[Bryan Izatt]

For those who haven't seen the course, here is a link to an entertaining YouTube video of Rick Shiels trying to #break75 at JCB.  You'll get to see at least some of the course, including some parts that probably aren't often visited.  He does describe it as a long slog from the tips - but then safe to say he didn't break 75.  Looks like a tough course.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GE1me4ScYSQ

[David Jones]

I’m always wary of posting links to my own stuff here but given the previous discussion I thought this may be of interest. It’s a drone video I put together of the JCB course, and there’s a link to my review there too.


https://www.ukgolfguy.com/golf-blog/jcb-golf-course-country-club


I really enjoyed the course. Compared to some UK courses built with tournament play in mind this was far more enjoyable for the average golfer. Some great risk and reward options, the greens were really interesting and playable if you pick the right tees.


I’m not sure how far back you’d have to go for a better course built in England, it’s above Queenwood for me.

[John Mayhugh]

Thanks for the video, David.
Really like the variety of green shapes and orientation. The use of the old canal on 3 and the ditch on 7 looks really good.

[Niall C]

David


Excellent stuff. I enjoyed the tour and very much like the look of the course. I'm not sure it counts as minimalistic but not every course needs to. Re the canal hole, it reminds me of a hole at Whitekirk.


Niall

[Ally Mcintosh]

I’m always wary of posting links to my own stuff here but given the previous discussion I thought this may be of interest. It’s a drone video I put together of the JCB course, and there’s a link to my review there too.


https://www.ukgolfguy.com/golf-blog/jcb-golf-course-country-club


I really enjoyed the course. Compared to some UK courses built with tournament play in mind this was far more enjoyable for the average golfer. Some great risk and reward options, the greens were really interesting and playable if you pick the right tees.


I’m not sure how far back you’d have to go for a better course built in England, it’s above Queenwood for me.

Over the years, I talked a fair bit to Robin as he was getting this course built. The masterplan was exciting, the early photos only confirming that. I wasn’t surprised when it debuted inside the Top-100 GB&I nor when people said it was the best British inland course built in a generation.


But I have never been to the course.


And despite everything, David’s video has actually surprised me greatly because the course looks far better than I was even expecting from all the info I’ve seen before. What a difference to see a British architect actually having fun and creativity with his course & hole designs. And how many oh-so-same designs have we had to suffer for 30 years before getting this one?…

[Adam Lawrence]

I think JCB is the best modern course in England, quite comfortably.

[Robin_Hiseman]

I hope the board will forgive me, but in addition to David's post (thanks David), here is the direct link to his write up. It's got some lovely photos alongside his thorough review.

https://www.ukgolfguy.com/jcb-golf-and-country-club

[Robin_Hiseman]

David


Excellent stuff. I enjoyed the tour and very much like the look of the course. I'm not sure it counts as minimalistic but not every course needs to. Re the canal hole, it reminds me of a hole at Whitekirk.


Niall

Definitely not minimalist, but then it was hardly the kind of site, soil or project where that would be appropriate. However, in the main, the routing is inspired by the existing terrain and where it gave us suitable topography we used it to the fullest advantage. Holes such as 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18 exemplify this. We had to work a bit harder elsewhere.


I can confirm that no inspiration was drawn from having once played Whitekirk...

[Niall C]

I can confirm that no inspiration was drawn from having once played Whitekirk...

Are you sure ? When future GCA historians argue over where Hiseman got the inspiration for his Canal hole template I want to be in there first with the answer.

Niall

[Robin_Hiseman]

Given the utter ball ache that hole was to build, I can assure you it most certainly won't be replicated!


Drawing inspiration from Whitekirk would certainly have been novel. If only it were true! Quite a decent track from what I remember. Sad that its a sheep pasture again now.

[Adam Uttley]

Great write up, David, and I wholeheartedly agree with the assessment of being the best modern in England.  From the whites I think the opener is arguably the best I’ve seen, although it’s certainly no gentle handshake!  Aside from the holes themselves, two things stood out to my amateur eye about the course as a whole:

1. There were plenty of options available from the tee and this allowed golfers of different lengths to enjoy a great challenge from the same tee box. We had a great variety of hitting distances in our group and all felt the same way.

2. The bunkering was plentiful but not profligate.  I could see the purpose of each and the level of deception caused - for example on the 5th and 6th - was superb.  It felt like golf from a previous era on a modern course.  In fact I’m not sure I’ve played a better uphill par 5 than the 6th for this reason.

I can’t wait to go round again sometime.

[/size]P.S. I watched the Rick Shiels video. If anything he got lucky with his round - the approaches appeared woolly and on another day his ball wouldn’t have stuck where they did.  I’m not sure I’ve seen a pro golfer choose the wrong shot around the greens so frequently.[size=78%]

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