Carlyon Bay Hotel Golf Course

Played on 19 June in benign conditions and came away slightly underwhelmed. Course was well kept with good greens although they were a little on the slow side. Lovely bunker sand. The best holes run along the coastline but the 12th and 13th are also good. Holes 14-17 which are over the far side of the railway line are average at best and together with the short 18th do not make for an exciting finish. As previous reviewers have commented this course really does need at least a two or three club wind to offer a test.

Largely dissapointing course. The locals were friendly enough and it does start as a fairly interesting and pretty course. However, this course is entirely dependent on the wind to make it any kind of challenge. When we played, there was no wind whatsoever and it bored our 4-ball to tears. The design and layout of the course looks like its been designed by a 28 handicapper. The fairways are wide and utterly forgiving. The hotel facilities, on the other hand, are top notch. The staff are extremely friendly and there were no rowdy golf societies making a nuisance of themselves. Food was also fantastic. Overall, a simple course for high handicappers to get a taste of a links but just not challenging or interesting enough for, I imagine, the majority of golfers. Most of the people playing here tend to be older golfers and the course, and hotel, is perfect for them. Maybe worth it as part of a tour of Cornwalls golf courses but if, as we did, you travelled down especially for it, then you'll probably be very dissapointed.

This was our favourite course on a recent short family holiday. There are some stunning views across the bay - we were lucky to have a nice sunny day, which helped. The course is in very good condition, with excellent, fast greens - the quickest I've played for quite a while. Fairways were also very good. The fairways are pretty wide but less wide than they appear on a number of holes. The members were friendly, and a local 4-ball allowed our 2 ball through early on. The course was busy, though we chose the busiest time - 9.30am. I'd recommend a buggy, though not absolutely essential. We also enjoyed a nice lunch, sitting on the large sunny patio area, which has very attractive course and sea views. Overall, we were impressed by the course and would definitely go back again if we had the chance.

An inviting looking 1st hole with fairways as wide as a fair par 3 fill you with confidence on the tee, however wind plays a major factor on this course and if it's a still day you should post a good score on this links course front 9. The 10th (tee box miles above the green) is one of the easiest par 5s as long as the wind is being kind, our society were hitting Drivers and 8 irons into the green, the 12th is a struggle uphill if the wind is against you it's like climbing everest, the 13th again a difficult par 4 with a green cut into as slope. A nice run in leading you to the 18th, a par 3 that looks far easier than it actually is, if you're not careful you can hit oncoming cars on the road to the right, slicers beware! All in all a very good golf course and a fantastic hotel with great service and good food. The Shepperton Golf Society has no hesitation in recommending Carlyon Bay as an excellent venue for a tour.