Caldy - Cheshire - England

Good variety of holes make this well worth a visit when golfing in the Wirral

Caldy is situated at the end of the Wirral Peninsula, alongside the river Dee, and enjoys some wonderful views whilst playing the series of cliff top holes on the front nine. Looking across the estuary towards Hilbre Islands and the coast of Wales one can really appreciate the fabulous setting.

Meanwhile the inland holes, on the other side of the Wirral Way, offer a more secluded and tree-lined experience yet still benefit from firm-ish turf for the most part, or at least it was in mid-April 2017 when I visited to play the 36-hole Caldy Quart scratch competition. On this section of the course you are sheltered from the wind but the holes are tighter and you must plot your way round a bit more.

There are a number of stand-out holes throughout the round. The first is an inviting opener whilst the par-three second is the first of a particularly good set of short holes with the 17th, played over Thor’s Dyke, the pick of the quartet.

The four par fives at Caldy didn’t really excite me although the 11th and 18th do a decent job of getting golfers back up the hill to the elevated clubhouse which offers a wide view out to the course.

The greens and their surrounds throughout the 18 holes played nice and firm and there are plenty of modest run-offs which can leave some tricky recovery shots.

Ed is the founder of Golf Empire – click the link to read his full review.

Caldy is a wonderfully different golf course. The opening hole is a nice par 4 and followed by a medium length par 3. The 3rd hole is where this course really comes into it's own. The dog leg right has a simply stunning backdrop over the Dee Estuary and views across to Wales. On a summer's day there aren't many views better. The cliff top holes offer a real challenge depending on wind direction and speed! The course is never played the same twice in a row. The back 9 is a more parkland feel and quite often plays more difficult than the front, although I'm not entirely sure why! The staff are friendly, the food and beverage selection is excellent and I would highly recommend Caldy to those seeking a great day out.

It had been a long time since I had visited this course but the fact that I could remember so much about it is testament to its qualities. There is such a great variation of holes and views. It must be a smashing club to be a member. Stand out holes for me are the right hand dog leg 3rd , the stroke index 1 6th with its deceptive approach, the 9th and 17th the latter being just one of a great set of par 3s. The greens had been hollow tined unfortunately, it they didn't spoil a lovely day out.

Played in the festival week in august and really enjoyed it. The holes along the estuary are really good and have great views over to Wales. You come back over the bridge after the 10th and it becomes a slightly better than average parkland, not as good as the clifftop holes between 3 & 7. Wasn't the cheapest open competition we've played but we'll go back next year.

Played last Thursday in still overcast conditions, the course was great for our party of 12 as the variety and setting was a hit with everyone. The clubhouse and welcome from Alan (golf co-ordinator) was great. The course is a delight to play and the holes by the River Dee are the best and very pleasing to the eye. Due to the still conditions we all scored well but we thought when the wind does blow it would provide a harder test. The inland holes are nice (but 13, 14 + 15 seemed a little squashed in and similar in length). Overall very good both on and off course !

Played it on a breezy july day as part of a three day golf trip to the area. As one of the reviewers points out its not really in the same league as some of the great links courses in merseyside but it is none the less a really nice course. 6 or 7 links holes run by the coast then it heads in land. Greens were OK, not great but not bad either and the general course condition was good. For £40 per round I thought it was good value and the fact you have links and parkland on the same course means it would take a long time to tire of playing here. I'd certainly like to play the course again if in the area.

A bit pricey but for £10 more u can use it for a whole day... practice facilities, short game area, clubhouse, locker room, and of course... the course. Well worth the money, the course is great for variation and provides views undescribable. Very good service and would recommend for societies.

For the money the course is very poor. Even though the club has history and tradition it is not a patch on the old clubs on the peninsula and up the golf coast whos members and staff at every club are very friendly and make you feel very welcome.