Tadmarton Heath Golf Club ****

Wigginton, Banbury, Ox15 5HL

Nearest main town: Banbury

 

Before the construction of a golf course at Tadmarton heath, Harry Vardon was consulted about the viability of a course on the top of Wigginton Hill. Without reservation he commented: ' God made it to be a golf course." Seventy-six years on, Tadmarton Heath is a joy to play, a course that has stood the test of time and gets better with age.

Ironically for a heathland course, there is no heather, just gorse and broom which define all the fairways. There are plenty of other natural features, including the ravine at the 7ht (originally a holy well where the water was reputed to have healing powers) and the natural plateaus which from the fairways for the 11th and 12th. There are very few trees, agronomy experts having recommended that they were of little use on a heathland course.

As you would expect of a course that measures just under 6000 yards, the fairways are very tight and much thought goes into each hole. The course is generally flat but visually it is very exciting, a genuine test despite its short length. The best holes are probable the 6th, where a 7-foot-ddp bunker with railway sleepers guards the green, and the short 7th, played to a small green set in an embankment. It also finishes with a flourish: the 18th is a dogleg, cut the bend in the fairways only starts at around 240 yards.

Like many heath land courses, Tadmarton Heather is blessed with excellent drainage, the sandy soil sitting above ironstone which means all-year-round play. The members of this club are generally welcoming and are happy to share their clubhouse, a delightful converted farmhouse, with visitors. There's a lovely lounge bar to sit in during the evening.

 

Secretary: Mr. J. Cox

Tel: 01608 737278 Fax: 01608 730548

Professional: Mr. T. Jones

Tel: 01608 730047

Playing: Midweek: round n/a; day £39.00. Weekend: round n/a; day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-2 pm and 4pm-10pm. Food: Lunch from 8am-2pm. Dinner from 4pm-9.30pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: Excellent condition....Tight, short course...One mistake can be very costly...Favorite hole is the 7th...Course with colorful history...Heathland track with excellent drainage for year-round play.

 

Badgemore Park Golf Club ***

Badgemore, Henley-on-Thames, RG9 4NR

Nearest main town: Henley-on-Thames

 

Secretary: Mr. J. Connell

Tel: 01491 637300 Fax: 01491 576899

Professional: Mr. J. Dunn

Tel: 01491 576899

Playing: Midweek: round £25.00; day n/a. Weekend: round £36.00 (£25.00 after 2pm); day n/a.

Facilities: Bar: 11 am-11 pm. Food: Lunch and dinner from 11am-10pm. Bar snacks.

Comments: Tricky...Played it all my life and love it...Trees in play on each hole.