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Belfry (Brabazon), England |
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The Belfry
Wishaw
North Warwickshire
B76 9PR
England |  | Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas |  | Alistair Davies |
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 | +44 (0) 1675 470301 |  | 11 miles from Birmingham City Centre |
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Golf Club Website
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 | Book in advance - handicap certificate required |  | Ian Knox |
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The Belfry played host to the 1985 Ryder Cup and was also host in 1989, 1993 and 2002. No other club has staged three Ryder Cups, let alone four, so The Belfry’s Brabazon course has become a Ryder Cup synonym. 1985 was a breakthrough year for Europe when Sam Torrance holed the winning birdie putt. Europe 16 ½ - USA 11 ½. The 1989 Ryder Cup matches were halved and this event heralded the commercial coming of age for the Ryder Cup, which featured the largest tented village ever seen at a sporting event in Britain. Europe 14 - USA 14. 1993 was the year of the US veterans Chip Beck and Raymond Floyd who claimed five points from a possible six. Payne Stewart and Jim Gallacher were also on form for the US. USA 15 - Europe 13. Delayed by the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the 2002 Ryder Cup was decided by a strong European singles performance that was sealed by Paul McGinley’s 8-foot par putt on the 18th, which secured a halve against Jim Furyk. Europe 15 ½ - USA 12 ½. The Ryder Cup was played at PGA National in 1983, Muirfield Village in 1987, Kiawah Island in 1991, Oak Hill in 1995, the Country Club, Brookline in 1999 and Oakland Hills in 2004. | The Brabazon course at The Belfry doesn't need introducing. After all, it's unique. This course has played host to more Ryder Cups than any other course on the planet - four in total. The Americans must dislike it, because team USA has only once triumphed here. Additionally, and for only the second time in Ryder Cup history, the 1989 biennial match was halved, but Europe retained the trophy because they were still the cup holders following their win in 1987 at Muirfield Village, Ohio.
The Belfry itself owes much to the vision and determination of one man, Colin Snape. In the mid 70s, Snape was the director of the financially struggling PGA. Over a pie and a pint, Peter Alliss told him that an old hotel on the outskirts of Birmingham was available as a potential new location for the PGA HQ. In 1977, The Brabazon - named after former PGA president, Lord Brabazon - opened for play with a challenge match, Seve Ballesteros and Johnny Miller against Tony Jacklin and Brian Barnes. The Belfry has never looked back.
Alliss and Thomas were given an unremarkable piece of farmland, which required significant sculpting to turn it into a remarkable golf course. For many visiting golfers, The Belfry (and The Brabazon course, in particular) is Mecca. Everyone wants to play here; it's an exciting golfing venue, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
The excitement comes from playing memorable and familiar holes. And, following Dave Thomas's £2.7m makeover in the late 90s, there is more water on The Brabazon than just about any other inland course in the British Isles - take a few extra balls. The course has two outstanding holes, which have been popularised by television - the 10th and 18th. The former is a unique short par four, measuring about 300 yards, with water running along the right hand side of the fairway. It is driveable - you've seen Seve do it - so go on, you've got to go for it.
The 18th is another hole that is totally dominated by water and it's terrifying. This dramatic, par four closing hole, rewards the brave. Cut off as much of the water as you can from the tee, and you will be left with a shorter approach shot, which must carry a lake on its way to a long, narrow, triple-tiered green. This hole has seen more Ryder Cup emotion than any other hole in the world. For this reason alone, to follow in the footsteps of golf's greatest legends, The Brabazon is a must-play course. | |
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If the above course review article is not accurate, let us know by clicking here |
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 |  | | Average Reviewers Score: |  | | The four-time host of the Ryder Cup attracts both blind devotion and some almost equally blind criticism. The locals are proud of the course and what it has achieved in putting Midlands golf on the map, and this pride infuses the universally friendly welcome. The army of greenkeepers should be proud of the first-class conditioning, true and fast-paced greens, and in their ability to return the course to tip top notch after early morning heavy rain.  The course is a demonstration of what can be achieved when turning flat, unpromising countryside into an American style parkland course. An abundance of water hazards is inevitable in order to inject interest and challenge for all, with at least 10 holes having water genuinely in play. Of the water-dominated holes, the 4th and 8th are too similar to each other with their narrow water-filled ditches protecting their fronts, preventing any run up shot. The par3 12th and 7th are very good though, especially the crowned, raised putting surface of the 7th. The 18th is a great hole when playing to any format, but in strokeplay most will play the 10th with two flicks with irons, thereby dimming its lustre. There are some good holes here, not just the well-known ones. The 2nd is rather subtle in its design and the 16th is a gem with a green that slopes away from the fairway with the outside possibility of bouncing in off the front right mound. The 13th green also has the nice (almost linksy) touch of a run off leading balls into the back greenside bunker. Some might see the course as having a strong consistent design theme, while others will see the problem of repetitive holes, with few changes of pace, or holes that stand out. What you expect from a course in this respect will determine how you evaluate the value-for-money of the green fee at The Belfry. |
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| 28 August 2012
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| | I have played here a few times now and recently played after torrential rain and in high winds and I have to say I thought it was excellent.
