RED OAK Golf Club

Currently my home course, although I don't play it most often. Why? Because I like natural scenery, not views of industrial zones or residential areas. The location of the resort is rather "unfortunate" from this point of view – although there are some nice views (the Zobor Hills with a historic small church, Nitra Castle), it is located in a hilly landscape that was mainly used for agriculture in the past. Currently, however, the aforementioned "urban" scenery of the city of Nitra and its surroundings dominates, and there is extensive construction of new homes in the area, which will continue for quite some time. But back to the course – if I disregard the above, the 18-hole course is well designed, well constructed, and offers an interesting golfing experience. It is relatively undulating, although there is a minimum of water. Mostly there are wide open areas with a lack of mature trees, but this could change over time. The quality of the surfaces and their maintenance is very good – especially the greens and fairways, while the roughs are "natural" in places. The second nine is more interesting and also offers more beautiful views of the countryside – it has its charm, especially in the evening. There are sufficient training areas, an architecturally interesting clubhouse with a quality restaurant – you will not find accommodation here, but it is nearby. Overall, it is worth visiting and playing golf here – you will not regret it.

This was my first visit. I had expected a flat, featureless golf course, but was pleasantly surprised by the elevation changes of up to 10 - 15 meters on some holes. The layout is spread in several gently sloping valleys that allowed varied tee and approach shots. Adding to the interest; this is a relatively windy, exposed place.

The fairways are very generous, well maintained, with lies on a tighter side. They are very manageable regarding number of golf balls to lose. The rough was guite linksy type wispy grass with an element of unpredictability. I lost and found my ball in my two visits there.

There are not forced carries to speak of, and almost no water, even in the lateral ditches present on some holes.

The greens were very nice to put on. Big, relatively flat, quite soft, and today, slower that I am used to on places I play in Bavaria. But I can imagine them to be much faster and harder on another day. It rained here for two days prior.

I liked the course is not over bunkered, and starting the second nine I had the (wrong) impression, there were very few sand hazards around the greens. This was maybe due to the possibility to land my approach shots around the greens and let the ball bounce and roll on them. This I loved because I played with only 6 clubs and carried only gap,7, and 4 iron for such shots, plus driver, hybrid, and putter.

The place is vast, and the holes are spread out, resulting in long walks from greens to tees. I walked, and was quite gassed out in 30 plus degrees today, I should have taken a cart. Luckily,5 - 8 m/ s (11-18 mph) wind made the temperature bearable.

The course has 2 loops of 9, so refreshment is always possible. The views of some industrial areas in the distance did not disturb me much, there is some housing development and corn fields closer by. The views of Nitra castle and Tribec mountain range are very nice.

The parking is generous, the clubhouse new, the amenities clean. I did not visit the restaurant. There seem to be good practice facilities next to the club house, a driving range, some chipping etc, but I only had few putts before the round on a putting green,

Overall, surprisingly nice experience, very suitable for a beginner golfer, but the better golfers can challenge themselves by choosing the correct tee box. The July price of 37 € was a great value.

My meeting today was cancelled so I took chance to play this new course in Nitra.

I put the location in navigation and drive. It took me to newly build residential area. Have to point out. Lot of money spend there and no clear signs how to reach the course yet. Nevermind, I arrived. Big parking lot beautiful clubhouse, love it very much. Very friendly receptionist as well as other people.

I appreciated that they have birdie card prepared and logo balls. Price for the 18holes were 33EUR only, perfect.

Practice areas are close to clubhouse big driving range and enough place on chipping green.

Now to the the course.

1st hole is very nice. Course is very well maintained. Fairways are soft as well as green and tee boxes. There are 5sets of teeboxes for all the players, flat soft with enough space and grass. I liked very much greens they were big enough, soft and quite fast for this time of the year, despite they were not shortly cut. On front nine there is not much troubles almost none of the water or outs. However it is not interesting nine. Back nine were more interesting few interesting shots with difficult landing. On back nine you can see more water hazards, with no water at all :). What I did not like at all were the surrounding. Course in future will be surrounded by residential area. Also some views from course are not very nice, industrial area, old farm houses, not my cup of tea. The best on this course is 1st and 18th hole. The most boring hole probably 8th. Great is that dogs are allowed on course. Overall this area is more in favour of links course, but this is not links at all, that is course build on corn field. Well maintained but not Slovak golf diamond. Thanks to the value they charged the money are well spend there.