I had been eager to play at Dyrham Park Country Club, a place shrouded in mystique and often regarded as an exclusive members-only club.

Recently, however a new leadership team has made a concerted effort to welcome visitors.

The round begins with a challenging 430-yard par-4. From the slightly elevated tee, a strong drive is essential. The tee shot is tricky due to the fairway being split by the old gatehouse stone driveway. A shot to the left and short provides a better angle to the green, while driving over the road allows for a shorter iron shot to the flat green. The right side of the fairway, lined with tall pines and large oak trees, adds both difficulty and charm to the hole.

The use of water hazards is a recurring and captivating theme throughout a round at Dryham Park. Many of the more intriguing holes incorporate water in various ways. A total of six holes features lakes or brooks as strategic hazards, presenting challenges either on the approach to the greens or as carries off the tee. These water features not only add to the visual appeal of the course but also demand precision and thoughtful shot selection.

The 7th hole is arguably the standout on the front nine. The tee shot immediately reminded me of the 3rd at Thorndon Park. Although not a long hole at 363 yards, the best angle to the green is achieved by taking on a 200-yard carry over the lake. Well-positioned bunkers down the right side are ready to catch players opting for a shorten carry. 

Back in 2014, significant remodelling of the holes was undertaken, using imported inert soils to raise and shape several green sites and establish new water hazards on a few holes. Some wonderful shapes and contouring are now found on the third, ninth, tenth and eighteenth greens.   

The lakes on the 6th, 11th, and 13th holes are particularly impressive. The par-five 13th, at 505 yards, is now an exciting risk-and-reward hole. The lake around the green creates an island-style approach, where only a very long and accurate second will reach the green. Otherwise, you'll need to lay up, and find the number with a shorter club. I liked how the lake extends from the 6th hole (372 Yards) where a more subtle challenge was discovered. The edge of the lake creeps into the front left of the green, affecting shots that are short or pulled. Additionally, the hole features an impressive bunker on the left side of the fairway. Laying back of this bunker makes the approach to the green more daunting.  

Although when playing the Par 3, 11th (142 Yards), the flag was positioned to the middle right of the raised sleeper wall green. I can imagine when the greens team are feeling bullish, a front left pin requiring a carry over the lake would make this one-shot hole one of the more daunting and exciting on the course.

The final hole was my favourite, following the enjoyable stretch from 15 to 17. The 18th plays uphill towards the clubhouse and is well bunkered, particularly with a prominent greenside bunker on the front right. The hole is beautifully framed by two large cedar trees, adding to its charm.