The greens were perfect (for a very wet April) and the general condition of the course was as good as you could expect.
There are a few forgettable par 4s but it's way more than 10 & 18. The only real shame is the water which makes the front nine so treacherous of pretty is generally missing from the back nine.
At £150 for two rounds on the Brabazon and a one-night stay I think you'd struggle to find more for less. |
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| 29 April 2012
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| | Played the Brabazon on the 17th March & it was in very good shape, greens were good along with fairways & bunkers. The layout is very good with lots of water in play on most of the front 9, i loved the 6th hole with a tight fairway to find off the tee and water protecting the front left of a tricky green. of course the 10th hole is the one that everybody will have a crack at a great risk & reward holes. i was really impressed by just how many good holes were on this coures & you can see why the Ryder cup was played here lots of birdie chances, match play at it's best. all the staff were very helpful & a credit to the place. the only down side would be that the course is not in the most picturesque of places with a busy motorway close by but don't let that put you off coming here to play this golf course, all in all very happy with what the Belfry had to offer. (handicap 3) |
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| 21 March 2012
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| | Played this in late February and it was in tip top condition. Loved it. The greens are exceptional and decidedly tricky.
Staff very helpful - we had a delayed start due to frost and the course manager, Kirk, kept us updated on matters.
Liked the occasional references on the course to exceptional feats by professional golfers during the many tournaments it has hosted. Suggest they add more.
This is one of the great theatres of golf - we are allowed to play that same stage. Great. |
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| 21 February 2012
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| | The Brab - where would it rank if it had not had the Ryder Cup ? This is a tournament course and if you have not played it worth a go just to say you have. To be fair the greens and tees are usually in excellent condition. The problem with the design is that there are at best 5 memerabe holes. The rest require long hitting and long second shots, as a mid handicap golfer (14) the last time I played the course (in mid June) I hit 12 fairways but could only go for 1 green in regulation, is this fair reward for accurate driving! When asked where I would play, the Brab I am afraid would not make my top 10 in the Midlands! |
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| 24 November 2011
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| | Played the Brabazon last year. The best things about the belfry is the 10th hole, the 18th hole and the Bellair night club. The package we were on was very good, however we were very disappointed by the standard of the course. 2 very good holes does not make a world class course. All in all the trip was very enjoyable but that was more to do with the company and the hospitality in the hotel than the golf. I'd go again but wouldn't be willing to part with £150. I'd rather play Little Aston twice for virtually the same price. |
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| 05 August 2011
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| Response: | | | am | 21 August 2011 | | This is spot on. The conditioning and presentation of the Brabazon are impressive, the design qualities and shot variety less so. Certainly not 36th in England ahead of Sherwood Forest and Little Aston. |
| | | It's strange to see some negative views directed towards this course. Coming from the Midlands the course is like folklore and most, if not all, serious golfers have played here in our parts. I seriously feel that it's a case of expecting too much. It's always in fabulous condition, with exceptional greens, tees and fairways and the reception and facilities are probably some of the best you will come across; I imagine this is what exceptionally wealthy courses in the US are like (not that they'll ever let you on). The design is great with some excellent holes and it is fun to talk about famous moments you have seen. Yes it can be a little repetitive, yes the course can be completely different if they close the big tees off but if you play the Open courses at certain times of the year then they will have shortened the course by 1000 yards and all the bunkers are out of play. They have deals here and infield urge anyone to go and play. |
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| 05 August 2011
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| | Just gets better each time we play -Fantastic condition for November |
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| 14 November 2010
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| | Having read some of the reviews here I can't understand the negative comments. Just returned from the playing the course twice, I thouroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The greens, along with those at Burnham and Berrow were the best I have ever putted on and that was at the end of October. The course was superbly presented and throughly enjoyed playing the famous holes that provided so much Ryder cup history such as the 10th, 16th and 18th. The only downsides I have were: (1) The strater was trying to rush us out off the 1st and we had numerous marshals asking us what time we teed off trying to rush us around when the course was practically empty. (2) Instead of removing the leaves from the course, they were blown into the rough. If you hit your balls anywhere near them, it was a definite lost ball. Other than that, I thought the course was magnificent although I'm not sure if I would pay the £140 green fee! |
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| 01 November 2010
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| | How anyone can give this course a 1 ball rating I have no idea.
