Blackmoor Golf Club

[Paul Nash]

Played Blackmoor today for the second time in pretty poor weather - a shame as the last couple of weeks have been very nice, and more good weather to follow. I just wanted to draw people's attention to this Hary Colt course which flies too far under the radar for the quality of the course. It is on the southern edge of the heathlands in Northern Hampshire, very close to Hindhead, Hankley Common and Liphook. It has some of the best greens and green sites I have ever seen -  they may even be better than Woking - in fact, I would probably rate it above Woking (only played once in the frost)!! This is no second fiddle course  - and is probably better than many of the bigger name Heathland courses - from what I saw, it doesn't really have any weak holes: the 5 par 3s are superb, the first a gentle introduction (similar to Worplesdon) and some very testing par 4s. Only 2 par 5s, but that is one more than Swinley Forest. I would urge others to check it out. Sean - at £45 a round as a visitor in the summer or £30 twilight (4pm) - it could even be on the Summer tour! Is there better value than that anywhere in Southern England, maybe even the UK.

http://www.blackmoorgolf.co.uk/index.lasso?pg=2e671fb276df9c2b
The pictures on the website really do not give a good impression - it is far better in reality

[Paul_Turner]

Paul
It's a cool course but what did you think of nearly all the holes turning left to right?  I think there is only one hole that hooks left.

The routing is nearly outside 9/ inside 9.

[Paul Nash]

Hi Paul - you are right - 2 being the notable difference. Although, most holes are nearer straight than doglegs but there is a lot of strategy needed in where you place the ball - just thinking of the par 5 8th and 14th - a draw from the middle to end down the left edge would be the best line in.

[Robin_Hiseman]

Paul N

I got as far as the car park at Blackmoor a few weeks ago, on a day off from work, with every intention of paying a green fee.  Regrettably, the course was rammed full so I went to Old Thorns instead.  It's piqued my interest as it is within 25 minutes of my home in Fleet and is considerably cheaper to play than nearby Hankley or Liphook.  The pedigree cannot be overlooked and as you make such a bold claim about the greens it is now essential to take a close look!

Anyone interested in playing on an upcoming Friday afternoon in April?  8th or 15th?

[Paul Nash]

Hi Brian - I did play with Richard - sorry no pictures
Not seen that website before - but there has been a huge tree clearance since these pictures were taken - it is now much more heathland in character - fresh heather plantations and much more light.
http://www.golfarchitecturepictures.com/Web%20Galleries/England/Blackmoor/index.htm
Not sure that you would have got in the Selborne Salver - worst handicap for this year's event is +1.1 and the best is +5 - the winners' board is in the clubhouse and has a lot of top names on it - Ross Fisher, Scott Drummond etc. It is one half of the Hampshire Hog - the other leg is played at North Hants - another good golf course but not as good as Blackmoor overall.

The next couple of weeks would be a good time to play as they are priming the course for the Salver on 16 April - I would love to play it in the dry when the greens are quicker - there would be considerable scope for embarrassment!!

Robin - I would say that Blackmoor is on a par with Liphook - overall the best holes may not be quite as good but the weaker ones are better - and 5 superb par 3s

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

One of my favourite underated golf courses.
My time there goes back 30 years as a teenager playing in the aforementioned Selbourne Salver and staying with the then secretary's family...The Ricketts family if I remember correctly.
Dan was a school teacher and mom the club secretary...wonderful hosts who lived judt down the road from the club.
Great little course witha par three in particuler that was a brute!!!!

[James Boon]

Paul,

As the Buda crowd will be in this area in September it appears that Blackmoor could make some good pre or post Buda golf? Do you happen to know how easy it would be for a small group of none members to get a game on a Saturday morning?

Cheers,

James

[Robin_Hiseman]

James

The website mentions that "visitors are welcome during the week", so Saturday morning looks like a member only time.