In Volume 2, I thought I should create an ‘Eclectic 18’ instead. The idea was to pick at least one hole from each, but no more than two from any. If a second hole was used, it had to be on the opposite nine to the first one.
The holes had to be the same number on my eclectic scorecard as they are in real life – with a nine- (or 10!) hole course providing a little wiggle room depending on if said hole was featured on the first or second loop. Finally, the course must resemble a ‘genuine’ one. It should be a reasonable mix of holes, reasonable par and reasonable yardage.
1st
523 yards, par 5
With the grand clubhouse immediately behind the teeing ground, it’s an impressive opening. I’m always partial to a round which starts with a par 5. An opportunity to get players out and into their rounds. Some breathing room for the majority of players, but a test of how well you can start for the better players.
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2nd
Maryport
428 yards, par 4
While the majority of the holes here venture inland, the opening stretch is right along Allonby Bay. The tee is cut tight to the beach, which flanks the hole’s left side. With the wind invariably whipping off the sea, two well-judged shots are required to thread the pair of bunkers guarding the green.
3rd
401 yards, par 4
A great hole. Seascale’s 3rd has a backdrop of Sellafield Nuclear Power plant. It is like a sister hole to the famous opener at Royal Liverpool. Both play as a sharp dogleg right and have a fairway and green running along the very edge of the out of bounds.
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4th
370 yards, par 4
This hole is all about an exacting approach to a remarkable green. The putting surface is long and narrow. No bunkers are required – instead deep and almost sheer edges as if pitching on to a tightrope. A loose drive into wispy rough won’t be immediately punished but will reduce distance control from an unpredictable lie.
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5th
441 yards, par 4
The 5th at Fleetwood is a real test of ball striking. Another long par-4, it bares its teeth without becoming a bully. The undulations confirm its links authenticity, and the urban vistas which dominate the early holes of the round are replaced with an expansive view across a true coastal scene.
6th
Castletown
385 yards, par 4
A sliced drive off the 6th at Castletown could carry the club’s entrance road and find the beach.
An access road to nearby farmland cuts diagonally across the fairway. If your drive is long and true, this road might escape your notice. However, miss the fairway and you can lay up, or run a ball down into the well bunkered green.
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How does Sam’s eclectic course continue? To find out, buy Volume 2 of Sam Cooper’s Links from the Road journals, from which this is an excerpt.
The 18-volume series covers every links course in Great Britain. Volume 2: Fylde Coast, Lake District and Cumbria. It is available to purchase now from www.linksfromtheroad.com for £19.95. Subscription offers are also available.
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