Alex

Its been a few years since I last played Spey Bay and it is always nice to play so close to the sea, however my visit was somewhat overshadowed by how much the course/club has changed (for the worse), it is quite obvious their is a lack of cash and it looks like it really needs this soon. It is easy to be harsh on a course but to not even have a teeing area on the signature 8th is poor. The layout is OK, its not overlong, you play very close to the sea so it should be enjoyed but if you want more for your green fee - look at Buckpool, Strathlene or even <A href="/golf-course/moray-old" target=_self>Moray</A> and <A href="/golf-course/nairn-championship" target=_self>Nairn</A> if you have a few more £££s. 

<IMG border=1 hspace=5 alt="Newport Golf Course - Photo by reviewer" vspace=5 align=right src="https://www.top100golfcourses.com/images/newport-golf-course-review-NEWO011.jpg">The last of the three courses we played and another good choice that left us satisfied. A nice gentle start to the round with a short Par 4 followed by a short Par 3 then the course opens up, the back nine is better as there seemed more elevation changes and the views are pleasant to look at if your game is not flowing. What we did not like was the odd sections of un-sited rough left to grow in between parts of a fairway (most unfair when you hit a great driver or second shot on a Par 5 straight down the middle only to find you’re in the rough !). All of the greens were a nice even pace and a joy to putt on, with some having some testing slopes ! 

What a lovely golf course with a great mix of holes, we played on a Thursday and it was very quiet so we hardly saw a sole whilst we played. The course has some tough tree lined driving holes and you must find the fairway ! All of our group enjoyed this course the best of the three we played purely for the variety in length and shaping of each hole. Best holes are possibly the 6th and 7th on the front side, with the 13th and 14th standing out on the back side. We all found the 17th very tough (please drive right hand side of fairway to stand any chance of hitting the green in two shots). I would not consider playing in the winter as this course would get very, very wet. 

<IMG border=1 hspace=5 alt="Monmouthshire Golf Course - Photo by reviewer" vspace=5 align=right src="/images/monmouthshire-golf-course-review-MONU003.jpg">What I would call a pleasant course, not long or hard making it ideal for the 1st leg of our trip whilst on the way to Cardiff. The course seems to circle around the clubhouse, the front 9 is quite flat, my only moan here would be the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th holes, all of these run parallel to each other and with them being 3 x Par 5’s and 1 long Par 4 it felt quite boring. The back 9 is better with more changes in elevation and a better mix of holes, the best holes possibly being 14 thro to 17. The course was very busy and thus made the round quite slow with many hold-ups on the Par 3’s so pick your day carefully. 

Played last week between Xmas and New Year, the weather was not good (it got very wet) so the greens flooded towards the end of the round. The course is an old fashioned links i.e. out and back and is slotted in between the sea and the road. The first and last few holes are a little bland and flat, the better holes are found from the 6th to the 14th. The 2nd tee shot is quite intimidating with the sea very tight on the left and the road very tight on the right so a good straight drive is required to have a chance of making your Par 4 here. The Par 5’s on the front nine are short and are quite accessible in two shots. Overall OK but not as good as <A href="/golf-course/aberdovey" target=_self>Aberdovey</A>, <A href="/golf-course/porthmadog" target=_self>Porthmadog</A> or <A href="/golf-course/royal-st-davids" target=_self>Royal St David's</A>. The good food / drink in the clubhouse was most welcome after our rainy day on the links. 

<IMG border=1 hspace=5 alt="Bude & North Cornwall Golf Club - photo by Alex" vspace=5 align=right src="/images/Bude-North-Cornwall-Golf-Al.jpg">I played Bude & North Cornwall a while ago, an early morning mist was down as I set off, yes the first few holes are very short and do offer up birdie chances, but isn’t this is what holiday golf is meant to be like, a nice walk offering up sea views. You do have to beware of the people crossing across the course, when I played there was loads of school kids ambling slowly past greens / fairways! Anyway back to the course, the back nine is better and provides a sterner test (18th back up the hill into the wind was possibly the toughest). I found the staff helpful and with a course close to the sea and also on the edge of the pleasant town of Bude makes me recommend this to all golfers! 

