Thanks for all the compliments.
I was reasonably happy with my shots. I was first off in the morning, ahead of a society day, so technically I had the course to myself to take it all in and take some photos. But by the 4th I had a group up my rear so the photos dried up a bit between 6 and 11 so I could put some space between them.
Most of the photos were taken on a cheapie Canon compact digital which is great for taking anywhere. However, the batteries ran out and I left the spares in my car, so 15-18 are on film.
Thanks Matt, the fog gives the photo's a mystical quality - appropriate.
More of your thoughts please. Was this your first heathalnd course and how would you place it/them in terms of quality. Same division as the Sandbelt courses or a notch or two below?
My one visit to Swinley made a big impreson on me and Id certainly rate it a stop tier Heathland.
Tony,
Swinley was my first heathland experience and I was very impressed.
This is certainly a top notch course. If comparing it to something on the sandbelt, I'd probably liken it to Kingston Heath, or a mix of KH, Commonwealth and Woodlands.
I would imagine that it might not appeal to everyone because apart from say 4 and 17, it lacks the spectacular. But it's the design which is so exciting. It's all the little subtleties which make this course great - interesting green complexes, great routing (placing 8 between 7 and 9 is something few people may have come up with) and placing an emphasis on position off the tee. There were several times when I struck good drives only to find that when I got to my ball I was not in the best position to attack the pin (next time I will be wiser). What's more, the best spot on the fairway will change depending on pin position, such is the strength of the green design. It's a course which really makes you think, because if you don't you'll rack up a score very quickly.
The other thing I noted was the condition of the course. Having heard about he floods in the area some months before, I expected the worst. But the course was in excellent condition. The green surfaces had a magnificent cover of grass and they were very, very firm. Only a well struck shot would hold. They were a little slow for someone who is used to playing in Melbourne but I have nothing but praise for them.
It was probably a good time of year to play as the course belies its short yardage. It would be interesting to compare to dry summer conditions.
Aside from that, Swinley is very pretty and makes good use of the heather.
Lastly, the drinks cart (with its selection of Scotch whiskey) is something many golfers would die for.
And a few more pics: (1, 4/5 and 18)
