Shanklin & Sandown is the longest course on the Isle of Wight, just a short ferry ride from Portsmouth or Southampton on Englands’ south coast. The other 18 hole course, Freshwater Bay, plays on exposed chalk cliffs on the western edge of the Island, which also has 4 9 holers and a 12 hole course. Shanklin & Sandown was established in the 1890’s and the design credit goes to James Braid. The course plays 6062 yards with a par of 70; 5 par 3’s and 3 par 5’s (SSS 70). Located on the east side of the Island on hilly terrain it would be considered heathland golf, with sandy soil and some heather, gorse and bracken. The well conditioned greens follow the slope of the terrain, but sadly are devoid of any internal contour; I only had one putt break more than 3 inches all day. There are however several interesting holes with some gorgeous views.
The 1st hole 428 yards
The 2cnd hole 153 yard par 3
The 3rd hole 430 yard par 4 with an oak tree in the left center of the fairway
The 5th hole a 143 yard par three with a 2 foot difference between the front and back level (a sign on the tee indicates the day’s placement). Notice the dropoff left is so steep that stairs are needed to climb to the green Right is dead.
Here’s what awaits after the blind uphill drive on the par 4 377 yard 7th. Notice the signal bell on the right.
The uphill par 4 8th, 341 yards, with some heather in play.
The par 3 9th has a triple tired green over the pond; probably added along with the new clubhouse.
The downhill 11th 195 yards out of a chute of trees atop the hill
The uphill 12th 367 yards.
The par 4 13th has a marshy area between the landing area and the green.
The view from the ladies tee.
The view of the green from the landing area.
These bunkers at the corner of the 14th see a lot of action, par 4 331.
The par 5 15th 510 yards.
