Headlam Hall Golf Course

Well its nearly a year since I last visited Headlam Hall, well I'm impressed,although the holes and yardage remain the same they have now included some well thought out bunkers,it's the beginning of the year and the fairways and greens are in brilliant condition,its nice to see a course improve,especially in such short a time ,well done.

Be careful not to write off this little gem just because of its yardage and the number of par 3's. There is far more to this course than first meets the eye. Risk and reward is on every hole, some very tight drives and there are 5 holes where you can take your driver and enjoy the odd eagle putt but be sure to shape your shot precisely otherwise you are dead. What a joy to play 9 holes in 1 hr 10 mins, yet still take driver, 5 wood, 6 iron and plenty of chip shots thus not short changing the keen golfer. Perfect for the beginner as well as the single figure player who is looking for a compact yet varied course in beautiful peaceful countryside with no traffic noise and large crowds. There are not enough of these type of courses in UK. Take the same open approach when discoverying what additional talent and unique teaching methods Steve the PGA Pro has to offer. From my home in Cornwall this visit, lessons and golf were far above expectations and well worth the long drive. This is a great venue to stay, play and learn from a very gifted coach. Tom Suddes h/c 9

A 2074 yard 9 holer, £12 week day £15 weekend for 9 holes! and your not even allowed to use the practice putting green unless your a member !. No bunkers, 6 par 3's and 1 par 5. It just feels lacking,an add on to a sumptious hotel and spa,an afterthought. expensive for what you get. But thats Golf.

A varied 9-hole layout that mixes easy holes with some monstrous par 3s, namely 'The Copse' at 4 (216 yds, uphill) and, straight afterwards, 'Woofens' at 5 (234 yds). Hole 6 is a slightly bizarre short par 4 where a strip of fairway arcs around the side of a hill and anything either side of it is likely to be a goner. Need to play this hole a couple of times to get a good idea of distance judgement. Hole 7 is undoubtedly the signature hole, a par 3 downhill over a lake to a green that looks straight out of Sawgrass. However, it would be better to have a tee further back to make it at least 100 yards, rather than the current 89 yards. The course condition is generally good, although the greens could be a littler quicker (I'm probably used to speedier ones), and the welcome in the pro shop is friendly. All in all, a couple of the holes here will help boost your confidence but others might just as quickly take it away! Worth dropping in if you're in the area, or as a warm up to bigger fish. 4.25/10 'Young P'