so that the prevailing wind was dead across every hole.  You typically had to start each tee shot out over the rough. 

[Mark Chaplin]

Eric either you are mistaking grass for heather or Princes for somewhere closer to London!


Mike if you are in Deal for the first weekend of Deal week find a partner for the Downs knockout (the course will be closed otherwise 19/20 August) members can play with another member or a visitor.

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