Cowdray Golf

I played Cowdray yesterday for the first time. Firstly all the staff at the club are very welcoming and helpful. The starter for the day was a lovely old gentleman and passed on plenty of helpful tips. The halfway hut was great and open all day The courses was in fantastic condition and they have some of the best greens I have ever played on. I would say it’s a must play course and I’ll definitely be back soon.

On a warm but windswept day the course was quite a test. The greens were then the 'A' levels, I failed easily . Stopping to gaze at views, I realize how lucky we can be to have such places to visit. Real ale at the bar.A very friendly lady to help in the dining room and a truly excellent carvery. Our society decided this is one of the best courses we visit. Booked again. Luckily I spelt my name correctly and wasn't last. Thankyou one and all at Cowdray

Prior to playing we had a sandwich lunch which was OK. We sat on the terrace next to the 18th green.The weather had been very dry and it confused us as to why a greenkeeper was wizzing around the surrounds supposedly cutting grass, of which there was none. The reality was that we were splattered with fine dust from the grass cutter, which was an unnecessary and unpleasant experience to start with. It is a tough start and the hard fairways and dry conditions demanded total focus. The pro had suggested it was a hilly start but then the course levelled out......it didn't! The rough was parched dry but the fairways had been well watered and had a good growth of grass. The greens were quick, smooth and the putts rolled well. The fairway bunkers were less impressive with many stones and variable sand quality and depth. The Greenside bunkers were better. Overall it is a challenging layout with some memorable holes with the very short 11th and then the picturesque 12th being my favourites. The cheaper afternoon green fee made it good value for money. No towels in the locker room was a disappointing end to the day and bookended the dusty dowsing that had started our day. However, despite these issues, overall it had been a worthwhile visit.

A beautiful setting. Rolling hills,gentle slopes,magnificent views over miles and the Cowdray castle.Oak trees that were already old during Henry the VIII reign.But back to the course.The first few wholes will overpower you and make you shy in your game.Narrow,slopy,with trees and knee high rough not far away. Don't let that feeling impeach you from playing the way you normally play and you smile will come back and your will stop looking balls and start enjoying the undulating fairways and greens. Impeccably kept. A warm and friendly welcome and goodbye at the club house will leave you with the feeling to want to go back.