Reading Golf Club

Very much enjoyed my round here. It was the second time that I have played here and as the other reports say, except for 1-4 and 17 & 18, the holes are very good. These 6 holes are ok but the other have much more character. My only issue is playing as a society of over 20 golfers and they did not bother to staff the half way house on a Friday morning. I guess that some people do not know how to make money. Back to the positives, the course is varied and was in good condition and worth playing.

First 4 holes are a bit ordinary, but from hole 5 onwards it gets very interesting. Good par 3s with all of them having danger if the greens are missed. Greens are good quality if a bit small compared to todays standards.. but then again the course is over a century old. Sand in the bunkers could be softer being the only gripe. Some may find it a bit of a 'hilly' walk... Will look forward to playing it again to improve my 'poor' score.

As mentioned, the first four holes are easy enough and make for a good warm up. The greens are very firm and run true, whilst the fairways are equally well maintained. The staff were very friendly and willing to help in any way they can. At a guest green fee of £25 it's exceptionally good value for money.

Played off the very backs, which makes it a decent 6250 yards. Very nice greens, and in good condition overall. First 4 holes a bit ordinary, but then you get into the forest and it gets better. Not the most picturesque setting for the clubhouse and car park, but overall worth the £27 with the county card.

Played this course in early May and enjoyed it thoroughly. As previous readers have mentioned the first few holes are slightly disappointing but come the 6th the holes become very interesting and much more scenic. The quality of the greens was very good and the course overall was impressive and well kept. One small point to note for visitors is that there are no 150 markers or course planners. Instead there are strategically positioned bushes that indicate 150 yards to the green. A novel idea but a little frustrating when you are not familiar with the course. My most memorable hole was the the 6th. A 300 yard par from where you are hitting from a very elevated tee. The temptation to give it a good crack is very high but if you are off target there is out of bounds down the left and bunkers protecting the green. The members we talked to were very friendly and a nice spot for a drink the evening sun after your round. Will definitely be heading back.

Played here midweek August 06 (£20 using a county card). Relaxed,friendly & welcoming club. The first 4 holes on this established ,pleasant parkland course are a bit up & down .Then the course really gets going .From here to the end there a good variety of interesting holes (i didn't think any of the back 9 holes were weak). The four par 3's are excellent (the 15th is a real beauty).They're all between 120 - 155 yards (short doesn't necessarily mean easy as they're well protected & have elevation changes ) & are great fun to play.It's a pleasure to play short enjoyable par 3's like these rather than long, bland 3/4 iron 190/200 yard par 3's which feature on some courses almost as if they think they're somehow compulsory. It's also a well designed course which makes you think off the tee & has very well thought out & clever bunkering . Tees & greens & surrounds were in superb lush condition considering how dry it's been.I'd like to putt on these greens every week as they were a consistent perfect pace & ran beautifully.One quibble was that the fairways were extremely dry & weren't looking their best. This would be a good society venue & sitting on the pleasant terrace afterwards was a nice way to end proceedings. Kevin B.

Henley is a super golf course which was designed almost 100 years ago by the great James Braid. The course is a fair test and a true challenge with no two holes the same, the fairway watering system in place means the course is always in great shape even in the midst of a dry summer.