A further brace of attractive par threes add to the form of the front nine; with three threes, four fours and five fives on offer you’re sure to have a varied start to your round. As any welldesigned course should, the ninth brings you back to the clubhouse with a short downhill par 4, the highlight of which is the large deep green in colour putting surface. Complementing the colour of the stripy turf, the massive pine and fir trees behind complete the picture at the turn.
Officially opened by Sean Connery only 25 years ago, the condition of the course is superb; the greens are well maintained and consistent offering no excuse for a poor putt. The fairways are tightly mown and show no signs of wear and tear or drainage problems.
Naturally the front nine offers more exposure to the elements, the wind especially making it a sterner test than the back. Copses of trees separate the fairways nicely while features such as steps into the bunkers and viewing platforms to see over hills add a little something special to the experience.
The aforementioned 10th is another delightful par 3 dropping down the hill in front of Belmont House to the large green below - just pray you have your short iron play in tune before you attempt it its location ensures there’ll always be an audience!
The back nine follows the contours of its surroundings admirably hugging the banks of the River Wye tightly all the way to the raised 17th where a long par 5 takes you back towards the clubhouse.
MY FAVOURITE HOLE
Thankfully I haven’t had to interrupt the flow to mention my personal favourite; after the trials and tribulations of the long 17th hole, the short walk to the next tee takes you to arguably the best tee shot of the day. The tunnel of trees offers an uninterrupted view of Belmont House in all its glory. Although the 18th is only 343yards from the whites, the tee shot is complemented beautifully by a very steep and tricky approach to the green above and to the right. The climb up to the large green will be rewarded however you play it with the knowledge that a cold beverage awaits you on the terrace behind. Perfect.
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