A dogleg par five takes you up in to the eastern reaches of the forest and spits you out again in the form of a pretty par three named ‘The Punchbowl’. Naming the holes gives you a time–check back to eras passed and affords each hole its own personality too – always a nice feature.

The stroke–index one 460yard par four 5th is easily the hardest on offer here but also has one of the most attractive tee shots too. After completing the previous par three you step on the adjacent tee to be faced with a daunting drive over a small pond and stream strewn with reeds and through ancient trees to the fairway ahead. Appropriately known as “Tree Tangle” the drive recommends you clout a good one away but even if you do you?ve still got 200yards+ to reach the green. It’s a great hole and will eventually take you up to the highest point of the course – probably a few shots lighter...

The 6th and 9th share a tee that has easily the most impressive view across the valley. Although the course is in the West Midlands the vista is predominantly of neighbouring Worcestershire in all its splendour. Flick a couple of clubs less than you'd think down the hill to the large 6th green some 190yards below and enjoy the moment.

The middle third of the course is a bit more open than the rest but makes full use of the land it owns. Halesowen's resounding feature is its criss-crossing holes that occasionally step over each other and these are more prevalent here. It?s a wise move to keep an eye out for stray golf balls heading your way but it?s an interesting use of the grounds and makes the round thoroughly entertaining.

After the 12th you head back through the trees to the older part of the course to complete the final third. The track wraps its way around the old stately home and has some great finishing holes.

The 16th and 17th offer another chance to enjoy the views and the 18th is sure to have seen some nail biting finishes. At just over 270yards it will give the big boys a chance to go for it and make up any lost ground but a lay–up and a flick will more often than not be the sensible way to finish a great round of golf.



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