Ladbrook Park Golf Club, Ladbrook Park

Ladbrook Park

The ground is parkland, undulating and tree lined with some fine elevation changes. It is nevertheless an easy walk, with tees close to the previous greens which are normally in excellent condition. The front nine offers a number of birdie chances with three relatively short par fives, and the two shorter par threes. But this is not a place where brute strength is rewarded as the brook, which meanders through the course, demands both good course management and club selection. The fourth is a classic bunkerless hole of just over 350 yards where a perfect drive to the right of centre will allow a direct approach to a green guarded by a beautiful oak tree. Beware anything less than perfect requires first class shot shaping skills when the tree is in full bloom. Make your score on the front nine as you will need every advantage if you want to hold on to your handicap through the back nine which features a tremendous variety of par threes and particulary tough par fours which would improve many more illustrious courses. The gently rising 15th is a 210 yard par three with a huge bomb hole short and left of the green and the course planner simply advises 'Do not go left !'. Sentinel like oaks define the gloriously elevated 16th whilst the brook, cavernous bunkers and a treacherous sloping green make a par on 17th feel like birdie, although this too is less than 400 yards. So its an easy walking course with lots of birdie chances but the par 71 has a standard scratch of 72 and you will want to have made some of the chances you will certainly get on a normal day. A visit to the professional continues the fine condradictions as Gary Alliss, the king of swing, proclaims that his method is the 'anti-method', he teaches people not systems. If you finish with four pars you will almost certainly have a broad grin as you enjoy your pint on the sun terrace and enjoy food whose value and quality is without equal. Ladrook Park, hidden gem, glorious contradiction