Played by NCG: Hallamshire Golf Club

Reason for a Hallamshire Golf Club review

I’d played at Hallamshire once before in December and the weather was challenging to say the least. I was keen to go back in the middle of summer. It provided the perfect location for a quiet, relaxing Sunday afternoon round.

Where is Hallamshire?

Head 15 minutes west of Sheffield city centre towards the peak district. The course sits right on the edge of the countryside so offers spectacular views both out into the peaks and back towards the city. Hallamshire boasts an impressive clubhouse over looking the 18th green and has some impressive memorabilia thanks to Matt Fitzpatrck being among its members.

BBC presenter Dan Walker is also a regular out on the course here.

What to expect:

A very tough start. At 467-yards and often into wind, the 1st will be a three-shotter for many so a five feels like a very decent score. A long par-3 and another couple of tough par-4s mean it’s a case of hanging in there until the par-5 5th which offers the first chance of a birdie or a relatively comfortable par.

The downhill par-3 6th certainly catches the eye with some of the best views on the course but a good shot is still needed to reach the green. Anything short (or topped) could require a reload.

Each hole at Hallamshire offers something different with a variety of elevation changes. There’s definitely more Stableford points up for grabs on the back 9 but it seems there are no holes where a poor drive isn’t punished.

My best bit:

I’d say all of the par-3s at Hallamshire are very memorable but the 17th seems like the signature hole for me.
When you’ve been battling and scrapping your way around for the most part a short par-3 is just what the doctor ordered. It’s well guarded by bunkers but with a pitching wedge in hand it offers an opportunity to at least have a look at birdie.

Great afternoon @hallamshiregolf A rare green in regulation at the par-3 17th. We'll be back very soon #PlayedbyNCG pic.twitter.com/MrMvGWXOlQ

— James Savage (@JamesSavageNCG) August 28, 2016

What to look out for:

We lost a few balls in the rough from drives that we expected to find easily. The elevation changes often made it hard to get a fix where balls had entered the thicker stuff. Fair weather golfers may want to check the forecast before going as certain parts of the course are very exposed to the elements. Others will relish that sort of challenge.

When I go back:

Obviously I hope to play much better. I think one of the keys around here is to not beat yourself up if you have a ropey start. There are plenty of scoreable holes to come so relax and enjoy it. It’s unlikely your playing partners will have set the course alight over the first four holes either.

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