Played on the last Weds in June 2011, the 1st leg of our Peak District trip and this was all of our favourite ! Watch out for the Mackenzie greens, <IMG border=1 hspace=5 alt="Cavendish Golf Course - photo by reviewer" vspace=5 align=right src="https://www.top100golfcourses.com/images/cavendish-golf-course-review-alex-sherratt.jpg">they will catch you out, they are very subtle and quite often the pin can be placed on a little table making the putting very tricky ! The first three holes are a slight let down but after that the course gets better and better, the layout is lovely with a super mix of holes and the elevation (some uphill some downhill) makes it very pleasing to the eye. You do need to be straight on some holes but there is room on others. Best hole is possibly the 5th (uphill into the wind) a great Par 4 ! but the downhill 9th is a little gem with a devilish sloping green - beware ! 

The 3rd and final leg of our trip to Wales, this was the least favourite by a long way. On arrival we got a hint of what was to follow when we asked ‘’where is the Pro shop’’ the reply was ‘’sorry times are hard’’, this proved <IMG alt="Anglesey - Photo by Alex Sherratt" hspace=5 src="/images/anglesey-alex-sherrat-review.jpg" align=right vspace=5 border=1>most evident by the state of the changing rooms and the condition of the course. The course was very poor having burnt out fairways, greens that were in differing states (uncut, slow, patchy, seed/sand filled etc) and along with a layout that is as flat as a pancake the general comments we kept on saying was ‘’featureless and boring’’. The nearby RAF base reminded me of <A href="/golf-course/moray-old" target=_self>Moray GC</A> as the regular free air show does take your mind of the golf as the jets and helicopters zoom past. I fully understand times are hard but when they are asking for £40 a green fee you expect better. The staff / members were friendly but would we return ……no! Is it a Top 100 …..no! Is a Gem ……no! I feel I am putting the golf club down but if you (like me) want an honest opinion (before parting with your cash) you would like to know other peoples thoughts / reviews, just a shame mine is the first. 

I cannot believe nobody else has put a review on here? What a find! <IMG alt="Holyhead - Photo by Alex Sherratt" hspace=5 src="/images/holyhead-alex-sherrat-review.jpg" align=right vspace=5 border=1>This was the 2nd day of our trip and we all thought this was a cracking layout that provided variety / setting / views / and a superb layout offering up a great mix of holes. It reminded me of <A href="/golf-course/southerndown" target=_self>Southerndown GC</A> with a hilltop feel, gentle undulations, with views across the sea as each hole bobs and weaves between a mix of bracken and gorse. Yes we were lucky to play in near perfect conditions as holes 2, 3, 9 and 15 (played back towards to sea) would be most testing when any sort of breeze is blowing. You may benefit from local knowledge as a couple of holes (14th and 17th) caused us some confusion – I recommend an iron of the tee if you have a good score going. The course maybe in an out of way location but it really is worth a trip up the A55, I would recommend linking it up with <A href="/golf-course/conwy" target=_self>Conwy GC</A> and you would play two really nice courses. 

<IMG alt="Llandudno - Photo by Alex Sherratt" hspace=5 src="/images/llandudno-alex-sherrat-review.jpg" align=right vspace=5 border=1>Day 1 of our trip, the jury was out over the first 6 or 7 holes as it all seems a little bit crammed in and almost dangerous! However once you reach the bottom corner and play the Par 5 along the railway line the course changes and it has a links feel (don’t get confused with <A href="/golf-course/north-wales" target=_self>North Wales GC</A> just over the road), this is where the better holes are and the views towards Anglesey and the Orme provide a nice backdrop. The greens were true and fast. The staff were most helpful. Also nice to have lunch in the clubhouse afterwards watching England win 1-0. 

Played last Thursday in still overcast conditions, the course <IMG alt="Caldy - Photo by Alex Sherratt" hspace=5 src="/images/caldy-alex-sherrat-review.jpg" align=right vspace=5 border=1>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 ! 