In fact I have no idea why this is so low in the ratings. The entire place is geared up for golf, but makes it so much more easier for the "common man" to be able to a course of this level.
Played here on 4 different occasions and loved every minute of it. |
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| 03 September 2010
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| | This course is certainly in tip top condition. Amazing feat by the grounds staff to keep this course in its current playing condition despite the weather in the west midlands. We played there during the bank holiday weekend which poured incessantly. Nonetheless, the greens were still running at 10.5 on the stipometer. My favourite holes would have to be the 9th and 18th but there were certainly a number worth mentioning in the same breath (the par5 3th, par 4 6th and 8th). The front 9 were definitely a lot more difficult and challenging than the back 9 but given the windy conditions, the course proves to be a challenge for any level of golfer any day. Not sure why this course rates lower than the PGA National, the sister course at the Belfry. I would certainly rank it higher than the latter and playing it was certainly the highlight of our trip. Last but not least, I must definitely mention the warm hospitality we received from all the staff at the golf resort, with specific mention of Kirk, a grounds marshall at the resort. Will certainly visit again! |
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| 31 August 2010
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| Response: | | | Keith Baxter | 01 September 2010 | | The Brabazon course is currently ranked more than 100 positions higher than the PGA National. Not sure why you think the Brab rates lower than the PGA? |
| | | This is the best inland course I have ever played-The blood starts to pound at the memories of the tiatanic Ryder cup battles here,but it is a tough track for a club player,Our 4 ball lost a collective total of 8 balls at the magical short 10th and a quick glance into the water surrounding the green confirms we were far from the only ones-This was only bettered at the majestic 18Th when our best player (6 handicap) plonked 3 into the big blue-The course and facilities really are first class-Play it if you can,but don't ignore the PGA National course here as although it may not have the same Kudos as the Brabazon it is still a corker |
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| 19 August 2010
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| Response: | | | JEFF G W | 20 June 2011 | | The PGA is merely a practise course for young pros. NO character just loads of bunkers and deep rough enjoy not. |
| | | A true Championship course. Was in absolutely superb condition. Struggle to understand if people do not enjoy all of the challeges on this course. Excellent well versed starter who set us of on our way with some do's and dont's. Marshalls on course ensured that speed of play was maintained without ever being intimidating. Already looking forward to my next visit. 9.5/10!
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| 26 July 2010
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| | Because of it's history I expected more wow factor for my money than I got on this course, undoubtedly there are some great holes (the 10th & 18th especially), but there are also several more pedestrian ones between. The greens were very quick, and the pace of play wasn't too slow (4h 30m) - I'd expected worse. The infrastructure is great - good driving range & pro-shop, the starters and marshals were friendly & polite. There was lots of earth moving and JCBs around, there seems to be serious tinkering every winter. I came away slightly deflated - a good course, but overrated I feel. Glad I've played it, but wouldn't pay £100 a second time. |
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| 28 March 2010
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| | Played the Brabazon yesterday and after listening to a number of mixed reviews about the course didn't know what to expect. Some said that it was nothing more than a field, others that it it was a fantastic track worth of a place in the top 100 rankings. I have to agree with the 2nd lot! The facilities upon arival were awesome. The biggest pro shop I've seen im my life, a great driving range and chipping facilities and a great clubhouse/bar if more than a little pricey!!! The course was in great condition for September and the greens were really fast for the time of year. Drove it close on the 10th which made the day and will definately be back again!!! |
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| 28 September 2009
