Cavendish Golf Club ****

Gadley Lane, Buxton, SK17 6XD

Nearest main town: Derby

 

Alister Mackenzie's influence on golf in England is often underrated, much like Cavendish, one of his designs set in the heart of Derbyshire. From the man who crafted Augusta, the home of the Masters, this is England's answer to the 'Cathedral in the Pines'.

No one would ever claim that Cavendish, near Buxton, is as immac­ulately kept as its Georgia counterpart, but its prime condition and the quality of its High Peak turf is impressive. This parkland/downland course is also exceptional value for money. Founded in 1925, it has become a firm favorite among golfers in the area, and at 5800-plus yards, it presents a challenge that is not too daunting for the average player. It is one of those courses that you would be happy to recom­mend to anyone who enjoys fair golf in a wonderful setting.

The hallmarks of Mackenzie design are evident wherever you look ­huge swales in front of the greens, tees set in shoots of trees and putting surfaces that meander and dip with a vengeance worthy of its American sister. It is a generous course, like Augusta, in that the fairways are accommodating and there is no punishing rough. It gets its own back by placing a premium on shotmaking - land in the wrong part of the fairway and the shot to the green is always tough, but get the tee shot right and you are presented with a birdie opportunity.

The course really begins to bite at the 8th, the start of a loop of five holes which are seen by members as the biggest card-wreckers - three of the par-4s in this stretch are over 400 yards long and the 9th is a tricky par-3 with a small green.

An added bonus at Cavendish is that for visitors to the Peak District it is particularly well placed, especially if you are staying in Buxton, less than a mile away.

 

Secretary: Mr J. Rushton

Tel: 01298 79708 Fax: 01298 79708

Professional: Mr P. Hunstone         

Tel: 01298 25052

Playing: Midweek: round £30.00; day n/a. Weekend: round £40.00; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 12pm-9pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: You really need a short game on these greens...Friendly atmosphere at this parkland/moorland course ... Fantastic day, fantastic course...Subtle greens - a tribute to Alister Mackenzie.

 

Birch Hall Golf Club **

Sheffield Road, Unstone, Chesterfield, S 18 5DH

Nearest main town: Chesterfield

 

Secretary: Mr F. Parker

Tel: 01246291979

Professional: None

Playing: Midweek: round prices on application; day n/a. Weekend: round n/a; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 12pm-9pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: For the price, this is good stuff... Poor facilities for the visitor... Can't fault the value... Really nasty and challenging ... Rough, raw and ready.