Pros:
UPDATE: May 2019 & February 2020
Although there are still no permenant teepads, as of 2020 there are now woodchipped areas to tee from and some temporary astro-turf with tent-pegs remaining from a tournament played here. The course has been improved in several aspects since it was initially built. The tree thinning on hole 5,6,7 and 17 have made the holes not only fairer, but breathtakingly beautiful too, as the sunlight now penetrates the tree canopy.
As a far better player than I was when I wrote the review, I now truly believe this is one of the best courses in England. The scenery is idyllic, the hole design is fantastic and leaves you wanting more every time you play, as there's a very specific 'line' to hit on every hole, which keeps you coming back to try and hit them all.
- Very technical, good challenge, well designed "lines" - a good shot is rewarded well.
- Private property
- Not many Wooded courses in the UK
- The cafe is FANTASTIC - honestly I would travel down to the course for an afternoon even if I couldn't throw... Get the cheesecake and the jacket potato!
Cons:
- Tees not yet finished, plenty of stumps and ankle twisters
- The 'Ride' holes (8-10) play slowly in tournaments as you must wait for the group ahead to tee on the hole after before you can drive.
- Very tricky from the blue tees for new players
Other Thoughts:
This course is only missing permenant teepads, a couple of stump removal and flattening would be fine, and I'd make it a 5/5.
Hole 18 is in a weird state as the tee has been moved back but some trees are yet to come out. Plays as a very very hard par 3, or quite an easy par 4 right now, but once a couple of trees are out, it'll just be a fantastic finishing hole par 3.
Overall, this is my favourite course to play of all - so come check it out!