For commentary see Ran's profile.
http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/england/reddish-vale-golf-club/
The sign on #1 is ominous, but things improve!
The approach. Strangely, one wee tree on the right was removed, but the larger one was left in place.
The short 2nd uses the gulley far better than it seems from the tee.
By playing over a gulley the third is somewhat similar to the opening hole.
Despite the visual mess, the 4th is an excellent par 3. There seems to be a new bunker on the right. Previously, there was a kick-in from this area. Given the footpath on the left prompting the OoB stakes, one would have thought that leaving an avenue to the green from the right is prudent. Before and after.
The fifth runs along the treeline which should be cleared so the river is in view. It isn't a bad hole, but not one to mark in the memory bank. The crazy downhill 6th also suffers from trees blocking the view of the river. Looking back to the tee and the 18th green.
Running along the river, but not quite utilizing it for strategic purposes, the 7th features scalloped shaping around the green. With the river still very much in play down the left, the 8th plays to plateau green.
Featuring Redan-like qualities, the short uphill 9th offers a bit of a kick-in from the right. The right bunker is now visible from the tee and the forward bunker had its sand removed.
One of the best holes, #10 runs just below a railroad line on the ridge to the left. The land pushes right so the hole feels like a dogleg against the grain.
An odd hole, the 11th plays downhill over a sharp break in the fairway which is harsh should one mishandle the approach. The par 3 twelfth comes back on 11 and is a good hole. It reminds me of a kinder, gentler version of Calamity. By now it is clear to the golfer that there isn't quite enough space for 18 holes. There are several fairly dangerous situations where golfers are hitting toward other golfers in range!
One of Reddish Vale's outlandish holes, the tough two-shot 13th plays around a large ridge for the blind approach to a green in a quasi bowl. This is most certainly an All England candidate and a fine example of why I travel to play golf.
The 14th brings us back down toward the valley floor.
The three shot 15th legs uphill and left...a very intimidating drive! A good drive to the upper fairway level will require a well controlled draw...the river lurks on the left. The approach.
Another odd hole, the 16th is a Braid creation and is the hole which uses the river best. Previously a par 3, Braid extended the hole to the current green site. Nestled into a small peninsula the green is anything but inviting.
An old photo (1940?) shows how much better this hole would look if trees were cleared.
It is hard to understand why at this point there isn't a par 3 played over the river to connect with 18. Instead, we make the dangerous walk back down the 16th fairway for a par 4.
The hole swings left around the river. The green is built up a bit with its right flank protected by a well placed bunker that blocks the kick in approach.
The 18th should be XXX rated...it is far too scary to fully show in photos. One gets a glimpse of its madness in the photo for number 6.
To route 18 holes on this property is an achievement on its own. To also create so many varied and interesting holes is nothing less than remarkable. The many positives of Dr Mac's work shine through despite the home hole and some of the more dangerous aspects of the routing. 1*. 2021
Ran's Review.
http://golfclubatlas.com/courses-by-country/england/reddish-vale-golf-club/Ciao