The Course
We are immediately welcomed to our round with a tough test . At 409 yards and uphill all the way at least you can hope that Davenport can only get easier from here on in....

Presuming you popped it in for a four (ahem...) you are immediately blessed with a tempting 287yard par 4 to give a frustrated whack at. In case you’re still thinking about the bogey (or worse) on the first and fluff the approach to the green, the backdrop at least is superb. Beautifully refurbished 200year old cottages were watching your calamities all along so tip your cap as you walk to the third.

A long par three should sort the men out from the boys but if that doesn’t then the fourth certainly will. Arguably Davenport’s signature hole, the 339yarder has almost a 90degree dogleg to the left and demands accuracy off the tee to make the prospect of a par feasible. Bunkers await you at the 215yard mark off the tee and certain death awaits those who don’t quite connect with the ambitious corner cutting strategy.

Once you make your way to the green you’ll find an annoyingly accommodating affair welcoming those who treat the hole with the respect it’s due. Walk away with a par is the ‘Pro’s Tip’. A short wander across the quiet road leads you to the slightly more forgiving half of the course but get too complacent – it may look easierfrom first glance but the holes are long and the elements won’t always be in your favour.

The middle eight, (or nine) if you will, is more open but requires consistently good tee shots if you’re to park the ball on the dance floor as Tiger intended. The holes are undulating and interesting asking all the questions of every aspect of your game. A particular favourite has to be the long par 3 7th; any par 3 maximising the R&A’s regulations is a winner and at 232yards you’re testing even Cabrera’s iron play to get on the green in one biff - a great hole.

Davenport Golf Club looks like it’s been here forever. Mature trees separate each fairway and ancient woodland adorns the perimeter boundaries making it feel far more aged than its 30 years would suggest.




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