Whittington Heath-Colt Hidden Gem

[Paul_Turner]

This is a very good course,that's not well known (used to be called Whittington Barracks).  Not much heather left, but it still has turf like a heath course and as you can see from the pics, it's not only Sandwich that's playing fast in England, at the moment.

The terrain is gently rolling-similar to Walton Heath-with small ridges and bumps in the fairways.  Great set of green complexes, lots of complex contour and several front to back sloping greens. Bunkers are well placed and attractive too.



Tee shot at 2



Approach on 2



Short 4th



Short 7th



Tee 11th



Fairway 14th



Looking back on 14



Typical front-back sloping green at 16th.



18th green-hole from left, and looking down the 1st

[ian]

Paul,

I love the look of the 2nd in particular.

I look forward to each and every one of these postings. I have committed myself to go and play a few the next time I go see the family in England. They now appeal more than the bigger courses. Thanks to your posts!

Ian

[James Edwards]

P.Turner.
Nice images.

Where is Whittington Barrocks?  I agree, Walton Heath does spring to mind especially at the 2nd.

[David_Tepper]

Paul Turner-
Your pictures of the Colt courses continue to make my day. Keep'em coming. Looks like almost all of England is firm and fast this summer!  

[Paul_Turner]

Ian

The 2nd is probably the best hole, or perhaps the 3rd.  But there isn't a weak link on the course.

JJSE

It's near Litchfield.  Could fit it in easily with a round at Notts.

David

It's definitely one of the very best courses in the Midlands and should be easily on the Top 100 GBI list, in my opinion.

(6500 Par 70)

[David_Tepper]

Paul-

I presume the majority of Colt's courses were built in England.
Did he build any in Scotland? If so, which ones?
Thanks again.

DT

[T_MacWood]

Paul
The course looks very well preserved. What is your overall assessment of what of Colt remains?

[Paul_Turner]

David

England has the most, in Scotland it's:  Muirfield, St Andrews Eden, Longniddry, Peebles, St Andrews New (redesign) and a few more lesser knowns.

Tom

It looks very well preserved.  I don't know the details of the design history but the yardage chart indicates that the Hawtree clan has looked after the course in recent decades.  The 6th green has recently been "reconstructed" and the bunkers "remodelled".  The bunkers look mostly right to my eye and consistent with other Colt courses, apart from maybe the curves looking a bit smooth.  The bunkers do look old and established.  I like the sand colour, it adds to the different look of the course.