Ballards Gore Golf and Country Club

I recently played over there with a friend of mine who’s a member of the course. It seemed very welcoming and the pro shop was well stocked with all manor of golfing gear an the staff were helpful. The course itself is a challenge and most holes are very well good, with some challenging long par 5’s and some great holes over or close to water hazards. There is a very good mix of long par 5’s and shorter well thought our par 4’s, however the course does tend to suit the mid to longer hitters. As we were playing in the winter the course has invested in some fantastic winter tee’s which are very easily to play from and make golfing mats, which are common on other courses, very shabby in comparison. The greens were especially good and despite some heavy rainfall they were very fast and in great condition, likewise the bunkers were good. The club house is very modern and at present they are currently going through some improvements to the layout and the members area. A very nice course, great value and I certainly suggest the course to readers.

A good testing course, set in countryside. The fairways were quite long when I played there and the large humps were not very nice. However, the course was well laid out with some tough holes, if I remember, there is one with a tee shot where you have to carry 100yds over a large lake to a very narrow fairway lined with trees, before approaching a big elevated green guarded by a ditch. The course isn't very easy to find unfortunately, but it is well worth it. Greenfree vouchers are also accepted here which means it is quite good value. - Richard Cook

Having recently played the course I have to disagree with the previous reviewer in some respects. The greens at Ballards Gore whilst being on the slow side were in fantastic condition. The Barnes Wallis bouncing bobbling putt never materialised as is so often the case on many other courses. My main criticism of the greens would be the lack of creativity and size. Several greens are small plain cirles. Neither attractive or fair. At 6647 yards from the yellows the course is certainly not long. Just the three par 3's and four 5's making the course a Par 73. Playing off an 8 handicap the 5's are all reachable bar one and the 4's are a drive and a mid iron at worst. The large humps on the course are a bit of an eyesore. The lye of the land in that particular part of the world is billiard table flat so the humps must have been introduced to try and liven things up. Not sure it works though. Played Sunday afternoon on a 2 for 1 at a cost of £15 each. Virtually had the whole course to ourselves. I have since been told that the course is often deserted. Certainly worth a visit even if it's just to avoid the log jams on the other local courses.

Some golfers may enjoy the challenge of this course...but a lot more will find it too long and too difficult. Built on Essex clay, the fairways are inconsistent and the rough is unforgiving. Losing balls - and not finding others to replace them - is a fate that we all suffered. The greens are slow and uneven and there are some large humps dotted around the course - and a lot of water; so the advice must be - play somewhere else when you're in this part of Essex. David Williams 07/06/04

Only 12 holes available after thedreadful wet winter. However, the course was in good condition on most holes despite the mud and the greens were superb. Even after a hailstorm they drained within 20 minutes. This course is an excellent test of course management and skill for the mid to high handicapper. With only 12 holes open we were told that we could go round as many times as we liked for our green fee (£10 each with 2 fore 1 vouchers). Twice was enough as this is a very long course. Lunch in the spike bar was either 'specials' or from a menu, both at very reasonable prices. Altogether a very good day out and excellent value for money.

A nice countryside course with some water around, but one pond was very short of water when I played in the summer months. Some good tight holes which will test higher handicappers. bunkers could do with more sand and their drainage is not so hot. Clubhouse facilities are good, all in all worth a visit.