West End Golf Club - Course Review

Latest Review

21/07/2007 by Mr. Kent (3)

"Hmmmm interesting review...I wonder what he shot on his up a bit down a bit left a bit right a bit round.
I'm sure Dr. McKenzie, one of the original designers would have appreciated his insight. Personally I'd be more likely to take note of Mr Dawson who can actually play golf!
I played some practice rounds before their Open Week with a club member friend so my review will be an overall view of all the rounds (5 total)
Greens for me are a little on the slow side running at around 6.5/7 on the stimp meter depending on which hole. Though they did run a good deal faster during Open Week probably another foot/foot an a half.
Fairways are a lot narrower than I remember, particularly the 6th and 9th which are 12 and 14 yards respectivly.
There are six Par3's which isn't great but that is offset by the Par4's which require more than a little thought. 
The finishing stretch from 14 is very tough.
Starting with the Par4 14th this has OB down the right and the prevailing wind pushing the ball that way, not good for the majority of club/handicap golfers who hit a slice. Second shot is pretty well always sloping lie to a very small green surrounded by Fir trees and OB to the right and behind.
15th 200+ yrd Par3, if the pin is short right it is nearly impossible to get at. It is protected by three bunkers, one short center, one just to the right and the one on the left which runs half the length of the green. The green has subtle breaks and three is a good score here.
16th Par5 depending on how confident you are or how your card is looking this is a risk/reward hole. Three's to cricket scores are possible. Dogleg right with trees down both left and right. Your approach shot is to a very large green but this is protected by a dyke, large deep bunker to the left, pond to the right with trees behind.
17th Par4 drive over two mounds with trees left and OB, clubhouse and car parks down the right...this tends to focus your mind! Green is fairly flat but has OB behind, chipping swales either side and mounds covering the wayward shot front left.
18 as noted by Mr Dawson is a VERY strong uphill Par4. The drive has trees left and right with OB waiting should you let one go further right. Second shot is to a small green with a bunker protecting its left side and the 11th green and mounds its right. The green is a subtle three tier McKenzie.
Clubhouse? Who cares?!!! We go to play golf not sit in the clubhouse. However it is a little on the 'olde worlde' side. It has a snooker table should that be your bag?
All in all an enjoyable experience but certainly better during Open Week."

13/01/2007 by Mr. K Carstairs (11)

"Although the people and staff were very welcoming I can't say I enjoyed the course really. It's just Left to right and then back again and back the other way until you go uphill, then down, then up then down. Very bland and boring in my opinion, no holes of note just a knock about. Suits people who like playing on ranges not golfers who like a challenge!"

06/02/2006 by Mr. Mallinson (23)

"Tight demanding fairways, 6 Par 3's, but 9 very long Par 4's make this a tough course to master. Well worth a visit - food and hospitality is excellent."

30/01/2006 by Mr. Dawson (4)

"Must be accurate off the tee as fairways are quite narrow but several birdie opportunities can be had if you are accurate with your irons.

On of the best holes is the 5th hole with out of bounds all down the left hand side. the toughest hole is the 18th which requires 2 good shots to get to the green, par is a good score on this hole!

Nice welcoming clubhouse aswell."

27/01/2006 by Mr. Wade (15)

"Very tight course, due to number of trees. Course in very good condition and provides an excellent challenge for golfers of all handicaps"

23/01/2005 by Mr. A Bottomley (11)

"Short but tricky! You must be very straight off the tee otherwise you will be in the trees. Greens are pretty good but not the fastest. Good opportunity to play to your handicap. Nice clubhouse."