There seems to be a high congruence between courses which have a ships mast style flagpole near the first tee and an enjoyable golfing experience and Fairhaven continues this trend. A recently refurbished clubhouse, large putting green, chipping area and ample driving range surround the first tee. A setup which gives all golfers an opportunity to pass the time before opening their shoulders on the first tee to tackle a long par 5. Well bunkered off the tee but generously roomy around the green, it's a nice handshake opener and takes you up and away from the clubhouse.

The links at Fairhaven has a parkland feel to it but don't be fooled by the trees, bushes and lack of sea views, this is links turf at its best. The first par 3 of the course at hole 2 asks a question of your putting with a strong back to front slope. The front 9 continues with a nice mixture of holes which are strategic, well balanced and take you back to the clubhouse.

The back 9 opens with a testing long iron to a par 3 then a dogleg par 5 with out of bounds right. Out of bounds right is a consistent feature on the back 9 with this half of the course following the outer boundary of the course. Unfortunately, this does at times make the tee shot strategy feel repetitive. Holes 13 and 14 unfortunately feel like the victim of golf courses being "required" to make up 18 holes.

The journey home from 15 onwards is great though, brilliantly bunkered and tight. Great golf is rewarded and poor execution is punished. A par 5 at the last offers nice symmetry to opening with a par 5 and another birdie chance.

Overall, the course is true links and well worth a visit. A trip which includes nearby St Anne's Old Links or Royal Lytham will be a lot of fun.