One of the courses that has always been on my ‘Must Play’ list is Effingham. I have always been intrigued by the statement on their website: ‘Home to England’s Finest Downland Golf Course’ also with feedback from peers who have also claimed this to be a Top100 course in waiting.

Myself and my playing partner (a formidable adversary in our society match play competition) arrived on a stormy February morning to drizzle and 40mph winds, we were preparing for the worst as far as weather was concerned. The reception given to us by the team was 1st class, with Jamie in the pro-shop and John the starter ensuring that we knew the course nuisances and local rules and this gave us a great feeling towards the ambiance of the club.

We started our round on the 10th hole which is a lovely Par 4 (that was playing into the teeth of the gales) which made a 428y hole seem about 600 yards! But straight away we noticed the real features of this course, the green complexes and undulations make this a very enjoyable place to play.

The back 9 (which we played as our front 9) was straightforward, a nice procession of holes all seeming to play in a different direction and none on-top of the other which gives a real feeling of space. The course itself wraps around a farm (which forms OB on several holes) and provides another nice feature. The main highlight on the back 9 (our front) was the 17th Hole. You work your way up to the Tee via the Par 3, 16th hole, and when you reach the tee box, you are greeted with a lovely vista of the London skyline and laid out down the hill back towards the clubhouse is the Par 5 548 yard 17th. The main feature of this hole, is the bunkering. Traps lurking to catch any club selection off the tee with then more strategic bunkers placed short and surrounding the green. A real treat of a hole. The 18th hole then brings you to a nice gentle conclusion in front of the magnificent clubhouse.

For us, the real highlight of the course is the front 9. The 2 par 3’s are truly beautiful holes (4th & 7th). Some beautiful Par 4’s which again work away from the clubhouse and wrap around the farm with great framing and contouring. A gem of a Par 5 (8th) that starts fairly straight and the opens up to a lovely downhill approach. The show stopper is the short Par 4 9th hole which is a true risk and reward hole. Daunting bunkers off the tee and a well protected green await.

Once your round is completed then head into the grand clubhouse. There is a real bygone feel to the locker room and plenty of space for players to unwind after a round. A special mention also to the clubs homemade flapjacks!