West Wilts Golf Club

Played West Wilts on a lovely (if windy) day in May. We were playing as part of a society and I what a great venue for a society day, with a decent but not too taxing course, great food and a warm welcome from all of the staff and the members. The course itself gives unbelievable views over the Wiltshire countryside, and in itself is justification for playing here as on a clear day (which we had) you must be able to see for 20 or 30 miles. There are some reasonably straightforward holes, but equally some that do make you think. We started in the morning on the 11th and that really does focus the mind with a chasm to drive over before reaching the fairway. Loved the par 4 9th with the huge sweeping fairway and the 18th with a fairway like the surface of the moon. The fairways were lovely to walk on, giving you that fantastic downland spring and the greens were acceptable - not lightening quick but providing enough of a test with subtle borrows. The food we were provided with was first class, and for the price we paid, getting 36 holes, bacon butties, lunch and a two course roast in the evening was a fantastic bargain. I can imagine that playing here when the rain is coming in sideways and you can't stand up straight against the wind, would make the fun factor decidedly less, but when we played it it was a very pleasant way to spend a day. All in all, I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending West Wilts to any one looking for a good value day out.

Vertiginously perched atop a hill above Warminster, West Wilts promises much on some holes but sadly fails to deliver as a whole. There are, undeniably, fantastic views across the surrounding area. With lofty ariel masts on top of the clubhouse and adjacent to the 12th tee, one almost feels that the air up here might be somewhat thinner. The first hole is short (275 yards) but brings plenty of mounds and no guarantee of a level lie. Unfortunately, the course then opens up out onto much flatter, more predictable terrain. There’s nothing to really get the juices going until an interesting 160 yard Par 3 at 7, the long, arcing 444 yard Par 4 8th and then the best two holes at 10 and 11. The 10th is a short par 4 (only 247 yards) with a completely blind severe uphill drive. Once your ball clears the horizon, there’s absolutely no telling how it will bounce amongst the anarchic series of humps and hollows that lie short of the green; expect to improvise your stance on the second shot! The 11th is undoubtedly the most memorable hole on the course, again a short Par 4 (279 yards). With the tee box perched on the edge of a steep drop, you drive over the chasm (easily cleared with an iron) onto the safety of the fairway and then face a short but tricky approach into the green. The 12th is probably West Wilts’ superior Par 5 and the thirteenth arguably the most demanding Par 3, 190 yards with only a stingily small green as the target. But just as the course appears to be getting going, it’s then back to more of the fairly unexceptional holes you witnessed after the first. Overall, there are a handful of good holes but for the most part they *really* need to grow some serious rough alongside each fairway: primarily to punish the wayward shot, but also to help give each hole more of a distinct feeling. At only 5567 yards off the yellows, it’s not like West Wilts has length to protect it either. Of course, it’s going to get windy up on this hill but surely that’s even more reason to put the onus on straight, accurate golf. On the upside, the fairways have that lovely downland feel that makes you really want to just nip the ball off them and the greens are also in good condition. Whether that’s enough to justify a visitors green fee of £36 at the weekends – well, I don’t think so. Even with the great views. 5.5/10 Young P

I visited this course on Monday 8th December 1997 during a week spent with my family at Centerparcs Longleat Forest. The Centerparcs holiday village is only about three miles away.\r\n\r\nAs a visitor to numerous clubs over the years I am always a little wary when going to a new course. I have to say though that the reception at West Wilts was very friendly in the Pro shop and as a single player I was pleasantly surprised that three two balls on the first tee let me play first and two further groups allowed me to play through during the round.\r\n\r\nThe course was not particularly long and some of the tees were well advanced from the white markers, however being on the side of a hill I expect that it will always be windy and is far from easy. There was one long carry over a quarry from the white tee on the 11th hole which was about 100 yards and would be quite intimidating.\r\n\r\nEspecially for the time of year the condition of the course was excellent.\r\n\r\nIf you are in the area and fancy a game you should visit this course.