Harewood Downs Tour Cont
The front nine sort of treads water with a few highlights. The back nine is more dynamic and features several excellent holes. Somewhat similar to the 1st, the 10th plays downhill to a green fronted by a dip. Fairway shadows portend the onset of winter
A lovely hole, the 11th plays to high point plateau fairway and green over two dips. Being over 400 yards, the green will be a resistant target for most golfers.
Playing to the far boundary line once again, the 12th is another short hole just shy of 200 yards. Trees are a nuisance here and there, especially as there are some pleasing interior and exterior views blocked.
Another drive which bangs into a hill, the 13th is a bit more forceful with trees in play. The course seems to drift away from the style of the previous holes at this point. On 14 there are fairway bunkers crowding in from the left which impact decision making. The approach will often be blind to a sunken green.
Looking back up the hill.
Decidely uphill, the short 15th is far tougher than its listed 123 yards suggests. The shaping to the right is a tip off as to the width of the green.
The final three holes are very good, but the 16th is probably the best hole on the course. Playing up a valley, most of the time nothing but two excellent shots will see a successful outcome. Driving over a hedge feels very English
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These photos below show the sharp rise to the green. Often times there are false fronts for this type of hole which are more accommodating to the run-up shot.
#17 is a devilish hole of 108 yards.
There is a crease cutting through the middle of the green which can make putting ticklish.
On the 18th a bunker juts in from the left creating a dogleg with OOB on the far side. Hitting toward OOB is dicey, but laying up is a reasonable option. The green is a demanding target and features another interesting putting surface. Despite the terrible trees, this is a sound hole.
I have to say Harewood Downs impressed me. The hills are significant, yet not over-bearing...the same can be said for the greens. While far from perfect, Harewood Downs is in good nick and has several excellent holes led by 16-18, 14, 11 & 2. Harewood Downs makes a good partner or substitute for nearby courses of some repute such as The Grove, Berkhamsted, Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Moor Park & Denham. Give it a try if in the area. 2021
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