Hunstanton Golf Club *****

Golf Course Road, Old Hunstanton, PE36 6JQ

Nearest main town: Hunstanton

 

For years, Hunstanton was known primarily for the quality of its greens. It was as if the smoothness and hard-to-read borrows of its putting surfaces overshadowed everything that went before them. The wild grasses, the camber fairways, the scratchy bushes speckling the course and, most importantly, the timeless course designs were eclipsed by the fact that balls on Hunstanton greens held their line better than any other in the country.

This traditional club still prides itself on its greens, but there is much more to discover. Hunstanton is located just a short drive from the holiday town at the western end of a magnificent stretch of golf courses including Royal West Norfolk, Sheringham and Royal Cromer. There are those that prefer the incredibly natural setting of Royal West Norfolk, but the majority of golfers in the area plump for Hunstanton, a traditional out-and-back links with no end of difficulties for the average player.

Once you've got over a 1st tee shot in front of the clubhouse over dunes, for the first three holes there is nothing to suggest this is a special golf course. But from the 4th onwards, every hole presents an individual challenge. It is not only from the dunes, which in the context of links golf are merely dressing, pinstripe fairways and an extremely penal design. There are angled greens, blind par-3s and drives to angled fairways, contriving to create a very knotty problem. You also need to watch the holidaymakers crossing the fairway at the 10th on their way to the beach.

In the pecking order of golf courses in Britain and Ireland, Hunstanton is not ranked in the top league, but do not let that put you off. This is an exhilarating adventure and one you won't forget.

 

Secretary: Mr D. Thomson

Tel: 01485 532811 Fax: 01485 532319

Professional: Mr J. Dodds                  

Tel: 01485 532751

Playing: Midweek: round n/a; day £60.00. Weekend: round n/a; day £70.00.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch from 11.30am­2.30pm. Bar snacks. Dinner by arrangement.

Comments: Magnificent greens - large and receptive...Very under­rated, so do go . . . Absolutely top-class links with superb greens and beautiful scenery.

 

Barnham Broom Hotel Golf Club (Valley) *

Honingham, Barnham Broom, Norwich, NR9 4DD

Nearest main town: Norwich

 

Secretary: Mr R. Brooks

Tel: 01603 759393 Fax: 01603 758224

Professional: Mr P. Ballingall            

Tel: 01603 759552

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

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7am-9pm.

Comments: Overrated, featureless slug over average terrain...Unfriendly pro shop and hotel...Nothing better for a winter break...Two quality courses and comfortable hotel.