With five-time Open winner J.H. Taylor as the first professional at the club, the clubhouse is second only to RND for it’s fantastic displays of memorabilia and time should be allowed to soak it all in while the deliciously named Bev behind the bar dispenses ales, surprisingly good food and wisdom in equal measure. Taylor in turn inspired the local Whitcombe lads, who made history in 1935 when all three brothers played in the Ryder Cup - a feat that will surely never be repeated.
On to the course, where starter Ray Higgins gets us off with a welcome, a smile and very useful course tips. This is a superbly conditioned track, and a delight to play. It seems every hole offers strategic options as the narrow fairways wind among the enormous sand dunes. Finding the fairway is key, as for every fortuitous kick back off the dunes, there will be two or three shots that stay up there and the resulting sidehill - uphill - or downhill-lie is a potential card wrecker. Nice views from up top, but not where you want to be!
This is a classic “out and back” links layout where wind direction is a major factor. In particular, the back nine in the prevailing stiff westerly wind is a true challenge.
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