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| | Giving this course a 1 ball rating is nonsense! Ok, it is not one of my favourite courses, but it is a great experience and a real challenge! I am a pretty good 14 handicapper and yet I always seem to lose a lot of balls in the water hazards here, and this, combined with extremely quick greens means alot of big numbers are put down on my scorecard. However, they do keep the rough pretty short, because if they let it grow it would turn the course into a nightmare for the average golfer. The sixth hole is one of the toughest holes anywhere, with water all down the left, bunkers on the right and a sloping green. Whenever I have played the course it has been in excellent condition and the facilities are also very good too. |
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| 13 August 2009
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| | what a great course, i could play it every day (if i could afford it) the 10th and 18th make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. steeped in ryder cup history, greens that are tremendous. hope the european tour uses the belfry again soon. |
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| 27 April 2009
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| | We played the Brabazon as part of a £99 deal (plus a round on the PGA, a night in the hotel plus breakfast) on Sunday 29th and Monday 30th March. We had stayed in the hotel the night before, it is a bit dated and could do with a bit of an upgrade but the room was comfy and breakfast was very good. The pro shop is awesome, the practice facilities are decent, you have to pay for range balls as it's a 4 star hotel and not a 5 star hotel like the Celtic Manor where you get them for free and a load of other personal touches but all in all we had a great couple of days at the Belfry. We had to tee off the 11th to start as they were working on the 10th. I'd say the greens on the Brabazon were even better than the PGA, they were unbelievably quick but receptive to a full shot. There is a lot of water so take plenty of balls but the course is fair, the 18th is just a ridiculously tough hole and you just don't appreciate how steep the 3 tier green is on TV. The complex was really busy both days we were there so there is a lot of traffic on the course and they probably overplay them but keep the condition to a high standard. I probably wouldn't pay £70 to play it though. BB |
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| 31 March 2009
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| | Just played the course this week following heavy rain and snow only a few weeks ago. You honestly couldnt tell, it looked and played every bit as good as it does on TV. Considering the weather condition the greens were perfect and very quick. It makes you appreciate just how good the pro golfers are. I found the course to be very playable but will bite you if you try too much - which to my mind is exactly how it should be. The History of the course is something to be admired - You dont get four Ryder cups for nothing. So go and play it with caution and respect. Highly recommended |
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| 07 March 2009
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| | Enjoyed tne course although not one of my personal favourites. |
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| 14 June 2008
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| | This course has some very ordinary holes such as 1st,2nd,11th and 13th, but on the other hand has some of the most exciting modern day holes around such as 3rd,6th,9th,10th and 18th. This makes the course a must play, and to play the famous holes is great. However its well over priced and packed with golf breaks and coporate golfers getting rushed along by marshalls. Work going on around the course with JCB's proving tough hazards!! Course was in good condition and was great to play it. |
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| 03 June 2008
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| | Played the Brabazon on Friday, all 4 seasons in one day but nothing can take away the splendour of walking up the 18th, a good drive, hitting my 2nd in the water then a short iron to 4' and sinking the putt. A great course and a welcoming club to visit, a course is not just about the golf, the experience and the people, from the starter right through the club made the day fantastic. |
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| 23 March 2008
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| | Played 28/2/08. The history alone makes it great to play. Standing on the tenth is a great feeling. There is a bit of work going on at the minute, The par 3 seventh had four guys working around the bunkers who simply sat down and beckoned us to play over them and the eleventh had three guys and a JCB to play over, not usual hazards you'll agree.
Without the history it's just another course, my local course is in better condition and is considerably cheaper to play.
