I had the opportunity to play Hillside today. A few of my observations are as follows.
1. The course is very narrow. There are many, many fairways which are less than 30 yards wide. Narsty rough and many penal bunkers await. If I were to play it again I would be laying up on a handful of holes even if it meant I would have to rely on a chip and a putt for par.
2. Some of the bunkers can easily offer no stance. I know this has long been the hallmark of links. I have always thought this was the breaks. In recent years I have started to think that I don't like bunkers like this. However, the sand at Hillside is lovely.
3. The greens are generally flatish and they offer subtle breaks. The greens do roll truly and are at a decent speed - they creep on a few feet more than expected - I always like this sort of speed.
4. Many of the holes seem to be of a similar ilk. This feeling is probably enhanced by the mowing pattern which I think is dreadful.
The 1st from a layup position.
The par 5 2nd - a lovely hole and very birdieable.
A very big drive leaves this opportunity to go for the green in 2. The fence protects the railroad line which divides Hillside from S&A.
The approach to #2
The tee shot at #3. There is a sneaky burn past the bunkers.
Approach to the third. This is a typical green at Hillside. JUst out of view on the right is a pond.
After the fairly dull par 3 4th, the next is a very tough driving hole. If the player wants to reach in two he must take on these bunkers. Most smart people will layup.
A closer look at the 6th. There is also a sneaky bunker on the left.
The short 7th is a very clever hole. The green moves away from the player so the right bunker doesn't need to be taken on. There is however, a hidden bunker on the left.
The approach to #8 after an excellent drive. The green is slightly hidden in a bowl.
The 9th is a wierd hole. It has a split fairway and the runout of the first part of the fairway takes the player behind a stand of trees which makes the approach blind. At first thought I didn't like it, but on reflection it is a pretty cool design element.
The 10th is an example of terrible trees taking away from the course on an otherwise very good par 3. With the pin up front it is difficult to fight the urge of hitting to the back and leaving a tough downhill putt.
The 11th could be the hole of the course if not for the narrowness of the fairway. Its still good, but what an opportunity lost because of rough.
This shot shows how narrow the fairway is - perhaps 20 yards wide. You can also see how the green is raised, but a bit more than usual. Again, this is a great opportunity lost.
The 12th is one of the cooler greens. It feeds away from the front toward the back. Chipping over this bunker is dicey business.
The 13th is very similar to Gullane's #1's 2nd hole - though this one is easier.
The approach to 13 is tricky to control. That left bunker is well placed to catch out guys trying to bail from hiting the right dune.
Another narrow alley for the 14th. The back nine has a sort of similarity to it that is unsettling. The approach is cool though, there is a humpback leading to the green which makes the bump and run difficult.
The 15th is a welcome break from the dune-alley golf. There is little definition to help guide the player.
What you can't really make out are the nest of bunkers guarding the inside of the dogleg.
A closeup from the tee at #16. This is one of the few greens which isn't flatish.
The 17th is back to the down and up through the dunes formula which may be a little overused on the back nine and makes me think of Hillside as a modern links.
The 2nd at 17 - its not really a reachable hole.
The approach after a layup.
Perhaps the best is saved for last. A cracking finishing hole.
A closer look at the last.
All in all I am a bit disppointed with Hillside and I think the green fee of £75 doesn't represent terribly great value. Many holes are much of a muchness. Even so, there is a lot of good stuff here.
Ciao