...and the answer to another question in the golf quiz

Thanks Bill.

I can supply you with any number of routes which avoid all the traffic problems of the M6.  No need for Sat Nav when you have me on tap!

Bill,
Gawd. Please replace that awful url with this:

http://tinyurl.com/ycpj74

I hate using the scroll bar.

I hope there's some interest in visiting Beau Desert and Delamere Forest before BudaV. The Dormy House at Beau Desert holds only 4 comfortably - one of them should not be claustrophobic and 2 of them better be good friends - but I'm sure there's accommodation nearby.

I liked both courses when I played them with Sean Arble (BD)and Mark Rowlinson (DF) last spring.  I wonder if the difference in the greens might also have something to do with conditioning.  The very personable pro at DF waxed lyrical about the brown grass and fast conditons of the course, especially the greens.  If they had anymore slope or undulation they might very well be unplayable.  I like BD because it is a real heathland course.  Here in the steas we don't have anything that remotely resembles it.  I tis essential to hit a good tee ball that moves with the contours of the hole.  DF is a second shot hole.  Itis relatively benign off the tee but the shots to the green must be precise.  I played BD ok but was taken to the woodshed at DF.   I think, however, if I could join one of the clubs,  I'd pick DF.  I loved everything about it.  the opening holes were in the open and on high ground where the wind could whip around.  on second thought, I'd probably join both.

Sean,

Yes, Yelverton has expansive views onto Dartmoor.  There is hardly a tree on the course and it can be very windswept.  Gorse abounds!  Thick, punitive stuff!  There is an unusual obstacle in the series of Leats, drainage channels cut in the 18th century to gather water from the moors to feed down to the naval bases at Plymouth and Devonport.  This was also a tin-mining place in the 19th century and Fowler's utilisation of the rubbish left behind was clever, providing him with any number of mounds and depressions around the greens.  I have played it in mid-winter and the condition was excellent.  There are a number of good short two-shotters.

If you are in the area, at the other end of Dartmoor, is Bovey Castle, formerly Manor House Hotel - an Abercromby layout.  I am aware that there have been alterations since the place was taken over by Peter de Savary, including the construction of a new 1st hole.  Its predecessor was bonkers! I imagine the place is now expensive.  It was cheap in the past, not brilliantly maintained, but lots of fun.  I hope the fun hasn't been taken from it.

Also if you happen to be down on the south coast of Devon, there are some magnificent views to be had from Thurlestone, high on the cliffs overlooking the sea.  It's a Colt course with three very good par 3s in the first 6 and a hilarious opening hole of 268 yards on which you drive over a road and ditch with out-of-bounds left and right, deep seaside bunkers and a raised green angled across the line of approach.  What makes it all so fearsome is that it is all too easy to misplonk the tee shot and clatter into the club house or car park.  It's not a great course, but if you happen to be there you should not avoid it.

Saunton and RN Devon obviously are the biggest names in Devon but Bigbury, Churston and Ilfracombe are places I must revisit some day.  Anyone know them?