Bicester Golf and Country Club

Played here with twenty guys last weekend. checked in at the Pro's shop, all very efficient and very pleasant. We set off on time without having a logjam in front of us and there are some quite reasonable opening holes although quite bland. The greens looked good and putted well. Several quirky holes and watch out for the elevated greens with hidden bunkers at the back. The second nine has a number of holes with the misfortune of being rather too close to the M40 and thus very noisy. Around the middle of this nine there are a couple of water holes and as a first timer here, it is quite difficult to work out what you are supposed to do. My four ball lost around six balls with ease and others had the same experience. The strong wind on the day didn't help as well. The facilities where the hotel is concerned are excellent and the sandwiches and chips we had pre ordered were very good and delivered as requested.

Played here last week in their seniors open competition in a field of nearly 100 golfers off the BACK tees, a tough course. Plenty of water that comes into play on several holes, perhaps too often, but the course was in great condition, the greens were true and quite tricky, Lots of quite mature trees shielded the individual fairways making the cry of “fore” a rare event, even with so many people out on the course, always a sign of a well designed course. The only down side was on the back nine, several tee boxes were very close to the M40 motorway, thus very noisy, but don’t let that put you off playing this course. An unusual touch was the ability to download and print off a course planner from the clubs website. There is a large hotel on the course with all the benefits that brings, and this makes it a possible venue for a golfing break. The changing rooms were very well appointed, but unusually were upstairs; perhaps a few more signs would help direct visitors to the relevant facilities would help,very large car park. Would definitely enter again next, good value, well run, challenging event.

I played Bicester on 12th March 07. It is obviously a fairly new course but it was generally in good condition and very enjoyable. It has a number of lovely long par 4's and good par 3s. 14 and 15 were challenging and worthy of a course guide as the line off the tee wasn't obvious and the landing areas non too generous. We had a very enjoyable 18 holes and I look forward to returning as I'll know my way round. Green fee for 18 on a Monday was £25. The club was also very friendly and gets my vote for the best bacon and egg sandwich I've ever had!

This course has the potential to rival the best in the area. I played it last year, and again early this year. Was disappointed to find that some of the trees have been removed since my previous visit, which makes this flat-ish course a bit easier. Also, 2 of the greens (4th & 12th) were in poor condition. This however is because they are going to be abandoned in favour of 2 very exciting holes which the members tell me will be ready for play in May this year. Overall, the greens are excellent (the par-3 8th and par-4 18th are almost alpine with very severe slopes)and the heavy bunkering and good use of water make this a great test of golf, and at very good value as well. Just wish I lived closer so I could join the club!