This course will split opinion – is it a links ? is it an American manmade earth moving project ? We had a divide 2 liked and 2 disliked, the clubhouse though is one of the best we have been in (on a level with the <A href="/golf-course/st-andrews-old" target=_self>St Andrews</A>) with the first floor level / balcony providing awesome views of what you will go out to tackle (we spotted 13 flags from the balcony). The 1st is poor opener but after that the layout is very good as the harder front 9 (played more into the breeze) loops back to the clubhouse, the back 9 has some testing holes, the 16th being the hardest Par 4 (uphill and into the wind) while the 18th is a very short Par 5. For me there was too much water around and it all seemed like the course is trying to be a links when is really isn’t, However don’t let this report put you off it is well worth a visit. Also try to ignore the over squashed in houses around the back of the 11th + 13th greens ! 

My favourite of our 3 day trip, a true old fashioned links, if you drop your guard it will beat you up quite easily. The clubhouse sits up high and gives you a flavour of what’s ahead, the course after the 2nd sends you out in a constant journey to the 8th green before you turn for home playing back in the wind (the 9th did seem a long way). Some of the holes have a similar look, as bunkers seemed spread right across the front of the greens that are long and narrow thus making it hard to hold the ball on when playing down the breeze. The 18th was the toughest hole as the second shot has to be very accurate to stay on the putting surface and not rolling off back down the bank and into the rough !

Our first stop of a 3 day trip in Wales – A pleasant parkland course that is not overlong, quite a few of the holes are very similar and played across a sloping hill, however the views from this hill across the valley are worth the visit. Be prepared for quite a lot of uphill, downhill and sidehill holes but overall we all enjoyed the visit. Best holes were the 8th, 9th and 16th (you do need to cut the corner)

A good course that makes you hit the ball straight and it will set you up nicely if playing on before the venturing onto the <A href="/golf-course/st-andrews-old" target=_self>Old</A>. Not overlong and some of the Par 5s are reachable in two if the wind is in a certain direction. Best holes are probably 14, 15, 16 and 17 as they return back to the clubhouse. We also liked the elevation around 8 and 9 as the sea is visible and you get a good sense of how far you have travelled from the town. 

After applying last September we got our allocated tee time for the Old course, the time ticked by slowly until 3:20 13 June 2008 and we marched off down the 1st fairway, you hear a voice saying ‘’they have all walked here’’ as you march towards where you managed to hit your drive (it is a nervy occasion). The starter gave us a tip ‘’left is right and right is wrong, apart from the loop’’ and how correct is that. Anyway after we all struggled to the 8th tee after somewhat feeling overwhelmed, rushed and saying to ourselves this course is not really anything special or anything of great beauty, it relies on tradition and rather large sloping greens. The 17th did create fun (3 balls into the hotel !) and the 18th was a joy to play with the town and clubhouse acting as a great backdrop. Anyway my view was that many of the holes (2, 3, 5, 6 + 7) are all very similar and almost unfair as you really cannot see where to hit it off the tee. Also have a look where the Pro’s tees are, as in most cases they are not far behind the yellows which means that most of the ‘famous’ bunkers are not even in play for them. Oh well we have been, seen and now done it, would I return – no, for me to many players on the course (with caddies) and it failed to live up to my expectations.

Played 36 holes in May 08, and with the name FOREST in the title we were expecting a tree lined affair, but not at all, the course itself sits up high on a brow and the holes seem to bob and weave all around quite open plains with views of the rolling fairways. Each hole is different, well presented and a little bit of thought is needed where to place the tee shot. The downside to the holes is that the club is holding onto the ‘par 72’ scenario which we felt was mad as most of the Par 5’s should be made into Par 4’s (reason being the Par 5’s are only 428, 438, 492 and 458 yards and as some are downhill they were more than accessible in 2 shots). Overall I would visit again as the course provided a good day for our party of 12 (even though the greens should be made quicker), the food is good and reasonable priced compared to that of the Pro’s steep hike of £5 for a push trolley, £12 for an electric trolley and £40 for a buggy !!!!

