Pyrford Lakes

Bij aankomst op Pyrford Lakes troffen we een vol parkeerterrein aan en het clubhuis leek binnen op een volle voetbalkantine (de Engelse vrouwen speelden de WK finale), welkom op een Engelse publieke baan! We waren met een vaste bewoner van de baan ingedeeld: hij vertelde elke dag 36 holes te spelen! Dat doen wij alleen op vakantie... Hij was ook voortdurend bier in zijn buggy aan het drinken, dat doen wij nou weer nooit!

Ook op de baan was het publieke karakter terug te vinden: de baan zag er wat "versletener" uit met veel divotgaten op de fairway en ongerepareerde pitchmarks op de greens. Niettemin was het onderhoud verder goed. De baan zelf ziet er mooi uit met veel mounds om de fairways, zodat je afgescheiden bent van andere holes. Als je op tik bent, is dit een erg leuke baan, maar uit vorm kan de frustratie snel toeslaan met zoveel water om je heen.

Zoals te verwachten op zondagmorgen zat de gang er niet echt in en moesten we op elke tee wachten, maar tot onze verbazing waren we toch in ruim 4 uur rond. Misschien toch nog maar eens terugkomen op een doordeweekse dag als we in vorm zijn!

Really is an underrated gem! From the moment you arrive every member of staff is at hand to help your experience run as smoothly as possible. Great food is always on offer.

The pro shop has all your needs plus more.

The golf course itself is always in good shape, from tee box to green the standard is very good. Personally, I find the lakes very calming which helps with my round and gives opportunity to take some great photos. There are a lot of blind tee shots and obviously plenty of water so risk reward is high for the bigger hitters, but also plenty of scoring opportunities for the canny golfer too.

A vibrant golf course which has undergone many changes in the last year. From new ownership to a serious upgrade which included 60 bunkers being reshaped and renovated.

Playing 6235 yards from the tips, it’s by no means the longest course however, the 23 acres of lakes on the Alliss and Clarke design makes this course challenging for all levels of golfer.

The on-site practice facilities are good for a practice session or a pre round warm up it hosts a decent size putting and chipping green. The only downside to the practice facility’s is the driving range, which is only 175 yards long.

Having played the course regularly at all times of the year in all conditions, I really can’t fault how well the golf course holds up in comparison to many other courses I have played. The drainage is great, and the club marshals are on hand to ensure a good pace of play. Something I also appreciated when getting to know the course was the helpful tips on how best to play certain holes from the marshals. Who doesn’t want to better their game from someone in the know?

The clubhouse offers a welcoming, easy going atmosphere with friendly staff who are always happy to help. I must admit the sausage rolls are a personal favourite of mine and a must try when visiting!

Overall I would recommend making the trip over to Pyford Lakes whether on its own or as part of a trip to one of its more high profile neighbours.

Nice looking cosy club, not the longest course but a course that makes you think about your shots as there are plenty of hazards, especially water.

The only thing that really annoyed me was that twice on the phone they quoted me £25 per person for their experience day offer and when we got there the price was nearly doubled! Even on the offer, which was on the website they didn't really want to honour, as it was supposed to be unlimited golf. They compromised and "allowed" us for the second round.

Even talking on the phone to the main office they said the club thinks it's posher than it really is. They were saying that they are better than all the other sister clubs which isn't true.

Apart from that it is a nice well maintained course.