There is much to be said for a round of golf on an attractive and challenging course in under two hours as Rob Smith explains…
Arkley Golf Club Course Review
Nine-hole golf courses are too often overlooked by golfers who think they will be getting half a course for their green fee. This is a mistake for several reasons and there are many delightful designs such as the one at Arkley Golf Club that are well worth a visit. For those with limited time, a quick nine holes is an ideal solution. Better still, a full eighteen gives us a second chance at each.
Arkley was founded in 1909 and its compact course was designed by the great James Braid with subsequent modifications by Harry Vardon. I visited on a grey, damp autumnal day which is why my pictures don’t show off the course in its best light – in the summer, it is a delight.
The opening hole is a testing par 4, 434 yards from the back tees, with an approach to a green protected on either side by sand.
The opening drive at Arkley and an early chance to open the shoulders
This is followed by a short hole – albeit over 200 yards the second time round – played slightly downhill.
The par-3 second presents a testing target
Close to the green is a reminder of the tragic event in 1975 when a light aircraft piloted by former world champion racing driver Graham Hill crashed in thick fog. He and the five other occupants were all killed, and people still visit the spot to this day, either to pay their respects or by miscuing their tee shots!
A sad reminder of a Formula One legend
Two left-to-right doglegs follow, the third being slightly longer and the fourth with bunkers waiting at the elbow.
Better to be on the left on the dogleg fourth
I particularly enjoyed the next two holes, with the fifth offering tees that make it a par 5 or a par 4, and the sixth played down into a dip and requiring a lengthy approach back up the other side.
The fifth hole plays longer than its length, up a gentle slope
The seventh is quite unusual in that is plays as a short hole first time round, and then a risk-reward par 4 from 100 yards further back where the big hitters may want to go for the green.
The seventh/sixteenth plays both as a strong par 3 and a short par 4
The penultimate hole is either a long par 4 or a short par 5, but for the latter it presents a narrow drive where ideally you need to draw the ball.
Looking back at the eighth from the final tee
So unusual is the par-3 closing hole that I was originally tempted to say nothing about it and suggest you see for yourself. However, to whet the appetite, it is played from a tee on top of a covered reservoir to a hidden green protected by a handful of bunkers. It’s certainly a one-off, and I encourage you to make up your own mind about it.
A very unusual but enjoyable end to the round despite the increasing rain
I enjoyed my morning at Arkley Golf Club with its characterful clubhouse and friendly members, and for those seeking an enjoyable nine holes or more on an attractive course with its own distinguishing features, I would certainly recommend a visit.
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