For those playing this magnificent test of golf for the first time, it is always a joy for me to see their faces, when they return to the clubhouse; few are not left with the WOW factor.
It is rated 18th in the top 100 in England with seven of those preceding it being links courses. In my opinion, North of Sunningdale and south of the Scottish border you will struggle to stand on a better inland course.
Although it is a big course, the way the holes have been crafted into the rolling heathland has produced elevated tees that encourage you to open your shoulders and drive the ball with ambition. The topography rewards a good drive on many holes with the possibility of reaching the green. Consequently, scores are better than one would expect.
Four scores of 91 battled for places on the podium. Neil Barnfield's team had the best of the bunch with a notable 50 points on the back nine.
Second place went to Steve Champion's team with a card that included three two's - The most remarkable of which was Kevin Lawrence's eagle on the 4th - an index 1, par 4!
The top slot card also had 50 points on the back nine, but was devoid of two's. However, 47 points had already been recorded on the front nine. The team of Teetours regulars, with handicaps ranging from 5.3 to 12.7 had the only lady member playing on the day - Louise Manning, who came in on no less than 8 holes on the back nine.