Our party of 12 played here a while back and our thoughts were:- not really a links (almost meadow like on the back nine) and the course is flat as a pancake and quite boring. Sorry to give this a bad report but it does not 'set the pulses racing'. You will have a better test of golf and more fun at Llandudno <A href="/golf-course/north-wales" target=_self>North Wales</A>, <A href="/golf-course/llandudno-maesdu" target=_self>Maesdu</A> and <A href="/golf-course/conwy" target=_self>Conwy</A> and if you want a curveball cut across to the awesome <A href="/golf-course/nefyn-amp-district-old" target=_self>Nefyn&nbsp;& District</A> ! 

not really impressed as it chucked it down all the way around, yes the views may be great but as the cloud was so low we could not see a thing, just remember that you do play to alot of flags that are above you so you do not see the end result. i would like to play it on a decent day but we all just had the feeling that a few of the holes have been crammed in and a bit of crossing holes does occur. ps tough finishing hole .... a hard par 4 !

We twinned this up with a trip with Pennard, and it proved to be a good choice ! The welcome was great, the Pro very friendly and helpful and as the course is set out with the 9th back round to clubhouse playing 27 holes is not a problem. The back nine is slightly better IMO just because you get more views from the hilltop across the bay, o/a though the course has a great mix of holes that throws up some easy holes and some tough ones that will provide a great day out. I can highly recommend this course .... also the food was great at lunch (soup, sarnies and chips had us beat !)

You do have to hit the ball straight here as nearly all of the fairways are lightly tree lined (if you do however have a hook or slice you may as well over do your fault as you could end up over the trees and on the neighbouring fairway leaving a shot to the green). The layout is nice, easy to walk and there are a few lakes that need to be hit over (Par 3 13th). Toughest hole is probably the 9th back up towards the clubhouse though the 18th is also tough with OOB down the left.

Would not really rate this course, as there are better courses in the area. Since the transfer to a hotel facility the green fees have jumped up over recent years. Better courses that give a greater test lie nearby - <A href="/golf-course/moray-old" target=_self>Moray (Old)</A> and (New), Buckpool, <A href="/golf-course/elgin" target=_self>Elgin</A>, Strahlene Buckie and Hopeman. 

Yes the back is the best and the links lovers will want to go back for more, the best hole is the Himalayas (stroke index 1), but as always on any course it is nice to see the sea which soon comes into view as you go around Samsons Bay on the 12th, the tip here is to lay up in the saddle if you have a good score going, also watch out for the hidden brook in front of the green on the 17th. Some good winter rates are on offer but check piror to turning up what you are expecting as we had pay extra for tea and coffee when we had ordered breakfast !

A nice course that is easy to walk with a mix of good holes. You do play to a lot of greens that are above you (so you cannot see the end result until you reach the green) but overall give a it a go (as well as the nearby Llanymanech and <A href="/golf-course/vale-of-llangollen" target=_self>Vale of Llangollen</A>) 

A fine (flat) course that does have some really good stepped sloping greens – a few of the greens are shared also (similar to St Andrews).Make sure you make your score early in the round as the opening few holes are on the short side.We enjoyed our trip here (this course is better than it’s close neighbour Royal Tarlair) so perhaps anyone visiting the area should tie it in with Strathlene Buckie, Elgin, Moray (Old) and the really, really quirky Cullen !

As we played 36 holes here yesterday the items that stick in my mind was that this course was subtle, it has clever bunkering locations and it makes you think. All to the good as do not go here expecting huge dunes, as the layout is really quite flat. The reception from the Pro was not great but it was not a problem for us to play off the whites (which does add to the length but also means on a few of the Par 4’s you have to angle your drive as the tees are offset to the fairway). The heather had a tinge of purple and if being truthful is best to be avoided, as it is tough to play from. Great paced greens with a tough starting hole, but the best hole is the 16th – Gumbley’s (which runs alongside the rail track with views across to <A href="/golf-course/hillside" target=_self>Hillside GC</A>). Enjoy the spacious clubhouse and have a look at the super photos / memorabilia of the past Ryder Cups. Also nice to play the course in its Centenary year ! 