Overall, if you get the chance, play it. Try and get the offers though. Or even better a freebie like me. ;-) |
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| 28 February 2008
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| | Played the Brabazon today for the first time, after walking round the course during various european tour events. It was everything i expected of it and more and was very impressed with the condition of the course. There was redevelopment of the 11th green taking place, so a temporary green was in play and that hole was a bit of a mess, but the rest of the course was fantastic. It's a fantastic test of golf, although fair, if you can manage your way round. It is a perfect risk or reward course where i experienced both, hitting the 10th green off the tee, but putting one in the water on my approach to 18, after leaving myself a 230 yard 3 wood attempt. The hole is always there to catch you out for any over agressive play and the greens can be punishing if you end up on the wrong side of them, particularly the 16th and 18th holes. It is a particularly enjoyable place to play and the history of the place hits you at certain times. One of the best courses that i have played in the british isles so far although it is not yet up there with the famous links in Ireland and Scotland. Great course! |
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| 10 February 2008
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| | Played just yesterday, only a week after the british masters and the course was in immense condition!! After playing this I can understand why the Ryder cup has been played here... as it can test even the best pro's. It is by far the hardest, but nicest course I have played. Every hole is different and offers varying challenges.... if you play try and hit the green on the tenth off the tee!!! I did and its an awesome feeling!! Only down side about the whole experience was in the bar, as the staff were lacking and some were not sure how to poor or mix drinks!! Only a minor criticism to the best course I have played! I can only think those people offering a 1 ball to this course played badly and lost a few balls.... just because you play badly does not mean it is a bad course!! ;-) |
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| 03 October 2007
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| | This course is at 28th England and 74th in the Isles. I do not think it should crack the top 100 in either category. The land wasn't much to work with but ugly detail work in both hazards and green construction gives us The Belfry: the embodiment of all that's wrong with modern golf course architecture. |
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| 31 August 2007
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | 20 September 2007 | | Very very harsh.... I can understand that it is about opinions but never a 1-ball rating. | | | paul | 04 October 2007 | | I would wonder what you do rate as a course, the Brabazon is what it is,a tournament venue with a good mix of holes and features!I have played it 3 times now and can honastly say it is a good track,I get the feeling you expect so much from this because of the Ryder Cup . |
| | | Played this course on the 18/9 and I thought it was really good, got a good deal too, 4 of us paid £150 each and got to play the Derby on Sunday, 1 night in the hotel and then the Brabazon on Monday, free food also. |
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| 20 September 2006
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| | 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. |
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| 21 June 2006
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| | I agree with the last reviewer this is a good course. Obviously with it's clay sub soil it is only playable in summer and the rough was very wet when we played. I do not really like these American stadium courses but this course is very strategic and has a very strong run of holes at the end. I agree that to look at it's not the prettiest place to be but it is a good well maintained course with a great history. Would I go back though, probably not. |
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| 23 April 2006
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| | I am very surprised by some of your other reviewers comments. In my view this is a fantastic course and has far more thrills than just the 10th and 18th alone - for example the 17th is fantastic. This course is an absolute must play however it is a bit pricey but none the less an unforgetable experience. |
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| 18 April 2006
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| | A golf course surely not warranting its place in a top 100 anything? Potentially a top 100 for Ryder Cup reasons, but surely that doesn't make this a Good Golf Course? The Americans are polite when they comment "an ok course - C Strange"... Well outside the top 100, fame for fame sake. Many local courses rate higher than this. |
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| 11 January 2006
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| | Basically £140 to play the 10th and 18th. Go on a corporate (as I did) otherwise don't bother. Alternatively make up a list of all the majestic courses you could play for much less (sometimes half the cost) and see if you still think its worth playing. |
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| 08 November 2005
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| | In my view a grossly over-rated course. Look past the Ryder Cup excitment and you will find a fairly ordinary course. Ordinary, that is, apart from the feature holes, the 10th and 18th. Dramatic holes, certainly, but not necessarily great holes, and holes which result in many drowned golf balls for the many corporate visitors here. One of the hallmarks of a great course is how each hole can be remembered for months or years afterwards. I had forgotten some of the front 9 before I got home that evening. |
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| 24 October 2005
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| | 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. |
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| 02 June 2005
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| | I played the Brabazon for the first time last week and my expectations were low based on comments in the golf press regarding condition and also backed up on this website. I was actually blown away by the condition and the whole experience. I really enjoyed my game here and I loved everything about it. A superb course and a great facuility too. |
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| 14 May 2005
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| | After reading comments from other golfers about the Brabazon, I was nervous that my wander around the famous 18 would be disappointing – Nothing of the sort, the Brabazon obviously has Ryder Cup history on it’s side – but the course is really good. Many varied holes ensure that you do need to play well to score well – There is a fair bit of effort going on to help winter drainage problems and this should keep any complaints to a minimum. Since the Ryder Cup days, the Brab now has no big events to stage – I think it is crying out for one. Surely this could do more justice to the British Masters than nearby Forest of Arden ?
This was a great experience and also found the hotel facilities superb. Recommended. AN.
