Driveable par fours always tempt the big boys to show off and the 8th will inevitably do that. At 303 yards it’s a big hit but with quite a sharp dogleg character it is reachable for those with PGA Professional after their name. High firs and oaks hide the shortest route and naturally suggest a different approach and you’ll find a 200 yard biff to the left hand side will serve you well for your second shot.

The second hole is a shortish par 4 set off beautifully not only by the high oaks and silver birches lining the fairway but by your first introduction to the undulating fairways at Glen Gorse. The ridge and furrows were retained by the original designer and so they should. It’s always a shame when architects flatten out these features and Glen Gorse agrees.

A long par 4 leads you to the first par 3 on offer and it comes in the form of a delightful 159 yard hole nestled amongst firs and oaks with a green accompanied by humps and bumps and a few bunkers to boot!.

The front nine has two par 5’s which run along the adjoining farm and a wander down the generous fairway affords you your first taste of Glen Gorse’s overwhelming tranquillity. The silent whistling of the trees and humming of the birds are accompanied only by the sound of sheep, cattle and horses going about their daily business. Only the occasional shout of ‘FORE!’ can spoil what really is a lovely walk around the Leicestershire countryside. Even Mark Twain would carry a half set for the chance to walk around this course!

One of the most picturesque holes at ‘The Gorse’ is undoubtedly the 6th. A shade under 400 yards from the yellows the hole sweeps away to the left and drops away to the right towards an eagerly awaiting pond. The tee shot will tempt you to launch one down there with everything you have but a lone oak tree around the 240 yard mark will inevitably come into play unless you can run a big hit by it. Another pretty pond keeps the green company and caps off a lovely hole.

A shortish par 4 runs back alongside its predecessor bringing back into play the aforementioned water feature and introduces another one before the well-positioned green around the corner - another very attractive hole – one of many at Glen Gorse.

Having said that it is a beautifully appointed course that makes full use of the space within which it lies.
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