Played it today in windy conditions and I have to say I enjoyed it, the course held the British Masters less than a month ago and you could not tell as the condition was really good. I personally would not stump up the green fee cost (£140 I think) as I was lucky to play it on a coporate day - so as it was free I enjoyed the course. Yes some holes are plain 1st, 2nd, 5th, 11th + 13th but some of the others are great (as you know them from seeing them on the TV) 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th 17th + 18th.

Played the course after a 2 week dry sunny spell, the course therefore was hard, bouncy and fast running so at times it was impossible to keep the ball on the fairways that we all agreed were the most sloping on any course we have ever played at (also a few of the greens had some huge undulations – 7th, 11th and 15th). Yes at times you just don’t know where you are going but who cares when the views are just magic – sea, beach, cliffs and a castle ! The welcome from the Pro was good and he also allowed us to play off the white tees, which was great. Nice clubhouse with good food and beer.

Keith as you have added it as a gem this is one of the courses I play most years so I will add a review. The course is not long but it does provide a great days holiday golf on greens that every time I have played have been good. The first is as tough as hole as you will find on the course let alone on any other course, as you move on you play around the church and into a funny little triangle area where the holes seem quite close, but soon you break away with a couple of holes close to the rail line. O/A good greens, good views and well worth a game if in the St Ives area :O)

A strange course more parkland than links, the first 7 holes are a bit similar but then the course changes nature and provides a differing test. Not very long but we enjoyed our trip twinned with <A href="/golf-course/nefyn-amp-district-old" target=_self>Nefyn</A>. The lunch was rather expensive for sarnies and chips ! 

<p>Really good, a great day had by all – the views are magic and each hole is very different. The layout is just awesome and the final 8 holes on the Old course cannot be bettered. We played in light 10 – 15 mph winds but would dread to play this in a gale. The only downside was the condition of the greens (the 4th has been relaid) and the others just should have been better – however this did not spoil our day and it is a MUST for everyone – especially at £31 for a round on the Old course. Cracking food for lunch also !</p>

Played over a month ago (sorry for not posting sooner). I was expecting more somehow with such a great clubhouse (have a look at Braid's course notes on the wall) and a magic view of the first tee just outside the bay window, I was raring to go. Only down side was the members were very stuffy and the 3 lady members were clearly not going to let me thro'. The course does have some classic holes, the 1st, 8th, 17th + 18th stood out for me. Overall give it a go as it should not be missed. 

Loads better than I thought. Great feeling when playing the 10th and 18th. Some of the other holes are fine too and the course has matured loads since I was last there watching the Ryder Cups.A bit pricey at £140 but if you will not be dissapointed if you have the cash.

A lovely course that doesn't get the recognition it deserves. A great layout that provides a very stern test. If the wind is up this course is tough - enjoy the scarey 18th as it is a fantastic closing hole ! Always good greens, also play the New course as it will more than test you. The Tornados will provide a free air show, but cover your ears as the noise is LOUD !!

Ok, but in my view not a top 100 course - have played better courses not listed. Please though do not be put off as this course makes you hit the ball straight if you want to score well.

Very, very good - a nice variation of holes creating two loops of nine. The key to the course is keep the ball on the fairway - if you stray into the rough you will be lucky to find your ball. The clubhouse does look ugly from the outside, but once inside it is very nice.

I would have to call this the <A href="/golf-course/belfry-brabazon" target=_self>Belfry</A> of Scotland, no great clubhouse and a lot of holes the same (ie every hole has large bunkers at driving distance and large bunkers around the greens). Please note there is a lot of walking from greens to the next tee. Rather man made and still very new - perhaps in time it will get better. 

Overall very good, enjoyed the feeling of being so close to the sea (especially the first 7 holes). Nice clubhouse and was made very welcome by members and staff. If in the area this is a must play.