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| 15 April 2005
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| Response: | | | Chris Jones | 08 August 2007 | | Your wish came true, British Masters back again in 2007 after a success last year. |
| | | I played the Brabazon earlier this week, the third time I've played the course. Despite the recent weather, the course was in excellent shape and they have certainly improved the condition, which was clearly an issue (according to previous player reports and to a certain extent my previous experiences). Don't be put off playing this brilliant course because of past problems. There is so much familiarity and history that you become totally absorbed. Additionally, there's more to the Brabazon than the 10th and 18th. The 3rd is a stunning risk/reward par 5 that will tempt the big hitters. The par 4 6th is also a cracker as is the 9th. In fact I would go as far as to say that there are only two average holes on the course (1st and 11th). I like to come to a place to enjoy the day and the Belfry is a place to do just that. The practice facilities are as good as any in England (thanks to the PGA centre) and the service is informal and friendly. I can say that this view was shared by our entire group and we'll be back soon to try and play somewhere close to handicap! DW |
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| 14 April 2005
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| | This is one tough course. You have to be an exceptional golfer to hit some of these greens in regulation- like the 4th (closed when we played it), 8th and 18th all long holes with greens protected by water. So much water and so many bunkers to ruin your card. To play this course well off the whites or blues you need total faith in your driver. This course does suffer from wet conditions more than most.
The 10th and 18th holes are special. Two of our fourball both hit the 10th off the tee and same two made the 18th in 2. One of them even hit the 17th 545yard par 5 in two. Not me - I was just there to take the pictures!
I thought layout/ design and as a test of golf it was excellent, condition was wet underfoot and greens slightly disappointing but it was early spring on a wetland course, clubhouse and ryder cup connections were excellent, the memories conjured up by the 10th and 18th certainly make this place special. Depending on weather conditions, this course has the potential to be an excellent experience or a slight disappointment.
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| 24 March 2005
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| | Very poor - I suggest they close the course for a few months and let it recover. It's very sad to see such a great course in such poor condition. It's certainly not worth the green fee. Someone needs to get a grip on the course. |
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| 07 February 2005
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| | Well what can I say......Shock Horror....It was just over three years ago when I played the Brabazon last time and no matter what people say about the design, the course used to be in amazing condition, immaculate in fact. Fairways like carpets, greens and tees to match, even the rough was manicured..... what has happened???? I just don't know, the course was terrible. For the amount of money you pay for a round of golf there I was disgusted. How can a course fall into such a rapid decline? You used to play the course and wish your own was in such amazing condition - every area so pristine, now the local municipal is in better condition. The fall of a giant...such a shame |
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| 26 November 2004
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| | I was so excited about playing the Brabazon, having played the PGA many times. How disappointed I was. This was the worst course I have ever played in the autumn. Other than the 1st 10th and 18th holes the rest of the course was in such a poor condition, most of the fairways were unplayable water logged no grass in many places just a bog. One hole was even played from a matt 150 yards away from the green. The bunkers were appalling no sand in them only the holes nearest the clubhouse hand been raked.
I have to say I would be embarrassed to take a customer to play there. Not even a discount offered £ 300 for a 4 ball to play in this condition is appalling.
Don’t bother wasting your money this winter, play the PGA or Derby.
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| 11 November 2004
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| | I had received so many comments concerning the courses at the Belfry that I had mixed feelings before my visit. All of the negative comments concerning the Derby and National courses are fully justified, they are very weak almost laughably so in the case of the Derby, and totally unbecoming of a venue of this quality. The Brabazon however in my opinion is a much better course with some great holes. It was in excellent condition as we played it a week after the aborted Ryder Cup in 2001 and I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of playing such a famous and well photographed course. Whether is is worth the green fee, I'm not convinced of that one! |
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| 10 September 2004
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| | Perplexed, confused and amazed as to why this course still manages to have so much prestige. I can only imagine it to be the location and infrastructure because from a golfing prespective I nearly nodded off. Design wise it's nothing special. I just don't know what this course is doing in the top 100. Americans I've spoken to feel it to be a poor imitation of some of the more majestic target courses found out there. From what I've seen of the US courses on tv I have to agree. |
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| 01 June 2004
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| | Facilites here are second to none, and the added bonus of treading the turf of the Ryder Cup teams makes this a real treat, but the course is much tougher than it looks, water lurks everywhere and plenty of balls can be lost. Some classic holes though, the 10th, go for the green, you may never get another chance and you can dine out on hitting the green for years after. The 18th too is a stormer. |
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| 15 April 2004
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| | There is no doubt that the experience is magical, but they really could improve the condition of the course. I've been hugely disappointed on two occasions and thirilled on another (mind you that was at Ryder Cup time). Come on the Belfry get your act together more consistently. |
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| 02 April 2004
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