Sunningdale

Today we were at Sunningdale, with the group playing the Old course in the morning, and some crazy people heading back out to play the new course in the afternoon.  The fact that it was over 30 degrees added to their insanity.

What a treat this was.  A change from the links courses that we have been playing, we actually saw some trees today.

More similar to what we have at home with heathland areas

This would be one of the most spectacular courses I have seen, that does not utilise views of the ocean to help it be spectacular.

The view across the pond on the 5th hole

Sunningdale hosted the UK IFQ for the Open championship a few weeks ago, so the rough, although not as long as what we have gotten used to, was very thick and difficult to extract the ball from.

The view from the tee on the spectacular 10th hole

The courses were in great condition, both layouts are outstanding, and the staff very accommodating.  Many today have suggested that this may be the best 36 holes in world golf.  I must say that I was very impressed.

The approach shot on the 10th

The halfway hut on the 11th tee

The halfway hut has 3 staff operating it, with a kitchen and seating area.  The 11th hole is a short Par 4 with a blind tee shot.  So in order to let people know that you have cleared the driving area you ring a bell.  This also lets the people eating at the hut know that they need to get out and get moving.

The 11th tee with the hut on the right

The courses have vast heathland areas, and the flowering heath looked amazing.

The view from the tee on the Par 3 13th

The clubhouse has a real old world charm to it, and is dominated by a large clock on the front side facing the course.

The approach shot to the 17th green with the majestic clubhouse in the background

Scoring today was again quite strong.  John Gaffney & Jeff Faure finished on 43 points, whilst Christine Sayer & David Hill scored 45 points.  It was Christine Sayer who won today on a countback.

Nola Faure, Patrick Carlisle & Jeff Faure on the 18th tee

Tomorrow is a "rest" day, but there is golf on the schedule for some.  New Zealand Golf Club in the morning, and The Berkshire in the afternoon.