Pleasant parkland walk with old school charm. Playing conditions were firmly firm in August 2016, the routing is well conceived, and the land undulates gently. The primary interest for me was around the green sites.

Several holes were narrower than an aphid’s artery, and many of the fir trees that now shade the fairways were presumably much less intrusive when planted a 1,000 or so years ago. Yes, it really really really needs some trees removed to give some width. You could then, you guessed it, add some fairway bunkers to provide some strategy and definition off of the tee.

The Pro mentioned that the club did have some plans drawn up by a fancy designer (Gil Hanse?) to restore the course, but hadn’t yet acted upon them. Royal Colwood is currently a 4-ball Billy Gibbons with potential for a 5-ball Frank Beard