HIdden Gem--Swinley Forest

[ForkaB]

I had a free day on my way from Milan to Painswick last week, and decided to try to get in a prepatory game of golf.  As Ascot was on the way from Luton to the Cotswolds, I decided to call up Swinley Forest and see if I could get on, and lo and behold, I was told that I could.

The people at the club could not have been friendlier, and the course, as many of you will know, is a true gem.  Shortish by modern standards, it still provides a challenge for even the better player through its deceptive bunkering and wildly contoured greens.  When I played, the greens were stimping at only 5-6 or so, which I felt was not inordinately kind.  At US tour speeds, they would probably be unplayable.  Anybody who loves cross bunkering, "duffers hazards" or "top shot" bunkers will love Swinley.  They are there in spades, just as Colt left them 80 years or so ago.

The routing of the course is inspired, both in terms of the mix of holes and the overall layout.  There is a very fine balance between seclusion and intimacy.  If you want both, there is always the Forest, 100 yards or so into which the American woman who barged in front of me on the 1st went to silently contemplate the meaning of life for about 15 minutes after making a complete bollocks of the 4th.  A novel way to let one "play through"...........

Some seem to think that places like Swinley are
"hidden" from us mere mortals, but I am proof that it is not.  I would find it hard to think of a more low key and pleasant golfing experience than my brief time in Ascot.

Golf wise, it is surely a gem.

[Mark_F]

Richard,

There was a particularly brilliant article in last year's issue of the Australian Golf architecture magazine on Swinley. It looks to be a course to die for.  

Strangel enough, for a short course, the article made out, or seemed to me, that Swinley was quite difficult.  Quite hilly in places, the greens, bunkers, some pretty long and tough apr fours, hillocks etc.  

Was it a difficult course?

And we all know how you really got on.  You hyphenated your name to Richard Good-Dale, didn't you?

[Brian Phillips]

Rich,

When are you going to listen...hidden gem...it is not a hidden gem...it is just that a GEM...amazing course..

Colt again...keep telling ya..who is MacKenzie?

Brian

[Craig Disher]

Rich,
I think Swinley Forest is "hidden" only in the sense of its being almost impossible to find. It's certainly a gem. Has the club become more accepting of outside play or did your fame as captain of the US GCA-Ryder Cup team unlock the gate?

The view from the first tee hints at what's to come:

[ForkaB]

Brian and Craig

There was more than a soupcon of irony in my use of the word "hidden."

Craig

This was 2-3 days before my GCA fame, so it must have been my sultry voice that got me on.  More seriously, one would be surprised at how accomodating British courses can be if you just ask them politely for a game.

Brian

Who's this "Colt" guy you keep talking about?

Mark

The course was not "hard" as it was set up when I played it, with early Spring non-rough and softish and slowish greens, but it was not easy either, and would be very testing under Summer conditions, I suspect.  I would put it on a "par" with NGLA in terms of both design interest and golfing challenge.

[Marc Haring]

I have played Swinley many times over the years and I have to say the last time we were not permitted in the clubhouse. They suggested the pub down the road would be more in keeping with our social standing. Couldn’t complain as we were on a courtesy round but it had never been a problem in the past.

I forget the exact holes but a couple of the early par three’s are exceptional. Is it # 4 that’s a small redan? I had heard they were doing a rebuild on that one. The next short one (about # 8 or 9) is a classic. Narrow green with a huge natural drop off to the right. Was it me or was there some weird Zen garden by a tee, would have been about #11.

The greens contouring on a couple of them are terrific. Working my way back I’d say # 13 was an example.

[johnk]

Brian,

You've gotten to me - the continuous Colt proselytizing, that is.

I agree. Colt is great.  Mackenzie is over-hyped.  

The deal is that Americans don't get to see much Colt, while there are at least 4 widely-publicized Good Doctor layouts that almost every US golfer (not just archie buff) knows about.

Travel around the UK, however, and the situation is a bit different.

I expressed my conversion to the "staggering genius of Colt" cult to Paul Turner, and he said: "Welcome to the club."

Now, you just need a logo for the CCC (Colt Cult Club), and we can whip up some nice sweaters...

[James Edwards]

Rich,

Good to hear that you made it to one of the best courses in the country IMO.  As Marc said, the 4th is one of the best par 3's in the country and when the hole is in full bloom, it is quite incredible! and especially the 12th! with the back drop there to.

Great course, Great people!

James

[Paul_Turner]

Rich

You finally played golf within the London area!  And picked the best one too.  Which were your fave holes/shots?

Usually the par 3s are highlighted.  But really perhaps the long par 4s are best (6,7,9,12,15).

Also how about some of the fine green complexes that never get mentioned:  1,3,11,14?

[ForkaB]

Paul

You ask hard questions!  I'm one of the worst poeple to ask for a comprehensive analysis of an entire course based on one fleeting visit and no readily handy aide memoires!

For example, I can remember the neat bits of the upper right part of the 1st green, but I didn't try to analyse (or even look at!) the whole complex.  I do remember enough to say that there wasn't a green I didn't like at Swinley and, to state again, if they ever got them fast and firm, the course would require every bit of skill from all but the very best of players.

I don't remember any particularly long par 4s, but I was driving well and a 6200 yard course played on a calm day won't leave you with many mid-long irons to the greens if you are doing so.  That being said, I had very few birdie putts, and a lot of very interesting approach putts and chips and pitches!

Rich

PS--Once I finally unpack from Painswick, I'll see if I can find my annotated scorecard and add some more "wisdom"!

[Mark_Rowlinson]

Don't let's get into an argument about Colt vs Mackenzie or, worse, try to rank the British architects.  Let's say that we are very fortunate to have some wonderful Colt and Mackenzie courses in various states of originality and preservation, from exemplary to shameful.  If lasting influence is a criterion then Colt and Mackenzie stand apart, but if originality, inventiveness and vision are considered then we must not forget Fowler, Simpson and Braid.  And who mentioned all the others from Morris through Mackenzie Ross to...... (they're still living so I'll not make them go red in the face)?