The course itself is picturesque, pristine fairways lined with tall pines and rhododendrons, think Woburn and Augusta in terms of aesthetics.
Fairways were firm and well manicured, a well hit drive would see the ball roll out a good 40 yards or so. Greens were very firm and played almost links style, you were often better playing one slightly short and rolling on than hitting the green on the carry.
The mix of the 3 x 9 holes gave something different on each nine, Pines being the tightest and toughest of the 3. Forest was like Pines but with a little more to play with off the tee, certainly more accessible to golfers of all handicaps. Beeches is your thinking golfers nine, an iron off the tee was a safer bet in most instances.
The course itself is very tough in general, the slope rating will give you an indication of this. If you’re a new golfer or a high handicapper, there are other resorts that would better suit your game without breaking your will and ruining your enjoyment of the sport. If you hit it straight, have 220+ yds off the tee and your irons don’t hook or slice then you’ll probably have a great time here. If you’re struggling with any of the above this course will eat you alive.
That said, as a single digit handicapper, it was a real test but incredibly enjoyable. I would say had I come here when I was a high handicapper I would have probably shot well over 110. It’s not for the faint hearted, don’t expect to shoot your handicap if you’re playing off upwards of 20.
Greens were firm and fast but were being worked on so not in the greatest condition, not bad by any means for greens that get peppered by society groups all day every day.
The major downside, regardless of which loop of nine you were on, was that it was massively overcrowded. We waited on every single tee box. That added 60 minutes to each loop of nine. That’s a long day on the course. We found that groups also disregard what they’re told to go and play and just hop onto a different loop once they’re out of sight, further disrupting the flow of the round.
Don’t expect a quick 18 - You’ve been warned!
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I come back? Not a chance. There are much, much better places to stay and play for this price point.
